JPS63310457A - Using order determining system for paper discharge tray in printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate management by providing overflow means to a plurality of paper discharge trays and switching the paper discharge tray corresponding to overflow state while stopping the device when all trays are overflowed. CONSTITUTION:When a device is started, a first lower sta.e paper discharge tray 15 is normally assigned for a main controller 22 through mode M, and when an overflow detecting means 20a detects overflow, second to n-th upper stage paper discharge trays 16...N are assigned sequentially while being detected through overflow detection means 20b...20c. The control means 22d controls a paper discharge switching means 22c while simultaneously controls a phase down/up stack selecting means 22e based on input information so as to operate the device such that printing is carried out according to page. Upon detection that all paper discharge trays 15-N are overflowed, a stopping means 22b stops the device. Consequently, management of operator can be facilitated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a method for determining the order in which the paper ejection trays are used based on the overflow state of the paper ejection trays in a printer or the like having a plurality of paper ejection trays.

(Prior art) In conventional printers, even if the paper that is printed out based on the input information overflows the paper output tray, it will remain as it is, and this state will be detected and the paper will be sent to multiple paper output trays. , there was no processing method to properly switch to another empty paper output tray. In addition, since the printer prints based on the input information, it uses a so-called phase-down stacking method in which the pages are stacked with the print side facing down and the pages are ordered, but this is done for multiple paper output trays. Until now, no treatment method has been found.

On the other hand, mailboxes, sorters, etc. of copying machines, etc.
Since priority is set in order from the top in the phase-up stack, if you copy the original from the later pages, the pages will be in order when the copying is finished, and no problems will occur.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a laser printer having a plurality of paper ejection trays, and the paper sent out from the first to third paper feed trays 1 to 3 is stored in the J[part 4. An image formed on a photoreceptor 6 drum 7 by an optical writing device 5 and a developing device 6 is transferred onto a sheet by a transfer separation charger 8 and sent to a fixing device 10 . From here, the paper is sorted into upper, lower, or straight forward direction by a switching claw of the conveyance switching section 11. Here, items such as envelopes that do not want to be transported on the curved portion immediately after fixing go straight and are ejected to the phase-up tray 12, and items that are to be printed on both sides enter the reversing section 13, where the front and back sides are reversed and arrowed at the arrow A.
The image is then sent to the photoreceptor drum 7 again and printed. Further, normal paper with single-sided printing is sent to the upper part and discharged to the first stray paper tray 15 or the second stray paper tray 16 by the switching claw 14. In this case, if there is also a third paper ejection tray, two switching claws 14 are required.

When there are multiple paper output trays such as the laser printer mentioned above,
Previously, it was not possible to tell how much paper was loaded on the paper output tray or whether there was overflow. Further, when printing information sent from a computer, the information is not arranged in page order and stacked on multiple paper ejection trays, which is a problem.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As mentioned above, in a printer, etc., when the loading status of print paper in multiple trays is not known and an overflow occurs, there are measures such as distributing the paper to other output trays. There was no problem with the paper output tray. Furthermore, there is no phase-down stacking function for multiple paper output trays, which is often inconvenient for use.

(Structure and Operation) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a means for stopping the operation of the apparatus based on the output of the overflow detection means, a means for determining whether or not to continue accepting prints, and a means for discharging paper to another paper discharge tray. a switching means, a control means that constantly monitors the overflow state, controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned means, and stops the operation of the apparatus when all the paper output trays are in the overflow state; The present invention is characterized in that it has a sorting means for forming paper into a phase-down stack or a phase-up stack, and a main control section including the control means for controlling each of these means.

As shown in the operational flowchart of FIG. 2, the present invention specifies the paper output tray by mode (M) at the start, and normally the first paper output tray at the lower stage is specified, and this is the first output tray when overflow occurs. is sequentially designated as the second paper discharge tray in the upper stage. In this case, if a paper discharge tray is to be specified when using the printer, paper discharge modes (1) to (m) of m- in FIG. 2 are specified. In addition, phase-down stacking or phase-up stacking is specified based on the input information, and these operations are performed from the printer's operation unit or the like so that the pages are printed in order.

In mode (1) described above, one of the plurality of paper output trays is equipped with an overflow detection means, and upon overflow detection, reception of subsequent print requests is stopped, the paper is ejected to the paper output tray, and the apparatus is stopped. Similarly to mode (1), mode (n) has an overflow detection means in one of the plurality of paper output trays, and when an overflow is detected, the reception of subsequent print requests is stopped; A mode (Ill) includes a means for ejecting paper to a paper ejection tray other than the paper ejection tray and stopping the apparatus, and a mode (Ill) includes an overflow detection means for each of the plurality of paper ejection trays, and a means for detecting an overflow. detects an overflow state, and if there is another paper output tray that is not overflowing, it will continue to accept print requests, and
When the means for discharging the paper continuously to other paper discharge trays that have not overflowed, and when all the paper discharge trays are in the overflow state, the operation in mode (1) is performed.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a control system block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 15.16 to N are the first wandering paper tray to the Nth paper output tray of a printer, etc., and 20a to 20c are overflow trays. It is a sensor of the detection means, and is the above-mentioned paper ejection mode (III).
In the case of paper ejection mode (1) or (II), implementation is possible if there is a sensor in any of the paper ejection trays. Reference numeral 22 denotes a main control unit, which determines whether or not to continue receiving pudding 1 22a and stops the apparatus 22b.

It has control 22d such as paper ejection processing switching 22c and means for phase-down stack/phase-up stack sorting 22e, and determines whether to continue accepting prints, stops the device, and ejects the paper based on the detection signal from the overflow detection means. Performs processing such as switching paper trays and specifying phase town stack and phase up stack for printing.

FIG. 2 shows the operation flowchart of FIG. 1, and the present invention selects a paper discharge tray designation (M) and paper discharge modes (1) to (m) before starting printing.

This is done by the device (e.g. printer)
This is because the control processing is different depending on whether all of 5.16 to N have overflow detection sensors or not. Further, the paper ejection mode may be specified from an operation panel (not shown) or may be specified from the host computer or the main control section 22 via an interface section.

Mode (M) Multiple paper output trays (I: First wandering paper tray 15 in FIG. 5).
II: Corresponding to the second wandering paper tray 16 in FIG.
(15 in FIG. 5) is specified and printing is executed.

If this overflows, detecting means 2
0a causes the main control unit 22 to operate, and the upper paper output tray (
16) in FIG. 5 is specified.

Although the flowchart in FIG. 2 describes the case where the number of paper discharge trays is 1 and 2, the same applies to the case where there are N paper discharge trays.

The operation modes of each of these paper output trays are as follows (1) to (m
).

Mode I) In the case of designation: If any one of the paper discharge trays 15.16 to N has an overflow detection means 20a to 20c, and the other paper discharge trays do not have it, this mode (1) is designated.

In this case, the paper output tray is specified as in route (1), overflow of the specified tray is detected, and if the answer is No, printing continues, and if the answer is YES, printing reception is canceled (operation 22a). , executes the accepted print and stops the apparatus (operation 22b).

Similar to mode (1), there is an overflow detection means 20a to 20C in each of the paper discharge trays 15, 16 to 15N, and there is no overflow detection means 20a to 20C in the other paper discharge trays.

At this time, the output tray is specified as shown in route (n), and if an overflow is detected, print reception is canceled, the output tray is switched (operation 22C), and the accepted prints are Execute and stop the device.

In the case of mode (nI), in this case, all the paper discharge trays 15, 16 to 15N have overflow detection means 20a to 20c, respectively. At this time, a paper discharge tray is specified as in route (I[I), and when an overflow occurs, the tray is switched to an empty tray (operation 22c) and printing continues. Further, if it is determined that there is no empty tray (operation 22d), the print reception in route (1) is canceled and the prints that have already been accepted are executed.

When operating by specifying each mode as described above, if the paper is ejected to a tray different from the initially specified tray, a message to that effect is displayed on the device's operation panel, or a notification is sent to the main control section, and the tray Usage status may also be displayed.

Next, a printer and a copying machine using an electrophotographic method, which are objects of the present invention, will be described. These processes are almost the same except for the optical system, which requires replenishment of toner, photoreceptor, and development.

It has units that need to be cleaned and replaced, such as chargers.

Now, recently, not only toner replenishment but also photoconductor unit,
Machines have been commercialized in which even the cleaning unit can be replaced by the user. Particularly in printers, there is a strong demand for user maintenance, and it is becoming a necessary condition that each replaceable unit can be easily replaced by the user.

In an example of a conventional device of this kind, a plurality of image forming units such as a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit are integrated into one unit, and after a certain period of time, these units are integrated when they are replaced. I try to replace the unit as a whole.

The lifespan and wear and tear of each unit vary depending on its characteristics and usage conditions, so even if a certain unit reaches the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced, other units may still be fully usable.

However, in such an integrated device, since the unit must be replaced at the same time as the unit that needs to be replaced earlier, the cost of parts for each replacement is high, and running costs are inevitably high. This has the disadvantage of imposing a heavy burden on the user.

In addition, in order to eliminate the drawbacks of integrated units, some machines are designed to have separate replacement cycles for each unit, such as the cleaning unit, developing unit, and photoconductor unit, and to replace each unit individually. has been made into

The methods of exchange can be roughly divided into two types.

One method is to pull out each unit individually from the machine body and replace it. This method requires a mechanism for pulling out each unit, and the positions between each unit must be precisely positioned. Not only is it difficult to replace the unit because it is located in a narrow space, but when you take out the unit to be replaced, you may damage other units that are not due for replacement, or the toner may spill and stain the inside. The drawback was that it was easy to do.

Another method is to configure each unit as an image forming unit so that the entire unit can be pulled out of the machine body, and replace each unit from the pulled out unit. With this method, each unit is positioned with the precision necessary for operation within the main body, and then pulled out as it is, making it difficult to remove the unit and making it easy for toner to spill and damage the photoreceptor. There were drawbacks.

In order to eliminate such conventional drawbacks, in order to removably house the replacement unit and pull it out from the machine body integrally, we have provided a replacement unit holding means that is slidable relative to the machine body, and a replacement unit holder. means for detecting the relative position of the means with respect to the machine body, and means for moving a predetermined replacement unit relative to a reference position set for operation within the machine body in response to the detection. There is a device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a laser printer to which the present invention is applied, showing a drawer holding an image forming unit (replaceable unit) pulled out from the laser printer main body. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the drawer shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a drawer 31 is slidably attached to one side of a main body 30 of the laser printer by means of support guide rails 32, 32'.

The drawer 31 includes a photoreceptor unit 33. Developing unit 3
4. Cleaning unit 35. toner cartridge 3
An image forming unit such as 6 is removably housed. When the drawer 31 is pushed into the main body 30, these units are installed in an appropriate positional relationship with each other so that the electrophotographic recording operation can be performed correctly.
and an optical system unit 37 provided on the main body 30 side. Electrostatic charger 38. Static elimination lamp 39. Transfer charger 40
．． It is positioned so as to maintain an appropriate positional relationship with the registration rollers 41 and the like.

By pulling the drawer 31 out of the main body 30, the developing unit 34 and toner cartridge 36 are automatically pulled away from the photoreceptor unit 33 to the right in FIG. 4, and the cleaning unit 35 is automatically moved to the left. Be separated. Due to this isolation of units, when one unit is removed when it is time to replace it,
Since there is some space between adjacent units, the work is easy and the adjacent units are not damaged.

On the front of the drawer 31, there is a handle 4 for pulling out the drawer.
2 is installed. Further, the developing unit 34. Cleaning unit 35. Each toner cartridge 36 is also provided with a handle. However, the handle is omitted and not shown in FIG. 4.

The main body 30 includes a drawer 3 equipped with the above-mentioned image forming unit.
1 and an optical system unit 37 that optically scans the photoreceptor.
and other components, a first paper feed cassette 43 and a second paper feed cassette 44 that supply recording paper, and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image on the recording paper developed by the image forming unit by heating and pressure. 45. It includes a transport section 46 and the like. Further, a transport path 4 is provided at the top of the printer main body 30.
The first part receives the recorded recording paper ejected through the first part.
A paper discharge tray 48 and a second paper discharge tray 49 are provided.

The printer main body 30 also includes a separate mass-feeding unit 50 that is used as a so-called option as needed, and a recording paper that has been recorded on one side that has exited the fixing unit 45, is turned over, and is supplied again to the image forming unit. It is placed on an optional unit 51 consisting of a reversing unit (not shown).

By raising the cover plate 52 and covering the drawer 31 with the drawer 31 housed in the main body, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of lumps and the like and to improve the appearance of the drawer.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, in a printer etc. equipped with a plurality of paper output trays, the plurality of paper output trays are switched according to the overflow state, and printing is processed in page order. Ru. In addition, the operation mode (M) (1) to (
m), the device (printer, etc.) can be operated efficiently. Particularly when the operator is absent, such as at night, if the apparatus is operated in mode (m), the apparatus will stop without having to take out the ejected paper from the tray, making management easier.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a control system block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention,
2 is an operation flowchart of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a laser printer to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the drawer 31 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an electrophotographic method. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a non-impact printer using a printer. 15, 16 to N...1st stray paper tray to Nth stray paper tray, 20a to 20c...1st to Nth overflow detection means, 22...main control unit, 22a...print reception unit Continuation decision means, 22b: device stop means, 22c: discharge processing switching means, 22d: control means, 22e: phase-down stack/phase-up stack sorting means. Patent applicant Rico Co., Ltd. - Figure 1 Figure 3 30 Main body 31 Drawer!・ Branch J! b-4 Dorere A ・ Concealed Unit 34 Ring (Elephant Unit 35 7 Linear Link Unit Concave)

Claims (1)

[Claims] A means for stopping the operation of the apparatus based on the output of the overflow detection means, a means for determining whether or not to continue accepting prints, a switching means for discharging paper to another paper ejection tray, and a means for constantly monitoring the overflow state to operate each of the above means. and a control means for stopping the operation of the apparatus when all the paper output trays are in an overflow state, and a sorting means for converting the print paper stacked on the plurality of paper output trays into a phase-down stack or a phase-up stack. and a main control unit including the control means for controlling each of these means.