JP2000056655A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent transfer paper from being left in the device even when an instruction to stop the device is given in the course of an image forming job. SOLUTION: When the instruction to stop the device is given by the depression of a device stop key in the course of the image forming operation, a digital copying device judges whether transfer paper corresponding to the end of the copying is fed or not. In the case the transfer paper has not been fed, the permission of the execution of a paper feed operation is continued until the paper is fed, and the paper feed operation is stopped at a point in time that the transfer paper is fed. Thereafter onto the transfer paper corresponding to the end of the copying, the image forming process is performed by a printer. After the ejection of the transfer paper onto a stacker tray, the device is stopped (the image forming operation is temporarily interrupted).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to various image forming apparatuses such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus as described above, a paper feeding section for feeding a transfer paper, an image forming processing section for performing an image forming process on the transfer paper fed by the paper feeding section, The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming operation control unit that controls an image forming operation including an image forming process performed by the image forming processing unit on the transfer sheet and a sheet feeding operation of the transfer sheet by the paper unit.

In such an image forming apparatus, a technique is generally used in which a stop key is depressed (instruction to interrupt the image forming operation) during a series of image forming operations to temporarily interrupt the image forming operation. When the interruption process is further performed, after the interruption is instructed, the image forming process is performed on the fed transfer paper without performing the feeding operation of the new transfer paper thereafter. There is also a technique for performing an interruption process. In addition, a technique is generally used in which a currently executed job (image forming operation) is temporarily interrupted to execute another job when an interrupt key is pressed.

Further, a recent image forming apparatus is provided with a device (finisher) capable of performing stapling on a transfer sheet subjected to image processing by executing an image forming operation. There are also things. As a finisher, the transfer papers subjected to the image forming process are sequentially stacked inside. When the transfer papers are bundled (in units of copies) to be stapled, the transfer paper bundle is stapled. 2. Description of the Related Art A stapled transfer paper bundle is known to be discharged to a discharge tray.

[0005]

However, in the image forming apparatus provided with the conventional finisher, if the above-described interruption processing is performed when the staple mode is set, the sheet feeding operation for each copy is not performed. Since the new paper feeding operation is stopped before the completion, the transfer paper on which the image forming process has been performed may be interrupted while being stacked in the finisher.

For example, there is a reason that an operator (apparatus user) must leave the image forming apparatus side.
If the job (image forming operation) is not likely to be completed for a while, the stop key may be pressed to suspend the job temporarily with the transfer paper remaining in the finisher and to leave the image forming apparatus side. Conceivable.
If the transfer paper remaining in the finisher is a document on which confidential information has been printed, there is a risk of information leakage due to separation from the image forming apparatus.

Another problem is that the finisher cannot be used (an image forming operation for stapling cannot be executed) when another job is executed by pressing the interrupt key while the interrupted job is not completed.
Further, even if the job is interrupted and the rest of the job is cleared by the clear key, the transfer paper remains in the finisher, which may hinder subsequent image forming operations (another job). turn into.

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is not used for a long time due to resource saving in recent years, the surface temperature (fixing temperature) of the fixing roller is lowered or the power supply of a part of the apparatus is cut off. Thus, an image forming apparatus which realizes energy saving is also known. For example, as shown in JP-A-7-129042 or JP-A-9-230754, an image in which the power supply is shut off at the same time as the completion of the job by instructing the power cut-off in advance during the job execution. A forming device has been proposed.

In these image forming apparatuses, there is no need for the operator to instruct power shutoff after the job is completed. Therefore, if the job start and power shutoff are instructed, the operator can leave the apparatus thereafter. There is no need to wait for the completion of a job to shut down the job).

However, after the job is completed, the output transfer sheet (image-formed) has to be received by the operator, so that the output transfer sheet cannot be left as it is (for a confidential document). At the time of output or when it is desired to file the output document), it was not possible to leave the image forming apparatus until the power supply was shut down.

For example, when an operator working at a copy center wants to stop the image forming apparatus because the work end time has come and want to file the output document and return home, the power supply is completed after the job is completed. The effect was not so large as compared with the case of blocking.

As an image forming apparatus which realizes energy saving, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-5-112060, when a power-off instruction is received in the middle of a job (printing process), the instruction is also issued in the middle of the job. There is also proposed an image forming apparatus (image recording apparatus) in which the power supply of the apparatus is interrupted by temporarily stopping the operation.

However, even in such an image forming apparatus, as described above, when a mode (staple mode) in which transfer paper may remain in the machine is executed, the transfer paper is stored in the machine (in the finisher). Since the power of the device may be shut off in the state where the image remains, the confidentiality of the output image,
There is a problem in terms of safety in preventing erroneous operations.

[0014] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-112060, after the power is turned on, the presence of a suspended job (non-output data) is notified to the outside, and whether or not to continue the job is determined. Although you can choose, there are the following problems. In an environment where one image forming apparatus is shared and used by a plurality of users, the person who interrupted the job and turned off the power may be different from the person who turned on the power next time.

Therefore, if it is determined that a job interrupted by another person exists in the image forming apparatus after the power is turned on to the image forming apparatus, the power supply that the power-on user intends to use is turned on. The situation that the used image forming apparatus cannot be actually used occurs, and the usability is poor.

If the existence of the interrupted job becomes apparent after the power is turned on, the interrupted job is cleared by the other user operating the image forming apparatus without noticing the existence of the interrupted job. Erroneous operation may occur if the job contents are changed or the content of the job is changed.

In addition, when the power of a part of the image forming apparatus is cut off, such as in an energy saving mode, instead of shutting off the power of the entire apparatus when the image forming apparatus is stopped, one of the image forming apparatuses is turned off. Since the unit functions can be executed, the risk of erroneous operation increases as compared with the image forming apparatus in which the power supply is completely shut off.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. Even when an instruction to stop the apparatus is given during execution of an image forming operation (job) in the image forming apparatus,
The purpose is to prevent transfer paper from remaining in the apparatus. It is another object of the present invention to prevent erroneous operation when the apparatus is stopped and to improve the usability of the operator.

[0019]

According to the present invention, there is provided a sheet feeding means for feeding a transfer sheet, an image forming processing means for performing an image forming process on the transfer sheet fed by the means, and a sheet feeding means. In order to achieve the above object, there is provided an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming operation control unit for controlling an image forming operation including an image forming process including an image forming process by the image forming processing unit on the transfer sheet, and a sheet feeding operation of the transfer sheet by the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by the following.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus stop instruction means for instructing stop of the image forming apparatus, and a predetermined timing when the apparatus stop instruction means instructs stop of the apparatus during execution of the image forming operation. And an image forming operation suspending means for temporarily suspending the image forming operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, a copy number setting means for setting the number of image forming copies is provided, and the image forming operation control means is provided for controlling the image forming operation by the number of copies set by the copy number setting means. The image forming operation suspending means is a means for temporarily suspending the image forming operation at a break between copies when an instruction to stop the apparatus is given by the apparatus stop instruction means during the execution of the image forming operation. is there.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, a stapling means for stapling the transfer paper on which the image forming processing has been performed one by one, and a staple mode for executing the processing by the means are set. Providing staple mode setting means, the image forming operation interruption means, during the execution of the image forming operation at the time of staple mode setting, when the stop of the apparatus is instructed by the apparatus stop instruction means,
The image forming apparatus further includes a unit for interrupting the image forming operation in a state where the processing by the stapling unit is executable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the power supply interrupting means for partially interrupting the power supply to the image forming apparatus and the image forming operation interrupting means are provided. After the image forming operation is interrupted, there is provided an energy-saving mode shifting means for shifting to the energy-saving mode by partially shutting off the power supply to the image forming apparatus by the power shut-off means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, the energy saving mode canceling means for canceling the energy saving mode, and the image forming operation interrupting means is interrupted after the energy saving mode is canceled by the means. And an image forming restart instruction means for automatically restarting the image forming operation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fourth or fifth aspect, when the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting means, the image data is in an output waiting state by the image forming processing means. Is provided with a notifying means for notifying the presence of such a case.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting unit, the notification unit is in a state of waiting for output by the image forming processing unit. When image data is present, a means for lighting a light emitting means such as an LED indicating the fact is used.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting unit, the notifying unit is in a state of waiting for output by the image forming processing unit. If image data is present, a means for outputting a message to that effect is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting unit, the notifying unit is in an output waiting state by the image forming processing unit. When image data is present, a means for outputting a sound indicating the fact is provided.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, a human body detecting means for detecting the presence of a human body when the human body approaches the periphery of the image forming apparatus, Notification permission means for permitting notification by the notification means only when the presence of a human body is detected by the notification means.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a mechanical section of the digital copying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In this digital copying apparatus, a document bundle placed with its image side up on a document table 2 provided in an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "ADF") 1 is provided by an operation unit 30 shown in FIG. When the upper print key 34 is depressed, the original is fed from the lowermost document to the predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feed roller 3 and the feed belt 4 and stopped.

Thereafter, a scanner (reading unit) 5
At 0, the image of the document on the contact glass 6 is read, and the document that has been read is discharged by the feed belt 4 and the discharge roller 5. Further, when the document set detection sensor 7 detects that the next document is present on the document table 2, the document is fed onto the contact glass 6 like the previous document. The feed roller 3, the feed belt 4, and the discharge roller 5 are driven by a transport motor (not shown).

The transfer papers stacked on the first paper feed tray 8, the second paper feed tray 9, and the third paper feed tray 10 are respectively transferred to the first paper feed tray 8, the second paper feed tray 9, and the third paper feed tray 10.
The paper is fed by the paper feeding device 11, the second paper feeding device 12, and the third paper feeding device 13, and is transported by the vertical transport unit 14 to a position where it comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 15. In practice, any one of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 is selected, and the transfer paper is fed therefrom.

On the other hand, the image data read by the scanner 50 is sent as it is or after temporarily stored in an image memory (not shown), and then sent to a writing unit 57 constituting a printer. 15 is charged on a pre-charged surface (charged by a charger (not shown)), and the portion passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image thereon.

The transfer paper fed from the selected paper feed tray is conveyed by a conveyor belt (transfer belt) 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 15, and is transferred onto one surface of the photosensitive drum 15. Is transferred, and the fixing unit 17 thermally fixes the toner image. Thereafter, the transfer paper is conveyed by the paper discharge unit 18 to the finisher 100 which is a post-processing device in the one-side copy mode, and is selectively guided to the stacker conveyance roller 102 side or the stapler conveyance roller 105 side by the branch deflecting plate 101.

That is, when the branch deflecting plate 101 is switched upward, the transfer paper from the copying machine main body is transferred to the stacker transport roller 102 and the stacker discharge roller 1.
03 can be discharged to the stacker tray 104. The stacker tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth, and moves back and forth for each document or for each copy unit sorted by the image memory, and simply sorts out the discharged transfer paper (copy paper). is there.

When the branch deflecting plate 101 is switched downward, the transfer paper from the copying machine main body is transferred to the stapler transport roller 105 and the stapler discharge roller 1.
07 to the staple tray 108. On the staple tray 108, the transfer paper
Each time a sheet is discharged, its end is aligned by a jogger (drop stopper) 109 for alignment, and is stapled (stapled) by the stapler 106 upon completion of copying of one copy. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completed discharge tray (fall tray) 110 by its own weight.

On the other hand, in the double-sided copy mode, transfer paper fed from any one of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 and subjected to image forming processing in the same manner as described above is
By setting the branch claw 112 for path switching upward (at a position indicated by a virtual line), the finisher 10
The sheet is not conveyed to 0, but is conveyed to the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 and temporarily stocked there.

Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked in the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 15 again, and further for path switching. Branch claws 112
Is set downward (at the position indicated by the solid line), thereby being guided to the finisher 100. As described above, when performing the image forming process on both sides of the transfer sheet, the duplex sheet feeding unit 111 is used.

The photosensitive drum 15 and the conveyor belt 1
6, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharging unit 18, and the developing unit 27 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 are driven by the driving of the main motor being transmitted by respective paper feeding clutches (not shown). . The vertical transport unit 14 is driven by the drive of the main motor being transmitted by an intermediate clutch (not shown). Each unit for image forming processing including the above-described writing unit 57 constitutes a printer, which corresponds to an image forming processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation unit of the digital copying apparatus. This operation unit 30
Liquid crystal display 31, numeric keypad 32, clear / stop key 33, print key 34, mode clear key 3
5, a device stop key 36 is provided. The liquid crystal display 31 has a touch panel on its surface, and can display function keys, the number of copies, a message indicating the state of the machine, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a normal screen of the liquid crystal display 31. When the operator touches one of the function keys displayed on the liquid crystal display 31, the function displayed in the frame of the function key is selected, and the black and white display is inverted (in this example, the net is ). Also, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, in the case of scaling, the scaling value etc.)
By touching the function key, a detailed function setting screen is displayed. Since the liquid crystal display 31 uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically display an optimum display at that time.

In the normal screen shown in FIG. 4, a message area such as "Ready to copy" and "Please wait" is displayed at the upper left, and the number of copies (number of copies) input (set) by the ten keys 32 is displayed at the upper right. The number of repeat copies display area includes an automatic density key for designating a process for automatically adjusting image density, an automatic paper selection key for designating a process for automatically selecting transfer paper, and copy paper (transfer paper). ) Are displayed for each page.

Further, a stack key for designating a process of sorting copy sheets for each page, a staple key for designating a process of binding sorted copy sheets one by one, and a copy magnification setting unit for setting the magnification of the copy at the same size. 1x key, scaling key to set enlargement or reduction of copy,
A double-sided / split key for selectively setting the double-sided copy mode or the split copy mode, a consolidation key for setting the consolidation copy mode, and a print key for setting the stamp, date, page, etc. are displayed. ing.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the digital copying apparatus. The control unit of the digital copying apparatus is divided into two parts, a main control unit 20 and a sub control unit 40.

The main control unit 20 uses a microcomputer including a CPU 21 as a central processing unit, a ROM 22 as a program memory, a RAM 23 as a data memory, a non-volatile RAM 24, and the like. Accordingly, the entire digital copying apparatus is generally controlled, for example, by controlling the display of the liquid crystal display 31 and controlling the writing or reading of the external storage device 25.

The external storage device 25 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk device or a magneto-optical disk device. The external storage device 25 includes an internal storage device (RAM 2
3 or the nonvolatile RAM 24) can be used as an image memory. The sub-control unit 40 includes a CPU 41 as a central processing unit and a ROM 4 as a program memory.
2, RAM 43 as data memory, non-volatile RAM 4
A microcomputer including a fixing unit 17 and a developing unit 27 is used to control an image forming processing unit (printer) and the like.

The power supply of the control system including the main control unit 20 and the sub-control unit 40 is a commercial power supply 71. The power supply unit (PSU) 73 supplies the commercial power supply 71 with a constant voltage 5V for a logic load such as a CPU and a heater. Constant voltage 2 for heavy load
A 4V power supply is generated and supplied to the control system. The power supply unit 73 and the commercial power supply 71 are connected / disconnected by a main switch 72 of the apparatus main body.

Next, the control according to the first to third aspects of the present invention by the control unit (main control unit 20, sub-control unit 40) of the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment will be described. When the operator wants to repeat copy a bundle of documents (a plurality of documents), the operator places the bundle of documents on the document table 2 of the ADF 1, sets the number of copies (the number of image forming copies), and then presses the print key 34.

When the start of copying is instructed by pressing the print key 34, the control unit of this digital copying apparatus
The copying operation is started. First, one document is automatically fed from the document table 2 by the ADF 1 and set on the contact glass 6, then the image of the document is read by the scanner 50, and the image data is stored in the image memory ( RAM2
3. The image reading process to be written and stored in the nonvolatile RAM 24 or the external storage device 25) is performed for the number of originals placed on the original platen 2.

Thereafter, one sheet of transfer paper is fed from one of the paper feed trays, and an image forming process is performed by the printer on the transfer paper based on the image data of the first document stored in the image memory. Then, an image forming operation for discharging the transfer paper (copy paper) onto the stacker tray 104 is performed, and then one transfer paper is fed from the paper feed tray.
The transfer paper is subjected to an image forming process by a printer based on the image data of the second document stored in the image memory, and an image forming operation of discharging the transfer paper onto the stacker tray 104 is performed.

Thereafter, the same image forming operation as described above is performed for each of the third and subsequent originals. As a result, one copy paper (transfer paper subjected to image forming processing) is completed,
Thereafter, by repeating the same image forming operation as that described above for the set number of copies (set number), copy sheets of the set number are stacked on the stacker tray 104 in page order.

By the way, when the stop of the apparatus is instructed by pressing the apparatus stop key 36 in FIG. 3 during the execution of the above-described image forming operation (job), the image forming is performed at a predetermined timing (here, a break of a set). Suspend the operation. For example, suppose that the set number of copies is “5” and the stop of the apparatus is instructed by pressing the apparatus stop key 36 during the image forming operation of the third set.

In this case, even after the apparatus stop key 36 is pressed, the operation of feeding the transfer paper from the paper feed tray is continued so that the image forming operation of the third copy is completed, and the image forming operation of the fourth copy is completed. The feeding operation of the transfer paper used for the operation is not executed. Then, the image forming operation of the third copy is completed (all the copy sheets of the third copy have been discharged onto the stacker tray 104).
At this point, the copying operation is temporarily suspended (the apparatus is stopped).

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control according to the second aspect of the present invention, which is performed by the control unit of the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment. In this case, the operation unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 20 and the sub control unit 4 shown in FIG.
0 functions as an apparatus stop instruction unit, a copy number setting unit, an image forming operation control unit, and an image forming operation interruption unit of the second aspect.

The control unit of this digital copying apparatus periodically starts the processing routine shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not is pressed. Then, when the device stop key 36 is pressed, it is determined whether or not the image forming operation is being executed. If the image forming operation is not being executed (if the device is stopped), the device stop key 36 is pressed. There is no change in the operation, and the stopped state is kept as it is.

If the image forming operation is being executed when the apparatus stop key 36 is pressed (this image forming operation is performed in another processing routine), the section where the image forming operation is currently being performed. Determines whether the transfer paper for the last page (final manuscript) has been fed (whether or not the transfer paper corresponding to the cut of the set has been fed), and if the transfer paper corresponding to the cut of the set has not been fed Keeps permitting the execution of the paper feeding operation until the transfer paper is fed, and stops the paper feeding operation when the transfer paper corresponding to the break of the set is fed. However, it is assumed that the image forming process for the previously fed transfer sheet is performed in parallel while the transfer sheet is being fed.

When the feeding operation of the transfer paper corresponding to the cut of the set is completed, the transfer paper is subjected to image forming processing by a printer, and the transfer paper (copy paper) is waited for being discharged to the stacker tray 104. When the transfer paper is discharged to the stacker tray 104, the apparatus is stopped (the image forming operation is temporarily stopped).

As described above, when the stop of the apparatus is instructed by pressing the apparatus stop key 36 during the execution of the image forming operation (job), the image forming operation (feeding operation / image forming processing) is performed up to the break of the set. Can be continued to perform image output (image forming processing on the transfer paper), and the image forming operation can be temporarily stopped at the break of the set to stop the apparatus.
Transfer paper can be prevented from remaining in the apparatus when the apparatus is stopped.

As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations caused by transfer paper remaining in the apparatus, and to enhance the security in managing documents when the output image is a confidential document. Furthermore, in the case of managing by filing the output completed image when the device is stopped,
It is more convenient to put out the part breaks. Furthermore, job clear when the machine is stopped (mode clear)
It is less likely to be affected by an erroneous operation such as when stopped in units of sets.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the control according to the third aspect of the present invention performed by the control unit of the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment. In this case, the operation unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 20 and the sub control unit 4 shown in FIG.
0 functions as the device stop instructing means, the copy number setting means, the staple mode setting means, the image forming operation control means, and the image forming operation interrupting means.

The control section of this digital copying apparatus periodically starts the processing routine shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not is pressed. Then, when the apparatus stop key 36 is pressed, it is determined whether or not the image forming operation is being performed. If the image forming operation is being performed (this image forming operation is performed in another processing routine), the staple mode is executed. (Setting) It is determined whether or not it is during.

Then, the staple mode is executed (set).
If it is not in the middle, the paper feeding operation is immediately stopped, and the apparatus is stopped when the image forming process by the printer and the discharging to the stacker tray 104 of the previously fed transfer paper are completed (the image forming operation). Suspend).

When the staple mode is being executed,
After the transfer paper corresponding to the cut (staple unit) of the set is fed, wait until all the transfer paper (copy paper) fed so far is discharged to the staple tray 108,
When all of the transfer sheets have been discharged to the staple tray 108 (in a state where the processing by the stapler 106 can be executed), the apparatus is stopped (the image forming operation is temporarily stopped).

As described above, when the stop of the apparatus is instructed by pressing the apparatus stop key 36 during the execution of the image forming operation (job) when the stapling mode is set, the processing by the stapler 106 becomes executable. (Staple unit), the image forming operation is continued, an image is output, and the image forming operation can be temporarily stopped in a state where the processing by the stapler 106 can be executed, and the apparatus can be stopped. Finisher 10
The transfer paper can be prevented from remaining in 0).

As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations caused by transfer paper remaining in the apparatus, and to increase the security in managing documents when the output image is a confidential document. In the processing routine of FIG.
When the staple mode has not been executed, the apparatus is stopped unconditionally.However, when a mode other than the staple mode is executed, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is to be stopped after the discharge of the transfer paper corresponding to the cut of the set is completed. Operation unit 3 for user
It can also be made to be selected by a key operation on 0.

Next, the control according to the invention of claim 4 by the control unit of the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment will be described. In this case, the control unit including the operation unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 20 and the sub control unit 40 shown in FIG.
In addition to the means of any one of claims 1 to 3, it also functions as a power cutoff means and an energy saving mode shift means of claim 4.

The main control unit 20 of this digital copying apparatus
The instruction to stop the apparatus is given by pressing the apparatus stop key 36, and after the image forming operation is temporarily interrupted (the apparatus is stopped) by the same processing as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 6, power is supplied to a control system in the apparatus. Is partially cut off and the mode shifts to the energy saving mode.

That is, in response to an instruction from the main control unit 20, the driver 75 turns on the relay 74. The relay 74 is normally (when in the OFF state) the contacts 74a, 74b
Is closed and power of 5 V and 24 V is supplied to the sub-control unit 40, but when turned on, the contacts 74a and 74b are opened to cut off the power supply to the sub-control unit 40.

In this way, since the sub-control unit 40 is connected to the units having large power consumption, such as the fixing unit 17 and the developing unit 27, the power supply necessary for these units is cut off to save energy. Can be realized. Therefore, when the digital copying apparatus is stopped for a long time, it is effective as an energy saving measure.

Next, the control according to the fifth aspect of the present invention performed by the control unit of the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment will be described. In this case, the control unit including the operation unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 20 and the sub control unit 40 shown in FIG.
In addition to any one of the means of claims 1 to 3, it also functions as a power cut-off means, an energy saving mode shifting means, an energy saving mode canceling means, and an image formation restart instructing means of claim 5.

In this digital copying apparatus, power is supplied to the main control unit 20 even in the energy saving mode (power saving state) as described above.
The operation unit 30 can be used. Therefore, the main control unit 20 of this digital copying apparatus can receive an instruction to cancel the energy saving mode by operating the key from the operation unit 20, and cancels the energy saving mode when receiving the instruction.

That is, in response to an instruction from the main control unit 20, the driver 75 turns off the relay 74. When the relay 74 is turned off, the contacts 74a, 74b
Is closed, and the power supply to the sub-control unit 40 is restarted. When the energy saving mode is released, the control unit of the digital copying apparatus automatically restarts the interrupted job (image forming operation).

Here, the main control unit 20, which does not turn off the power even in the energy saving mode, holds the image data (job information) in the output waiting state.
When the equipment preparation (warm-up by heater, etc.) is completed,
It is possible to automatically restart a job that has been interrupted and output the remaining images. The image data is stored in the internal storage device (the RAM 23 or the non-volatile RAM 24) or the external storage device 25 of the main control unit 20, and is not lost by the above-described power-off.

As described above, if the job interrupted by canceling the energy saving mode is automatically restarted, it is necessary to instruct the copy start again for the job instructed to start copying before the interruption. Therefore, the convenience of the operator (apparatus user) is further improved. In addition, the operator often leaves the apparatus for a long period of time, and often forgets to interrupt the job. Even in such a case, the interrupted job is automatically restarted. Can be prevented from being affected by an erroneous operation.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a mechanical section of a digital copying apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a layout diagram showing an example of a configuration of an operation section of the digital copying apparatus shown in FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the digital copying apparatus shown in FIG. 7, and the same parts as those in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The digital copying apparatus of this embodiment includes a paper discharge tray 19 as shown in FIG. 7 instead of the finisher 100 of FIG. 2, and discharges transfer paper (copy paper) on which image forming processing has been performed by a printer. The sheet is discharged to the paper tray 19.

Further, a human body detection sensor 28 is installed in front of the apparatus (on the side of the operation unit 30 '). When an operator (human body) approaches the front of the apparatus, the human body detection sensor 28 detects the presence of the operator and outputs a detection signal. To the main control unit 20 in FIG.
Output to As the human body detection sensor 20, a pyroelectric infrared sensor for detecting weak infrared rays radiated from the human body,
There is a thermal infrared sensor using a high-sensitivity thermistor which detects the weak infrared rays by converting the weak infrared rays into heat and changing the resistance of the thermistors.

Further, the digital copying machine of this embodiment has an operation section 30 'as shown in FIG. In the operation unit 30 ', reference numeral 37 denotes an energy saving mode shift key (also having a function as a device stop key), and reference numeral 38 denotes LE
D and 39 are audio output units (speakers).

Next, a description will be given of control by the control unit (main control unit 20, sub-control unit 40) of the digital copying apparatus according to the present invention according to claims 6 to 10. When the operator sets the digital copying apparatus in the energy saving mode, the operator presses the energy saving mode shift key 37 shown in FIG.

The main control unit 20 of this digital copying apparatus
When the energy saving mode shift key 37 is pressed,
The power supply to the control system in the device is partially cut off and the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode (the details are described in the above-described embodiment). In the energy saving mode, if any key operation is performed on the operation unit 30 ', the power saving which has been interrupted is restarted to cancel the energy saving mode.

On the other hand, when the operator wants to repeat copy a document bundle (a plurality of documents), the operator
After placing the original on the original platen 2 and setting the number of copies, the print key 34 is pressed. When the print key 34 is pressed, the control unit of the digital copying apparatus performs the same copy operation (image reading processing and image forming operation) as in the above-described embodiment. However, the transfer paper on which the image forming process has been performed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 19.

When the shift to the energy saving mode (stop of the apparatus) is instructed by pressing the energy saving mode shift key 37 in FIG. 8 during the execution of the image forming operation (job), the transfer paper remains in the apparatus. The job is performed until there is no job (however, the paper feeding operation is stopped), and when the image output of the last page (image forming process on the transfer paper of the last page) is completed, the job is temporarily interrupted (the apparatus is stopped). A transition is made to the energy saving mode, and a notification that there is a job waiting to be continued (the presence of image data in the output waiting state) is provided (for example, LE indicating this).
D38 is turned on).

The control unit of the digital copying apparatus operates when any key operation is performed on the operation unit 30 'during the energy saving mode, and when the energy saving mode is canceled, there is a job which has been interrupted and is waiting for continuation ( If there is image data in the output waiting state), the job that has been suspended (the image data in the output waiting state) is completed after the output preparation in the apparatus (such as warming of the fixing unit 17) is completed. (The image forming operation including the image output based on the image) is restarted, and the notification is released (for example, the LED 38 is turned off).

FIG. 10 shows an energy-saving mode shift key 37 when the control unit of the digital copying apparatus according to the present embodiment is not in the energy-saving mode according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control when is pressed. In this case, the operation unit 30 'shown in FIG. 8 and the main control unit 20 shown in FIG. 9 function as notification means according to claims 6 to 9.

The control section of this digital copying apparatus periodically starts the processing routine shown in FIG. 10, and determines whether or not the energy saving mode shift key 37 has been pressed. It is determined whether or not an image forming operation (job) is being executed, and if the image forming operation is not being executed, it is clear that the image forming operation will not be interrupted when shifting to the energy saving mode.
While keeping 8 in the non-lighting state (without notifying that the image data is in the output waiting state, that is, there is unoutputted image data), the mode shifts to the energy saving mode.

If the image forming operation is being executed when the energy saving mode shift key 37 is pressed (this image forming operation is performed in another processing routine), the transfer paper is placed in the apparatus (inside the machine). The image forming operation (the paper feeding operation is immediately stopped) is performed until no remaining paper remains, and the image forming operation is temporarily stopped when the discharge of the transfer paper (copy paper) of the last page is completed.

In the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, the paper feeding operation is stopped when the transfer paper corresponding to the cut of the copy is fed, and the image forming operation is temporarily stopped when the transfer paper is discharged to the paper output tray 19. It can be interrupted. When the finisher 100 of FIG. 2 is connected and the staple mode is being executed, the sheet feeding operation is stopped when the transfer sheet corresponding to the break of the set is fed, and all the transfer sheets fed up to that time are stopped. The image forming operation can be temporarily stopped when the paper is discharged to the staple tray 108.

Thereafter, by referring to the data stored in the internal storage device (RAM 23 or nonvolatile RAM 24) or the external storage device 25, it is determined whether or not there is any image data which has not been output. If the image data does not exist (all image outputs have been completed), the mode shifts to the energy saving mode without turning on the LED 38 (without notifying that image data that has not been output exists). LED when there is image data
38 is turned on (a notification that there is image data that has not been output is executed), and the mode shifts to the energy saving mode. Since the power is supplied even during the energy saving mode, the LED 38 remains lit.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of control by the control unit of the digital copying apparatus according to the present embodiment when the energy saving mode according to the present invention is canceled. The control unit of this digital copying apparatus periodically starts the processing routine of FIG. 11, and first determines whether or not the energy saving mode has been canceled.

When the energy saving mode is released, the internal storage device (the RAM 23 or the nonvolatile RAM 2
4) Alternatively, referring to the storage data of the external storage device 25, it is determined whether or not there is image data that has not been output. If the image data does not exist, LE is determined.
Since D38 is in the non-lighting state (notifying that there is image data that has not been output), the non-lighting state is maintained.

When there is image data that has not been output, the LED 38 is turned off (the notification that there is image data that has not been output is released), and the output preparation in the apparatus is completed. Upon completion, the interrupted image forming operation (including image output based on unoutputted image data) is resumed, and the remaining image output is performed.

In this processing routine, whether or not the LED 38 is turned off based on the presence / absence of unoutputted image data (whether or not notification of the presence of unoutputted image data is canceled) is determined. However, when the energy saving mode is released, the LED 38 may always be turned off (the notification that there is image data that has not been output is released).

As described above, when the image forming operation is interrupted by pressing the energy saving mode shift key 37, if there is image data that has not been output, the LED 38 (other light emitting means may be used) indicating that, if any, exists. ) Is turned on to notify the operator that there is image data in an output waiting state, that is, the presence of an image forming operation (interrupted job) automatically restarted after canceling the energy saving mode. It is possible to prevent a useless power-on operation or an error such as a change in job content due to an erroneous operation of the apparatus, thereby improving the usability of the operator.

In the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment, the fact that there is unoutput image data (interrupted job) is displayed by turning on the LED 38. However, it indicates that an interrupted job exists. The message can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 31. in this case,
Information that is effective for the operator, such as the name of the manager of the interrupted job (the operator who instructed the interruption of the image forming operation), the estimated time from when the interrupted job is restarted to when it is completed, and the priority (importance) of the interrupted job. Should be displayed.

According to such a message display, the operator can determine who is the job instructed to be interrupted and which process is more important than the job to be resumed.
Since information such as the number of remaining output sheets can be obtained, a power-on operation that results in useless operation by a person who attempts to use the apparatus, or a change in job content due to an erroneous operation of the apparatus, etc. Mistakes can be reliably prevented. In addition, there is also a merit that the selection of interruption of a new job, discard of a suspended job, and the like can be made without canceling the apparatus stop state by using the message as a judgment material, and the usability of the operator is greatly improved.

Alternatively, a sound indicating that an interrupted job exists can be output from the sound output unit 39. According to such an audio output, the operator can notify the LED 38 or the liquid crystal display 31 that the interrupted job exists.
Has the advantage that it is not necessary to consciously check the contents of the display (since the sound can be heard even if the user turns his back on the device), the presence of the interrupted job can be reliably communicated to the operator, and the device is stopped. It is possible to reliably prevent a useless power-on operation or a mistake such as a change in job content due to an erroneous operation of the apparatus, and the usability of the operator is further improved.

Lighting of the LED 38, message display, and voice output as notification processing of the presence of the interrupted job (image data that has not been output) can be arbitrarily combined.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the control according to the tenth aspect of the present invention performed by the control unit of the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment. In this case, the operation unit 30 'shown in FIG. 8 and the main control unit 20 shown in FIG. The main control unit 20 of this digital copying apparatus periodically starts the processing routine of FIG. 12, and first determines whether or not the presence of a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor 28.

When the presence of a human body is detected (notification of the presence of a suspended job is permitted only at the time of this detection), it is determined whether or not the mode of the digital copying apparatus is in the energy saving mode. If the mode is not the energy saving mode, there is no interrupted job (image data that has not been output) to be automatically restarted, so that notification that an interrupted job exists is not performed.

In the case of the energy saving mode, the internal storage device (RAM 23 or nonvolatile RAM 2
4) Alternatively, referring to the data stored in the external storage device 25, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupted job to be automatically restarted. If there is no interrupted job, the notification that the interrupted job exists is not performed. Is notified if a suspended job exists (LED indicating that a suspended job exists)
38 lighting, message display, or voice output).

As described above, only when the presence of a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor 28, that is, when the operator approaches the apparatus (the possibility of using the apparatus is high), a notification to the effect that the interrupted job exists is provided. Since the permission is given, further energy saving can be achieved, and the usability of the operator is further improved.

In the digital copying apparatus of this embodiment, the power supply to the control system in the apparatus is partially cut off by pressing the energy saving mode shift key 37 to shift to the energy saving mode. The power supply to all the control systems can be cut off. And
Also in this case, the notification that the interrupted job exists (LED 3
8 lighting, message display, and voice output). However, it is necessary to make the configuration independent of the power supply of the apparatus main body so that the power supply for notification is not shut off.

The embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital copying apparatus has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as a printer and a facsimile apparatus.

[0104]

As described above, claims 1 and 2 can be used.
According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even when an instruction to stop the apparatus is given during execution of the image forming operation, it is possible to prevent the transfer paper from remaining in the apparatus, so that the transfer paper remains in the apparatus. Can prevent erroneous operations that occur due to
If the output image is a confidential document, the security in managing the document can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when an instruction to stop the apparatus is given during execution of the image forming operation, transfer paper can be prevented from remaining in the apparatus including the stapling means. If the output image is a confidential document, the security in managing the document can be further enhanced.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in addition to the same effects as those described above, it is effective as an energy saving measure when the image forming apparatus is stopped for a long time. According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in addition to the same effects as the fourth aspect of the invention, the usability of the operator is improved, and the influence of an erroneous operation such as a job clear can be avoided.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, useless power-on operation during stoppage of the apparatus and mistakes such as change of job contents due to erroneous operation of the apparatus are prevented. Can be prevented and operator convenience is improved. According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth or fifth aspect, it is possible to reliably prevent a useless power-on operation while the apparatus is stopped or a mistake such as a change in job content due to an erroneous apparatus operation. This greatly improves operator convenience.

According to the ninth aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect is provided.
In addition to the same effects as those of the present invention, it is possible to more reliably prevent a useless power-on operation while the apparatus is stopped or a mistake such as a change in job content due to an erroneous apparatus operation, thereby further improving the usability of the operator. According to the invention of claim 10, claims 6 to
In addition to the same effects as in any one of the ninth aspects, energy saving can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control according to the invention of claim 2 by a control unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a mechanical unit of the digital copying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit of the digital copying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a normal screen on the liquid crystal display of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the digital copying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of control according to the invention of claim 3 by the control unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a mechanical section of a digital copying apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit of the digital copying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7;

9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the digital copying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7;

10 is a flowchart showing an example of control by the control unit shown in FIG. 9 when the energy saving mode shift key is pressed when the energy saving mode is not in the energy saving mode according to the sixth to ninth aspects of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control when the energy saving mode according to the sixth to ninth aspects of the invention is canceled.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of control according to the invention of claim 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Automatic document feeder (ADF) 2: Document table 20: Main control unit 21, 41: CPU 22, 42: ROM 23, 43: RAM 24, 44: Non-volatile RAM 25: External storage device 28: Human body detection Sensor 30, 30 ': Operation unit 31: Liquid crystal display 32: Numeric keypad 34: Print key 36: Device stop key 37: Energy saving mode shift key 38: LED 39: Audio output unit 40: Sub-control unit 50: Scanner 54: CCD image Sensor 57: Writing unit 71: Commercial power supply 72: Main switch 73: Power supply unit 74: Relay 75: Driver 100: Finisher 106: Stapler

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 380 G03G 21/00 380 386 386

Claims (10)

[Claims] A sheet feeding unit for feeding a transfer sheet; an image forming unit for performing an image forming process on the transfer sheet fed by the unit; and a sheet feeding operation of the transfer sheet by the sheet feeding unit And an image forming operation control means for controlling an image forming operation including an image forming process on the transfer sheet by the image forming processing means, wherein a device stop instruction means for instructing a stop of the image forming apparatus And an image forming operation suspending means for temporarily suspending the image forming operation at a predetermined timing when a stop of the apparatus is instructed by the apparatus stop instruction means during execution of the image forming operation. Image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a copy number setting unit configured to set the number of image forming copies, wherein the image forming operation control unit performs the image forming operation by the number of copies set by the copy number setting unit. Means for causing the image forming operation suspending means to temporarily suspend the image forming operation at a break between copies when an instruction to stop the apparatus is issued by the apparatus stop instruction means during execution of the image forming operation. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stapling means staples the transfer paper on which the image forming processing has been performed one by one, and a staple mode setting means for setting a staple mode for executing the processing by the means. When the image forming operation suspending unit is instructed to stop the apparatus by the apparatus stop instruction unit during execution of the image forming operation at the time of setting the staple mode, the process by the stapling unit can be executed. An image forming apparatus having means for interrupting the image forming operation in a state where the image forming operation is performed. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply to the image forming apparatus is partially cut off by a power cutoff unit, and the image forming operation interrupting unit is cut by a power cutoff unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: an energy saving mode shift unit configured to partially shut off power supply to the image forming apparatus by the power shut off unit after the image forming operation is interrupted and shift to an energy saving mode. Forming equipment. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the energy saving mode is canceled by the energy saving mode canceling means for canceling the energy saving mode, and the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interruption means after the energy saving mode is canceled by the means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming restart instruction unit configured to automatically restart the image forming operation. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting unit, the image data waiting for output by the image forming processing unit is output. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a notifying unit for notifying, when present, that fact. 7. When the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting unit, if there is image data in an output waiting state by the image forming processing unit, the notifying unit determines that 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the light emitting unit is a unit that turns on a light emitting unit such as an LED that indicates the fact. 8. When the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting unit, if there is image data in an output waiting state by the image forming processing unit, the notifying unit determines that 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output unit outputs a message indicating the fact. 9. When the image forming operation is interrupted by the image forming operation interrupting unit, if there is image data waiting to be output by the image forming processing unit, the notifying unit determines 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output unit outputs a sound indicating the fact. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when a human body approaches the periphery of the image forming apparatus, a human body detecting unit that detects the presence of the human body; An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification permission unit that permits notification by the notification unit only when the presence of a human body is detected.