JP5609429B2 - Printer device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printer device capable of printing on various types of paper such as preprinted paper, perforated paper, or perforated paper.

  In a printer that prints various types of paper such as preprinted paper, perforated paper, or perforated paper, the user needs to check and set the paper to be printed so that proper printing is performed. . It is also necessary to check the remaining amount of paper.

  In the printer device, the remaining amount of paper in the paper cassette is detected, and based on this detection, a paper-notice notice mark is added to the remaining paper, or an identification mark is added to the paper when the loaded paper falls below a predetermined amount. (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-4751 JP-A-1-308676

  By the way, even if the printer device has a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper, if there is no paper on the paper cassette side as a result of printing, the paper type, the front and back of the paper, the up / down / left / right setting direction, etc. Can not be confirmed.

  For this reason, the user must confirm again the type of paper to be supplied to the paper feed cassette, the front and back of the paper, and the set direction such as up, down, left and right. If the paper is set by mistake, erroneous printing occurs and is wasted.

Accordingly, an object of the printer device of the present disclosure is to improve the convenience of paper replenishment.

In order to achieve the above object, the printer device according to the present disclosure maintains a state in which the last paper is held in the paper drawing unit when the paper is drawn into the paper drawing unit and the paper detection unit detects no paper. The printing operation is stopped and a notification output indicating no paper is generated.

  According to the printer device of the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When the last sheet is detected, the remaining sheet is left to stop the printing operation, and a notification output without a sheet is generated, so that the remaining sheet can be replenished according to the remaining sheet.

(2) The paper type, front / back, top / bottom / left / right, and other setting directions can be easily checked from the remaining paper, reducing the paper supply burden and increasing convenience.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and each embodiment.

It is a figure which shows an example of the printer apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating paper detection. It is a figure for demonstrating paper detection. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware of a printer device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a printing operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper sensor part of the printer apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a diagram showing the operation of the paper sensor unit. It is a diagram showing the operation of the paper sensor unit. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a printer driver setting screen according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printer apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware of a printer device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a printing operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing operation which concerns on 5th Embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a printing operation according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of a printer device. It is a figure which shows the drawing-in state of a paper.

[First Embodiment]

  The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of a printer apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The printer device 2 is an example of a printer device according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a paper cassette 6, a paper sensor unit 8, a paper drawing unit 10, and image data transfer are provided in the device housing unit 4. Unit 12, printer control unit 14, and operation panel unit 16. As indicated by the broken line, the paper 18 in the paper cassette 6 is discharged from the paper discharge unit 22 on the upper side of the apparatus housing unit 4 after printing via the transport route 20.

  The paper feed cassette 6 is an example of a paper feed unit for the paper 18 that is a printing medium, and stores the paper 18 in a stacked state so as to be fed. A paper support plate 24 that can move up and down is installed in the paper feed cassette 6, and a spring 28 is installed in a compressed state between the paper support plate 24 and the bottom plate 26 of the paper feed cassette 6. The restoring force of the spring 28 pushes up the front end side of the paper support plate 24 toward the paper drawing-in portion 10 side, and pushes up the front end of the paper 18 supported by the paper support plate 24.

  The paper feed cassette 6 is detachably installed on the bottom surface side of the apparatus housing 4, and a paper feed cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 30 that detects the attachment / detachment of the paper feed cassette 6 is installed in the apparatus main body 4. The paper feed cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 30 is an example of a unit that detects whether the paper feed cassette 6 is mounted at a fixed position or pulled out from the fixed position.

  The paper sensor unit 8 is an example of a paper detection unit that detects the presence / absence of the paper 18, detects the presence / absence of the paper 18, and generates an electrical signal indicating the presence / absence thereof. The paper sensor unit 8 is installed in the apparatus housing unit 4 and installed at a position farthest from the position of the paper drawing unit 10. In this embodiment, the paper sensor unit 8 is installed on the rear end side of the paper 18.

  The paper drawing unit 10 is an example of a unit that draws the paper 18 from the paper feeding cassette 6 to the image data transfer unit 12, and is installed on the front end side of the paper feeding cassette 6, and includes a pick roller 32, a separation pad 34, A paper roller 36, and conveys the paper 18 to the image data transfer unit 12. The pick roller 32 is an example of a unit that pulls up the paper 18 from the paper feed cassette 6. The separation pad 34 is an example of a unit that separates only one sheet 18 such as when a plurality of sheets 18 are pulled up. The paper feed roller 36 is an example of a paper feed unit that feeds the paper 18 separated by the separation pad 34 to the image data transfer unit 12 side.

  The image data transfer unit 12 is an example of a unit that transfers a print image to the paper 18, and includes an image forming unit 38 (FIG. 4) and a fixing device 40. The image forming unit 38 is an example of a unit that generates an image from image data and transfers it to the paper 18, and includes a process cartridge 42 and a transfer roller 44. The process cartridge 42 is provided with a drum 46. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the drum 46 by image data, and toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image. The paper 18 is sandwiched and conveyed between the drum 46 and the transfer roller 44, and the toner image on the electrostatic latent image is transferred to the surface of the paper 18.

  The fixing device 40 is an example of a unit that fixes the toner image on the paper 18 to the paper 18 and includes a heat roller 48 and a pressure roller 50. The heat roller 48 is an example of a unit that includes an electric heater and heats the paper 18 together with the toner image. The pressure roller 50 is an example of a unit that pressurizes the paper 18 passing over the heat roller 48 together with the toner image. When the paper 18 on which the toner image is formed passes between the heat roller 48 and the pressure roller 50, the paper 18 is heated and pressurized, and the toner image is fixed on the paper 18 to form a printed image.

  The printer control unit 14 is an example of control means such as notification control based on the presence / absence detection of the paper 18, paper feed control, and print control.

  The operation panel unit 16 is installed on the upper surface of the apparatus housing unit 4 and is used for initial setting of the printer apparatus 2. The operation panel unit 16 is provided with a display unit 52. Based on the detection output of the paper sensor unit 8, the display unit 52 displays an out-of-paper error or the like as an output of the printer control unit 14, and the error display indicates the paper. Encourage replenishment.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. FIG. 2 shows a state with paper, and FIG. 3 shows a state without paper.

  In the paper feeding operation of the paper 18 during printing, the fact that the paper 18 is slightly pulled into the paper drawing unit 10 is used for detecting the presence or absence of the paper 18. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a sheet sensor unit 8 that detects the presence or absence of the sheet 18 is installed at the rear end position of the sheet 18 when viewed from the inside of the printer apparatus 2.

  Therefore, when the feeding operation of the second sheet 18 counted from the last sheet 18 from the sheet cassette 6 is performed, the last sheet 18 remains on the separation pad 34 as shown in FIG. It will be in a slightly retracted state. The paper sensor unit 8 installed on the rear end side of the paper detects a state in which the paper 18 is lost due to the drawing operation of the paper 18. In the state in which the sheet 18 is the last sheet, it is sufficient to generate a sheet out error and stop the printing operation. As a result, the last sheet 18 remains in the printer apparatus 2 whose operation has been stopped.

  The paper sensor unit 8 includes, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and is configured so that light from the light emitting element can be received by the light receiving element. When the paper 18 is passed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the paper 18 blocks light, a detection output indicating that there is paper is taken out, and when the light blocking by the paper 18 is released, it indicates that there is no paper. The detection output may be taken out.

  Next, the printer controller 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example of hardware of the printer apparatus.

  The printer apparatus 2 includes a paper feed cassette 6, a paper sensor unit 8, an image data transfer unit 12, a printer control unit 14, an operation panel unit 16, and a paper feed cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 30 as well as a pick roller and a conveyance roller. A drive unit 54 and a power supply unit 56 are provided.

  The printer control unit 14 is a control unit of the printer apparatus 2, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 58, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 60, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 62, and a data transmission / reception unit 64. A print data analysis unit 66 and an image data creation unit 68 are provided. The CPU 58 executes a program stored in the ROM 60, receives print data from the computer 70, and executes operation control such as print control. The ROM 60 is an example of a storage medium that stores programs, control data, and the like. The RAM 62 constitutes a work area and is a storage medium used for storing detection signal data of the paper sensor unit 8 and the like.

  The data transmission / reception unit 64 is an example of data transmission / reception means to / from the computer 70. The data transmission / reception unit 64 receives setting data set on the printer driver setting screen 72 of the computer 70, receives print data, sends out-of-paper error information, and prints. Various data such as reports to the job computer 70 are exchanged. The print data analysis unit 66 is an example of a unit that analyzes the designation information of the paper feed cassette 6 used for printing from the print control information included in the print data received from the computer 70. The image data creation unit 68 generates image data from the print data described above.

  The pick roller / conveyance roller driving unit 54 is an example of a driving unit for the pick roller 32 and the paper feed roller 36. The pick roller 32 is driven when the paper 18 is picked up by a control output from the CPU 58, and the paper is conveyed. The paper feed roller 36 is driven.

  The power supply unit 56 supplies necessary power to the functional unit driven by power supply in addition to the drive motor 74 in the printer control unit 14 and the image data transfer unit 12. The power supply unit 56 shifts to a power feeding operation when a power switch (not shown) is turned on.

  Next, the printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of the processing procedure of the printing operation.

  This processing procedure is an example of a printer operation processing procedure, and this processing procedure includes the following processing. In this processing procedure, it is assumed that a plurality of paper feed cassettes 6 loaded with different papers 18 are used.

  In this processing procedure, as shown in FIG. 5, when the data transmission / reception unit 64 receives print data from the computer 70 that issues a print instruction upon starting printing (step S11), the print data analysis unit 66 is included in the print data. The designation information of the paper feed cassette 6 used for printing is analyzed from the print control information that is present (step S12).

  In the designated paper feed cassette 6, the detection information of the paper sensor unit 8 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the paper 18 is in the paper feed cassette 6 (step S13). If the paper sensor unit 8 detects no paper (YES in step S13), an error output indicating no paper is generated (step S14). This error output is notified to the computer 70 instructing the printing, and a display for prompting paper supply is generated on the display screen of the computer 70. At this time, an error is displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation panel unit 16 to prompt for paper supply.

  Then, in the case of detecting attachment / detachment of the designated paper feed cassette 6 (step S15), the paper feed cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 30 acquires the detection information of the paper sensor unit 8 again, assuming that the paper 18 has been replenished. To do.

  When the paper sensor unit 8 detects the presence of paper (NO in step S13), the pick roller / conveyance roller driving unit 54 starts operation, and conveys one sheet 18 to the image data transfer unit 12 (step S13). In step S16, the image data transfer unit 12 executes a printing process for transferring an image onto the paper 18 (step S17).

  After executing the printing process on one sheet 18, it is determined whether or not all printing of print data and ejection of all pages have been completed (step S18). If all printing has not been completed (NO in step S18), the process returns to step S13 for determining the presence or absence of the paper 18 in the designated paper feed cassette 6 again, and the discharge of all pages is completed. In that case (YES in step S18), the printing process is completed.

  According to such a printing operation, in a state where the paper 18 is the last one, a paper out error is generated to stop the printing operation, and the single paper 18 is left in the paper drawing unit 10. If the sheet 18 remaining in the state of being held in the sheet drawing unit 10 is confirmed, the remaining sheet 18 and its state become supplement information, and the type, direction, and front / back state of the sheet 18 to be supplemented to the sheet cassette 6 Can be easily identified.

[Second Embodiment]

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows an example of a paper feed cassette provided with a paper sensor unit according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example of the structure of the paper sensor unit and its operation. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 and FIG.

  As described above, the paper sensor unit 8 is installed on the rear end side of the paper (FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown in FIG. 6, the paper sensor unit 8 is a paper guide unit of the paper feed cassette 6. What is necessary is just to install in 76. The paper guide portion 76 is installed at the rear end of the paper feed cassette 6 and is a means for determining the position when the paper 18 is set. In this case, since the paper guide unit 76 is installed at the rear end of the paper feed cassette 6 and is further rearward than the rear end of the paper 18, the installation position of the paper sensor unit 8 is from the position of the paper drawing-in unit 10. Set to the farthest position. If the paper sensor unit 8 is installed on the paper guide unit 76 in this way, the position of the paper sensor unit 8 can be appropriately changed even when there are a plurality of types of paper sizes, and the paper 18 corresponds to the paper size. A state where only one sheet remains can be detected.

  In this embodiment, the paper guide portion 76 is provided with an actuator 80 that is a member that can rotate around a support shaft 78. As shown in FIG. 7, the actuator 80 has a beam shape, and includes a paper contact portion 82 that contacts the paper 18 at one end and a detection end 84 that causes the paper sensor unit 8 to detect the other end. Yes. For example, a magnet may be embedded in the detection end portion 84, and the sheet sensor unit 8 may be provided with a magnetic detection unit that detects a magnetic field from the magnet. In such a configuration, when the detection end 84 reaches the paper sensor unit 8, an output indicating no paper can be obtained from the paper sensor unit 8 by the magnetic detection. A switch that opens and closes by contact or non-contact of the detection end 84 may be used for the paper sensor unit 8.

  As a specific operation, when two or more sheets 18 remain, as shown in FIG. 7, the sheet 18 pushes down the actuator 80 installed on the sheet guide portion 76 in the clockwise direction in FIG. The actuator 80 moves to the non-contact position with the paper sensor unit 8. In this state, the paper sensor unit 8 detects the presence of paper.

  When the remaining amount of paper reaches the last sheet, as shown in FIG. 8, the last sheet 18 is moved to the arrow C in accordance with the paper feeding operation (ie, paper pull-in) in the printing operation. Move as shown. The contact of the paper contact portion 82 of the actuator 80 with the paper 18 is released. The actuator 80 is supported by the support shaft 78 so as to be freely rotatable, and the detection end portion 84 side of the actuator 80 is set to be heavier than the paper contact portion 82. For this reason, the actuator 80 freely rotates counterclockwise from the broken line position, that is, the paper contact portion 82 of the actuator 80 moves upward, and the detection end portion 84 moves to the contact position with the paper sensor portion 8. . At this time, the paper sensor unit 8 generates a detection output indicating no paper.

  By using such a paper detection structure, it is possible to detect a state in which only one paper 18 remains corresponding to the paper size, and it is possible to realize highly accurate paper detection regardless of the paper size.

[Third Embodiment]

  Next, FIG. 9 is referred about 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an example of a printer driver setting screen according to the third embodiment.

  The printer driver setting screen 72 is a setting screen developed on the display screen of the computer 70. The printer driver setting screen 72 may be displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation panel unit 16 of the printer apparatus 2.

  In the printer driver setting screen 72, as shown in FIG. 9, a paper size setting unit 86, a cassette setting unit 88, a paper type setting unit 90, a resolution setting unit 92, an enlargement / reduction setting unit 94, setting confirmation and setting items are set. A cancellation setting unit 96 is provided. The paper size setting unit 86 sets the paper size, the cassette setting unit 88 selects the paper cassette, the paper type setting unit 90 sets the paper to be printed, the resolution setting unit 92 sets the resolution, and the enlargement / reduction setting unit 94 prints. And so on. A setting confirmation / cancellation setting unit 96 designates confirmation of setting information and cancellation of setting information.

  The paper type setting unit 90 has an item “paper type”, and in this item, options such as “preprint paper”, “perforated paper”, and “perforated paper” are set in addition to plain paper and thick paper. .

  In the printing process of the first embodiment (FIG. 5), when “preprint paper”, “perforated paper” or “perforated paper” is selected from the paper type setting unit 90, the remaining amount of paper is What is necessary is just to generate a paper-out error when it is detected that “one sheet”. When any other paper type is selected, a paper out error may be generated when it is detected that the remaining amount of paper is “0”.

  With such a configuration, when the setting direction of the sheets 18 does not matter, printing is performed until all the sheets 18 become zero. In the case of pre-printed paper that needs to specify the setting direction, front / back, etc., a paper out error is generated with one paper 18 left, the printing operation is stopped, and the remaining paper 18 is learned. Paper can be supplied.

[Fourth Embodiment]

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 shows an example of a printer apparatus provided with a paper sensor unit according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11 shows an example of hardware of the printer apparatus. 10 and 11, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the printer apparatus 2 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a sheet sensor unit 8 as a first sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the sheet 18 on the rear end side of the sheet 18, and a sheet drawing unit 10. Is provided with a sheet sensor unit 98 as a second sheet detection unit at a position immediately before the sheet 18 is drawn.

  In the printer apparatus 2 including the two paper sensor units 8 and 98, as shown in FIG. 11, hardware is configured, and detection outputs of the paper sensor units 8 and 98 are taken into the CPU 58. Based on the detection outputs of these two sheet sensor units 8 and 98, it is possible to determine whether or not two or more sheets of the sheet 18 are one or zero.

  In this case, the sheet detection and the number of remaining sheets 18 are as follows.

  a) When both of the paper sensor units 8 and 98 detect the presence of paper: If the detection outputs of the paper sensor units 8 and 98 are used, it can be seen that two or more sheets 18 remain.

  b) When only the sheet sensor unit 8 on the rear end side of the sheet detects no sheet: Since the sheet sensor unit 98 detects the presence of the sheet, it can be seen that only one sheet 18 remains.

  c) When both of the paper sensor units 8 and 98 detect that there is no paper: it can be seen that the paper 18 is zero.

  By such detection and determination, it is possible to determine the state of three types of remaining sheets of two or more sheets 18, one or zero.

  Next, referring to FIG. 12, the printing operation including the paper detection and the remaining paper amount determination will be described. FIG. 12 shows an example of the processing procedure of the printing operation.

  In this processing procedure, as shown in FIG. 12, when printing is started and the data transmission / reception unit 64 receives print data from the computer 70 that issues a print instruction (step S21), the print data analysis unit 66 is included in the print data. The designation information of the paper feed cassette 6 used for printing is analyzed from the print control information being printed (step S22). In the designated paper feed cassette 6, the detection information of the paper sensor unit 8 is acquired (step S23). If the paper sensor unit 8 detects that there is no paper (YES in step S23), the information on the paper type designated on the printer driver setting screen 72 (FIG. 9) is confirmed from the print control information (step S24). ) If the paper type is preprinted paper (YES in step S24), a paper out error is generated (step S25). The printer device 2 side and the computer 70 that has instructed printing prompt the user to replenish paper by an error notification.

  When the paper feed cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 30 detects attachment / detachment of the designated paper feed cassette 6 (step S26), the detection information of the paper sensor unit 8 is acquired again (step S23) on the assumption that paper supply has been performed. . When the paper type is plain paper other than preprinted paper (NO in step S24), the detection information of the paper sensor unit 98 is acquired (step S27). If the paper sensor unit 98 detects no paper (YES in step S27), a paper no error is generated (step S25), and an operation for prompting paper supply is performed.

  When the paper sensor unit 98 detects the presence of paper (NO in step S27), the pick roller / conveyance roller driving unit 54 performs the same operation as when the paper sensor unit 8 detects the presence of paper (NO in step S23). The operation is started, and one sheet 18 is conveyed to the image data transfer unit 12 (step S28), and the image data transfer unit 12 executes a printing process for forming an image on the sheet 18 (step S29).

  After executing the printing process on one sheet 18, it is determined whether or not the discharge of all pages of the print data is completed (step S30). If printing of all pages is not completed (NO in step S30). ) The process continues from step S23 in which it is determined whether or not there is paper in the designated paper feed cassette 6 again. When printing and discharging of all pages are completed (YES in step S30), printing is completed.

[Fifth Embodiment]

  Next, FIG. 13 is referred about 5th Embodiment. FIG. 13 shows an example of a printing operation according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same parts as those in FIG.

  In the printing operation of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, paper detection is performed by using a pre-feed operation together with the printing operation. In the pre-feed operation, the paper 18 is picked (pulled in) immediately after the start of printing, and after a small amount of paper is conveyed so that the trailing edge of the paper reaches the position where the paper sensor unit 8 can detect the absence of paper, This is an operation for temporarily stopping paper conveyance. This pre-feed operation is also used, and after this pre-feed operation, the presence or absence of the paper 18 is determined.

  FIG. 13A shows a state before the pre-feed operation, in which the remaining two sheets 18 remain. When the pre-feed operation is performed by rotating the pick roller 32 from this state, the upper sheet 18 is moved upward by the pre-feed operation, and the rear end of the sheet sensor unit 8 reaches a position where the sheet absence can be detected. However, in the case shown in FIG. 13B, since the sheet 18 exists on the lower side, the sheet sensor unit 8 generates a detection output indicating that there is a sheet.

  After the printing, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the pre-feed operation is performed from the case of the remaining one paper 18, the paper 18 moves upward by this pre-feed operation as shown in FIG. Then, the rear end portion reaches a position where the paper sensor unit 8 can detect the absence of paper. As a result, the paper sensor unit 8 generates a detection output indicating no paper.

  In this case, it is possible to prevent the paper 18 from being conveyed first from the paper feed roller 36 by not operating the paper feed roller 36 in the pre-feed operation. When two or more sheets 18 remain due to this pre-feed operation, one or more sheets 18 still remain even if the pre-feed operation is performed, so the sheet sensor unit 8 ensures that the sheet 18 is present. It can be detected.

  When the last sheet 18 is reached, a pre-feed operation is performed on the last sheet 18, and the sheet sensor unit 8 moves to a position where it can detect the absence of sheet. For this reason, by detecting the presence or absence of the paper 18 after the pre-feed operation, it is possible to reliably detect the last sheet, and it is possible to generate a paper-out error and stop the printing operation.

[Sixth Embodiment]

  Next, FIG. 14 is referred about 6th Embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a printing operation according to the sixth embodiment.

  Also in this embodiment, the same printer apparatus 2 (FIG. 1) and hardware (FIG. 4) as those in the first embodiment may be used.

  In the printer apparatus 2 according to this embodiment, when a paper out error is determined in a state where one sheet 18 is held in the sheet drawing unit 10 when attempting to print the last page of a print job, None Prints up to the last page without generating an error. That is, in the middle of printing a plurality of pages, a paper-out error is generated and printing is stopped. However, when a paper-out error occurs in the last page of the print job, printing is executed to completion.

  If such a printing operation is performed, additional paper supply is requested with the last sheet remaining during normal printing, and the paper 18 can be easily supplied while checking the setting direction of the paper 18 and the like. it can. In the case of the last page of the job, printing can be continued as it is, and printing can be completed without unnecessary paper supply.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the print data is received from the computer 70 (FIG. 4) that issues a print instruction by the start of printing, the data transmission / reception unit 64 receives print data (step S41). The analysis unit 66 analyzes the designation information of the paper feed cassette 6 used for printing from the print control information included in the print data (step S42).

  In the designated paper feed cassette 6, the detection information of the paper sensor unit 8 is acquired, and the presence or absence of the paper 18 is determined (step S43). If the paper sensor unit 8 detects that there is no paper (YES in step S43), the current page is determined by whether or not there is data indicating the end of the print job (last page) immediately after the current page. It is determined whether it is the last page (step S44).

  If the current page is not the last page of the job (NO in step S44), a paper out error is generated (step S45), and the printer 70 and the computer 70 that has instructed printing notify the error and supplies paper. Prompt. In addition, when the paper feed cassette attachment / detachment detection unit 30 detects attachment / detachment of the designated paper feed cassette 6 (step S46), the detection information of the paper sensor unit 8 is obtained again as the paper supply has been performed. Obtain (step S43).

  When the current page is the last page of the job (YES in step S44), the pick roller / conveyance roller driving unit 54 performs the same operation as when the paper sensor unit 8 detects the presence of paper (NO in step S43). The operation is started, and one sheet of paper 18 is conveyed into the printer device 2 (step S47), and the image data transfer unit 12 performs a printing process for forming an image on the paper 18 (step S48).

  After executing the printing process on one sheet 18, it is determined whether or not the discharge of all pages of the print data is completed (step S49). If the discharge of all pages has not been completed (NO in step S49), the process continues again from the determination process (step S43) for the presence or absence of the paper 18 in the designated paper feed cassette 6. If all pages have been ejected (YES in step S49), printing is completed.

[Advantages of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments and other embodiments]

  (1) The printer device 2 generates an error output indicating that there is no paper when a remaining amount of paper equal to or less than a predetermined amount is detected. Thereby, the correct setting state of the sheet 18 can be confirmed from the remaining sheet, the sheet can be replenished in the correct direction according to the setting state, and the sheet can be set.

  (2) In the printer 2, the paper sensor unit 8 is installed in a portion farthest from the position where the paper 18 is drawn, so that a paper out error may occur when only one paper remains. it can.

  (3) In the printer 2, the remaining amount of paper can be detected even when the paper size is changed by installing the paper sensor unit 8 on the paper guide unit 76.

  (4) In the printer apparatus 2, the paper sensor unit 98 is installed in a portion closest to the position where the paper 18 is drawn, thereby determining three states of two or more sheets of paper 18, 1 sheet, and 0 sheets. Can do.

  (5) In the printer apparatus 2, “preprint paper”, “perforated paper”, “perforated paper” as the paper type on the display unit 52 on the operation panel unit 16 or the printer driver setting screen 72 on the computer 70 that issues a print instruction. Items such as “perforated paper” are provided. If “preprint paper”, “perforated paper”, and “perforated paper” are not selected, a paper out error is generated in a state where the paper 18 is completely lost as usual, and the printing operation is stopped. Only when “pre-printed paper”, “perforated paper”, or “perforated paper” is selected, a paper-out error can be generated with one paper 18 left, and printing can be stopped.

  (6) The printer device 2 actually picks up the paper 18 slightly at the start of printing, and once the paper sensor unit 8 on the trailing edge side of the paper carries a small amount of paper to react, it stops feeding once. By performing the pre-feed operation, it is possible to reliably detect the last sheet by determining the presence or absence of paper at that stage.

  (7) In the printer apparatus 2, only when the last page of the print job is the last one, it is possible to print up to the last page without causing a paper out error.

  (8) Then, even a user who has difficulty in grasping the setting direction of all the papers 18 by using a large number of preprinted papers in a plurality of printers 2, the remaining paper in the printers 2, that is, the last one sheet By confirming the setting direction of the paper 18, the paper 18 can be set in the correct orientation and front and back. The burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

  (9) Although the laser printer is illustrated in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The printer device of the present disclosure can also be applied to a printer device such as a wire dot impact printer device or an inkjet printer device.

  [Comparative Example]

  Reference is made to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 for a comparative example. FIG. 15 shows a printer apparatus according to a comparative example, and FIG. 16 shows a paper drawing state. 15 and 16, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts with FIG. 1.

  In the printer apparatus 200 as the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 15, a sheet sensor unit for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet 18 immediately before the sheet 18 of the sheet cassette 6 is pulled into the printer apparatus 2. 202 is installed. In this case, the function of detecting an absence of paper and generating an error when the paper 18 is completely exhausted is realized.

  In the printer device 200, when the paper 18 is supplied into the printer device 200, only the uppermost paper 18 is drawn into the device by the friction of the paper feed roller 36, and the paper 18 below the paper 18 is drawn. A mechanism is used in which the paper 18 is left in the paper feed cassette 6 due to friction of parts called a separation pad 34 or a retard pad. As shown in FIG. 16, the paper 18 left on the separation pad 34 is left in the paper feed cassette 6 while being slightly pulled into the apparatus.

  Pre-printed paper pre-printed with frames, ruled lines, characters, etc., paper with binding holes for binding paper, paper with perforation for separation, etc. When a user is printing on a certain sheet of paper with the printer, when loading the paper into the paper feed tray or paper cassette of the printer, the paper should be placed so that the front and back, top, bottom, left, and right orientations are in the correct direction. Need to be set.

  However, with regard to the correct paper setting direction, it is difficult to determine in advance which direction the paper should be set because the paper transport direction, paper back and front, top / bottom / left / right orientations differ for each printer. Become. In addition, when the paper runs out and a new paper is set, the user needs to determine the correct setting direction every time. In the above embodiment, such a problem can be solved.

  Next, the following additional notes will be disclosed with respect to the embodiment including the above-described examples. The present invention is not limited to the following supplementary notes.

(Supplementary note 1) A paper drawing section for drawing paper,
A paper detection unit that is disposed on the rear end side of the paper drawn into the paper drawing unit and detects the presence or absence of paper;
When the paper is drawn into the paper drawing unit and the paper detection unit detects no paper, the printing operation is stopped with the last paper held in the paper drawing unit, and a notification output indicating no paper is generated. A control unit;
A printer apparatus comprising:

(Supplementary Note 2) The supplementary note 1 is characterized in that the paper detection unit is provided alongside a paper guide unit that guides the drawing of the paper into the paper drawing-in unit, and detects the presence or absence of the paper regardless of the paper size. The printer device described.

(Supplementary Note 3) The sheet detection unit is a first sheet detection unit, and a second sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet is provided on the sheet drawing unit side, and the control unit includes the first sheet detection unit. The determination output indicating whether the sheet is two or more, one, or zero is generated using the detection output of the second sheet detection unit and the detection output of the second sheet detection unit. Printer device.

(Additional remark 4) Furthermore, while displaying the kind of paper which can be printed on a setting screen, the paper selection part which designates the paper to print from the said setting screen is provided,
The supplementary note 1 is characterized in that, with respect to a specific sheet selected by the sheet selection unit, the control unit stops the printing operation when determining that the remaining amount of the sheet is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. Printer device.

(Supplementary Note 5) The printer device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the specific paper includes any one or more of preprinted paper, perforated paper, and perforated paper.

(Additional remark 6) The said control part receives the detection output from the said paper detection part during the prefeed operation which stops the conveyance after conveying the said paper slightly at the time of printing start, or after this prefeed operation, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The printer apparatus according to appendix 1.

(Appendix 7) Furthermore, a print job monitoring unit that monitors whether the last page of the print job has been reached,
With
The control unit continues the printing operation when the print job monitoring unit detects that the last page of the print job has been reached even if the paper detection unit detects the last paper, and prints the last paper on the last paper. The printer apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the last page is printed.

As described above, the most preferable embodiment and the like of the printer device have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description, and is described in the scope of claims or an embodiment for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention disclosed in the above, and such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

2 Printer device 6 Paper cassette 8, 98 Paper sensor part 10 Paper drawing part 12 Image data transfer part 14 Printer control part 16 Operation panel part 18 Paper 20 Transport route 22 Paper discharge part 24 Paper support plate 30 Paper feed cassette attachment / detachment detection part 32 Pick roller 34 Separation pad 36 Paper feed roller 38 Image forming unit 40 Fixing device 42 Process cartridge 44 Transfer roller 46 Drum 48 Heat roller 50 Pressure roller 52 Display unit 54 Pick roller / conveying roller driving unit 58 CPU
60 ROM
62 RAM
64 Data transmission / reception unit 66 Print data analysis unit 68 Image data creation unit 70 Computer 72 Driver setting screen 80 Actuator 82 Paper contact unit 84 Detection end

Claims (5)

A paper drawing section for drawing paper,
A paper detection unit that is disposed on the rear end side of the paper drawn into the paper drawing unit and detects the presence or absence of paper;
When the paper is drawn into the paper drawing unit and the paper detection unit detects no paper, the printing operation is stopped with the last paper held in the paper drawing unit, and a notification output indicating no paper is generated. A control unit;
A printer apparatus comprising:   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the paper detection unit is provided alongside a paper guide unit that guides the drawing of the paper into the paper drawing-in unit, and detects the presence or absence of the paper regardless of the paper size. apparatus. And a paper selection unit for displaying the type of paper that can be printed on the setting screen and designating the paper to be printed from the setting screen.
Wherein, when said particular the sheet is selected by the sheet selecting section, when the paper detection unit and the particular sheet is drawn into the paper retraction section detects no paper, the paper retraction part When the printing operation is stopped in a state where the last sheet of the specific sheet is held and a sheet other than the specific sheet is selected, the selected sheet is pulled into the sheet pull-in portion and the sheet detection is performed. even part detects no paper, the printer apparatus according to claim 1 since the last printed paper of the selected paper, characterized that you generate the announcement output.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit receives a detection output from the paper detection unit during or after the prefeed operation in which the paper is slightly transported at the start of printing and then stopped. The printer device described. A print job monitoring unit that monitors whether the last page of the print job has been reached;
With
The control unit continues the printing operation when the print job monitoring unit detects that the last page of the print job has been reached even if the paper detection unit detects the last paper, and prints the last paper on the last paper. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the last page is printed.

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