JP2003305909A - Imaging apparatus having sheet feed by roll sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange a printer having a sheet feed mechanism by roll sheet such that the residual sheet piece can be removed readily upon occurrence of sheet jam regardless of the position of each sheet. <P>SOLUTION: (1) Upon occurrence of sheet jam in the downstream of a cutter during print operation, the printed part is stored and rewound to the sheet feed side. After sheet jam is removed, unnecessary part corresponding to the printed part thus stored is cut off from the roll sheet and discharged. (2) Upon occurrence of sheet jam in the downstream of the cutter during print operation, take out of a roll sheet cartridge is prohibited in order to prevent work miss. (3) In order to prevent a burn or the like, due to inadvertent work, take out of a fixing unit is prohibited until the temperature lowers below a specified level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer having a function of selectively forming an image between a roll-shaped recording paper and a cut paper, and more particularly, to a process when a paper jam occurs. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A roll-shaped recording paper is mounted on a roll paper feeding device, an image is formed on the recording paper, the roll paper is cut into an appropriate length, and a fixing device heats the coating layer of the recording paper. In the image system device that completes the process by fixing, the roll paper storage unit of the roll paper feeder, the fixing unit storage unit, the transport storage unit after image formation, etc. In consideration of the above, the structure is such that it can be pulled out to the front of the device. However, in such a structure, a transport unit (first transport path) that is provided in the roll paper storage unit and transports the roll paper sent from the roll paper body to the image forming apparatus side, and a transport path in the image forming apparatus. If a paper jam occurs with the recording paper straddling the (second transport path) and the roll paper storage section is pulled out in this state,
Since only the first transport path is pulled out together with the roll paper compartment, the remaining paper may be torn and it may take time to collect it.
Alternatively, if the roll paper is thick or film-shaped, there is a problem that the inside of the device is damaged. The same applies to a paper jam between the conveyance path (second conveyance path) and the post-image formation conveyance path (third conveyance path) in the image forming apparatus.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, such as rewinding or cutting the paper depending on each paper position when a paper jam occurs. By appropriately switching the processing operation, it is possible to easily remove the remaining pieces of roll paper regardless of the position of the paper at the time of paper jam.

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems] (1) When a paper jam occurs on the downstream side of a cutter (a conveyance path after image formation and a fixing conveyance path) during image formation, after storing the image formation amount, the roll paper unit side Rewind to. After the hair clogging is removed, the amount of paper corresponding to the stored image formation amount is cut and discharged.

(2) During image formation, if a hair jam occurs downstream of the cutter (the conveyance path after image formation and the fixing conveyance path), pulling out the roll paper cartridge is prohibited.

(3) When hair clogging occurs in the fixing device,
Lock the door until the temperature falls below the specified temperature.

[0007]

According to the position of each paper when a paper jam occurs, by appropriately switching the processing operation such as rewinding or cutting the paper, each paper can be located at any position when the paper jam occurs. , To make it possible to easily remove the remaining pieces of roll paper.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external view showing a first embodiment of the present invention, 101 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on recording paper, and 102 is an image. A roll paper unit that supplies roll paper to the forming unit, and 103 is a post-image formation transport unit that transports the recording paper cut by the cutter 114 to the fixing unit 104, and the recording paper is thermally fixed on the coat layer by the fixing unit. Then, the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 106.

The roll paper 108 set in the roll paper unit 102 is sent to a line feed roller (sub-transport roller, LF roller) by a delivery roller 109 via a transport roller 110. Here, the loading roller 111, together with the transport roller 113, is controlled in rotation amount by a stepping motor, and the print head 112 is rotated.
The paper is fed in accordance with the image formation of. Then, the image-formed portion on the roll paper is nipped by the conveyance roller 115, and is cut from the roll paper by the cutter 124 with an appropriate margin. The transport roller 110
The nip is released during the image formation so that the line feed conveyance is not affected. The recording paper is conveyed by the conveyance rollers 115 and 116, but after the sensor 125 detects the rear end of the recording paper, the recording paper is reversed and the recording paper is conveyed from the rear end of the paper into the fixing unit 104 via the conveyance rollers 117. Supplied. In the fixing unit 104, the conveyance roller 118
The coating layer on the surface is fixed by the fixing roller heated to a predetermined temperature via the sheet, and the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 106 via the conveying roller 120.

Normally, the stepping motor for driving the LF axis is controlled by a signal from the controller, and unless a trouble such as step-out or slip between the paper and the LF axis occurs, its displacement, that is, The paper feed amount is accurately known.

In the case of cut paper, the cut paper loaded on the tray 107 or the cartridge is conveyed by the transport roller 13.
It is supplied into the image forming unit via 0, 129 and 128. After the image is formed by the print head, the cut sheet supplied to the image forming unit is nipped by the conveyance roller 110 and conveyed by the conveyance rollers 115 and 116. After the sensor 125 detects the trailing edge of the recording sheet, the sensor 125 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the recording sheet is fed into the fixing unit 104 from the trailing edge of the sheet via the transport roller 117. In the fixing unit 104, the coating layer on the surface is fixed by the fixing roller heated to a predetermined temperature via the conveying roller 118, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 106 via the conveying roller 120.

Further, when a new roll paper is set in the apparatus, it is necessary to cut the leading end portion and cut the leading end portion to be even.

Here, a flow chart of the control operation from the setting of roll paper to the end of print preparation in the controller is shown in FIG. 3 and will be described with reference to it.

(Step 301) First, the operator sets a new roll paper 108 at a predetermined position, and sets it with the leading end thereof sandwiched by the pair of paper feed rollers 109. When the roll paper cartridge unit 102 is housed in the main body 101, the controller detects the initial set signal.

(Step 302) It is confirmed whether or not a cut sheet is set in the image forming unit, and if it is set, the sheet is waited for image formation and discharge. If not set, the process proceeds to step 303.

(Step 303) Nip formation of the transport roller 110. Release the nip of 115.

(Step 304) The paper feed roller 109 is driven by the stepping motor, and the roll paper starts to be conveyed.

(Step 305) It is judged whether or not the drive pulse of the carrying roller 109 has reached a predetermined amount.

(Step 306) The driving of the LF roller 111 is started.

(Step 307) It is judged whether or not the leading edge of the roll paper passes the sensor 123 within a predetermined drive pulse of the conveying roller 109. If it passes within a predetermined pulse, the process proceeds to step 308. If passage cannot be detected, step 318
What.

(Step 308) Release of the nip of the carrying roller 110. Set the drive amount of the LF roller.

(Step 309) It is judged whether the leading edge of the roll paper passes the sensor 124 within a predetermined drive pulse of the LF roller 110. If it passes within a predetermined pulse, the process proceeds to step 310. If passage cannot be detected, step 318
What.

(Step 310) Confirm the end of LF roller drive.

(Step 311) The conveyance roller 115 nips the paper.

(Step 312) The cutter 114 is driven to cut the leading end of the roll paper into strips.

(Step 313) The LF roller 111 is driven to return the leading end of the roll paper to the initial position.

(Step 314) Conveying rollers 115, 1
The driving of 16 is started.

(Step 315) It is judged whether the trailing edge of the roll paper passes the sensor 125 within a predetermined time. If the passage can be detected, go to step 316. If passage cannot be detected, go to step 318.

(Step 316) Standby for a predetermined time.

(Step 317) Conveying rollers 115, 1
Stop driving 16 and release the nip of the transport roller 115. Go to step 320.

(Step 318) The conveyance of the paper is stopped.

(Step 319) Message display. Communication to the host.

(Step 320) End.

Here, in step 306, the state of the leading edge of the sheet is unknown, and the sensor 123 is located near the line feed roller 111. Therefore, when the leading edge of the sheet is abutted against the LF roller 111, as shown in FIG. Since such a case where the sensor does not function can occur, such a sequence is taken.

Next, a flow chart of the control operation of the controller at the time of printing after loading the roll paper is shown in FIG. 4 and will be described with reference to it.

(Step 401) The roll paper 108 is supplied to the image forming position by a loading command from the host.

(Step 402) The paper feed roller 109 is driven by the stepping motor, and the roll paper is transported by the drive of the paper feed roller 109 according to the paper transport amount of the LF roller (or according to the sensor 132).

(Step 403) Image formation is performed by scanning the print head 112 and intermittent feeding of line feed rollers according to image information from the host.

(Step 404) It is determined whether the leading edge of the roll paper passes the sensor 124 within a predetermined drive pulse of the LF roller 110. If it passes within a predetermined pulse,
Go to step 405. If passage cannot be detected, go to step 220.

(Step 405) If printing is completed, the process proceeds to step 406, and if not completed, the process returns to step 402.

(Step 406) The LF roller is driven,
Conveys roll paper to the cutting position.

(Step 407) The conveyance roller 115 nips the sheet.

(Step 408) The cutter 114 is driven to cut the roll paper.

(Step 409) The LF roller 111 is driven to return the leading end of the roll paper to the initial position.

(Step 410) Conveying rollers 115, 1
The driving of 16 is started.

(Step 411) It is judged whether the trailing edge of the roll paper passes the sensor 125 within a predetermined time. If it passes, the process proceeds to step 412, and if it cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step 420.

(Step 412) The conveyance roller 116 is driven to reverse.

(Step 413) The conveyance roller 115 is stopped and the nip is released.

(Step 414) Conveying rollers 117, 1
18, 120, and driving of the fixing roller 119 started. The recording paper is supplied to the fixing roller 119 via the conveying rollers 117 and 118.

(Step 415) Sensor 1 within a predetermined time
If it has passed 25, go to step 416, otherwise go to step 220.

(Step 416) Sensor 1 within a predetermined time
If it has passed 26, go to step 417, otherwise go to step 220.

(Step 417) Sensor 1 within a predetermined time
If it has passed 27, go to step 418, else go to step 220.

(Step 418) Sensor 1 within a predetermined time
If it has passed 32, go to step 419, else go to step 220.

(Step 419) The sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 106 via the conveying roller 120. Conveyor rollers 116, 1
Driving of 17, 118 and the fixing roller 119 is stopped. Go to step 422.

(Step 420) Stop the conveyance of the paper.

(Step 421) Message display. Communication to the host.

(Step 422) End.

Next, step out and sheet retention detection will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step 501) Image formation starts.

(Step 502) The LF drive pulse counter (the amount of roll paper carried by LF) C1 is cleared.

(Step 503) When the image formation is completed, go to Step 207. If not completed, step 504
Go to.

(Step 504) It is judged whether the photo sensor 124 is turned on. If it is on, the next step 5
07, if off, to step 503.

(Step 505) It is checked whether the LF roller 111 has been driven. If it is driving, step 506
If not, the process returns to step 503.

(Step 506) The number of drive pulses (carrying amount) is added to the counter C1.

(Step 507) The counter value c1 is compared with a predetermined amount a1 (a value indicating from the preset image forming start position to the photo sensor 124), and if larger, to the next step 508, otherwise step Return to 503.

(Step 508) Stop the image forming operation.

(Step 509) Warning of paper jam. Communicate to host.

(Step 510) End.

The control operation for a single image formation has been described above.
For example, when the leading edge of the roll paper during image formation has entered the transport unit 103 via the cutter 124 at the time when the paper jam occurs in the transport unit 103, in this state, the transport unit 103 for removing the paper jam. If you pull out the paper, the paper will be torn and scattered, and if it is a film-based one, there is a risk of internal damage. Therefore, it is conceivable that the cutter 124 cuts the paper at the time of paper jam. However, for the operator
It will force you to remove the remaining residual paper, so you may forget to remove it. Therefore, in the present invention, when a paper jam occurs in the transport unit 103 and the fixing unit 104 during image formation, the image forming amount is written in the storage unit and rewound to the roll paper unit side. After the paper piece is removed by the operator, the image forming portion on the roll paper is cut and discharged based on the value of the storage means. By doing so, it is possible to properly remove the paper piece without requiring the operator to perform unnecessary processing.

Next, the flow of processing will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step 200) Image formation is started.

(Step 201) The transport unit 103,
Confirm occurrence of paper jam in the fixing unit 104. If a paper jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step 203, and if not, the process proceeds to step 202.

(Step 202) Normal processing. Step two
Return to 01.

(Step 203) Image formation is stopped. Or it operates until the image formation is completed.

(Step 204) The image formation amount is written in the storage means.

(Step 205) Rewind to the roll paper unit side.

(Step 206) A paper jam message is displayed. Communicate to host.

(Step 207) Standby until the operator removes a piece of paper.

(Step 208) Conveying rollers 116, 1
By driving 17, 118, 119, and 120, it is confirmed whether or not there is any residual paper.

(Step 209) The image forming portion of the roll paper is cut and discharged based on the value of the storage means.

(Step 210) End.

At step 203, depending on the paper jam, the paper is jammed by rewinding to the roll paper unit side after the image formation is completed, and cutting and fixing from the roll paper again after the paper jam treatment. Don't waste anything other than paper.

(Second Embodiment) In contrast to the first embodiment,
It has means to physically prohibit each unit from being pulled out,
When an error occurs, it has a function to notify the lock release switch of the unit to be pulled out by blinking the light.

Next, the flow of processing will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step 700) Start image formation.

(Step 701) The transport unit 103,
Confirm occurrence of paper jam in the fixing unit 104. If a paper jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step 703, and if not, the process proceeds to step 702.

(Step 702) Normal processing. Step 7
Return to 01.

(Step 703) Image formation is stopped. Or it operates until the image formation is completed.

(Step 704) The transport unit 103,
Confirmation whether there is no stagnation between the fixing units 104. If so, the process proceeds to step 712, and if not, the process proceeds to step 705.

(Step 705) It is confirmed whether or not the toner is staying in the fixing unit 104. If you are staying, step 7
20; otherwise, proceed to step 706.

(Step 706) It is confirmed whether or not the transfer unit 103 remains. If you are staying, step 7
07, otherwise go to step 723.

(Step 707) Is the roll paper tip position ahead of the cutter? (Enter into the transport unit.) If it has entered, go to Step 708; otherwise, go to Step 70
Proceed to 9.

(Step 708) The image forming amount is written in the storage means, LF is reversed and the paper is rewound so that the front end of the paper is in front of the cutter.

(Step 709) Acceptance of acceptance of the unit lock release switch of the transport unit.

(Step 710) Error display on the panel. Also, instructions for removing pieces of paper.

(Step 711) Illuminate the transport unit lock release switch to flash. Go to step 723.

(Step 712) Is the roll paper leading edge position ahead of the cutter? (Enter into the transport unit.) If it has entered, go to step 713, otherwise go to step 71
Go to 4.

(Step 713) The image forming amount is written in the storage means, LF is reversed and the paper is rewound so that the front end of the paper is in front of the cutter.

(Step 714) Conveying rollers 117, 1
Reverse 18 and attempt removal from the fusing unit.

(Step 715) If the paper piece can be removed from the fixing unit, proceed to Step 711. If not, proceed to Step 716.

(Step 716) Conveying rollers 117, 1
18 drive stopped.

(Step 717) The transport unit 103,
Acceptance of the unit lock release switch of the fixing unit 104.

(Step 718) Error display on the panel. Also, instructions for removing pieces of paper.

(Step 719) Illuminate the transport unit and fixing unit lock release switch to flash. Step 723
What.

(Step 720) Paper pieces are discharged to the paper discharge tray 128. Go to step 720.

(Step 721) Standby until the temperature of the fixing unit falls below a predetermined value. If the temperature drops below a certain level,
Go to step 722.

(Step 722) Acceptance of acceptance of the unit lock release switch of the transport unit.

(Step 723) Error display on the panel. Also, instructions for removing pieces of paper.

(Step 724) The fixing unit lock release switch flashes under illumination. Go to step 723.

(Step 725) End.

In step 721, the unit release switch is not received until a predetermined temperature so that the fixing device having a high temperature is not inadvertently touched.

After the paper piece is removed by the operator, the image forming portion on the roll paper is cut and discharged based on the value of the storage means. By doing so, it is possible to properly remove the paper piece without requiring the operator to perform unnecessary processing.

Further, the roll paper cartridge unit 10
Even when a paper jam occurs during paper feeding from the 2 to the LF roller, the paper is rewound to the unit side, and if the paper can be rewound, the operator is notified of the processing. If it cannot be rewound, the top plate 105 is unlocked first, and the roll paper unit is released when the top plate is opened. As a result, it is possible to prevent the sheet from being torn or damaged due to careless operation. The flow of processing will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step 800) Start.

(Step 801) If a paper jam occurs in the paper feeding system, the process proceeds to step 802.

(Step 802) Attempt to rewind to the paper feed side.

(Step 803) Rewinding is possible,
If completed, proceed to step 810. If rewinding is not possible, the process proceeds to step 804.

(Step 804) A paper feed error display and operation from the top board are instructed.

(Step 805) Acceptance of the lock release switch for the top plate 105 is permitted.

(Step 806) Top plate lock release switch flashes on and off.

(Step 807) Wait until the top plate is opened by the operator. When it is confirmed that the top plate is opened, the process proceeds to step 808.

(Step 808) Acceptance of acceptance of the roll paper unit lock release switch.

(Step 809) The roll paper unit lock release switch is flashed under illumination.

(Step 810) A paper feed error display and a work for taking out the roll paper unit are instructed.

(Step 811) End.

As described above, by appropriately changing the processing operation such as rewinding or cutting the paper according to the position of each paper when the paper jam occurs, what kind of paper each paper jam occurs Even at the position, the remaining roll paper pieces can be easily removed.

[0127]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION Depending on the position of each paper when a paper jam occurs, by appropriately switching the processing operation such as rewinding or cutting the paper, the paper can be placed at any position when the paper jam occurs. The remaining roll paper pieces can be easily removed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control operation from setting of roll paper to completion of print preparation in the controller.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control operation of the controller at the time of printing after loading the roll paper.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of step out and sheet retention detection.

FIG. 6 is a diagram when the leading end of the paper is abutted against a roller.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming means for forming an image, a paper feeding means for supplying recording paper to the image forming means, a cutting means for separating a recording portion on which an image is formed by the image forming means from a roll paper, and a separating means. The conveying means for conveying the recording paper to the fixing means, the fixing means for thermally fixing the coat layer of the recording paper, the means for storing the image formation amount from the start of image formation, and the roll paper for winding the paper feeding means. In an image forming apparatus provided with a returning means and a means for detecting a paper jam, the roll paper is rewound when a paper jam is detected, and after the paper jam is removed, the image forming portion is identified from the value of the image forming amount storage means. An image forming apparatus having means for removing the roll paper from the roll paper. 2. At least one of a roll paper feeding means, a fixing means, and a conveying means can be pulled out from the apparatus, and is provided with a means for physically blocking the withdrawal and a means for permitting / prohibiting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: