Printing apparatus and method for controlling printing apparatus

Abstract

To enhance a possibility of communication error recover.SOLUTION: A copier 1 includes: a main controller 100; a first communication switching circuit 120; and a first controller 200A and a second controller 200B that are configured to communicate with the main controller 100 via the first communication switching circuit 120. The main controller 100 is configured to perform first connection processing PR1 of transmitting a first connection command CM1 to the first controller 200A and second connection processing PR2 of transmitting a second connection command CM2 to the second controller 200B. The main controller 100 is configured to, when receiving first response information JA1 from the first controller 200A and not receiving second response information JA2 from the second controller 200B, perform first reconnection processing RR1 of causing the first communication switching circuit 120 to disconnect communication and then causing the first communication switching circuit 120 to connect communication, and, after performing the first reconnection processing RR1, perform the first connection processing PR1 again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a method for controlling a printing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a printing device that includes an additional cassette that can accommodate print media such as paper. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing device that issues an error notification when the additional cassette is not properly installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-286101 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As exemplified in Patent Document 1, an additional cassette may cause an error. Therefore, even if an error occurs due to an additional cassette, it is necessary to increase the possibility of error recovery by controlling the printing device main body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the invention that solves the above problem is a printing device comprising: a main body having a printing unit, a main control unit, and a first switching circuit that connects or disconnects communication; a first cassette having a first control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit; and a second cassette having a second control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit, wherein the main control unit executes a first connection process in which a first connection command is sent to the first control unit instructing it to establish communication with the main control unit, and a second connection process in which a second connection command is sent to the second control unit instructing it to establish communication with the main control unit; and when the main control unit receives first response information from the first control unit indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established, but does not receive second response information from the second control unit indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established, the printing device causes the first switching circuit to disconnect communication, and then executes a first reconnection process in which the first switching circuit connects communication, and executes the first connection process again after executing the first reconnection process.

[0006] Another aspect for solving the above problem is a control method for a printing device including a main body having a printing unit, a main control unit, and a first switching circuit that connects or disconnects communication, a first cassette having a first control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit, and a second cassette having a second control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit, in which the main control unit executes a first connection process in which a first connection command is sent to the first control unit instructing it to establish communication with the main control unit, and a second connection process in which a second connection command is sent to the second control unit instructing it to establish communication with the main control unit, and when the main control unit receives first response information from the first control unit indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established but does not receive second response information from the second control unit indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established, the control method for a printing device includes causing the first switching circuit to disconnect communication, and then executing a reconnection process in which the first switching circuit connects communication, and executing the first connection process again after executing the reconnection process. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a copying machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a side cross section of a copying machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of a copying machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a main control unit. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a main control unit. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a startup process performed by a main control unit, a first control unit, and a second control unit. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication establishment process performed by a main control unit, a first control unit, and a second control unit. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a retry process performed by a main control unit, a first control unit, and a second control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction and the vertical direction when the copier 1 is installed. The X-axis and the Y-axis are each parallel to the horizontal direction. The Y-axis indicates the front-to-back direction of the copier 1. The X-axis indicates the left-to-right direction of the copier 1. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the leftward direction. The front of the copier 1 is the front of the copier 1.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. The copier 1 of this embodiment has a printing function and a copying function. The copier 1 corresponds to an example of a "printing device." In this embodiment, a case will be described where the "printing device" is a copier 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The "printing device" only needs to have a printing function. For example, the "printing device" may be a printer. Also, for example, the "printing device" may be an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals). An MFP is a multifunction device that has various functions such as a printing function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and a scanning function.

[0010] The copier 1 has a reading unit 11 on top of a device body 10. The reading unit 11 includes a cover 12 that is provided on the top surface of the device body 10 in an openable and closable manner, a document tray 13 mounted on the cover 12, and an automatic document feeder 14. The reading unit 11 reads documents D that are transported one by one from the document tray 13 by the automatic document feeder 14, or documents D that are set on a glass table that is exposed when the cover 12 is opened. The documents D read by the reading unit 11 are discharged onto a discharge tray 15. The device main body 10 corresponds to an example of a "main body."

[0011] An operation panel 16 is provided on the upper front surface of the device body 10. The operation panel 16 includes a plurality of operation switches, a display, a touch panel, and other devices.

[0012] The copier 1 includes a main body cassette 17. The main body cassette 17 is provided in a recess 18 formed in a position below the operation panel 16 in the device main body 10. The main body cassette 17 includes a main body tray 171 capable of accommodating print media S, such as paper, in a stacked state. The main body tray 171 can accommodate one or more sheets of print media S. A grip 172 is formed on the front of the main body tray 171, which is used by the user when pulling out the main body tray 171.

[0013] The copier 1 includes a first expansion cassette 21A and a second expansion cassette 21B below the device main body 10. In the following description, when the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as "expansion cassettes" and are given the reference number "21." The first expansion cassette 21A corresponds to an example of a "first cassette." The second expansion cassette 21B corresponds to an example of a "second cassette."

[0014] The first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the description of the configuration of the expansion cassette 21 with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the first expansion cassette 21A will be described, and the description of the configuration of the second expansion cassette 21B will be omitted.

[0015] The first expansion cassette 21A includes a housing 22 and an expansion tray 23 attached to the housing 22. The expansion tray 23 can accommodate one or more sheets of print media S. The expansion tray 23 may accommodate more, less, or the same number of print media S as the main cassette 17. A grip 24 is formed on the front of the expansion tray 23, which is used by the user when pulling out the expansion tray 23.

[0016] When the copier 1 receives a print job from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), it identifies a cassette corresponding to the information of the print medium S indicated in the received print job, and transports the print medium S from the identified cassette. The print job includes information on the print medium S to be printed, image data to be formed on the print medium S, and various control commands that the copier 1 uses in accordance with a command system. The execution of printing by the copier 1 on the print medium S through operations based on the various control commands and image data included in the print job is expressed as "executing a print job." The copier 1 executes printing by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage unit (not shown) onto the print medium S transported along a transport path HK formed in the device main body 10 described below.

[0017] The printed print medium S is discharged from a discharge port 25 that opens between the operation panel 16 and the main cassette 17 in the device main body 10. A sliding discharge tray 26 that is made up of multiple stages and is extendable in the front-rear direction is provided below the discharge port 25. The print medium S discharged from the discharge port 25 is stacked on the discharge tray 26 in the extended state.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a side cross section of the copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. The first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the description of the configuration of the expansion cassette 21 with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the first expansion cassette 21A will be described, and the description of the configuration of the second expansion cassette 21B will be omitted as appropriate.

[0019] The device main body 10 includes a first main body transport section 27. The first main body transport section 27 transports the print medium S transported from the main body cassette 17 or the additional cassette 21 in the transport direction H. The first main body transport section 27 includes a first main body transport roller pair 271, a second main body transport roller pair 272, and a third main body transport roller pair 273. Each of the first main body transport roller pair 271, the second main body transport roller pair 272, and the third main body transport roller pair 273 includes a drive roller that rotates by the power of a motor, and a driven roller that is driven in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller. The second main body transport roller pair 272 is provided downstream of the first main body transport roller pair 271 in the transport direction H of the print medium S. The third main body transport roller pair 273 is provided downstream of the second main body transport roller pair 272 in the transport direction H of the print medium S.

[0020] The copier 1 includes a printing unit 28. As shown in Fig. 2, the printing unit 28 is provided between a second main-body transport roller pair 272 and a third main-body transport roller pair 273 in the transport direction H. The printing unit 28 includes a carriage 281 and an inkjet head 282 mounted on the carriage 281. The printing unit 28 corresponds to an example of a "printing section."

[0021] The carriage 281 is supported by a carriage shaft 283 extending in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction H, and causes the inkjet head 282 to scan in the perpendicular direction along the carriage shaft 283. The perpendicular direction is a direction parallel to the X-axis. The inkjet head 282 includes nozzle rows of four colors, for example, C, M, and K. The inkjet head 282 receives a supply of ink from an ink storage unit (not shown) and ejects the ink from nozzles provided in each nozzle row to form an image on the print medium S.

[0022] In the transport path HK of the printing medium S, a platen 29 is provided at a position facing the inkjet head 282. The platen 29 extends over a range in which the inkjet head 282 can form an image, and flattens and supports the printing medium S so that the surface of the printing medium S located on the platen 29 is perpendicular to the ejection direction of ink ejected from the inkjet head 282.

[0023] The device main body 10 includes a second main body conveying section 30. The second main body conveying section 30 conveys the print media S stored in the main body cassette 17 one by one to the first main body conveying section 27. The second main body conveying section 30 includes a main body pickup roller 301 and a main body separation roller pair 302. The main body pickup roller 301 is a roller that sends out the uppermost print medium S among the print media S stacked on the main body tray 171 from the main body tray 171. The main body separation roller pair 302 conveys the print media S one by one toward the first main body conveying section 27 even when multiple print media S sent out by the main body pickup roller 301 are overlapped. The main body separation roller pair 302 includes a drive roller and a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller. The main body cassette 17 includes a hopper plate 173 on which the print media S are stacked in the main body tray 171. The main cassette 17 presses the print medium S accommodated in the main tray 171 against the main pickup roller 301 by tilting the hopper plate 173 .

[0024] The first expansion cassette 21A includes an additional transport section 31. The additional transport section 31 transports the print media S stored in the additional tray 23 of the first expansion cassette 21A one sheet at a time to the device main body 10. The additional transport section 31 includes an additional pickup roller 311, an additional separation roller pair 312, and an additional transport roller pair 313.

[0025] The additional pickup roller 311 is a roller that feeds out of the additional tray 23 the uppermost print medium S among the print media S placed on the additional tray 23 .

[0026] Even when multiple sheets of the printing medium S sent out by the additional pickup roller 311 are overlapped, the additional separation roller pair 312 transports the printing medium S one by one to the additional transport roller pair 313. The additional separation roller pair 312 includes a drive roller and a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller.

[0027] The additional transport roller pair 313 includes a drive roller and a driven roller. The additional transport roller pair 313 transports the print medium S transported from the additional separation roller pair 312 to the device main body 10 installed adjacent to and above the first additional cassette 21A. The additional transport roller pair 313 also transports the print medium S transported from the additional cassette 21 installed below the first additional cassette 21A to the device main body 10 installed adjacent to and above the first additional cassette 21A.

[0028] The additional transport roller pair 313 of the second additional cassette 21B transports the print medium S accommodated in the second additional cassette 21B to the first additional cassette 21A.

[0029] The first expansion cassette 21A presses the print medium S against the expansion pickup roller 311 by tilting the hopper plate 32. The print medium S stored in each of the main cassette 17, the first expansion cassette 21A, and the second expansion cassette 21B is transported to the position of the inkjet head 282 by the various rollers and the like as described above, and an image corresponding to the print job is printed by ejecting ink onto the surface of the print medium S.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the control system of the copying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of the copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the device main body 10 includes a main control unit 100, a first power supply switching circuit 110, a first communication switching circuit 120, and a main body communication interface . The first expansion cassette 21A further includes a first control unit 200A, a second power supply switching circuit 210A, a second communication switching circuit 220A, and a first communication interface 230A. Moreover, the second expansion cassette 21B includes a second control unit 200B, a third power supply switching circuit 210B, a third communication switching circuit 220B, and a second communication interface 230B.

[0031] The main control unit 100 controls the operation of each unit of the device main body 10. In particular, the main control unit 100 controls the operation of the first power supply switching circuit 110, the first communication switching circuit 120, and the main body communication interface . The main control unit 100 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0032] The device main body 10 supplies power to the first expansion cassette 21A via a power line LP. The first power supply switching circuit 110 is a circuit that connects and disconnects the power line LP between the device main body 10 and the first expansion cassette 21A in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 100. When the first power supply switching circuit 110 is connected, power is supplied from the device main body 10 to each unit of the first expansion cassette 21A. For example, when the main control unit 100 detects that the first expansion cassette 21A is connected to the device main body 10, it causes the first power supply switching circuit 110 to connect the power line LP between the device main body 10 and the first expansion cassette 21A. Also, when the main control unit 100 determines that communication between the first expansion cassette 21A and the first control unit 200A cannot be established, it causes the first power supply switching circuit 110 to disconnect the power line LP between the device main body 10 and the first expansion cassette 21A.

[0033] The main body communication interface 130 includes communication hardware such as a connector and a communication circuit. A bus-type communication line LC to which the first control unit 200A of the first expansion cassette 21A and the second control unit 200B of the second expansion cassette 21B can be connected is connected to the main body communication interface 130. In other words, the first control unit 200A of the first expansion cassette 21A and the second control unit 200B of the second expansion cassette 21B are connected in a bus shape to the main body communication interface 130. The main control unit 100 communicates with the first control unit 200A of the first expansion cassette 21A and the second control unit 200B of the second expansion cassette 21B via the communication line LC.

[0034] The communication line LC includes a first communication line LC1, a second communication line LC2, and a third communication line LC3. The main control unit 100 transmits information such as commands to the first control unit 200A and the second control unit 200B via the first communication line LC1. The main control unit 100 receives information such as response information from the first control unit 200A and the second control unit 200B via the second communication line LC2. The main control unit 100 transmits and receives error information between the first control unit 200A and the second control unit 200B via the third communication line LC3.

[0035] The first communication switching circuit 120 connects and disconnects the communication line LC between the device main body 10 and the first expansion cassette 21A in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 100. When the first communication switching circuit 120 is connected, communication between the main control unit 100 of the device main body 10 and the first control unit 200A of the first expansion cassette 21A becomes possible. For example, when the main control unit 100 detects that the first expansion cassette 21A is connected to the device main body 10, the main control unit 100 causes the first communication switching circuit 120 to connect the communication line LC between the device main body 10 and the first expansion cassette 21A. Also, when the main control unit 100 determines that communication with the first control unit 200A of the first expansion cassette 21A cannot be established, the main control unit 100 causes the first communication switching circuit 120 to disconnect the communication line LC between the device main body 10 and the first expansion cassette 21A. When the first communication switching circuit 120 is disconnected, communication between the main control unit 100 of the device main body 10 and the first control unit 200A of the first expansion cassette 21A becomes impossible, but electrical noise propagating from the first control unit 200A to the main control unit 100 can be blocked. The first communication switching circuit 120 corresponds to an example of a "first switching circuit."

[0036] The first control unit 200A controls the operation of each unit of the first expansion cassette 21A in accordance with instructions from the main control unit 100. In particular, the first control unit 200A controls the operation of the second power supply switching circuit 210A, the second communication switching circuit 220A, and the first communication interface 230A. The first control unit 200A will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0037] The device main body 10 supplies power to the second expansion cassette 21B via a power line LP. The second power supply switching circuit 210A is a circuit that connects and disconnects the power line LP between the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B according to an instruction from the first control unit 200A. When the second power supply switching circuit 210A is connected, power is supplied from the device main body 10 to each unit of the second expansion cassette 21B via the first expansion cassette 21A. For example, when the main control unit 100 detects that the second expansion cassette 21B is connected to the first expansion cassette 21A, the first control unit 200A causes the second power supply switching circuit 210A to connect the power supply line LP between the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B. Also, for example, when the main control unit 100 determines that communication between the main control unit 100 and the second control unit 200B cannot be established, the first control unit 200A causes the second power supply switching circuit 210A to disconnect the power supply line LP between the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B.

[0038] The first communication interface 230A includes communication hardware such as a connector and a communication circuit. A bus-type communication line LC capable of communicating with the main control unit 100 is connected to the first communication interface 230A. In other words, the first control unit 200A is connected to the main body communication interface 130 in a bus shape. The main control unit 100 communicates with the first control unit 200A via the communication line LC.

[0039] The second communication switching circuit 220A connects and disconnects the communication line LC between the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B in accordance with an instruction from the first control unit 200A. When the second communication switching circuit 220A is connected, communication between the main control unit 100 of the device main body 10 and the second control unit 200B of the second expansion cassette 21B becomes possible. For example, when the main control unit 100 detects that the second expansion cassette 21B is connected to the first expansion cassette 21A, the main control unit 100 causes the second communication switching circuit 220A to connect the communication line LC between the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B. Also, when the main control unit 100 determines that the communication between the second expansion cassette 21B and the second control unit 200B cannot be established, the main control unit 100 causes the second communication switching circuit 220A to disconnect the communication line LC between the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B. When the second communication switching circuit 220A is disconnected, communication between the main control unit 100 of the device main body 10 and the second control unit 200B of the second expansion cassette 21B becomes impossible, but electrical noise propagating from the second control unit 200B to the main control unit 100 or the first control unit 200A can be blocked. The second communication switching circuit 220A corresponds to an example of a "second switching circuit."

[0040] The second control unit 200B controls the operation of each unit of the second expansion cassette 21B in accordance with instructions from the main control unit 100. In particular, the second control unit 200B controls the operation of the third power supply switching circuit 210B, the third communication switching circuit 220B, and the second communication interface 230B. The second control unit 200B will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0041] When an additional expansion cassette 21, for example, a third expansion cassette 21C (not shown) is mounted below the second expansion cassette 21B, the device main body 10 supplies power to the third expansion cassette 21C via the power line LP. The third power supply switching circuit 210B and the third communication switching circuit 220B do not operate in this embodiment, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0042] The second communication interface 230B includes communication hardware such as a connector and a communication circuit. A bus-type communication line LC capable of communicating with the main control unit 100 is connected to the second communication interface 230B. In other words, the second control unit 200B is connected to the main body communication interface 130 in a bus shape. The main control unit 100 communicates with the second control unit 200B via the communication line LC.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main control unit 100. As shown in Fig. 4, the main control unit 100 includes a main processor 100A that executes programs such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a main memory 100B. The main control unit 100 controls each part of the copier 1 by the main processor 100A reading and executing the main control program PG stored in the main memory 100B. The main processor 100A executes the main control program PG stored in the main memory 100B, thereby functioning as a connection instruction unit 101, a first judgment unit 102, a reconnection instruction unit 103, a second judgment unit 104, a notification unit 105, a print control unit 106, and a log processing unit 107. The main processor 100A also causes the main memory 100B to function as a log storage unit 108 by executing the main control program PG stored in the main memory 100B.

[0044] The main memory 100B is a memory that stores the main control program PG, other programs executed by the main processor 100A, data processed by the main processor 100A, etc. The main memory 100B has a non-volatile storage area. The main memory 100B may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the main processor 100A.

[0045] The operation panel 16, the printing unit 28, and the first communication interface 230A are connected to the main control unit 100. The operation panel 16 displays various information on the display according to the control of the main control unit 100. For example, when the main control unit 100 cannot establish communication with the second control unit 200B, the operation panel 16 notifies that the second expansion cassette 21B cannot be used. The printing unit 28, under the control of the main control unit 100, forms an image on the print medium S supplied from, for example, the first additional cassette 21A.

[0046] The first control unit 200A includes a first processor 201A that executes programs such as a CPU, and a first memory 202A. The first memory 202A is a memory that stores the first control program, other programs executed by the first processor 201A, data processed by the first processor 201A, and the like. The first memory 202A has a non-volatile storage area. The first memory 202A may also include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the first processor 201A.

[0047] The second control unit 200B includes a second processor 201B that executes programs such as a CPU, and a second memory 202B. The second memory 202B is a memory that stores the second control program, other programs executed by the second processor 201B, data processed by the second processor 201B, and the like. The second memory 202B has a non-volatile storage area. The second memory 202B may also include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the second processor 201B.

[0048] The log storage unit 108 stores the log information JL. The log information JL is stored in the log storage unit 108 according to an instruction from the log processing unit 107. The log information JL includes various commands, various response information, and the like.

[0049] The connection instruction unit 101 executes a first connection process PR1 to transmit a first connection command CM1 to the first control unit 200A. The first connection command CM1 is a command to instruct the first control unit 200A to establish communication with the main control unit 100. When the first control unit 200A receives the first connection command CM1, it executes a process to establish communication with the main control unit 100. Furthermore, when the first control unit 200A establishes communication with the main control unit 100, it transmits first response information JA1 to the main control unit 100. The first response information JA1 indicates that the first control unit 200A has established communication with the main control unit 100.

[0050] The connection instruction unit 101 also executes a second connection process PR2 to transmit a second connection command CM2 to the second control unit 200B. The second connection command CM2 is a command to instruct the second control unit 200B to establish communication with the main control unit 100. When the second control unit 200B receives the second connection command CM2, it executes a process of establishing communication with the main control unit 100. Furthermore, when the second control unit 200B establishes communication with the main control unit 100, it transmits second response information JA2 to the main control unit 100. The second response information JA2 indicates that the second control unit 200B has established communication with the main control unit 100.

[0051] The first determination unit 102 determines whether or not a first condition CD1 is satisfied. The first condition CD1 is a condition indicating that the first response information JA1 is received from the first control unit 200A and the second response information JA2 is not received from the second control unit 200B.

[0052] When the first judgment unit 102 judges that the first condition CD1 is satisfied, the reconnection instruction unit 103 executes a first reconnection process RR1 to cause the first communication switching circuit 120 to disconnect communication and then cause the first communication switching circuit 120 to connect communication. After the reconnection instruction unit 103 executes the first reconnection process RR1, the connection instruction unit 101 executes the first connection process PR1 again.

[0053] After the reconnection instruction unit 103 executes the first reconnection process RR1, the reconnection instruction unit 103 executes a second reconnection process RR2 in which the first control unit 200A disconnects the second communication switching circuit 220A and then connects communication to the second communication switching circuit 220A. After the reconnection instruction unit 103 executes the second reconnection process RR2, the connection instruction unit 101 executes the second connection process PR2 again.

[0054] The second determination unit 104 determines whether or not a second condition CD2 is satisfied. The second condition CD2 is a condition indicating that the main control unit 100 receives the first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A and does not receive the second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B even after the second connection process PR2 is executed a predetermined number N of times, which is two or more times. The predetermined number N is, for example, three times. When the second determination unit 104 determines that the second condition CD2 is satisfied, the reconnection instruction unit 103 maintains communication with the first control unit 200A and abandons communication with the second control unit 200B. Here, abandoning communication with the second control unit 200B means determining that communication with the second control unit 200B is not possible, and then not spontaneously executing processing to establish communication with the second control unit 200B. However, even after abandoning communication with the second control unit 200B, the reconnection instruction unit 103 can execute processing to establish communication with the second control unit 200B again in response to an external input or a change in state. Examples of external inputs or changes in state include when the main control unit 100 receives an instruction from the user via the operation panel 16, when the copier 1 is restarted, and the like.

[0055] When the second determination unit 104 determines that the second condition CD2 is satisfied, the notification unit 105 notifies that the second expansion cassette 21B cannot be used. For example, the notification unit 105 displays text information such as "The second expansion cassette cannot be used" on the display of the operation panel 16.

[0056] When the second determination unit 104 determines that the second condition CD2 is satisfied, the print control unit 106 causes the printing unit 28 to execute a print job for the print medium S stored in the first expansion cassette 21A, for example. Also, when the second determination unit 104 determines that the second condition CD2 is satisfied, the print control unit 106 causes the printing unit 28 to execute a print job for the print medium S stored in the main cassette 17, for example.

[0057] When the second determination unit 104 determines that it has received the first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A and the second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B, the log processing unit 107 transmits a log request command CM3 to the second control unit 200B. The log request command CM3 is a command that requests the second control unit 200B to transmit log information JL. The second control unit 200B transmits log information JL when it receives a log request command CM3. The log information JL includes the following information, for example, during the period from the first second connection process PR2 by the connection instruction unit 101 to the time when the second determination unit 104 determines that the second response information JA2 has been received. That is, the log information JL includes the second connection command CM2 and the log request command CM3 that the second control unit 200B received from the main control unit 100, and the second response information JA2 that the second control unit 200B transmitted to the main control unit 100. The second control unit 200B stores the log information JL in the second memory 202B.

[0058] Next, the operation of the copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the main control unit 100. As shown in Fig. 5, in step S1, the main control unit 100 executes a "start-up process." Here, the "start-up process" refers to a process of turning on (connecting) the first power supply switching circuit 110 and the second power supply switching circuit 210A, and starting up the first control unit 200A and the second control unit 200B. The "start-up process" will be further described with reference to Fig. 6.

[0059] Next, in step S2, the main control unit 100 executes a "communication establishment process." The "communication establishment process" is a process of turning on (=connecting) the first communication switching circuit 120 and the second communication switching circuit 220A to establish communication with the first control unit 200A and the second control unit 200B, respectively. The "communication establishment process" will be further described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0060] Next, in step S3, the first determination unit 102 determines whether or not the "communication establishment process" has been successful. That is, the first determination unit 102 determines whether or not the first response information JA1 has been received from the first control unit 200A, and the second response information JA2 has been received from the second control unit 200B. In other words, the first determination unit 102 determines whether or not the first response information JA1 and the second response information JA2 have been received. If the first determination unit 102 determines that both the first response information JA1 and the second response information JA2 have been received (step S3; YES), the process proceeds to step S9. If the first determination unit 102 determines that at least one of the first response information JA1 and the second response information JA2 has not been received (step S3; NO), the process proceeds to step S4. In the following description, a case where the first determination unit 102 determines that at least one of the first response information JA1 and the second response information JA2 has not been received in each step subsequent to step S3 (step S3; NO) will be described, in which the first determination unit 102 receives the first response information JA1 but does not receive the second response information JA2. In other words, a case where the first determination unit 102 determines that the first condition CD1 is satisfied will be described.

[0061] Then, in step S4, the main control unit 100 executes a "retry process." The "retry process" is a process of turning off (=disconnecting) each of the first communication switching circuit 120 and the second communication switching circuit 220A, and then turning on (=connecting) them to establish communication with each of the first control unit 200A and the second control unit 200B. The "retry process" will be further explained with reference to FIG.

[0062] Next, in step S5, the first determination unit 102 determines whether or not the communication establishment process in the "retry process" has been successful. That is, the first determination unit 102 determines whether or not the first response information JA1 has been received from the first control unit 200A and the second response information JA2 has been received from the second control unit 200B. In other words, the first determination unit 102 determines whether or not the first response information JA1 and the second response information JA2 have been received. When the first determination unit 102 determines that the communication establishment process in the "retry process" is successful (step S5; YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0063] Then, in step S8, log processor 107 executes a "log collection process." After that, the process proceeds to step S9. The "log collection process" is a process of collecting log information JL from the second control unit 200B. Specifically, the following processes are executed in the "log collection process". First, the log processing unit 107 transmits a log request command CM3 to the second control unit 200B. The log request command CM3 is a command that requests the second control unit 200B to transmit the log information JL. When the second control unit 200B receives the log request command CM3, the second control unit 200B transmits the log information JL. Then, the log processing unit 107 receives the log information JL from the second control unit 200B, and stores the log information JL in the log storage unit 108.

[0064] When the first determination unit 102 determines that the communication establishment process in the "retry process" is not successful (step S5; NO), the process proceeds to step S6. Then, in step S6, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the "retry process" has been executed a predetermined number N of times. If the main control unit 100 determines that the "retry process" has not been executed the predetermined number of times N (step S6; NO), the process returns to step S4. If the main control unit 100 determines that the "retry process" has been executed the predetermined number of times N (step S6; YES), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0065] Then, in step S7, the reconnection instruction unit 103 maintains communication with the first control unit 200A and abandons communication with the second control unit 200B, and the notification unit 105 notifies that the second expansion cassette 21B cannot be used. After that, the process proceeds to step S9. Then, in step S9, the print control unit 106 executes a "print execution process." The "print execution process" is a process for causing the printing unit 28 to execute a print job. For example, the "print execution process" is a process for causing the printing unit 28 to execute a print job for the print medium S stored in, for example, the first expansion cassette 21A. Then the process ends.

[0066] Next, the "start-up process" executed in step S1 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the start-up process by the main control unit 100, the first control unit 200A, and the second control unit 200B.

[0067] First, in step S101, the main control unit 100 detects that the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B have been connected. Next, in step S103, the main control unit 100 turns on (=connects) the first power supply switching circuit 110. As a result, power is supplied from the main body 10 via the first power supply switching circuit 110 to the first control unit 200A. Next, in step S105, the first control unit 200A executes a startup process. Next, in step S107, the first control unit 200A determines whether the start-up process is completed. If the first control unit 200A determines that the startup process is not complete (step S107; NO), the process returns to step S105. If the first control unit 200A determines that the startup process is complete (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0068] Then, in step S109, the first control unit 200A turns on (=connects) the second power supply switching circuit 210A. As a result, power is supplied from the main body 10 to the second control unit 200B via the first power supply switching circuit 110 and the second power supply switching circuit 210A in this order. Next, in step S111, the second control unit 200B executes a startup process. Next, in step S113, the second control unit 200B determines whether the start-up process is completed. If the second control unit 200B determines that the startup process is not complete (step S113; NO), the process returns to step S111. If the second control unit 200B determines that the startup process is complete (step S113; YES), the process returns to step S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0069] Next, a description will be given of the "communication establishment process" executed in step S2 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the communication establishment process by the main control unit 100, the first control unit 200A, and the second control unit 200B.

[0070] First, in step S201, the main control unit 100 turns on (=connects) the first communication switching circuit 120. Next, in step S203, the connection instruction unit 101 transmits a first connection command CM1 to the first control unit 200A. The first connection command CM1 is a command for instructing the first control unit 200A to establish communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S205, the first control unit 200A receives the first connection command CM1. Next, in step S207, the first control unit 200A executes a process of establishing communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S209, the first control unit 200A determines whether or not communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established. When the first control unit 200A determines that the establishment of communication with the main control unit 100 has not been successful due to some error (step S209; NO), the process returns to step S3 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. In addition to this case, when some error occurs in step S205 or step S207 and the process does not reach step S209, the first control unit 200A does not transmit or cannot transmit the first response information JA1 to the main control unit 100. On the other hand, if the first control unit 200A determines that the communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established (step S209; YES), the process proceeds to step S211. Then, in step S211, the first control unit 200A transmits the first response information JA1 to the main control unit 100.

[0071] Next, in step S213, the main control unit 100 receives the first response information JA1. Next, in step S215, the main control unit 100 transmits a command CM to the first control unit 200A to instruct it to turn on (=connect) the second communication switching circuit 220A. Next, in step S217, the first control unit 200A receives the command CM from the main control unit 100 and turns on (=connects) the second communication switching circuit 220A. Next, in step S219, the connection instruction unit 101 transmits a second connection command CM2 to the second control unit 200B. The second connection command CM2 is a command for instructing to establish communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S221, the second control unit 200B receives the second connection command CM2.

[0072] Next, in step S223, the second control unit 200B executes a process of establishing communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S225, the second control unit 200B determines whether or not communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established. When the first control unit 200A determines that the communication with the main control unit 100 has not been successfully established (step S225; NO), the process returns to step S3 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. In addition to this case, when some error occurs in step S221 or step S223 and the process does not reach step S225, the second control unit 200B does not transmit or cannot transmit the first response information JA2 to the main control unit 100. On the other hand, if the second control unit 200B determines that communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established (step S225; YES), the process proceeds to step S227. Then, in step S227, the second control unit 200B transmits the second response information JA2 to the main control unit 100. Next, in step S229, the main control unit 100 receives the second response information JA2. Thereafter, the process returns to step S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0073] Next, the "retry process" executed in step S4 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the retry process by the main control unit 100, the first control unit 200A, and the second control unit 200B when the first determination unit 102 receives the first response information JA1 but does not receive the second response information JA2.

[0074] The retry process differs from the "communication establishment process" shown in Fig. 7 in that the first communication switching circuit 120 and the second communication switching circuit 220A are turned off (=disconnected) and then turned on (=connected). Specifically, the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 differs from the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 in that steps S401 to S405 are executed. Steps S407 to S435 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 correspond to steps S201 to S229 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7.

[0075] First, in step S401, the reconnection instruction unit 103 transmits a command CM to the first control unit 200A to instruct it to turn off (=disconnect) the second communication switching circuit 220A. Next, in step S403, the first control unit 200A receives the command CM and turns off (=disconnects) the second communication switching circuit 220A. Next, in step S405, the reconnection instruction unit 103 turns off (=disconnects) the first communication switching circuit 120.

[0076] Next, in step S407, the reconnection instruction unit 103 turns on (=connects) the first communication switching circuit 120. In this way, when the first judgment unit 102 receives the first response information JA1 but does not receive the second response information JA2, the first communication switching circuit 120 is temporarily disconnected from the main control unit 100 so as to disconnect not only the second control unit 200B but also the first control unit 200A. Here, in step S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, possible reasons why the first judgment unit 102 receives the first response information JA1 but does not receive the second response information JA2 include the following: an error occurring in a component of the second expansion cassette 21B, or an error occurring in a component of the first expansion cassette 21A causing a command to not be transmitted normally from the main control unit 100 to the second control unit 200B. By temporarily disconnecting the first communication switching circuit 120, the communication between the main control unit 100 and the first expansion cassette 21A is disconnected, and the communication between the main control unit 100 and the second expansion cassette 21B is also disconnected. Therefore, whether the error is caused by an error occurring in a component of the first expansion cassette 21A or an error occurring in a component of the second expansion cassette 21B, it is possible to increase the possibility of recovery from an error in which the first determination unit 102 does not receive the second response information JA2. Next, in step S409, the connection instruction unit 101 transmits a first connection command CM1 to the first control unit 200A. The first connection command CM1 is a command for instructing to establish communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S411, the first control unit 200A receives the first connection command CM1. Next, in step S413, the first control unit 200A executes a process of establishing communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S415, the first control unit 200A determines whether or not communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established. If the first control unit 200A determines that the communication with the main control unit 100 has not been successfully established (step S415; NO), the process returns to step S5 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. If the first control unit 200A determines that the communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established (step S415; YES), the process proceeds to step S417. Then, in step S417, the first control unit 200A transmits the first response information JA1 to the main control unit 100.

[0077] Next, in step S419, the main control unit 100 receives the first response information JA1. Next, in step S421, the main control unit 100 transmits a command CM to the first control unit 200A to instruct it to turn on (=connect) the second communication switching circuit 220A. Next, in step S423, the first control unit 200A receives the command CM from the main control unit 100 and turns on (=connects) the second communication switching circuit 220A. Next, in step S425, the connection instruction unit 101 transmits a second connection command CM2 to the second control unit 200B. The second connection command CM2 is a command for instructing to establish communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S427, the second control unit 200B receives the second connection command CM2.

[0078] Next, in step S429, the second control unit 200B executes a process for establishing communication with the main control unit 100. Next, in step S431, the second control unit 200B determines whether or not communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established. If the first control unit 200A determines that the communication with the main control unit 100 has not been successfully established (step S431; NO), the process returns to step S5 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. If the second control unit 200B determines that the communication with the main control unit 100 has been successfully established (step S431; YES), the process proceeds to step S433. Then, in step S433, the second control unit 200B transmits the second response information JA2 to the main control unit 100. Next, in step S435, the main control unit 100 receives the second response information JA2. After that, the process returns to step S5 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0079] As described above, the copier 1 is equipped with an apparatus main body 10 having a printing unit 28, a main control unit 100, and a first communication switching circuit 120 that connects or disconnects communication, a first expansion cassette 21A having a first control unit 200A that communicates with the main control unit 100 via the first communication switching circuit 120, and a second expansion cassette 21B having a second control unit 200B that communicates with the main control unit 100 via the first communication switching circuit 120, and the main control unit 100 performs a first connection process PR1 for sending a first connection command CM1 to the first control unit 200A that instructs the first control unit 200A to establish communication with the main control unit 100, and and executing a second connection process PR2 to send a second connection command CM2 to the second control unit 200B, instructing it to establish communication with the main control unit 100. If the main control unit 100 receives first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A indicating that communication with the main control unit 100 has been established, but does not receive second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B indicating that communication with the main control unit 100 has been established, the main control unit 100 causes the first communication switching circuit 120 to disconnect communication, and then executes a first reconnection process RR1 to cause the first communication switching circuit 120 to connect communication, and after executing the first reconnection process RR1, executes the first connection process PR1 again.

[0080] According to this, when the first response information JA1 is received and the second response information JA2 is not received, the first reconnection process RR1 is executed, and the first connection process PR1 is executed again after the first reconnection process RR1 is executed. The first reconnection process RR1 is a process for causing the first communication switching circuit 120 to connect the communication after having disconnected the communication. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the communication error in the first communication switching circuit 120 on the communication error in which the communication between the second control unit 200B and the main control unit 100 is not established. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility of recovery from the communication error in which the communication between the second control unit 200B and the main control unit 100 is not established.

[0081] Furthermore, in the copier 1, the first expansion cassette 21A has a second communication switching circuit 220A in which the first control unit 200A controls connection or disconnection of communication, and the second control unit 200B communicates with the main control unit 100 via the first communication switching circuit 120 and the second communication switching circuit 220A, and after executing the first reconnection process RR1, the main control unit 100 executes a second reconnection process RR2 in which the first control unit 200A disconnects the second communication switching circuit 220A and then connects communication to the second communication switching circuit 220A.

[0082] According to this, after the first reconnection process RR1 is executed, the second reconnection process RR2 is executed. The second reconnection process RR2 is a process for connecting the communication to the second communication switching circuit 220A after disconnecting the second communication switching circuit 220A. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the communication error in the second communication switching circuit 220A on the communication error in which the communication between the second control unit 200B and the main control unit 100 is not established. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility of recovery from the communication error in which the communication between the second control unit 200B and the main control unit 100 is not established.

[0083] Furthermore, in the copier 1, after executing the second reconnection process RR2, the main control unit 100 executes the second connection process PR2 again.

[0084] According to this, since the second connection process PR2 is executed again after the second reconnection process RR2 is executed, it is possible to eliminate the communication error in which communication is not established between the second control unit 200B and the main control unit 100. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility of recovery from the communication error in which communication is not established between the second control unit 200B and the main control unit 100.

[0085] Furthermore, in the copier 1, if the main control unit 100 receives the first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A and does not receive the second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B even after executing the second connection process PR2 a predetermined number N of times, the main control unit 100 maintains communication with the first control unit 200A and abandons communication with the second control unit 200B.

[0086] According to this, by setting the predetermined number of times N to an appropriate number of times, the main control unit 100 can appropriately abandon communication with the second control unit 200B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunctions in the second expansion cassette 21B caused by poor communication between the main control unit 100 and the second control unit 200B.

[0087] In addition, in the copier 1, if the main control unit 100 receives the first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A and does not receive the second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B even after executing the second connection process PR2 a predetermined number N of times, which is two or more, the main control unit 100 notifies that the second expansion cassette 21B cannot be used.

[0088] This allows the user to easily confirm that the second addition cassette 21B cannot be used, thereby improving user convenience.

[0089] Furthermore, in the copier 1, if the main control unit 100 receives the first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A and does not receive the second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B even after executing the second connection process RR2 a predetermined number N of times, the main control unit 100 causes the printing unit 28 to execute a print job on the printing medium S stored in the first expansion cassette 21A.

[0090] According to this, when the main control unit 100 cannot establish communication with the second control unit 200B, the main control unit 100 can execute a print job for the print medium S stored in the first expansion cassette 21A. This can improve user convenience.

[0091] Furthermore, in the copier 1, when the main control unit 100 receives first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A and second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B by executing the second connection process PR2 multiple times, the main control unit 100 sends a log request command CM3 to the second control unit 200B requesting the transmission of log information JL, and the second control unit 200B sends the log information JL to the main control unit 100 in response to the log request command CM3.

[0092] According to this, when the second response information JA2 is received from the second control unit 200B by executing the second connection process PR2 multiple times, the main control unit 100 can obtain the log information JL from the second control unit 200B. Therefore, the maintenance staff of the copier 1 can analyze the cause of the communication error based on the log information JL. This improves the convenience of the users, such as the maintenance staff of the copier 1.

[0093] In addition, in the copier 1, the log information JL includes the second connection command CM2 received by the second control unit 200B, the log request command CM3, and the second response information JA2 sent by the second control unit 200B during the period from the first second connection process PR2 by the main control unit 100 to the time the main control unit 100 receives the second response information JA2.

[0094] This allows the main control unit 100 to obtain appropriate information as the log information JL. Therefore, the maintenance staff of the copier 1 can analyze the cause of the communication error based on the log information JL. This improves the convenience of users such as the maintenance staff of the copier 1. In addition, it is possible to update the main control program PG based on the analysis of the cause of the communication error, thereby suppressing the occurrence of communication errors and increasing the possibility of recovery if a communication error occurs.

[0095] Further, a control method of the copier 1 is a control method of the copier 1 which includes an apparatus main body 10 having a printing unit 28, a main control unit 100, and a first communication switching circuit 120 which connects or disconnects communication, a first expansion cassette 21A having a first control unit 200A which communicates with the main control unit 100 via the first communication switching circuit 120, and a second expansion cassette 21B having a second control unit 200B which communicates with the main control unit 100 via the first communication switching circuit 120, in which the main control unit 100 performs a first connection process PR1 which transmits a first connection command CM1 to the first control unit 200A which instructs the first control unit 200A to establish communication with the main control unit 100; and executing a second connection process PR2 to send a second connection command CM2 to the second control unit 200B, instructing it to establish communication with the main control unit 100. When the main control unit 100 receives first response information JA1 from the first control unit 200A indicating that communication with the main control unit 100 has been established, but does not receive second response information JA2 from the second control unit 200B indicating that communication with the main control unit 100 has been established, the main control unit 100 causes the first communication switching circuit 120 to disconnect communication, and then executes a first reconnection process RR1 to cause the first communication switching circuit 120 to connect communication, and after executing the first reconnection process RR1, executes the first connection process PR1 again.

[0096] According to this, the same effects as those of the copying machine 1 described above can be achieved.

[0097] The above embodiment is merely a specific example of the application of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the first expansion cassette 21A and the second expansion cassette 21B are arranged in the copier 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. Three or more expansion cassettes may be arranged in the copier 1.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the first communication switching circuit 120 is configured as a separate entity from the main control unit 100, but the first communication switching circuit 120 may be configured as an integral part of the main control unit 100. Also, the second communication switching circuit 220A is configured as a separate entity from the first control unit 200A, but the second communication switching circuit 220A may be configured as an integral part of the first control unit 200A.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the case where the main control unit 100 receives the first response information JA1 but does not receive the second response information JA2 has been mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the main control unit 100 does not receive the first response information JA1 and the second response information JA2, the main control unit 100 executes a retry process, for example, a predetermined number of times, until the first response information JA1 is received. In this case, as the retry process, the first communication switching circuit 120 is turned off and then on to execute a process of establishing communication with the first control unit 200A. Then, when communication with the first control unit 200A is established and the first response information JA1 is received, the process described in the above-mentioned embodiment is executed.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the predetermined number of times N is three, but the present invention is not limited to this. The predetermined number of times N may be one, two, or four or more. Further, the predetermined number of times N may be configured to be set by a user such as a maintenance person by operating the operation panel 16, for example.

[0102] Each of the main processor 100A, the first processor 201A, and the second processor 201B may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. Also, each of the main processor 100A, the first processor 201A, and the second processor 201B may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional unit. That is, each of the main processor 100A, the first processor 201A, and the second processor 201B may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0103] Each part of the copying machine 1 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is of course possible to configure the functions of each part by having one processor execute a program. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of other parts of the copying machine 1 can also be changed as desired.

[0104] The step units of the operation shown in Figures 5 to 8 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the main control unit 100, the first control unit 200A, and the second control unit 200B of the copier 1, and the present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The processing units may be further divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Also, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Also, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not impede the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...copying machine (printing device), 10...device main body (main body), 17...main cassette, 21...additional cassette, 21A...first additional cassette (first cassette), 21B...second additional cassette (second cassette), 28...printing unit (printing section), 100...main control section, 100A...main processor, 100B...main memory, 101...connection instruction section, 102...first judgment section, 103...reconnection instruction section, 104...second judgment section, 105...notification section, 106...printing control section, 107...log processing section, 108...log storage section, 110...first power supply switching circuit, 120...first Communication switching circuit (first switching circuit), 200A...first control unit, 200B...second control unit, 210A...second power supply switching circuit, 220A...second communication switching circuit (second switching circuit), CD1...first condition, CD2...second condition, CM1...first connection command, CM2...second connection command, CM3...log request command, JA1...first response information, JA2...second response information, JL...log information, LC...communication line, LP...power supply line, N...predetermined number of times, PR1...first connection processing, PR2...second connection processing, RR1...first reconnection processing, RR2...second reconnection processing, S...medium.

Claims

1. a main body having a printing unit, a main control unit, and a first switching circuit for connecting or disconnecting communication; a first cassette having a first control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit; a second cassette having a second control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit, The main control unit is a first connection process for transmitting a first connection command to the first control unit to instruct the first control unit to establish communication with the main control unit; a second connection process for transmitting a second connection command to the second control unit to instruct the second control unit to establish communication with the main control unit; Run The main control unit is When first response information indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established is received from the first control unit, and second response information indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established is not received from the second control unit, executing a first reconnection process for causing the first switching circuit to connect the communication after causing the first switching circuit to disconnect the communication; The printing device executes the first connection process again after executing the first reconnection process.

2. the first cassette has a second switching circuit in which the first control unit controls connection or disconnection of communication; the second control unit communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit; After the first reconnection process is executed, the main control unit causes the first control unit to disconnect the second switching circuit, and then executes a second reconnection process to connect communication to the second switching circuit. The printing device of claim 1 .

3. the main control unit executes the second connection process again after executing the second reconnection process. The printing device according to claim 2 .

4. When the main control unit receives the first response information from the first control unit and does not receive the second response information from the second control unit even after the second connection process is executed a predetermined number of times, the main control unit: The main control unit maintains communication with the first control unit and abandons communication with the second control unit. The printing device according to claim 3 .

5. When the main control unit receives the first response information from the first control unit and does not receive the second response information from the second control unit even after the second connection process is executed a predetermined number of times, the main control unit: The main control unit notifies that the second cassette cannot be used. The printing device according to claim 4.

6. When the main control unit receives the first response information from the first control unit and does not receive the second response information from the second control unit even after the second connection process is executed a predetermined number of times, the main control unit: the main control unit causes the printing unit to execute a print job on the print medium stored in the first cassette; The printing device according to claim 5 .

7. When the main control unit receives the first response information from the first control unit and the second response information from the second control unit by executing the second connection process multiple times, the main control unit transmits a log request command to the second control unit to request transmission of log information; The second control unit transmits the log information to the main control unit in response to the log request command. The printing device according to claim 3 .

8. the log information includes, during a period from a first execution of the second connection process by the main control unit to a reception of the second response information by the main control unit, a second connection command received by the second control unit, the log request command, and the second response information transmitted by the second control unit. The printing device according to claim 7.

9. a main body having a printing unit, a main control unit, and a first switching circuit for connecting or disconnecting communication; a first cassette having a first control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit; a second cassette having a second control unit that communicates with the main control unit via the first switching circuit, The main control unit is a first connection process for transmitting a first connection command to the first control unit to instruct the first control unit to establish communication with the main control unit; a second connection process for transmitting a second connection command to the second control unit to instruct the second control unit to establish communication with the main control unit; Run The main control unit is When first response information indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established is received from the first control unit, and second response information indicating that communication with the main control unit has been established is not received from the second control unit, executing a first reconnection process for causing the first switching circuit to connect the communication after causing the first switching circuit to disconnect the communication; A control method for a printing device, comprising: executing the first reconnection process again after the first reconnection process is executed.

Images