JP2006315241A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing damage by allowing an engine controller to restrict an action of marginless printing when the marginless printing is designated. <P>SOLUTION: In the engine controller 201 and a controller section 202 of the apparatus body, when the engine controller 201 receives a designation of marginless printing from the controller section 202 and a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the image forming apparatus restricts the marginless printing, informs the controller of the fact, and then can carry out a recovery operation. The conditions for the restriction are temperature, humidity, a thickness and a weight of a transfer material, and an amount of waste toner, etc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a transfer material.

  The overall configuration of a laser printer as an example of a multicolor image forming apparatus will be described below as an example of this type of conventional image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing interface signals between the engine control unit for image formation and the controller unit of the main unit.

  In FIG. 16, 201 is an engine control unit, 202 is a controller unit, 203 is a serial command transmission signal line for transmitting commands from the controller unit 202 to the engine control unit 201 by serial communication, and 204 is from the engine control unit 201 in response to the command. A serial status transmission signal line for transmitting status data to the controller unit 202 by serial communication, and 205 is a reference vertical synchronization signal line for transmitting a reference vertical synchronization signal (hereinafter referred to as a TOP signal) from the engine control unit 201 to the controller unit 202. . Reference numeral 206 denotes a Y horizontal synchronization signal line for transmitting a yellow horizontal synchronization signal from the engine control unit 201 to the controller unit 202. Reference numeral 207 denotes an M horizontal synchronization signal for transmitting a magenta horizontal synchronization signal from the engine control unit 201 to the controller unit 202. , 208 is a C horizontal synchronizing signal line for transmitting a cyan horizontal synchronizing signal from the engine control unit 201 to the controller unit 202, and 209 is a K horizontal transmitting a black horizontal synchronizing signal from the engine control unit 201 to the controller unit 202. The synchronization signal line 210 is a Y image data signal line for transmitting a yellow image data signal from the controller unit 202 to the engine control unit 201, and 211 is a magenta image data signal transmitted from the controller unit 202 to the engine control unit 201. M image data signal line 212 is a controller unit 2 From 2 to the engine control unit 201, C image data signal lines for transmitting image data signals of cyan, 213 from the controller 202 to the engine control unit 201, a K image data signal lines for transmitting image data signals of black.

  FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing signal timings of the TOP signal, the vertical synchronization signal, and the image data when the full color mode is selected.

  When the controller unit 202 receives a printing operation start command from a host computer (not shown), the controller unit 202 issues a printing operation start command to the engine control unit 201 via the serial command transmission signal line 203, and the engine control unit 201 performs printing. When the operation start command is received, the printing operation is started and the fact that the printing operation is started is transmitted via the serial status transmission signal line 204.

  When the printing operation is started, the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the scanner units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are activated to prepare for forming each color image. When preparation is complete, the engine control unit 201 outputs a TOP signal 301 for vertical synchronization of the first color to the controller unit 202 via the TOP signal line 205. Here, it is assumed that images are formed in the order of Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black. The controller unit 202 outputs yellow image data 303 via the image signal line 211 in synchronization with the TOP signal 301 and the Y horizontal synchronization signal 302 output from the engine control unit 201.

  The engine control unit 201 primarily transfers the visible image formed on the photosensitive drum 5Y to the intermediate transfer belt 12 based on the image data 303 from the controller unit 202. The yellow toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12 passes through the lowest point of the Magenta photosensitive drum 5M, and the predetermined time is set so that the Magenta toner image is at the lowest point of the Magenta photosensitive member 5M. The Magenta image data 305 is output with a time interval of time T1 (304), and is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12 at the primary transfer portion at the lowest point of the photosensitive drum 5M with the yellow toner image accurately aligned and primary transferred. The The Cyan and Black toner images are also operated in the same manner as Magenta, and the Cyan and Black toner images are separated by a predetermined time interval T2 (306) and T3 (308) from the TOP signal so that the four color images are accurately overlapped. Black image data 307 and 309 are output, and an image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

  As described above, the color laser printer forms an electrostatic latent image with image light formed based on the image signal transmitted from the controller in the image forming unit, and develops the electrostatic latent image to form a visible image. A color visible image is formed by superimposing transfer, the color visible image is transferred to the transfer material 2, and the color visible image on the transfer material 2 is fixed.

  The image forming unit includes photoconductors 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K arranged in parallel for development colors, injection charging units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K as primary charging units, developing units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, and toner. The cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, the intermediate transfer body 12, the paper feeding unit, the transfer unit, and the fixing unit 13 are configured.

  The photosensitive drums (photoconductors) 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are configured by applying an organic optical conductive layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder, and are rotated by the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) being transmitted. Rotates the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K in the counterclockwise direction according to the image forming operation. The exposure light beams to the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are sent from the scanner units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, and are selectively exposed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. An image is formed.

  As primary charging means, four injection chargers 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K for charging yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) photoconductors are provided for each station. Each injection charger 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K is provided with a sleeve 7Y step 7YS, 7M step 7MS, 7C step 7CS, 7K step 7KS.

  As developing means, in order to visualize the electrostatic latent image, four developing devices 8Y, 8M for developing yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) at each station. , 8C, 8K, and each developing device is provided with a sleeve 8Y step 8YS, 8M step 8MS, 8C step 8CS, and 8K step 8KS. Each developing device is detachably attached.

  The intermediate transfer body 12 is in contact with the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, rotates clockwise when forming a color image, and is driven to rotate as the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K rotate. Receives transfer of visible image. Further, the intermediate transfer body 12 simultaneously superimposes and transfers the color visible image on the intermediate transfer body 12 onto the transfer material 2 by nipping and conveying the transfer material 2 by contact with a transfer roller 9a described later at the time of image formation.

  The transfer roller 9a is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer body 12 while the color visible image is superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 12, but is separated to a position 9b at the end of the printing process.

  The fixing unit 13 fixes the transferred color visible image while conveying the transfer material 2. The fixing roller 14 heats the transfer material 2 and the transfer material 2 to the fixing roller 14 as shown in FIG. And a pressure roller 15 for pressure contact. The fixing roller 14 and the pressure roller 15 are formed in a hollow shape, and heaters 16 and 17 are incorporated therein. That is, the transfer material 2 holding the color visible image is conveyed by the fixing roller 14 and the pressure roller 15, and the toner is fixed on the surface by applying heat and pressure.

  The cleaning unit 21 cleans the toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K and the intermediate transfer body 12, and displays a visible image by the toner formed on the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. Waste toner after being transferred to the intermediate transfer member 12 or waste toner after transferring the four color visible images formed on the intermediate transfer member 12 to the transfer material 2 is stored in a cleaner container.

  The cleaning means in the secondary transfer unit cleans the toner remaining on the secondary transfer body and protruding from the transfer material, and the waste toner is stored in a cleaner container.

  After the visible image is fixed, the transfer material 2 is then discharged by the flapper solenoid 23 to the FU (face-up) tray 24 or to the FD (face-down) tray 25 having a longer conveying path. Then, the image forming operation is finished.

  FIG. 18 shows the control of the transfer material near the cash register. In the printer having the above-described configuration, when the sheet is normally conveyed, the conveyance of the transfer material 2 is temporarily stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing when the leading edge of the transfer material 2 is detected by the pre-registration sensor 19 (FIG. 18A). To do. At this time, the transfer material 2 forms a loop with the registration roller 28 (FIG. 18B). Thereafter, driving of the registration roller 28 is started in accordance with the image on the intermediate transfer body 12, and the conveyance of the transfer material 2 is resumed.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit 201 and the controller control unit 202 of the conventional example.

  First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit 201 will be described. The engine waits in a print waiting state (step S501). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process goes to S503, and if not, the process returns to S501 (step S502). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S503), and if it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S505 to set the image mask inside the transfer material. In the case of a borderless instruction, the process goes to S504 to set the image mask to the edge of the transfer material. Next, in accordance with the image signal from the controller, primary transfer processing is performed (S506), paper feed processing is performed (S507), secondary transfer processing is performed (S508), fixing processing is performed (S509), and paper is discharged ( (S510), the process returns to the print waiting state S501.

Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit 202 will be described. The controller waits for data reception from a host computer (not shown) (S520), and if data is received, goes to S521. Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless print request (S521), and if it is a borderless print request, in step S522, the engine is instructed that there is no border. Next, the image is developed (S523), a print command is issued (S524), image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S525), and the process goes to S520 (for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, 3 and 4).
JP 2001-18443 A JP 2001-136360 A JP 2004-69910 A JP 2002-323832 A

  However, in conventional borderless printing, if the surrounding environment, the thickness of the transfer material, and the material are not suitable, when the image is formed up to the edge of the transfer material, the transfer material wraps around the fixing portion, and the transfer is performed. In some cases, the material could not be transported, and jam handling was very difficult. In addition, when misprinting occurs, there is a toner that is not transferred to the transfer material, so that there is a problem that the amount of waste toner increases and the life of the waste toner bottle is shortened.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and when the edgeless printing is designated, the engine control unit can prevent damage by restricting the edgeless printing operation. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  The present invention can solve the above problems by the following configuration.

(1) an engine control unit capable of forming an image up to the end of the transfer material;
A controller unit of the main unit,
An image forming apparatus having
The engine control unit stops printing to the end of the transfer material when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and notifies the controller unit that the printing has been stopped.

(2) an engine control unit capable of forming an image up to the end of the transfer material;
A controller unit of the main unit,
An image forming apparatus having
The engine control unit stops printing to the end of the transfer material when a predetermined condition is satisfied, notifies the controller unit that the printing has stopped, and performs a recovery operation.

  (3) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the predetermined condition is that the temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in or around the image forming apparatus are equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  (4) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the predetermined condition is that the thickness or weight of the transfer material is not more than a predetermined value.

  (5) The image forming apparatus as described in (4) above, wherein the thickness or weight of the transfer material is detected during printing.

  (6) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the predetermined condition is that a waste toner amount of a waste toner collecting unit is a predetermined value or more.

  (7) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the predetermined condition is that an end printing transfer unit is mounted.

  (8) The image forming apparatus according to (7), wherein the end printing transfer unit includes waste toner collecting means.

  (9) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the predetermined condition is that a paper discharge option control unit mounted on the image forming apparatus cannot perform printing at an end portion of the transfer material.

  (10) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the timing to stop printing to the end of the transfer material is a timing at which the engine control unit receives a print instruction from the controller unit. .

  (11) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the timing for stopping printing to the end of the transfer material is a timing when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  (12) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the recovery operation includes a cleaning operation after printing is stopped.

  (13) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein in the recovery operation, after printing is stopped, a portion that is not printed is formed at the front end of the transfer material by transfer control of the transfer material.

  (14) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the recovery operation forms a non-printing portion at an end portion of the transfer material after printing is stopped.

  (15) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the recovery operation turns off the secondary transfer high pressure after the printing is stopped.

  (16) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the recovery operation forms a portion that does not stop printing and does not print at the end of the transfer material.

  According to the present invention, at the time of borderless printing, the surrounding environment and the thickness material of the transfer material are detected, and the printing up to the edge of the transfer material is prohibited, thereby preventing wrapping and facilitating the jam processing performed by the user. To. Further, as a process when printing is prohibited, a recovery operation such as extending the life of the waste toner bottle by performing control that does not increase the amount of waste toner can be performed.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an apparatus unit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to a common part with the prior art example shown in FIG. 15 thru | or FIG. 19, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, at the time of borderless printing, if the temperature / humidity is not within a predetermined range, the transfer material is stopped at the register portion and the cleaning process is performed.
Since the configuration of the apparatus is the same as that of the conventional example (FIG. 15), description thereof is omitted. Also, the reference numerals are the same. FIG. 1 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit and the controller control unit of the first embodiment. The difference from the prior art is that the engine control unit stops the transfer material at the registration unit due to temperature and humidity, and the controller control unit adds processing when a misprint without margins occurs.

  FIG. 1 will be described in detail. First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit will be described. The engine waits in a print waiting state (step S101). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process goes to S103, and if not received, the process returns to S101 (step S102). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S103), and if it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S105 to set the image mask inside the transfer material. In the case of a borderless instruction, the process goes to S104 to set the image mask to the edge of the transfer material. Next, in accordance with the image signal from the controller, primary transfer processing is performed (S106), paper feed processing is performed (S107), and it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S108). If it is within the permissible range (S109), if it is not within the permissible range, the transfer material is stopped and misprinting is notified to the controller (S113). Thereafter, a cleaning operation is performed (S114). If there is no borderless permission range and no borderless instruction, secondary transfer processing is performed (S110), fixing processing is performed (S111), paper is discharged (S112), and the process returns to the print waiting state S101.

  Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit will be described. The controller waits for data reception from a host computer (not shown) (S120), and if data is received, goes to S121. Next, it is confirmed whether or not there is a borderless print request (S121), and if it is a borderless print request, the engine is instructed that there is no border in S122. Next, the image is developed (S123), a print command is issued (S124), image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S125), and the occurrence of a marginless misprint is confirmed (S126). If no misprint has occurred, go to S120, and if a borderless misprint has occurred, prepare for retransmission of data, wait for the engine cleaning operation (S127), set a border (S128), and go to S123. .

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the engine control unit 201 and temperature / humidity detection means for image formation. In FIG. 2, the engine control unit 201 receives temperature information and humidity information as voltages from the temperature detection means (temperature sensor 60) and the humidity detection means (humidity sensor 61). The engine control unit A / D converts this voltage, and derives the temperature and humidity using the characteristics of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor as parameters.

  FIG. 3 shows a table of temperature and humidity conditions permitting borderless printing.

  In general, the higher the temperature / humidity, the weaker the transfer material, and the more easily the wrapping around the fixing portion. Therefore, borderless printing is prohibited when the temperature and humidity are high.

  In this embodiment, the temperature sensor is used as the temperature detecting means and the humidity sensor is used as the humidity detecting means. However, the same effect can be obtained by using an absolute humidity sensor that detects the absolute moisture content in the air.

  In this embodiment, the controller sends a borderless request to the engine at a timing different from the print command. However, the controller may send it simultaneously with the print command.

  As can be seen from the table shown in FIG. 3, edgeless printing can be permitted in principle at temperatures below 10 ° C. regardless of the humidity level, and at temperatures between 10 ° C. and 20 ° C., the humidity is between 80 and 100 °. No-printing is prohibited. In the temperature range of 20 ° C to 30 ° C, 60% to 100% humidity is also prohibited. Similarly, for temperatures above 30 ° C, borderless printing is prohibited at humidity of 40-100. Yes.

  The second embodiment of the present invention uses a media sensor capable of detecting the weight (basis weight) of a transfer material during borderless printing, and the thickness (basis weight) of the transfer material is not within a predetermined range. In this case, misprint processing is performed without changing the transfer control of the transfer material and increasing waste toner.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit and the controller control unit of the second embodiment. The difference from the conventional example is that the engine control unit 201 speeds up the transfer of the transfer material based on the media detection result, and the controller control unit 202 adds processing when a marginless printing misprint occurs. .

FIG. 4 will be described in detail. First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit 201 will be described. The engine waits in a print waiting state (step S151). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process goes to S153, and if not received, the process returns to S151 (step S152). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S153). If it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S155 to set the image mask inside the transfer material. In the case of a borderless instruction, the process goes to S154 to set the image mask to the edge of the transfer material. Next, in accordance with the image signal from the controller, primary transfer processing is performed (S156), paper feeding processing is performed (S157), media detection is performed in the register unit (S158), and a check is made for a borderless instruction (S159). In the case of “None” instruction, it is confirmed whether the basis weight (weight) of the medium is 70 g / m ² or less (S163). If it is 70 g / m ² or less, it is judged that the transfer material is thin, A margin (non-printing area) is created at the tip of the transfer material, the transfer material is discharged, and a misprint is notified to the controller (S164). Thereafter, a cleaning operation is performed (S165). If it is determined that the medium is heavier than 70 g / m ^{2 and} is a thick transfer material, or if there is no borderless instruction, secondary transfer processing is performed (S160), fixing processing is performed (S161), paper is discharged (S162), and printing The process returns to the waiting state S151.

  Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit 202 will be described. The controller waits for data reception from a host computer (not shown) (S170), and if data is received, goes to S171. Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless print request (S171), and if it is a borderless print request, in step S172, the engine is instructed that there is no border. Next, the image is developed (S173), a print command is issued (S174), image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S175), and occurrence of a marginless misprint is confirmed (S176). If no misprint has occurred, the process goes to S170. If a borderless misprint has occurred, data retransmission is prepared, the engine cleaning operation is waited (S177), a border is set (S178), and the process goes to S173. .

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship among an engine control unit, a media sensor, and a registration sensor for image formation. In FIG. 5, the engine control unit 201 uses the media sensors 56 and 57 and the pre-registration sensor 19, and detects the type and weight (basis weight) of the media in the registration unit (see FIG. 15).

  FIG. 6 shows the control of the transfer material near the cash register. In the printer having the above-described configuration, when the sheet is normally conveyed, the conveyance of the transfer material 2 is temporarily stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time from the timing (FIG. 6A) when the leading edge of the transfer material 2 is detected by the pre-registration sensor 19 To do. At this time, the media sensor light emitting unit 57 is operated, and the basis weight of the transfer material is detected by the light receiving unit 56 (FIG. 6B). Thereafter, the driving of the registration roller 28 is started in accordance with the image on the intermediate transfer body 12, and the conveyance of the transfer material 2 is resumed (FIG. 6C).

  In general, the thinner the transfer material 2 is, the weaker the transfer material 2 is and the more easily it is wound around the fixing portion. For this reason, borderless printing is prohibited using the transfer material weight (basis weight), which is a measure of the thickness of the transfer material 2, as a parameter.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the transfer material is thin, a certain amount of margin is formed at the leading edge of the transfer material. However, the amount of waste toner can be reduced by changing the leading edge margin according to the basis weight of the transfer material.

  The third embodiment of the present invention uses a media sensor capable of detecting the weight (basis weight) of a transfer material during borderless printing, and uses the thickness (basis weight) of the transfer material, temperature, and humidity. However, if it is not within the predetermined range, the misprint process is performed without printing the toner on the transfer material.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit and the controller control unit of the third embodiment. The difference from the conventional example is that the engine control unit discharges the transfer material without printing the toner when the transfer material is transferred according to the media detection result, and the controller control unit generates a marginless printing misprint. Time processing is added.

  FIG. 7 will be described in detail. First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit 201 will be described. The engine waits in a print waiting state (step S201). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process goes to S203, and if not, the process returns to S201 (step S202). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S203), and if it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S205 to set the image mask inside the transfer material. In the case of a borderless instruction, the process goes to S204 to set the image mask to the edge of the transfer material. Next, in accordance with the image signal from the controller, primary transfer processing is performed (S206), paper feeding processing is performed (S207), media detection is performed in the register unit (S208), and a check is made for a borderless instruction (S209). In the case of no instruction, if it is determined that borderless printing cannot be performed due to the temperature, humidity, and basis weight (weight) of the media (S213), the transfer material is discharged at a timing when toner is not printed on the transfer material, and a mistake occurs. The print is notified to the controller (S214). Thereafter, a cleaning operation is performed (S215). If it is determined that borderless printing is possible and if there is no borderless instruction, secondary transfer processing is performed (S210), fixing processing is performed (S211), paper is discharged (S212), and the process returns to the print waiting state S201.

  Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit 202 will be described. The controller waits for data reception from a host computer (not shown) (S220), and if data is received, goes to S221. Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless print request (S221), and in the case of a borderless print request, in step S222, the engine is instructed that there is no border (S222). Next, the image is developed (S223), a print command is issued (S224), image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S225), and occurrence of a marginless misprint is confirmed (S226). If no misprint has occurred, the procedure goes to S220. If a marginless misprint has occurred, it prepares for retransmission of data, waits for an engine cleaning operation (S227), sets a border (S228), and goes to S223. .

  FIG. 8 shows a table of media, temperature, and humidity conditions permitting borderless printing.

(1) is a marginless permission condition with a transfer material basis weight of 70 g / m ² or less, (2) is a marginless permission condition with a transfer material basis weight of 70 g / m ² to 90 g / m ² , and (3) is Edgeless permission conditions with a transfer material basis weight of 90 g / m ² to 120 g / m ² or less, and (4) are edgeless permission conditions when the transfer material basis weight is heavier than 120 g / m ² .

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether to perform borderless printing based on the basis weight of the transfer material. However, a thickness sensor that measures the actual thickness of the transfer material may be used.

  The fourth embodiment of the present invention detects the amount of waste toner in the waste toner bottles 21 and 55 (see FIG. 15) of the ITB unit and the secondary transfer unit, which corresponds to the waste toner collection unit, at the time of borderless printing. If any amount of waste toner is present in any one of the waste toner bottles, printing is prohibited.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit and the controller control unit of the fourth embodiment. The difference from the conventional example is that the engine control unit prohibits the printing operation when the amount of waste toner in the ITB unit and the waste toner bottle 55 of the secondary transfer unit is a predetermined amount or more. In this case, a process in the case where a print command for a borderless condition is not accepted before the start of printing is added. The end printing transfer unit includes a transfer roller 9 a (9 b) and a waste toner bottle 55.

  FIG. 9 will be described in detail. First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit will be described. The engine waits in a print waiting state (step S251). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process goes to S253. If not, the process returns to S251 (step S252). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S253). If it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S255 to set the image mask inside the transfer material (S254). In the case of a borderless instruction, the process goes to S260 to determine whether the amount of waste toner in the waste toner bottle 21 of the ITB unit and the waste toner bottle 55 of the secondary transfer unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (S260). Sets the image mask on the edge of the transfer material (S261). If it is larger than the predetermined value, the reception of the print command is rejected (S262), and the process goes to S251. When a print command is received, primary transfer processing is performed according to an image signal from the controller (S255), paper feed processing is performed (S256), secondary transfer processing is performed (S257), and fixing processing is performed (S258). The paper is discharged (S259), and the process returns to the print waiting state S251.

  Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit 202 will be described. The controller waits for data reception from a host computer (not shown) (S270). If data is received, the controller goes to S271. Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless print request (S271). If it is a borderless print request, in step S272, the engine is instructed that there is no border. Next, the image is developed (S273), a print command is issued (S274), and it is confirmed whether or not receipt of a borderless print is rejected (S275). When the command reception is rejected, a border presence instruction is sent to the engine (S276), and the process goes to S273. If the command reception is not rejected, the image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S277), and the occurrence of a marginless misprint is confirmed (S278). If no misprint has occurred, the process proceeds to S270. If a marginless misprint has occurred, data retransmission is prepared, the engine cleaning operation is waited (S279), and the process proceeds to S276.

  The fifth embodiment of the present invention discriminates the type of the secondary transfer unit that is installed at the time of borderless printing, and prohibits execution of a print when the secondary transfer unit dedicated to borderless printing is not installed. Is.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit and the controller control unit of the fifth embodiment. The difference from the conventional example is that the engine control unit prohibits the printing operation when the secondary transfer unit dedicated to no edge is installed, and the controller control unit does not have the edgeless condition before starting printing. The processing when the print command is not accepted is added.

  FIG. 10 will be described in detail. First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit 201 will be described. The engine checks whether the secondary transfer unit for borderless printing is installed (S300). Next, it waits in a print waiting state (step S301). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process goes to S303, and if not, the process returns to S301 (step S302). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S303). If it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S304, and the image mask is set inside the transfer material. In the case of a borderless instruction, the process goes to S310 to check whether a secondary transfer unit for borderless printing is installed (S310). If so, the image mask is set on the edge of the transfer material (S311). If not, the print command is rejected (S312), and the process goes to S301. When a print command is received, primary transfer processing is performed according to the image signal from the controller (S305), paper feed processing is performed (S306), secondary transfer processing is performed (S307), and fixing processing is performed (S308). The paper is discharged (S309), and the process returns to the print waiting state S301.

  Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit 202 will be described. The controller waits for data reception from a host computer (not shown) (S320), and if data is received, goes to S321. Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless print request (S321). If there is a borderless print request, in step S322, the engine is instructed that there is no border. Next, the image is developed (S323), a print command is issued (S324), and it is confirmed whether or not receipt of a borderless print is rejected (S325). When the command reception is rejected, a border presence instruction is sent to the engine (S326), and the process goes to S323. If the command reception is not rejected, the image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S327), and the occurrence of a borderless misprint is confirmed (S328). If no misprint has occurred, the process proceeds to S320. If a marginless misprint has occurred, data retransmission is prepared, the engine cleaning operation is waited (S329), and the process proceeds to S326.

  In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, at the time of borderless printing, if the temperature and humidity are not within the predetermined ranges, the transfer control of the transfer material is changed and misprint processing is performed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit and the controller control unit of the sixth embodiment. The difference from the conventional example is that the engine control unit turns off the transfer bias applied from the secondary transfer unit to the transfer material at the time of transfer of the transfer material at the temperature / humidity detection result. This is to add processing when a marginless printing misprint occurs.

  FIG. 11 will be described in detail. First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit 201 will be described. The engine waits in a print waiting state (step S351). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process goes to S353, and if not received, the process returns to S351 (step S352). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S353). If it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S355 to set the image mask inside the transfer material. In the case of an edgeless instruction, the process goes to S354 to set the image mask to the edge of the transfer material. Next, in accordance with the image signal from the controller, primary transfer processing is performed (S356), paper feeding processing is performed (S357), and it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S358). When it is determined that no printing is possible (S359), secondary transfer is performed with the transfer bias OFF, and the misprint is notified to the controller (S363). Thereafter, a fixing operation (S364), a paper discharge operation (S365), and a cleaning operation are performed (S366). When it is determined that borderless printing is possible and when there is no borderless instruction, secondary transfer processing is performed (S360), fixing processing is performed (S361), paper is discharged (S362), and the process returns to the print waiting state S351.

  Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit 202 will be described. The controller waits for data reception from a host computer (not shown) (S370), and if data is received, goes to S371. Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless print request (S371), and in the case of a borderless print request, in step S372, the engine is instructed that there is no border (S372). Next, the image is developed (S373), a print command is issued (S374), image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S375), and the occurrence of a marginless misprint is confirmed (S376). If no misprint has occurred, go to S370. If a borderless misprint has occurred, prepare to resend data, wait for the engine cleaning operation (S377), set to have a border (S378), and go to S373. .

  In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, at the time of borderless printing, it is confirmed whether the installed paper discharge option unit permits borderless printing, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge option, and no border is permitted. In this case, print execution is prohibited.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart at the time of printing of the engine control unit and the controller control unit of the seventh embodiment. The difference from the conventional example is that the engine control unit 201 prohibits the printing operation when the secondary transfer unit dedicated to the borderless paper discharge option is not installed from the controller. In the controller control unit, Informing the engine control section whether the paper discharge option is installed and adding a process in the case where a print command for a borderless condition is not accepted before the start of printing is added.

  FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus when the paper discharge option device 30 is mounted. Since the configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as the configuration of the conventional example shown in FIG. 15, each configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral and description thereof is omitted. When the paper discharge option device 30 is mounted, there are a paper discharge port FU1 and a FU2 discharge port 31 from the paper discharge option as well as a paper discharge port from the engine machine. Whether it is discharged to either the engine discharge port or the optional discharge port is determined by a flapper solenoid 23 in the engine, and whether it is discharged to the FU1 discharge port 24 or the FU2 discharge port 31 is determined as a discharge option. It is determined by a flapper solenoid 29 in the device 30. The transfer material 2 discharged from the engine machine is conveyed into the paper discharge option device 30 and discharged to the FU1 discharge port 24 and the FU2 discharge port 31 by the paper discharge option control unit.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the engine control unit 201 and the option control unit (paper discharge option device 30) exchange information via a controller unit 202 by wired or wired transmission means 1001 and 1002. Is going.

  FIG. 12 will be described in detail. First, a flowchart of the printing operation of the engine control unit 201 will be described. The engine checks via the controller whether a paper discharge option capable of borderless printing is installed (S400). Next, it waits in a print waiting state (step S401). If a print signal is received from the controller, the process proceeds to S403, and if not received, the process returns to S401 (step S402). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless instruction (S403). If it is not a borderless instruction, the process goes to S404 to set the image mask inside the transfer material. In the case of a borderless instruction, the process goes to S410, and it is confirmed whether it is a transport instruction to the paper discharge option, and whether the paper discharge option permits borderless printing. If borderless printing is permitted, an image mask is set on the edge of the transfer material (S411). If borderless printing is not permitted, reception of the print command is rejected (S412), and the process goes to S401. When a print command is received, primary transfer processing is performed according to an image signal from the controller (S405), paper feed processing is performed (S406), secondary transfer processing is performed (S407), and fixing processing is performed (S408). The paper is discharged (S409), and the process returns to the print waiting state S401.

  Next, a flowchart of the printing operation of the controller control unit 202 will be described. The controller notifies the engine whether the paper discharge option can receive the edgeless transfer material (S419). Next, data reception from a host computer (not shown) is waited (S420), and if data is received, the process goes to S421. Next, it is confirmed whether there is a borderless print request (S421). If it is a borderless print request, in step S422, the engine is instructed that there is no border. Next, the image is developed (S423), a print command is issued (S424), and it is confirmed whether or not receipt of a borderless print is rejected (S425). When the command reception is rejected, a border presence instruction is sent to the engine (S426), and the process goes to S423. If the command reception is not rejected, the image data is transferred in synchronization with the engine TOP signal (S427), and the occurrence of a borderless misprint is confirmed (S428). If no misprint has occurred, the process proceeds to S420. If a marginless misprint has occurred, the data is prepared for retransmission, the engine cleaning operation is waited (S429), and the process proceeds to S426.

  In this embodiment, when the paperless option is specified to discharge the edgeless transfer material in the paperless option for prohibiting the edgeless conveyance, the print command is not received, but the print command is received and the transfer material is operated by operating the flapper solenoid 23. It may be discharged from the engine discharge port.

Flowchart of engine control unit and controller control unit in Embodiment 1 The figure showing the signal of the engine control part in Example 1, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor The figure showing the temperature, humidity, and borderless print permission in the first embodiment Flowchart of engine control unit and controller control unit in Embodiment 2 The figure showing the signal of the engine control part in Example 2, a media sensor, and a registration sensor The figure showing the operation at the time of transfer material conveyance and media detection in Example 2 Flowchart of engine control unit and controller control unit in Embodiment 3 The figure showing the temperature, humidity, media detection result, and borderless print permission in Example 3 Flowchart of engine control unit and controller control unit in Embodiment 4 Flowchart of engine control unit and controller control unit in embodiment 5 Flowchart of engine control unit and controller control unit in Embodiment 6 Flowchart of engine control unit and controller control unit in embodiment 7 Sectional drawing which shows the whole structure which mounted | wore with the discharge option of the image forming apparatus in Example 7. A block diagram showing the relationship between an engine control unit, a controller unit, and a paper discharge option control unit of a conventional image forming apparatus Sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the laser printer as an example of the conventional image forming apparatus The figure showing the signal between the conventional engine control part and the controller part The figure showing the signal for the image synchronization of the conventional engine control part and a controller part Diagram showing the operation of a conventional transfer material transport and pre-registration sensor Conventional engine control unit and controller control unit flowchart

Explanation of symbols

2 Transfer material 3 Multi-tray 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K Photosensitive drum 9a Transfer roller 12 Intermediate transfer body 13 Fixing unit 14 Fixing roller 15 Pressure roller 16, 17 Heater 19 Pre-registration sensor 21 Waste toner bottle 23 of ITB unit Flapper Solenoid 24 FU tray / FU1 discharge port 25 FD tray 28 Registration roller 29 Discharge port switching in flapper option 30 Discharge option device 55 Waste toner bottle 56 of secondary transfer unit Media sensor light emitting unit 57 Media sensor light receiving unit 201 Engine control Section 202 Controller section, controller control section 203 Serial command transmission signal line 204 Serial status transmission signal line 205 Reference vertical synchronization signal line 206 for transmitting a reference vertical synchronization signal (TOP signal) Y horizontal synchronization for transmitting a yellow horizontal synchronization signal Line 207 M horizontal synchronization signal line 208 for transmitting magenta horizontal synchronization signal 208 C horizontal synchronization signal line for transmitting cyan horizontal synchronization signal 209 K horizontal synchronization signal line for transmitting black horizontal synchronization signal 210 Yellow image data signal Y image data signal line 211 to transmit M image data signal line 212 to transmit magenta image data signal C image data signal line 213 to transmit cyan image data signal K image data signal line to transmit black image data signal

Claims (16)

An engine controller capable of forming an image up to the end of the transfer material;
A controller unit of the main unit,
An image forming apparatus having
The engine control unit stops printing to the end of the transfer material when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and notifies the controller unit that the printing has been stopped. An engine controller capable of forming an image up to the end of the transfer material;
A controller unit of the main unit,
An image forming apparatus having
The engine control unit stops printing to the end of the transfer material when a predetermined condition is satisfied, notifies the controller unit that the printing has stopped, and performs a recovery operation.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity in or around the image forming apparatus are equal to or higher than predetermined values.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the thickness or weight of the transfer material is equal to or less than a predetermined value.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the thickness or weight of the transfer material is detected during printing.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that a waste toner amount of a waste toner collecting unit is a predetermined value or more.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that an end printing transfer unit is mounted.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the end printing transfer unit includes a waste toner collecting unit.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that a paper discharge option control unit mounted on the image forming apparatus cannot perform printing at an end portion of the transfer material.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing at which printing to the end of the transfer material is stopped is the timing at which the engine control unit receives a print instruction from the controller unit.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing at which printing to the end of the transfer material is stopped is a timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recovery operation performs a cleaning operation after printing is stopped.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, in the recovery operation, after printing is stopped, a non-printed portion is formed at the front end of the transfer material by transfer control of the transfer material.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the recovery operation, after printing is stopped, a portion that is not printed is formed at an end portion of the transfer material.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recovery operation turns off the secondary transfer high pressure after the printing is stopped.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recovery operation forms a portion that does not stop printing and does not print at an end portion of the transfer material.