JP2007041505A - Image forming system and post-processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm a finished state of an image formation at any time during the implementation of the image forming job as needed. <P>SOLUTION: According to an image forming system 1, when an instruction for confirmation of a finished job is input during implementation of the image forming job, a controlling section 54 of a post-processing apparatus 40 controls a transporting part 51 to have a part of paper P for a head paper in a section of a part on which an image is already formed in an image forming apparatus 2 ejected from an ejecting section 47. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system for forming an image on a recording member, and stacking an image-formed recording member on a stacking unit, and a post-processing apparatus including the stacking unit.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, in order to confirm whether or not a desired finish is obtained prior to executing an image forming job, only one or one copy is made and a finish is confirmed. From this, an image forming job is executed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that has a trial copy mode for checking copy performance under a set copy condition and ejects a trial copy to a discharge unit separate from a discharge unit during normal copying. Are listed.
JP-A-8-106191

  Incidentally, the image forming apparatus has begun to be used in the field of commercial printing that requires a large number of output sheets. For equipment used in the commercial printing field, the ability to make large and continuous copies, and the change in the finished state of the copy during such continuous processing is extremely small, i.e. it is created during processing. It is required that the image quality of the copy to be maintained is uniform.

  However, in image forming jobs that output a large number of sheets, the image quality such as density and color changes due to changes in the environment such as humidity in the operating device and changes in the characteristics of the materials. May not be maintained between.

  When a large number of images are recorded, the finish (output state) may change due to changes over time in the image forming apparatus and materials. On the other hand, during a job in which a large number of images are formed and stacked at a high speed, it is difficult to check the finish on the way. When it is assumed that a large number of sheets are output, there are many cases where a post-processing device such as a copy stacker is connected to the image forming apparatus, and sheets on which images have been formed in the image forming apparatus are stacked on the post-processing device. In the post-processing apparatus, during operation, the front door is locked in a closed state, and the operator cannot contact the image-formed sheet until a series of image forming jobs is completed. Therefore, even if the image quality changes during the process and the desired finish cannot be maintained, the operator cannot know the fact unless all the sheets are output, and a large amount of paper is wasted. It was. If the image forming job is interrupted and the operation of the apparatus is stopped, the operator can check the finished state, but there is a problem that productivity is lowered.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to check the finished state of image formation at any time during execution of an image forming job.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming system according to an aspect of the present invention includes:
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording member;
A stacking unit for stacking a plurality of image-formed recording members discharged continuously from the image forming unit;
An instruction input unit for inputting instruction information regarding a confirmation output for an operator to confirm a finished state of an image formed on the image-formed recording member;
A discharge unit from which the image-formed recording member discharged from the image forming unit is discharged so that the operator can take it;
During execution of an image forming job including a stacking operation of the recording member on which the image has been formed on the stacking unit, a part of the plurality of recording members on which the image has been formed in accordance with instruction information input from the instruction input unit A control unit for discharging the gas to the discharge unit;
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
During the operation of the stacking unit, the image forming recording member stacked on the stacking unit and the outside are blocked from each other.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output during execution of the image forming job,
The control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit when instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output from the instruction input unit is input during execution of the image forming job. It is a feature.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3,
When the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input from the instruction input unit during execution of the image forming job, the control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit in units of copies. It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 3,
When the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input from the instruction input unit during execution of the image forming job, the control unit stores a predetermined number of copies or a predetermined number of the image-formed recording members. It is characterized by discharging to the discharge section.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output during execution of the image forming job or instruction information for instructing an output condition of the confirmation output. When the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input from the instruction input unit during execution of the image forming job, or based on the instruction information for instructing the output condition, the recording member on which the image has been formed Is discharged to the discharge section.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing an output condition of the confirmation output,
The control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit when an output condition preliminarily input by the instruction input unit is satisfied during execution of the image forming job.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7,
The instruction input unit can input, as the output condition for the confirmation output, the number of copies or the number of copies indicating the number of copies or the number of sheets on which the image formed recording member is confirmed and output during the image forming job. And
The control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit every time the number of sheets or the number of image-formed recording members previously input from the instruction input unit in the image forming job is created. It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 7,
The instruction input unit indicates, as an output condition for the confirmation output, the number of copies, the number of sheets created by the image forming job, or the number of pages of the image-formed recording member of each unit to be confirmed and output. You can enter the number of copies, the number of copies, or the number of pages.
In the image forming job, the control unit is configured to output the image when an image-formed recording member created by the image forming unit reaches the number of copies, the number of sheets, or the number of pages input in advance from the instruction input unit. The formed recording member is discharged to the discharge portion.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 7,
The instruction input unit instructs, as the output condition of the confirmation output, whether to perform the confirmation output when an environmental change amount in the image forming unit during execution of the image forming job exceeds a predetermined change amount. Can be entered,
When the instruction to perform the confirmation output is input in advance when the environmental change amount in the image forming unit during execution of the image forming job exceeds a predetermined change amount by the instruction input unit, When the environmental change in the image forming unit during execution of an image forming job exceeds a predetermined change amount, the image-formed recording member is discharged to the discharge unit.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The control unit suspends the image forming job being executed after discharging the number of image-formed recording members to be discharged to the discharge unit to the discharge unit.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 11,
The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing whether to interrupt or continue the image forming job being executed after discharging the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit,
The control unit removes the image-formed recording member after the image-formed recording member has been discharged to the discharge unit and an instruction to interrupt an image forming job being executed is input in advance. After the discharge, the image forming job being executed is interrupted.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 12,
A setting unit for setting image finishing conditions in the image forming job;
The control unit is characterized by accepting a setting condition setting change by the setting unit after interrupting the image forming job being executed.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claim 13,
When a setting change of a finishing condition is input by the setting unit, an image is formed on a recording member by the image forming unit under the changed finishing condition, and the recording member on which the image has been formed is discharged to the discharge unit. It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to any one of claims 11 to 14,
A resumption instruction unit for inputting instruction information for instructing resumption of the suspended image forming job;
The control unit resumes the interrupted image forming job when the restart instruction of the image forming job is input from the restart instructing unit, and the recording member having been formed with the image formed in the image forming unit is loaded. It is characterized by being loaded on the part.

The invention according to claim 16 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The instruction information input by the instruction input unit includes instruction information as to whether or not to include the recording member discharged to the discharge unit in a preset output total number,
The control unit controls the number of times that an image is formed on the image forming unit according to instruction information input from the instruction input unit.

The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to claim 16,
The instruction information input by the instruction input unit includes instruction information on the number of copies or the number of sheets to include the recording member discharged to the discharge unit in a preset total output.

The invention described in claim 18
In a post-processing apparatus having a stacking unit that is connected to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording member and stacks a plurality of image-formed recording members that are continuously discharged from the image forming apparatus.
An instruction input unit for inputting instruction information regarding a confirmation output for an operator to confirm a finished state of an image formed on the image-formed recording member;
A discharge unit that discharges the image-formed recording member discharged from the image forming apparatus so that the operator can take it;
During execution of an image forming job including a stacking operation of the recording member on which the image has been formed on the stacking unit, a part of the plurality of recording members on which the image has been formed is transferred in accordance with instruction information from the instruction input unit. A control unit for discharging to the discharge unit;
It is characterized by having.

According to the invention of claim 19, in the invention of claim 18,
During the operation of the stacking unit, the image forming recording member stacked on the stacking unit and the outside are blocked from each other.

  According to the invention described in claims 1 and 18, it is possible for the operator to check the finished state of the image formed at any time during the execution of the image forming job.

  According to the second and 19th aspects of the present invention, even when the image-formed paper stacked on the stacking unit is blocked from the outside, the finished image formed at any time during the image forming job The state can be confirmed by the operator.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the operator wants to check the finished state of the image formed image during execution of the image forming job, the finished state of the image can be confirmed at any time.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, some of the pages constituting the section are discharged from the discharge section, and one set is not prepared in the stacking section, or pages with missing pages are mixed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to eject a predetermined number of copies or a predetermined number of image-formed recording members so that an operator can take them out for checking the finished state of the image.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, when the operator wants to confirm the finished state of the image formed during the image forming job, or the output condition desired by the operator is satisfied during the image forming job. Sometimes it is possible to check the finished state of the image.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the operator can confirm the finished state of the image when the conditions desired by the operator are met during the image forming job.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to periodically check the finished state for each number or number of copies desired by the operator during an image forming job.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the finished state of the image of the number of copies, the number of pages, or the number of pages desired by the operator during the image forming job.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the environmental change in the image forming unit exceeds a predetermined amount, it is possible to check the finished state of the image.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the image forming job is interrupted after confirming the finished state of the image formed image, it has been confirmed by confirmation that the image quality at the start of the image forming job is not maintained. In this case, useless output can be suppressed.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operator can specify in advance whether to continue or interrupt the job after confirming the finished state of the image, as necessary.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when it is confirmed that the image quality at the start of the image forming job is not maintained by confirming the finished state of the image during execution of the image forming job, the image finishing condition is set. The image quality can be corrected by making a change.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the setting content after changing the setting of the finish condition of the image.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to continuously stack the recording member on which an image has been formed after an instruction to resume the job is given.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, the operator can set whether or not to include the image-formed recording member to be discharged to the discharge portion in the total number of outputs, and the usability is improved.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the operator can set the number of copies to be included in the total number of outputs of the image-formed recording member to be discharged to the discharge portion, which improves usability.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an image forming system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system 1, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of the image forming system 1, and FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows a part structure.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on a sheet P as a recording member, and an image forming apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 and discharged from the image forming apparatus 2. There is provided a post-processing device 40 on which used paper P (referred to as copy P1) is stacked.

First, the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image forming apparatus main body 2 </ b> A that forms an image on a sheet P. An image reading unit 3 for reading an image to be formed on the paper P from a document is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 2A. Further, an upper part of the image reading unit 3 is connected to the image reading unit 3. An automatic document feeder 4 for automatically feeding a document is provided.

  The automatic document feeder 4 has a document placing table 5 on which a document is placed. A document feeding roller 6 that feeds the documents one by one is provided at one end of the document placing table 5. A document support roller 7 that supports and rotates the document is provided below the document table 5, and a document discharge that discharges the document read by the image reading unit 3 is provided below the document table 5. A stand 8 is provided. Further, after the document sent from the document placing table 5 is transported to the upper part of the peripheral surface of the document support roller 7 and transported along the peripheral surface of the document support roller 7, A document transport roller 9 for discharging the document to the document discharge table 8 is provided.

  The image reading unit 3 includes a first mirror unit 12 in which a light source 10 that irradiates light on a document and a mirror 11 that reflects reflected light from the document are integrally configured, and light from the first mirror unit 12. Furthermore, it has the 2nd mirror unit 13 to reflect, These mirror units 12 and 13 are arrange | positioned so that a movement in the left-right direction is possible in FIG. In addition, the image reading unit 3 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Diode), and includes an image sensor 14 that photoelectrically converts light. The light from the second mirror unit 13 is coupled to the front surface of the image sensor 14. A lens 15 for forming an image on the image element is provided.

  Below the document support roller 7, there is provided a slit 16 for irradiating light to the document conveyed along the document support roller 7, and the image reading unit 3 places the first mirror unit 12 below the slit 16. The image is read by being positioned. The automatic document feeder 4 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the image reading unit 3, and the upper surface of the image reading unit 3 is formed of a platen glass on which the document is placed. The first and second mirror units 12 and 13 can be scanned with respect to the document placed on the platen glass to read the image.

  Under the image forming apparatus main body 2A, two sheet storage portions 21 and 22 for stacking and storing a plurality of sheets P are provided in two upper and lower stages, and one end of each of the sheet storage portions 21 and 22 is provided. On the upper side, there are provided sending sections 23 and 24 for sending out one sheet of paper P on which images are to be recorded from the paper storage sections 21 and 22, respectively. The paper storage units 21 and 22 include a presence / absence detection unit 25 that detects the presence / absence of the paper P, a size detection unit 26 that detects the size, and a transmission detection unit 27 that detects the paper sent from the paper storage units 21 and 22. Is provided (shown in FIG. 2).

  Above these paper storage units 21 and 22, an image forming unit 29 for forming an image is disposed. The image forming unit 29 includes a photosensitive drum 291, a charging unit 292, an exposure unit 293, a developing unit 294, a transfer unit 295, a fixing unit 296, and a cleaning unit 297.

  The photosensitive drum 291 is rotationally driven in a clockwise direction in FIG. 1 by a drum driving mechanism (not shown). A charging unit 292 is provided near the upper peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 291. The charging unit 292 performs corona discharge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 291 to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 291. It is supposed to let you.

  An exposure unit 293 using, for example, a laser diode as an exposure light source is disposed around the photoconductive drum 291 and downstream of the charging unit 292 in the rotation direction of the photoconductive drum 291. By performing image exposure based on the image signal on the surface of the photosensitive drum 291, charges on the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 291 are attenuated and extinguished to form an electrostatic latent image. Yes.

  A developing unit 294 is provided around the photosensitive drum 291 and downstream of the exposure unit 293 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 291. The developing unit 294 develops the surface of the photosensitive drum 291. It has become.

  A transfer unit 295 is provided around the photoconductive drum 291 and downstream of the developing unit 294 in the rotation direction of the photoconductive drum 291, and a paper sheet is provided between the transfer unit 295 and the photoconductive drum 291. A transport path through which P is transported is provided. The transfer unit 295 electrostatically transfers the toner image to the sheet P by corona discharge to the back surface in a state where the sheet P is pressed against the photosensitive drum 291 and discharges the charged sheet P to remove the sheet P. Is separated from the photosensitive drum 291.

  A fixing unit 296 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer path 295 in the conveyance path of the paper P, and the toner image is fixed to the paper P by being heated by the fixing unit 296.

  Around the photosensitive drum 291 and on the downstream side of the transfer unit 295 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 291, a cleaning unit 297 that presses against the surface of the photosensitive drum 291 to remove and clean residual toner is provided. .

At the side of the image forming apparatus 2, a discharge port 31 for discharging the image-formed paper P, that is, the copy P <b> 1 is provided.
Inside the image forming apparatus 2, a paper transport path 231 for transporting the paper P supplied from the paper storage units 21 and 22 to the image forming unit 29 and a paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 29. And a common transport path 32 for transporting the paper to the discharge port 31. The transport path 231 and the common transport path are arranged by a plurality of rollers 33 arranged at predetermined positions on the transport path 231 and the common transport path 32. A transport unit 30 is configured to transport the paper P in 32.

  In addition, an operation unit 34 including an input unit 341 and a display unit 342 for operating the image forming apparatus 2 is provided above the image forming apparatus 2. The display unit 342 of the operation unit 34 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various setting screens, image status display, operation status of each function, and the like on the screen. On the LCD screen, a touch panel as an input unit 341 is configured. The XY coordinates of the power point pressed by a finger or a touch pen are detected by a voltage value, and the detected position signal is transmitted to the control device 35 as an operation signal. Output. In addition, the input unit 341 includes numeric buttons (not shown), function buttons for switching various settings, operation modes, and the like, and various operation buttons for inputting various instructions such as a start button.

  For example, the display unit 342 displays a setting screen for setting finishing conditions such as the number of output copies, the finished paper size, image density, reduction ratio, and color (in the case of a color image forming apparatus). Thus, setting information such as the number of output copies and finishing conditions can be input from the setting screen.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 2 is provided with a control device 35 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like and controlling each unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 35 includes an image reading unit 3, an automatic document feeding unit 4, sending units 23 and 24, an image forming unit 29, an input unit 341, a display unit 342, a conveying unit 30, and presence / absence detecting unit. 25, a size detection unit 26, a transmission detection unit 27, a count unit 36 for counting the number of formed images, a network communication unit 37 connected to various communication circuits, a storage unit 38 for storing control programs, various data, and the like, a post-processing device A main body serial communication unit 39 connected to 40 is electrically connected. In addition to the above, each drive unit of the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the control device 35. The control device 35 controls various devices in accordance with a control program and various data written in the storage unit 38.

  The control device 35 detects the number of copies per copy from the number of pages of input image data at the start of the image forming job, and includes job information including the number of output copies input and the number of copies detected per copy. Is output to the control device 54 of the post-processing device 40 through the main body serial communication unit 39. Here, the job (image forming job) refers to a series of operations related to image formation such as printing. For example, when copying a plurality of documents, a series of operations related to copying a plurality of documents is one job. When a plurality of copies are made, a series of operations related to a plurality of copies is one job. The series of operations includes a loading operation in the post-processing device 40. Note that 4000 to 5000 copies P1 can be stacked on the post-processing device 40, and a job in the image forming system 1 is to sequentially form a plurality of images and stack them sequentially on the post-processing device 40. Point to.

  In the present embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 2. However, any image forming apparatus that can record an image on the paper P may be used. Examples of the forming apparatus include heat-sensitive and ink-jet printing type image forming apparatuses. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 may be a printer, a copier, a facsimile, a complex machine of these, or the like.

  Next, the post-processing device 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Inside the post-processing device 40, as shown in FIG. 3, there is provided a stacking unit 41 for sequentially stacking the image-formed copies P1. The stacking unit 41 includes an elevating unit 42 that can be moved up and down. The elevating unit 42 is positioned at the top when the copy P1 is not stacked, and descends as the copy P1 is stacked. It rises when the loaded copy P1 is removed.

  An upper portion of the post-processing device 40 is provided with a discharge portion 47 (discharge tray) that is provided outside the device and discharges the copy P1 so that the operator can take it. Further, one side of the post-processing device 40 is provided with a carry-in port 48 that is connected to the discharge port 31 of the image forming apparatus 2 and into which the copy P1 is carried, and the other side is provided with the copy P1. A carry-out port 49 for carrying out is provided. In the vicinity of the carry-in entrance 48, a carry-in detection unit 59 for detecting the carried-in copy P1 is provided. Then, inside the post-processing apparatus 40, a stacking path 501 for transporting the copy P <b> 1 from the carry-in port 48 to the stacking unit 41, and a branch from the stacking path 501, and transporting the copy P <b> 1 to the unloading port 49. And a sub-path 503 for branching out of the carry-out path 502 and transporting the copy P1 to the discharge unit 47. A switching unit 513 that switches the transport destination to the carry-out port 49 or the discharge unit 47 is provided at a branch portion of the sub-path 503.

  A switching unit 512 that switches whether the copy P1 is conveyed to the loading path 501 or the unloading path 502 is provided at a portion where the unloading path 502 branches from the loading path 501. A plurality of pairs of rollers 511 are provided in the loading path 501, the unloading path 502, and the sub-path 503, and the rotation of these rollers 511 causes the stacking path 501, the unloading path 502, and the sub-path 503. Copy P1 is conveyed. The rollers 511 and the switching units 512 and 513 constitute a conveyance unit 51.

  In addition, an operation unit 53 including an input unit 531 and a display unit 532 for operating the post-processing device 40 is provided above the post-processing device 40. The display unit 532 of the operation unit 53 is configured by an LCD or the like, and displays various operation buttons, various setting screens, an image status display, an operation status of each function, and the like on the screen. A touch panel as an input unit 531 is configured on the LCD screen, and the XY coordinates of a power point pressed with a finger or a touch pen are detected by a voltage value, and the detected position signal is transmitted to the control device 54 as an operation signal. Output. The operation unit 53 displays, for example, a finish confirmation instruction button as an instruction input unit for inputting instruction information regarding a confirmation output (details will be described later) for confirming the finished state of the image, and presses the finish confirmation instruction button or the like. When detected, instruction information for instructing execution of confirmation output is output to the control device 54. In addition, the input unit 531 includes operation buttons such as numeric buttons (not shown).

  Further, the post-processing device 40 is provided with a control device 54 configured by a CPU or the like and controlling each unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 54 includes a transport unit 51, a discharge unit 47, an input unit 531, a display unit 532, an elevating unit 42, and a counting unit that counts the number of copies P <b> 1 carried in from the image forming apparatus 2. 55, a serial communication unit 56 connected to the image forming apparatus 2, a serial communication unit 57 for connecting to the second post-processing device 40 when arranging a plurality of post-processing devices 40, a control program and various data A storage unit 58 for storage and a front door lock unit 60 for setting or releasing the lock provided at the paper outlet of the stacking unit 41 are electrically connected.

  In addition to these, the drive unit of the post-processing device 40 is connected to the control device 54. The control device 54 controls each unit according to the control of the control device 35 of the image forming apparatus 2 and the control program stored in the storage unit 58.

  Note that a plurality of post-processing devices 40 can be connected in series. When two post-processing devices 40 are connected, the first post-processing device 40 connected to the first post-processing device 40 connected to the image forming device 2 is connected to the carry-in port 48 of the second post-processing device 40. A carry-out port 49 of the post-processing device 40 is connected. As a result, the transfer path 502 of the first post-processing apparatus 40 and the stacking path 501 of the second post-processing apparatus 40 are connected. For this reason, the copy P1 loaded on the stacking unit 41 of the second post-processing device 40 includes the transport path 502 of the first post-processing device 40 and the stacking path 501 of the second post-processing device 40. Is passed through the first post-processing device 40.

  When the third post-processing device is arranged, the carry-out port 49 of the second post-processing device 40 and the serial communication unit 57 are connected to the carry-in port 48 and the serial of the third post-processing device 40. A communication unit 56 is connected. Similarly, a plurality of post-processing devices 40 can be connected.

Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 in the present embodiment will be described.
When a document is placed on the document placing table 5, a setting input such as the number of copies is performed from the operation unit 34, and an image formation instruction (copy start or the like) is input, the control device 35 performs a rear operation through the main body serial communication unit 39. An instruction to start an image forming job is transmitted to the control device 54 of the processing device 40, and each part of the automatic document feeder 4 is controlled so that each document placed on the document placing table 5 is read one by one. To transport. Then, the image reading unit 3 reads the image of the document, acquires the image data of the document, detects the number of copies per page from the number of pages of the image data, and inputs the number of output copies and the detected per copy Is output to the control device 54 of the post-processing device 40 through the main body serial communication unit 39.

  In addition, the control device 35 selects the paper storage units 21 and 22 for which the detection result of the presence / absence detection unit 25 is “present”, and the sending units 23 and 24 of the selected paper storage units 21 and 22 and The transport unit 30 is controlled to pass the paper transport path 231 and transport the paper P to the image forming unit 29.

  When the paper P is conveyed to the image forming unit 29, the control device 35 controls the image forming unit 29 so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 291 is uniformly charged by the charging unit 292 and the exposure unit 293 performs image exposure. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed based on the image data read by the image reading unit 3, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 294 to form a toner image.

  Then, when the toner image passes above the conveyance path, the control device 35 conveys the sheet P at a timing when the sheet P is conveyed below the photosensitive drum 291, and the transfer unit 295 transfers the toner image to the sheet. The image is transferred to P and fixed by the fixing unit 296. Then, the control device 35 causes the copy P1 after the image formation to pass through the common conveyance path 32 and is discharged from the discharge port 31. Thereafter, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 291 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 297 to prepare for the next image formation.

  The copy P1 passes through the common conveyance path 32 to the discharge port 31, enters the carry-in port 48 of the post-processing device 40, and is copied to the post-processing device 40 by the carry-in detection unit 59 provided near the carry-in port 48. Is detected, the control device 54 increments the count value of the count unit 55 by one, and according to the input instruction from the operation unit 53, the job information from the image forming apparatus 2, and the count value of the count unit 55. Then, the copy P1 is conveyed to the stacking unit 41 or the discharge unit 47.

  Here, in the post-processing device 40, the copy P1 is transported to and loaded on the stacking unit 41. During the stacking operation, the front door is locked with the front door closed by the front door locking unit 60 to prevent mechanical hazards. Thus, the operator cannot pick up the paper stacked on the stacking unit 41 and check the finished state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 54 is a finish confirmation instruction button for inputting instruction information for instructing the execution of confirmation output for confirming the finish of the image formed by the operator during execution of the image forming job. Is displayed on the display unit 532 of the operation unit 53, and when the operator presses the finish confirmation instruction button via the input unit 531, the copy unit P1 is controlled so that the operator can pick up the copy P1 by controlling the transport unit 51. The unit is discharged by the discharge unit 47. As a result, the operator can check the finished state of the image formed image at any time during the execution of the image forming job.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a conveyance control process executed in the control device 54 when an instruction to start an image forming job is issued from the image forming apparatus 2 via the serial communication unit 56. This process is a process realized by a software process in cooperation with the control device 54 and the transport control program stored in the storage unit 58.

  First, the control device 54 receives job information including the number of output copies and the number of copies per copy from the control device 35 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the serial communication unit 56 (step S1). Further, the control device 54 causes the front door lock unit 60 to lock the front door (step S2), and causes the display unit 532 of the operation unit 53 to display a finish confirmation instruction button as an instruction input unit (step S3).

  Next, the control device 54 determines whether or not a finish confirmation instruction button has been pressed from the input unit 531, and when instruction information for instructing execution of confirmation output is input by pressing the finish confirmation instruction button ( (Step S4; YES), the confirmation flag is set to ON (Step S5), and the process proceeds to Step S6. If the finish confirmation instruction button is not pressed (step S4; NO), the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, when the carry-in detection unit 59 detects that the copy P1 is carried into the post-processing device 40 (step S6; YES), the control device 54 increases the count value of the count unit 55 by 1 (step S7). Based on the job information from the image forming apparatus 2 and the count value of the count unit 55, it is determined whether or not the loaded copy P1 is the first sheet of the copy (step S8). When the carried-in copy P1 is not the first sheet of the copy (step S8; NO), the process proceeds to step S13.

  When the carried-in copy P1 is the first sheet of the copy (step S8; YES), the control device 54 refers to the confirmation flag, and when the confirmation flag is ON (step S9; YES), the discharge flag is set to ON. It is set (step S10), and the confirmation flag is reset to OFF (step S11). If the confirmation flag is OFF (step S9; NO), the discharge flag is set to OFF (step S12), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S <b> 13, the control device 54 refers to the discharge flag, and when the discharge flag is set to ON (step S <b> 13; YES), the control device 54 controls the transport unit 51 and enters from the carry-in port 48. The copy P1 is conveyed to the discharge unit 47 via the sub route 503, and the copy P1 is discharged to the discharge unit 47 (step S14). On the other hand, when the discharge flag is set to OFF (step S13; NO), the control device 54 controls the transport unit 51 to load the copy P1 that has entered from the carry-in port 48 via the stacking path 501. Then, the copy P1 is stacked (step S15).

  When a plurality of post-processing devices 40 are connected, when the copy P1 loaded on the stacking unit 41 reaches a predetermined amount (for example, a predetermined number), the copy P1 to be transported to the stacking unit 41 is transported. The conveyance unit 51 is controlled so that the destination is the carry-out port 49, and a conveyance instruction is output to the stacking unit 41 via the serial communication unit 57 so that the sheet is conveyed to the stacking unit 41. The copy P1 that has entered from the carry-in port 48 is caused to enter the carry-in port 48 of the next post-processing device 40 via the carry-out path 502.

  After the carried-in copy P1 is conveyed, the control device 54 determines whether or not the image forming job is finished based on an instruction from the control device 35. If the image forming job is not finished (step S16), the control device 54 proceeds to step S4. Returning to the process, the processes of steps S4 to S15 are repeatedly executed. When the image forming job is finished (step S16; YES), the count value of the count unit 55 is reset to 0 (step S17), the front door lock unit 60 is unlocked (step S18), and this processing is performed. Ends.

  As described above, according to the image forming system 1, when the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input during the execution of the image forming job, the post-processing device 40 has already formed the image in the image forming device 2. The first copy P1 is discharged to the discharge unit 47 one part from the first sheet as a section separator.

  Therefore, the operator can check the finished state of the image formation at any time without interrupting the operation during the execution of the image forming job. Further, since the copy P1 is discharged from the discharge unit 47 in units of copies, some pages constituting the copy are discharged from the discharge unit, and one set is not prepared in the stacking unit 41, and there is a missing page. It is possible to discharge for confirmation of the finish without causing a problem such as a mixture of things.

  Note that the description in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the image forming system 1 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming job is described as a job for reading an image of a document, forming an image on a sheet, and outputting the image. However, in the image forming system 1, the image forming job is formed via the network communication unit 37. When an external host device is connected to the apparatus 2, the present invention can be applied to a job for printing out image data transmitted from the external host device.

  The instruction input unit for inputting the instruction information for executing the confirmation output for confirming the finished state of the copy P1 is provided in the operation unit 53 of the post-processing device 40. When the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input from the operation unit 34, the instruction information for instructing the execution of the confirmation output is transmitted from the control device 35 to the control device 54. It is good as well. Further, the external host device includes an instruction input unit, and when a confirmation output instruction is transmitted from the external host device to the control device 35 via the network communication unit 37, the confirmation output is transmitted from the control device 35 to the control device 54. Instruction information for instructing execution may be transmitted.

  In addition, when inputting instruction information for instructing execution of confirmation output in the instruction input unit, the operator can selectively input whether or not to include the copy P1 discharged from the discharge unit 47 in the total number of outputs of the image forming job. The control device 54 may output execution instruction information for the number of times of image formation corresponding to the input content to the control device 35 of the image forming apparatus 2 via the serial communication unit 56. As a result, it becomes possible for the operator to set whether or not to include the image-formed paper discharged from the discharge unit 47 in the total number of outputs, thereby improving usability.

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that discharge for finishing confirmation, that is, confirmation output is performed in accordance with an operator's instruction at an arbitrary timing during execution of an image forming job. The instruction input unit is configured to be able to set instruction information on whether or not to discharge as paper for use, and the control unit 54 controls to discharge the paper on which an image has been formed from the discharge unit 47 when the set unit is reached. It may be. In addition, the instruction information for instructing the confirmation output for each specified part (N parts (N is a positive integer)) can be set from the instruction input part, and the sheet on which the image is formed is controlled by the control device 54. May be discharged from the discharge portion 47 for each specified portion. As a result, the operator can easily check the finished state of the image at a specified number of copies.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the image forming system 1 and each of the devices constituting the image forming system 1 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the high-speed image forming system SY in the second embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the high-speed image forming system SY includes an image forming apparatus GS, a sheet supply apparatus SP, and copy stackers ST1 and ST2.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus GS.

  The image forming apparatus GS is a color image forming apparatus, and includes an automatic document feeder ADF at the top as shown in the figure.

  The documents D placed on the document placement table 101 of the automatic document feeder ADF are separated one by one, sent to the document conveyance path, and conveyed by the conveyance drum 102. The document image of the document D being conveyed is read by the document reading unit 110 at the document image reading position RP. The document D that has been read is discharged to the document discharge table 107 by the first conveyance guide G 1 and the document discharge roller 105.

  When reading the document image on the back side of the document D, the document D that has been scanned on the front surface (first surface) is guided to the document reversing roller 106 by the first conveyance guide G1, and the rear end portion of the document D is sandwiched. The document reversing roller 106 that reverses the document is again sent to the document conveyance path via the first conveyance guide G1 and the second conveyance guide G2. The reverse surface (second surface) of the document D sent out in reverse is read in the same manner as the front surface (first surface) and then discharged onto the document discharge table 107.

  The image forming apparatus GS includes an original reading unit 110, image writing units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K, image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, an image transfer unit 140, a fixing unit 150, a reverse discharge unit 160, and a refeed. A paper unit 170, an operation display unit 190, a control unit C1, and the like are included.

  The document image is irradiated by the lamp L at the document reading position RP, and the reflected light is guided by the first mirror unit 111, the second mirror unit 112, and the lens 113 and formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor CCD. The image signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor CCD is subjected to processing such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression in the image reading control unit 114, and is stored as document image data in the memory M1 of the control unit C1.

  The original image data stored in the memory M1 is subjected to predetermined image processing according to a user designation or a set condition to generate output image data.

  Based on the output image data, photosensitive elements that are constituent elements of the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K by the laser beam of the image writing units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K including a laser light source, a polygon mirror, and a plurality of lenses. The surfaces of the bodies 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are scanned, and latent images are formed on the photoreceptors 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K.

  Around the photoreceptor 31Y, a charging unit 32Y, a developing unit 33Y, a first transfer roller 34Y, and a cleaning unit 35Y are arranged. The same applies to the photoconductors 31M, 31C, and 31K. These structures are made up of known techniques employed in electrophotographic color image forming apparatuses.

  The latent images on the photoconductors 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are developed by the corresponding developing units 33Y, 33M, 33C, and 33K, and toner images are formed on the photoconductors. The toner images formed on the photoreceptors 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are sequentially transferred to predetermined positions on the transfer belt 141 by the first transfer rollers 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34K of the image transfer unit 140.

  The toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 141 of the image transfer unit 140 is a sheet that is a recording member that is fed from the sheet feeding device SP and fed by the sheet feeding roller 81 at the timing of sheet feeding. Transferred to P by the second transfer roller 142.

  After the transfer of the toner image onto the paper P, the surface of the transfer belt 141 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 143 and used for the next image transfer.

  On the other hand, the paper P carrying the toner image is sent to the fixing unit 150 and is heated by pressure by the opposing pressure roller and heating roller, whereby the toner image is fixed on the paper P.

  The paper P that has undergone the fixing process by the fixing unit 150 is conveyed by the paper discharge unit 6 having the paper discharge roller 61 and is sent to the copy stacker ST1.

  When the paper P is reversed and discharged, the direction of the paper P is changed by the sorting guide 64 and guided to the reverse rollers 62 and 63. Subsequently, the rear end portion of the paper P is once held by the reversing roller 62, and then reversely rotated, guided to the paper discharge roller 61 by the sorting guide 64, and sent to the copy stacker ST1.

  When image formation is also performed on the back side of the paper P, the paper P on which the front surface image has been fixed is transported to the re-feeding means 170 below by the sorting guide 64 and is then backed by the re-feeding reverse roller 71. After sandwiching the end portion, the paper P is reversed by reverse feeding and sent to the refeed conveyance path 72 to be used for image formation on the back surface.

  The operation display unit 190 is provided above the image forming apparatus GS, and includes a touch panel and a plurality of switches provided below the touch panel. Such an operation display unit is widely known as a means for displaying an image and inputting various information. For example, the operation display unit 190 is an instruction input unit that inputs instruction information related to a confirmation output (output of a trial copy) for confirming the finished state of an image during job execution, and setting or changing a job including an image finish condition Functioning as a setting unit for performing the operation, and a resuming instruction unit for inputting instruction information for resuming the job that has been suspended due to the transition to the trial copy mode.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the paper supply device SP.

  The paper supply device SP is a large-capacity paper supply device, and is an apparatus composed of a known technique.

  Several thousand sheets can be placed on the sheet tray 200. The uppermost surface of the placed paper P is always at a certain height position by the paper tray 200 being controlled to be raised and lowered based on a signal from the upper surface detection sensor 201. The uppermost sheet P is sequentially sent to the transport path 203 by the feed roller 202 one by one, and is transported in the direction a toward the image forming apparatus GS.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of the copy stackers ST1 and ST2. Since the copy stackers ST1 and ST2 have the same structure and can be connected to a plurality of units, the description will be made with the copy stacker ST1 as a representative.

  The copy stacker ST1 is fed from the direction of the arrow b by sequentially placing the image-formed paper P (referred to as the copy P1) that has been formed and discharged by the image forming apparatus GS and sent from the direction of the arrow b. A large capacity stacker for stacking copies P1, and a first discharge tray 210 for placing a large number of copies P1 and a second discharge for placing a small amount of copies P1 provided on the upper surface of the copy stacker ST1. It is an apparatus made of a known technique having a paper tray 211.

  The copy path of the copy P1 sent from the direction of the arrow b is switched by a transfer path switching unit 214 composed of a plurality of movable guides and rollers (not shown) according to the instruction information sent from the image forming apparatus GS. It is conveyed in the direction of any one of arrows c, d, or e.

  The copy P1 proceeding in the direction of the arrow c is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 211 as a discharge unit and is sequentially placed. The second discharge tray 211 is a small-capacity discharge tray and is disposed on the upper surface of the copy stacker ST1, so that the placed copy P1 can be picked up by the operator. When the copy P1 is ejected face up, the image quality can be easily confirmed.

  The copy P1 that has advanced in the direction of the arrow d is sent to the copy stacker ST2.

  The copy P1 proceeding in the direction of the arrow e is discharged to the first paper discharge tray 210 and sequentially placed. The first paper discharge tray 210 is a large-capacity paper discharge tray as a stacking unit on which the copies P1 are stacked, and can be stacked by sequentially placing several thousand copies P1. The copy stackers ST1 and ST2 have a structure in which the copy P1 loaded on the first paper discharge tray 210 and the outside are shielded during the stacking operation on the first paper discharge tray 210.

  The uppermost surface of the placed copy P1 is maintained at a substantially constant height position by the first paper discharge tray 210 being raised and lowered based on the detection information of the upper surface detection sensor 213.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the control relationship of the high-speed image forming system SY.

  The control unit C1 in the image forming apparatus GS is a computer system having a CPU, a memory M1, an I / O port, a communication interface, and a circuit for driving and controlling each unit. The control unit C2 in the automatic document feeder ADF, the control unit C3 in the paper supply device SP, and the control units C4 and C5 in the copy stackers ST1 and ST2 are similar computer systems although they are small in scale.

  Control by the control unit C1 is performed by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory M1. The control unit C1 and the control units C2, C3, C4, and C5 are connected by serial communication units T2, T3, T4, and T5. The image forming apparatus GS can be connected to other image forming apparatuses or information processing devices, and the control unit C1 exchanges information with other image forming apparatuses or information processing devices via the communication unit T1. I do.

  In the drawing, description of blocks that are not directly related to the description of the present invention is omitted. Although not shown, the control unit C1 is connected to, for example, sensors SE1 to SE4 shown in FIG. 6, and based on detection information from these sensors, the number of copies, the number of copies, and the number of pages in the job. Control etc.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of trial copy processing in the high-speed image forming system SY.

  According to the conditions set for the job, the high-speed image forming system SY interrupts the job prior to or during the execution of the job in the copy job mode for creating a copy and the job in the copy job mode. A test copy job mode for inputting a correction condition for correcting the finishing condition set in the copy job mode and creating a test copy under the corrected condition. Note that the job executed in the copy job mode in the high-speed image forming system SY indicates that a plurality of sheets are continuously copied and the copies P1 are sequentially stacked on the first paper discharge tray 210.

  When instruction information for shifting to the trial copy job mode is input from the operation display unit 190 while the copy P1 is being created in the copy job mode (step S21: YES), the image forming apparatus GS The mode switching information is sent from the control unit C1 to the control unit C4 of the copy stacker ST1, and the control unit C4 sets the last page of the part being created by the job being executed as one of the job setting conditions. Then, the sheet is discharged to the specified predetermined tray (first discharge tray 210) (step S22), and the first page of the next set is set as one of the setting conditions for the trial copy mode, and the specified copy The conveyance path switching unit 214 is controlled to be discharged to the second discharge tray 211 of the stacker ST1 (step S23). The job being executed discharges a trial copy of a preset number of copies or the number of sheets (usually one or one) on the second discharge tray 211 (step S24: YES), and enters a pause state (step S24: YES). Step S25).

  The copy operation manager (operator) checks the image quality of a predetermined number of copies discharged to the second discharge tray 211 to confirm the copy finish state, and the setting conditions set for the interrupted job To determine whether it is necessary to change.

  If it is necessary to change the setting conditions (step S26: YES), the operation display unit 190 displaying corresponding to the trial copy mode is used to change the setting of the suspended job. A correction amount is input (step S27). Note that a new condition may be set instead of inputting the correction amount.

  The copy work manager who has finished inputting the correction amount and the number of copies of the test copy to be created or the number of copies inputs the instruction information for starting the test copy from the operation display unit 190 in order to create a test copy under the corrected conditions. (Step S28).

  When the preset number of copies or the number of trial copies are discharged to the second discharge tray 211 (step S29: YES), the mechanical operation of the system is stopped (step S30).

  The copy work manager checks the image quality of the trial copy discharged to the second discharge tray 211 to confirm the finished state of the copy, and determines whether further correction is necessary (step S26). . If further correction is necessary (step S26: YES), the processing of steps S27 to S30 described above is repeated. If no further correction is necessary (step S26: NO), the created trial is performed. It is determined whether or not the copy is included in the number of copies to be created or the number of copies set in the interrupted job, and instruction information is input from the operation display unit 190 that outputs a display prompting input of the determination result. (Step S31).

  If a trial copy is to be included (step S31: YES), the number of copies or the number of copies is input from the operation display unit 190 that outputs a display prompting input of the number of copies to be included or the number of copies (step S32), and interrupted. Instruction information for resuming the job being executed is input from the operation display unit 190 (step S33). If the trial copy is not included (step S31: NO), instruction information for restarting the interrupted job is skipped from the operation display unit 190 by skipping the input of the number of copies to be included or the number of copies (step S32). Input (step S33).

  When the suspended job is resumed, the control unit C4 of the copy stacker ST1 that has received the resume information from the control unit C1 causes the copy P1 created by the resumed job to be discharged in the suspended job. The transport path switching unit 214 is switched so that the paper is discharged to the first paper discharge tray 210 which is the tray set as (step S34).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a trial copy process in which there are two types of instruction information for shifting to the trial copy mode.

  The flowchart shown in the figure is obtained by replacing step S21 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 with steps S200 and S201, and the other steps are the same as those shown in FIG.

  When the instruction information for shifting to the trial copy mode is input by the operation display unit 190 (step S200: YES), the process proceeds to step S22 in the flowchart of FIG. 10 and the already described processing is performed. Even if the instruction information for shifting to the trial copy mode is not input by the operation display unit 190 (step S200: NO), the number of copies or the number of copies P1 created by executing the job is the trial copy from the copy job mode. When the number of copies or the number of copies set in advance for shifting to the mode is reached, the mode automatically shifts to the trial copy mode (step S201: YES).

  By such processing, the copy manager can check the image quality of the copy P1 created every time the copy P1 is made a predetermined number of copies or the number of copies. Regardless, the image quality can be confirmed at the timing deemed necessary.

  As described above, in this description, the expression “copy” is used, but the same effect can be obtained by replacing this expression with “print output”.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
The configuration of each device (image forming device GS, paper supply device SP, copy stacker ST1, ST2) constituting the image forming system (high-speed image forming system SY) in the third embodiment is shown in FIGS. Since it is substantially the same as described, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a control relationship in the high-speed image forming system SY of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the high-speed image forming system SY of the third embodiment, the control unit C1 has a humidity that is provided at a predetermined position inside the image forming apparatus GS and measures the humidity inside the image forming apparatus GS. A sensor SE is connected.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the confirmation copy output control process executed under the control of the control unit C1 of the high-speed image forming system SY of this embodiment. The process is a process executed when a confirmation copy output setting button displayed on the screen is pressed from a basic screen (not shown) of the operation display unit 190 and confirmation copy output setting is instructed. Note that the job in the high-speed image forming system SY of the present embodiment means that a plurality of sheets are continuously copied and sequentially stacked on the first paper discharge tray 210. The confirmation copy refers to a copy that is output to confirm the finished state of the image being executed.

  First, the control unit C1 performs confirmation copy output setting according to the input from the operation display unit 190 (step S41). For example, in response to pressing of the confirmation copy output button from the operation display unit 190, an instruction regarding confirmation output (confirmation copy output) for confirming the finished state of the image being executed on the screen of the operation display unit 190 Screens for inputting information (for example, confirmation output setting screen 191 and confirmation copy output detailed setting screen 192) are displayed, and instruction information input from these screens is set as confirmation copy output information.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of the confirmation copy output setting screen 191, and FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating an example of the confirmation copy output detail setting screen 192. On the confirmation copy output setting screen 191, as shown in FIG. 14A, a “Yes” button for instructing to perform confirmation copy output during the job, and an instruction not to perform confirmation copy output during the job A “No” button is displayed to do this. When the “Yes” button is pressed from the confirmation copy output setting screen 191, a confirmation copy output detailed setting screen 192 is displayed. The confirmation copy output detail setting screen 192 is a screen for inputting various detailed instruction information such as confirmation copy output conditions as shown in FIG. For example, when it is desired to output a confirmation copy every time a specified number of copies P1 are created by a job, an input field for inputting the specified number of copies (how many copies are to be output), an environment in the image forming apparatus GS ( For example, a selection button for selecting whether to output a confirmation copy (environmental change output) when the change amount of humidity exceeds a predetermined change amount (for example, 20%), after confirmation copy output , Select button to select whether or not to suspend the job, select button to select whether to change the finishing condition setting after suspending the job, and allow arbitrary output of confirmation copy during job A selection button or the like for selecting whether or not to perform is displayed. The instruction information instructed by the input to the input field and selection of each selection button is output to the control unit C1, and is set as confirmation copy output information by the control unit C1. Note that if 0 is set as the specified number of copies on the confirmation copy output detailed setting screen 192, it can be instructed not to output for each specified portion.

  After the confirmation copy output setting, when a job start (copy start) instruction is input by the operation display unit 190 (step S42), the control unit C1 notifies the job start to C2 to C5, and controls each unit to execute the job. Is started (step S43). Next, the control unit C1 refers to the confirmation copy output information to determine whether or not the environment change output is set. If the control unit C1 determines that the environment change output is set (step S44; YES), Here, it is determined whether or not (humidity) has exceeded a preset change amount (here, 20%). If it is determined that the environment has exceeded a preset change amount (step S45; YES), step S51 is performed. Transition to processing. When it is determined in step S44 that the environment change output is not set (step S44; NO), or when it is determined in step S45 that the environment change amount is equal to or less than a preset change amount (step S45; NO), the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the control unit C1 refers to the confirmation copy output information, determines whether or not confirmation copy output for each specified number of copies is set, and determines that it is set (step S46; YES). Whether or not it is the output timing of the confirmation copy for each specified number of copies, that is, whether or not a predetermined number of copies P1 have been created after the start of the job or after discharging the copy P1 to the second discharge tray 211 last time If it is determined that the specified number of copies P1 have been created (step S47; YES), the process proceeds to step S51. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that the confirmation copy output for each specified section is not set, or in step S47, after the start of the job or the previous discharge of the copy P1 to the second discharge tray 211, it is still set in advance. If it is determined that the specified number of copies P1 have not been created (step S47; NO), the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S48, the control unit C1 refers to the confirmation copy output information, determines whether or not the arbitrary output of the confirmation copy is set to be valid, and determines that it is set to be valid (step S48; YES), it is determined whether or not a confirmation switch provided on the operation display unit 190 and instructing to output a confirmation copy during job execution has been pressed. If it is determined that the confirmation switch has been pressed (step S49; YES), The process proceeds to step S51. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S48 that the arbitrary output is set to be invalid, or if it is determined in step S49 that the confirmation switch has not been pressed (step S49; NO), whether or not the job has ended. If the job has not ended (step S50; NO), the process returns to step S44. When the job is finished (step S50; YES), the process is finished.

  In step S51, the control unit C1 transmits the conveyance path switching information to the control unit C4, switches the conveyance path under the control of the conveyance path switching unit 214 by the control unit C4, and the image-formed copy P1 is set in advance. The number of sheets (usually part or one sheet) is discharged to the second discharge tray 211 (step S51). As a result, a confirmation copy is output. Note that after the preset number of copies P1 are discharged to the second discharge tray 211, the transport path is returned to the original position.

  Next, the control unit C1 refers to the confirmation copy output information, determines whether or not the job is interrupted after the confirmation copy is output, and determines that the job is not set (step S52; NO). The process returns to step S44. If it is determined that the job is set to be temporarily stopped after the confirmation copy is output (step S52; YES), the control unit C1 controls each unit and interrupts the job being executed (step S53). Next, the control unit C1 refers to the confirmation copy output information, determines whether or not the setting change of the finishing condition is permitted, and when not permitted (step S54; NO). The process proceeds to step S58. When an instruction to permit setting change of the finishing condition is set (step S54; YES), a finishing condition setting change (correction) screen is displayed on the operation display unit 190 (step S55). When a change in condition setting is input (step S56; YES), each part is controlled to discharge a copy for correction confirmation from the second paper discharge tray 211 (step S57), and the process returns to step S56. In step S56, an instruction not to change the setting of the finishing condition is input from the operation display unit 190 (step S56; NO), and further, instruction information for instructing job resumption is input from the operation display unit 190 (step S58; YES), the process returns to step S43 to resume the temporarily stopped job. In step S58, when an instruction not to resume the job is input from the operation display unit 190 (step S58; NO), the process ends.

  As described above, according to the high-speed image forming system SY in the third embodiment, the confirmation copy output setting screen 191 and the confirmation copy output detailed setting screen 192 are displayed before the job starts, and the confirmation copy output condition ( Whether to output for each specified part or when the environment changes), whether to allow arbitrary output during job execution, whether to pause the job after confirming copy output, and change the finish condition settings It is possible to input instruction information such as whether to permit or not, and a confirmation copy output during job execution is performed according to the input instruction information.

  Accordingly, it is possible for the operator to freely customize the output conditions of the confirmation copy during the job execution, so that the operator can periodically check the finished state of the image for each specified number of copies desired, or the inside of the image forming apparatus GS. It is possible to confirm the finished state of the image when there is a change in the environment, or to confirm the finished state during job execution. In addition, if necessary, after the confirmation copy is output, the job can be paused or the finishing condition can be changed.

The description content in the third embodiment is a preferred example of the high-speed image forming system SY according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in the above embodiment, the operation display unit 190 can set how many copies of the confirmation copy are output during the job as the confirmation copy output condition. Whenever the set number of copies are made during job execution, the control unit C1 transmits the conveyance path switching information to the control unit C4, and copies the copy P1 to the second paper discharge tray 211. You may make it discharge | emit to. You can also set the number of copies created in the job as a confirmation copy, the number of pages in each copy of the confirmation copy as a confirmation copy, and the number of copies of the total number of copies to be output as a confirmation copy. The control unit C1 transmits the transfer path switching information to the control unit C4 when the number of copies, pages, and the number of copies created by the job is set, and copies the copy P1 to the second paper discharge tray. You may make it discharge | emit to 211.

  In the above-described embodiment, the copy stackers ST1 and ST2 have two discharge trays, and the confirmation copy is discharged from the second discharge tray 211. However, when there are a plurality of discharge trays, The destination may be set.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the change of humidity was demonstrated to the example as an environmental change, it is not limited to this, For example, you may use other variation | change_quantity, such as a temperature change. Also, the operator may be able to set the amount of change in the environment that is the confirmation copy output condition when the confirmation copy output is set.

  Further, when setting the confirmation copy output, the operator may be able to select and input whether or not the copy P1 discharged from the second paper discharge tray 211 is included in the total number of outputs of the image forming job.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the high-speed image forming system SY can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main control configuration of the image forming system 1 in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the principal part structure of the post-processing apparatus 40 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a conveyance control process executed by the control device 54 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the high-speed image formation system SY in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus GS of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the paper supply device SP of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the copy stackers ST1 and ST2 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control relationship of the high-speed image formation system SY in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a trial copy process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the trial copy process which has 2 types of instruction information to transfer to trial copy mode. It is a block diagram which shows the control relationship of the high-speed image forming system SY. It is a flowchart which shows a confirmation copy output control process. FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation copy output setting screen 191, and FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation copy output detail setting screen 192.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 2 Image forming apparatus 3 Image reading part 4 Automatic document feeding part 21, 22 Paper accommodating part 23, 24 Sending part 29 Image forming part 30 Conveying part 34 Operation part 35 Control apparatus 36 Count part 37 Network communication part 38 Memory | storage Unit 39 body serial communication unit 40 post-processing device 41 stacking unit 47 discharge unit 51 transport unit 53 operation unit 54 control unit 55 count unit 56, 57 serial communication unit 58 storage unit 59 carry-in detection unit 190 operation display unit 210 first paper discharge Tray 211 Second discharge tray 214 Conveyance path switching unit SY High-speed image forming system C1, C2, C3, C4 Control unit P Paper P1 Copy GS Image forming device SP Paper supply device ST1, ST2

Claims (19)

An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording member;
A stacking unit for stacking a plurality of image-formed recording members discharged continuously from the image forming unit;
An instruction input unit for inputting instruction information regarding a confirmation output for an operator to confirm a finished state of an image formed on the image-formed recording member;
A discharge unit from which the image-formed recording member discharged from the image forming unit is discharged so that the operator can take it;
During execution of an image forming job including a stacking operation of the recording member on which the image has been formed on the stacking unit, a part of the plurality of recording members on which the image has been formed in accordance with instruction information input from the instruction input unit A control unit for discharging the gas to the discharge unit;
An image forming system comprising:   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming recording member loaded on the stacking unit and the outside are blocked from each other during the operation of the stacking unit. The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output during execution of the image forming job,
The control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit when instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output from the instruction input unit is input during execution of the image forming job. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.   When the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input from the instruction input unit during execution of the image forming job, the control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit in units of copies. The image forming system according to claim 3.   When the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input from the instruction input unit during execution of the image forming job, the control unit stores a predetermined number of copies or a predetermined number of the image-formed recording members. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image forming system is discharged to a discharge unit.   The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output during execution of the image forming job or instruction information for instructing an output condition of the confirmation output. When the instruction information for instructing execution of the confirmation output is input from the instruction input unit during execution of the image forming job, or based on the instruction information for instructing the output condition, the recording member on which the image has been formed The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is discharged to the discharge unit. The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing an output condition of the confirmation output,
The control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit when an output condition preliminarily input by the instruction input unit is satisfied during execution of the image forming job. Item 3. The image forming system according to Item 1 or 2. The instruction input unit can input, as the output condition for the confirmation output, the number of copies or the number of copies indicating the number of copies or the number of sheets on which the image formed recording member is confirmed and output during the image forming job. And
The control unit discharges the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit every time the number of sheets or the number of image-formed recording members previously input from the instruction input unit in the image forming job is created. The image forming system according to claim 7. The instruction input unit indicates, as an output condition for the confirmation output, the number of copies, the number of sheets created by the image forming job, or the number of pages of the image-formed recording member of each unit to be confirmed and output. You can enter the number of copies, the number of copies, or the number of pages.
In the image forming job, the control unit is configured to output the image when an image-formed recording member created by the image forming unit reaches the number of copies, the number of sheets, or the number of pages input in advance from the instruction input unit. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the formed recording member is discharged to the discharge unit. The instruction input unit instructs, as the output condition of the confirmation output, whether to perform the confirmation output when an environmental change amount in the image forming unit during execution of the image forming job exceeds a predetermined change amount. Can be entered,
When the instruction to perform the confirmation output is input in advance when the environmental change amount in the image forming unit during execution of the image forming job exceeds a predetermined change amount by the instruction input unit, 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein when the environmental change in the image forming unit during execution of an image forming job exceeds a predetermined change amount, the recording member on which the image has been formed is discharged to the discharge unit. .   11. The control unit interrupts an ongoing image forming job after discharging the number of image-formed recording members to be discharged to the discharge unit to the discharge unit. The image forming system according to one item. The instruction information input from the instruction input unit includes instruction information for instructing whether to interrupt or continue the image forming job being executed after discharging the image-formed recording member to the discharge unit,
The control unit removes the image-formed recording member after the image-formed recording member has been discharged to the discharge unit and an instruction to interrupt an image forming job being executed is input in advance. The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the image forming job being executed is interrupted after being discharged. A setting unit for setting image finishing conditions in the image forming job;
The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit accepts a setting change of a finishing condition by the setting unit after interrupting the image forming job being executed.   When a setting change of a finishing condition is input by the setting unit, an image is formed on a recording member by the image forming unit under the changed finishing condition, and the recording member on which the image has been formed is discharged to the discharge unit. The image forming system according to claim 13. A resumption instruction unit for inputting instruction information for instructing resumption of the suspended image forming job;
The control unit resumes the interrupted image forming job when the restart instruction of the image forming job is input from the restart instructing unit, and the recording member having been formed with the image formed in the image forming unit is loaded. The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the image forming system is stacked on a portion. The instruction information input by the instruction input unit includes instruction information as to whether or not to include the recording member discharged to the discharge unit in a preset output total number,
The said control part controls the frequency | count of image formation with respect to the said image formation part according to the instruction information input from the said instruction input part, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming system.   17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the instruction information input by the instruction input unit includes instruction information on the number of copies or the number of sheets to include a recording member discharged to the discharge unit in a preset total number of outputs. system. In a post-processing apparatus having a stacking unit that is connected to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording member and stacks a plurality of image-formed recording members that are continuously discharged from the image forming apparatus
An instruction input unit for inputting instruction information regarding a confirmation output for an operator to confirm a finished state of an image formed on the image-formed recording member;
A discharge unit that discharges the image-formed recording member discharged from the image forming apparatus so that the operator can take it;
During execution of an image forming job including a stacking operation of the recording member on which the image has been formed on the stacking unit, according to instruction information from the instruction input unit, a part of the plurality of recording members on which the image has been formed A control unit for discharging to the discharge unit;
A post-processing device comprising:   19. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the post-processing apparatus has a structure in which the image-formed recording member stacked on the stacking unit is blocked from the outside during the operation of the stacking unit.

Images