JP2004345252A - Image forming apparatus and method of forming image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the productivity of an image processing device including a term between jobs and not to unnecessarily deteriorate a developer and a photosensitive body in the image processing device capable of reserving a job. <P>SOLUTION: Presence or absence of a registration of the next job is checked several times in a term from starting of supplying the last transferring paper for the job which is carried out at present to completion of the transferring operation. When the registration of the next job is confirmed in the checking, the image processing is continuously carried out from the present job to the next job without starting or stopping the rotation of the photosensitive body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine that forms an image on a transfer sheet by performing an image forming process by an electrophotographic process and outputs the image and a digital multifunction peripheral in which a printer and a facsimile function are integrated. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of registering a next job during execution of the job.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Image forming apparatuses such as digital copiers are generally configured to compress image data obtained by scanning a document with a scanner, temporarily store the data in a memory, and then read out and expand the memory to form an image on transfer paper. Have been. By interposing the memory in this manner, the input processing of image data and the image forming processing can be executed independently and in parallel, and if the scanner is already empty, the next processing is executed during the execution of the image forming processing related to the current job. The reading of the document relating to the first job is permitted, and the next job can be reserved and registered.
[0003]
In the image forming apparatus, the image forming process is usually managed on a job basis. In an image forming apparatus using a recording unit based on an electrophotographic process, a rotation operation of a photoconductor is started to maintain a constant traveling speed. A series of image forming processes, including a start-up process such as a start-up process, an image forming process for actually performing image formation, and a shut-down process for stopping the running of the photoconductor after the printing of the final transfer paper is completed, are performed on a job basis. It is performed in. That is, a start-up process is performed at the start of a job, and thereafter, the image forming process is repeated for a required number of sheets. When the image forming process on the final transfer paper is completed, a start-up process is performed. .
[0004]
By the way, a series of image forming processes including the start-up process and the shut-down process described above are performed for each job until the next job is already registered before the end of the image forming process relating to the currently executed job. If the process is performed, unnecessary start-up processes and start-up processes are performed between jobs, so that useless time is generated. For this reason, when viewing a plurality of jobs executed continuously as a whole, the number of printable sheets per unit time is reduced, and the productivity of the image forming apparatus is reduced.
[0005]
Therefore, the image forming apparatus can continuously perform the image forming process from the job currently being executed to the next job registered and reserved without performing the shutdown process and the startup process involving stopping and restarting the running of the photoconductor. A technique for increasing the productivity of the product has been proposed. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-157, it is checked whether or not the next job is registered at the time when the final transfer sheet of the currently executing job is ejected. It is disclosed that the image forming process is continuously executed between jobs without performing a start-up process.
[0006]
FIG. 13 shows the operation timing of each unit when the image forming process is continuously executed between jobs using the above-described technique. In the figure, a portion related to the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job is shaded. At the time when the final transfer sheet 801 of the currently executing job has been discharged (time T13), it is checked whether or not the next job has been registered. If the next job has been registered, the first transfer of the next job is performed. The paper 802 is immediately fed, and an image forming process related to the next job is executed as shown by a broken line in the drawing. If the next job is not registered at the time T13, a shutdown process such as stopping the running of the photoconductor is performed from this point.
[0007]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873 checks whether or not the next job is registered when feeding the final transfer sheet of the currently executing job. If the next job is registered, a shutdown process and a startup process are performed. It is disclosed that the image forming process is executed continuously between jobs without performing the job. FIG. 14 shows the operation timing of each unit when the image forming process is continuously executed between jobs using this technique. In the figure, a portion related to the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job is shaded. At the time when the last transfer sheet 901 of the currently executing job is fed (time T21), it is checked whether or not the next job is registered. If the next job is registered, the first transfer sheet 902 of the next job is checked. Paper feeding is started at the same timing as when the next transfer paper is fed in the same job. If the next job is not registered at time T21, the shutdown process is performed as usual with the end of the currently executing job.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-154562 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-116674
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Checking the registration of the next job when the last transfer sheet of the currently executing job is ejected, even if there is registration, the last transfer sheet of the currently executing job and the next job Since the discharge interval (time T13 to time T14 in FIG. 13) with the first transfer sheet is longer than the minimum discharge interval (time T12 to time T13) in the same job, the production of the image forming apparatus Sex is not greatly improved. If the next job is not registered, the falling-down process starts from time T13, so that the developer is agitated more than when the falling-down process starts from the end of the transfer of the final transfer paper (time T11). In addition, there is a problem that the photoconductor is run more than necessary, and the life of the photoconductor is shortened.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 14, if the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked at the timing of feeding the final transfer sheet of the currently executing job, the presence or absence of registration is determined at the earliest stage. , The next job can be continued while maintaining the maximum speed, and high productivity can be obtained. However, since the image forming process on the final transfer paper continues for a while after the start of the feeding of the final transfer paper, it is too early to determine whether the image forming process needs to be stopped with the end of the job. For this reason, the frequency of performing the step of starting and stopping the photosensitive member and the like between jobs increases, and the productivity of the image forming apparatus is not greatly improved overall.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and can improve the productivity of an image forming apparatus including between jobs, and requires a developer and a photoconductor at that time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that do not deteriorate as described above.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gist of the present invention to achieve this object lies in the inventions in the following items.
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a recording unit (40) for executing an image forming process by an electrophotographic process to form and output an image on transfer paper, and one or more jobs including the image forming process can be reserved. And a control unit (110) for managing execution of a job registered in the job registration unit (111, 107). The control unit (110) includes: When the recording unit (40) is processing the final transfer sheet of the currently executing job, the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked a plurality of times, and if any of the checks confirms the presence of the registration of the next job, An image forming apparatus that causes the recording unit (40) to execute the image forming process so as to continue from the job currently being executed to the next job.
[0014]
According to the present invention, during the image forming process for the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job, the presence or absence of registration of the next job is checked a plurality of times. The image forming process is executed so as to continue from the middle job to the next job. In other words, when the registration of the next job is confirmed by any of the checks, the image forming process is continuously performed without a shutdown process and a startup process between jobs. A request to increase the productivity by checking the registration of the next job at an early stage by checking a plurality of times, and to reduce the frequency of stopping the image forming process between jobs by delaying the final check time of the registration. The requirements can be satisfied, and the productivity of the image forming apparatus can be increased comprehensively. The plurality of checks may be performed between the start of the supply of the final transfer sheet and the completion of the discharge, or may be limited to the period from the start of the supply of the transfer sheet to the end of the transfer operation.
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a recording unit (40) for executing an image forming process by an electrophotographic process to form and output an image on transfer paper, and one or more jobs including the image forming process can be reserved. And a control unit (110) for managing execution of a job registered in the job registration unit (111, 107). The control unit (110) includes: While the recording unit (40) is processing the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job, the presence / absence of registration of the next job is checked one or more times. When the confirmation is made, the recording means (40) is caused to execute the image forming process so as to continue from the job currently being executed to the next job, and to make a final check on whether or not the next job is registered. Serial is an image forming apparatus and performing at the end of the transfer operation in the electrophotographic process.
[0016]
According to the above invention, the final check of the registration of the next job is performed at the end of the transfer operation in the electrophotographic process. Until the transfer operation of the final transfer paper is completed, it is necessary to maintain the running of the photoconductor and the stirring operation of the developer in order to form an image on the final transfer paper. On the other hand, the running and stirring operations after the end of the transfer operation are not related to the image formation of the final transfer paper, and the deterioration of the photoconductor is advanced more than necessary. Therefore, at the end of the transfer operation, which is the end of the movement of the photoconductor required for image formation and the stirring operation of the developer, a final check is performed as to whether or not the next job has been registered. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve both the requirement for preventing the photosensitive member and the developer from being unnecessarily deteriorated.
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control means (110) checks whether or not the next job is registered at least at the time of starting feeding of the last transfer sheet of the currently executed job and at the end of the transfer operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
[0018]
According to the above-described invention, the check of the presence / absence of registration of the next job is performed at the time of starting feeding of the last transfer sheet of the currently executed job and at the end of the transfer operation. That is, the confirmation of the registration of the next job is made at the earliest time (at the start of feeding of the final transfer paper) and at the latest time (at the end of transfer of the final transfer paper) within a range where the photoconductor and the like are not deteriorated more than necessary. Done.
[0019]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a recording unit (40) for executing an image forming process by an electrophotographic process to form and output an image on transfer paper, and one or more jobs including the image forming process can be reserved. And a control unit (110) for managing execution of a job registered in the job registration unit (111, 107). The control unit (110) includes: While the recording unit (40) is processing the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job, the presence / absence of registration of the next job is checked one or more times. When the confirmation is made, the recording unit (40) executes the image forming process so as to continue from the job currently being executed to the next job, and confirms whether or not the next job is registered. The implementation time of the final check, an image forming apparatus characterized by delaying according to the current transfer paper sheets treated with a job being executed or the length of the execution time.
[0020]
According to the above-described invention, the execution time of the final check for confirming the presence or absence of registration of the next job is delayed according to the number of transfer sheets processed by the currently executed job or the length of the execution time. For example, the end point of the transfer operation relating to the final transfer paper is set as a normal final check time, and when the number of processed sheets is large, the final check time is delayed more than this. For a job with a small number of transfer sheets on which images have been formed and a short execution time of image formation, if the final check time is further delayed from the end of the transfer operation, the time required for image formation relative to the effective travel time of the photoconductor involved in image formation is reduced. It is not preferable because the ratio of unnecessary traveling time increases. On the other hand, when the number of transfer sheets subjected to the image forming process and the execution time are large, the ratio of the useless travel time to the entire travel time of the photosensitive member is increased even if the final check is further delayed from the end of the transfer operation. Therefore, even if it is delayed, the influence on the deterioration of the photoconductor is small. Therefore, by delaying the execution time of the final check for confirming whether or not the next job is registered according to the number of transfer sheets processed in the currently executed job and the length of the execution time, the final check time is reduced. The requirement to delay as much as possible and the requirement to reduce unnecessary deterioration of the photoreceptor and the like are compatible.
[0021]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, one or more jobs including an image forming process by an electrophotographic process are registered in a reservable manner, and the image forming process is executed according to the registered job to form an image on transfer paper. An image forming method of outputting a job in which the last transfer sheet of a currently executed job is being processed and the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked a plurality of times. In this case, the image forming method is characterized in that the image forming process is executed so that the job being executed is continued from the job currently being executed to the next job.
[0022]
According to the present invention, during the image forming process for the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job, the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked a plurality of times. The image forming process is executed so as to continue from one job to the next job.
[0023]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, one or more jobs including an image forming process by an electrophotographic process are registered in a reservable manner, and the image forming process is executed according to the registered job to form an image on a transfer sheet. An image forming method for outputting a job in which the last transfer sheet of a currently executed job is being processed and the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked one or more times. If it is confirmed, the image forming process is executed so as to continue from the current job to the next job, and a final check of the registration of the next job is performed at the end of the transfer operation related to the final transfer paper. Is an image forming method.
[0024]
According to the above invention, the final check of the registration of the next job is performed at the end of the transfer operation in the electrophotographic process. A request to delay the timing of the final check as much as possible by executing a final check on the presence / absence of registration of the next job at the end of the transfer operation which is the end of the movement of the photoconductor required for image formation and the stirring operation of the developer. It is possible to achieve compatibility with the requirement for preventing unnecessary deterioration of the body and the developer.
[0025]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, one or more jobs including an image forming process by an electrophotographic process are registered in a reservable manner, and the image forming process is executed according to the registered job to form an image on transfer paper. An image forming method for outputting a job in which the last transfer sheet of a currently executed job is being processed and the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked one or more times. If confirmed, the image forming process is executed so as to continue from the job currently being executed to the next job, and the execution time of the final check for confirming the presence / absence of registration of the next job is currently executed. The image forming method is to delay according to the number of transfer sheets processed by the job or the length of the execution time.
[0026]
According to the above invention, the execution time of the final check for confirming the presence or absence of registration of the next job is determined according to the number of transfer sheets on which images are formed in the currently executed job or the length of the execution time, for example, It is delayed from the end of the transfer operation for the final transfer paper. As a result, both a request for delaying the timing of the final check as much as possible and a request for reducing unnecessary travel of the photoconductor are achieved.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 is a device called a digital copying machine, and has a copy function of reading a document and forming a copy image of the document on transfer paper.
[0028]
The image forming apparatus 10 includes an automatic document feeder 20, a reading unit 30, a printer unit 40, and a post-processing device 90. The automatic document feeder 20 has a function of feeding the documents 2 stacked on the document placing tray 21 one by one to a reading position of the reading unit 30. For double-sided originals, a function is provided in which, after one-sided reading, the front and back sides are reversed and sent to the reading unit 30 again.
[0029]
The automatic document feeder 20 includes a paper feed roller 22 for sequentially feeding the originals stacked on the original placing tray 21 from the top, and a contact roller for allowing the originals to pass through the contact glass 31 where the originals are to be read, in close contact with each other. And a guide roller 24 for guiding the document fed by the paper feed roller 22 along the contact roller 23. Further, a switching claw 25 for switching the traveling direction of the document that has passed through the contact glass 31, a reversing roller 26 for reversing the front and back of the double-sided document, and a discharge tray 27 for discharging the document that has been read are provided. I have.
[0030]
In the case of a double-sided document, the document is sent to the contact roller 23 and passes over the contact glass 31, and then guided by the switching claw 25 so as to pass between the pair of reversing rollers 26. Immediately before the end portion of the document reaches the reversing roller 26, the rotation direction of the reversing roller 26 is reversed and the switching claw 25 is displaced, and the document is sent out toward the upper side of the contact roller 23 this time. As a result, the front and back of the document are reversed. The document sent to the contact roller 23 and having passed through the contact glass 31 again is inverted again, and then guided by the switching claw 25 toward the sheet discharge tray 27 and discharged. In the case of a single-sided original, the original sent from the original placing tray 21 passes over the contact glass 31 along the contact roller 23, and is then guided toward the discharge tray 27 and discharged.
[0031]
The reading unit 30 has, on its upper surface, a contact glass 31 serving as a reading position of a document fed by the automatic document feeder 20 and a platen glass 32 on which a document is placed by a user's hand. Below the contact glass 31 and the platen glass 32, an exposure scanning unit 35 including a light source 33 and a mirror 34 is provided. The exposure scanning unit 35 is configured to be movable along the lower surface of the platen glass 32 by driving means (not shown). The light source 33 irradiates the original through the contact glass 31 and the platen glass 32, and the mirror 34 receives the reflected light from the original, and has a function of making the path substantially parallel to the platen glass 32.
[0032]
The reading unit 30 receives a light reflected from the document and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the light intensity, a line sensor 36 for condensing the light reflected from the document to the line sensor 36, Various mirrors 38 are provided to form an optical path for guiding reflected light from the mirror 34 of the scanning unit 35 to the line sensor 36. The line sensor 36 has a function of scanning a document in the main scanning direction, and is composed of, for example, many CCD elements.
[0033]
When reading the original on the platen glass 32, the exposure scanning unit 35 moves along the lower surface of the platen glass 32 from the reading start position near the contact glass 31 to the position where the line sensor 36 exists, so that the original is moved in the sub-scanning direction. Is scanned. When the automatic document feeder 20 is used, the exposure scanning unit 35 moves right below the contact glass 31 and stops, and in this state, the document sent to the contact roller 23 moves on the contact glass 31 so that Are scanned in the sub-scanning direction.
[0034]
The printer unit 40 has a function of forming an image corresponding to the image data on a transfer sheet as a recording medium by an electrophotographic process. The printer unit 40 has a laser unit 42 that outputs a laser beam that is turned on / off according to image data. The laser unit 42 includes a laser diode, a polygon mirror, various lenses, mirrors, and the like. The printer unit 40 includes a photoconductor 43 as an electrostatic latent image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charging device 44 disposed around the photoconductor 43, a developing device 50, and a transfer device 46. An apparatus 47 and a cleaning device 48 are provided.
[0035]
The photoreceptor 43 has a cylindrical shape, and is rotated in a certain direction (the direction of arrow A in the figure) by a driving unit (not shown). The charging device 44 functions to uniformly charge the photoconductor 43 by corona discharge. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 43 by scanning the uniformly charged surface of the photoconductor 43 with a laser beam that is turned on / off according to image data.
[0036]
The developing device 50 has a function of visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 43 with toner. The developing device 50 includes a main body case 51 having a slit facing the photoreceptor 43 and extending in the width direction thereof, and a cylindrical developing device housed in the main body case 51 so that a part of the peripheral surface is exposed from the slit. A sleeve 52, an agitator 53 for agitating the toner in the main body case 51, and a drive unit (not shown) are provided.
[0037]
The drive unit rotates the developing sleeve 52 in the direction of arrow B in the figure and drives the stirrer 53 to rotate. Due to the stirring operation of the stirrer 53, the toner in the developing device 50 increases in charge amount and also uniformly adheres to the surface of the rotating developing sleeve 52. The toner adhering to the surface of the developing sleeve 52 approaches the photoconductor 43 at the slit portion, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 43 is developed and visualized by the movement of the toner from the developing sleeve 52.
[0038]
The transfer device 46 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 43 to transfer paper by applying an electric field, and the separation device 47 has a function of separating the transfer paper from the photoconductor 43 by static elimination. The cleaning device 48 has a function of removing and collecting the toner remaining on the photoconductor 43 by rubbing it with a blade or the like. The collected toner is returned to the developing device 50 through a path not shown.
[0039]
The printer unit 40 includes a paper feed unit 60 that feeds the transfer paper, a transfer paper transport unit 70 that transports the fed transfer paper so as to pass through a transfer location between the photoconductor 43 and the transfer device 46, and And a fixing device 80 for pressing and heating the toner image formed on the transfer paper to fix and fix the toner image on the surface of the transfer paper. The paper supply unit 60 includes a plurality of paper supply cassettes 61, and usually accommodates transfer papers of different sizes and paper types.
[0040]
Near the outlet of each paper feed cassette 61, a first paper feed roller 62 that feeds the uppermost transfer paper accommodated in the paper feed cassette 61 one by one toward the transfer paper transport unit 70 is provided. At the exit of each paper feed cassette 61, a tray exit sensor 63 for detecting the fed transfer paper is provided. The transfer paper transport section 70 is provided with a number of transport rollers 71 at intervals shorter than the size of the transfer paper of the minimum size in the feed direction. In the transfer paper transporting unit 70, just before reaching the transfer location between the photoconductor 43 and the transfer device 46, there is a leading edge detection sensor 72 for detecting the leading edge of the transfer paper. There is a paper feed roller 73. A second paper feed sensor 77 for detecting that the transfer paper has arrived at the position is located slightly before the second paper feed roller 73.
[0041]
If the image data of the next page is not complete, the transfer paper sent from the paper feed cassette 61 stops temporarily before the second paper feed roller 73, and the conveyance is resumed when the image data is complete. You. The electrostatic latent image is formed by the laser unit 42 based on the timing at which the leading edge detection sensor 72 detects the leading edge. Downstream of the separation device 47, there is a transport belt 74 that transports the transfer paper separated from the photoconductor 43 to the fixing device 80.
[0042]
A path switching claw 75 for switching the path of the transfer paper is disposed behind the fixing device 80. When the path switching claw 75 is set to the horizontal position indicated by the dotted line in the figure, the transfer sheet after fixing is discharged to the post-processing device 90 as indicated by the arrow C. When the path switching claw 75 is set to the inclined position shown by the solid line in the figure, the transfer paper advances in the direction shown by the arrow D, and after being turned upside down, returns to the original path upstream of the second paper feed roller 73. The recording on the back side is performed. The reversal of the transfer paper is performed by the same mechanism as that of the automatic document feeder 20. That is, the transfer paper sent from the fixing device 80 in the direction of the arrow D advances so as to pass between the pair of reversing rollers 76, and the rotation direction of the reversing roller 76 is reversed just before the end portion reaches the reversing roller 76. Then, the sheet is transported in the direction of arrow E different from the outward path, so that the front and back are reversed. When a one-sided copy is output, after passing through the fixing device 80, the sheet once advances in the direction of arrow D and then advances in the direction of arrow F, so that the sheet is turned over and discharged. The post-processing device 90 includes a paper discharge sensor 92 that detects that the transfer paper has been discharged to the paper discharge tray 91.
[0043]
Note that the timing of the end of the transfer to the transfer paper is recognized based on the elapsed time from the detection of the front end of the transfer paper by the front end detection sensor 72. That is, the length of time from the detection by the leading edge detection sensor 72 to the end of the transfer is registered in advance for each size of the transfer paper, and after the leading edge detection sensor 72 detects the leading edge of the transfer paper, the length of the transfer paper is reduced. When the corresponding time has elapsed, the end of the transfer operation is recognized.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The automatic document feeder 20 has an ADF control unit 200 that controls a drive unit (not shown). The reading unit 30 includes a line sensor 36 and a scanner control unit 210. The scanner control unit 210 performs lighting control of the light source 33, movement control of the exposure scanning unit 35, and the like. The operation display unit 220 has a function of receiving various operations from a user and displaying various information to the user. The operation display unit 220 includes a display unit 221 including a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 222 including touch switches and other switches laid on the screen, and an operation control unit that controls operations of the display unit 221 and the operation unit 222. 223.
[0045]
The printer unit 40 includes a laser unit 42 and a printer control unit 230. The printer control unit 230 performs ON / OFF control of a laser diode included in the laser unit 42 and rotation control of the polygon mirror. Further, the printer control unit 230 includes a voltage application to the charging device 44, the transfer device 46, and the separation device 47, rotation of the photoconductor 43, a developing device 50, a cleaning device 48, a fixing device 80, a paper feeding unit 60, a transfer paper transporting unit. It has a function of totally controlling the operations of 70 and the like. The ADF control unit 200, the scanner control unit 210, the operation display unit 220, and the printer control unit 230 are each composed of a circuit mainly including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and execute various controls according to programs stored in the ROM. Is done.
[0046]
The main control unit 100 has a function of totally controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The main control unit 100 includes a read processing unit 101, a DRAM control unit 102, a compression / decompression unit 103, an image memory 104, a write processing unit 105, an image control CPU 110, a program memory 106, a system memory 107, , A nonvolatile memory 108, and an I / O port 109.
[0047]
The reading processing unit 101 performs a function of performing enlargement processing, mirror image processing, binarization processing by error diffusion, and the like on image data output from the reading unit 30. The compression / decompression unit 103 has a function of compressing binarized image data and decompressing the compressed data. The compression / decompression unit 103 can execute the compression process and the decompression process independently and in parallel. The image memory 104 functions as a page memory capable of storing uncompressed image data in page units and as a compression memory for storing compressed image data.
[0048]
The write processing unit 105 has a function of transmitting image data read and expanded from the image memory 104 to the laser unit 42 at a timing according to the operation of the printer unit 40. The DRAM control unit 102 controls the timing of reading / writing and refreshing from / to the image memory 104 composed of a dynamic RAM, compresses image data and stores it in the image memory 104, and reads out compressed data from the image memory 104 to decompress it. And the like to control the timing of the operation.
[0049]
The image control CPU 110 is a CPU that controls the entire operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and has a function of managing the flow of image data and a function of a job registration unit 111 that manages job registration and execution. The program memory 106 is a memory for storing a program to be executed by the image control CPU 110, and the system memory 107 is a work memory for temporarily storing various data during execution of the program. Various information related to the registered job is registered in the system memory 107. The nonvolatile memory 108 is a memory for storing user data and system data that should be stored even after the power is turned off. To the I / O port 109, various sensors such as the tip detection sensor 72, an LED element, and the like are connected.
[0050]
In the image forming apparatus 10, image data obtained by reading a document by the reading unit 30 is compressed and temporarily stored in the image memory 104, read out and expanded from the image memory 104, and the printer unit 40 forms an image on transfer paper. By doing so, a copy function is realized. That is, in the document reading process from reading of the document to storage in the image memory 104, the reading processing unit 101, the DRAM control unit 102, the compression / decompression unit 103 (compression), the DRAM control unit 102 , Data flows in the order of the image memory 104. On the other hand, in an image writing process until an image is formed on transfer paper based on the compressed data stored in the image memory 104, the DRAM control unit 102, the compression / decompression unit 103 (decompression), the DRAM control unit Data flows in the order of 102, write processing unit 105, and laser unit 42.
[0051]
As described above, since the image memory 104 is interposed and the compression / expansion unit 103 can execute the compression processing and the expansion processing independently and in parallel, the image forming apparatus 10 can execute the current processing if the reading unit 30 is empty. During the execution of the image writing process related to the job, the original reading process related to the next job is executed, and the next job can be reserved and registered. For example, when a plurality of copies are to be made, the document reading process is performed only once for each page of the document, but the image writing process is repeatedly performed for the set number of copies. For this reason, the compression function of the reading unit 30 and the compression / decompression unit 103 becomes empty during the execution of the image writing process, and the reservation of the next job can be registered.
[0052]
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a display state of the operation display unit 220 included in the image forming apparatus 10. On the screen of the operation display unit 220, a plurality of tags 301 for registering a job by reservation are displayed. Here, five jobs can be registered in association with the first tag 301a to the fifth tag 301e. Each of the tags 301a to 301e displays the status and job number of the job corresponding to the tag. The “unused” character is displayed in the tag for which the job has not been registered, and changes to a “read” character during the document reading process and to an “output” character during the image writing process. Even if the tag is "empty", it is not possible to select a tag that has been shaded.
[0053]
At the top of the screen, there is a guidance display section 302 for displaying various guidance to the user. In a standby state before the start of copying shown in FIG. 4, "Copy is possible" is displayed. You can make a copy reservation by pressing an empty tag. " Accordingly, the second tag 301b, which is the second tag from the left, can be selected without being screened, and the display of the leftmost first tag 301a is changed to "output".
[0054]
In this state, when the user presses the second tag 301b on which the characters "vacant" are displayed without screen shading, a reservation screen is displayed and a message "copy reservation is possible" is displayed. Here, when the start button is pressed, the document reading process is started, and the message on the guidance display unit 302 changes to "Document is being read" and the character of the second tag 301b changes to "Read". After the original reading process is completed, the message on the guidance display unit 302 changes to "Waiting for output. Press an empty tag to reserve a copy" and the character of the second tag 301b changes to "Reservation". With such an operation, it is possible to register the next job during execution of the job and read the original.
[0055]
FIG. 5 shows an example of a job queue and a continuous job queue as a queue used by the image control CPU 110 of the main control unit 100 to manage a plurality of jobs. The job queue 330 can register a maximum of five jobs corresponding to the first tag 301a to the fifth tag 301e displayed on the operation display unit 220. Jobs are registered in order from the top (left end in the figure) of the job queue 330, and the job registered at the top of the job queue 330 is a job to be output. When the execution of the job registered at the head of the job queue 330 is completed, the job is deleted from the job queue 330, and the subsequent jobs are shifted to the head one by one.
[0056]
The continuous job queue 340 is a queue for managing a job being output. Various controls associated with image formation are performed in accordance with job data registered in the continuous job queue 340. The job currently being output is registered at the head of the continuous job queue 340, and the next job whose paper feeding has been started before the discharge of the final transfer sheet of the job currently being output is registered behind the job. . When the execution of the first job is completed, the job is deleted from the continuous job queue 340, and the subsequent jobs are shifted to the first one by one.
[0057]
FIG. 5A shows a state in which four reserved jobs are received during the output of job A (the job is indicated as JOB in the figure), and the job B is fed before the final transfer sheet of job A is completely discharged. , The job queue 330 and the continuous job queue 340 at the time when is started. In this state, the job A and the job B exist in the continuous job queue 340 at the same time. FIG. 5B illustrates a state after the discharge of the final transfer sheet of the job A is completed and before the final sheet of the job B is completed from the state of FIG. In FIG. 13B, the job A is deleted from both the job queue 330 and the continuous job queue 340, and the rear jobs are shifted one by one to the head.
[0058]
FIG. 6 shows an example of job data registered in the job queue 330 or the continuous job queue 340. The job data 350 includes items that are not changed after being set before the start of the job, such as a set number of copies and designation conditions of post-processing, and items that are sequentially updated during the execution of the job. For example, the number of output copies, the number of read images, the number of written images, and the like are updated each time the corresponding process is performed. The output image rotation angle and the storage address of the image data are registered as page data for each page. The image control CPU 110 refers to such job data, and controls display on the operation display unit 220, image reading processing, image writing processing, and the like.
[0059]
Incidentally, the image forming process performed when the printer unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on a transfer sheet includes a start-up process, an image forming process, and a shut-down process. In the start-up process, operations such as starting rotation of the photoconductor 43 and stabilizing it at a constant traveling speed are performed. In the lowering step, operations such as stopping the rotation of the photoconductor 43, removing the charge on the surface of the photoconductor 43, and turning off the power supply of the charging device 44 and the like are performed to prevent the deterioration of the photoconductor 43. In the image forming step, after the photosensitive member 43 is uniformly charged, an electrostatic latent image is formed, which is developed with toner, transferred to a transfer sheet, the transfer sheet is separated from the photosensitive member 43, and a fixing device 80 is formed. The image forming operation up to fixing is performed.
[0060]
When one job is performed alone, a start-up process is performed, and thereafter, the image forming process is repeated for a required number of sheets. When the image forming process on the final transfer paper is completed, a start-up process is performed. . On the other hand, if the image writing process of the next job is possible before the completion of the currently executing job, the image forming process is continued without performing the shutdown process and the startup process between the jobs. The image forming process is continued from the job being executed to the next job.
[0061]
FIG. 1 shows the operation timing of each unit when checking the presence or absence of registration of the next job a plurality of times while processing the final transfer paper of the currently executing job. In the figure, the operation related to the final transfer sheet of the job currently being executed is indicated by oblique lines rising to the right. Here, at the time when the feeding of the final transfer paper of the currently executing job is started (time T31), the presence or absence of registration of the next job is checked (first time check), and if there is the next job at this time, The image forming process is continued without performing the falling-down step and the rising-up step. The state in which the next job is registered is when the first page of the document has been stored in the image memory 104.
[0062]
If there is no registration of the next job at the time of the first check, the presence / absence of registration of the next job is checked again (final check) at the time when the operation of transferring the currently executed job to the final transfer paper is completed (time T32). When the registration of the next job is confirmed by the final check, the image forming process is continuously performed from the currently executing job to the next job without performing the shutdown process and the startup process. Thereby, each part operates as shown by the broken line in FIG. On the other hand, if the registration of the next job is not confirmed in the final check, the shutdown process is performed and the image forming process is temporarily terminated.
[0063]
If the registration of the next job is confirmed in the first check, the running-down process and the starting-up process are not performed between the jobs, and the running of the photoconductor 43 continues. Also, as in the case shown in FIG. 14, the feeding of the first transfer sheet 902 of the next job is started at the same timing as the case of feeding the next transfer sheet in the same job. As a result, the discharge interval between the last transfer sheet of the currently executed job and the first transfer sheet of the next job becomes almost the same as the discharge interval in the same job, and the maximum speed of the image processing apparatus 10 is increased. Is maintained between jobs.
[0064]
FIG. 7 shows the operation timing of each unit when the registration of the next job is confirmed in the final check. In the figure, the operation related to the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job is shaded, and the operation related to the first transfer sheet of the next job is indicated by a lattice pattern. As shown in FIG. 7, when the registration of the next job is confirmed by the final check, the feeding operation of the first transfer sheet of the next job is started from that time (time T41). In this case as well, the shutdown process and the startup process are not performed between jobs, and the running of the photoconductor 43 and the like continue. Since the start of feeding the first transfer sheet of the next job is the end of the transfer operation of the last transfer sheet, the discharge interval between the last transfer sheet of the currently executing job and the first transfer sheet of the next job Although (T43 to T44) is longer than the sheet discharge interval (T42 to T43) in the same job, it is shorter than the case where the fall process and the fall process are performed between jobs.
[0065]
FIG. 8 shows the operation timing of each unit when the registration of the next job is not confirmed even in the final check. In the figure, the operation relating to the final transfer paper of the currently executed job is shaded. As shown in the figure, if the registration of the next job is not confirmed in the final check, the shutdown process of the image forming process is performed from that time (time T51), and the running of the photoconductor 43 stops at time T52. . The image forming process for the next job is performed from the start-up process.
[0066]
FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing when the image control CPU 110 of the main control unit 100 sets / resets the first paper feed READY signal. This process returns to the start as soon as the end is reached, and is repeatedly executed. The first paper feed READY signal is a signal for permitting paper feed of the next transfer paper. In the processing related to the set / reset of this signal, it is determined whether or not to continue the image forming processing between jobs. It is supposed to do it.
[0067]
First, when the transfer of the transfer paper corresponding to the previously set first paper supply READY signal from one of the paper supply cassettes 61 is completed (Step S401; Y), the first paper supply READY signal for the transfer paper currently transmitted is sent. Reset is performed (step S402). If the transfer sheet sent this time is not the last transfer sheet of the job (step S403; N), the first sheet feed READY is set, and the information of the sheet feed tray and the transfer sheet size is set together (step S405). . Thereafter, the process returns from the end to the start, and the process is executed again.
[0068]
If the transfer sheet sent this time is the last transfer sheet of the job (step S403; Y), it is checked whether or not the next job has been registered (step S404). This corresponds to the first check in FIG. If the next job has been registered at this time (Y), the first paper feed READY is set and the paper feed tray and the transfer paper size are set in the same manner as when there is a next page in the same job. Is set (step S405), and the process returns from the end of the process to the start. If the registration of the next job is not confirmed in the initial check (step S404; N), job final sheet information indicating that the transfer sheet sent this time is the last transfer sheet of the job currently being executed is set ( (Step S406), the process returns from the end to the start and continues the process.
[0069]
If the transfer paper has not just been sent (step S401; N), the last transfer paper that has been sent out is the last transfer paper of the job currently being executed, and the end time of the transfer operation (transfer OFF) has arrived. It is checked whether or not it has been performed (step S407). When the end point of the transfer operation to the final transfer paper has come (Y), it is checked whether or not the next job has been registered (step S408). This corresponds to the final check in FIG. Whether or not the sheet is the last transfer sheet is determined by referring to the last sheet information of the job set in step S406. The end of the transfer operation is recognized based on the elapsed time after the leading edge of the transfer paper is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 72. Specifically, the determination is made based on a JOB final sheet transfer OFF signal described later.
[0070]
When the registration of the next job is confirmed by the final check (step S408; Y), the first paper feed READY and the second paper feed READY are set, and the information of the paper feed tray and the transfer paper size are set together. Thereafter (step S405), the process returns from the end to the start and continues the processing. Since the transfer sheet currently being processed has already reached the end of the transfer operation at this point, the second sheet feed READY is set at the same time as the first sheet READY.
[0071]
If the registration of the next job is not confirmed in the final check (step S408; N), a job end signal is transmitted to the printer control unit 230 (step S410). As a result, the shutdown process is executed, and the image forming process is stopped. If it is not time to end the transfer operation of the final transfer paper (step S407; N), the process returns from the end to the start without performing any operation, and the process is continued.
[0072]
FIG. 10 shows the timing of the internal processing related to the above operation. Each square in the figure indicates a set period of a corresponding signal or an execution period of a corresponding operation. The portion of the currently executed job related to the final transfer paper is shaded. The first paper feed ready signal 501 is output from the image control CPU 110 to the printer control unit 230 from when it is set in S405 or S409 in FIG. 9 until it is reset in S402. Accompanying this, the tray information / size information and the last sheet information of the job are passed from the image control CPU 110 to the printer control unit 230.
[0073]
The transfer paper sending operation 502 from the paper supply unit 60 is executed under a certain condition of the sequence control determined by the printer control unit 230 and an AND condition in which the first paper supply READY signal is in an ON state. When the transfer paper feeding is completed, sending completion information 503 indicating the completion is notified from the printer unit 40 to the image control CPU 110. The transmission completion information 503 is used for the determination in step S401 in FIG. The second paper feed ready signal 504 is set when writing of the next image is completed after writing of the image on the previous transfer sheet is completed, and is reset when the output of the image writing signal 505 is started. The second paper feeding operation 506 is executed under certain conditions of sequence control determined by the printer control unit 230 and an AND condition in which the second paper feeding READY signal 504 is in an ON state.
[0074]
The image writing signal 505 is output for a required image size length based on the timing of detecting the leading edge of the transfer paper by the leading edge detection sensor 72. This signal is an enable signal when the image data is transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the laser unit 42, and the image data is output from the main control unit 100 to the laser unit 42 only during the output period of the signal. The transfer operation 507 is executed in synchronization with the image writing signal with a delay of a time required for the photoconductor 43 to rotate from the scanning position of the laser unit 42 to the transfer position.
[0075]
The job last sheet transfer OFF signal 508 refers to the job last sheet information passed from the main control unit 100 when the first sheet feeding READY signal is set at the end of the transfer operation, and a predetermined value when this information is set. Time set. This information is used for the determination in step S407 in FIG. Thereafter, when the transfer sheet fixed by the fixing device 80 has passed through the sheet ejection sensor 92, the sheet ejection is completed 509. When the image forming process is performed, such a signal is exchanged between the image control CPU 110 and the printer control unit 230.
[0076]
FIG. 11 shows the productivity between jobs. The horizontal axis represents the time interval at which image data is prepared (inter-job image storage time interval), and the vertical axis represents the number of processed images per minute. In the image forming apparatus shown in this figure, the maximum copying speed is 65 sheets / min.
[0077]
A large broken line 601 in the drawing indicates a processing capability characteristic when the presence or absence of registration of the next job is checked only when the final transfer sheet is fed. In this case, if the next job is registered at the start of feeding of the final transfer sheet, the same maximum speed is maintained between jobs as in the same job. In addition, since the image forming process is temporarily stopped after the start-up step and the start-up step are performed, the productivity is reduced to the minimum number of sheets (about 9 sheets / minute) at a stretch.
[0078]
A small broken line 602 in the figure indicates the processing capability characteristic when the registration of the next job is checked only when the discharge of the final transfer sheet is completed. Even if the registration of the next job is completed before the discharge of the final transfer paper is completed, the productivity is about 13 sheets / min, as in the case where the job is registered when the discharge of the final transfer paper is completed. Become. If the job is registered after the final transfer sheet has been discharged, the image formation processing is temporarily stopped, and the productivity is reduced to the minimum number (about 9 sheets / minute).
[0079]
A solid line 603 in the figure indicates a processing capability characteristic when the next job registration is performed twice at the timing shown in FIG. In this case, if the next job is registered at the start of feeding the final transfer sheet, the same maximum speed is maintained between jobs as in the same job. If the next job is registered before the final check performed at the end of the transfer operation of the final transfer paper, productivity of about 20 sheets / minute is secured between jobs. If the final check at the end of the transfer operation of the final transfer paper does not confirm that the next job has been registered, the image forming process is temporarily stopped, and the productivity is reduced to the minimum number (about 9 sheets / minute). However, since the image forming process is stopped when the next job is not registered at this time, the running of the photoconductor 43 and the stirring operation of the developer which are not related to the image formation of the final transfer paper are eliminated, and the photoconductor 43 is not operated. And unnecessary deterioration of the developer is prevented.
[0080]
A one-dot broken line 604 in the drawing indicates the processing capability characteristic when the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is repeatedly checked between the start of feeding the final transfer sheet and the end of the transfer operation of the final transfer sheet. . By performing the check many times, the productivity gradually decreases in accordance with the delay of the time when the next job is registered, and the maximum capacity according to the job registration time can be obtained.
[0081]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the timing of the final check is delayed from the end time of the transfer operation according to the number of prints in the currently executed job and the length of the execution time of the print operation. FIG. 12 shows a flow of an operation related to checking whether or not the next job is registered. When the last transfer sheet of the currently executed job is fed (step S601), it is checked whether or not the next job is registered (step S602). If there is a registration at this time (Y), the currently executed job is executed. The image forming process of the job and the next job is continued without performing the shutdown process and the startup process (step S609).
[0082]
If the next job is not registered at the start of sheet feeding (step S602; N), the registration of the next job is checked again (step S604) when the transfer of the final transfer sheet is completed (step S603; Y). If there is a registration at this point (Y), the image forming process of the currently executing job and the next job is continued (step S609).
[0083]
If the next job is not registered at the end of the transfer of the final transfer sheet (step S604; N), it is checked whether the number of prints in the currently executed job is equal to or larger than a reference number (for example, 20) (step S605). . If the number is less than the reference number (N), the shutdown process is immediately performed to stop the image forming process (step S608). If the number is equal to or larger than the reference number (step S605; Y), it is monitored whether or not the next job is registered until the final transfer sheet is completely discharged (steps S606 and S607; N). When the job is registered (step S606; Y), the image forming process of the job currently being executed at that time and the next job are continued (step S609). If the next job is not registered by the time the discharge of the final transfer sheet is completed (step S607; Y), the image forming process is stopped by executing the falling-down process (step S608).
[0084]
When the number of prints is equal to or larger than the reference number, the photosensitive member 43 is not run and the developer is agitated after the transfer operation to the final transfer paper is completed, but the number of prints in the current job is large. The ratio of the running time not related to image formation to the entire running time of the photoconductor 43 is low, and the influence on the deterioration of the photoconductor 43 is small.
[0085]
If the number of prints of the currently executed job is a small number, such as one, or the print time is short, it is considered that there is almost no time to register the next job during that time. Therefore, even if the final check is delayed, registration of the next job is rarely confirmed. When the number of prints becomes about several tens, there is more time to register the next job during printing, and the possibility of the next job being registered increases. Further, as described above, the ratio of the extra travel time not related to image formation to the entire travel time of the photoconductor is reduced, and the influence on the deterioration of the photoconductor is small. Therefore, when the number of prints is large or the print execution time is long to some extent, the timing of the final check is delayed so that the image forming process can be continuously performed between jobs without substantially affecting the life of the photoconductor. More cases can be obtained.
[0086]
Further, when the number of prints is as large as 100 or more, it is assumed that registration of the next job has already been completed before image formation on the final transfer sheet is started in many cases. For this reason, there is a high probability that the registration of the next job will be confirmed by the check up to the end of the transfer operation on the final transfer paper, and the case where the final check is actually delayed from the end of the transfer operation hardly occurs. Even if a delay occurs, the ratio of the running time not related to image formation to the entire running time of the photoconductor becomes extremely low, and the deterioration of the photoconductor is hardly affected.
[0087]
Therefore, the final check for confirming whether or not the next job has been registered is delayed from the end of the transfer operation in accordance with the number of prints and the length of the print execution time of the currently executed job. It is possible to achieve both the requirement to delay the checking time as much as possible and to continue the image forming process between jobs and the requirement to prevent unnecessary deterioration of the photoconductor 43 and the developer.
[0088]
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are changes and additions without departing from the scope of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Included in the invention. For example, in the first embodiment, the presence / absence of registration of the next job is checked at the time of starting the feeding of the final transfer paper and at the time of the end of the transfer. However, as the number of checks between these is increased, the productivity increases. It is possible to approach the ideal processing characteristics indicated by the one-dot broken line 604 in FIG. On the other hand, if attention is paid only to the viewpoint of preventing the deterioration of the photoconductor 43 and the developer, the check may be performed only at the end of transfer.
[0089]
In FIG. 11, the time of the final check is extended based on whether or not the number of prints is equal to or greater than the reference number. However, the length of the execution time of the image forming process related to the currently executed job may be used as the determination criterion. . Further, when the job currently being executed is continuous from the previous job, the total number of printed jobs and the execution time of the image forming process may be used as the determination criteria.
[0090]
In the embodiment, the copy function of the image forming apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention includes a case where a job including image forming processing by facsimile reception or a print request from a computer is registered.
[0091]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked a plurality of times during the image forming process on the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job, so that the productivity of the image forming processing apparatus is improved. Can be increased comprehensively.
[0092]
If the final check of the registration of the next job is performed at the end of the transfer operation in the electrophotographic process, the final check time is maximized within that limit while preventing unnecessary deterioration of the photoconductor etc. due to running not related to image formation. The productivity can be increased with a delay.
[0093]
If the next job is checked for registration at the start of the transfer of the final transfer sheet of the currently executed job and at the end of the transfer operation, the productivity of the image forming processing apparatus can be improved comprehensively with a small number of checks. be able to.
[0094]
If the final check for confirming the registration of the next job is delayed according to the number of sheets processed or the length of execution time of the currently executing job, the final check is delayed as much as possible. It is possible to achieve both the requirement to reduce the useless running of the photoconductor and the requirement to perform the use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation timing when an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention checks a plurality of times of registration of a next job while processing a final transfer sheet of a currently executed job a plurality of times. FIG.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of an operation display unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a job queue and a continuous job queue that the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has for managing a plurality of jobs.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of job data registered in a job queue or the like by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing operation timing of each unit when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention confirms registration of a next job in a final check.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation timing of each unit when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention cannot confirm registration of the next job even in the final check.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process when an image control CPU of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention sets / resets a first paper feed READY signal.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing operation timings related to internal processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention performs image forming processing.
FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram illustrating productivity when the presence or absence of the next job is checked at various timings.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention checks whether the next job is registered.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation timing of each unit when checking whether or not the next job is registered only when the final transfer sheet of the currently executing job has been discharged.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation timing of each unit when checking whether or not the next job is registered only at the time of feeding the last transfer sheet of the currently executed job.
[Explanation of symbols]
2: Manuscript
10. Image forming apparatus
20 ... automatic document feeder
21: Document loading tray
22 ... paper feed roller
23 ... Contact roller
24… Guide roller
25 ... switching claw
26 ... Reversing roller
27… Ejection tray
30 ... Reading unit
31 ... Contact glass
32 ... Platen glass
33 ... light source
34 ... Mirror
35 Exposure scanning unit
36 ... Line sensor
37 ... Condensing lens
38 ... Mirror
40 ... Printer section
42 ... Laser unit
43 ... Photoconductor drum
44 ... Charging device
46 ... Transfer device
47… Separation device
48 Cleaning device
50: Developing device
51 ... body case
52 ... Developing sleeve
53 ... Stirrer
60 ... paper feeding section
61 ... paper cassette
62: First paper feed roller
63… Tray exit sensor
70: transfer paper transport section
71 ... Conveying roller
72 ... Tip detection sensor
73 second feed roller
74 ... Conveyer belt
75 ... course switching claw
76 ... reversing roller
77 Second paper feed sensor
80: Fixing device
90 post-processing device
91: paper ejection tray
92 ... paper ejection sensor
100: Main control unit
101: reading processing unit
102: DRAM control unit
103 ... compression / expansion unit
104 ... Image memory
105 Write processing unit
106: Program memory
107: System memory
108: Non-volatile memory
109 ... I / O port
110 ... Image control CPU
111 ... job registration means
200: ADF control unit
210: Scanner control unit
220 ... operation display section
221 ... display section
222 ... operation unit
223 ... Operation control unit
230: Printer control unit
301, 301a to 301e ... tags
302: guide display section
330: Job queue
340: continuous job queue
350 ... Job data
501: 1st paper feed READY signal
502: Transfer paper feeding operation
503: Transmission completion information
504: second paper feed ready signal
505 ... Image writing signal
506: Second paper feeding operation
507: Transfer operation
508: Final paper transfer OFF signal
509: Paper ejection completed
601... Processing capability characteristics when the next job registration presence / absence is checked only at the start of sheet feeding
602... Processing capability characteristics when the next job registration presence / absence is checked only upon completion of paper ejection
603: Processing capability characteristics when the next job registration presence / absence is checked at the start of sheet feeding and at the end of transfer
604... Processing capability characteristics when the next job registration presence / absence check is repeated from the start of sheet feeding to the end of transfer

Claims (7)

Recording means for executing an image forming process by an electrophotographic process to form and output an image on transfer paper; job registering means for registering one or more jobs including the image forming process in a reservable manner; Control means for managing the execution of the job registered in the means,
The control unit checks the presence or absence of registration of the next job a plurality of times while the recording unit is processing the final transfer sheet of the job currently being executed, and determines that there is registration of the next job by any of the checks. When confirming, the image forming apparatus causes the recording unit to execute the image forming process so as to continue from the job currently being executed to the next job. Recording means for executing an image forming process by an electrophotographic process to form and output an image on transfer paper; job registering means for registering one or more jobs including the image forming process in a reservable manner; Control means for managing the execution of the job registered in the means,
The control unit checks the presence or absence of registration of the next job one or more times while the recording unit is processing the final transfer paper of the currently executed job, and registers the next job by one of the checks. When the presence of the job is confirmed, the recording unit executes the image forming process so as to continue from the job currently being executed to the next job, and performs a final check on the presence or absence of registration of the next job to perform a transfer operation related to the final transfer sheet. The image forming apparatus is performed at the end of the process. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit checks whether or not the next job is registered at least at the time of starting feeding of the last transfer sheet of the currently executed job and at the end of the transfer operation. apparatus. Recording means for executing an image forming process by an electrophotographic process to form and output an image on transfer paper; job registering means for registering one or more jobs including the image forming process in a reservable manner; Control means for managing the execution of the job registered in the means,
The control unit checks the presence or absence of registration of the next job one or more times while the recording unit is processing the final transfer paper of the currently executed job, and registers the next job by one of the checks. When the presence is confirmed, the recording unit is caused to execute the image forming process so as to be continued from the currently executing job to the next job, and the execution time of the final check for confirming whether or not the next job is registered is determined. An image forming apparatus which delays according to the number of transfer sheets processed by a currently executed job or the length of the execution time. An image forming method for registering one or more jobs including an image forming process by an electrophotographic process in a reservable manner, executing the image forming process according to the registered job, forming an image on transfer paper, and outputting the image. hand,
While processing the final transfer paper of the currently executing job, the presence or absence of the registration of the next job is checked multiple times, and if any of the checks confirms the presence of the next job, An image forming method, wherein the image forming process is executed so as to continue to the next job. An image forming method for registering one or more jobs including an image forming process by an electrophotographic process in a reservable manner, executing the image forming process according to the registered job, forming an image on transfer paper, and outputting the image. hand,
During the processing of the final transfer sheet of the currently executing job, the presence or absence of registration of the next job is checked one or more times. An image forming method, wherein the image forming process is performed so as to be continued from one job to the next job, and a final check of the registration of the next job is performed at the end of a transfer operation related to the final transfer sheet. An image forming method for registering one or more jobs including an image forming process by an electrophotographic process in a reservable manner, executing the image forming process according to the registered job, forming an image on transfer paper, and outputting the image. hand,
During the processing of the final transfer sheet of the currently executing job, the presence or absence of registration of the next job is checked one or more times. The image forming process is executed so as to be continued from one job to the next job, and the final check timing for confirming whether or not the next job is registered is determined by the number of transfer sheets processed by the currently executed job or the An image forming method characterized by delaying according to the length of execution time.

Images