JP2004009668A - Paper feeding/delivering mechanism for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent contamination of a platen caused by a mistake in paper supply and, waste of ink and sheets. <P>SOLUTION: The paper feeding/delivering mechanism for a printer reads a detected signal from sensors S1-S3, obtains the sensor S (R2) which detects the maximum sheet size from among the sensors which detect the sheet, and recognizes the R2 as an actual size for the sheet (a1-a9), as long as all of S0-S(R2) detect the sheet. Printing action is allowed to start, only when the actual sheet size R2 and the printing sheet size R1 set by software agree with each other (a13-a16), which prevents the contamination of the platen 2 caused by ink to be ejected by printing action performed over the sheet width and the waste of ink due to useless ink ejection outside of the sheet, and also prevents the waste of sheet due to an error in use of an excessively large size sheet. When the actual size R2 and the printing sheet size R1 do not agree, the current sheet is discharged and the next sheet is fed to solve an error due to a sheet feeding mistake (a10-a12). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in a paper supply / discharge mechanism of a printer, and more particularly, to an improvement for preventing contamination of a platen and waste of ink and paper.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a printer device that performs a printing operation corresponding to a plurality of paper sizes, for example, a universal cassette capable of storing sheets of various sizes is provided, and the universal cassette is selected from among a plurality of paper sizes. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a printer device that stores a specific size of paper and performs a printing operation.
[0003]
As a technique for coping with misplacement of sheets in a printer of this type, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-24006, the first printing operation after turning on the power or opening and closing the cassette is described. A printer device has been proposed in which the size of a supplied sheet is detected by a sheet feed sensor, and information in a nonvolatile size memory is updated based on the detected information.
[0004]
However, this is based on the premise that only sheets of a specific size are stored in the universal cassette, and cannot deal with a situation where sheets of different sizes are mixed in the cassette.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, many relatively small printers, such as those used in homes and small offices, stack paper directly into the paper feed port of the printer and supply it. In many cases, the generated documents of various sizes are printed alternately.Therefore, there is a possibility that a failure such as performing the next printing operation while leaving an improperly sized sheet in the paper feed port of the printer may occur. high.
[0006]
In the conventional printer device, the paper determination process is not performed on the printer device side, and the printing operation is performed unconditionally based only on the paper size set via the application. When a small-sized sheet is supplied to the printer device, there arises a problem that the platen becomes dirty due to the printing operation exceeding the sheet width, or the ink is discharged outside the sheet and the ink is wasted.
[0007]
On the other hand, if a sheet of paper that is larger than the paper size set via the application is supplied to the printer, there is no concern that the platen will be stained with ink, but excessive margin will be generated on the sheet. In this case, the paper itself is wasted.
[0008]
[Object of the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a paper supply / discharge mechanism for a printer that solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and can prevent platen contamination and waste of ink and paper due to improper paper supply. It is in.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a paper supply / discharge mechanism of a printer having a paper supply port corresponding to a plurality of paper sizes, and in order to achieve the above object, in particular, setting size reading means for reading a paper size set on software. A real size detecting means for detecting the actual size of the paper fed to the printer, and comparing the size of the paper read by the setting size reading means with the actual size of the paper detected by the real size detecting means. Printing means for permitting the start of the printing operation when the determination result by the determining means matches, and prohibiting the start of the printing operation when the determination result by the determining means does not match. Operation limiting means.
[0010]
With the above configuration, the set size reading unit reads the paper size set on the software, and the actual size detection unit detects the actual size of the paper fed to the printer. Next, the size of the sheet read by the set size reading unit and the actual size of the sheet detected by the actual size detection unit are compared by the determination unit, and if they match, the printing operation restriction unit starts the printing operation. Is permitted, and when they do not match, the print operation restricting means prohibits the start of the print operation.
As described above, the printing operation is performed only when the paper size set on the software matches the actual size of the paper fed to the printer. This eliminates waste of ink due to soiling of paper, wasteful ink ejection outside the paper, and waste of paper due to misuse of excessively large paper.
[0011]
Further, the above-described actual size detecting means includes a paper detection sensor provided at a reference position of the paper feed port, a paper size sensor for each paper size arranged in a row in a row with respect to the paper detection sensor, and A paper size sensor corresponding to the maximum paper size is determined based on the detection signal, and when all the paper size sensors smaller than the paper size corresponding to the paper size sensor and the paper detection sensor are simultaneously reacting, the maximum paper size sensor is determined. While the paper size is recognized as the actual size of the paper, a paper feed error is recognized when at least one of the paper size sensor or the paper detection sensor that is smaller than the paper size corresponding to the maximum paper size does not respond. And the actual size recognition means.
[0012]
When such a configuration is applied, the actual size recognition unit first reads the detection signal from each paper size sensor, and detects the maximum paper size from among the paper size sensors that detect the paper. Find a size sensor.
Since these paper size sensors are arranged in rows in order from the small size to the large size in order from the reference position, the paper size sensor detecting the maximum paper size and all the paper sizes smaller than the paper size sensor are used. If the size sensor and the paper detection sensor are reacting at the same time, one side of the paper is properly pressed to the reference position of the paper feed port, and the other end of the paper, that is, the paper width corresponds to the maximum paper size Is detected by the paper size sensor. Therefore, in this case, the actual size recognizing means recognizes the paper corresponding to the largest paper size sensor among the paper size sensors detecting the paper as the actual size of the paper.
In contrast, if at least one of the paper size sensors below the paper size sensor corresponding to the largest paper size among the paper size sensors that detect the paper, or if the paper detection sensor has not detected the paper, This means that the paper being supplied at this time is deformed, or that one side of the paper is not properly pressed against the reference position of the paper feed port.
In this case, since the execution of the printing itself is inappropriate regardless of the appropriateness of the paper size, the actual size recognizing unit abandons the recognition of the actual size of the paper and recognizes that a paper feed error has occurred. In such a case, the printing operation restricting means naturally prohibits the start of the printing operation.
[0013]
In addition to the above configuration, when the determination result by the determination unit does not match or when the recognition result by the actual size recognition unit indicates a paper feed error, the printer is instructed to perform a paper discharge operation and a paper re-feed operation. A retry instruction means may be provided.
[0014]
If paper of an inappropriate size is fed or an error occurs in the paper feeding state, the paper can be automatically ejected and the next paper can be fed. And paper feed errors may be eliminated.
[0015]
Further, in addition to the above configuration, a second actual size detecting unit for detecting an apparent actual size of the sheet discharged from the printer, and a sheet size and a second actual size detection for the sheet read by the set size reading unit. Means for comparing the apparent size of the paper detected by the means with the actual size of the paper to determine a match or non-match; and permitting the continuation of the printing operation when the result of the determination by the second means matches. If the result of the determination by the second determining means does not match, a second printing operation restricting means for prohibiting the continuation of the printing operation may be provided.
[0016]
As described above, at the stage when the paper is supplied to the paper feed port, the presence or absence of the paper size abnormality or the supply abnormality is detected by the determination unit, and the printing is performed by the print operation restriction unit only when there is no paper size abnormality or the supply abnormality. Although the start of the operation is permitted, the supply of the sheet is not always performed properly in the entire process from the start to the end of the printing.
Therefore, in this configuration, furthermore, the second actual size detecting means for detecting the apparent actual size of the paper ejected from the printer, the size of the paper read by the set size reading means and the second actual size detection Means for comparing the apparent size of the paper detected by the means with the actual size of the paper to determine whether or not there is a match. If the result of the determination by the second determination means matches, the second print operation restricting means is provided. While the continuation of the printing operation is permitted, the continuation of the printing operation is prohibited by the second printing operation restricting unit when the determination result by the second determining unit does not match.
Since printing has already started, it is certain that the true size of the paper supplied at this time matches the paper size set in the software.However, the paper may bend or bend during the printing process. In some cases, the printer may be tilted or become unsuitable for printing.
The second actual size detection unit detects the apparent actual size of the paper in the same manner as the above-described actual size detection unit, and determines whether the apparent actual size matches the paper size set on the software. I do.
If the results of the determination by the second determination means match, it means that the paper is not bent or skewed, so the second print operation restriction means permits the continuation of the print operation. Further, when the determination results by the second determination unit do not match, even if the paper size itself is appropriate, the paper is bent or the paper is inclined, and an abnormality has occurred in the apparent actual size. This means that the second print operation restricting unit prohibits the continuation of the print operation, and prevents the occurrence of jamming and the progress of jamming.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a printer according to an embodiment to which a paper supply / discharge mechanism according to the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a main part of a control system of the printer according to the embodiment. is there.
[0018]
The general structure of the printer is already known, and the applicability of the paper supply / discharge mechanism of the present invention does not depend on the structure of the printer. Therefore, FIGS. 1 and 2 show components of the printer itself. Is omitted, and only the relationship between the paper detection sensor and the mounting position of the paper size sensor which constitute a part of the actual size detection means provided in the paper supply / discharge mechanism of the printer is shown.
[0019]
FIG. 1 shows a peripheral structure of a paper feed port 1 of a printer, wherein reference numeral 2 denotes a platen, and reference numeral 3 denotes a roller for feeding a sheet. A sheet P of an arbitrary size is fed toward the platen 2 from the side of the sheet feeding port 1 by rotation of a roller 3 constituting a part thereof.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, a paper detection sensor S0 is provided at a reference position on one side of the paper supply port 1, and a paper size sensor for each paper size is arranged in a row with respect to the paper detection sensor S0. S1, S2, and S3 are provided in order. In the present embodiment, the paper size sensor S1 is for detecting A6 paper, the paper size sensor S2 is for detecting B5 paper, and the paper size sensor S3 is for detecting A4 paper.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control system of the printer includes a CPU 7 for driving and controlling a paper transport unit 4, a carriage drive unit 5, a print head 6, and the like, which are configured by a paper supply roller 3 and the like. , A ROM 8 storing a control program of the CPU 7, and a RAM 9 for temporarily storing data on arithmetic processing, print data, and the like. Each of the paper transport unit 4, the carriage drive unit 5, and the print head 6 is The driving is controlled by the CPU 7 via the driver circuits 10, 11, and 12 and the input / output circuit 13.
[0022]
The input / output interface 14 is for inputting and outputting data between the host device 15 such as a personal computer and the CPU 7 on the printer side. The print data sent from the host device 15 is temporarily stored in the RAM 9 via the input / output interface 14 and the CPU 7, and based on the print data, under the control of the CPU 7, the sheet transport unit 4, the carriage drive unit 5, the print head 6 is drive-controlled.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, the print paper size set by software such as various application programs mounted on the host device 15 is also read by the CPU 7 via the input / output interface 14.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, in addition to these known elements, signals from the above-described paper detection sensor S0 and paper size sensors S1, S2, and S3 are input to the CPU 7 via the input / output circuit 16. Based on signals from these sensors, the CPU 7 operating as a function realizing means of the real size detecting means, the real size recognizing means, the determining means, the printing operation restricting means and the retry instruction means executes various processes.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the print control operation by the CPU 7.
[0026]
Next, referring to FIG. 3, the processing operation of the CPU 7 functioning as a set size reading unit, an actual size detecting unit, an actual size recognizing unit, a determining unit, a printing operation limiting unit, and a retry instruction unit will be specifically described.
[0027]
The CPU 7 that has started the print control operation first receives print data from the higher-level device 15 via the input / output interface 14 and temporarily stores the print data in the RAM 9. Is read (step a1), and this value is stored in the set size storage register R1 (step a2). However, in this embodiment, i = 1 indicates A6 paper, i = 2 indicates B5 paper, and i = 3 indicates A4 paper.
[0028]
Next, the CPU 7 functioning as the actual size recognizing means initializes the value of the actual size storage register R2 and the value of the sensor search index j to 0 (step a3), and increments the value of the sensor search index j by 1 (step a4). ), A sheet detection signal from the sheet size sensor S (j) corresponding to the value of the index j is read, and it is determined whether or not the sheet size sensor S (j) detects the sheet P at the sheet feeding port 1. (Step a5).
[0029]
If the paper size sensor S (j) has detected the paper P, the CPU 7 functioning as the actual size recognizing means updates and stores the current value of the sensor search index j in the real size storage register R2 (step S1). a6) If the paper size sensor S (j) has not detected the paper P, the CPU 7 holds the current value of the actual size storage register R2 as it is.
[0030]
Next, the CPU 7 functioning as the actual size recognizing means determines whether or not the value of the sensor search index j has reached the maximum value n of the paper size sensor (step a7). Steps a4 to a6 are repeatedly executed.
[0031]
In this embodiment, the value of n is 3, and the above-described processing of step a4 to step a6 is repeated three times, whereby the detection state of the sheet by each of the sheet size sensors S1, S2, and S3 is detected. , The value of j corresponding to the paper size sensor detecting the maximum paper size is stored in the actual size storage register R2.
[0032]
In the example of FIG. 1, since the paper size sensors S1 and S2 detect the paper P and the paper size sensor S3 does not detect the paper P, the final value stored in the actual size storage register R2 is 2. .
[0033]
In this way, by repeating the processing of steps a4 to a6, the largest sheet size among the sheet size sensors that are actually detecting the sheet P based on the detection signals from the respective sheet size sensors S1, S2, S3. A paper size sensor S (R2) corresponding to the size is required.
[0034]
Next, the CPU 7 functioning as the actual size recognizing means determines that all the paper size sensors S (1) to S (R2) and the paper detection sensor S0 that are equal to or smaller than the paper size corresponding to the paper size sensor S (R2) Is detected, that is, it is determined whether all of the sensors S (0) to S (R2) are simultaneously detecting the sheet P (step a8). If all of the sensors S (0) to S (R2) are detecting the sheet P at the same time, the CPU 7 functioning as the actual size detecting means determines the sheet size stored in the actual size storage register R2. If there is a sensor that recognizes R2 as the actual size of the paper and does not detect any one of the sensors S (0) to S (R2) that detects the paper P, the CPU 7 that functions as an actual size recognizing unit, Recognize that a paper feed error has occurred.
[0035]
That is, since these sheet size sensors S1 to S3 are arranged in rows in order from the small size to the large size in order from the reference position where the sheet detection sensor S0 is arranged, the sheet size sensors S1 to S4 detect the maximum sheet size. (R2), if all the paper size sensors of the size equal to or smaller than the paper size sensor S (R2) and the paper detection sensor S0 detect the paper P at the same time, one side of the paper P will 1 means that the other end of the sheet P is detected by the sheet size sensor S (R2), that is, the size of the sheet P is the sheet size R2.
[0036]
On the other hand, at least one of the paper size sensors S (R2) and smaller corresponding to the largest paper size among the paper size sensors detecting the paper P, or the paper detection sensor S0 is If P is not detected, the paper P supplied to the paper feed port 1 at this time is deformed, or one side of the paper P is not properly pressed against the reference position of the paper feed port 1. That is, this means that the execution of printing itself is inappropriate regardless of the appropriateness of the paper size, so that the CPU 7 abandons recognition of the actual size of the paper and recognizes that a paper feed error has occurred. Will be.
[0037]
Here, when the determination result of step a8 is true, that is, when the actual size R2 of the sheet is properly detected by the CPU 7 functioning as the actual size detecting means, the CPU 7 further functions as the determining means. Then, the paper size R1 set on the software is compared with the actual paper size R2, and it is determined whether they match or not (step a9).
[0038]
Here, when the determination result of step a8 or step a9 is false, that is, the occurrence of a paper feeding error is detected, or the paper size R1 and the actual paper size R2 set on the software are compared. If a mismatch is detected, the CPU 7 functioning as a print operation restricting unit prohibits the execution of the processing after step a13 related to the print operation.
[0039]
In this case, the CPU 7 determines whether an error message is already displayed on the display of the printer at this time (step a10). If the error message is not displayed, the error message is displayed again on the display of the printer. (Step a11).
[0040]
Then, the CPU 7 functioning as a retry command unit controls the driving of the sheet transport unit 4 via the input / output circuit 13 and the driver circuit 10, and the sheet P supplied to the sheet feed port 1 at this time is set in the unprinted state. The sheet P is discharged as it is, and the next sheet P is again supplied to the sheet feeding port 1 (step a12).
[0041]
Thereafter, the processing after step a3 is repeatedly executed in the same manner as described above, and when the occurrence of a paper feed error and the mismatch of paper sizes are eliminated by the above-described re-feeding operation, that is, the determination results of step a8 and step a9 Are true, the CPU 7 functioning as the print operation restricting means permits the print operation from step a13 on.
[0042]
On the other hand, if the occurrence of a paper feed error or the mismatch of the paper size has not been resolved by performing the above-described re-feed operation, that is, if the determination result of step a8 or step a9 is false, A retry operation (step a12) for failure recovery is performed in the same manner as described above. In this case, since an error message has already been displayed on the display of the printer, the determination result in step a10 is true. The display process of step a11 is omitted, and the display state of the error message is kept as it is.
[0043]
On the other hand, when both the determination results in step a8 and step a9 become true, that is, when there is no abnormality in the paper feeding state, and the paper size R1 and the actual paper size R2 set on the software are different. Is determined to be the same, the CPU 7 functioning as the print operation restricting means permits the start of the print operation.
[0044]
In this case, the CPU 7 first determines whether an error message is displayed on the display of the printer (step a13), and if the error message is displayed, cancels the display of the error message (step a14). If no error message is displayed, the non-display state is maintained. Then, based on the print data read in the RAM 9 in advance, the paper transport unit 4, the carriage drive unit 5, and the print head 6 are driven via the input / output circuit 13 and the respective driver circuits 10, 11, and 12, as in the related art. After the control, the carriage is moved by the carriage driving unit 5 while feeding the paper P by the paper transport unit 4 and the printing is executed by discharging the ink from the print head 6 (step a15), and then the next paper P is supplied. A refeed operation for supplying the paper to the paper exit 1 is performed (step a16).
[0045]
As described above, according to this embodiment, the printing operation is performed only when the paper size R1 set on the software matches the actual size R2 of the paper fed to the printer. Eliminates contamination of the platen 2 due to printing operation exceeding the paper width of P, waste of ink due to wasteful ejection of ink outside the paper P, and waste of paper due to misuse of excessively large paper P. Is done.
[0046]
Further, the printing operation is prohibited even when the paper P is deformed or the paper feeding position is abnormal, so that the deviation of the paper P supply position, the abnormality of the paper P transporting posture, or the paper P itself. It is also possible to prevent the problem such as the protrusion of the ink from the paper P due to the bending or the like.
[0047]
Further, when an abnormality is detected, the paper P supplied to the paper feed port 1 at that time is discharged, and the next paper P is taken into the paper feed port 1 again. It is also possible to automatically eliminate abnormalities and paper feed errors due to differences in size.
[0048]
Next, referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, second actual size detecting means for detecting the apparent actual size of the paper discharged from the printer, and the size of the paper read by the set size reading means and A second determining means for comparing the apparent size with the actual size of the paper to determine whether or not the printing paper does not match; and a second printing operation restriction for prohibiting the continuation of the printing operation when the determination result by the second determining means does not match. An example of a paper supply / discharge mechanism provided with means will be briefly described.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a second paper detection sensor W0 is provided at a reference position on one side of the paper discharge port 17 of the printer, and the second paper detection sensor W0 is arranged in a row with respect to the second paper detection sensor W0. Then, second paper size sensors W1, W2, W3 are provided in order. The structures and functions of the sensors W0 to W3 are substantially the same as those of the sensors S0 to S3 described above.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 5, signals from the second paper size sensor W0 and the second paper size sensors W1, W2, and W3, which constitute a part of the second actual size detection means, are output from the sensors S0 described above. Similarly to S3, the data is input to the CPU 7 via the input / output circuit 16.
[0051]
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the outline of the print control operation by the CPU 7 of the present embodiment.
[0052]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the processing operation of the CPU 7 of the present embodiment functioning as the second actual size detection unit, the second determination unit, and the second print operation restriction unit will be specifically described. I do. However, since the processing of step b1 to step b14 is the same as the processing of step a1 to step a14 described with reference to FIG. 3, the description is omitted here. In other words, the processing up to the start of the actual printing operation is the same in the above-described embodiments and this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the second actual size detecting means and the second The abnormality detected in the paper P is detected by the processing operation of the CPU 7 functioning as the determination unit and the second printing operation restriction unit, and the continuation of the printing operation is limited by the second printing operation restriction unit according to the presence or absence of the abnormality. Is different from the above-described embodiment.
[0053]
Here, on the assumption that the paper size R1 set on the software and the actual size R2 of the paper fed to the printer match, and that an appropriate printing operation is started, the processing from the printing operation start time, That is, the processing after step b15 will be described.
[0054]
Prior to the start of printing, the CPU 7 first initializes the value of the scanning counter Sc to 0 (step b15), and restarts the elapsed time measurement timer T (step b16). Thereafter, based on the value 0 or 1 of the scanning counter Sc, the CPU 7 alternately and repeatedly executes processing required for an actual printing operation and processing for detecting an abnormality occurring during the printing operation as task processing. Will do.
[0055]
First, the CPU 7 determines whether or not the value of the scanning counter Sc is 0 (step b17). Since Sc = 0 in the initial stage, the CPU 7 determines whether the value of the scanning counter Sc is 0 based on the print data previously read into the RAM 9. The paper transport unit 4, the carriage drive unit 5, and the print head 6 are driven and controlled, and the carriage is moved by the carriage drive unit 5 while feeding the paper P by the paper transport unit 4. The printing for the processing cycle is executed (step b18).
[0056]
Next, the CPU 7 determines whether or not printing has been completed in this cycle of processing, that is, whether or not all of the print data read into the RAM 9 has been swept out (step b19). If the printing has not been completed, the CPU 7 sets 1 to the scanning counter Sc (step b20), and ends the processing of the cycle.
[0057]
Therefore, in the processing of the next cycle, the value of the scanning counter Sc is 1, that is, the determination result of step b17 is false, and the CPU 7 determines whether the value measured by the elapsed time measurement timer T has reached the set value t. (Step b21).
[0058]
The set value t is a value of a required time from the printing start time required until the leading edge of the paper P reaches the paper discharge port 17. Therefore, if the value measured by the elapsed time measurement timer T has reached the set value t, it means that the leading end of the paper P has reached the position where the sensors W0 to W3 are provided. Does not reach the set value t, it means that the leading edge of the sheet P has not yet reached the position where the sensors W0 to W3 are provided.
[0059]
If the determination result of step b21 is false, that is, if it is determined that the leading end of the sheet P has not reached the position where the sensors W0 to W3 are provided, the abnormality detection processing by the sensors W0 to W3 is performed. It doesn't matter. Therefore, the CPU 7 sets the scanning counter Sc to 0 (step b29), ending the processing of step b22 and subsequent steps relating to the abnormality detection, and ends the processing of the cycle.
[0060]
As described above, until the leading edge of the sheet P reaches the position where the sensors W0 to W3 are provided, even if the value of the scanning counter Sc becomes 1, the substantial abnormality detection processing is not executed, and the scanning counter is not executed. In the processing cycle in which the value of Sc becomes 0, only the print processing in step b18 described above is repeatedly executed.
[0061]
Then, when it is detected by the determination processing in step b21 that the value measured by the elapsed time measurement timer T has reached the set value t while the printing processing is continued, the apparent actual size of the paper discharged from the printer is determined. CPU 7 functioning as a second actual size detecting means for detecting the actual size, executes the processing of steps b22 to b28, and based on the signals of the sensors W0 to W3 constituting a part of the second actual size detecting means, It is determined whether a paper error has occurred. If the occurrence of a paper feed error is not detected, the CPU 7 further recognizes the apparent actual size R2 of the paper P, and the CPU 7 functioning as a second determination unit determines the apparent actual size R2 of the paper P. It is determined whether the paper size R1 matches the paper size set on the software (steps b22 to b28).
[0062]
The processing in steps b22 to b28 is the same as the processing in steps a3 to a9 in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3 except that the sensors from which signals are to be read are W0 to W3. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.
[0063]
Since printing has already been started, it is certain that the true size of the paper P supplied at this time matches the paper size R1 set on the software, but the paper P is bent in the printing process. In some cases, the paper P may be unsuitable for printing due to the paper P being tilted. In such a case, it is determined whether the second actual size detection unit detects the occurrence of the paper feeding error (the determination result in step b27). Is false) or since the apparent actual size R2 of the paper P does not match the paper size R1 set on the software (the determination result in step b28 is false), it is possible to detect these abnormalities. .
[0064]
Here, if both the determination results of step b27 and step b28 are true, it means that no abnormality such as bending or tilting of the paper P has occurred, and thus it functions as the second printing operation restricting means. The CPU 7 permits the continuation of the printing operation, sets 0 to the scanning counter Sc (step b29), and ends the processing in the cycle.
[0065]
As described above, when no abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection processing executed when the value of the scanning counter Sc is 1, in each processing cycle in which the value of the scanning counter Sc becomes 0, the above-described step b18 is performed. Is repeatedly executed. Then, finally, at the stage where the end of printing is confirmed in the determination processing of step b19, a re-feeding operation of supplying the next sheet P to the paper feed port 1 is performed (step b31, normal end). in the case of).
[0066]
On the other hand, if any abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection process executed when the value of the scanning counter Sc is 1, that is, if the determination result of step b27 or step b28 is false, the second The CPU 7 functioning as the print operation restricting unit prohibits the continuation of the print operation, displays an error message on the display of the printer, and stops the process (step b30).
[0067]
In this case, since the subsequent execution of the printing process (step b18) is prohibited, the printing operation automatically stops at that point.
[0068]
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of jamming and the progress of jamming in the paper P, and it is possible to prevent the paper P from being rounded and crumpled in the printer, or an accident such as being jammed in the mechanism portion. At the same time, it is possible to prevent contamination of the platen 2 and waste of ink caused by a printing operation when the paper P comes off or deforms from the normal transport path.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
The paper supply / discharge mechanism of the printer according to the present invention is configured to allow a printing operation only when the paper size set on the software matches the actual size of the paper fed to the printer. Therefore, contamination of the platen due to ink ejected during printing operation exceeding the paper width, waste of ink due to wasteful ejection of ink outside the paper, and waste of paper due to misuse of excessively large paper can be avoided. Can be prevented.
[0070]
In addition, by providing a paper detection sensor and a paper size sensor for each paper size in the paper feed port, the occurrence of a paper feed error is detected in addition to the actual size of the paper. It has become possible to prohibit the start of the printing operation.
[0071]
In addition, when the paper size set on the software does not match the actual size of the paper fed to the printer or when a paper feeding error is detected, the paper discharging operation and the paper re-feeding operation are performed. Even if paper of an inappropriate size is fed or an error occurs in the paper feeding status, automatically eject the paper and feed the next paper. Thus, it is possible to eliminate an abnormality due to a difference in paper size and a paper feeding error.
[0072]
Further, after the actual printing operation is started, the apparent actual size of the paper discharged from the printer is detected, and if the apparent actual size does not match the paper size set on the software, Since the continuation of the printing operation is prohibited, jamming and the progress of jamming can be prevented even if the paper is bent or tilted during the printing process and becomes unsuitable for printing. In addition, accidents such as the paper being rounded and crumpled in the printer and being jammed in the mechanism are prevented beforehand, and at the same time, due to the printing operation when the paper comes off or deforms from the normal transport path. The contamination of the platen and waste of ink can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a printer according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the printer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing a print control operation of a CPU functioning as an actual size detection unit (actual size recognition unit), a determination unit, a print operation restriction unit, and a retry instruction unit.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a main part of a printer according to another embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the printer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a print control operation of a CPU functioning as an actual size detecting unit (actual size recognizing unit), a determining unit, a printing operation limiting unit, and a retry instruction unit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing a print control operation of a CPU functioning as a second actual size detection unit, a second determination unit, and a second print operation restriction unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Paper feed port
2 Platen
3 rollers
4 Paper transport unit
5 Carriage drive unit
6 print head
7. CPU (setting size reading means, actual size detecting means, actual size recognizing means, determining means, printing operation limiting means, retry instructing means)
8 ROM
9 RAM
10, 11, 12 driver circuit
13 I / O circuit
14 Input / output interface
15 Host device
16 I / O circuit
17 Exit
P paper
S0 paper detection sensor (part of actual size detection means, for paper feed confirmation)
S1 paper size sensor (part of actual size detection means, for A6 paper)
S2 paper size sensor (part of actual size detection means, for B5 paper)
S3 paper size sensor (part of actual size detection means, for A4 paper)
W0 Second paper detection sensor (part of second actual size detection means)
W1 Second paper size sensor (part of second actual size detection means)
W2 Second paper size sensor (part of second actual size detection means)
W3 Second paper size sensor (part of second actual size detection means)

Claims (4)

A paper supply / discharge mechanism of a printer having a paper supply port corresponding to a plurality of paper sizes, a setting size reading unit for reading a paper size set on software, and a real size of the paper fed to the printer. An actual size detecting means for detecting, a determining means for comparing the size of the paper read by the setting size reading means with the actual size of the paper detected by the actual size detecting means to determine a match or not; A printing operation restricting unit that permits the start of the printing operation when the determination result by the means matches, and prohibits the start of the printing operation when the determination result by the determining unit does not match. Printer paper feeding and discharging mechanism. The actual size detecting means includes a paper detection sensor provided at a reference position of a paper supply port, a paper size sensor for each paper size arranged in a row in a row with respect to the paper detection sensor, and detection from each of the paper size sensors. A paper size sensor corresponding to the maximum paper size is obtained based on the signal, and when all the paper size sensors smaller than the paper size corresponding to the paper size sensor and the paper detection sensor are simultaneously reacting, the maximum paper size sensor is determined. While recognizing the paper size as the actual paper size, if at least one of the one or more paper size sensors or the paper detection sensor that is equal to or smaller than the paper size corresponding to the maximum paper size does not respond, a paper feed error occurs. 2. The paper feeding and discharging mechanism of a printer according to claim 1, further comprising a real size recognizing means for recognizing the paper. Retry instructing means for instructing the printer to perform a paper discharging operation and a paper re-feeding operation when the determination result by the determining means does not match and when the recognition result by the actual size recognizing means indicates a paper feeding error; 3. The paper supply / discharge mechanism for a printer according to claim 2, wherein the paper supply / discharge mechanism is provided. Second actual size detection means for detecting the apparent actual size of the paper discharged from the printer; and the paper size read by the set size reading means and the apparent size detected by the second real size detection means. A second determining means for comparing the actual size of the upper sheet with the actual size of the paper to determine a match or non-match, and when the determination results by the second determining means match, the continuation of the printing operation is permitted; 3. The paper feeding / discharging mechanism of a printer according to claim 1, further comprising a second printing operation restricting unit that prohibits a continuation of the printing operation when the determination result by the determining unit does not match.

Images