JP6287241B2 - Image recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus including a feeding tray that supports paper of various sizes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image recording apparatus that receives type information of a sheet supported on a feeding tray from a user and performs processing using the type information. The type information includes a paper size or a paper type (for example, plain paper or glossy paper). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that displays a paper size setting operation screen on a display unit in response to detection of attachment or removal of a feeding tray. More specifically, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 displays a paper size setting operation screen when it is detected that the feeding tray is removed and attached after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is disclosed. In this way, by displaying the paper size setting request and the setting confirmation screen in a specific period, it is possible to prevent the user from receiving extra attention.

JP 2003-230881 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the paper size setting operation screen is not displayed unless a predetermined time has elapsed after the feeding tray is extracted, a waiting time occurs when it is desired to change the paper size setting. A new problem arises.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of accepting a change in type information at an appropriate timing according to an operation state.

  (1) An image recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a detachable feeding tray, a printer unit that records a recorded image on a sheet fed from the feeding tray, and the presence or absence of a sheet on the feeding tray. A first sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the second sensor; a second sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of the feeding tray; and a storage unit that stores type information indicating a type of a sheet supported by the feeding tray. And a display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of display images, and a control unit. The control unit includes a print process for causing the printer unit to record the recorded image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction, and a signal indicating that no sheet exists on the feeding tray. In response to the output from one sensor, a first display process for causing the display unit to display the display image indicating that no sheet exists on the feeding tray, and the feeding tray is in a non-mounted state. A second display process for causing the display unit to display the display image indicating that a user operation to change the type information is received in response to a non-wearing signal indicating that the type information is output from the second sensor. Run. And the said control part does not perform the said 2nd display process according to the said non-wearing signal being output from the said 2nd sensor during execution of the said printing process and the said 1st display process.

  (2) Preferably, the feeding tray includes a first feeding tray and a second feeding tray that are each independently removable. The second sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of the first feeding tray and the second feeding tray. The control unit outputs that the non-mounting signal for the first feeding tray is output from the second sensor during execution of the printing process on the sheet fed from the first feeding tray. Accordingly, the second display process is not executed.

  (3) More preferably, the recording instruction includes size information indicating a size of a sheet on which an image is to be recorded. And the said control part respond | corresponds that the detection process which detects the size of the sheet | seat fed from the said feeding tray, the size shown by the said size information, and the size detected by the said detection process differ. Then, a third display process for displaying the display image indicating that the sizes of the sheets are different on the display unit is executed. Then, the control unit detects that the non-mounting signal with respect to the first feeding tray is the second during the execution of the printing process and the third display process on the sheet fed from the first feeding tray. The second display process is executed in response to the output from the sensor.

  (4) Preferably, the image recording apparatus includes a processing unit that executes processing different from that of the printer unit. And the said control part performs the 4th display process which displays the said display image regarding the said process part on the said display part, The said non-wearing signal is output from the said 2nd sensor during execution of the said 4th display process. In response to this, the second display process is executed after the fourth display process is completed.

  (5) For example, the processing unit is a scanner unit that reads an image recorded on a document and generates image data, or a FAX unit that performs FAX communication with an external device through a communication line.

  (6) A program according to the present invention corresponds to a removable feeding tray, a printer unit that records a recorded image on a sheet fed from the feeding tray, and the presence or absence of a sheet on the feeding tray. A first sensor that outputs a signal; a second sensor that outputs a signal according to the attachment / detachment state of the feeding tray; a storage unit that stores type information indicating a type of a sheet supported by the feeding tray; And a display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of display images. The program includes a print process for causing the printer unit to record the recorded image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction on the sheet, and a signal indicating that no sheet exists on the feeding tray. A first display process for displaying on the display unit the display image indicating that no sheet is present on the feeding tray in response to the output from the sensor; and the feeding tray is in a non-mounted state. A second display process for causing the display unit to display the display image indicating that the user's operation to change the type information is received in response to a non-wearing signal indicating the output being output from the second sensor. The above computer is executed. The program does not execute the second display process in response to the non-mounting signal being output from the second sensor during the execution of the print process and the first display process.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image recording apparatus capable of accepting a change in type information at an appropriate timing according to an operation state.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the multifunction machine 10. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the printer unit 11. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the image recording process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing when the feeding tray is removed. FIGS. 6A and 6B are display examples of the display unit 14, where FIG. 6A shows a paper out notification screen and FIG. 6B shows a size mismatch notification screen. FIG. 7 is a display example of the display unit 14, (A) shows a type information setting screen, and (B) shows a tray missing notification screen. FIG. 8 is a display example of the display unit 14, (A) shows a change information selection screen, (B) shows a paper type selection screen, and (C) shows a paper size selection screen. FIG. 9 is a display example of the display unit 14, (A) a scanner setting screen, (B) a resolution selection screen, and (C) a function selection screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the vertical direction 7 is defined with reference to the state in which the multifunction machine 10 is installed (the state shown in FIG. 1), and the side on which the opening 13 is formed is the front side (front side). A front-rear direction 8 is defined, and a left-right direction 9 is defined when the multifunction machine 10 is viewed from the front side (front side).

[Overall configuration of MFP 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The multifunction machine 10 includes a printer unit 11 that records an image on a sheet 12 (see FIG. 2), a display unit 14, and an operation unit 17. The multi-function device 10 may further include a scanner unit that performs a scan process that reads an image recorded on a sheet and generates image data, or a FAX unit that performs FAX transmission / reception. The scanner unit, the FAX unit, and the like are examples of a processing unit that executes processing different from that of the printer unit 11. The multifunction machine 10 is an example of an image recording apparatus.

  The printer unit 11 picks up the paper 12 supported by the first feeding tray 20 </ b> A or the second feeding tray 20 </ b> B and executes a printing process for recording a recorded image on the paper 12. The printing method of the printer unit 11 is not particularly limited. For example, a known method such as an ink jet method or an electrophotographic method can be adopted. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer unit 11 includes a first feeding unit 15A and a second feeding unit 15B, a discharge tray 21, a transport roller unit 54, a recording unit 24, a discharge roller unit 55, Platen 42.

[First feeding tray 20A, second feeding tray 20B, discharge tray 21]
The first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B are configured to be detachable from the printer unit 11 independently through an opening 13 (see FIG. 1) formed on the front surface of the printer unit 11. Yes. The first feeding tray 20 </ b> A and the second feeding tray 20 </ b> B are stacked in the vertical direction 7. The first feeding tray 20A supports the paper 12 fed to the conveyance path 65 by the first feeding unit 15A. The second feeding tray 20B supports the paper 12 fed to the conveyance path 65 by the second feeding unit 15B. The discharge tray 21 is disposed on the upper side of the second feeding tray 20B. The discharge tray 21 supports the paper 12 discharged by the discharge roller unit 55 through the opening 13 formed on the front surface.

[First feeding unit 15A, second feeding unit 15B]
As shown in FIG. 2, the first feeding unit 15A includes a feeding roller 25A, a feeding arm 26A, and a shaft 27A. The feed roller 25A is rotatably supported on the distal end side of the feed arm 26A. The feed roller 25A is referred to as a direction (hereinafter referred to as “forward rotation”) in which the paper 12 supported by the first feed tray 20A is fed to the transport path 65 by the reverse drive of the transport motor 102 (see FIG. 3). ). The feeding arm 26 </ b> A is rotatably supported by a shaft 27 </ b> A supported by the frame of the printer unit 11. The feeding arm 26A is urged to rotate toward the first feeding tray 20A by its own weight or an elastic force such as a spring. Similarly, the second feeding unit 15B includes a feeding roller 25B, a feeding arm 26B, and a shaft 27B, and feeds the paper 12 supported by the second feeding tray 20B to the conveyance path 65.

[Conveyance path 65]
As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance path 65 indicates a space formed by an outer guide member 18 and an inner guide member 19 that are partially opposed to each other at a predetermined interval inside the printer unit 11. The conveyance path 65 is a path extending from the rear end portion of the first feeding tray 20A or the second feeding tray 20B to the rear side of the printer unit 11. The conveyance path 65 is a path that makes a U-turn while extending upward from below on the rear side of the printer unit 11 and reaches the discharge tray 21 through the recording unit 24. Note that the conveyance direction 16 of the paper 12 in the conveyance path 65 is indicated by a one-dot chain line arrow in FIG.

[Conveying roller unit 54]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller unit 54 is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction 16 from the recording unit 24. The conveyance roller unit 54 includes a conveyance roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 that face each other. The conveyance roller 60 is driven by the conveyance motor 102. The pinch roller 61 is rotated along with the rotation of the conveyance roller 60. The sheet 12 is nipped between a conveyance roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 that are normally rotated by a normal rotation drive of the conveyance motor 102, and is conveyed in the conveyance direction 16.

[Discharge roller section 55]
As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge roller portion 55 is disposed downstream of the recording portion 24 in the transport direction 16. The discharge roller portion 55 includes a discharge roller 62 and a spur 63 that face each other. The discharge roller 62 is driven by the transport motor 102. The spur 63 is rotated along with the rotation of the discharge roller 62. The sheet 12 is sandwiched between the discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 that are rotated forward by the forward drive of the transport motor 102, and is transported in the transport direction 16.

[Registration sensor 120]
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer unit 11 includes a registration sensor 120 on the upstream side in the transport direction 16 from the transport roller unit 54. The registration sensor 120 is a sensor for detecting that the paper 12 exists at the installation position of the registration sensor 120. The registration sensor 120 outputs a low level signal that is a detection signal (that is, a “signal whose signal level is less than the threshold”) to the control unit 130 described later in response to the presence of the sheet 12 at the installation position. On the other hand, the registration sensor 120 outputs a high level signal that is a detection signal (that is, a “signal level equal to or higher than a threshold value”) to the control unit 130 in response to the fact that the sheet 12 is not present at the installation position. The registration sensor 120 is an example of a first sensor.

[Rotary encoder 121]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer unit 11 includes a known rotary encoder 121 that generates a pulse signal according to the rotation of the transport roller 60 (in other words, the rotational drive of the transport motor 102). The rotary encoder 121 includes an encoder disk and an optical sensor. The encoder disk rotates with the rotation of the transport roller 60. The optical sensor reads the rotating encoder disk to generate a pulse signal, and outputs the generated pulse signal to the control unit 130.

[Recording unit 24]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 24 is disposed between the conveyance roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 in the conveyance direction 16. The recording unit 24 is disposed so as to face the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 23, a recording head 39, and a media sensor 122.

  The carriage 23 is supported by guide rails 43 and 44 that extend in the left-right direction 9 at positions separated in the front-rear direction 8. The carriage 23 is connected to a known belt mechanism arranged on the guide rail 44. The carriage 23 reciprocates in the left-right direction 9 (an example of the main scanning direction) when the carriage motor 103 (see FIG. 3) drives the belt mechanism.

  The recording head 39 is mounted on the carriage 23 as shown in FIG. A plurality of nozzles 40 are formed on the lower surface of the recording head 39. The recording head 39 ejects ink from the nozzle 40 as fine ink droplets. In the process in which the carriage 23 moves in the left-right direction 9, the recording head 39 ejects ink droplets onto the paper 12 supported by the platen 42. As a result, an image is recorded on the paper 12.

[Platen 42]
As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 42 is disposed between the roller portions 54 and 55 in the transport direction 16. The platen 42 is disposed so as to face the recording unit 24 in the vertical direction 7 and supports the paper 12 conveyed by the conveyance roller unit 54 from below. The light reflectance of the platen 42 in this embodiment is set lower than that of the paper 12.

[Media sensor 122]
As shown in FIG. 2, the media sensor 122 is mounted on the carriage 23 on the lower surface of the carriage 23 (the surface facing the platen 42). The media sensor 122 includes a light emitting unit composed of a light emitting diode or the like, and a light receiving unit composed of an optical sensor or the like. The light emitting unit irradiates the platen 42 with the amount of light instructed by the control unit 130. The light emitted from the light emitting unit is reflected by the platen 42 or the paper 12 supported by the platen 42, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit. The media sensor 122 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit to the control unit 130. For example, the media sensor 122 outputs a detection signal having a higher level to the control unit 130 as the amount of received light is larger.

[Tray sensor 123]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer unit 11 includes a tray sensor 123 that outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of each of the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B. Specifically, the tray sensor 123 outputs a mounting signal to the control unit 130 in a state where the first feeding tray 20A is mounted on the printer unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as “mounted state”). On the other hand, the tray sensor 123 outputs a non-mounting signal to the control unit 130 in a state where the first feeding tray 20A is removed from the printer unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as “non-mounted state”). The specific configuration of the tray sensor 123 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor. The tray sensor 123 is an example of a second sensor.

  Note that the “non-attached state” does not necessarily require the first feeding tray 20A to be separated from the printer unit 11, and may include a state where the first feeding tray 20A is pulled out to some extent from the printer unit 11. That is, the “attached state” may be expressed as a state in which the first feeding unit 15A can feed the paper 12 supported by the first feeding tray 20A. The “non-attached state” may be expressed as a state in which the paper 12 can be inserted or removed from the first feeding tray 20A. The same applies to the mounted state and non-mounted state of the second feeding tray 20B.

[Display unit 14]
The display unit 14 includes a display screen that displays information to be notified to the user as a message or an animation. Although the specific configuration of the display unit 14 is not particularly limited, for example, a liquid crystal display (abbreviation of Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (abbreviation of Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), or the like can be employed. Note that the display unit 14 in the present embodiment employs a single window method capable of switching and displaying a plurality of display images.

[Operation unit 17]
The operation unit 17 is an input interface that receives an instruction input to the multifunction machine 10 from a user. Although the specific structure of the operation part 17 is not specifically limited, For example, you may have the touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display part 14. FIG. That is, the display unit 14 may be configured as a touch panel display. For the touch sensor, a known method such as a capacitance method or a resistance film method can be adopted. And the operation part 17 may detect selection of the option displayed on the tap position among the options (for example, button etc.) displayed on the display part 14. FIG. The operation unit 17 may have a plurality of push buttons.

[Control unit 130]
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135, which are connected by an internal bus 137. The ROM 132 stores a program for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data and signals used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off.

  A transport motor 102 and a carriage motor 103 are connected to the ASIC 135. The ASIC 135 acquires a drive signal for rotating each motor from the CPU 131, and outputs a drive current corresponding to the drive signal to each motor. Each motor is driven forward or reversely by a drive current from the ASIC 135. For example, the control unit 130 controls the driving of the transport motor 102 to drive each roller. Further, the control unit 130 controls the drive of the carriage motor 103 to reciprocate the carriage 23. Further, the control unit 130 controls the recording head 39 to eject ink from the nozzles 40.

  In addition, a registration sensor 120, a rotary encoder 121, a media sensor 122, and a tray sensor 123 are connected to the ASIC 135. The control unit 130 detects the position of the paper 12 based on the detection signal output from the registration sensor 120 and the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder 121. Further, the control unit 130 detects the end position of the sheet 12 in the left-right direction 9 based on the detection signal output from the media sensor 122. Furthermore, the control unit 130 detects the states of the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B based on the signal output from the tray sensor 123.

  The EEPROM 134 stores type information indicating the type of the paper 12 supported on each of the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B. The type information includes, for example, size information indicating the size of the paper 12 (for example, A4, B5, Letter, etc.) and type information indicating the type of the paper 12 (for example, plain paper or glossy paper). In the type information of each feeding tray stored in the EEPROM 134, a default value is set when the multifunction machine 10 is shipped. As default values, for example, information indicating A4 size as size information and plain paper as type information is stored. The set value of the type information can be arbitrarily changed by the user through a type information setting screen described later. The EEPROM 134 is an example of a storage unit.

[Image recording processing]
With reference to FIG. 4, the image recording process by the multifunction machine 10 is described. This image recording process is executed by the CPU 131 of the control unit 130. The following processes may be executed by the CPU 131 reading out and executing a program stored in the ROM 132, or may be realized by a hardware circuit mounted on the control unit 130. The image recording process shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a print process.

  The recording process shown in FIG. 4 is started in response to a recording instruction being input to the multifunction device 10. The recording instruction is an instruction for causing the multi-function peripheral 10 to execute a printing process for recording the recording image indicated by the image data on the paper 12. The acquisition destination of the recording instruction is not particularly limited. For example, the recording instruction may be acquired through the operation unit 17 included in the multifunction machine 10 or may be acquired from an external device through a communication network.

  The recording instruction is supported by, for example, the image data, the size information indicating the size of the sheet 12 on which the image indicated by the image data is to be recorded, and the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B. And tray information indicating whether an image is to be recorded on the paper 12. In the tray information, “first feeding tray” indicating that an image is recorded on the paper 12 supported by the first feeding tray 20A, and an image is recorded on the paper 12 supported by the second feeding tray 20B. “Auto” is set to indicate that the image may be recorded on the paper 12 supported by either the first feed tray 20A or the second feed tray 20B. obtain. In the following description, it is assumed that “first feeding tray” is set in the tray information.

  The control unit 130 executes a feeding process in response to obtaining the recording instruction (S11). The feeding process is a process of causing the leading end of the paper 12 supported by the first feeding tray 20 </ b> A to reach the transport roller unit 54. Specifically, in step S <b> 11, the control unit 130 drives the conveyance motor 102 to rotate in the reverse direction until the leading edge of the paper 12 supported by the first feeding tray 20 </ b> A reaches the conveyance roller unit 54. Roller 25A is rotated forward.

  Next, the control unit 130 controls the first feeding tray 20A on the basis of the detection signal output from the registration sensor 120 when the rotation number of the feeding roller 25A exceeds the threshold rotation number in the feeding process. The presence or absence of the paper 12 is detected (S12). The “threshold rotation speed” refers to, for example, a predetermined rotation speed necessary for causing the leading edge of the paper 12 supported on the first feeding tray 20A to reach the installation position of the registration sensor 120.

  In response to the high level signal being output from the registration sensor 120 (S12: No), the control unit 130 causes the display unit 14 to display a no-paper notification screen (S13). For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the no-paper notification screen includes a message indicating that the paper 12 does not exist on the first feeding tray 20A. The process of step S13 is an example of a first display process. In addition, the image displayed on the display unit 14 in step S13 is an example of a display image. Further, the high level signal output from the registration sensor 120 when the rotation speed of the feed roller 25A exceeds the threshold rotation speed is an example of a signal indicating that the sheet 12 does not exist in the first feed tray 20A. .

  And the control part 130 performs the process after step S11 again according to having acquired the restart instruction | indication (S14: Yes). The restart instruction is an instruction indicating that the print processing according to the recording instruction is re-executed. A specific example of the restart instruction is not particularly limited. For example, a series of operations for removing and attaching the first feeding tray 20A may be used as the restart instruction. That is, the control unit 130 responds to the fact that the mounting signal for the first feeding tray 20A is output from the tray sensor 123 after the non-mounting signal for the first feeding tray 20A is output from the tray sensor 123 (S14). : Yes), the processing after step S11 may be executed again.

  On the other hand, in response to the low level signal being output from the registration sensor 120 (S12: Yes), the control unit 130 performs cueing processing (S15). The cueing process is a process for causing the paper 12 to reach a position where the area where the recorded image is first recorded faces the recording head 39. Specifically, in step S15, the control unit 130 drives the transport motor 102 to rotate forward until the region where the image is first recorded reaches a position facing the recording head 39. The discharge roller 62 is rotated forward.

  Next, the control unit 130 executes end detection processing (S16). The edge detection process is a process of detecting the position of the edge 9 in the left-right direction 9 of the paper 12 facing the recording head 39 by the cueing process. Specifically, in step S <b> 16, the control unit 130 moves the carriage 23 in the left-right direction 9 in a state where light is emitted from the light emitting unit of the media sensor 122. Then, the control unit 130 determines the position where the detection signal output from the media sensor 122 has changed from a state above the threshold value to a state below the threshold value, and the position where the detection signal output from the state below the threshold value has changed to a state above the threshold value. It is detected as the end position of.

  Further, the control unit 130 detects the size of the paper 12 fed from the first feeding tray 20 </ b> A based on the end position of the paper 12. For example, the control unit 130 stores the size of the paper 12 and the end position of the paper 12 of the size in the ROM 132 or the like in association with each other. Then, the paper size corresponding to the end position detected by the media sensor 122 is detected as the size of the paper 12 fed from the first feeding tray 20A. The process of step S16 is an example of a detection process.

  In response to the difference between the size indicated by the size information included in the recording instruction and the size of the paper 12 detected in step S16 (S17: No), the control unit 130 displays a size mismatch notification screen on the display unit 14. (S18). In the size mismatch notification screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the size of the paper 12 specified by the recording instruction is different from the size of the paper 12 fed from the first feeding tray 20A. Contains a message to indicate. The process of step S13 is an example of a third display process. Moreover, the image displayed on the display part 14 in step S18 is another example of a display image.

  Next, after displaying the size mismatch notification screen, the control unit 130 executes a discharge process for discharging the paper 12 to the discharge tray 21 (S19). Specifically, the control unit 130 drives the conveyance motor 102 to rotate forward so that the rollers 60 and 62 rotate normally until the rear end of the sheet 12 passes through the discharge roller unit 55. Note that the execution order of steps S18 and S19 is not limited to the example of FIG. 4, and may be executed in reverse order or in parallel. And the control part 130 performs the process after step S11 again according to having acquired the restart instruction | indication (S20: Yes). A specific example of the restart instruction may be common to step S14.

  On the other hand, the control unit 130 executes the recording process in response to the size indicated by the size information included in the recording instruction and the size of the sheet 12 detected in step S16 (S17: Yes) ( S21). The recording process is a process for recording the recording image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction on the paper 12. Specifically, the control unit 130 discharges ink from the nozzles 40 to the paper 12 facing the recording head 39, and performs a predetermined line feed in the transport direction 16 to the transport roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55. The carrying process for carrying the paper 12 by the width is repeatedly executed.

  Next, in response to the completion of the recording process, the control unit 130 executes a discharge process for discharging the paper 12 on which the recorded image is recorded to the discharge tray 21 (S22). A specific example of the discharge process may be common to step S19. Thereafter, the control unit 130 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S11 to S23 until all the image recording included in the recording instruction is finished (S23: No).

[Process when feeding tray is missing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a process when the feeding tray is removed will be described. This process is executed by the CPU 131 of the control unit 130. The following processes may be executed by the CPU 131 reading out and executing a program stored in the ROM 132, or may be realized by a hardware circuit mounted on the control unit 130. The processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed when the tray sensor 123 detects that the first feeding tray 20 </ b> A or the second feeding tray 20 </ b> B is detached from the printer unit 11. That is, the control unit 130 executes the process shown in FIG. 5 in response to the signal output from the tray sensor 123 changing from the mounting signal to the non-mounting signal.

  As an example, in response to the user viewing the no-paper notification screen displayed on the display unit 14 in step S13 in FIG. 4 and pulling out the first feeding tray 20A to replenish the paper 12, FIG. The process shown in FIG. As another example, in response to the user viewing the size mismatch notification screen displayed on the display unit 14 in step S18 in FIG. 4 and pulling out the first feeding tray 20A to replace the paper 12, FIG. 5 is executed. That is, the process shown in FIG. 5 is an interrupt process executed during the image recording process. However, the process shown in FIG. 5 is not limited to the time during the image recording process.

  First, the process shown in FIG. 5 branches depending on whether the image recording process shown in FIG. 4 is being executed (S31). In response to the image recording process being executed (S31: Yes) and the second feeding tray 20B that is not the sheet feeding source in the image recording process being pulled out (S32: No). Then, a type information setting screen for accepting a user operation to change the type information of the second feeding tray 20B is displayed on the display unit 14 (S33). For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the type information setting screen is for changing the type information and a message for informing the set value of the current type information set for the second feeding tray 20B. And a “No” button indicating that the type information is not changed. The process in step S33 is an example of a second display process. The images shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are other examples of display images.

  The control unit 130 displays the change information selection screen illustrated in FIG. 8A on the display unit 14 in response to the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping the “Yes” button on the type information setting screen. . For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the change information selection screen includes a “paper type” button indicating that the type information is changed, a “paper size” button indicating that the size information is changed, A “complete” button indicating that the operation for changing the type information has been completed. Further, the “paper type” button and the “paper size” button display the current setting values of the information.

  Then, the control unit 130 causes the display unit 14 to display a paper type selection screen shown in FIG. 8B in response to the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping the “paper type” button. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the paper type selection screen includes a “thin paper” button, a “plain paper” button, a “postcard” button, and a “thick paper” button. Each button indicates the type of paper 12 that can be supported by the second feeding tray 20B. Then, the controller 130 changes the type information set for the second feeding tray 20B from “plain paper” to “ Change to "Thin paper". The same applies when other buttons are tapped.

  On the other hand, the control unit 130 displays the paper size selection screen shown in FIG. 8C in response to the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping the “paper size” button included in the change information selection screen. It is displayed on the display unit 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the paper size selection screen includes a “letter” button, an “A4” button, a “legal” button, and a “special” button. Each button indicates the size of the paper 12 that can be supported by the second feeding tray 20B. Then, the control unit 130 changes the size information set for the second feeding tray 20B from “A4” to “letter” in response to, for example, the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping the “letter” button. Change to The same applies when other buttons are tapped.

  In response to the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping the “No” button included in the type information setting screen or an operation of tapping the “Complete” button included in the change information selection screen ( S34: Yes), a tray missing notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the tray missing notification screen includes a message that prompts the user to attach the second feeding tray 20 </ b> B to the printer unit 11.

  Then, the control unit 130 responds that the mounting signal of the second feeding tray 20B is output from the tray sensor 123 (S35: Yes), that is, the second feeding tray 20B is mounted on the printer unit 11. Accordingly, the processing shown in FIG. In addition, when the 2nd feeding tray 20B is mounted before the process which changes classification information is complete | finished (S34: No) (S35: Yes), the display of a tray missing notification screen is abbreviate | omitted.

  On the other hand, when the image recording process is being executed, the control unit 130 responds that the first feeding tray 20A, which is the feeding source of the paper 12 in the image recording process, has been pulled out (S32: Yes). Instead of the type information setting screen, a tray missing notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S38). For example, in step S <b> 38, the control unit 130 may display on the display unit 14 a tray missing notification screen in which the “second feeding tray” in FIG. 7B is changed to the “first feeding tray”. Then, the control unit 130 responds that the mounting signal of the first feeding tray 20A is output from the tray sensor 123 (S39: Yes), that is, that the first feeding tray 20A is mounted on the printer unit 11. Accordingly, the processing shown in FIG.

  More specifically, the control unit 130 displays either the state where the no-paper notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S36: Yes), or both the no-paper notification screen and the size mismatch notification screen. When the first feeding tray 20A is pulled out (S36: No & S37: No) (S32: Yes), a tray missing notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 instead of the type information setting screen. (S38). On the other hand, in a state where the size mismatch notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S37: Yes), the control unit 130 determines that the type information is received in response to the first feeding tray 20A being pulled out (S32: Yes). A setting screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S33).

  On the other hand, the control unit 130 responds that the image recording process is not being executed (S31: No) and the scanner setting screen shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the display unit 14 (S40: Yes). ) After the display of the scanner setting screen is completed (S41: Yes), the type information setting screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S42). That is, the control unit 130 stands by for display of the type information setting screen while the scanner setting screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S41: No). Since the process of steps S42 to S44 is common to the process of steps S33 to S35, the description thereof will be omitted.

  The scanner setting screen is a screen showing conditions for executing the scanner process. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, a “resolution” button for setting the resolution of the image data and the number of colors of the image data are set. It includes a “number of colors” button, a “file format” button for setting the file format of the image data, and a “complete” button indicating that the operation for setting the execution condition has ended. In addition, the current setting value of the information is displayed on the “resolution” button, the “number of colors” button, and the “file format” button.

  Then, the control unit 130 causes the display unit 14 to display the resolution selection screen illustrated in FIG. 9B in response to an operation of tapping the “resolution” button being detected by the operation unit 17. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the resolution selection screen includes a “150 × 150 dpi” button, a “300 × 300 dpi” button, a “600 × 600 dpi” button, and a “1200 × 1200 dpi” button. . Each button indicates the resolution of image data that can be generated by scanner processing. Then, the control unit 130 changes the resolution of the image data generated by the scanner processing from “300 × 300 dpi” to “600” in response to the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping a “600 × 600 dpi” button, for example. X600 dpi ". The same applies when other buttons are tapped.

  Similarly, the control unit 130 displays a screen for selecting setting values for each information in response to the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping the “number of colors” button and the “file format” button. 14 is displayed. The process of displaying the scanner setting screen on the display unit 14 is an example of a fourth display process. The scanner setting screen and the resolution selection screen are examples of display images related to the scanner unit. Then, the control unit 130 ends the display of the scanner setting screen in response to the operation unit 17 detecting an operation of tapping the “complete” button included in the scanner setting screen (S41: Yes).

  That is, for example, the control unit 130 displays the type information setting screen while the scanner setting screen and a screen displayed by tapping a button included in the scanner setting screen are displayed on the display unit 14 (S41: No). Just wait. Then, the control unit 130 displays the type information setting screen on the display unit 14 in response to, for example, an operation of tapping the “complete” button included in the scanner setting screen being detected by the operation unit 17 (S41: Yes). What is necessary is just to display (S42).

  In other words, the control unit 130, for example, while the scanner setting screen and the lower screen of the scanner screen among the plurality of hierarchized screens that can be displayed on the display unit 14 are displayed on the display unit 14 ( (S41: No), the display of the type information setting screen may be waited. Then, for example, at the timing when a screen higher than the scanner setting screen is displayed on the display unit 14, the control unit 130 may interrupt the display of the screen and display the type information setting screen on the display unit 14.

  On the other hand, in response to the fact that the image recording process is not being executed (S31: No) and the no-paper notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S40: No & S45: Yes), the control unit 130 sets the type information. Instead of the screen, a tray missing notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S46). Since the processes in steps S46 and S47 are the same as the processes in steps S38 and S39, the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the control unit 130 responds that the image recording process is not being executed (S31: No) and the screen displayed on the display unit 14 is neither the scanner setting screen nor the no-paper notification screen (S40: No & S45). : No), the type information setting screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S42).

  FIG. 9C is an example of a function selection screen for selecting a function to be executed by the multifunction machine 10, which is neither a scanner setting screen nor a paper out notification screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, the function selection screen includes a “Fax” button, a “Print” button, and a “Scan” button. In response to the operation of tapping the “Fax” button being detected by the operation unit 17, the control unit 130 displays a display image related to the FAX unit on the display unit 14 and the operation of tapping the “Print” button In response to the detection by the operation unit 17, a display image related to the printer unit 11 is displayed on the display unit 14, and the operation to tap the “Scan” button is detected by the operation unit 17. Is displayed on the display unit 14.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, in principle, the type information setting screen is displayed in response to the feeding tray being pulled out (S33, S42). On the other hand, the type information setting screen is exceptionally not displayed when the feeding tray is pulled out in a state where the predetermined conditions (S31, S32, S36, S37, S40, S41, and S45) are satisfied. As described above, the type information setting screen is displayed on the display unit 14 at an appropriate timing according to the operation state of the multifunction machine 10.

  First, when the paper 12 on the feeding tray runs out (that is, when the no-paper notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14), the user replenishes the first feeding tray 20A with the paper 12 of the same size. Probability is high. That is, since the possibility that the type information is changed at this timing is low, it is considered that the necessity to display the type information setting screen is low.

  As an example, in the state where the image recording process is being performed (S31: Yes) and the no-paper notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S36: Yes), the first feeding tray 20A is pulled out. Accordingly, instead of displaying the type information setting screen (that is, without executing the second display process), it is desirable to display the tray missing notification screen (S38). As another example, the control unit 130 does not perform the image recording process (S31: No) and displays the no-paper notification screen (S40: No & S45: Yes). Instead of displaying the type information setting screen in response to the feeding tray 20B being pulled out, it is desirable to display a tray missing notification screen (S46).

  Note that the case where the no-paper notification screen is displayed at a timing when the image recording process is not being performed may be, for example, a case where “Auto” is set in the tray information included in the recording instruction. The control unit 130 that has acquired the recording instruction in which “Auto” is set in the tray information records the recorded image on the sheet 12 picked up from the first feeding tray 20A in the image recording process. When the paper 12 on the first feeding tray 20A runs out during the image recording process, the control unit 130 picks up the paper 12 from the second feeding tray 20B and displays an image without displaying the paper out notification screen. Continue processing. Then, after the image recording process is completed, the control unit 130 causes the display unit 14 to display a no-paper notification screen indicating that the paper 12 does not exist on the first feeding tray 20A.

  On the other hand, when the size indicated by the size information is different from the size of the paper detected in step S16 (S17: No), the user selects the paper 12 placed on the first feeding tray 20A as appropriate. There is a high possibility of switching to the paper 12 of size (ie, the size indicated by the size information). That is, the possibility that the type information is changed at this timing is considered high. Therefore, the control unit 130 is pulling out the first feeding tray 20A while the image recording process is being performed (S31: Yes) and the size mismatch notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (S36: No & S37: Yes). Depending on the situation (S32: Yes), it is desirable to display the type information setting screen (S33).

  Also, if the type information setting screen is displayed by interrupting the scanner setting screen or the like displayed on the display unit 14 (that is, a display image related to a processing unit other than the printer unit 11), there is a possibility that the user's operation may be hindered. Therefore, the control unit 130 responds that the first feeding tray 20A or the second feeding tray 20B is pulled out during the display of the scanner setting screen (S40: Yes), after the display of the scanner setting screen is finished (S41). :)), it is desirable to display the type information setting screen (S42).

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the tray missing notification screen is displayed on the display unit 14 instead of the type information setting screen has been described, but the processing executed instead of the second display processing is not limited to this. Further, in the present embodiment, during the image recording process for the paper 12 fed from the first feeding tray 20A, the first feeding tray 20A is pulled out, or the second feeding tray 20B is pulled out. Although the case has been described, the same can be considered during the image recording process for the paper 12 fed from the second feeding tray 20B. On the other hand, when the image recording process is not in progress (S31: No), the same process is executed regardless of which of the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B is pulled out (S40 to S47).

  In this embodiment, the example in which the registration sensor 120 is used to detect the presence or absence of the paper 12 on the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the paper 12 may be attached to each of the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the size of the paper 12 is detected using the media sensor 122 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first feeding tray 20A and the second feeding tray 20B may be provided with a sensor for detecting the position of the side guide that positions the end of the sheet 12 in the left-right direction 9.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Multifunction machine 11 ... Printer part 14 ... Display part 20A ... 1st feeding tray 20B ... 2nd feeding tray 120 ... Registration sensor 121 ... Rotary encoder 122- .... Media sensor 123 ... Tray sensor 130 ... Control unit 134 ... EEPROM

Claims (8)

A detachable first feeding tray;
A printer unit for recording a recorded image on a sheet fed from the first feeding tray;
A first sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of a sheet on the first feeding tray;
A second sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of the first feeding tray;
A storage unit that stores type information indicating a type of sheet supported by the first feeding tray;
A display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of display images;
A control unit, and
The control unit
A printing process for causing the printer unit to record the recording image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction on the sheet;
In response to the signal indicating that the sheet is not on the first feed tray is outputted from the first sensor, the said display image indicating that the sheet is not on the first feed tray A first display process to be displayed on the display unit;
The display image indicating that a user operation to change the type information is received in response to a non-mounting signal indicating that the first feeding tray is in a non-mounting state is output from the second sensor. A second display process to be displayed on the display unit,
During the execution of the print process and the first display process, the second display process is not executed in response to the non-mounting signal being output from the second sensor .
Further, the recording instruction includes size information indicating a size of a sheet on which an image is to be recorded,
The control unit
A detection process for detecting the size of the sheet fed from the first feeding tray;
A third display process for causing the display unit to display the display image indicating that the size of the sheet is different according to the difference between the size indicated by the size information and the size detected by the detection process; Run
The non-mounting signal of the first feeding tray is output from the second sensor during execution of the printing process and the third display process on the sheet fed from the first feeding tray. In response, an image recording apparatus that executes the second display process . A second feed tray that is detachable independently of the first feed tray;
The second sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment states of the first feeding tray and the second feeding tray,
The controller is configured to execute the print process on the sheet fed from the first feeding tray.
A user's operation to change the type information of the first feeding tray is accepted in response to a non-mounting signal indicating that the first feeding tray is in a non-mounted state being output from the second sensor. Performing the second display process for causing the display unit to display the display image indicating that,
During the execution of the first display process for the first feeding tray, the non-mounting signal indicating that the first feeding tray is not mounted is output from the second sensor. The second display process for causing the display unit to display the display image indicating that a user operation to change the type information of the first feeding tray is received is not executed.
A user's operation to change the type information of the second feeding tray is accepted in response to a non-mounting signal indicating that the second feeding tray is in a non-mounted state being output from the second sensor. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second display process is executed to display the display image indicating the above on the display unit. The image recording apparatus includes a processing unit that executes processing different from the printer unit,
The control unit
Performing a fourth display process for causing the display unit to display the display image relating to the processing unit;
During execution of the fourth display processing, the non-attachment signal in response to output from the second sensor, to claim 1 or 2 executes the second display processing after the end of the fourth display processing The image recording apparatus described. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the processing unit is a scanner unit that reads an image recorded on a document and generates image data, or a FAX unit that performs FAX communication with an external device through a communication line.   A removable feeding tray;
  A printer unit for recording a recorded image on a sheet fed from the feeding tray;
  A first sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of a sheet on the feeding tray;
  A second sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of the feeding tray;
  A storage unit that stores type information indicating the type of sheet supported by the feeding tray;
  A display unit capable of switching and displaying a plurality of display images;
  A control unit, and
  The control unit
  A printing process for causing the printer unit to record the recording image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction on the sheet;
  In response to the output of the signal indicating that no sheet is present on the feeding tray from the first sensor, the display image indicating that no sheet is present on the feeding tray is displayed on the display unit. A first display process to be performed;
  The display image indicating that the user's operation to change the type information is received in response to the output of the non-mounting signal indicating that the feeding tray is not mounted from the second sensor. A second display process to be displayed on the screen,
  During the execution of the print process and the first display process, the second display process is not executed in response to the non-mounting signal being output from the second sensor.
  The image recording apparatus further includes a processing unit that executes processing different from the printer unit,
  The control unit
  Performing a fourth display process for causing the display unit to display the display image relating to the processing unit;
  An image recording apparatus that executes the second display process after the end of the fourth display process in response to the output of the non-mounting signal from the second sensor during the execution of the fourth display process. 6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the processing unit is a scanner unit that reads an image recorded on a document and generates image data, or a FAX unit that performs FAX communication with an external device through a communication line. A detachable feeding tray, a printer unit that records a recorded image on a sheet fed from the feeding tray, a first sensor that outputs a signal according to the presence or absence of a sheet on the feeding tray, A second sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of the feeding tray, a storage unit that stores type information indicating the type of sheet supported by the feeding tray, and a display that can switch and display a plurality of display images A program executable by a computer comprising:
The program
A printing process for causing the printer unit to record the recording image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction on the sheet;
In response to the output of the signal indicating that no sheet is present on the feeding tray from the first sensor, the display image indicating that no sheet is present on the feeding tray is displayed on the display unit. A first display process to be performed;
The display image indicating that the user's operation to change the type information is received in response to the output of the non-mounting signal indicating that the feeding tray is not mounted from the second sensor. And causing the computer to execute a second display process to be displayed on the screen,
During the execution of the print process and the first display process, the second display process is not executed in response to the non-mounting signal being output from the second sensor .
Further, the recording instruction includes size information indicating a size of a sheet on which an image is to be recorded,
The program
A detection process for detecting the size of the sheet fed from the feeding tray;
A third display process for causing the display unit to display the display image indicating that the size of the sheet is different according to the difference between the size indicated by the size information and the size detected by the detection process; Run
In response to the output of the non-mounting signal of the feeding tray from the second sensor during execution of the printing process and the third display process on the sheet fed from the feeding tray, A program for executing the second display process .   A detachable feeding tray, a printer unit that records a recorded image on a sheet fed from the feeding tray, a first sensor that outputs a signal according to the presence or absence of a sheet on the feeding tray, A second sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state of the feeding tray, a storage unit that stores type information indicating the type of sheet supported by the feeding tray, and a display that can switch and display a plurality of display images A program executable by a computer comprising:
  The program
  A printing process for causing the printer unit to record the recording image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction on the sheet;
  In response to the output of the signal indicating that no sheet is present on the feeding tray from the first sensor, the display image indicating that no sheet is present on the feeding tray is displayed on the display unit. A first display process to be performed;
  The display image indicating that the user's operation to change the type information is received in response to the output of the non-mounting signal indicating that the feeding tray is not mounted from the second sensor. And causing the computer to execute a second display process to be displayed on the screen,
  During the execution of the print process and the first display process, the second display process is not executed in response to the non-mounting signal being output from the second sensor.
  The computer further includes a processing unit that executes processing different from the printer unit,
  The program
  Performing a fourth display process for causing the display unit to display the display image relating to the processing unit;
  A program for executing the second display process after the end of the fourth display process in response to the output of the non-mounting signal from the second sensor during the execution of the fourth display process.

Images