JP5611908B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method. Specifically, when a sheet is discharged, the sheet is discharged even if a bridge that relays the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus is artificially removed. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

  In a paper discharge device currently used in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, if paper is discharged and stacked above a predetermined height on a paper discharge tray, the paper discharge port is blocked and the paper is jammed. There is a problem that arises. Therefore, a means for detecting that the sheets are stacked up to a predetermined height is required.

  A normal printer is provided with a paper surface sensor on the cover that covers the paper discharge port formed in the upper part of the printer body as the detection means, and the paper surface sensor detects that the number of sheets discharged from the paper discharge port is an allowable number or more. The cover is mounted on the cover so that it does not protrude. The paper surface sensor includes a sensor portion on the lower surface side, and is configured to send a signal for detecting a print stop when the number of discharged paper sheets reaches an allowable number.

  In addition, in recent printers, a finisher as a post-processing device can be attached as an option. In this case, the paper discharge port is used to convey paper from the paper discharge port of the printer body to the finisher. A relay unit (also called a bridge) that connects between the finisher and the finisher can be attached. When the bridge is attached to the printer, it is necessary to remove the paper surface sensor in advance.

  Here, in the printer, the printer main body and the paper surface sensor are generally connected by a connection connector and a harness, but when the finisher is mounted, if the paper surface sensor is removed, the connection connector and the harness are naturally It becomes useless and left without being connected anywhere. However, if the connection connector or the harness is left unattended, it hangs down to the front side of the paper discharge port, and there is a problem that it becomes an obstacle when the bridge is attached.

  In order to solve the above problem, the connection connector and the harness can only be removed from the cover or accommodated in the cover. However, the former is not only troublesome to remove, but if the optional finisher and bridge are to be removed, it must be reattached to the cover, which is very troublesome work such as disassembling the cover. Will be accompanied. Further, in order to store the connection connector and the harness without removing them, there is no specific structural measure, and it is fixed to the outer surface or inner surface of the cover with an adhesive tape or the like. In the case of the former, not only does it look bad, but it is a hindrance when connecting bridges, and in the case of the latter, connection connectors and harnesses are likely to be imperfectly fixed. There is a problem in that the paper hangs down and protrudes into the paper discharge port, which tends to cause a paper jam by preventing smooth paper discharge.

  As a technique for solving such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-214647 (Patent Document 1) includes a paper surface sensor that detects that a certain number or more of discharged sheets have accumulated near the discharge port, An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which the paper surface sensor can be detached from the image forming apparatus main body in order to attach a relay unit for transporting paper between an optional finisher and the paper discharge port. The image forming apparatus stores the connector that electrically connects the paper surface sensor and the image forming apparatus main body in the image forming apparatus main body after the paper surface sensor is removed. A notch is provided in the cover member in the vicinity of the connector disposition position. As a result, when installing the finisher as an option, the connector does not interfere with the installation of the relay unit for linking with the finisher, and it is possible to eliminate the drooping to the paper discharge port that causes paper jam. is there.

JP 2000-214647 A

  By the way, the image forming apparatus is preliminarily provided with a set switch that physically detects that the bridge is mounted, and a communication unit that communicates with the mounted bridge. When the communication unit functions normally, the bridge is determined to be properly attached to the image forming apparatus, and the bridge functions normally.

  In addition, since the bridge is usually mounted on the upper surface of the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus, when the bridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus is naturally Cannot be used.

  Here, when a predetermined number of copies are made after the bridge is mounted, the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus are successively conveyed to the discharge tray of the post-processing apparatus by mounting the bridge. The If the number of discharged sheets reaches the upper limit (upper limit number) of the discharge tray of the post-processing device, the user needs to remove the sheets.

  As a countermeasure for this, for example, a method in which the user removes the bridge and uses a paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus can be considered. However, if the bridge is artificially removed when a predetermined number of copies are made as described above, the set switch is turned off or the communication unit is disconnected. The image forming apparatus determines that the set switch or the communication unit has failed (abnormality detection), stops copying, and stops paper discharge. For this reason, the manual removal of the bridge has a problem that the paper discharge is stopped first and the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus cannot be used. The technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve this problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and when the paper is discharged, the paper is removed even if the bridge that relays between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus is artificially removed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that can be discharged.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image in which a bridge for conveying paper discharged from the apparatus to a post-processing apparatus connected to the apparatus is attached. The following configuration is adopted on the premise of the forming apparatus.

When the sheet is discharged from the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus counts the number of discharged sheets, and determines whether or not the number of discharged sheets exceeds a predetermined threshold value. And a discharge number determining means for stopping the discharge of the sheet when the discharged number exceeds the predetermined threshold, and prompting the user to remove the discharged sheet or remove the bridge. Guidance means for displaying a guidance screen on a predetermined operation unit, and after the guidance screen is displayed , the first removal condition is that the bridge is removed, and communication between the bridge and the device is disconnected. A removal condition detecting means for detecting the above as a second removal condition, and one of the two removal conditions is a removal condition. Once it is known, and a removable condition counting means for counting an elapsed time from the one of the removal condition is detected. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a removal condition determination unit that determines whether the other removal condition is detected before the elapsed time has passed a predetermined time, and a result of the determination, Paper discharge control means for executing discharge of the paper when the other removal condition is detected within the predetermined time.

  Thus, when the two removal conditions are detected, in other words, even when the user artificially removes the bridge, the paper is discharged (execution of image formation). For this reason, for example, when the user wants to change the paper discharge destination (conveyance destination) from the post-processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus, or the number of sheets discharged to the post-processing apparatus exceeds the upper limit. In such a case, if the bridge is artificially removed, the paper is discharged, and the change of the paper discharge destination can be simplified. In addition, it is possible to omit removal of the discharged paper from the post-processing apparatus, and it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

  Further, the paper discharge control means stops the discharge of the paper when the other removal condition is not detected within the predetermined time, and an error corresponding to the non-detection of the other removal condition. The screen can be displayed on a predetermined operation unit.

  In addition, the guidance unit can be configured to execute discharge of the paper when receiving an instruction from the user that the discharged paper has been removed.

The present invention can be provided as an image forming method of an image forming apparatus to which a bridge for conveying paper discharged from the apparatus to a post-processing apparatus connected to the apparatus is attached. That is, in the image forming method, when a sheet is discharged from its own apparatus , a counting step for counting the number of discharged sheets, and whether or not the number of discharged sheets exceeds a predetermined threshold value set in advance. The number of discharged sheets determining step, and when the number of discharged sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, the user stops whether to discharge the sheet and removes the discharged sheet or removes the bridge. A guidance step for displaying a guidance screen for prompting a predetermined operation unit, and the first removal condition is that the bridge is removed after the guidance screen is displayed , and communication between the bridge and the device is disconnected. A removal condition detection step for detecting the removal as a second removal condition, and one of the two removal conditions. When one removal condition is detected, and a removable condition counting step for counting a time elapsed from the time when the one of the removal condition is detected. Further, the image forming method includes a removal condition determination step for determining whether or not the other removal condition is detected before the elapsed time has passed a predetermined time, and as a result of the determination, A paper discharge control step for executing discharge of the paper when the other removal condition is detected within the predetermined time. Even if configured in this way, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention.

  Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, when a sheet is discharged, the sheet can be discharged even if the bridge that relays the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus is artificially removed. It becomes.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing an example of front view sectional view of a bridge concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the initial screen displayed on the touch panel of embodiment of this invention (FIG. 8 (A)), and the figure which shows an example of the guidance screen displayed on the touch panel of embodiment of this invention (FIG. 8) (B)). FIG. 9A shows an example of an error screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9A shows an example of the error screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a second diagram (FIG. 9B).

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a scanner alone, or a multi-function machine equipped with a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy service, a scanner service, a facsimile service, a printer service, and the like. It functions as an image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, for example, an operation of the MFP 100 (Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy service will be briefly described.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction machine 100, the document is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the casing unit 125. Subsequently, the user uses the operation unit 122 (operation panel) provided in the vicinity of the platen 101 to input setting conditions related to image formation from the operation screen of the operation unit 122. When the user presses a start key provided on the operation unit 122, the multifunction peripheral 100 starts image formation (print processing).

  Subsequently, in the image reading unit 102, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108, and image data corresponding to the original is generated.

  A portion that forms a toner image based on the image data is an image forming unit 103. The image forming unit 103 is provided with a photosensitive drum 109. The photosensitive drum 109 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum 110, the exposure unit 111, the developing unit 112, the transfer unit 113, the cleaning unit 114, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 110 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 109. The exposure unit 111 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 109 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 113 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the formed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, paper, sheet) by the transfer unit 113. The cleaning unit 114 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 109. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 109.

  The paper is conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 115 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. When transported, the paper is pulled out from any one of the paper feed cassettes 115 by the pickup roller 116 to the transport path. Each paper feed cassette 115 stores sheets of different paper types, and paper is fed based on setting conditions relating to image formation.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is sent between the photosensitive drum 109 and the transfer device 113 by the conveyance roller 117 and the registration roller 118. When the paper is fed, the toner image is transferred to the paper by the transfer device 113 and conveyed to the fixing device 119.

  When the paper on which the toner image has been transferred passes between a heating roller and a pressure roller provided in the fixing device 119, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed on the paper. The The amount of heat of the heating roller is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet and the image formation is completed, and the paper is guided to the paper discharge port 120 by the conveyance roller 117.

  Here, in a state in which the bridge 121 (relay unit) is not attached to the multifunction peripheral 100, the paper discharged from the paper discharge port 120 is stacked and accommodated on the in-body paper discharge tray 123. By the above procedure, the casing unit 125 of the multifunction peripheral 100 provides an image forming function to the user.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the bridge 121 is attached to the multifunction peripheral 100 (the upper surface of the in-body discharge tray 123), the sheet is conveyed to the bridge 121.

  The sheet conveyed to the bridge 121 is guided to a post-processing device 124 (finisher) connected (attached) to the multifunction peripheral 100. The finisher 124 performs post-processing such as punching and stapling on the guided paper. The post-processing is executed according to preset setting conditions.

  The finisher 124 includes, in a box-shaped casing 126, a punching processing unit 127 that immediately receives the sheet discharged from the bridge 121, a stapling processing unit 128 disposed immediately below the punching processing unit 127, and And a center folding portion 129 formed immediately below the staple processing unit 128.

  The punching processing unit 127 is a part for punching a binding hole in the side edge of the sheet fed from the multifunction peripheral 100 via the bridge 121. The paper introduced into the punching processing unit 127 may or may not be subjected to punching processing based on an input signal (setting condition) indicating whether or not to perform punching processing input in advance from the operation unit 125. The sheet that has passed through the punching processing unit 127 is discharged as it is to the upper sheet discharge tray 130 or is directed to the staple processing unit 128 based on the setting condition.

  The staple processing unit 128 performs a stapling process (binding process) on the bundle of sheets in a state where a predetermined number of sheets that have passed through the punching processing unit 127 are stacked. The staple processing unit 128 is provided with a stapler which is a binding device, and the stapler performs a stapling process on a preset position of the sheet bundle. The sheet bundle that has been subjected to the edge binding staple process is discharged toward the upper discharge tray 130.

  The middle folding portion 129 is a so-called saddle stitching stapled sheet bundle that is bound at the central portion in the staple processing unit 128, and is folded into two at a portion where the staple processing is performed. Apply half-fold processing. The sheet bundle that has been subjected to the folding process in the folding unit 129 is discharged to a dedicated lower discharge tray 131.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a front cross-sectional view of the bridge 121 attached to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The bridge 121 has a three-dimensional shape that can be detachably attached to the upper surface of the in-body discharge tray 123 of the multifunction peripheral 100, and is transported from the discharge outlet 120 by the transport roller 117 in the multifunction peripheral 100. Intra-bridge conveyance path 202 that guides the completed sheet to the sheet passing port 201 of the finisher 124, and an in-bridge conveyance roller that conveys the sheet introduced into the in-bridge conveyance path 202 toward the finisher 124 (the sheet passing port 201) 203.

  At a predetermined position on the upper surface of the in-body discharge tray 123 of the multifunction peripheral 100 (for example, a position near the discharge outlet 120 side of the multifunction peripheral 100), the bridge 121 is placed on the upper surface of the in-body discharge tray 123. A set switch 204 that is turned on from an off state by physical contact with a predetermined outer surface (upstream lower end surface) of the bridge 121 when it is normally mounted is provided in advance. The set switch 204 normally remains off when the bridge 121 is not normally attached to the multifunction device 100.

  In-bridge transport rollers 203 provided at predetermined positions (for example, three positions on the upstream side, center, and downstream side) of the intra-bridge transport path 202 are provided in advance in the bridge 121. The sheet is rotated by a driving force of a motor (not shown) to convey the sheet in the in-bridge conveyance path 202 toward the finisher 124. The driving force of the driving motor is configured to be transmitted to the in-bridge conveyance roller 203 through a predetermined gear mechanism.

  The drive motor is connected in advance to a communication unit 205 exposed on a predetermined side surface (for example, the lower surface on the downstream side) of the bridge 121, and a communication unit 206 that transmits a control signal to the drive motor is also provided. Corresponding to the communication unit 205, a predetermined side surface (for example, the upper surface on the downstream side) is provided in advance on the MFP 100 side. Therefore, when the bridge 121 is normally mounted on the upper surface of the in-body discharge tray 123, the communication unit 205 of the bridge 121 and the communication unit 206 of the multifunction machine 100 are opposed to each other and are normal. Connected to. When both are normally connected, the control signal can be communicated between the two, and the multi-function device 100 normally performs control of the drive motor, that is, rotation control of the in-bridge transport roller 203. Is possible.

  Further, the sheet guided from the bridge 121 to the sheet passing port 201 of the finisher 124 is conveyed to the punching processing unit 127 described above by the in-finisher conveying roller 207 in the finisher 124. The finisher transport roller 207 controls the rotation of the multifunction peripheral 100 when the bridge 121 is normally attached to the multifunction peripheral 100, similarly to the transport roller 203 in the bridge.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the operation unit 122 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. The user uses the operation unit 122 to input the setting conditions for providing the function as described above. When the setting condition is input, the touch panel 301, the touch pen 302, and the operation key 303 provided in the operation unit 122 are used.

  The touch panel 301 has a function of inputting the above-described setting conditions and a function of displaying the input setting conditions. That is, by pressing a setting item key or the like in the screen displayed on the touch panel 301, a setting condition associated with the setting item key or the like is input. In addition, the setting item key or the like to which the setting condition has been input is displayed on the touch panel 301 by changing its background color from white to gray, so that it is visually recognized by the user as needed. Further, when a failure (abnormality) of a predetermined member occurs in the multifunction device 100, a screen (for example, an error screen) for informing the user of the failure or the like is displayed on the touch panel 301. According to the displayed screen, the user can respond to a failure of a predetermined member. Further, as will be described later, a guidance screen and an initial screen for prompting the user to select a predetermined operation are also displayed.

  A touch pen 302 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and when a user brings the tip of the touch pen 302 into contact with the touch panel 301, a contact sensor provided below the touch panel 301 detects the touch destination. Therefore, the touch of the touch pen 302 allows the key on the screen to be pressed and the key to be input.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 303 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and for example, a numeric keypad 304, a start key 305, a clear key 306, a stop key 307, a reset key 308, and a power key 309 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of control system hardware in the multifunction machine. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 404, a driver 405 corresponding to each drive unit, and a set. The switch 204 and the communication unit 206 are connected by an internal bus 406.

  The CPU 401 uses, for example, the RAM 403 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like. Based on the execution result, the data from the driver 405 and the operation unit 122, the set switch 204 and the data of the communication unit 206 are exchanged, and the operation of each driving unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is controlled.

  The set switch 204 transmits an on signal indicating an on state from an off signal indicating an off state to the CPU 401 when the bridge 121 is normally attached to the multifunction peripheral. In addition, the communication unit 206 of the multifunction device 100 is connected to the communication unit 205 of the bridge 121 and can communicate with the bridge 121 when the bridge 121 is normally attached to the multifunction device. By detecting this connection, it becomes possible to control the drive motor 407 in the bridge 121.

  Further, each means (shown in FIG. 5) other than the driving unit described later is realized by the CPU 401 executing the program. The ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like store programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine of the present invention. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for illustrating the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multi-function device 100 in which the finisher 124 (post-processing device) is mounted in advance (FIG. 6: S101), the multi-function device 100 is activated, and the display accepting unit 501 of the multi-function device 100 An initial setting condition stored in advance in a predetermined initial setting condition memory is acquired, and the initial setting condition is temporarily stored in the predetermined setting condition memory as a setting condition. The setting condition is a setting condition for a function (for example, a copy function) that can be provided by the multifunction peripheral 100. Then, the display receiving unit 501 displays an operation screen (initial screen) reflecting the current setting conditions on the touch panel 301 (FIG. 6: S102).

  On the initial screen 800, as shown in FIG. 8A, a plurality of setting item keys 801 corresponding to the setting conditions of the copy function are displayed so that they can be pressed, and for conveying the sheet to the finisher 124. A message 802 indicating that the bridge 121 (relay unit) can be attached to the multifunction device 100 is displayed.

  Therefore, the user places the document on the document table 101, and mounts the bridge 121 on the upper surface of the in-body sheet discharge tray 123 of the multifunction peripheral 100 while viewing the initial screen 800 (FIG. 6: S103).

  Here, when the bridge 121 is normally attached to the multifunction peripheral 100, the set switch 204 provided in advance on the upper surface of the in-body discharge tray 123 is changed from the off state to the on state. When the bridge 121 is normally attached to the multifunction device 100, the communication unit 205 that communicates with the drive motor 407 in the bridge 121 and the communication unit 206 of the multifunction device 100 are connected, and the bridge 121 is connected. And the MFP 100 can communicate with each other.

  Therefore, the removal condition detection means 502 of the multifunction device 100 communicates with the set switch 204 and the communication unit 206 of the multifunction device 100, so that the set switch 204 is in an on state, and the bridge 121 and It is detected that communication with the multifunction device 100 is possible, and it is determined whether or not the bridge 121 is normally attached to the multifunction device 100 (FIG. 6: S104).

  As a result of the determination, when the set switch 204 is in an OFF state or communication between the bridge 121 and the multifunction peripheral 100 is not possible (FIG. 6: S104 NO), the removal condition detection unit 502 is configured so that the bridge 121 It is determined that the MFP 100 is not normally mounted, and a notification to that effect is sent to the display receiving means 501. Upon receiving the notification, the display accepting unit 501 displays an error screen (not shown) indicating that the set switch 204 is in an off state or that the bridge 121 and the multifunction peripheral 100 cannot communicate with each other on the touch panel 301. Displayed above (FIG. 6: S105).

  In this case, since the bridge 121 is not normally attached to the multifunction peripheral 100, the user can, for example, reattach the bridge 121 or contact an administrator or a service person while viewing the error screen. Will do.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the set switch 204 is in the ON state and the bridge 121 and the multifunction peripheral 100 can communicate (FIG. 6: S104 YES), the removal condition detection unit 502 121 determines that it is normally attached to the multifunction device 100 and notifies the display accepting unit 501 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the display accepting unit 501 displays a message indicating normal attachment of the bridge 121 such as “Bridge has been attached normally” at the lower end of the initial screen 800, for example. Notify the normal wearing of 121.

  Now, a user who normally attaches the bridge 121 to the multifunction peripheral 100 uses the operation key 303 of the operation unit 122 while looking at the initial screen 800 to set a predetermined number of prints (for example, among the setting conditions). , “100 sheets”), the display receiving unit 501 receives an input of the input number of prints (FIG. 6: S106).

  Further, when the user depresses the start key 305 while viewing the initial screen 800, the display accepting unit 501 accepts the depressing of the start key 305 and provides a setting condition including the number of prints input earlier. Notify the means 503. Receiving the notification, the function providing unit 503 executes image formation based on the setting condition (FIG. 6: S107).

  When the function providing unit 503 executes the image formation, the sheet on which the image has been formed is guided to the paper discharge port 120 by the conveyance roller 117 of the multifunction peripheral 100. Here, since the bridge 121 is normally attached to the multi-function device 100, the function providing unit 503 is connected to the bridge 121 via the communication unit 206 of the multi-function device 100 and the communication unit 205 of the bridge 121. The drive motor 407 is controlled to rotate the in-bridge conveyance roller 203 so that the sheet guided from the sheet discharge port 120 is conveyed to the in-bridge conveyance path 202 and guided to the sheet passing port 201 of the finisher 124. In addition, since the setting condition is not a setting condition for performing punching processing in particular, the function providing unit 503 controls the transport roller 207 in the finisher 124 to leave the sheet as it is in the punching processing unit in the finisher 124. 127, and is directly discharged to the upper discharge tray 130 (FIG. 6: S108).

  Here, when only one sheet on which the image has been formed is discharged to the upper discharge tray 130, the counting unit 504 of the multifunction peripheral 100 detects it via the function providing unit 503, and “1 sheet” is added to the number of discharged sheets whose initial value is set to “0 sheets” in advance, and the number of discharged sheets is counted as “1 sheet” (FIG. 6: S109).

  When the counting unit 504 counts the number of discharged sheets, the number of discharged sheets is notified to the discharged number determining unit 505, and the discharged number determining unit 505 that has received the notification sets the number of discharged sheets and the preset number. The predetermined threshold value (for example, “50 sheets”) is compared to determine whether or not the number of discharged sheets exceeds the threshold value (FIG. 6: S110).

  The threshold value corresponds to the upper limit value of the number of sheets stacked on the paper discharge tray. In the following description, it is assumed that the upper discharge tray 130 and the in-body discharge tray 123 have the same upper limit value.

  As a result of the determination, if the number of discharged sheets is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (FIG. 6: S110 NO), the discharged number determining means 505 determines that it is still possible to discharge the sheet and provides the function to that effect. Notify the means 503. Upon receiving the notification, the function providing unit 503 compares the number of ejected sheets with the number of printed sheets under the set condition, and determines whether the number of ejected sheets has reached the number of printed sheets (FIG. 6: S111). ).

  As a result of the determination, if the number of ejected sheets has not reached the number of printed sheets (FIG. 6: S111 NO), the process returns to S107, and the function providing unit 503 repeats execution of image formation and sheet ejection (FIG. 6: S107 → S108). The case where the number of discharged sheets reaches the number of printed sheets (FIG. 6: S111 YES) will be described later.

  On the other hand, as a result of the function providing unit 503 repeating image formation and paper discharge before the number of discharged sheets reaches the number of printed sheets, the number of discharged sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold in S110. In this case (FIG. 6: S110 YES), the discharged sheet number determining means 505 determines that the sheet cannot be discharged next, and notifies the guidance means 506 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the guidance unit 506 communicates with the function providing unit 503, and causes the function providing unit 503 to execute image formation and temporarily stop paper discharge (FIG. 6: S112).

  Next, the guidance unit 506 causes the display receiving unit 501 to display a guidance screen 803 on the touch panel 301 that prompts the user to remove the ejected paper or remove the bridge 121 (FIG. 6). : S113).

  On the guidance screen 803, as shown in FIG. 8B, a message 804 indicating that the number of ejected sheets has exceeded the upper limit and whether to remove the ejected sheet or remove the bridge 121 are displayed to the user. A message 805 for prompting the user to select, a message 806 for prompting the user to press the OK key after removing the discharged paper, and an OK key 807 are displayed.

  Therefore, when the user removes the discharged paper from the upper paper discharge tray 130 of the finisher 124 and presses the OK key 807 while looking at the guidance screen 803, the guidance unit 506 causes the display reception unit 501 to be displayed. Then, the pressing of the OK key 807 is accepted as an instruction indicating that the discharged paper has been removed (FIG. 6: S114 YES), and the number of discharged sheets counted by the counting means 504 is the initial value “0”. (FIG. 6: S115). Next, the guidance unit 506 causes the function providing unit 503 to cancel the stop of the sheet discharge and execute the sheet discharge (FIG. 6: S116). Then, the function providing unit 503 returns to S107 to execute image formation and discharge the paper (FIG. 6: S107 → S108).

  On the other hand, while viewing the guidance screen 803, the user removes the bridge 121 without removing the discharged paper (FIG. 6: S114 NO) (FIG. 7: S201).

  Here, when the bridge 121 is normally removed from the multi-function peripheral, the set switch 204 that is turned on by the attachment of the bridge 121 is turned off, and the communication unit 205 of the bridge 121 and the multi-function peripheral 100 are also turned on. The communication unit 206 is disconnected and the connection is released (communication impossible).

  Therefore, the removal condition detection unit 502 communicates with the set switch 204 and the communication unit 205 of the multi-function device 100 to set the removal condition of the bridge 121 as a first removal condition. Each detection is started with the second disconnection condition that the communication with the multifunction peripheral 100 is disconnected (FIG. 7: S202).

  First, when the removal condition detecting unit 502 detects one of the two removal conditions (for example, the first removal condition) (FIG. 7: S202 YES), the removal condition timing unit is notified accordingly. 507 is notified. Upon receipt of the notification, the removal condition timing means 507 measures the elapsed time from the time when the one removal condition is detected (FIG. 7: S203).

  When the removal condition timing unit 507 starts counting the elapsed time, the removal condition determination unit 508 notifies the removal condition determination unit 508 to that effect, and the removal condition determination unit 508 that has received the notification notifies the removal condition detection unit 502 of the remaining time. It is monitored whether or not the other removal condition (for example, the second removal condition) is detected (FIG. 7: S204).

  Further, the removal condition determining means 508 compares the measured elapsed time with a predetermined time (removal condition detection time, for example, 1 second, several seconds), and the elapsed time is the removal time. It is determined whether or not the condition detection time is exceeded (FIG. 7: S205).

  As a result of the determination, when the elapsed time does not exceed the removal condition detection time (FIG. 7: S205 NO), the removal condition determination unit 508 continues to monitor the removal condition detection unit 502 again. (FIG. 7: S204).

  Here, when the removal condition detection means 502 detects the other removal condition (FIG. 7: S204 YES) until the elapsed time has passed the removal condition detection time (FIG. 7: S205 NO), the bridge 121 is reached. Since the two removal conditions are detected by the removal, the removal condition determination unit 508 determines that the bridge 121 has been artificially removed, and notifies the paper discharge control unit 509 to that effect. The paper discharge control unit 509 that has received the notification causes the paper to be discharged.

  Specifically, the paper discharge control means 509 provides a function that stops the rotation (control) of the in-bridge transport roller 203 of the bridge 121 and the transport roller 207 of the finisher 124 when the paper is discharged. The function providing unit 503 that has notified the unit 503 stops the rotation of each conveyance roller and executes the separation control of the bridge 121 (FIG. 7: S206).

  Next, the paper discharge control means 509 proceeds to S115, sets the paper discharge count counted by the counting means 504 to the initial value “0” (FIG. 6: S115), and the function providing means. In 503, the stop of the discharge of the paper is released and the discharge of the paper is executed (FIG. 6: S116). Then, the function providing unit 503 returns to S107 to execute image formation and discharge the paper (FIG. 6: S107 → S108). In addition, since the process after S107 is the same as that of the above-mentioned, the description is omitted.

  As a result, the in-body discharge tray 123 of the multifunction machine that can be used by removing the bridge 121 while the predetermined number of sheets are discharged (stacked) on the upper discharge tray 130 of the finisher 124 is effectively used. By using this, it is possible to discharge the sheet discharged subsequently to the in-body discharge tray 123. For this reason, for example, when the user wants to change the paper discharge destination (conveyance destination) from the finisher 124 to the multifunction peripheral 100, or when the number of sheets discharged to the finisher 124 exceeds the upper limit. However, by manually removing the bridge 121, it is possible to easily change the paper discharge destination. Further, it is possible to omit the removal of the discharged paper from the finisher 124, and it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

  Also, conventionally, if the bridge 121 is artificially removed, an error screen corresponding to the detected removal condition is displayed when one of the two removal conditions is detected, and The discharge was stopped. In the present invention, it is possible to avoid such a stoppage of paper discharge, and to allow the user to artificially remove the bridge 121.

  In step S206, the sheet discharge control unit 509 notifies the guidance unit 506 that the bridge 121 has been normally removed when executing the disconnection control of the bridge 121, and has received the notification. The guidance unit 506 may be configured to switch from displaying the guidance screen 803 to displaying the initial screen 800 (or displaying a screen during image formation). Thereby, the user can visually confirm that the bridge 121 has been normally removed.

  Incidentally, in S204, when the removal condition detection means 502 does not detect the other removal condition (FIG. 7: S204 NO) and the elapsed time exceeds the removal condition detection time (FIG. 7: S205 YES), The removal condition determining means 508 determines that the other removal condition is not detected even though the bridge 121 is removed, that is, an abnormality corresponding to the non-detection of the other removal condition has occurred, This is notified to the sheet discharge control means 509. Upon receiving the notification, the sheet discharge control unit 509 communicates with the function providing unit 503, and causes the function providing unit 503 to completely stop execution of image formation and discharge of the sheet due to an abnormality (FIG. 7: S207). ).

  Next, the paper discharge control unit 509 proceeds to S105, and displays an error screen corresponding to the non-detection of the other removal condition on the touch panel 301 via the display receiving unit 501 (FIG. 6: S105). ).

  Here, when the other removal condition is that the bridge 121 that is the first removal condition is removed, the non-detection of the other removal condition is used for detection of the first removal condition. This is due to the failure (abnormality) of the set switch 204. Therefore, in this case, the paper discharge control unit 509 displays an error screen corresponding to the failure of the set switch 204.

  On the error screen 900 corresponding to the failure of the set switch 204, as shown in FIG. 9A, a message 901 indicating that the set switch 204 that physically detects the mounting of the bridge 121 has failed, and a copy function Is displayed, a message 903 prompting to contact the administrator or service person, and a contact information 904 of the administrator or service person are displayed.

  On the other hand, when the other removal condition is that the communication between the bridge 121 and the multifunction peripheral 100, which is the second removal condition, is disconnected, the non-detection of the other removal condition is determined by the second removal condition. This is due to a failure (abnormality) in the communication unit 206 of the multifunction peripheral 100 or the communication unit 205 of the bridge 121 used for condition detection. Therefore, in this case, the paper discharge control unit 509 displays an error screen corresponding to the failure of each of the communication units 205 and 206.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the error screen 905 corresponding to the failure of the communication unit includes a message 906 indicating that the communication unit communicating with the bridge 121 and the multifunction peripheral 100 has failed, and a copy function. A message 907 indicating that the service has been stopped, a message 908 indicating that the administrator or service person is to be contacted, and a contact 909 for the administrator or service person are displayed.

  Accordingly, whether the bridge 121 is artificially removed by determining whether the two removal conditions are detected within the removal condition detection time, the set switch 204 or the communication unit It becomes possible to distinguish whether 205 and 206 have failed. In addition, the user can check whether the set switch 204 or the communication units 205 and 206 has failed when the bridge 121 is removed.

  By the way, in S111, the number of printed sheets of the set condition is in a range that does not exceed the threshold value, and the number of ejected sheets reaches the number of printed sheets by repeating the sheet ejection of the function providing unit 503 (FIG. 6). : S111 YES), the function providing unit 503 sets the number of discharged sheets counted by the counting unit 504 to the initial value “0” (FIG. 6: S117), and completes the execution of image formation (providing the copy function). To do.

  As described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention uses the first removal condition that the bridge 121 is removed when the sheet is discharged from the multifunction peripheral 100 to the bridge 121, and is combined with the bridge 121. The removal condition detecting means 502 for detecting that the communication with the machine 100 is disconnected as a second removal condition, and when one of the two removal conditions is detected, the one of the two removal conditions is detected. Demounting condition time measuring means 507 for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the unloading condition is detected is provided. Further, the multi-function device 100 includes a removal condition determination unit 508 that determines whether or not the other removal condition is detected before the predetermined time elapses, and a result of the determination, And a paper discharge control unit 509 for executing discharge of the paper when the other removal condition is detected within the predetermined time.

  Thus, when the two removal conditions are detected, in other words, even when the user artificially removes the bridge 121, the paper is discharged (execution of image formation). For this reason, for example, when the user wants to change the paper discharge destination (conveyance destination) from the finisher 124 to the multifunction peripheral, or when the number of sheets discharged to the finisher 124 exceeds the upper limit. In addition, if the bridge 121 is artificially removed, the paper is discharged, and the change of the paper discharge destination can be simplified. Further, it is possible to omit the removal of the discharged paper from the finisher 124, and it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

  Also, conventionally, if the bridge 121 is artificially removed, an error screen corresponding to the detected removal condition is displayed when one of the two removal conditions is detected, and The discharge was stopped. In the present invention, it is possible to avoid such a stoppage of paper discharge, and to allow the user to artificially remove the bridge 121.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the removal condition detection unit 502 and the removal condition timing unit 507 are configured to start when the guidance screen 803 is displayed. For example, the initial screen 800 is displayed. You may comprise so that it may start when it hits. For example, even when a user artificially removes the bridge 121 when receiving input of copy setting conditions, the removal condition detection unit 502 and the like may be activated to perform the above-described processing.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the same threshold value is set for the upper discharge tray 130 and the in-body discharge tray 123. However, different threshold values may be set.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the copy function processing of the multifunction peripheral 100 is employed. However, the present invention can be employed for a facsimile reception function, a print function, and the like.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In the configuration, the multifunction device 100 reads the program, and the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for copiers, printers, and the like. When paper is discharged, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus are combined. This is effective as an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that can discharge the paper even if the bridge to be relayed is artificially removed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Multifunction machine 121 Bridge 122 Operation part 123 In-body paper discharge tray 124 Finisher 204 Set switch 205,206 Communication part 407 Drive motor 501 Display reception means 502 Removal condition detection means 503 Function provision means 504 Count means 505 Ejection number judgment means 506 Guidance Means 507 Removal condition timing means 508 Removal condition determination means 509 Paper discharge control means

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus to which a bridge for conveying paper discharged from the apparatus to a post-processing apparatus connected to the apparatus is attached.
When the paper is discharged from its own device, counting means for counting the number of discharged paper,
A discharge number determination means for determining whether or not the number of discharged sheets exceeds a predetermined threshold value set in advance;
When the number of discharged sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, the predetermined operation unit displays a guidance screen that stops the discharge of the sheet and prompts the user to remove the discharged sheet or remove the bridge. Guidance means to be displayed on,
After the guidance screen is displayed, the removal condition detection detects that the bridge is removed as a first removal condition, and that the communication between the bridge and the device is disconnected as a second removal condition. Means,
When any one of the two removal conditions is detected, a removal condition timing means for measuring the elapsed time from the time when the one removal condition is detected,
A removal condition determination means for determining whether or not the other removal condition is detected before the predetermined time elapses.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet discharge control unit that executes discharge of the sheet when the other removal condition is detected within the predetermined time as a result of the determination. The paper discharge control means stops the paper discharge when the other removal condition is not detected within the predetermined time, and displays an error screen corresponding to the non-detection of the other removal condition. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is displayed on a predetermined operation unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guidance unit, when receiving an instruction from the user that the discharged paper is removed, causes the paper to be discharged. In the image forming method of the image forming apparatus to which the bridge for conveying the paper discharged from the own apparatus to the post-processing apparatus connected to the own apparatus is attached,
When the paper is discharged from its own device, a counting step for counting the number of discharged paper,
A discharge number determination step for determining whether or not the number of discharged sheets exceeds a predetermined threshold value set in advance;
When the number of discharged sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, the predetermined operation unit displays a guidance screen that stops the discharge of the sheet and prompts the user to remove the discharged sheet or remove the bridge. Guidance steps to be displayed on the
After the guidance screen is displayed, the removal condition detection detects that the bridge is removed as a first removal condition, and that the communication between the bridge and the device is disconnected as a second removal condition. Steps,
When one of the two removal conditions is detected, a removal condition timing step for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the one removal condition is detected,
A removal condition determination step for determining whether or not the other removal condition has been detected before the predetermined time has elapsed in advance.
An image forming method comprising: a sheet discharge control step of executing discharge of the sheet when the other removal condition is detected within the predetermined time as a result of the determination. A program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 4 . A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 5 .

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