JP2006056064A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can select one-side or double-side test printing, even if it is not equipped with a plurality of paper feeding parts, or even if it is not equipped with a sensor for detecting the opening/closing of a cover member equipped with the paper output tray function of performing switching of a paper output mode. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus, which can record an image on both the sides of a sheet, comprises an image forming means for recording the image on a sheet, a cartridge door 116 for replacing a cartridge, and a sensor s5 for detecting the opening/closing of the cartridge door 116. In the test printing for checking whether or not the image forming apparatus is in a state wherein it can properly record the image on the sheet, control for selectively doing the test printing on one side of the sheet or both the sides thereof is performed by opening/closing the cartridge door 116. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides an image forming process means having an appropriate principle and method such as electrophotography, electrostatic recording, and magnetic recording. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a recording machine, and a facsimile machine that forms and supports the image by a method and outputs an image formed product by thermally fixing the image as a permanently fixed image on a recording medium such as paper.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a double-sided recording mechanism that enables double-sided recording has been mainly configured to be mounted as an optional device on a relatively large, high-speed, high-cost device. In the case of a duplex unit mounted as an optional device, a sheet reversing conveyance path is newly provided, which has been a major factor in increasing the size and cost.

  However, in recent years, an increasing number of users are recording on both sides of a sheet for environmental protection, and there is an increasing tendency to mount a double-sided recording mechanism on a compact, low-speed, low-cost laser printer or the like.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus has a so-called test print function for recording a test pattern when a test button is pressed in order to check whether the apparatus operates normally. However, this test print has been able to record only on one side of the sheet even though the double-sided recording mechanism is provided as a standard, while the double-sided recording mechanism has increased as described above.

  Therefore, in order to perform double-sided recording during test printing, it is necessary to add a double-sided test button in addition to a normal test button. For this reason, the number of parts has increased, which has been an obstacle to downsizing and cost reduction of the apparatus.

As a method of performing double-sided recording during test printing without increasing the number of parts, a test print can be performed selectively on one or both sides of a sheet based on the presence or absence of sheets in a plurality of paper feed units (paper cassettes, etc.) In addition, there is a type in which a test print is selectively performed on one side or both sides of a sheet in an open / closed state of a cover member having a paper discharge tray function for switching a paper discharge mode (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-277664 A

  In the conventional example shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, if the image forming apparatus is not provided with a plurality of paper feeding units or a sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover member for switching the paper ejection mode, one side or both sides are provided. There is a problem that the test print cannot be selected.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that does not include a plurality of paper feeding units, or an image forming apparatus that does not include a sensor that detects opening and closing of a cover member that includes a paper discharge tray function that switches a paper discharge mode. Even so, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily selecting single-sided or double-sided test prints.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention for solving the above problems is configured as follows.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention has an image forming means for recording an image on a sheet, a cartridge door for cartridge replacement, and a sensor for detecting opening and closing of the cartridge door, and records an image on both sides of the sheet. In the case of a test print for confirming whether or not the image forming apparatus can properly record an image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus can selectively open or close the sheet by opening and closing the cartridge door. It is characterized by performing a test print control.

  Another image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of recording an image on one side or both sides of a recording material, the opening / closing means provided in the image forming apparatus body, and the opening / closing member. Detecting means for detecting an open / close state of the recording medium, and a control means for executing a test print, wherein the control means performs a test print on one side of the recording material based on an output of the detection means, Whether to perform a test print on both sides of the recording material is set.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily select single-sided or double-sided test prints without increasing the number of parts.

  Even in an image forming apparatus that does not include a plurality of paper feeding units, or a small, low-speed, low-cost image forming apparatus that does not include a sensor that detects opening and closing of a cover member that switches a paper discharge mode, A test print can be selected.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram when a laser beam printer is exemplified as the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 104 denotes a photosensitive drum made of an organic photosensitive member or an amorphous silicon photosensitive member in the image forming apparatus 101, and is driven to rotate clockwise with a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed). The peripheral surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 104 and the charging roller 105 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential. Then, corresponding to the time-series electric digital pixel signal of the target image information output from the laser optical box 108 and input from an image signal generator (not shown) such as an image reading device or a computer to the charged surface. The modulated (on / off converted) laser light is changed by the laser light reflecting mirror 109 and irradiated, thereby performing scanning exposure and forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information.

  The electrostatic latent image thus formed corresponding to the target image is developed by the developing device 106.

  Next, one sheet of recording material is fed from the sheet feeding cassette 103 to the photosensitive drum 104 through the conveyance path L1 by the sheet feeding roller 102, thereby passing through the transfer conveyance path L2 to the recording material. On the other hand, a mirror image toner image on the photosensitive drum 104 side is formed. The transfer roller 107 transfers a toner image from the photosensitive drum 104 to the recording material by supplying a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner from the back surface of the recording material. The recording material that has received the transfer of the toner image in this manner is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 and sent to the heat fixing device 110, and the toner image is heat fixed by the heater 111.

  The recording material that has undergone thermal fixing is conveyed by a feed roller 112 and a face-down FD roller 113 and discharged to a paper discharge tray 114.

  When performing double-sided printing, the rotation direction of the stepping motor is reversed a predetermined time after the trailing edge of the recording material that has undergone thermal fixing passes the sensor s2, and the FD roller 113 passes through the double-sided conveyance path L3, It is sent to the double-sided conveyance path L4.

  The recording material sent to the double-sided conveyance path L4 enters the transfer conveyance path L2 again, is re-supplied, the toner image is transferred to the back surface, is subjected to heat fixing, and is discharged to the discharge tray 114.

  Note that the above-described image formation control is executed by controlling various timings for image formation by the CPU 120 provided in the engine controller 117.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 101 is configured to be detachable as a cartridge C in which the photosensitive drum 104, the charging roller 105, and the developing device 106 are integrated. With this configuration, when the photosensitive drum 104, the charging roller 105, and the developing device 106 are used and consumed, the cartridge can be easily replaced as an integrated cartridge. The configuration of the cartridge is not limited to this, and various forms such as one in which the photosensitive drum 104 and the charging roller 105 are integrated, and one in which the photosensitive drum and the developing device 106 are integrated are applicable.

  Reference numeral 118 denotes an engine test print button for recording a test pattern for confirming the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 on a sheet. The engine test print button is for executing a so-called test print function. Is to do.

  Reference numeral 119 denotes an operation panel, which mainly has a printer status, for example, whether printing is possible, a function for displaying an error and transmitting it to the user, and a switch for resetting the printer status. ing. In order to reduce the cost of the printer, without providing this operation panel, the printer status is displayed on the screen of the host computer (not shown) connected to the printer, or the printer is reset from the host computer. It is also possible to achieve the same function by transmitting a signal to be transmitted.

  In the figure, 116 is an openable / closable cartridge door for exchanging cartridges, s1 is a sheet detection sensor, s3 is a reverse sheet introduction detection sensor, and s4 is a refeed sensor.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a sheet-up tray for face-up that supports a lower portion that can be freely opened and closed as needed. In this case, the feeding roller 112 functions as a FU roller for face-up.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the control of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment.
This control is executed by the CPU 120, and the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is referred to when explaining the flowchart.

  First, when the power of the image forming apparatus 101 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1, and the CPU 120 determines whether the cartridge door 116 is open based on the detection information from the sensor s5 of the cartridge door 116. If it is determined that the cartridge door 116 is open, the process proceeds to step S2, and the CPU 120 sets a test print mode so that the double-sided test print can be executed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, based on the detection information from the sensor s5 of the cartridge door 116, the CPU 120 determines whether the cartridge door 116 is open. If it is determined that the cartridge door 116 is closed, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the image forming apparatus 101 is in a printable state (print ready state). Here, when the test print button 118 installed on the engine controller 117 is pressed, the double-sided test print mode is set, so that the double-sided test print is executed.

  If it is determined in step S1 that the cartridge door 116 is not open by the CPU 120, the process proceeds to step S3, a test print mode is set so that one-sided test print can be executed, and the process proceeds to step S5. Here, when the test print button 118 installed on the engine controller 117 is pressed, the single-sided test print is executed because the single-sided test print mode is set.

  In step S6, based on the detection information from the sensor s5 of the cartridge door 116, the CPU 120 determines whether the cartridge door 116 is opened. If it is determined that the cartridge door 116 is opened, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the currently selected test print mode is confirmed. If the double-sided test print mode is set, the process proceeds to step S8, the single-sided test print mode is set, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  If the single-sided test print mode is set in step S7, the process proceeds to step S9, the double-sided test print mode is set, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  As described above, in relation to the opening / closing of the cartridge door for cartridge replacement, it is set to perform a double-sided or single-sided test print, and a sensor for detecting this is provided. One-sided and double-sided test prints can be switched by opening and closing.

  FIG. 3 is a control block diagram including an engine controller for controlling the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in order to control the image forming apparatus 101, it has a function of receiving data from a host computer (not shown), converting the data for image formation, and transmitting the data to the engine controller 117. A video controller 122 may be provided.

  By adopting such a configuration, data reception and data conversion processing from a host computer (not shown) is executed by the CPU 123 of the video controller 122, and an image forming operation for forming an image on a recording material is executed by the engine controller 117. Thus, by distributing the processing load in each case, there is an advantage such as shortening the processing time required for the image forming process.

  In addition, the video controller 122 may be configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 101 because a data reception memory (not shown) provided in the video controller 122 may be added. When performing a test print of the image forming apparatus with the video controller 122 mounted, for example, by pressing a test print button (not shown) provided on the operation panel 119 controlled by the video controller 122. Data for test printing is transmitted from the video controller 122 to the engine controller 117, and the engine controller 117 executes test printing based on the received data.

  On the other hand, a test print button 118 is provided on the engine controller 117 so that a test print can be performed even when the video controller 122 is not attached. By pressing the test print button 118, the test print can be executed even when the video controller 122 is removed.

  When executing a test print, it is necessary to check the print image or print operation. Therefore, if the image forming apparatus has a double-sided printing function, the function to execute the test print on one and both sides of the recording material is required. Therefore, a function for selecting and setting whether to perform test printing on one side or both sides is also required.

  In the low-cost image forming apparatus, the function of the operation panel 119 is simplified as much as possible in order to avoid an increase in cost, and a button for selecting and setting whether to perform test printing on one side or both sides is provided. In some cases, the function may be a function that only displays the state of the image forming apparatus, or a function that only resets the display function and the image forming apparatus. In addition, there is an apparatus that displays the state of the image forming apparatus on a host computer (not shown) without providing the operation panel 119 in order to further reduce the cost.

  In such a low-cost image forming apparatus, when selecting whether to perform test printing on one side or both sides, a door provided on the image forming apparatus main body as described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The opening and closing of the (cartridge door) is detected by the sensor s5, and based on the detection result, it is possible to select and set whether to perform test printing on one side or both sides.

  Note that reference numeral 121 in FIG. 3 denotes a memory, which stores a test print mode that is set according to opening / closing of the door (cartridge door).

  Although the case where the test print is executed by pressing the test print button 118 provided on the engine controller 117 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the button on the operation panel 119 provided on the printer body is used. It may be executed by pressing. In this case, usability can be further improved by switching the display of the test print mode on the operation panel 119 in accordance with the opening / closing of the cartridge door 116.

  Based on the detection information of the cartridge door sensor, an image forming apparatus that does not include a plurality of paper feeding units or an image forming apparatus that does not include a sensor that detects opening and closing of a cover member that switches the paper discharge mode by the control described above. One-sided or double-sided test print can be selected.

Sectional explanatory drawing which shows the case where it applies to a laser beam printer as an example of the image forming apparatus of this invention 1 is a flowchart showing the control of a CPU provided in the engine controller of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Control block diagram of image forming apparatus of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

101 Image forming apparatus (including image forming means)
102 paper feed roller 103 paper feed cassette 104 photosensitive drum 105 charging roller 106 developing device 107 transfer roller 113 FD roller 114 paper discharge tray 116 cartridge door (or door)
117 Engine controller 118 Test print button 119 Operation panel 120 CPU
121 Memory 122 Video controller 123 CPU
s1, s2, s3, s4 sensor s5 sensor (for cartridge door)
C cartridge

Claims (6)

  In an image forming apparatus that has an image forming unit that records an image on a sheet, a cartridge door for exchanging a cartridge, and a sensor that detects opening and closing of the cartridge door and can record an image on both sides of the sheet. When performing a test print to confirm whether or not the image forming apparatus can properly record an image on the sheet, the test door is selectively opened and closed by performing a test print on one or both sides of the sheet. An image forming apparatus.   In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, when the cartridge door is opened and the image forming apparatus is turned on, a setting is made so that a double-sided test print is performed. An image forming apparatus characterized by switching test printing on both sides.   In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, when the cartridge door is closed and the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, a setting is made to perform a test print on one side, and thereafter a test print on one side by opening and closing the cartridge door; An image forming apparatus characterized by switching test printing on both sides. An image forming apparatus capable of recording an image on one or both sides of a recording material,
Opening and closing means provided in the image forming apparatus main body;
Detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the open / close member;
Control means for executing a test print,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets whether to perform test printing on one side of the recording material or to perform test printing on both sides of the recording material based on an output of the detection unit.   The control unit is configured to perform test printing on both sides of the recording material when it is determined that the opening / closing unit is in an open state based on an output of the detection unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 4.   The control unit is configured to perform test printing on one side of the recording material when it is determined that the opening / closing unit is in a closed state based on an output of the detection unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 4.

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