JP2005022875A - Image forming device and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To deliver blank paper delivered when a jam and a memory full are caused, to another tray, when delivering recording paper of forming an image in an interrupt mode, to another tray. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device has a means for starting an interrupt job being a job different from an interrupted job, by temporarily interrupting at least one or more delivery trays being a tray for loading a recording sheet being a recording medium, a spare tray being a tray for loading the recording sheet, and the job; and has a means for delivering the recording sheet of forming an image by the interrupt job, or the recording sheet unable to form a desired image to the spare tray, and delivering the recording sheet undelivered to the spare tray to the delivery tray. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data and a control method thereof.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, when a current image forming job is interrupted and another image forming job is performed, a recording sheet and a job formed with an image in an interrupt mode in which the current job is temporarily interrupted and then another job is performed. The recording sheet on which the image is formed before the interruption is discharged to the same tray.

  In addition, when the job is resumed after the job is interrupted due to a jam or the like, the recording sheet in which image formation could not be performed normally and the recording sheet on which the image was formed before interrupting the job are discharged to the same tray. I am doing so.

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus as described above, the recording sheet on which the image is formed in the interrupt mode in which another job is performed after the job is temporarily suspended and the recording sheet on which the image is formed before the job is suspended are placed on the same tray. In order to eject, the recording sheet imaged in the interrupt mode is stacked between the recording sheet ejected before the job is interrupted and the recording sheet ejected after the job is resumed. There was a problem that it was impossible to know which one.

  In addition, when the job is resumed after the job is interrupted due to a jam or the like, the recording sheet in which image formation could not be performed normally and the recording sheet on which the image was formed before interrupting the job are discharged to the same tray. Therefore, there is a possibility that a recording sheet for which image formation could not be performed normally will be stacked between the recording sheet discharged before the job was interrupted and the recording sheet discharged after the job was restarted. There is a problem that may be mixed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image forming apparatus that does not require time and effort to confirm a sheet on which a desired image is formed, and a control method thereof. It is in.

  The image forming apparatus, the control method thereof, and the storage medium of the present invention are configured as follows.

  In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data, a first discharge unit and a second discharge unit that discharge a sheet after image formation, and the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit And a CPU for controlling a discharge operation to switch to the first discharge unit, the CPU discharges the image-formed sheet to the first discharge unit regardless of whether the number of image forming copies is singular or plural. The sheet on which image formation was not performed was discharged to the second discharge unit.

  Further, in a control method of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data, a first discharge unit and a second discharge unit that discharge a sheet after image formation are provided, and the number of copies to be formed Regardless of whether the sheet is singular or plural, control is performed to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed to the first discharge unit, and the sheet on which predetermined image formation has not been performed is transferred to the second discharge unit. Control was made to discharge.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit that discharge the sheet after image formation are provided, regardless of whether the number of images to be formed is singular or plural. A first control unit that discharges an image-formed sheet to the first discharge unit; and a sheet that has undergone interruption processing when another image forming job is interrupted during execution of the image forming job. Since the second control unit that discharges the sheet to the discharge unit is provided, there is an effect that it is possible to easily distinguish the sheet subjected to the interrupt process and the sheet formed by the image forming job before the interrupt.

  In addition, since the sheet on which the predetermined image formation has not been performed has the second control unit that causes the second discharge unit to discharge the sheet, there is an effect that it can be easily distinguished from the unnecessary sheet.

  Further, since the second control unit for discharging the sheet on which image formation has not been performed due to the occurrence of a jam to the second discharge unit is provided, it can be easily distinguished from the unnecessary sheet as described above. There is an effect.

  In addition, since the second control unit that causes the second discharge unit to discharge a sheet on which image formation has not been performed due to the interruption of the image forming job is provided, it can be easily distinguished from the unnecessary sheet as described above. There is an effect that can be done.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numerals 100 and 200 denote an image input device and an image output device, respectively, constituting the main body of the apparatus. An image input device (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) 100 converts a document into image data, and an image output device ( (Hereinafter referred to as a printer) 200 has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, and outputs image data as a visible image on the recording paper in response to a print command. Reference numeral 300 is a circulation type automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF), and 400 is a sheet post-processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as sorting).

  An external device 250 is electrically connected to the reader unit 100. The external device 250 has various functions, and is a fax unit, a file unit, an external storage device connected to the file unit, a computer interface unit for connecting to a computer, and information from the computer to make a visible image. Formatter unit, an image memory unit for accumulating information from a reader unit or temporarily storing information sent from a computer, and a core unit for controlling each function (not shown). ).

  The originals stacked on the RDF 300 are sequentially conveyed onto the platen glass surface 102 one by one. When the document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the glass surface 102, the lamp 103 of the reader unit 100 is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. Reflected light from the document is input to a CCD (image sensor) 109 via mirrors 105, 106, 107 and a lens 108.

  Then, the reflected light of the original irradiated to the CCD 109 is subjected to an electrical process such as photoelectric conversion, and is subjected to a normal digital process. The image signal thus obtained is input to the printer unit 200. The image signal input to the printer unit 200 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photosensitive member 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing unit 203.

  The transfer paper of each size is transported from the transfer paper stacking section 204 or 205 in synchronization with the leading edge of the developed image, and the developed image is transferred onto the transfer paper in the transfer section 206. . After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207, the transfer paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 208 is sorted and bound according to the operation mode designated in advance by the sorter 400.

  Next, a method for forming images to be sequentially read on both sides of one output sheet (transfer sheet) will be described. After the output paper fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once transported to the paper discharge unit 208, the paper transport direction is reversed and transported to the re-feeding transfer paper stacking unit 210 via the transport direction switching member 209. To do. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive member 202 in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the refeed transfer paper stacking section 210. As a result, it is possible to output different original images on the front and back surfaces of the same output paper.

  Next, the RDF 300 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the RDF 300 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the RDF 300 is equipped with a stacking tray 310 as a first document tray on which the document bundle S is set.

  Further, the stacking tray 310 is equipped with a feeding unit constituting one part of the document feeding unit. The feeding means includes a half-moon roller 331, a separation and conveyance roller 332, a separation motor (SPRMTR) (not shown), a registration roller 335, a full belt 336, and a belt motor (BELMTR) (not shown). A large transport roller 337, a transport motor (FEEDMTR) (not shown), a paper discharge roller 340, a flapper 341, a recycle lever 342, a paper feed sensor (ENTS), a reverse sensor (TRNS), a paper discharge sensor ( EFTS (not shown) and the like.

  Here, the half-moon roller 331 and the separation conveyance roller 332 are rotated by a separation motor (SRPMTR) to separate the originals one by one from the lowermost part of the original bundle S on the stacking tray 310. Further, the registration roller 335 and the entire surface belt 336 convey the original separated by rotating by a belt motor (BELTMTR) to the exposure position (sheet path c) on the platen glass surface 102 through the sheet paths a and b. . The large conveying roller 337 is rotated by a conveying motor (FEEDMTR) to convey the document on the platen glass surface 102 from the sheet path c to the sheet path e. The original conveyed to the sheet path e is returned onto the original bundle on the stacking tray 310 by the paper discharge roller 340.

  The recycle lever 342 detects the circulation of the document. When the document feed is started, the recycle lever 342 is placed on the top of the document bundle, the documents are sequentially fed, and the rear end of the final document is the recycle lever 342. Detects one cycle of the document by dropping by its own weight when it comes off.

  In the above-described feeding means, when a double-sided document is used, the document is once guided from the sheet paths a and b to c, and then the large conveying roller 337 is rotated and the flapper 341 is switched to guide the leading edge of the document to the sheet path d. The sheet is passed through the sheet path b by the roller 335, and then the entire surface belt 336 transports the document onto the platen glass surface 102 and stops it, thereby inverting the document. That is, the original is reversed along the sheet paths c to d and b. Note that the number of documents can be counted by conveying the documents in the document bundle one by one through the sheet paths a to b to c to d until the recycle lever 342 detects that the document has been circulated once. .

  Next, the operation unit and the display unit will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an arrangement configuration example of the operation / display panel provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and the operation / display panel includes a key and an LCD display capable of displaying the key.

  In the figure, reference numeral 503 denotes a copy start key (copy start key) which is pressed when copying is started. A clear / stop key 504 has a function of a clear key when pressed during standby (standby) and a stop key during copying recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies.

  Reference numeral 502 denotes a numeric keypad that is pressed when setting the number of copies. A copy density key 505 is pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. Reference numeral 506 denotes an AE key which is pressed when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the density of the original, or when AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and density adjustment is switched to manual.

  A cassette selection key 508 is pressed to select an upper cassette, a middle cassette, or a lower paper deck. When a document is placed on the RDF 300, APS (automatic paper selection) can be selected by the key 508. When APS is selected, a copy paper cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.

  Reference numeral 509 denotes an equal-magnification key which is pressed when making an equal-size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 511 denotes a zoom key which is pressed when an arbitrary magnification is designated between 64% and 142%. Reference numerals 510 and 512 denote fixed magnification keys, which are pressed when designating reduction / enlargement of a fixed size. Reference numeral 515 denotes a key for selecting an operation mode of the sorter. The paper discharge method (staple, sort, group), and a staple mode / sort mode when a stapler capable of stapling recorded paper is connected. In addition, it is possible to select and cancel the folding (cross section Z shape / cross section V shape) of the recorded paper.

  Furthermore, various processing can be set by an extended function key 513 and an image processing key 514. For example, double-sided mode, binding margin setting, photo mode, multiple processing, page continuous shooting, 2-in-1 mode, and the like. Reference numeral 501 denotes an LCD display for displaying various messages, which displays information relating to copying.

  Next, a system configuration of the above-described image forming apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. In FIG. 4, 1 is a reader unit, 2 is a printer unit, 3 is a communication unit for controlling an external device 20, a computer 21 and a facsimile. It is a control unit, and exchanges data by bus or serial communication, etc., and synchronizes.

  Here, data to be transmitted from the main body to the DH includes a paper feed signal for prompting the feeding of the document loaded on the DH, a paper discharge signal for prompting the discharge of the document on the platen glass, and a form of feeding and discharging the document. The data to be transmitted from the main body to the sheet post-processing apparatus 400, which is a finisher, is an image forming mode, a mode for storing in the finisher, a sheet size to be stored, a timing signal, and the like. When the operation is performed, data indicating which function of the communication control unit 3 is used is transmitted from the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 to the DH and the finisher using communication.

  The communication control unit 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 with a cable, and the core unit 10 in the communication control unit 3 controls signals and functions. The communication control unit 3 includes a fax unit 4 that performs fax transmission / reception, a file unit 5 that converts various types of document information into electrical signals and stores them in a magneto-optical disk (external storage device 6), and code information from the computer 21 as image information. An image memory unit 9 for accumulating information from the computer interface unit 7 and the reader unit 1 for interfacing the formatter unit 8 and the computer 21 developed on the computer 21, and temporarily storing information sent from the computer 21. And a core unit 10 for controlling the above functions. In addition, 11 is a man-machine interface unit, 11a is a hard disk, 11b is a keyboard, and 11c is a display.

  Next, the reader unit 1 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram showing the signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1, and the configuration and operation of the reader unit 1 will be described below.

  The reflected light of the original irradiated to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and converted into electrical signals of red, green and blue colors. Color information from the CCD 109 is amplified in accordance with the input signal level of the A / D converter 111 by the next amplifiers 110R, 110G, and 110B. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, where the light distribution unevenness of the lamp 103 and the sensitivity unevenness of the CCD 109 are corrected. A signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to a Y (luminance) signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and an external I / F switching circuit 119. The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 according to the following formula to obtain a Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B
Further, the circuit 113 includes a color detection circuit that separates R, G, and B signals into seven colors and outputs signals for the respective colors. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Depending on the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed, and scaling in the main scanning direction is performed by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Further, the same magnification / repeat circuit 114 can output a plurality of identical images in the main scanning direction.

  The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing the high frequency component of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to the marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117. A marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 reads a portion of a document written with a marker pen of a specified color, generates marker contour information, and the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 generates the contour. Thicken, mask or trim from information. Further, patterning is performed by the color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

  An output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to the laser driver circuit 118 and converted into a signal for driving the laser. The output signal of the laser driver circuit 118 is input to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed as a visible image.

  Next, the external I / F switching circuit 119 that performs communication with the communication control unit will be described.

  When the image information is output from the reader unit 1 to the outside, the external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the communication control unit 3 via the connector 120. . When image information from the communication control unit 3 is input to the reader unit 1, the external switching circuit 119 inputs image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

  Each image processing described above is performed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 122, and the area signal generation circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the image processing based on values set by the CPU 122. Further, communication with the communication control unit 3 is performed using a communication function built in the CPU 122. The SUB / CPU 123 controls the operation unit (display unit) 124 and communicates with the communication control unit 3 using a communication function built in the SUB / CPU 123.

  Next, the core unit 10 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the core unit 10 described above.

  In the figure, reference numeral 131 denotes a connector, which is connected to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1 by a cable. Communication is performed with four types of signals via the connector 131, and the signal 187 is an 8-bit multi-value video signal. A signal 185 is a control signal for controlling the video signal. The signal 181 communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1. The signal 182 communicates with the SUB / CPU 123 in the reader 1. The signal 181 and the signal 182 are subjected to communication protocol processing by the communication IC 132 and transmit communication information to the CPU 133 via the CPU bus 183.

  The signal 187 is a bidirectional video signal line, and can receive information from the reader unit 1 by the core unit 10 and output information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1. Signal 187 is connected to buffer 140 where it is separated from bidirectional signals into unidirectional signal 188 and signal 170.

  A signal 188 is an 8-bit multi-value video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to the next-stage LUT 141. The LUT 141 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a lookup table. An output signal 189 from the LUT 141 is input to the binarization circuit 142 or the selector 143. The binarization circuit 142 has a simple binarization function for binarizing the multilevel signal 189 at a fixed slice level, and binarization based on a variable slice level in which the slice level fluctuates from the pixel values around the pixel of interest. Function, and a binarization function by an error diffusion method.

  The binarized information is converted into a multi-value signal of 00H when it is 0 and FFH when it is 1, and is input to the selector 143 at the next stage. The selector 143 selects the signal from the LUT 141 or the output signal of the binarization circuit 142. An output signal 190 from the selector 143 is input to the selector 144.

  The selector 144 inputs output video signals from the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 to the core unit 10 via connectors 135, 136, 137, 138, and 139, respectively. The signal 194 and the output signal 190 of the selector 143 are selected according to the instruction of the CPU 133. An output signal 191 from the selector 144 is input to the rotation circuit 145 or the selector 146. The rotation circuit 145 has a function of rotating the input image signal to +90 degrees, −90 degrees, and +180 degrees. The rotation circuit 145 converts the information output from the reader unit 1 into a binary signal by the binarization circuit 142 and then stores the information in the rotation circuit 145 as information from the reader unit 1.

  Next, in response to an instruction from the CPU 133, the rotation circuit 145 rotates and reads the stored information. The selector 146 selects either the output signal 192 of the rotation circuit 145 or the input signal 191 of the rotation circuit 145, and as the signal 193, the connector 135 with the fax unit 4, the connector 136 with the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7, a connector 138 with the formatter unit 8, a connector 139 with the image memory unit 9, and the selector 147.

  A signal 193 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9. A signal 194 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus that transfers image information from the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9.

  The video control circuit 134 controls the synchronous bus of the signal 193 and the signal 194, and controls the output signal 186 from the video control circuit 134. In addition, a signal 184 is connected to each of the connectors 135 to 139. A signal 184 is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus, and exchanges data commands in an asynchronous manner. Information can be transferred between the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, the image memory unit 9, and the core unit 10 through the two video buses 193 and 194 and the CPU bus 184 described above.

  Signals 194 from the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 are input to the selector 144 and the selector 147. The selector 144 inputs the signal 194 to the rotation circuit 145 at the next stage according to an instruction from the CPU 133. The selector 147 selects the signal 193 and the signal 194 according to an instruction from the CPU 133. An output signal 195 of the selector 147 is input to the pattern matching 148 and the selector 149.

  The pattern matching 148 performs pattern matching on the input signal 195 with a predetermined pattern, and outputs a predetermined multi-value signal to the signal line 196 when the pattern matches. If the pattern matching does not match, the input signal 195 is output as the signal 196. The selector 149 selects the signal 195 and the signal 196 according to an instruction from the CPU 133.

  The output signal 197 of the selector 149 is input to the next stage LUT 150. The LUT 150 converts the input signal 197 according to the characteristics of the printer when outputting image information to the printer unit 2. The selector 151 selects the output signal 198 and the signal 195 of the LUT 150 according to an instruction from the CPU 133. An output signal 199 from the selector 151 is input to the next-stage expansion circuit 152.

  The enlargement circuit 152 can set enlargement magnifications in the X direction and the Y direction according to instructions from the CPU 133. The enlargement method is a first-order linear interpolation method. An output signal 170 of the enlargement circuit 152 is input to the buffer 140. The signal 170 input to the buffer 140 becomes a bidirectional signal 187 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 133 and is sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 131 and printed out. Hereinafter, a signal flow between the core unit 10 and each unit will be described.

  The operation of the core unit 10 will be described in the case where information is output to the fax unit 4.

  The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command.

  The reader unit 1 and the communication control unit 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10. Also, the image information input to the connector 131 is input to the buffer 140 through the line of the multi-value 8-bit signal 187. The buffer 140 inputs the bidirectional signal 187 as a one-way signal to the LUT 141 via the signal 188 line in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 133. The LUT 141 converts image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a lookup table. For example, it is possible to remove the background of the document. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 is input to the binarization circuit 142 at the next stage.

  The binarization circuit 142 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 189 into a binarized signal. The binarization circuit 142 converts the binarized signal into 00H when the signal is 0 and FFH when the signal is 1, and two multi-value signals. The output signal of the binarization circuit 142 is input to the rotation circuit 145 or the selector 146 via the selector 143 and the selector 144. The output signal 192 of the rotation circuit 145 is also input to the selector 146, and the selector 146 selects either the signal 191 or the signal 192. The selection of the signal is determined by the CPU 133 communicating with the fax unit 4 via the CPU bus 184. An output signal 193 from the selector 146 is sent to the fax unit 4 via the connector 135.

  Next, the operation of the core unit 10 will be described when information from the fax unit 4 is received.

  Image information from the fax unit 4 is transmitted to the line of the signal 194 via the connector 135. The signal 194 is input to the selector 144 and the selector 147. When the image at the time of fax reception is rotated and output to the printer unit 2 according to an instruction from the CPU 133, the rotation circuit 145 rotates the signal 194 input to the selector 144. An output signal 192 from the rotation circuit 145 is input to the pattern matching 148 via the selector 146 and the selector 147. When the image at the time of fax reception is output to the printer 2 as it is according to the instruction of the CPU 133, the signal 194 input to the selector 147 is input to the pattern matching 148.

  The pattern matching 148 has a function of smoothing rattling of an image when receiving a fax. The pattern-matched signal is input to the LUT 150 via the selector 149. The LUT 150 can change the table of the LUT 150 by the CPU 133 in order to output the fax received image to the printer unit 2 at a desired density. An output signal 198 of the LUT 150 is input to the enlargement circuit 152 via the selector 151.

  The enlarging circuit 152 performs an enlarging process on an 8-bit multi-value having two values (00H, FFH) by a first-order linear interpolation method. An 8-bit multilevel signal having many values from the enlargement circuit 152 is sent to the reader unit 1 through the buffer 140 and the connector 131. The reader unit 1 inputs this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120. The external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs a signal from the fax unit 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. The output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is processed as described above, and then output to the printer unit 2 to form an image on the output paper.

  Next, the operation of the core unit 10 will be described in the case where information is output to the file unit 5.

  The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the communication control unit 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10.

  The image information input to the connector 131 becomes a one-way signal 188 by the buffer 140. A signal 188 which is a multi-value 8-bit signal is converted into a desired signal by the LUT 141. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 is input to the connector 136 via the selector 143, the selector 144, and the selector 146. That is, without using the functions of the binarization circuit 142 and the rotation circuit 145, the 8-bit multivalue is transferred to the file unit 5 as it is.

  When the binarized signal is filed by communication with the file unit 5 via the CPU bus 184 of the CPU 133, the functions of the binarization circuit 142 and the rotation circuit 145 are used. Since the binarization process and the rotation process are the same as in the case of the above-described fax, they are omitted.

  Next, the operation of the core unit 10 will be described in the case where information from the file unit 5 is received.

  Image information from the file unit 5 is input to the selector 144 or the selector 147 as a signal 194 via the connector 136. In the case of 8-bit multi-value filing, it is possible to input to the selector 147, and in the case of binary filing, it can be input to the selector 144 or 147. In the case of binary filing, the description is omitted because it is the same processing as the fax.

  In the case of multi-value filing, an output signal 195 from the selector 147 is input to the LUT 150 via the selector 149. The LUT 150 creates a look-up table in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 133 in accordance with a desired print density. An output signal 198 from the LUT 150 is input to the enlargement circuit 152 via the selector 151. The 8-bit multilevel signal 170 expanded to a desired enlargement ratio by the enlargement circuit 152 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 140 and the connector 131. The information of the file part sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed on the output paper, similarly to the above-described fax.

  Next, the operation of the core unit 10 based on the information of the computer interface unit 7 will be described.

  The computer interface unit 7 interfaces with a computer connected to the communication control unit 3. The computer interface unit 7 includes a plurality of interfaces for communicating with SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics. The computer interface unit 7 has the above three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is sent to the CPU 133 via the connector 137 and the data bus 184. The CPU 133 performs various controls based on the sent contents.

  Next, the operation of the core unit 10 based on the information of the formatter unit 8 will be described.

  The formatter unit 8 has a function of developing command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 described above into image data. When the CPU 133 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 184 is data related to the formatter unit 8, the CPU 133 transfers the data to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 138. The formatter unit 8 develops the transferred data in the memory as a meaningful image such as a character or a figure.

  Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8 and forming an image on output paper will be described.

  The image information from the formatter unit 8 is transmitted via the connector 138 as a multi-value signal having two values (00H, FFH) on the line of the signal 194. The signal 194 is input to the selector 144 and the selector 147. The selectors 144 and 147 are controlled by an instruction from the CPU 133. Hereinafter, the description is omitted because it is the same as the case of the above-described fax.

  Next, the operation of the core unit 10 when information is output to the image memory unit 9 will be described.

  The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the communication control unit 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 131 is sent to the LUT 141 via the multivalued 8-bit signal 187 line and the buffer 140.

  The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 transfers multi-value image information to the image memory unit 9 via the selectors 143, 144, 146 and the connector 139. Image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is sent to the CPU 133 via the CPU bus 184 of the connector 139. The CPU 133 transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. The computer interface unit 7 transfers the data to the computer using a desired interface among the above-described three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS232C, Centronics).

  Next, a case where information from the image memory unit 9 is received will be described.

  First, image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. When the CPU 133 of the core unit 10 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the CPU bus 184 is data related to the image memory unit 9, the CPU 133 transfers the data to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 139. Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits an 8-bit multilevel signal 194 to the selector 144 and the selector 147 via the connector 139. An output signal from the selector 144 or the selector 147 is output to the printer unit 2 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 133, and an image is formed on the output paper in the same manner as the above-described fax.

  Next, the RDF control device will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the control device of the RDF 300 of this embodiment. The central processing unit (CPU) 901, read-only memory (ROM) 902, and random access memory (RAM) 903 shown in FIG. , The output port 904, the input port 905, and the like constitute a control device for the RDF 300. The ROM 902 stores a control program, and the RAM 903 stores input data and work data.

  The output port 904 includes a partition member motor 906, a separation motor 907, a reverse motor 908, a belt motor 909, a paper discharge motor 910, a tray swing motor 917, and other motors, a separation clutch 911, a paper feed clutch 912, a stopper SL ( Solenoid) 913, weight SL 914, reverse flapper SL915, paper discharge flapper 916, jogging SL918, and brake 919 are connected.

  The input port 905 includes a sheet material length detection unit 920, an inlet sensor 921, an outlet sensor 922, a reverse sensor 923, a first paper discharge sensor 924, a second paper discharge sensor 925, a third paper discharge sensor 926, a separation clock 927, A belt clock 928, a reverse clock 929, a paper discharge clock 930, an upper limit SW (switch) 931, a lower limit SW 932, and a partition sensor 933 are connected. Then, the CPU 901 controls each unit connected via the bus according to a control program stored in the ROM 902. Further, the CPU 901 has a serial interface function, performs serial communication with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1, and exchanges control data with the reader unit 1. Data transmitted from the DH to the reader unit 1 is a paper feed completion signal indicating completion of paper feeding on the platen glass.

  Next, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1000 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the control device of the sheet post-processing apparatus 400 of this embodiment. The control device of the sheet post-processing device 400 includes a control unit 1061 shown in FIG. 8, and the control unit 1061 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1062, a ROM 1063 that stores a control program for controlling the CPU 1062, and The RAM 1065 as a main recording device is connected to an output interface 1066 for outputting a control signal to a load such as a main motor and an input interface 1067 for inputting a detection signal from each sensor.

  Similarly, each load, each sensor, and the like of the copying machine main body and the automatic document feeder 300 are also connected through respective interfaces not shown. The output interface 1066 is connected to a bundle conveyance motor M1, a swing motor M2, a stepping motor 482, a stapler motor M3, a tray lifting motor M4, and a conveyance motor M5. A sheet detection sensor is connected to the input interface 1067. S5, S6, a margin plate home position (HP) sensor S7, a sheet level sensor 415, and a micro switch 497 are connected.

  Based on the above description, the paper discharge unit and control characterizing the invention according to the present application will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the sheet on which the image has been formed passes through the paper discharge unit 208 and is conveyed to the sheet post-processing apparatus 400. In the sheet post-processing apparatus 400, the flapper 403 can be moved up and down by driving a solenoid, so that the sheet is discharged to a discharge tray (first discharge portion) 401 or a spare tray (second discharge portion). The flapper 403 is moved depending on whether the sheet is discharged to 402, and the sheet conveyance path is switched.

  When the conveyance path is on the spare tray 402 side by switching by the flapper 403, the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 is conveyed to the spare tray side roller 404 and discharged to the spare tray 402 by driving the spare tray side roller 404. Is done. In addition, when the conveyance path is set to the discharge tray 401 side by the switching by the flapper 403, the sheet discharged from the discharge unit 208 is transferred to the discharge tray side roller 405, and the discharge tray side roller 405 is driven. As a result, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 401.

  Next, a discharge process when an interrupt job is started with the above configuration will be described.

  During the continuous operation for performing a plurality of image forming operations, the flapper 403 is switched to switch the transport path to the paper discharge tray 401. As a result, the sheets on which images have been formed are sequentially stacked on the paper discharge tray 401. If an interrupt key on the operation unit is pressed during such a continuous operation, an interruption process is performed. First, paper feeding from the paper cassettes 204 and 205 is stopped. The sheet existing in the vicinity of the paper discharge unit 208 that has been fixed on the transfer paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 401.

  Sheets that have been fed from the paper cassettes 204 and 205 and have not been transferred / fixed are conveyed to the transfer unit 206 for transfer, and then conveyed to the fixing unit 207 for fixing. Next, the paper is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208. Further, the sheet post-processing apparatus 400 performs discharge to the discharge tray 401. After all the fed sheets are discharged, the transport path is switched to the spare tray 402 side. Next, the sheet on which an image is formed after the copy start is pressed and the interrupt job is started is discharged to the spare tray 402. When the interrupt key on the operation unit is pressed after the interrupt job is finished, the text “please press the start key” is displayed on the LCD display, and further waiting for the copy start key to be pressed. When the copy start key is pressed, the flapper 403 is switched, the transport path is switched to the paper discharge tray 401, the paper feed operation is started, and the interrupted job is resumed. Since the conveyance path is switched to the paper discharge tray 401, sheets on which image formation has been performed by the resumed job are sequentially discharged to the paper discharge tray 401.

  Next, processing when a desired image is not formed or a jam occurs will be described.

  If a jam is detected by the RDF 300 during a continuous operation in which a plurality of image forming operations are performed, first, paper feeding from the paper cassettes 204 and 205 is stopped. The sheet existing in the vicinity of the paper discharge unit 208 that has been fixed on the transfer paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 401. Sheets that have started to be fed in the vicinity of the paper cassettes 204 and 205 are conveyed to the transfer unit 206. However, since there is a possibility that an image cannot be read normally because a jam has occurred, control is performed so that transfer is not performed. Next, the sheet is conveyed to the fixing unit 207. Since the transfer is not performed, the fixing unit 207 does not perform fixing. Next, the paper is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208. Further, in the sheet post-processing apparatus, the conveyance path is switched so as to be discharged to the spare tray 402. As a result, the sheet is conveyed to the spare tray side roller 404 and discharged to the spare tray 402.

  Next, processing when reading is interrupted will be described.

  When the image is read by the RDF 300 and the image signals are sequentially stored in the image memory during the continuous operation in which a plurality of image forming operations are performed, and the image signal cannot be stored because the free space of the image memory is reduced. To break. First, paper feeding from the paper cassettes 204 and 205 is stopped. The sheet existing in the vicinity of the paper discharge unit 208 that has been fixed on the transfer paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 401. Sheets that have started to be fed in the vicinity of the sheet cassettes 204 and 205 are conveyed to the transfer unit 208. However, since there is a possibility that an image cannot be read normally because a jam has occurred, control is performed so that transfer is not performed.

  Next, the sheet is conveyed to the fixing unit 207. Since the transfer is not performed, the fixing unit 207 does not perform fixing. Next, the paper is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208. Further, in the sheet post-processing apparatus, the conveyance path is switched so as to be discharged to the spare tray 402. As a result, the sheet is conveyed to the spare tray side roller 404 and discharged to the spare tray 402.

  The switching discharge operation to the discharge tray 401 and the spare tray 402 described above is performed by a CPU (first and second control means) 1062.

  An example of paper discharge control during job execution will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the paper discharge control operation in FIG. 9 is performed by an instruction from the CPU 1062 based on a program ram stored in advance in the ROM 1063.

  In step S1, operation is performed so as to accept operation unit settings such as the number of copies and copy mode performed by the user. In step S2, if the state of the copy start key is detected and it is detected that the copy start key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1. In step S 3, regardless of whether the set number of copies is singular or plural, the conveyance path is controlled so that the recording sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 401 by switching the flapper 403 shown in FIG. Next, the state of the transport path is maintained until control for switching the flapper 403 is performed.

  In step S4, paper feeding from the paper cassette 204 is started, and paper feeding is performed every predetermined time until the end of the job. In step S5, an image forming operation is started. When the recording sheet fed in step S4 is conveyed to the transfer unit 206, transfer and fixing are performed as described above, image formation is performed on the recording sheet, and the recording sheet is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208 to be recorded. Are discharged sequentially. In the state of step S <b> 5, the conveyance path is set to the discharge tray 401 side, so that the recording sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 401.

  In step S6, the occurrence of a jam is detected, and if a jam occurs, the process proceeds to step S7, and if no jam occurs, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S7, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred in the document feeder by communicating with the document feeder. If a jam has occurred in the document feeder, the process proceeds to step S8. If a jam has occurred in a document other than the document feeder, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S8, the recording sheet on which the image has been fixed and conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208 is discharged out of the apparatus.

  In the state of step S8, since the conveyance path is set to the paper discharge tray 401 in step S3, the recording sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray 401.

  In step S9, the conveyance path is switched so that the flapper 403 shown in FIG. Next, the state of the transport path is maintained until the flapper 403 is switched. In step S10, the recording sheet on the conveyance path is discharged out of the apparatus. In the state of step S10, since the conveyance path is set to the spare tray 402 in step S9, the recording sheet is discharged to the spare tray 402.

  Step S11 performs jam recovery processing. The paper feeding operation and the image forming operation are stopped, and a message such as “Please remove paper” is displayed on the LCD display on the operation unit to prompt the user to release the jam. When the recording sheet causing the jam is removed by the user, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, a message such as “Please press the start key” is displayed on the LCD display on the operation unit.

  If the state of the copy start key is detected and the copy start key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S13, the state of the interrupt key arranged on the operation unit is detected. If the interrupt key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S15, and if not, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether the number of images formed in the operation unit in step S1 has been formed. If the set number of images has been formed, the job is terminated. If the job is finished, the flow is finished. If the job is not finished, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S15, the paper feeding operation is stopped, and an interrupt transition process is performed such that an image is formed on the fed recording sheet and discharged to the outside of the apparatus. In the state of step S15, since the conveyance path is set to the paper discharge tray 401 in step S3, the recording sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray 401. In step S16, the setting of the operation unit by the user such as the number of copies for image formation performed in the interrupt job is accepted. In step S17, the state of the interrupt key is detected. If the interrupt key is pressed, the process is resumed to resume the job. If not, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the state of the copy start key is detected, and if the copy start key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S19, and if not, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S19, the flapper 403 is switched to control the conveyance path so that the recording sheet is discharged to the spare tray 402. Next, the state of the transport path is maintained until control for switching the flapper 403 is performed. In step S20, paper feeding from the paper cassette 204 is started, and paper feeding is performed every predetermined time until the job is completed. In step S21, an image forming operation is started.

  When the recording sheet fed in step S20 is conveyed to the transfer unit 206, transfer and fixing are performed as described above, image formation is performed on the recording sheet, and the recording sheet is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 208 to be recorded. Are discharged sequentially. In the state of step S <b> 21, since the conveyance path is set to the spare tray 402 side, the recording sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the spare tray 402. In step S22, it is determined whether the number of images set by the operation unit has been formed. If the set number of images has been formed, it is determined that the interrupt job has been completed. If the interrupt job ends, the process proceeds to step S16.

    With the above-described control, a sheet on which normal image formation has been performed is always discharged to the discharge tray 401. Therefore, the user only needs to take out the sheet discharged to the discharge tray 401. Since the sheets that have not been formed are discharged to the spare tray 402, they are not mixed into the sheet bundle on the paper discharge tray 401 that the user wants to take out.

  Further, since the interrupt job sheets are discharged to the spare tray 402, the sheets of the respective jobs are not mixed. And since it is such a structure, since the user who is unfamiliar with an OA apparatus usually performs normal image formation, such an unfamiliar user always takes out the sheet discharged to the discharge tray 401. There is no such thing as not knowing which tray to remove. In this embodiment, the apparatus has been described as an apparatus. However, the apparatus may be implemented as a storage medium storing the discharging method described above or a program for realizing the discharging method.

  As described above, the present embodiment includes at least one paper discharge tray that is a tray on which recording sheets as recording media are stacked and a spare tray that is a tray on which recording sheets are stacked. When starting an interrupt job, which is a job different from the interrupted job, the recording sheet imaged by the interrupt job or the recording sheet for which the desired image formation could not be performed is discharged to the spare tray, Since the recording sheets that are not discharged are discharged to the paper output tray, the recording sheet that has been imaged in the interrupt mode in which another job is executed after the job is temporarily interrupted and the recording sheet that has been imaged before the job is interrupted are separated from each other. Since it is ejected to the tray, it becomes impossible to know which recording sheet is imaged in the interrupt mode. Door is eliminated.

  In addition, when a job is resumed after a job is interrupted due to a jam or the like, the recording sheet that could not be formed normally and the recording sheet that was imaged before the job was interrupted are ejected to separate trays. Therefore, there is no need to stack recording sheets that could not be formed normally between the recording sheet that was discharged before the job was interrupted and the recording sheet that was discharged after the job was restarted. Will not be mixed.

  Further, since only the recording sheets for which image formation could not be normally performed are discharged to the spare tray in the interrupt mode, the spare tray can be configured with a simple structure with a small maximum number of sheets.

  In addition, at least one discharge tray that is a tray on which recording sheets as recording media are stacked, and a spare tray that is a tray on which recording sheets are stacked, and recording sheets formed by an interrupt job or recording sheet conveyance When it is detected that a jam has occurred outside the road, the recording sheet on the recording sheet conveyance path on which no image is formed is discharged to the spare tray, and the recording sheet that is not discharged to the spare tray is discharged to the discharge tray. So that the recording sheet imaged in the interrupt mode in which another job is executed after the job is temporarily interrupted and the recording sheet imaged before the job is interrupted are discharged to different trays. This prevents the recording sheet imaged in the mode from being lost.

  In addition, when the job is resumed after the job is interrupted due to the occurrence of a jam, the recording sheet on which image formation has not been performed and the recording sheet on which image formation has been performed before interrupting the job are discharged to separate trays. There is no possibility of unnecessary recording sheets being mixed.

  Further, since only the recording sheets in which the image is not formed are ejected to the spare tray in the interruption mode, the spare tray can have a simple configuration with a small maximum number of sheets.

  In addition, it includes at least one paper discharge tray that is a tray on which recording sheets as recording media are stacked and a spare tray that is a tray on which recording sheets are stacked. When the interruption is performed, the recording sheet on the recording sheet conveyance path on which no image is formed is discharged to the spare tray, and the recording sheet that is not discharged to the spare tray is discharged to the discharge tray. The recording sheet that was imaged in the interrupt mode in which another job is executed after being temporarily interrupted and the recording sheet that was imaged before the job was interrupted are discharged to different trays, so which is the recording sheet that was imaged in the interrupt mode You won't lose your mind.

  Also, for example, even if a memory full interruption occurs when the image memory has run out while reading a document, an image is formed when the job is resumed after the job is interrupted by the reading interruption means. Since the recording sheet that has not been printed and the recording sheet on which an image has been formed before the job is interrupted are discharged to separate trays, there is no possibility of unnecessary recording sheets being mixed.

  Further, since only the recording sheets in which the image is not formed are ejected to the spare tray in the interruption mode, the spare tray can have a simple configuration with a small maximum number of sheets.

  In addition, at least one paper discharge tray that is a tray on which recording sheets as recording media are stacked and a spare tray that is a tray on which recording sheets are stacked are provided. However, since the recording sheet that is not discharged to the spare tray has a means for discharging it to the discharge tray, the recording sheet and the image formed in the interrupt mode in which another job is performed after the job is temporarily interrupted before the job is interrupted. Since the recording sheets on which images have been formed are discharged to separate trays, it is possible to prevent the recording sheets on which images have been formed in the interrupt mode from being lost.

  Further, since the discharge to the spare tray is performed only in the interrupt mode, the spare tray can be configured in a simple configuration with a small maximum number of sheets.

Sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the image forming apparatus by one Example of this invention Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the circulation type automatic document feeder of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement configuration of the operation and display panel of one Example 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the signal processing structure of the reader part of FIG. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the core part of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus of the circulation type automatic document feeder of one Example. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus of the sheet | seat post-processing apparatus of one Example. Flowchart showing the paper discharge control operation of one embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 10 Core part 100 Image input device (reader part)
200 Image output device (printer)
300 Circulating automatic document feeder (RDF)
400 Sheet post-processing equipment (sorter)
401 Paper discharge tray (first discharge part)
402 Spare tray (second discharge unit)
403 Flapper 404 Spare tray side roller 405 Paper discharge tray side roller

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data,
A first discharge unit and a second discharge unit for discharging the sheet after image formation;
A CPU for controlling a switching discharge operation to the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit;
The CPU discharges the image-formed sheet to the first discharge unit regardless of whether the number of copies to be formed is singular or plural.
An image forming apparatus, wherein a sheet on which predetermined image formation has not been performed is discharged to the second discharge unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image formation is not performed on the sheet when the image formation is not performed due to a jam in the document feeder.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image formation is not performed on the sheet in a case where the image formation is not performed because reading is interrupted by the document feeding device in accordance with the free space of the image memory. The image forming apparatus according to 1. A control method for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data,
A first discharge unit and a second discharge unit for discharging the sheet after image formation;
Regardless of whether the number of copies to be imaged is singular or plural, control is performed to cause the first discharge portion to discharge the image-formed sheet,
A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein control is performed to cause the second discharge unit to discharge a sheet on which predetermined image formation has not been performed.

Images