JP7459526B2 - Paper feeder, image forming apparatus, and processing execution method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a paper feeding device, an image forming device, and a processing execution method.

An image forming device such as a printer includes a sheet storage section in which sheets are stored, and an insertion section into which the sheet storage section is inserted. In addition, an image forming device that can detect the size of the sheets stored in the sheet storage section when the sheet storage section is inserted into the insertion section is known as related technology (see Patent Document 1).

Specifically, the image forming apparatus according to the related art includes a plurality of switches and a switch switching section. The plurality of switches are arranged vertically in the insertion section, and each switch is switched from an off state to an on state in response to pressure in the insertion direction of the sheet accommodating section. The switch switching section is provided in the sheet accommodating section, and switches some or all of the plurality of switches from an OFF state to an ON state in response to insertion of the sheet accommodating section into the insertion section. In the image forming apparatus according to the related art, when any one of the plurality of switches is switched from an off state to an on state, the number of sheets accommodated in the sheet storage section is determined based on the state of the plurality of switches. Size detected.

JP2012-240821A

In the image forming device according to the related art, when the sheet storage unit is inserted into the insertion unit in a direction facing downward from the insertion direction, and the multiple switches are switched from an OFF state to an ON state due to the insertion, the switch located at the bottom of the multiple switches to be switched is switched later than the switch located at the top. Here, if the interval between the switching timing of the switch that is switched first and the switching timing of the switch that is switched last is long, the sheet size is detected based on the states of the multiple switches during that time, which may result in erroneous detection of the sheet size.

However, in the image forming apparatus according to the related art, when an erroneous detection of the sheet size occurs, processing corresponding to the erroneous detection is not executed.

The object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeder, an image forming device, and a processing execution method that can execute processing to deal with erroneous detection of sheet size when such detection occurs.

A sheet feeding device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a sheet storage section, an insertion section, a plurality of switches, a switch switching section, a detection processing section, a determination processing section, and a processing execution section. The sheet storage section stores sheets. The sheet accommodating portion is inserted into the insertion portion. The plurality of switches are provided corresponding to a plurality of switching positions along a specific plane intersecting the insertion direction of the sheet accommodating section in the insertion section, and each switch is configured to switch the object moving along the insertion direction. The first state is switched to the second state in response to reaching the position. The switch switching section is provided in the sheet accommodating section, and switches some or all of the plurality of switches from the first state to the second state in response to insertion of the sheet accommodating section into the insertion section. When one of the plurality of switches switches from the first state to the second state, the detection processing unit determines the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit based on at least the switch in the second state. Detect. The determination processing section determines whether the states of the plurality of switches have changed at a predetermined determination timing after the detection processing section detects the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet storage section. The processing execution unit executes a predetermined specific process when the determination processing unit determines that the states of the plurality of switches have changed.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the paper feeder and an image forming unit. The image forming unit forms an image based on image data on a sheet fed by the paper feeder.

A process execution method according to another aspect of the present invention includes: a sheet storage section that stores sheets; an insertion section into which the sheet storage section is inserted; and a specific surface of the insertion section that intersects with the insertion direction of the sheet storage section. a plurality of switches provided corresponding to a plurality of switching positions along the insertion direction, each of which switches from a first state to a second state in response to the arrival of the object moving along the insertion direction to the switching position; a switch switching unit provided in the sheet accommodating part and switching some or all of the plurality of switches from the first state to the second state in response to insertion of the sheet accommodating part into the insertion part; executed in a paper device, and when any one of the plurality of switches switches from the first state to the second state, the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage section based on at least the switch in the second state; determining whether or not the states of the plurality of switches have changed at a predetermined timing after detecting the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet storage section; The method includes executing a predetermined specific process when it is determined that the states of the plurality of switches have changed.

The present invention provides a paper feeder, an image forming device, and a processing execution method that can execute processing to address erroneous detection of sheet size when such detection occurs.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cassette insertion portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a switch section of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a switch switching section of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the first size detection process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second size detection process executed in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10A]
First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Here, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A. Also, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10A.

For convenience of explanation, the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction D1 when the image forming apparatus 10A is installed in a usable state (the state shown in FIG. 1). Further, the front-rear direction D2 is defined with the front surface of the image forming apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 1 as the front (front surface). Further, a left-right direction D3 is defined with the front of the image forming apparatus 10A in the installed state as a reference.

The image forming apparatus 10A is a multifunction peripheral having multiple functions such as a scan function, a facsimile function, and a copy function, as well as a print function for forming an image based on image data. Note that the image forming apparatus 10A may be a printer, a facsimile machine, or a copy machine.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the image forming apparatus 10A includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 1, an image reading section 2, an image forming section 3, a paper feed section 4, a control section 5A, an operation display section 6, It includes a storage section 7 and a housing 8.

ADF 1 transports a document to be read by image reading section 2 . Specifically, the ADF 1 includes a document setting section, a plurality of transport rollers, a document holder, and a paper ejecting section. The ADF 1 transports the document placed on the document setting section to the paper discharge section via the image reading section 2's reading position of image data.

The image reading section 2 reads image data from a document. Specifically, the image reading unit 2 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD. The image reading unit 2 reads image data from the original placed on the original table and the original transported by the ADF 1.

The image forming section 3 forms an image based on image data on a sheet supplied from the paper feed section 4 using an electrophotographic method. Specifically, the image forming section 3 includes a photoreceptor drum, a charging device, an optical scanning device, a developing device, a transfer roller, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. The image forming section 3 forms an image on a sheet based on image data read by the image reading section 2 or image data input from an external information processing device such as a personal computer. Note that the image forming section 3 may form an image on the sheet using another image forming method such as an inkjet method.

The paper feed unit 4 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 3. Specifically, the paper feed unit 4 includes a paper feed cassette 41 and a number of transport rollers. In the image forming device 10A, an image is formed on the sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 4, and the sheet after image formation is discharged to the discharge tray 81 (see FIG. 3).

The control unit 5A controls the image forming device 10A in an integrated manner. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 5A includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, and a RAM 53. The CPU 51 is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM 52 is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU 51 to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 53 is a volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU 51. In the control unit 5A, the CPU 51 executes various control programs stored in the ROM 52 in advance. As a result, the image forming device 10A is controlled in an integrated manner by the control unit 5A. The control unit 5A may be configured with an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 5A may also be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that controls the image forming device 10A in an integrated manner.

The operation display section 6 is a user interface of the image forming apparatus 10A. The operation display unit 6 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information according to control instructions from the control unit 5A, and operation keys or a touch panel that inputs various information to the control unit 5A according to user operations. It has an operation section such as.

The storage unit 7 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 7 is a storage device such as a flash memory, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (registered trademark), an SSD (solid state drive), or an HDD (hard disk drive).

The housing 8 houses the image forming unit 3 and the paper feed unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 8 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An output tray 81 onto which sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit 3 are discharged is provided at the top of the housing 8. A cassette insertion unit 82 (see FIG. 4) into which the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted and removed is provided at the bottom of the housing 8. As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading unit 2 is provided on the top side of the housing 8. An ADF 1 is provided on the document table of the image reading unit 2 so that it can be opened and closed. An operation display unit 6 is provided in front of the image reading unit 2.

[Configuration of cassette insertion section 82 and paper feed cassette 41]
Next, the configurations of the cassette insertion section 82 and the paper feed cassette 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. Here, FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the cassette insertion section 82. As shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the paper feed cassette 41. As shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of the switch section 9. As shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the switch switching section 413.

The paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion portion 82 along the insertion direction D4 (see FIG. 5). The insertion direction D4 is the same direction as the rear direction of the front-rear direction D2. As shown in FIG. 4, the cassette insertion part 82 forms an opening 821 in the front part of the housing 8, into which the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted and removed in the front-rear direction D2. A cassette accommodating space for accommodating the paper feed cassette 41 is formed on the back side of the opening 821 in the housing 8 . The cassette insertion section 82 is arranged so that when the paper cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion section 82, the exterior section 412 of the paper cassette 41 and the front surface of the housing 8 are flush with each other, so that the cassette insertion section 82 is located at a rear side of the front surface of the housing 8. installed on the side. Here, the cassette insertion section 82 is an example of an insertion section in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, a switch unit 9 is provided on the edge of the cassette insertion section 82. The switch unit 9 includes three switches 91 and a state detection unit 92 (see FIG. 2).

The three switches 91 are provided corresponding to three switching positions P10 along a specific plane 822 intersecting the insertion direction D4 in the cassette insertion section 82. Specifically, the specific surface 822 is a surface at the edge of the cassette insertion portion 82 that is perpendicular to the insertion direction D4, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Moreover, the three switching positions P10 are positions separated from the specific surface 822 by a predetermined distance from the front, respectively, as shown in FIG. The three switching positions P10 are arranged at equal intervals along the vertical direction D1. A switch 91 is provided at each of the three switching positions P10.

Each of the three switches 91 changes from an off state (an example of the first state of the present invention) to an on state in response to an object moving along the insertion direction D4 reaching a switching position P10 corresponding to the switch 91. (an example of the second state of the present invention). Specifically, the switch 91 is a momentary push switch that switches from an OFF state to an ON state in response to pressure in the insertion direction D4 by the object.

As shown in FIG. 6, the switch 91 includes a pressed portion that protrudes forward from the specific surface 822 and is movable along the front-rear direction D2. The pressed portion projects forward from the specific surface 822 beyond the switching position P10 when the switch 91 is in the off state. Further, when the switch 91 is in the on state, the pressed portion projects forward from the specific surface 822 to the rear side of the switching position P10.

Note that FIG. 6 shows a switch 91A in an on state, a switch 91B in an off state, and a switch 91C in an on state. The switch 91A is the switch located at the top of the three switches 91. The switch 91B is a switch located in the center of the three switches 91. The switch 91C is the lowest switch among the three switches 91.

The specific surface 822 may be a surface that is not perpendicular to the insertion direction D4. The specific surface 822 may be a surface at the bottom of the cassette insertion section 82. The three switching positions P10 may be arranged at equal or unequal intervals along the left-right direction D3. The number of switching positions P10 may be two, or four or more. The multiple switching positions P10 may be in a polygonal or matrix shape along the specific surface 822.

The switch 91 may be switched from an on state (another example of the first state of the present invention) to an off state (another example of the second state of the present invention) in response to pressure in the insertion direction D4 by the object. The switch unit 9 may also be equipped with a reflective or transmissive optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit corresponding to three switching positions P10 and capable of detecting the presence or absence of the object at each switching position P10. In this case, the light receiving unit is another example of a switch in the present invention.

The state detection unit 92 detects the states of the three switches 91. Specifically, the state detection unit 92 includes a first electric circuit that outputs an electric signal of a voltage corresponding to a combination of the state of switch 91A, the state of switch 91B, and the state of switch 91C.

The state detection unit 92 may include a second electrical circuit that outputs an electrical signal of a voltage corresponding to the state of the switch 91A, a third electrical circuit that outputs an electrical signal of a voltage corresponding to the state of the switch 91B, and a fourth electrical circuit that outputs an electrical signal of a voltage corresponding to the state of the switch 91C.

The paper feed cassette 41 is detachably mounted on the housing 8 and stores sheets. As shown in FIG. 5, the paper feed cassette 41 includes a main body 411, an exterior 412, and a switch 413. Here, the paper feed cassette 41 is an example of a sheet storage unit in the present invention.

The main body portion 411 forms a seat accommodating space for accommodating a seat. Specifically, the main body portion 411 includes a bottom plate portion, a pair of side wall portions erected at both left and right ends of the bottom plate portion, and a rear wall portion erected from the rear end portion of the bottom plate portion.

The exterior part 412 is provided at the front end of the main body part 411. When the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion part 82, the exterior part 412 and the housing 8 form the front exterior of the image forming device 10A. A handle part 412A (see FIG. 3) is provided on the front surface of the exterior part 412, which is grasped by the user when the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted or removed.

The switch switching section 413 switches some or all of the plurality of switches 91 from the off state to the on state in response to insertion of the paper feed cassette 41 into the cassette insertion section 82. Further, the switch switching unit 413 can change one or more switches 91 to be switched by rotating in response to an operation on the operating unit 413B (see FIG. 7). Here, the operation on the operation unit 413B is an example of a predetermined changing operation in the present invention.

Specifically, the switch changeover section 413 is provided in the facing section of the exterior section 412 that faces the switch section 9 when the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion section 82 . As shown in FIG. 7, the switch switching section 413 includes a cylindrical section 413A, an operating section 413B, a display section 413C, and a pressing section 413D.

The tubular portion 413A is formed in a cylindrical shape that forms an axial hole 413A1 (see FIG. 7) along the vertical direction D1. On the outer periphery of the tubular portion 413A, from the top, an operation portion 413B, a display portion 413C, and a pressing portion 413D are provided. A shaft portion 412B (see FIG. 5) that is provided inside the exterior portion 412 along the vertical direction D1 is inserted into the axial hole 413A1 of the tubular portion 413A. This allows the switch changeover portion 413 to be supported rotatably around the shaft portion 412B.

The operating portion 413B is provided at the top of the cylindrical portion 413A. The operating portion 413B is formed into a cylindrical shape having a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 413A. The outer peripheral surface of the operating portion 413B is knurled. The switch changeover section 413 rotates in response to the user's operation on the operation section 413B.

The display section 413C is provided below the operation section 413B in the cylindrical section 413A. The display portion 413C is formed in a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 413A. On the outer peripheral surface of the display section 413C, symbols indicating a plurality of sheet sizes are written along the rotation direction of the switch changeover section 413. For example, the symbols are written on the outer peripheral surface of the display section 413C at intervals of 45 degrees along the rotational direction of the switch switching section 413.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exterior portion 412 has a window portion 412C that communicates the space on the front side of the exterior portion 412 with the internal space of the exterior portion 412. The window section 412C is provided facing the operation section 413B of the switch changeover section 413 and the display section 413C.

In the paper feed cassette 41, the operation section 413B of the switch changeover section 413 and the display section 413C are exposed to the outside through the window section 412C. The user of the image forming apparatus 10A can switch the symbol displayed on the window section 412C by operating the operation section 413B and rotating the switch changeover section 413.

The pressing portion 413D is provided below the display portion 413C in the cylindrical portion 413A. The pressing section 413D presses one or more switches 91 associated with the symbol displayed on the window section 412C in the insertion direction D4 in response to insertion of the paper feed cassette 41 into the cassette insertion section 82. The one or more switches 91 are switched from the off state to the on state.

Specifically, the pressing section 413D forms a different uneven pattern for each symbol below each of the symbols displayed on the display section 413C.

More specifically, the pressing portion 413D has a first region 413D1, a second region 413D2, and a third region 413D3 arranged along the vertical direction D1.

Here, the first region 413D1 is the region facing the switch 91A. The second region 413D2 is the region facing the switch 91B. The third region 413D3 is the region facing the switch 91C.

The uneven pattern is composed of recesses or protrusions formed in the first region 413D1, the second region 413D2, and the third region 413D3. The protrusions are formed to protrude radially from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 413A so that the switch 91 can be pressed in the insertion direction D4 in response to the insertion of the paper feed cassette 41 into the cassette insertion portion 82. The recesses are formed radially inward from the protruding ends of the protrusions so as not to come into contact with the switch 91 when the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion portion 82.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressing unit 413D forms the uneven pattern on the lower side of the symbol indicating "A3" in which the convex portion, the convex portion, and the convex portion are arranged in this order from top to bottom. The pressing unit 413D also forms the uneven pattern on the lower side of the symbol indicating "B4" in which the convex portion, the concave portion, and the convex portion are arranged in this order from top to bottom. The pressing unit 413D also forms the uneven pattern on the lower side of the symbol indicating "A4" in which the convex portion, the concave portion, and the concave portion are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

Each of the concavo-convex patterns is formed corresponding to the symbol located directly behind the symbol on the display section 413C, not the symbol located directly above the concave-convex pattern. Specifically, each of the uneven patterns is configured such that when the symbol corresponding to the uneven pattern is displayed on the window 412C, one or more switches 91 associated with the symbol can be pressed. It is formed.

In the image forming apparatus 10A, when any of the three switches 91 of the switch section 9 is switched from the off state to the on state, the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41 is determined based on the states of the three switches 91. is detected.

Note that the switch changeover section 413 may be provided with only one uneven pattern corresponding to the size of one sheet. In this case, the display section 413C of the switch changeover section 413 only needs to display the size of the one sheet. Further, the switch changeover section 413 does not need to include the operation section 413B. Furthermore, the switch switching section 413 only needs to be provided in a detachable manner inside the exterior section 412, and does not need to be rotatably supported.

By the way, in the image forming apparatus 10A, when the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion section 82 in a direction facing downward from the insertion direction D4, the plurality of switches 91 are turned off due to the insertion. When the switch 91 is switched from to the on state, among the plurality of switches 91 to be switched, the switch 91 located on the lower side is switched later than the switch 91 located on the upper side. Here, if the interval from the switching timing of the first switch 91 to the switching timing of the last switch 91 is long, specifically, if the user inserts the paper feed cassette 41 late, then Since the sheet size is detected based on the states of the two switches 91, there is a possibility that the sheet size may be erroneously detected.

However, in conventional image forming devices having the configuration described above, when an erroneous detection of the sheet size occurs, no processing is performed to address the erroneous detection.

In response to this, the image forming device 10A according to an embodiment of the present invention is capable of executing processing to address erroneous detection of the sheet size when such detection occurs, as described below.

Specifically, a first size detection program for causing the CPU 51 to execute a first size detection process (see FIG. 8) described below is stored in advance in the ROM 52 of the control unit 5A. The first size detection program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and installed in the storage unit 7.

The control unit 5A includes a detection processing unit 54A, a determination processing unit 55A, a processing execution unit 56A, and a setting processing unit 57, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 5A uses the CPU 51 to execute the first size detection program stored in the ROM 52. Thereby, the control section 5A functions as a detection processing section 54A, a determination processing section 55A, a processing execution section 56A, and a setting processing section 57. Here, a device including the paper feeding section 4, the control section 5A, and the housing 8 is an example of the paper feeding device in the present invention.

When any of the multiple switches 91 is switched from an off state to an on state, the detection processing unit 54A detects the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41 based on the state of the multiple switches 91.

Specifically, the detection processing unit 54A determines whether any of the multiple switches 91 has switched from an off state to an on state based on the electrical signal output from the state detection unit 92.

When the detection processing unit 54A determines that any of the switches 91 has switched from the off state to the on state, it detects the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41 at a timing when a preset first time has elapsed from the reference timing at which the switch 91 switched from the off state to the on state.

Specifically, the detection processing unit 54A identifies the uneven pattern of the switch switching unit 413 that presses some or all of the plurality of switches 91 based on the electrical signal output from the state detection unit 92. Then, the detection processing unit 54A determines that the size corresponding to the identified uneven pattern is the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41.

Note that when the state detection section 92 includes the second electric circuit, the third electric circuit, and the fourth electric circuit, the detection processing section 54A determines whether the paper is stored in the paper feed cassette 41 based on the switch 91 in the on state. The size of the printed sheet may also be detected. Specifically, the detection processing unit 54A identifies one or more switches 91 in the on state based on a plurality of electrical signals output from the state detection unit 92, and identifies one or more switches 91 in the on state. The size associated with the combination may be determined to be the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41.

The determination processing unit 55A determines whether the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed at a predetermined determination timing after the detection processing unit 54A detects the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41.

Specifically, the determination timing is the timing when a preset fourth time has elapsed since the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41 was detected by the detection processing unit 54A.

For example, the fourth time is 500 milliseconds. The fourth time may be arbitrarily determined by the user's operation on the operation display unit 6.

The process execution unit 56A executes a predetermined specific process when the determination processing unit 55A determines that the state of the multiple switches 91 has changed.

Specifically, the specifying process is a notification process that notifies that the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed after the size of the sheets accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41 has been detected.

For example, in the notification process, an unexpected screen containing a first message informing that detection of the size of the sheet stored in the paper cassette 41 has failed and a second message prompting the user to reinsert the paper cassette 41 is displayed. It is displayed on the display section 6.

Here, after the execution of the notification process, the detection processing unit 54A detects the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41 at a timing when a second time, which is longer than the first time, has elapsed from the reference timing. To detect.

For example, in the image forming apparatus 10A, a notification flag indicating whether or not the notification process is to be executed is stored in a predetermined first storage area of the RAM 53 when the image forming apparatus 10A is powered on. The initial value of the notification flag is "0" indicating that the notification process is not being executed.

When executing the notification process, the process execution unit 56A rewrites the value of the notification flag to "1" indicating that the notification process has been executed. Thereby, the detection processing unit 54A can determine whether or not the notification process has been executed by checking the value of the notification flag.

For example, the second time is twice the first time. The second time may be determined independently of the first time. In this case, the second time may be determined arbitrarily by a user's operation on the operation display unit 6.

The detection processing unit 54A may detect the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41 after the first time has elapsed from the reference timing, regardless of whether the notification process is performed before or after the detection processing unit 54A detects the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41 after the first time has elapsed from the reference timing.

Further, the identification process may be a process of detecting the size of the sheet stored in the paper feed cassette 41 again.

Furthermore, when the determination processing unit 55A determines that the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed, the processing execution unit 56A starts executing a paper feeding process for feeding sheets from the paper feeding cassette 41. Alternatively, the paper feeding process may be canceled while executing the specific process.

The setting processing unit 57 sets the first time based on the number of times the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion unit 82.

For example, in the image forming device 10A, count data indicating the number of times the paper feed cassette 41 has been inserted into the cassette insertion unit 82 is stored in advance in the second storage area of the storage unit 7. The initial value of the count data is zero. The control unit 5A increments the value indicated by the count data each time the state detection unit 92 detects that any of the multiple switches 91 has switched from an off state to an on state.

In addition, in the image forming device 10A, table data indicating the correspondence between the number of times the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the cassette insertion unit 82 and the time set as the first time is stored in advance in a third storage area of the storage unit 7. In the table data, the correspondence between the number of insertions and the time set as the first time is determined so that the more the number of insertions, the longer the time corresponding to that number of insertions.

For example, in the table data, the time corresponding to an insertion count of "0 or more but less than 500 times" is set to "500 milliseconds," the time corresponding to an insertion count of "500 or more but less than 1000 times" is set to "600 milliseconds," and the time corresponding to an insertion count of "1000 or more times" is set to "700 milliseconds."

In addition, in the image forming device 10A, a fourth storage area used for setting the first time is secured in advance in the RAM 53. Time data indicating a time is stored in the fourth storage area. In the image forming device 10A, the time indicated by the time data stored in the fourth storage area is recognized as the first time.

For example, when a predetermined setting timing arrives, the setting processing unit 57 acquires the number of times data from the second storage area. The setting processing unit 57 also identifies the time associated with the number of insertions indicated by the acquired number of times data in the table data stored in the third storage area. The setting processing unit 57 then stores the time data indicating the identified time in the fourth storage area.

Thereby, the more times the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted, the longer the first time can be made. Therefore, if the wear rate of the switch 91B or the switch 91C due to contact with the switch switching section 413 is faster than that of the switch 91A or the switch 91B, as the number of insertions of the paper feed cassette 41 increases, the sheet It is possible to suppress the possibility of erroneous size detection.

For example, the setting timing is when the power of the image forming apparatus 10A is turned on, or when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10A shifts from the power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than the normal mode to the normal mode.

The control unit 5A may not include the setting processing unit 57. In this case, the first time may be a time that is determined in advance and is invariable, or may be a time that is arbitrarily determined by a user's operation on the operation display unit 6.

[First size detection process]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the first size detection process executed by the control unit 5A in the image forming apparatus 10A will be described with reference to FIG. Here, steps S11, S12, . . . represent the numbers of processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 5A. Note that the first size detection process is executed when removal of the paper feed cassette 41 from the cassette insertion section 82 is detected. Specifically, the first size detection process is executed when the state detection unit 92 detects that all of the switches 91 in the on state are switched to the off state.

<Step S11>
First, in step S11, the control unit 5A determines whether any of the plurality of switches 91 has been switched from the off state to the on state, based on the electrical signal output from the state detection unit 92.

Here, if the control unit 5A determines that any of the multiple switches 91 has switched from the off state to the on state (Yes side of S11), it shifts the process to step S12. If none of the multiple switches 91 has switched from the off state to the on state (No side of S11), the control unit 5A waits in step S11 for any of the multiple switches 91 to switch from the off state to the on state.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the control unit 5A determines whether or not the notification process has not yet been executed.

Specifically, when the value of the notification flag stored in the first storage area of RAM 53 is "0", the control unit 5A determines that the notification process has not yet been executed.

Here, if the control unit 5A determines that the notification process has not yet been executed (Yes in S12), the control unit 5A moves the process to step S13. Moreover, if it is not before the execution of the notification process (No side of S12), the control unit 5A moves the process to step S121.

<Step S121>
In step S121, the control unit 5A determines whether the second time has elapsed from the reference timing, that is, the timing at which it was determined that any of the plurality of switches 91 was switched from the off state to the on state in step S11. to decide.

Here, when the control unit 5A determines that the second time has elapsed from the reference timing (Yes side of S121), the process moves to step S14. If the second time has not elapsed since the reference timing (No in S121), the control unit 5A waits for the second time to elapse from the reference timing in step S121.

<Step S13>
In step S13, the control unit 5A determines whether the first time has elapsed since the reference timing.

Here, when the control unit 5A determines that the first time has elapsed from the reference timing (Yes side of S13), the process moves to step S14. If the first time has not elapsed since the reference timing (No in S13), the control unit 5A waits for the first time to elapse from the reference timing in step S13.

<Step S14>
In step S14, the control unit 5A detects the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41 based on the states of the plurality of switches 91. Here, the processing from step S11 to step S14 is executed by the detection processing section 54A of the control section 5A.

Specifically, the control unit 5A identifies the embossed pattern of the switch changeover unit 413 that presses some or all of the multiple switches 91 based on the electrical signal output from the state detection unit 92. Then, the control unit 5A determines that the size corresponding to the identified embossed pattern is the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 5A judges whether or not the judgment timing has arrived.

Specifically, the control unit 5A determines that the determination timing has arrived when the fourth time period has elapsed since the sheet size was detected in step S14.

Here, if the control unit 5A determines that the judgment timing has arrived (Yes side of S15), it shifts the process to step S16. If the judgment timing has not arrived (No side of S15), the control unit 5A waits for the judgment timing to arrive in step S15.

<Step S16>
In step S16, the control unit 5A determines whether the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed based on the electrical signal output from the state detection unit 92. Here, the processing from step S15 to step S16 is executed by the determination processing section 55A of the control section 5A.

If the control unit 5A determines that the states of the multiple switches 91 have changed (Yes in S16), it shifts the process to step S17. If the states of the multiple switches 91 have not changed (No in S16), it shifts the process to step S18.

<Step S17>
In step S17, the control unit 5A executes the notification process. Here, the process of step S17 is executed by the process execution unit 56A of the control unit 5A.

Specifically, the control unit 5A causes the operation display unit 6 to display the guidance screen. This makes it possible for the user to recognize that the sheet size detection has failed and that it is necessary to reinsert the paper feed cassette 41 in order to resolve the erroneous sheet size detection state.

Further, the control unit 5A rewrites the value of the notification flag to "1" indicating that the notification process has been executed. As a result, in the first size detection process executed again in response to the user reinserting the paper feed cassette 41, the second size detection process, which is executed again in response to the user reinserting the paper feed cassette 41, is performed at a timing when the second time period, which is longer than the first time period, has elapsed from the reference timing. , the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41 is detected. Therefore, in the first size detection process again, erroneous detection of the sheet size is suppressed.

<Step S18>
In step S18, the control unit 5A increments the value indicated by the number of times data stored in the second storage area of the storage unit 7.

In this way, in the first size detection process, at the determination timing after the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41 is detected, it is determined whether the states of the multiple switches 91 have changed. Then, if it is determined that the states of the multiple switches 91 have changed, the notification process is executed. This makes it possible to execute a process to deal with an erroneous detection of the sheet size when it occurs.

[Other embodiments]
Hereinafter, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10B according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Image forming device 10B has the same configuration as image forming device 10A, except that image forming device 10B has control unit 5B instead of control unit 5A. Below, only the differences from image forming device 10A will be explained.

Specifically, the ROM 52 of the control unit 5B stores in advance a second size detection program for causing the CPU 51 to execute a second size detection process (see FIG. 10), which will be described later.

The control unit 5B includes a detection processing unit 54B, a determination processing unit 55B, a processing execution unit 56B, and a change processing unit 58, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 5B uses the CPU 51 to execute the second size detection program stored in the ROM 52. Thereby, the control unit 5B functions as a detection processing unit 54B, a determination processing unit 55B, a processing execution unit 56B, and a change processing unit 58.

When one of the plurality of switches 91 is switched from the off state to the on state, the detection processing unit 54B detects the plurality of switches at a timing when a third preset time has elapsed from the reference timing that is the switching timing. Based on the state of 91, the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41 is detected.

For example, in image forming device 10B, a fifth storage area used for setting the third time is reserved in advance in storage unit 7. The time data is stored in the fifth storage area. In image forming device 10B, the time indicated by the time data stored in the fifth storage area is recognized as the third time. For example, in image forming device 10B, the time data indicating 500 milliseconds is stored in advance in the fifth storage area.

The determination processing unit 55B determines whether the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed at the plurality of determination timings after the detection processing unit 54B detects the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41.

For example, the multiple determination timings occur periodically at predetermined time intervals from the time when the detection processing unit 54B detects the size of the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 41. For example, the time intervals are 10 milliseconds. The time intervals may be arbitrarily determined by the user's operation on the operation display unit 6.

Moreover, the plurality of determination timings are timings that arrive between the reference timing and the elapse of a fifth time period, which is longer than the third time period. For example, the fifth time period is 1000 milliseconds. Note that the fifth time may be arbitrarily determined by a user's operation on the operation display section 6.

Note that the plurality of determination timings may be timings that arrive at unequal intervals.

The processing execution unit 56B executes the specific processing when the determination processing unit 55B determines that the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed. Note that, unlike the process execution unit 56A, the process execution unit 56B does not execute the process of rewriting the notification flag.

When the judgment processing unit 55B judges that the states of the multiple switches 91 have changed, the change processing unit 58 changes the third time based on the elapsed time from the reference timing to the judgment timing corresponding to the judgment.

For example, if the elapsed time from the reference timing to the timing at which the determination processing unit 55B determines that the states of the multiple switches 91 have changed is 500 milliseconds or more and less than 600 milliseconds, the change processing unit 58 changes the third time to 600 milliseconds. Also, if the elapsed time is 600 milliseconds or more and less than 700 milliseconds, the change processing unit 58 changes the third time to 700 milliseconds.

Further, when the elapsed time is 700 milliseconds or more and less than 800 milliseconds, the change processing unit 58 changes the third time to 800 milliseconds. Furthermore, when the elapsed time is 800 milliseconds or more and less than 900 milliseconds, the change processing unit 58 changes the third time to 900 milliseconds. Further, when the elapsed time is 900 milliseconds or more and less than 1000 milliseconds, the change processing unit 58 changes the third time to 1000 milliseconds.

Specifically, the change processing unit 58 changes the third time by rewriting the time data stored in the fifth storage area.

[Second Size Detection Process]
An example of the procedure of the second size detection process executed by the control unit 5B in the image forming apparatus 10B will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. The second size detection process is executed when removal of the sheet feed cassette 41 from the cassette insertion unit 82 is detected.

<Step S31>
First, in step S31, the control unit 5B determines, based on the electrical signal output from the state detection unit 92, whether or not any of the multiple switches 91 has been switched from an OFF state to an ON state.

Here, if the control unit 5B determines that any of the multiple switches 91 has switched from the off state to the on state (Yes side of S31), it shifts the process to step S32. If none of the multiple switches 91 has switched from the off state to the on state (No side of S31), the control unit 5B waits in step S31 for any of the multiple switches 91 to switch from the off state to the on state.

<Step S32>
In step S32, the control unit 5B determines whether the third time has elapsed from the reference timing, that is, the timing at which it was determined that any of the plurality of switches 91 was switched from the off state to the on state in step S31. to decide.

Here, when the control unit 5B determines that the third time has elapsed from the reference timing (Yes side of S32), the process moves to step S33. If the third time has not elapsed since the reference timing (No in S32), the control unit 5B waits for the third time to elapse from the reference timing in step S32.

<Step S33>
In step S33, the control unit 5B detects the size of the sheet accommodated in the paper feed cassette 41 based on the states of the plurality of switches 91. Here, the processes from step S31 to step S33 are executed by the detection processing section 54B of the control section 5B.

<Step S34>
In step S34, the control unit 5B determines whether or not the fifth time has elapsed from the reference time.

Here, if the control unit 5B determines that the fifth time has elapsed since the reference time (Yes in S34), it ends the second size detection process. If the fifth time has not elapsed since the reference time (No in S34), the control unit 5B transitions the process to step S35.

<Step S35>
In step S35, the control unit 5B determines whether or not the most recent determination timing among the plurality of determination timings has arrived.

Here, when the control unit 5B determines that the latest determination timing has arrived (Yes side of S35), the process moves to step S36. Moreover, if the most recent determination timing has not arrived (No side of S35), the control unit 5B shifts the process to step S34.

<Step S36>
In step S36, the control unit 5B determines whether or not there has been a change in the states of the plurality of switches 91. The process of step S36 is executed by the determination processing unit 55B of the control unit 5B.

Here, if the control unit 5B determines that the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed (Yes in S36), the process proceeds to step S37. Further, if the states of the plurality of switches 91 have not changed (No side of S36), the control unit 5B shifts the process to step S34.

<Step S37>
In step S37, the control unit 5B changes the third time based on the elapsed time from the reference timing to the timing at which it is determined that the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed in step S36. Here, the process of step S37 is executed by the change processing unit 58 of the control unit 5B.

Specifically, the control unit 5B changes the third time by rewriting the time data stored in the fifth storage area.

<Step S38>
In step S38, the control unit 5B executes the notification process. The process in step S38 is executed by the process execution unit 56B of the control unit 5B.

In this manner, in the second size detection process, the third time is changed based on the elapsed time from the reference timing to the timing at which it is determined in step S36 that the states of the plurality of switches 91 have changed. As a result, after the insertion time of the paper cassette 41 by the user, that is, after any one of the plurality of switches 91 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, all the switches 91 to be changed by the switch changeover section 413 are changed from the OFF state to the ON state. It is possible to set the third time so that the timing for detecting the sheet size comes after the time until the state is switched has elapsed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous detection of the sheet size.

1 ADF
2 Image reading unit 3 Image forming unit 4 Paper feed unit 5A Control unit 5B Control unit (other embodiment)
6 Operation display unit 7 Storage unit 8 Housing 9 Switch unit 10A Image forming device 10B Image forming device (another embodiment)
41 Paper feed cassette 54A Detection processing unit 54B Detection processing unit (another embodiment)
55A Determination processing unit 55B Determination processing unit (other embodiment)
56A Processing execution unit 56B Processing execution unit (other embodiments)
57 Setting processing section 58 Change processing section 82 Cassette insertion section 91 Switch 92 State detection section 411 Main body section 412 Exterior section 413 Switch change section

Claims (8)

a seat accommodating section for accommodating the sheet;
an insertion section into which the sheet storage section is inserted;
Provided corresponding to a plurality of switching positions along a specific plane intersecting the insertion direction of the sheet accommodating part in the insertion section, each of which corresponds to a plurality of switching positions when an object moving along the insertion direction reaches the switching position. a plurality of switches that switch from a first state to a second state by
a switch switching unit provided in the sheet accommodating part and switching some or all of the plurality of switches from the first state to the second state in response to insertion of the sheet accommodating part into the insertion part;
a detection processing unit that detects the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage section based on at least the switch in the second state when any one of the plurality of switches switches from the first state to the second state; and,
a determination processing unit that determines whether the states of the plurality of switches have changed at a predetermined determination timing after the detection processing unit detects the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet storage unit;
a processing execution unit that executes a predetermined specific process when the determination processing unit determines that the states of the plurality of switches have changed;
Equipped with
The identification process is a notification process that notifies that the states of the plurality of switches have changed after detecting the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet storage section,
Before executing the notification process, the detection processing unit is configured to detect a timing at which a preset first time has elapsed from a reference timing at which one of the plurality of switches switches from the first state to the second state. The size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage section is detected, and after the notification process is executed, the sheet is stored in the sheet storage section at a timing when a second time period, which is longer than the first time period, has elapsed from the reference timing. A paper feeder that detects the sheet size . The switch is a push switch that switches from the first state to the second state in response to pressure in the insertion direction by the object,
The paper feeding device includes a setting processing section that sets the first time based on the number of times the sheet storage section is inserted into the insertion section.
A paper feeding device according to claim 1 . a sheet storage section for storing a sheet;
an insertion portion into which the sheet storage portion is inserted;
a plurality of switches provided in the insertion section corresponding to a plurality of switching positions along a specific plane intersecting an insertion direction of the sheet storage section, the plurality of switches being switched from a first state to a second state in response to an object moving along the insertion direction reaching the switching position;
a switch changeover unit provided in the sheet storage unit and configured to change some or all of the switches from the first state to the second state in response to insertion of the sheet storage unit into the insertion portion;
a detection processing unit that detects a size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodation unit based on at least the switch in the second state when any of the plurality of switches is switched from the first state to the second state;
a determination processing unit that determines whether or not states of the plurality of switches have changed at a predetermined determination timing after the detection processing unit detects the size of the sheets stored in the sheet storage unit;
a process execution unit that executes a predetermined specific process when the determination processing unit determines that the states of the plurality of switches have changed;
Equipped with
the detection processing unit detects a size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodation unit at a timing when a preset third time has elapsed from a reference timing at which any one of the plurality of switches is switched from the first state to the second state,
the determination processing unit determines whether or not states of the plurality of switches have changed at the plurality of determination timings;
the paper feeding device further includes a change processing unit configured to change the third time based on an elapsed time from the reference timing to the determination timing corresponding to the determination when the determination processing unit determines that the states of the plurality of switches have changed.
Paper feeding device. The identification process is a notification process that notifies that the states of the plurality of switches have changed after the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet storage section has been detected.
4. The paper feeder according to claim 3. The switch changeover unit changes one or more of the switches to be changed in response to a predetermined change operation.
The paper feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A paper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data on a sheet fed by the paper feeding device;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet storage section for storing sheets; an insertion section into which the sheet storage section is inserted; a plurality of switches provided in the insertion section corresponding to a plurality of switching positions along a specific surface intersecting an insertion direction of the sheet storage section, each of the switches switching from a first state to a second state in response to an object moving along the insertion direction reaching the switching position; and a switch switching section provided in the sheet storage section for switching some or all of the plurality of switches from the first state to the second state in response to insertion of the sheet storage section into the insertion section,
When any of the plurality of switches is switched from the first state to the second state, detecting a size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating section based on at least the switch in the second state;
determining whether or not the states of the plurality of switches have changed at a predetermined determination timing after the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating section is detected;
Executing a predetermined specific process when it is determined that the states of the plurality of switches have changed at the determination timing;
Including,
the identifying process is a notification process for notifying a user that a state of the plurality of switches has changed after detecting a size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating section,
In the processing execution method, before the notification processing is executed, the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage section is detected at a timing when a predetermined first time has elapsed from a reference timing at which any one of the multiple switches is switched from the first state to the second state, and after the notification processing is executed, the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage section is detected at a timing when a second time longer than the first time has elapsed from the reference timing . a sheet storage section for storing sheets; an insertion section into which the sheet storage section is inserted; a plurality of switches provided in the insertion section corresponding to a plurality of switching positions along a specific surface intersecting an insertion direction of the sheet storage section, the plurality of switches switching from a first state to a second state in response to an object moving along the insertion direction reaching the switching position; and a switch switching section provided in the sheet storage section for switching some or all of the plurality of switches from the first state to the second state in response to insertion of the sheet storage section into the insertion section,
When any of the plurality of switches is switched from the first state to the second state, detecting a size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating section based on at least the switch in the second state;
determining whether or not the states of the plurality of switches have changed at a predetermined determination timing after the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating section is detected;
Executing a predetermined specific process when it is determined that the states of the plurality of switches have changed at the determination timing;
including;
In the processing execution method, the sheet is stored in the sheet storage section at a timing when a preset third time has elapsed from a reference timing at which one of the plurality of switches switches from the first state to the second state. The size of is detected and
In the process execution method, it is determined whether or not states of the plurality of switches have changed at the plurality of determination timings;
The processing execution method includes changing the third time based on the elapsed time from the reference timing to the determination timing corresponding to the determination when it is determined that the states of the plurality of switches have changed. Process execution method including.

Images