JP6061002B2 - Paper discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a paper discharge equipment.

  In recent years, multifunctional devices have only functions as digital copiers with the development of MFP-related technologies such as improved CPU performance, larger memory capacity, faster communication technology, and advanced digital image technology. It is equipped with various functions such as networked facsimile, printer and scanner functions, and is used in various situations in the user's environment.

  Such an image forming apparatus (MFP: Multi-Function Peripheral) such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral includes a paper discharge tray for holding printed and discharged paper. The paper discharged from the paper discharge port is held on this paper discharge tray until it is collected by the user. The paper discharge tray is mainly located at the bottom of the MFP's main paper discharge port. As paper continues to be discharged, the paper discharge port will eventually become blocked, so paper that can be held on the paper discharge tray. The number of sheets is limited. If the paper discharge port is blocked by the continuous discharge of the discharged paper on the paper discharge tray, the subsequent paper discharge operation cannot be performed, and a paper jam occurs near the paper discharge port.

  Conventionally, as a method for preventing this paper jam, a sensor for detecting paper fullness is provided near the paper discharge port so that the paper full on the paper discharge tray is detected, and if paper full is detected, the MFP A technique for temporarily stopping the printing / discharging process is known.

  In some MFPs, the discharge tray can be driven up and down. In this case, when paper full is detected, the paper discharge tray is driven (moved) downward to temporarily increase the number of papers that can be held on the paper discharge tray, thereby preventing paper jams. Can do.

  Further, some MFPs include a plurality of paper discharge trays. In this case, for example, in a configuration having two upper and lower discharge trays, even when the lower discharge tray is designated, when the full discharge detection of the lower discharge tray is detected by the full detection sensor, By controlling the discharge to the upper discharge tray, paper jams can be prevented in advance.

  As a technology related to these, Patent Document 1 realizes a discharge sensor and a full detection sensor with a common component, devised the movement of the filler for detection, and normally works as a discharge sensor, and when full An invention that operates as a full detection sensor by changing the angle of the filler is disclosed.

  However, since any of the above-described full detection sensors has been realized by using a physical mechanism, there have been some problems particularly in low-cost type and slim type MFPs. For example, since a full detection sensor requires parts cost and installation cost, it becomes a burden when realizing a low-cost machine. Further, as long as it is provided as a physical mechanism, the fullness detection sensor composed of the operating part and the sensor part needs a certain volume (space) for installing it in the MFP main body. In order to realize a slim machine, it is desired to reduce even a small volume.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, since the discharge sensor and the full detection sensor are realized by a common component, the full detection sensor is not necessary, which contributes to the cost and volume reduction. However, the structure of the filler used in the sensor of the present invention is larger than that of the conventional sensor only for discharge, and it is necessary to bear the cost (increase) and volume (increase) on the discharge sensor side. is there.

Therefore, in the present invention in view of the above problems, without requiring a physical mechanism such as full detecting sensor, and an object thereof is to provide a paper discharge equipment that performs full detection of the sheet on the discharge tray .

In order to achieve the above object, a paper discharge device according to the present invention counts the cumulative number of discharged sheets each time the paper is discharged by the discharge means and the discharge means for discharging the paper onto the discharge tray. Accumulation counted by the counting means when the time from when one sheet is discharged by the discharging means to the time when the next sheet is discharged exceeds a predetermined discharge interval time value stored in advance. Resetting means for resetting the number of discharged sheets, and when the cumulative number of discharged sheets counted by the counting means exceeds a predetermined discharge number threshold stored in advance without being reset by the resetting means, the paper is collected from the discharge tray. And a display unit that displays a message prompting the user to do so.

According to the present invention, without requiring a physical mechanism such as full detecting sensor can be subjected Hisage paper ejection equipment which performs full detection of the sheet on the discharge tray.

1 shows an example of an external view of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 1 shows an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating main functions of an embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. An example of a count value table for each paper type is shown. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating full detection of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. The example of a display screen at the time of full detection is shown. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main functions of one Embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 which concerns on this modification. An example job list is shown. It is a sequence diagram explaining full detection of the image forming apparatus according to the present modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example in which the paper discharge apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus is shown. This is because the image forming apparatus can be externally attached or built in the paper discharge device.

[System configuration]
(hardware)
Here, a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of an external view of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Although this figure shows an example of an MFP, the present invention can also be applied to a printer device that includes a discharge mechanism that discharges paper and a discharge tray that holds (accepts) discharged paper. It is.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 11, a storage medium I / F 12, a controller 13, a data communication I / F 14, a scanner 15, a plotter 16, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 17. Are connected to each other.

  The operation panel 11 includes an input device 11a and a display device 11b. The input device 11a is configured by a hard key or the like, and is used to input each operation signal to the apparatus main body. Further, the display device 11b is configured by a display or the like, and displays, for example, various types of information regarding the image forming operation. The data communication I / F 14 includes an interface device 14a, and is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus to a data transmission path such as a network 4 or a fax machine. The HDD 17 stores various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the image forming apparatus, and data used by each application. Further, the HDD 17 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  The controller 13 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13b, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13c. The ROM 13a is executed when the image forming apparatus is activated. Stores programs and various data. The RAM 13b temporarily stores various programs and data read from the ROM 13a and the HDD 17. Further, the CPU 13c executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 13b. For example, when the print data is received via the data communication I / F 14, the controller 13 reads a program (PDL parser) that can read PDL (Page Description Language) read from the ROM 13a onto the RAM 13b by the CPU 13c. Execute and interpret the print data to generate a bitmap image.

  The scanner 15 includes an image reading device 15a, and optically reads a document placed on a reading surface and generates image data. The plotter 16 has a printing device 16a and prints a bitmap image on a recording sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic process method.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment realizes functions related to image formation, such as copying, scanning, printing, and facsimile, with the above hardware configuration.

(function)
Next, the main functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be briefly described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the main functions of one embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image drawing unit 210, a print unit 220, a discharge mechanism / discharge tray 230, a count unit 310, a storage unit 320, a full detection unit 330, and a reset unit 340 as main functions. . Details of the function will be described later for the sake of simplicity.

  The image drawing unit 210 draws a bitmap image based on the result of interpreting the printer language for the print data. This corresponds to the function of the controller 13 described above.

  The printing unit 220 is a printing unit including a printer engine I / F and a printer engine. Upon receiving a print request, the print unit 220 prints the drawn bitmap image on a recording paper (paper) by, for example, an electrophotographic process method. This corresponds to the function of the plotter 16 described above.

  The discharge mechanism / discharge tray 230 is a discharge mechanism and a discharge tray for discharging and holding printed sheets. The paper discharged from the paper discharge port is held on this paper discharge tray until it is collected by the user. It is included in the function of the plotter 16 described above.

  The counting unit 310 has a function of counting the cumulative number of discharged discharges 323 each time a sheet is discharged from the discharge mechanism / discharge tray 230. The counting unit 310 determines the type of discharged paper, and specifies the type of paper based on the determined paper type and the count value for each paper type (count value table 324 for each paper type). The counted value is counted up to the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323. Although details will be described later, a large count value is counted up as the thickness of the sheet increases.

  The storage unit 320 is a memory that holds various parameters and values. In this embodiment, a specified discharge number threshold value 321, a specified discharge interval time value 322, a cumulative discharge number 323, and a paper type count value table 324 are stored. Specific examples thereof will be described later.

  The full detection unit 330 detects that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full when the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 counted by the counting unit 301 exceeds the discharge number threshold value 321.

  The reset unit 340 counts (measures) the discharge interval time until one sheet is discharged and the next sheet is discharged, and one sheet is discharged from the discharge mechanism / discharge tray 230 and the next sheet is discharged. When the discharge interval time until discharge exceeds the specified discharge interval time value 322, the accumulated discharge number 323 that has been counted is reset.

  These functions are actually realized by a computer by a program executed by the CPU 13c of the image forming apparatus 1.

(Various parameters)
The storage unit 320 holds a specified discharge number threshold value 321, a specified discharge interval time value 322, a cumulative discharge number 323, and a paper type count value table 324.

-Cumulative number of discharged sheets The cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 refers to the number of sheets that are cumulatively counted each time a sheet is discharged from a sheet discharge port. For example, if 10 sheets are discharged and 100 sheets are discharged, the cumulative number of discharged sheets is 110 sheets. Note that the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 is reset (initialization = 0) under a certain condition.

Specified ejection number threshold Specified ejection number threshold 321 refers to the number of ejected sheets when it is defined that the ejected sheet continues to be ejected to the ejection tray and the ejected sheet cannot be held on the ejection tray any more, that is, is full. . The prescribed discharge number threshold value 321 is known information given in advance, but can be arbitrarily set by an operation from the operation panel 11 or the like. However, the specified discharge number threshold value 321 is a threshold value that specifies how many sheets can be held on the discharge tray (or how many sheets cannot be held). It needs to be determined in consideration of the thickness.

  For example, if the height from the top of the discharge tray to the paper discharge port is 45 mm (millimeters), and the plain paper is 0.08 mm, simply calculating a maximum of about 562 sheets of plain paper. Will be able to hold on. In this case, simply, the specified discharge number threshold value 321 could be set to 562 sheets. However, in actuality, the final specified discharge number threshold value 321 is determined in consideration of the thickness of toner adhesion: about 0.04 mm, the interval between papers: about 0.02 mm, and the slackness of paper when discharging paper: about 25 mm. Note that you need to.

Here, although the height from the discharge tray to the paper discharge port is 45 mm, considering the slackness of the paper when the paper is discharged, the upper limit height of the paper loaded on the discharge tray is 25 mm. In consideration of the thickness of toner adhesion and the gap between the sheets, the upper limit number of sheets placed on the discharge tray is as follows.
From 25 / (0.08 + 0.04 + 0.02) ≈about 178 sheets or more, here, including the error, the specified discharge number threshold value 321 is defined as “150” (sheets) on a plain paper basis.

Specified discharge interval time value The specified discharge interval time value 322 refers to a discharge interval time from when one sheet is discharged from the sheet discharge port onto the discharge tray until the next sheet is discharged. The specified discharge interval time value 322 is a value that is a condition for resetting the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323, and the discharge interval time until one sheet is discharged from the sheet discharge port and the next sheet is discharged is the specified discharge. When the interval time value 322 is exceeded, the counted cumulative discharge number 323 is reset.

  The specified discharge interval time value 322 is known information given in advance, but can be arbitrarily set by an operation from the operation panel 11 or the like. Here, the specified discharge interval time value 322 is set to, for example, “5” (seconds) in consideration of the print processing speed of the image forming apparatus 1 and the like. When a plurality of print commands are issued in one print job A, the sheets are discharged sufficiently within 5 seconds until one sheet is discharged and the next sheet is discharged. Therefore, the cumulative discharge number 323 continues to be counted cumulatively without being reset.

  Furthermore, if the next print job B is kept waiting for a while, it takes 5 seconds from the completion of the previous print job A to the time when one sheet of the next print job B is discharged. Within the paper is discharged. Similarly, when waiting for a new print job C one after another, sheets are printed and discharged one after another within 5 seconds, so the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 continues to be counted cumulatively without being reset. . On the other hand, if the next print job B is not waited after the completion of the print job A, printing and discharging are stopped for a while until the next print job B is received. The cumulative discharge number 323 is reset. In other words, as long as the print job is continuously executed within 5 seconds, the cumulative discharge number 323 is continuously counted without being reset.

  The paper type count value table 324 is a table in which the count value for each paper type is defined. The paper type count value table 324 is known information determined based on the thickness of each paper type. The count unit 310 determines the type of discharged paper, and is specified by the type of paper based on the determined paper type and the count value for each paper type (count value table 324 for each paper type). The count value is counted up to the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323. The above-mentioned specified discharge number threshold value 321 is specified as, for example, “150” (sheets) on a plain paper basis. Actually, there are several types of paper that can be handled by the image forming apparatus 1, and the thicknesses of the papers are different. Therefore, it is necessary to count up a large count value as the thickness of the sheet increases.

  According to the above calculation, 150 sheets of plain paper (more precisely, 178 sheets) can be placed on the discharge tray. However, thick paper and envelope paper are thicker than plain paper, so they are placed on the discharge tray. The upper limit number of sheets that can be recorded is less than 150 sheets (more precisely, 178 sheets). Therefore, by setting the count value of plain paper base to 1 and prescribing the count value of thick paper calculated based on the thickness of plain paper and the thickness of thick paper, various types of paper are discharged onto the discharge tray Even if this is done, the maximum number of sheets can be counted on a plain paper basis.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a count value table for each paper type. The count value is determined in proportion to the thickness of each sheet on the basis of the thickness of plain paper: 0.08 mm, but here, in order to simplify the explanation, each count value is as shown in FIG. The count value for each paper type shall be determined. For example, when one sheet of thick paper is discharged, it is counted that 1.5 sheets of plain paper have been discharged. For example, when one envelope (paper) is discharged, it is counted that two plain papers are discharged. Of course, when one plain paper is discharged, it is counted that one plain paper is discharged.

[Information processing]
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating full detection of the image forming apparatus 1. This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, it is determined whether or not the sheet is discharged (S501). Various determinations can be made as to whether the paper has been discharged. It is also necessary to consider the determination of the type of paper. For example, since a print job (including printing conditions and image data) is sent to the print unit 220 (engine I / F), it can be acquired and information on the number of printed sheets and paper types can be grasped. In the first place, it can be grasped from user input from the operation panel 11. When the printing unit 220 completes printing, it issues a discharge command from the printing unit 220 to the discharge mechanism 230, so that similar information can be grasped here. Alternatively, since the controller 13 described above controls the operation of all the functional units, all the same information can be grasped by the controller 13 (when the controller 13 has a full detection function according to the present invention). . In the end, it is possible to determine whether the sheet is discharged in any way according to the configuration and design of the apparatus.

  When the paper is discharged, the count unit 310 determines the type of the paper (S502). The paper type determination method may be determined according to the configuration and design of the apparatus as described above.

  Subsequently, the count unit 310 refers to the paper type count value table 324 and counts up the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 according to the paper type (S503).

  The full detection unit 330 compares the cumulative discharge number 323 with the specified discharge number threshold value 321 and determines whether or not the cumulative discharge number 323 exceeds the specified discharge number threshold value 321 (S504). If it is determined that the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 exceeds the specified number of discharged sheets threshold 321, it is determined (detected) that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full (S 508).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 does not exceed the specified number of discharged sheets threshold value 321, the reset unit 340 starts counting the discharge interval time (S505). When a new sheet is discharged within the specified discharge interval time value 322 (S506), the process proceeds to S501 again, and the processes from S501 to 504 are repeated in the same manner.

  On the other hand, when a new sheet is not discharged within the specified discharge interval time value 322, the reset unit 340 resets (initializes) the accumulated discharge number 323 (S507). That is, when the specified discharge interval time value 322 has passed without discharging new paper, the cumulative discharge number 323 is reset.

  In S508, when it is determined (detected) that the discharged paper on the discharge tray is full, the control at the time of full detection may be performed. In the same way as when the full detection sensor is detected by the conventional example, for example, the print / discharge processing of the MFP is temporarily suspended (stopped), or when the discharge tray can be independently driven up and down, the discharge tray is moved downward. Control to drive (move) to temporarily increase the number of sheets that can be held on the discharge tray, or to discharge to the other discharge tray if there are two upper and lower discharge trays. This can prevent paper jams.

  If it is determined in S508 that the discharged paper on the discharge tray is full (detected), the display (display device 11b) of the image forming apparatus 1 notifies / displays that the discharged paper is full. It is better to be able to operate the subsequent response.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen when full is detected. The user can confirm the message on the display screen and operate “continue printing” or “job reset”. When “continuation of printing” is pressed, the state of full detection of the discharge tray is released, and the image forming apparatus 1 resumes the interrupted printing. When “Job Reset” is pressed, subsequent printing is canceled.

[Case 1]
The full detection according to the present embodiment will be described with specific examples based on the above description. The preconditions here are as follows.
-Specified discharge sheet threshold / 150 sheets (plain paper base)
Defined discharge interval time value / 5 seconds. Count value table for each paper type / according to FIG. 4. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a print job for printing 200 sheets of plain paper is generated according to a user instruction. And In this case, each time a sheet is printed and discharged, the type of the sheet is determined, and since it is plain paper, the accumulated number of sheets is counted up by one for each sheet discharged. When the cumulative number of discharged sheets reaches 151, it is determined (detected) that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full by determining that the specified discharge number threshold value 321 has been exceeded. Thereafter, in order to prevent a paper jam, control at the time of full detection is performed.

  In this case, although the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be held on the discharge tray is 150 sheets of plain paper, printing of 200 sheets of plain paper was instructed. Actually, although the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be held is discharged on the discharge tray, paper jam can be prevented beforehand by full detection (and execution of control at full detection).

[Case 2]
The preconditions here are as follows.
-Specified discharge sheet threshold / 150 sheets (plain paper base)
Defined discharge interval time value / 5 seconds. Count value table for each paper type / according to FIG. 4. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a print job for printing 200 sheets of thick paper is generated according to a user instruction. To do. In this case, each time a sheet is printed and discharged, the type of the sheet is determined and the sheet is a thick sheet. Therefore, according to the count value table for each sheet type, the accumulated number of discharged sheets is 1.5 for each sheet discharged. Count up. When the discharge of the thick paper reaches 101 sheets, it is determined that the discharge sheet on the discharge tray is full by determining that the discharge number threshold value exceeds 150 sheets. Thereafter, in order to prevent a paper jam, control at the time of full detection is performed.

  In this case, although the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be held on the discharge tray is 100 thick sheets, printing of 200 thick sheets was instructed. Actually, the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be held (also referred to as the amount of sheets) is discharged on the discharge tray, so that it is possible to prevent paper jams by detecting fullness (and performing control when full is detected).

[Case 3]
The preconditions here are as follows.
-Specified discharge sheet threshold / 150 sheets (plain paper base)
Defined discharge interval time value / 5 seconds. Count value table for each paper type / according to FIG. 4. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a print job for printing 40 sheets of plain paper is generated according to a user instruction. And Each time a sheet is printed and discharged, the type of the sheet is determined, and since it is plain paper, the accumulated number of sheets is incremented by one for each sheet discharged. When 40 plain papers are printed and discharged, the cumulative number of discharged sheets is 40 sheets.

  Here, it is assumed that a print job for performing printing of 40 sheets of thick paper has occurred during the printing of the previous 40 sheets of plain paper (a state where the print job is stored in the job queue). Therefore, after the printing of the 40 sheets of plain paper is completed, the printing of the 40 sheets of thick paper is continuously executed. Each time the paper is printed and ejected, the paper type is determined and it is a thick paper. Therefore, based on the count value table for each paper type, the paper is counted up to 1.5 for each accumulated paper. Go. Since 60 sheets are printed and discharged in terms of plain paper, the cumulative number of discharged sheets when the discharge of 40 thick sheets is completed is 100 sheets.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that a print job for printing 10 sheets of plain paper occurs during printing of the previous 40 sheets of plain paper to 40 sheets of thick paper. Each time a sheet is printed and discharged, the type of the sheet is determined, and since it is plain paper, the accumulated number of sheets is incremented by one for each sheet discharged. When 10 sheets of plain paper are discharged, the cumulative number of discharged sheets is 110 sheets.

  In this way, when print jobs are generated one after another, the paper is discharged immediately before the specified discharge interval time value of 5 seconds elapses. Therefore, the cumulative discharge number does not reset and eventually reaches the specified discharge number threshold of 150 sheets. Then, it is determined (detected) that the discharged paper on the discharge tray is full.

  In this case, print jobs are generated one after another soon after the user collects the discharged paper from the discharge tray, and as a result, the discharged paper on the discharge tray is considered to be full. Here, one after another, print jobs occur, the cumulative number of discharged sheets reaches 150 sheets, and it is determined (detected) that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full, but during this time the user removes sheets from the discharge tray one by one. If it is collected, there may be a case where the actual discharge tray is not full (there is room). However, on the other hand, if the user does not collect any discharged sheets from the discharge tray, the discharge tray is actually full. That is, by setting the specified discharge interval time value to 5 seconds, the number of discharged sheets when cumulative printing is performed is cumulatively counted, and print jobs are generated one after another. It is possible to prevent paper jam in the worst condition environment (no paper collection at all) while assuming a busy season.

  Here, setting the specified discharge interval time value to 5 seconds (or a value less than that) is a setting that assumes the busy period when the print job is not interrupted. Even temporarily, the print job may be interrupted. In this case, since the paper discharge interval elapses for 5 seconds or more, the cumulative discharge number is reset. Nevertheless, if the user does not collect any paper from the discharge tray, the cumulative discharge number has not reached the specified discharge number threshold even though the discharge paper on the discharge tray is full. Cannot be detected. Therefore, if the specified discharge interval time value is set longer (for example, about 30 seconds to 1 minute), even if the print job is temporarily interrupted, the cumulative number of discharged sheets is not reset, and the user puts the paper on the discharge tray. In the worst-case environment where no recovery is performed, the full state on the discharge tray can be detected as it is. Thus, by adjusting and setting an appropriate specified discharge interval time value according to the environment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of full detection.

  Further, in the above description, it is assumed that the user does not collect the paper from the discharge tray under the worst condition environment, but it is assumed that the full detection is performed. However, it is assumed that some users appropriately collect the paper. For example, it is preferable to set a larger threshold value for the specified number of discharged sheets (for example, 200 sheets). Actually, although the discharge tray is filled with 150 sheets, it is assumed that the user collects some sheets (50 sheets in this case), so the cumulative number of discharged sheets is 200 in consideration of the number of collected sheets. It is determined (detected) that the discharged paper on the discharge tray is full when the value reaches. As expected, if 50 sheets have been collected by the user, when the cumulative number of discharged sheets reaches 200 and it is determined that full detection has been detected, 150 sheets of sheets are actually discharged from the discharge tray. As described above, by adjusting and setting an appropriate specified discharge number threshold according to the environment, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of full detection.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. The above-described embodiment and this modification are different in a determination method for resetting the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 counted every time one sheet is discharged. In the above-described embodiment, the reset unit 340 counts (measures) the discharge interval time until one sheet is discharged and the next sheet is discharged, and one sheet is discharged from the discharge mechanism / discharge tray 230. When the discharge interval time until the next sheet is discharged exceeds the specified discharge interval time value 322, the accumulated discharge number 323 counted is reset.

  On the other hand, in this modification, the reset unit 340 refers to the job list (job queue) and determines whether the print job is waiting (reserved) after the print job being executed, thereby accumulating. The number of discharged sheets 323 is reset. In the busiest period, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is continuously supplied with print jobs one after another without stopping. Therefore, in this modified example, when the current print job is being executed, the job list (job queue) is referred to, and other print jobs are not waiting (reserved), that is, when print jobs are not continuously submitted. Then, the cumulative discharge number 323 is reset. On the other hand, referring to the job list (job queue), when another print job is waiting (reserved), that is, when a print job is continuously input, the accumulated discharge number 323 is not reset, The counting of the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 is continued. When it is determined that the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 has exceeded the specified number of discharged sheets threshold 321, it is determined (detected) that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full, and then a full detection is performed to prevent a paper jam. Time control is implemented.

(function)
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the main functions of one embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this modification. Compared to FIG. 3, the specified discharge interval time value 322 is deleted, and a job list 325 is added instead. Moreover, since the reset part 340 is deform | transformed in the function, it was set as the reset part 240-2.

(Job list)
FIG. 8 shows an example of a job list. The job list 325 is a so-called job queue in which print jobs that are currently submitted (reserved) to the image forming apparatus 1 are registered in a list format. Needless to say, it is possible to change the order of execution processing by job interruption, but in principle, execution processing is performed in the order in which jobs are submitted by the first-in first-out method. According to the example of the job list 325 in FIG. 8, at least three print jobs are input, and a print job currently being executed (plain paper / 40 sheets), and then a waiting print job (thick paper / 40 sheets), The print jobs are executed in the order of waiting print jobs (plain paper / 10 sheets).

  Note that print job management based on the job list 325 can be managed according to the configuration and design of the apparatus as described above. For example, since a print job (including printing conditions and image data) is sent to the print unit 220 (engine I / F), this is acquired and the print job (information on the number of printed sheets, paper type, etc.) is grasped. In the first place, it can be grasped from user input from the operation panel 11. When the printing unit 220 completes printing, it issues a discharge command from the printing unit 220 to the discharge mechanism 230, so that a similar print job can be grasped here. Alternatively, since the controller 13 described above controls the operation of all the functional units, the controller 13 can grasp the same print job.

[Information processing]
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating full detection of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this modification. This will be described below with reference to the drawings. Compared to FIG. 5, S505-2 and S506-2 are different.

  First, it is determined whether or not the sheet is discharged (S501). Next, when the paper is discharged, the count unit 310 determines the type of the paper (S502). Subsequently, the count unit 310 refers to the paper type count value table 324 and counts up the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 according to the paper type (S503).

  The full detection unit 330 compares the cumulative discharge number 323 with the specified discharge number threshold value 321 and determines whether or not the cumulative discharge number 323 exceeds the specified discharge number threshold value 321 (S504). If it is determined that the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 exceeds the specified number of discharged sheets threshold 321, it is determined (detected) that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full (S 508).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 does not exceed the specified number of discharged sheets threshold 321, the reset unit 340 acquires the job list 325 (S 505-2). Then, with reference to the acquired job list 325, it is determined whether there is a waiting print job in addition to the currently executed print job (S506-2).

  If it is determined that there is a waiting print job in addition to the print job currently being executed, the process proceeds to S501 again, and similarly, the processes from S501 to S504 are repeated. In other words, the fact that there is a waiting print job in addition to the currently executing print job means that the print job has been continuously input. The counting of the number of discharged sheets 323 is continued. Then, as in a busy period, the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 is not reset by continuously inputting print jobs, and when the sheet continues to be discharged, the discharge tray eventually becomes full. Is determined to exceed the specified discharge number threshold 321, it is determined that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full (S 508). After that, control at the time of full detection is performed in order to prevent a paper jam.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no standby print job in addition to the print job currently being executed, the reset unit 340 resets the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 (S507). For example, as in a non-busy period, the absence of a waiting print job means that no print job has been continuously input. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 temporarily stops after completion of the currently executing print job. Since the user collects the discharged paper after a while after the stop, it is unlikely that the discharge tray is full.

[Case 3]
Based on the description so far, full detection according to the present modification will be described with the above case 3 again. The preconditions here are as follows.

The preconditions here are as follows.
-Specified discharge sheet threshold / 150 sheets (plain paper base)
· According to the sheet type count value table / FIG. 4 It is assumed that a print job for printing 40 sheets of plain paper is generated by the user instruction in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this modification. Each time a sheet is printed and discharged, the type of the sheet is determined, and since it is plain paper, the accumulated number of sheets is incremented by one for each sheet discharged. When 40 plain papers are printed and discharged, the cumulative number of discharged sheets is 40 sheets.

  Here, it is assumed that a print job for printing 40 sheets of thick paper has occurred during the printing of the previous 40 sheets of plain paper (a state where the print job is stored in the job queue). Therefore, after the printing of the 40 sheets of plain paper is completed, the printing of the 40 sheets of thick paper is continuously executed. Each time the paper is printed and ejected, the paper type is determined and it is a thick paper. Therefore, based on the count value table for each paper type, the paper is counted up to 1.5 for each accumulated paper. Go. Since 60 sheets are printed and discharged in terms of plain paper, the cumulative number of discharged sheets when the discharge of 40 thick sheets is completed is 100 sheets.

  Still further, it is assumed that a print job for printing 10 sheets of plain paper occurs during printing of the previous 40 sheets of plain paper to 40 sheets of thick paper. Each time a sheet is printed and discharged, the type of the sheet is determined, and since it is plain paper, the accumulated number of sheets is incremented by one for each sheet discharged. When 10 sheets of plain paper are discharged, the cumulative number of discharged sheets is 110 sheets. Until now, the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 has not been reset.

  Thus, when print jobs are generated one after another, there are always waiting print jobs in the job list 325. If there is a waiting print job in the job list 325 (S506-2), the cumulative number of discharged sheets 323 is not reset, and the sheets are discharged, so that they are continuously counted. Eventually, when the specified discharge number threshold value of 150 is reached, it is determined (detected) that the discharged sheets on the discharge tray are full.

  In this case, since it is a busy period in which print jobs occur one after another, the paper is discharged one after another without the user collecting the discharged paper from the discharge tray. It is considered to be full. On the other hand, if it is a non-busy period in which the print job is interrupted, the accumulated number of discharged sheets 323 is reset (S507), and no fullness is detected. In a non-busy period, the image forming apparatus 1 temporarily stops after completion of the currently executing print job. This is because the user collects the discharged paper after a while, so that the possibility that the discharge tray becomes full is low.

  In addition, this modification assumes the case of the above-mentioned case 3, and does not assume the case of case 1 or case 2. That is, the case where the number of printed sheets (discharged sheets) by one print job as in Example 3 exceeds the specified discharged sheet threshold value 321 at one time is excluded. That is, the user does not print a large number of sheets exceeding the specified discharge number threshold 321 in one print job at a time, and the upper limit of the number of prints that the user can specify in one print job is the specified discharge number threshold 321. Not exceed. Specifically, when the specified discharge number threshold 321 is 150 sheets on a plain paper basis, the upper limit of the number of prints that can be specified by a user in one print job is 149 sheets or less on a plain paper basis.

  Specifically, for example, if a print job that prints a large number of sheets at a time exceeding the specified discharge number threshold 321 is input at a time, if there is no print job waiting in the job list 325, the accumulation is performed. Since the number of ejected sheets 323 is reset and the sheet is ejected, it cannot be determined even though the specified ejected sheet number threshold 321 is actually exceeded. That is, if a print job for printing a large number of sheets at a time exceeding the specified discharge number threshold 321 is input, it is not possible to detect fullness. That is, in this modification, it is necessary to presuppose that the upper limit of the number of prints that can be specified by a user in one print job does not exceed the specified discharge number threshold value 321.

  According to the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a paper discharge device or the like that detects the fullness of the paper on the paper discharge tray without requiring a physical mechanism such as a full detection sensor.

  Although the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations with other elements listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form. Moreover, what applied the component, expression, or arbitrary combinations of the component of this invention to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

  For example, even if an image forming apparatus is provided with a full detection sensor, if the function of the present invention is provided, it can be used as a complementary function in the event that the full detection sensor fails (or fails due to some reason). Is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 11 Operation panel 11a Input device 11b Display apparatus 12 Storage media I / F
12a Drive device 13 Controller 13a ROM
13b RAM
13c CPU
14 Data communication I / F
14a Interface device 15 Scanner 15a Image reading device 16 Plotter 16a Printing device 17 HDD
210 Image Drawing Unit 220 Print Unit 230 Discharge Mechanism / Discharge Tray 310 Count Unit 320 Storage Unit 330 Full Detection Unit 340 Reset Unit

JP 2003-192225 A

Claims (4)

A discharge means for discharging the paper onto the discharge tray;
A counting means for counting the cumulative number of discharged sheets each time the paper is discharged by the discharging means;
When the time from when one sheet is discharged by the discharging unit to the next sheet discharge exceeds a pre-stored specified discharge interval time value, the cumulative number of discharged sheets counted by the counting unit is reset. Resetting means,
A display that prompts the user to collect the paper from the paper discharge tray when the cumulative number of discharged paper counted by the counting means exceeds a predetermined discharge number threshold stored in advance without being reset by the resetting means. And
A paper discharge device comprising: Paper discharge device according to請Motomeko 1, wherein the prescribed emission interval time value can be changed. An input receiving unit that displays that the print continuation is accepted and the print continuation instruction is received when the cumulative number of discharged sheets counted by the counting unit exceeds the specified discharge number threshold;
The paper discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the input receiving unit receives the instruction to continue printing, the printing is continued. An input receiving unit that displays that the job reset is received and the job reset instruction is received when the cumulative number of discharged sheets counted by the counting unit exceeds the specified discharge number threshold;
The paper discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the input receiving unit receives the job reset instruction, printing is canceled.

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