JP4124869B2 - Loading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention Imaged Sheet Loading Have means Loading device About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a paper discharge option for a printer, a paper discharge bin that is movable, has only one sensor for detecting the paper stacking amount of the paper discharge bin, and has been proposed to perform the detection by moving it. A printer connected to such a paper discharge option receives a print designation from the host computer, performs command analysis, and based on the paper bin information obtained in advance based on the paper feed designation and paper discharge designation by the command There has been proposed a control in which a discharge bin is determined and printing is started regardless of the current discharge bin state.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, A stacking unit that stacks the image-formed sheets, a sheet discharge control unit that discharges the sheet onto the stacking unit by either face-down discharge or face-up discharge, and a sheet on the sheet stacking unit When a face down discharge is performed by the detection means for detecting the load amount and the discharge control means, when the detection means detects the full load according to the detection of the first load amount, There has not been proposed a loading device comprising: a full load detecting means for detecting a full load in response to the detection means detecting a second load amount smaller than the first load amount. .
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In view of the above problems, the present invention provides: A stacking unit that stacks the image-formed sheets, a sheet discharge control unit that discharges the sheet onto the stacking unit by either face-down discharge or face-up discharge, and sheet stacking on the sheet stacking unit Detecting means for detecting the amount of paper, and when the paper discharge control means discharges face-down, the detection means detects the full load in response to detection of the first load amount, and when discharging face-up, the detection means A full load detecting means for detecting a full load in response to the detection means detecting a second load amount smaller than the first load amount; A device is provided.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration including a printer, for example, a laser beam printer. Needless to say, the printer of this embodiment is not limited to a laser beam printer, and may be a printer of another printing method such as an ink jet printer. Further, in the following description and drawings, an example in which two option units are connected will be described. However, more option units can be connected, and the main body may have the function of the option unit.
[0010]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 102 denotes a laser beam printer (printer), which can be connected to various optional units such as a finisher and a paper deck, and connected to an external device 101 such as a host computer via a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.) Printed images based on print information (including control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language, such as Postscript, LIPS III, LIPS IV, image data, etc.) transferred from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface are performed. A video controller 103 is connected to the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface, receives code data (ESC code, various PDL data, etc.) transferred from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface, and is based on the code data Generate page information including dot data. The video controller 103 transmits image data (binary or multivalued) to an engine controller 105 (to be described later) via the video interface 80, and feeds paper to the option controller unit 106 (to be described later) via the overall interface 90. A copy designation command, a paper discharge portion designation command, and the like are transmitted. The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by a well-known electrophotographic process based on the image data transferred from the video controller 103, and performs printing by transferring and fixing to a supplied sheet. . At this time, the engine controller 105 instructs the option controller unit 106 via the video controller 103 to supply / discharge timing.
[0011]
Reference numeral 104 denotes a panel unit, which is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like. The user operates the panel unit 104 to connect to the reprinter 102. A predetermined operation can be instructed. Various data set by the user are stored and managed in a non-transmissible memory such as NVRAM or EEPROM in the control unit 109. The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). Based on a paper supply / discharge designation transferred from the video controller 103 and a paper supply / discharge timing instruction from the engine controller 105, the option controller unit 106 An overall controller that controls and controls option units (units) and communicates with option controller units provided in various option units via an option unit interface 70 to control various option units in an integrated manner.
[0012]
In the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory that can be accessed by the video controller 103. As shown in FIG. 5, the shared memory includes a conveyance status management area, a basic status area, a command status management area, a startup processing area, and the like for 40 pages. The video controller 103 specifies each option unit via each area of the shared memory.
[0013]
The transport status management area includes an area in which the video controller 103 notifies each option unit of paper unit designation (paper feeding unit, paper ejection unit, color, stapling, shift paper ejection, etc.) and each option status. It is composed of an area for notifying the video controller 103 of (how far printing has been completed, paper discharge has been completed, etc.). The basic status area is an area for notifying the video controller 103 of an abnormality (JAM, paperless staple, needleless, etc.) of each option unit. The command & status management area exchanges command status with the video controller 103. In the area, the startup processing area is an area in which the video controller 103 designates startup processing of each option unit.
[0014]
Reference numeral 107 denotes a paper feed option unit (unit), for example, a paper deck option unit, which has a paper deck controller (large capacity paper feed cassette controller) 107a inside, and is based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Feed control is performed. The paper deck controller 107a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). The CPU is stored in the ROM and controls the paper feed option unit 107 based on a program. Further, the ROM stores extension information of the paper feed option unit 107, for example, information on the paper size that can be stored in the paper deck.
[0015]
108 is a paper discharge option unit, for example, a finisher option unit having a stapling function, which has a finisher controller (large-capacity paper discharge stacker controller) 108a inside and staples based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Operation and paper discharge operation are performed. The finisher controller 108a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). The CPU is stored in the ROM and controls the paper discharge option unit 108 based on a program. In addition, the ROM includes extension information of the paper discharge option unit 108, for example, the number of paper discharge bins, the presence or absence of a stapling function, the presence or absence of a shift function for shifting the paper discharge in a predetermined direction, and the direction of the face of the paper discharge paper is reversed. Information about the presence or absence of the inversion function is stored.
[0016]
The paper feed option unit (paper deck) 107 and the paper discharge option unit (finisher) 108 are respectively provided with operation units 107b and 108b each having a display unit and various keys, and messages and operation methods for the user when using each option. Etc. can be displayed and operated.
[0017]
Reference numeral 109 denotes a control unit, an engine controller 105 that controls the printing process of the printer 102, a video controller 103 that controls the entire printer 102, analyzes data from an external device 101 such as a host computer, and converts it into image data, and various options. An option controller unit 106 that controls the unit as a whole is configured.
[0018]
The option controller 106 manages each option unit by a common option unit interface 70 and communicates with the video controller 103 via the overall interface 90. In this embodiment, the video controller 103 controls each paper feed / discharge option unit via the option controller unit 106.
[0019]
2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette which has a mechanism for holding the recording paper S and electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S based on the position of a partition plate (not shown). A cassette feeding clutch 231 separates only the topmost recording sheet S of the recording sheet S placed on the sheet cassette 230, and the recording sheet S separated by the driving means (not shown) is fed to the feeding roller 204. A cam to be conveyed, which rotates intermittently each time paper is fed, and feeds a sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. A recording paper detection sensor 230S detects the amount of the recording paper S held in the paper cassette 230.
[0020]
Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter, which presses the paper to stop paper feeding. The paper feed roller 204 conveys the leading end of the recording paper S to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 202 denotes a manual feed tray on which the recording paper S is placed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a manual paper feed clutch that conveys the recording paper S placed on the manual feed tray 202 to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 233 denotes an optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay transport roller) that feeds the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option unit 107 into the printer 102 main body.
[0021]
A registration roller pair 205 that synchronously conveys the recording sheet S is provided downstream of the manual feed roller 203, the cassette feed clutch 231 and the optional feed roller 233, and a laser scanner unit is provided downstream of the registration roller. An image recording unit 207 for forming a toner image on the recording paper S by a known electrophotographic process by a laser beam emitted from 206 is provided.
[0022]
In the laser scanner unit 206, reference numeral 215 denotes a laser unit which emits laser light based on an image signal (VDO signal) sent from the video controller 103. The laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216 and forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum 220 via the imaging lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219. A beam detector 217 detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. A light amount sensor 270 detects the amount of laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.
[0023]
In the image recording unit 207, 222 is a primary charger that uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 220. A developing unit 223 is charged by the primary charger 222 and is subjected to relaser exposure by the laser scanner unit, and develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 with toner. A transfer charger 224 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum developed by the developing unit 223 onto the recording sheet S fed by the registration roller 205. A cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. A pre-exposure lamp 221 neutralizes the photosensitive drum 220 with light.
[0024]
A fixing unit 208 heat-fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper S by the image recording unit 207 on the recording paper S. A conveyance roller 210 discharges and conveys the recording sheet S. A paper discharge sensor 209 detects the paper discharge state of the recording paper S. 211 is a flapper that switches the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S on which recording has been completed to the discharge tray 213 side or the discharge option 108 side. Reference numerals 214 and 212 denote discharge rollers, which discharge the recording sheet S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 to the stacking tray 213. Reference numeral 213 denotes a discharge stack amount detection sensor that detects the stack amount of recording sheets stacked on the stack tray 213.
[0025]
The engine controller 105 in the control unit 109 controls the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, and the fixing unit 208, and controls the conveyance of the recording paper in the main body of the laser printer 102.
[0026]
Furthermore, the video controller 103 is connected to an external device 101 such as a personal computer via a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), expands image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data, and converts the bit data to The VDO signal is sent to the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80.
[0027]
Next, various option units detachably connected to the printer 102 main body will be described. The option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the main body shown in FIG. 2, and is configured so that various option units can communicate with each other using the same protocol via an option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus. The option controller unit 106 is connected to the video controller 103 via the overall interface 90.
[0028]
In a paper feed option 107 such as a paper deck option unit, reference numeral 241 denotes a paper deck on which recording paper S is stacked on a deck that moves up and down in a large capacity. A paper deck feeding roller 242 feeds the recording paper S stacked on the paper deck 241. A conveyance roller 244 conveys the recording sheet S fed from the paper deck sheet feeding roller 242 toward the option sheet feeding roller 233. Reference numeral 243 denotes a paper feed relay conveyance roller, which is fed from another paper feed option unit that can be detachably connected to the lower part of the paper deck option (recording paper of different sizes or the same size can be fed). The paper is relayed and conveyed. Reference numeral 241 denotes a recording paper storage amount detection sensor, which detects the amount of recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241. The paper deck option unit 107 is controlled by a paper deck controller 107a.
[0029]
In the paper discharge option 108 such as a finisher option unit, 251 is a first paper discharge bin, 252 is a second paper discharge bin, and 253 is a third paper discharge bin, which sorts and stacks recorded recording paper S. is there. A bin lifting motor 260 moves the discharge bins 251 to 253 up and down to change the discharge destination of the recording sheet S. Reference numeral 254 denotes a flapper, and the recording sheet S distributed by the flapper 211 of the printer 102 and sent to the finisher option unit 108 is switched to a paper face (either face up or face down) based on an instruction from the video controller 103. The conveyance is switched as is done.
[0030]
Reference numeral 261 denotes a discharge stack amount detection sensor which detects the stack amount of recording sheets on a discharge bin selected as a discharge destination. The paper discharge stack amount detection sensor 261 is a height sensor that detects the height of the recording paper loaded on the paper discharge bin by optically detecting the distance to the upper surface of the recording paper on the paper discharge bin. When the height of the recording paper loaded in any of the first paper discharge bin 251 to the third paper discharge bin 253 reaches (detects) a predetermined value, the finisher controller 108a is fully loaded via the option controller unit 106. To the video controller 103. In the face-down paper discharge mode, the full detection criterion is 88 mm (corresponding to about 700 sheets), and in the face-up paper discharge mode, the full detection standard is 44 mm. This is because paper that is ejected face-down is limited to paper with good stackability, whereas paper that is ejected face-up may be paper with poor stackability, such as envelopes, cardboard, and OHP sheets. Because there is. The reason why face-down paper discharge is controlled so that envelopes, cardboard, OHP sheets, etc. are not discharged is because, as described above, the switch-back operation is involved in face-down paper discharge. This is because there is a risk of jamming. Also, in the mode in which stapled paper is loaded, there is a risk of load collapse when the bin moves, so the full load detection standard is 44 mm. In this embodiment, the load amount is detected by height detection, but the above-described control may be performed by detecting the load amount by counting the number of discharged sheets. In this case, the full standard is set to 700 sheets in the face-down paper discharge mode, and the full standard is set to 350 sheets in the face-up paper discharge mode and the staple processing mode.
[0031]
When face-up is designated through the overall interface 90 by the video controller 103, the recording paper S distributed to the flapper 254 is sent to the paper discharge bin as it is by the roller 255. In addition, when face down is designated through the overall interface 90 by the video controller 103, the recording paper S distributed to the flapper 254 is conveyed by the rollers 256 and 257 until the trailing edge of the recording paper S exceeds the roller 256, Next, the roller 257 is reversed and fed from the rear end of the recording paper S to the roller 258 and sent to the paper discharge bin.
[0032]
Reference numeral 259 denotes a stapler. When the staple is specified through the overall interface 90 by the video controller 103, the stapler 259 executes the staple and discharges paper to any one of the first paper discharge bin 251 to the third paper discharge bin 253. Further, when the shift is designated by the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90, any one of the first discharge bin 251 to the third discharge bin 253 is shifted by shifting the first discharge bin 251 to the third discharge bin 253. Paper is discharged. As a result, the placement area of the recording sheet S discharged onto the bin is shifted. A staple needle remaining amount detection sensor 259S detects the remaining amount of staples stored in the staple 259. The finisher option unit 108 is controlled by a finisher controller 108a.
[0033]
The option controller unit 106, the paper deck controller 107, and the finisher controller 108 are connected by connectors, and perform reserial communication by the option unit interface 70. The paper deck option unit 107 and the finisher option unit 108 can be connected by switching their connection order.
[0034]
A pair of registration rollers 205 for conveying the recording sheet S, a sheet feeding roller 204, and a conveying roller 244 are provided downstream of the manual sheet feeding roller 203, the cassette sheet feeding clutch 231, and the paper deck sheet feeding roller 242, respectively. An image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S by laser light emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the roller pair 205. Further, a fixing device 208 that thermally fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and a discharge device that detects the conveyance state of the paper discharge unit is provided downstream of the fixing device 208. A paper sensor 209, a transport roller 210 for transporting the recording paper, a flapper 211 for switching the transport direction of the recording paper S for which recording has been completed, and the like are provided.
[0035]
3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a serial communication interface. Commands such as paper feed designation to the paper deck option unit 107 and paper discharge bin designation to the finisher option unit 108 are sent from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106 via this interface 91. Sent to. Status such as the paper presence / absence state of the paper deck option unit 107, the stacking state of each discharge bin of the finisher option unit 108, the presence / absence state of staples, etc. is transmitted from the option controller unit 106 to the video controller 103 via the interface 91. The option controller 106 and the video controller 103 can be directly connected by a CPU bus.
[0036]
Reference numeral 92 denotes an OPTRDY signal (option ready signal), which functions as a signal indicating whether or not an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, stapling is available, is transmitted from the option controller unit 106 to the video controller 103. . Reference numeral 98 denotes a POUTT signal (paper out timing signal), which functions as a timing signal for the printer 102 main body to discharge the recording paper. A PFEDT signal (paper feed timing signal) 94 functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer 102 receives the recording paper from the option unit. Reference numeral 95 denotes an SPCNG signal (speed change signal), which functions as a signal for reducing the speed of the recording paper S that has been conveyed at high speed in the option unit and matching it with the conveying speed of the printer 102 main body.
[0037]
81 is a communication interface, and commands such as paper feed designation to the paper feed cassette of the printer 102 main body, paper discharge designation to the paper discharge tray 231 of the printer 102 main body and printing via this interface 81 are sent from the video controller 103 to the engine controller. 105, the engine controller 105 transmits a status such as a paper presence / absence state or a paper jam in the cassette 230 of the printer 102 to the video controller 103. A VDO signal 82 indicates bit data transmitted from the video controller 103.
[0038]
The overall interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91, an OPTRDY signal 92, a POUTT signal 98, a PFEDT signal 94, and a PCNG signal 95. The three signals POUTT signal 93, PFEDT signal 94, and PCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105, passed through the video controller 103 via the video interface 80, and input to the option controller unit 106.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, 401 is a panel interface (I / F) unit that receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the panel unit 104 through data communication with the panel unit 104. A host interface (I / F) unit 402 is a signal input / output unit for the external device 101 such as a host computer. An engine interface (I / F) unit 406 is a signal input / output unit for the engine controller 105, and transmits a data signal from an output buffer register (not shown) and controls communication with the engine controller 105.
[0040]
Reference numeral 403 denotes an image data generation unit that generates bitmap data for actual printing based on control code data sent from the external device 101. An image memory 405 stores image data. Reference numeral 409 denotes a CPU which controls the entire video controller 103. Reference numeral 404 denotes a ROM which stores a control code of the CPU 409. A RAM 407 functions as a temporary storage unit used by the CPU 409. 410 is an EEPROM, which is composed of a non-insertable memory medium. A DMA control unit 408 transfers bitmap data in the image memory to the engine interface unit 406 according to an instruction from the CPU 409. An option interface (I / F) unit 412 communicates with the option controller unit 106 in response to an instruction from the CPU 409. Also, POUTT93, PFEDT94, and SPCNG95 are sent through the engine interface unit 406 to the overall interface 90.
[0041]
A system bus 411 has an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 401, host interface unit 406, image data generation unit 403, ROM 404, image memory 405, engine interface unit 406, RAM 407, DMA control unit 408, CPU 409, EEPROM 410, and option interface unit 412 are each connected to system bus 411. Thus, all the functional units on the system bus 411 can be accessed.
[0042]
A control code (program) for controlling the CPU 409 includes an OS that performs time-sharing control in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown), and a plurality of load modules (described later) that operate in units of functions. Task).
[0043]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM provided in the option controller unit 106. FIG. 11 shows the details of each option by issuing a command status based on the basic status. It is a model diagram which shows the procedure which acquires information. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are flowcharts showing the control of this embodiment.
[0044]
First, a control method in which the video controller 103 performs overall control of each option unit through the option controller 106 will be described with reference to FIGS. The shared memory shown in FIG. 5 performs page designation, a conveyance status management area for knowing the conveyance status of paper, a basic status area for knowing the abnormal status of each option, and a command and status management area for exchanging command status And a start processing area for specifying start processing of the option unit.
[0045]
The start processing area includes a start specifying portion specified by the video controller 103 and a completion notification portion for notifying that each option has completed processing as a result of the specification. The video controller 103 performs start-up processing for each option by specifying the start-up processing unit. When the power is turned on, the video controller 103 informs the startup specification section of the initialization specification of the shared memory, the configuration information acquisition specification of each option required by the option controller 106, the information acquisition completion, etc. The completion notification part is monitored to see if it has been completed.
[0046]
The transport status management area includes the paper feed slot, paper discharge bin, color / monochrome, stapling position and execution method designation, how far the paper has been fed, whether a print signal can be output, It consists of a part that tells you the status of the option, such as whether it has been completed. The video controller 103 designates the printing method and performs printing while grasping the status of each option.
[0047]
Up to 40 pages can be specified in the above specification. Each page is specified in turn, the discharged paper is regarded as an empty area, initialized so that it can be specified again, and used as a ring buffer. .
[0048]
The basic status area is an area for notifying an abnormal state of each device, and obtains a state such as no paper, paper, that is, door open, full, etc. from this area. More detailed information is acquired from the contents of the basic status by the command status.
[0049]
The command and status management area is an area for acquiring detailed information of each option and controlling the operation of the option. In this area, a command according to necessity is designated and information is acquired. For example, the information that can be acquired includes the device name, paper supply mounting paper size, paper supply remaining amount, paper jam position, type, access point, output paper stack capacity, failure details, etc. As shown, a command corresponding to each situation is issued and the status is received. The command status part is also used to control options such as shifting to the power saving mode, emergency stop when a paper jam occurs, movement of the paper discharge bin, and reset execution.
[0050]
In this way, the video controller 103 acquires the above information, executes printing in a state where there is no abnormality, and when an abnormality occurrence is detected from the basic status, issues a command status for identifying the abnormality location, and further to the device. The contents of the abnormality are identified, and detailed information collection and control according to the abnormality is performed.
[0051]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the video controller 103 showing a mechanism for exchanging information by accessing the shared memory in the option controller 106, exchanging command status with each option.
[0052]
When acquiring option information, it is designated in the command and status management area in the memory of the option controller 106, and the information is received. In the command specification area, a command ID (S601) that can identify the type of required information, the number of command data to be specified to the option controller 106 with an execution command (S602), and data (S603) indicating the specified content are given addresses. By notifying that the command has been transmitted, the option controller 106 triggers to acquire information from each option unit (S604). Based on the trigger by S604 and the specified content, the option controller 106 performs serial communication with the option unit according to the specification to obtain the specified information. On the other hand, until the option controller 106 has completely obtained information, a timer is started to monitor whether or not the video controller 103 is in a state in which status information can be acquired (S605, S606). If the status information cannot be acquired even after a certain period of time, status information cannot be acquired. Therefore, a retry notification is issued to execute the command again (S611), and the process is terminated. In S606, when the status information acquisition state is entered, the status ID is acquired to check whether the status information is for the specified command (S607). Next, the number of status data is acquired (S608), status data for the number of status data is acquired (S609), and the completion of status acquisition is notified to the option controller 106 (S610).
[0053]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a scheduling task for performing rescheduling based on command information analyzed and converted by the translator processing task based on the control data and print data sent from the host computer 101. This scheduling task is executed by the video controller 103. In S701, it is monitored whether or not there is print data for generating page control information and print information sent from the host computer 101. When the scheduling task in the video controller 103 receives print data for which page control information and print information should be created, the page control information and print information are created based on the contents specified by the layout command (S702). From the page information created in S702, the paper supply / discharge port is determined (S703). Here, the reason for dividing the step of S702 and the step of S703 is that in S702, “automatic selection of paper discharge bin” is included in the designation, and at this stage, the final paper supply / discharge port cannot be determined. It is. That is, there is a difference that in S703, a fixed paper supply / discharge port is determined based on whether there is no paper in the case of the paper supply port, paper size, or whether the paper can be stacked in the case of the paper discharge port.
[0054]
Next, according to the designation of the paper supply / discharge port determined in S703, it is determined whether or not the bin movement is necessary in S704, and if the bin movement is necessary, the bin movement command is issued to the option controller 106. Then, the paper discharge bin from which paper is to be discharged is set in the current state in advance, and the paper stacking information of the current bin is detected (S705). If paper is loaded in the bin in the automatic bin selection mode as a result of detecting the bin loading information that is about to be ejected from now on (S706), “take out paper”, etc. Is displayed on the panel unit 104 and notified to the host computer 101, prompting the user to remove the paper in the current bin (S707), and waits for paper removal. If it is determined in step S706 that the paper discharge bin automatic selection mode is not set, that is, the designated bin fixed selection mode is selected, or if the paper discharge bin automatic selection mode is set, but the paper is not stacked in the bin, the process proceeds to step S708. The paper discharge bin automatic selection mode is a mode in which paper discharge starts to a bin designated by the external device 101 or a predetermined bin and is automatically switched to another bin when the bin is full. The designated bin fixing selection mode is a mode in which the paper is fixedly discharged only to the bin designated by the external device 101.
[0055]
The reason for performing step S707 is that, for example, when a print job in the discharge bin automatic selection mode is instructed in a state where paper for another job remains in the second bin, the number of printed pages is large, and thus the first bin. Assuming that the paper is ejected from the first bin to the third bin, the user who instructed the print job in this paper bin automatic selection mode has taken all the paper from the first bin into the third bin, This is because there arises a problem that a sheet of another job is taken to another user. On the other hand, in the designated bin fixed selection mode, on the premise that various users can specify an arbitrary bin, the user takes away the paper of his / her job in the specified bin, and therefore, the paper of another job Eject paper to the specified bin even if is present in the bin. Here, if the paper can be ejected, printing is designated in the shared memory of the option controller shown in FIG. 5 through the option I / F task (S708).
[0056]
Further, in S709, it is determined whether or not there is a page that has been created, but the page control information and print information have not been executed. If there is a page, whether or not the engine controller 105 is ready for print output in the READY state. (S710), print designation is made for the engine I / F task shown in FIG. 8 described later (S711), and the engine I / F task designates print for the engine controller 105 to perform printing. Let it begin. In S709 and S710, if there is no data to be printed and the video transmission is not possible, the engine I / F task is not designated and the process moves to S712.
[0057]
Next, in S712, it is monitored whether or not a discharge completion notification has been received for a page that has already been started. When the completion notification is received, the status of the designated page is updated to discard the information on the completed page and create a memory space. (S712), the process returns to the reception determination process of S701. If print data that should be newly scheduled has not been sent after specifying only one-page print data, repeat the determination in S712 and only update the status indicating what state the already specified page is in. Will do. If multiple pages of print data are received and continuous printing is performed, in order to increase the throughput, printing is usually performed for the engine controller 105 with the print designation for two to three pages ahead of the option controller. Designation is performed, and after the processes from S702 to S708 are repeatedly executed, the process by the engine I / F task starts.
[0058]
In step S706, the process branches depending on whether or not there is a sheet on the selected bin in the automatic discharge bin selection mode. However, as shown in step 720 of FIG. 12, when the bins after movement are full, step S707 is performed. If not, the process may proceed to step S708.
[0059]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the engine I / F task for executing printing based on the page information created by the scheduling task. This engine I / F task is also executed by the video controller 103. The engine I / F task is activated by the print designation from the scheduling task. First, it is determined whether or not the print designation is issued from the scheduling task (S801). Printable, paper size, etc.) and abnormality monitoring (no paper, door open, paper clogging, etc.) are performed (S802), and the necessary tasks are notified. Next, printing is designated to the engine controller 105 via the engine interface unit 406, and printing processing is executed (S803). Furthermore, status notifications such as paper feed start and print start are sent to the option controller 106 via the option interface unit 412 (S804), and the process returns to S801.
[0060]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the option I / F task for monitoring the page state specified by the scheduling task and notifying the option controller 106 of the information re-designated from the engine I / F task and other tasks. . This optional I / F task is also executed by the video controller 103. If there is a page designated for printing by the scheduling task in S901, the status of the page is monitored (S902). At this time, if there is a page that has already been printed, the scheduling task is notified that the information can be discarded. If there is no page designated for printing, the page state is not monitored and the process continues to S903.
[0061]
Next, the optional movable bin position (including whether or not it is moving) is monitored (S903), and optional items such as no paper, paper jam, and full load are monitored (S904), and necessary tasks are performed. To instruct the operator call display, re-designation execution, etc. Also, in S905, for example, the status of the remaining amount of paper for the paper feed option, the stacking amount of the paper delivery option, the remaining amount of staples, and the like are monitored and updated. Further, a re-designation notification is received from an engine I / F task, etc., and it is determined whether there is re-designated data (S906). If there is, re-designation is performed on the option controller 106 based on the re-designated data ( S907), the engine I / F task executes the printing process based on the designation. The cause of the re-designation is, for example, a change of the paper feed port when there is no paper, a change of the paper ejection port due to full discharge bins, and the like.
[0062]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a user I / F task for notifying the user of a change in the designated paper feed / discharge port by a panel operation and a remote operation from the host computer 101. This user I / F task is also executed by the video controller 103.
[0063]
In FIG. 10, when it is detected that a designation is made by panel operation or remote operation from the host (S1001), it is determined whether the designated content is different from the current bin and bin movement must be performed ( Only when bin movement is performed, the LED display or LCD display of the paper supply / discharge bin is changed (S1003), and the change of the paper supply / discharge bin is notified to the host (S1004).
[0064]
In the embodiment described above, the change of the paper discharge bin has been described. However, the same operation is performed for a movable paper feed cassette or other functions that can be detected by moving. Also good.
[0065]
The tasks described above are stored in the ROM, but may be downloaded from an external device to a nonvolatile RAM in the video controller, or may be downloaded from a storage medium such as a floppy disk or CD-ROM in the video controller. It may be installed in a non-volatile RAM.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, according to the present invention, A stacking unit that stacks the image-formed sheets, a sheet discharge control unit that discharges the sheet onto the stacking unit by either face-down discharge or face-up discharge, and sheet stacking on the sheet stacking unit Detecting means for detecting the amount of paper, and when the paper discharge control means discharges face-down, the detection means detects the full load in response to detection of the first load amount, and when discharging face-up, the detection means A loading device comprising: a full load detecting means for detecting a full load in response to the detection means detecting a second load amount smaller than the first load amount; Can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image recording system including an image forming apparatus and an option unit thereof.
3 is a diagram illustrating an interface of each controller in the image recording system shown in FIG.
4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the video controller shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with a video controller 103 secured in a RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for acquiring option information via an option controller.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a scheduling task.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an engine I / F task.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an option I / F task.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for notifying a user of a change in designated paper feed / discharge port by a panel operation and a remote operation from a host.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a procedure for issuing a command status and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option based on the basic status.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a scheduling task.
[Explanation of symbols]
103 Video controller
105 Engine controller
106 Option controller
108 Finisher option unit
251 to 253 Output bin
260 Bin lift motor
261 Discharge load detection sensor

Claims (1)

A stacking means for stacking image-formed sheets;
Paper discharge control means for discharging the sheet onto the stacking means by either face-down paper discharge or face-up paper discharge;
Detecting means for detecting a sheet stacking amount on the sheet stacking means;
When the face-down discharge is performed by the paper discharge control means, the detection means detects the full load in response to the detection of the first stacking amount, and when the face-up discharge is detected, the detection means is the first stacking. A full load detecting means for detecting a full load in response to detecting a second load amount less than the load amount;
A loading apparatus comprising:

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