JP2007065599A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To have a user recognize whether power source change is necessary or not due to change in action specification and to prompt the necessary change in the power source. <P>SOLUTION: When an operation to change from an office color C1 to an office color A1 is carried out, that information and combination data are transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1600 to a plan proposal server 131. The plan proposal server 131 refers to the combination data, searches a unit which can be attached in place of a presently attached unit, etc., in order to satisfy the specified specification as much as possible and change proposal data is composed by making specification change and whether the power source change is necessary or not is made into data and returned to the image forming apparatus 1600. Then, the change proposal data is displayed to an operating part 210 and the user can confirm its content. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system that mainly employs an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system, and more particularly to an image forming system having an image forming function, a paper transport function, and a control function.

  Conventionally, an image forming system including a color image forming apparatus is known. In the color image forming apparatus, for example, a plurality of image forming units are arranged. These image forming means irradiate a photosensitive drum as an image carrier with light from a light-emitting element such as a laser beam or an LED (light-emitting diode) that is light-modulated according to recorded information. The electrostatic latent image formed on the body drum is developed to transfer each color toner image onto a transfer sheet or intermediate transfer belt. Then, the transfer paper is sequentially transferred to the image forming means by the transfer material transfer belt, and the toner images of the respective colors are multiplex-transferred on the transfer paper, or after the toner images of the respective colors are transferred on the intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate images are transferred. A color image is formed by a method such as batch transfer of a multicolor toner image primarily transferred to a transfer belt onto transfer paper.

  There is also known a black and white image forming apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on one photosensitive drum and transfers a black toner image onto a transfer sheet.

  Further, these image forming apparatuses are also known which have a copy function in which a document reading device is connected and document image information is sent from the document reading device to the image forming device to perform a copy operation of the document image. Yes.

  A configuration is also known in which a paper feeding device that supplies transfer paper can be connected to the image forming apparatus. In other words, there is also known an apparatus configuration in which an image forming apparatus is arranged on an upper part of a paper feeding apparatus configured to be separable from the image forming apparatus, and an image is formed on transfer paper fed from the paper feeding apparatus. ing.

  For example, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, a plurality of paper feed units that also serve as a base of the image forming apparatus are stacked so as to be replaceable and conveyed from the paper feed unit group to the bottom surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus. There is also known an image forming apparatus provided with an opening for taking in a sheet. As a result, various variations of the apparatus configuration such as a paper feed unit are possible.

  There is also known an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a post-processing device called a finisher that sorts transfer sheets after printing by the image forming apparatus one by one or staples one copy at a time. . Such an image forming apparatus and various accessories connectable to the image forming apparatus can operate so that a series of printing operations and post-processing operations are performed in cooperation.

  Further, there are document reading apparatuses having various reading resolutions such as 400 dpi (dot per inch) and 600 dpi. A full-color image forming apparatus generally has a full-color CCD sensor that converts a read document image into a full-color image signal. Many monochrome image forming apparatuses have a monochrome reading CCD sensor that converts a black image signal.

  Even in the case of a monochrome image forming apparatus, the original reading apparatus has a full-color CCD sensor, and some products have a function of converting an original image into a full-color image signal. In recent years, there are also products that provide a scanner function that transmits image information read by a document reading apparatus to a desired destination via a network or the like. Of course, some color image forming apparatuses have such a scanner function.

  As described above, an apparatus configuration has been proposed in which an image forming apparatus and another apparatus cooperate to provide a function that cannot be realized by the image forming apparatus alone.

  However, conventionally, the user has only been able to select a desired apparatus from the group of image forming apparatuses provided by the product provider (manufacturer). So, for example, after purchasing a black-and-white copy for the first time, even if the user's usage has changed, saying, “A color copy is also necessary”, the black-and-white copy will look exactly like a color copy. This means that it is necessary to change the purchase or to purchase a color copier, and the burden on the user is considerable. For example, even if it is desired to increase the copy speed, increase the number of compatible paper, or make the copy image more beautiful, the burden on the user is also quite large.

  Under such circumstances, various proposals have been made for an apparatus configuration in which a part of units constituting the image forming apparatus can be replaced. For example, an apparatus configuration has been proposed in which a double-sided conveyance unit can be newly incorporated in an image forming apparatus with respect to a standard specification image forming apparatus. In such an apparatus configuration, the function of the image forming apparatus itself can be changed to an apparatus configuration that matches the product specifications required by the user by configuring a part of the apparatus so that it can be attached and detached.

  Further, an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a controller arranged outside the apparatus or in which the controller can be incorporated in the apparatus has been proposed. In any configuration of the image forming apparatus, the controller is connected to a host computer via a network and has functions of transmitting and receiving information. The image forming apparatus and the controller may take the form of a printer or a copying machine with a printer function, or may take the form of a multifunction machine to which a document reading apparatus is connected.

  For example, the controller connected to the host computer receives the image information via the network, and transmits the received image information to the image forming apparatus, thereby performing a printing operation based on the document image information from the host computer.

  In such a situation, the user has selected an image forming apparatus that realizes the function, performance, usability, and the like desired by the user from various image forming apparatus groups. In addition, when the functions, performance, and the like that cannot be obtained only by the selected image forming apparatus are required, the above-described replaceable accessories, various apparatuses, various units, various controllers, a host computer, etc., and the image forming apparatus are combined. The apparatus configuration has been selected and changed so that desired functions and performance can be used in combination.

  As a prior application related to the above, there is an apparatus of Patent Document 3 below. However, this patent document 3 relates to a tool for determining a combination of parts that can be mounted and supporting sales to the last.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to perform various operations by performing a system operation in cooperation with subsystems such as the replaceable accessories and various units, and convenience for users is improved.

  However, in general, when a discharge accessory such as a finisher is connected, the operation of the finisher itself is determined in accordance with the print output operation mode of image formation of the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, it controls the operation of two or more subsystems combined with the base and operates a series of image output operations or a series of image information processing operations in parallel or independently. There has been no image forming apparatus having a wide range of developability.

By the way, in the image forming apparatus capable of selecting an apparatus configuration in which a replaceable accessory, various apparatuses, various units, and the like are combined as desired as described above, the user can select an operation specification related to image formation by selecting various units. It can be changed as desired.
Actual Noppei 2-29063 JP-A-11-292335 JP 2002-133216 A

  However, when various units or the like are exchanged so as to achieve the operation specifications desired by the user, the necessary power may exceed the power that can be supplied, and an appropriate operation may not be performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the user does not know how to change the power supply connection and the power supply configuration when changing the operation specifications. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to appropriately set the operation specifications in consideration of the power that can be supplied.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and a first object thereof is to allow a user to recognize whether or not a power supply needs to be changed by changing an operation specification, and to change a necessary power supply. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of prompting.

  A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of performing a processing operation with an appropriate specification within a range of power that can be supplied.

  In order to achieve the first object, an image forming system according to claim 1 of the present invention controls a plurality of detachable functional units and operations of the plurality of mounted functional units to form a series of image formations. Operation control means for performing processing operations relating to the above, spec collection means for collecting operation spec information relating to processing operations relating to the image formation of the plurality of detachable functional units, and specifications for inputting operation spec information desired by the user Based on the input means, the operation specification information collected by the specification collection means, and the operation specification information input by the specification input means, currently installed to satisfy the operation specification information input by the specification input means Unit search means for searching for a functional unit that can be installed instead of the functional unit that is installed, When the installed functional unit is replaced with the installable functional unit searched by the unit search means, a determination means for determining whether or not a power supply needs to be changed, and a power supply change by the determination means Display control means for displaying the fact on the display unit when it is determined that the display is necessary.

  In order to achieve the second object, an image forming system according to a third aspect of the present invention controls a plurality of functional units and operations of the plurality of functional units to perform processing operations related to a series of image formation. An operation control unit, and a power supply unit, wherein the operation control unit collects information on power necessary for the processing operation related to the image formation from the plurality of functional units before the start of the processing operation related to the image formation. In addition, information on the power that can be supplied is collected from the power supply unit, and further, the operation control means collects the information on the collected necessary power and the collected information when executing the processing operation relating to the image formation. The control mode of the processing operation relating to the image formation is adjusted based on information on power that can be supplied.

  In order to achieve the second object, an image forming system according to claim 5 of the present invention controls a plurality of functional units and operations of the plurality of functional units to perform processing operations related to a series of image formation. Information on the power that can be supplied from the power control unit, the power supply unit, the necessary power information collecting means for collecting power information necessary for the processing operation related to the image formation from the plurality of functional units, and the power supply unit. A supplyable power information collecting means for collecting; and an actual power measuring means for measuring the actual power supplied by the power supply unit when a processing operation relating to the image formation is performed, wherein the operation control means includes the necessary power Information on necessary power collected by the power information collecting means, information on suppliable power collected by the suppliable power information collecting means, and the actual power measuring means Based on the real power and that supply is more determined, and adjusting a control mode of the processing operations relating to the next image formation.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to allow the user to recognize whether or not the power supply needs to be changed by changing the operation specifications and to prompt the user to change the necessary power supply.

  According to the second aspect, it is possible to prompt the user to change an appropriate power supply standard according to the change of the operation specification.

  According to the third aspect, the processing operation can be performed with an appropriate specification within the range of power that can be supplied.

  According to the fourth aspect, safety can be ensured by the degeneration operation.

  According to the fifth aspect, the processing operation can be performed with an appropriate specification within the range of power that can be supplied.

  According to the sixth aspect, the processing operation can be performed with the maximum specification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the basic configuration and basic control operation of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. Will be explained.

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

  The image forming apparatus 1600 includes a printer engine 100, an image reading device 220, a document feeding device 230, a controller 200, an operation unit 210, and the like. The operation unit 210 is used by the user for instructing the print mode, the number of prints, and print conditions, and for maintenance work by a service person. When a print start key (not shown) of the operation unit 210 is pressed, a document image reading operation is started, and a desired device operation such as a printing operation of the printer engine 100 or transmission of a document image is started.

  The printer engine 100 is positioned as the core of the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 1600, converts a document image into image information, and prints it out. A document is fed onto the reading position of the image reading device 220 by the document feeding device 230, converted into image information by the image reading device 220, and sent to the controller 200. The controller 200 performs desired image information processing and sends the image information to the printer engine 100. The image information of the read document image is printed by the printer engine 100, thereby realizing a copy function of the document image.

  Further, when the document image is converted into image information by the image reading device 220 and sent to the controller 200, the image information is stored in the storage means (not shown) in the server 30-1 from the controller 200 via the network 10. The Image information is transmitted from the server 30-1 to the client PC 20-1, and the client PC 20-1 can use the image information after the desired image information is stored in a storage unit (not shown) therein. .

  In addition, by specifying a destination address such as an e-mail as the destination, the image is sent from the server 30-1 to the destination server 30-2 of the desired destination on the network 10-2 via the Internet 40. It is also possible to transmit information and store it in a storage means (not shown) in the server 30-2. When the image information stored in the destination server 30-2 is transmitted to the destination client PC 20-2, the image information is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the destination client PC 20-2, and the client PC 20- 2 can also use the image information.

  On the other hand, image information is transmitted from the client PCs 20-1 and 20-2 connected to the network 10 and the network 10-2 to the printer engine 100 via the controller 200, and the image information is printed by the printer engine 100. It is also possible to output.

  2 and 3 are perspective views of the printer engine 100. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer engine 100 includes an image forming subsystem 150, a paper transport platform 60, a printer engine control unit 105 that controls the printer engine 100, and a power supply unit 90. The paper transport platform 60 includes a paper feed unit 70, a transport unit 80, and a platform controller 65 that controls the paper transport platform. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image forming subsystem 150 includes an image forming unit 170, a fixing unit 180, and an image forming control unit 160 that controls the image forming subsystem 150. The internal configuration of the image forming subsystem 150 to the printer engine 100 will also be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 80 includes a transport control unit 85, the power supply unit 90 includes a power control unit 95, and the paper feed unit 70 includes a paper feed control unit 75.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cover 810 is provided at the front of the printer engine 100. The image forming subsystem 150 is supported by a pair of left and right slide rails 811 (see FIG. 3) so that it can be inserted into and removed from the platform 60 in the front-rear direction, and can be pulled out and removed from the paper transport platform 60. Yes. When the cover 810 is opened and the image forming subsystem 150 is pulled out, the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180 mounted on the image forming subsystem 150 are also pulled out together (see FIG. 3).

  Similarly to the image forming subsystem 150, the paper feeding unit 70 is supported by a pair of left and right slide rails 812 (only the right side is shown) so that it can be inserted and removed in the front-rear direction, and the transport unit 80 is also the same. The platform 60 is supported by a pair of left and right slide rails 813 (only the right one is shown) so that it can be inserted and removed in the front-rear direction. As a result, both the paper feed unit 70 and the transport unit 80 can be pulled out forward and removed from the paper transport platform 60. The slide rails 811, 812, and 813 constitute an attachment / detachment mechanism of the image subsystem 150.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming subsystem 150 is provided with an attaching / detaching knob 111A for a drawer operation. Similarly, the transport unit 80 is provided with detachable knobs 111B and 111C, and the paper feed unit 70 is provided with a detachable knob 111D.

  When the weight of the image forming subsystem 150 and various units is relatively light or when the required positioning accuracy is eased, the above slide rail may be inexpensive. When relatively high accuracy is required, various linear slide guides (linear slide guides, linear slide guides, etc.) can be used, such as using rolling bearings (rotary guides) for the linear guide rails. By adopting the (guide rail) method, it is possible to improve operability, accuracy, reliability, and durability.

  In such a configuration involving the movement of the built-in device such as connection and insertion / extraction, the positioning configuration and the structure considering the maintainability are adopted. In addition, the user may attach / detach / move the built-in device and move the device in consideration of how the device is used in the market such as merchantability and service form. In such a user usage form, in particular, a configuration in consideration of safety is provided so that an injury or the like due to an operation of a heavy object does not occur. It is also useful to have a structure with sufficient strength and rigidity so that the apparatus is not easily damaged even in a rough operation by the operator.

  For example, the cover 810 is provided with a lock mechanism, and when maintenance is possible, the lock is released and the cover 810 can be opened and closed. When maintenance is impossible, the cover 810 is locked and the cover 810 cannot be opened. You may be made to do. That is, the image forming subunit 150 in the apparatus can be pulled out only when the service person releases the lock mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently touching the built-in device and to ensure safety. In addition, since the service person also performs an operation of pulling out the built-in device after following a predetermined procedure, there is a risk that the content of the device may be accidentally popped out when moving the entire device, for example. Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming subsystem 150 mainly responsible for image formation is configured to be replaceable, and the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180 in the image forming subsystem 150 are configured to be independently replaceable. . In addition, the paper feed unit 70 and the transport unit 80 that mainly perform the paper transport function are also configured to be independently replaceable.

  As described above, the sub-system or unit is configured to be replaceable, so that not only various advantages can be provided to users, service personnel, etc., but also many product lineups can be provided. First, a configuration example of a color printer engine and a monochrome printer engine by replacing the image forming subsystem 150 will be described.

  4 to 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating the configuration of the printer engine configured by replacing the image forming subsystem 150. FIG.

  The example of FIG. 4 is a configuration example of the color printer engine 100 when a four-drum (4D) type color image forming subsystem 150A having four photosensitive drums is incorporated as the image forming subsystem 150. This configuration is particularly suitable for high-productivity color image formation, and may be used for office use or for light printing. The image forming subsystem 150A is configured according to the user's request, for example, an A4 size color print having a productivity of 20 sheets per minute or a color print having a productivity of 70 sheets per minute. Also good.

  The example of FIG. 5 is a configuration example of the color printer engine 100 when a 1-drum (1D) color image forming subsystem 150B having one photosensitive drum is incorporated as the image forming subsystem 150. This configuration is particularly suitable for the formation of color images for high image quality, such as photographic paper photographic originals and graphic design fields. The printing resolution of the image forming subsystem 150B may be any of 400 dpi, 600 dpi, 1200 dpi, etc., and the user's request such as having a wide variety of toners used for printing and printable transfer materials. In addition, the image forming subsystem 150B may be configured.

  The example of FIG. 6 is a configuration example of the monochrome printer engine 100 when the image forming subsystem 150 includes a one-drum monochrome image forming subsystem 150C having one photosensitive drum. This configuration may be particularly for office use or for light printing. The image forming subsystem 150C is configured according to the user's request, for example, an A4 size color print having a productivity of 20 sheets per minute or a color print having a productivity of 70 sheets per minute. Also good.

  Next, a configuration example of the printer engine by replacing the paper feeding unit 70 and the conveyance unit 80 will be described. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views illustrating the configuration of a printer engine configured by replacing the paper feeding unit 70 and the transport unit 80. FIG.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7A, the paper transport platform 60 is a low-speed type paper transport platform 60A having a paper feed unit 70A and a transport unit 80A. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7B, the paper transport platform 60 is a high-speed type paper transport platform 60B having a paper feed unit 70B and a transport unit 80B. Note that only one of the paper feed unit 70 and the transport unit 80 may be replaced and combined with the image forming subunit 150.

  When selecting either the paper transport platform 60A or the paper transport platform 60B as the paper transport platform related to the paper transport, it is selected according to the user's usage due to factors other than image formation such as transport capacity, productivity, and durability. Is possible. Further, the image forming subsystem 150 can be combined with the image forming subsystem 150 according to the image quality desired by the user while comparing with the image forming characteristics of the image forming subsystem 150. Thus, the functions of the printer engine 100 can be configured as desired.

  Detailed description of the paper feed units 70A and 70B and the transport units 80A and 80B will be described later with reference to FIGS. A detailed description of the image forming subsystems 150A, 150B, and 150C will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 and FIGS.

  Next, a positioning mechanism for the paper transport platform 60 of the image forming subsystem 150 will be described.

  FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in the middle of positioning of the image forming subsystem 150 with respect to the paper transport platform 60. FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the image forming subsystem 150 is positioned with respect to the paper transport platform 60. FIGS. 9A and 9B correspond to side views, and the left side of FIG.

  If it is assumed that not only the service person but also the user performs the insertion / removal operation of the image forming subsystem 150, a configuration that enables not only the required accuracy and the required cost but also a detachable operation with good operability is important. For that purpose, for example, a desorption mechanism and a positioning method are important.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, positioning pins 115 are provided in the image forming subsystem 150, and positioning holes 119 corresponding to the positioning pins 115 are provided in the paper transport platform 60. The positioning pin 115 and the positioning hole 119 constitute the positioning mechanism 120.

  The positioning pin 115 is used for applications that require positioning accuracy, but its pin shape is determined in consideration of required accuracy, reliability improvement, user operability, and the like. In addition, the positioning pin 115 and the positioning hole 119 have their shape accuracy according to the required positioning accuracy and the level of accuracy between the components constituting the positioning pin 115 and the positioning hole 119 (size of accuracy variation, etc.) Component mounting accuracy is determined. Further, the length of the contact surface between the positioning pin 115 and the positioning hole 119 is determined in consideration of the degree of operability and workability.

  The hole diameter and the hole position of the positioning hole 119 are determined with necessary and sufficient accuracy in consideration of the tolerance of the required positioning accuracy with the image forming subunit 150. If necessary, it is also useful to improve the squareness accuracy of the positioning hole 119 with respect to the positioning pin 115. For the positioning pins 115 inserted with the positioning holes 119 as a reference, the reference surface of the outer shape of the positioning pins 115 is determined so that the relative positions of both are accurately positioned. In this way, by designing the fit between the positioning pin 115 and the positioning hole 119 to an appropriate condition, the relative position between the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 can be within the required accuracy.

  The tip of the positioning pin 115 is tapered, and a chamfer (not shown) is also formed at the entrance of the positioning pin 115 in the positioning hole 119. Thereby, it becomes a guide at the time of insertion, and both are easy to engage and it is also easy to pull out. In consideration of the length of the taper portion of the positioning pin 115 and the degree of misalignment between the positioning pin 115 and the positioning hole 119 at the time of insertion, the shaft diameter and the tip shape of the positioning pin 115 are determined. The positioning guide length and the like in the positioning hole 119 may be determined from the relationship between the operability and the reliability improvement of the apparatus.

  In particular, the image forming subsystem 150 includes various components necessary for realizing the image forming function, and is relatively heavy. For example, in the image forming subsystems 150 </ b> A and 150 </ b> B that perform color image formation, it is desirable to realize operability in consideration of users with weak muscle strength.

  Compared with the color subsystems 150A and 150B, the image forming subsystem 150C that performs monochrome image formation, for example, when configured for high-speed monochrome images with high productivity, has a weight of color. However, when it is configured as a medium speed class, it is assumed that the weight is the same or lighter than that for the color.

  In this way, regardless of which of the various image forming subsystems 150 is connected, it is possible to achieve a desired safety, durability, reliability, high accuracy, and a configuration with excellent user operability. desirable.

  On the other hand, when the line-up of the image subsystem 150 that can be connected to the paper transport platform 60 is relatively lightweight or the required positioning accuracy can be relatively relaxed, the image subsystem 150 can be attached and detached. The mechanism and the positioning mechanism 120 can be changed to a relatively low-cost configuration, and a cost reduction effect can be expected.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the image forming subsystem 150 is detachable, it is important to align the toner image to be transferred onto the transfer material and the transfer material. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the image forming subsystem 150 is accommodated in the printer engine 100, the positional relationship between the image forming subsystem 150 and the paper transport platform 60 is detected. A position detection unit 112 is provided.

  As the position detection sensor employed in the position detection unit 112, an optical displacement sensor or the like has been put into practical use as a small and inexpensive one. For example, a micro displacement sensor manufactured by OMRON is employed. A sensor other than an optical sensor may be used. The micro displacement sensor manufactured by OMRON will be described as an example. In the micro displacement sensor of “model name: Z4DB02”, the detectable distance is 9.5 mm ± 3 mm, and the detection resolution is ± 50 μm or less. In an image forming subsystem with a resolution of just 400 dpi, 1 dot (1 pixel) is 25.4 mm / 400 dots = 63.5 μm, so the detection resolution of the micro displacement sensor is less than 1 dot (1 pixel). Can be detected with a resolution of. At a resolution of 600 dpi, 25.4 mm / 600 dots = 42.3 μm, and the detection resolution is equivalent to 1.18 dots. At a resolution of 1200 dpi, 25.4 mm / 1,200 dots = 21.2 μm, and the detection resolution is equivalent to 2.36 dots.

  However, detecting the relative position between the image forming subsystem 150 and the paper transport subsystem 60 is related to the relative position between the image to be printed and the transfer material (transfer sheet) to be printed. A resolution of about 50 μm is sufficient. For example, if the size of the margin is 2.5 mm, the resolution ± 50 μm of the micro displacement sensor of the position detection unit with respect to the margin corresponds to 1/50 and has sufficient detection accuracy for normal printing operation. ing. If the position detection resolution of the position detection unit 112 is to be further improved, the detection resolution is improved from ± 50 μm to ± 10 μm or less by using the model name Z4DB01 manufactured by OMRON. If it does so, the resolution of a detection part will be improved 5 times.

  When a micro displacement sensor is used for the position detector 112, the detection result detected by the micro displacement sensor is such that the output voltage from the micro displacement sensor decreases linearly as the distance between the detection target and the micro displacement sensor increases. Analog output. Position information that is a detection result from the position detection unit 112 is used for control for printing an image at an appropriate position on the transfer material.

  In order to mount the image forming subsystem 150, the detachable knob 111A (see FIG. 2) is operated, and the image forming subsystem 150 is slid horizontally so as to be pushed into the printer engine 100. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the image forming subsystem 150 is provided with an abutting member 117, and the paper transport platform 60 is provided with an abutting member 118 facing the abutting member 117. It is done. The abutting member 118 is provided with a position detection unit 112.

  When the image forming subsystem 150 is accommodated in the printer engine 100, the reference surface 113 of the abutting member 117 and the abutting member 118 are brought into contact with each other, and the position of the positioning pin 115 in the axial direction is determined. The positioning pins 115 are inserted into the positioning pin holes 119, and the image forming subsystem 150 is accommodated in the printer engine 100 with a desired positioning accuracy.

  At this time, for the mechanical position between the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150, the position detection sensor light from the position detection unit 112 is irradiated onto the reference surface 113, and the reflected light from the reference surface 113 is positioned. The detection unit 112 receives light, and thereby the distance Ls between the position detection unit 112 and the reference surface 113 is detected. The distance Ls is sent to the platform control unit 65 of the paper transport platform 60 as position information indicating the position of the image forming subsystem 150. Based on this position information, position control information is sent from the platform control unit 65 to the image formation control unit 160 so as to control the image formation position to an optimum position.

  Contrary to the above, a reference plane is provided on the paper transport platform 60 side, and a position detection unit 112 is provided in the image forming subsystem 150 so that position detection information is sent to the image formation control unit 160. Also good.

  Further, although the reference surface 113 is taken as an example as a positioning reference, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods and other locations may be used as detection locations. For example, as another reference surface of the abutting member 117, as shown in FIG. 8A, instead of the reference surface 113 or in addition to the reference surface 113, a reference surface that is the upper surface of the stepped portion of the abutting member 117. Even if the position of the position detection unit 112 is changed or the number of micro displacement sensors of the position detection unit 112 is added so as to detect a location such as 113-2 or the reference surface 113-3 which is a side surface. good. For example, the positional deviation of the three-direction reference planes 113, 113-2, and 113-3 is detected, and the three-dimensional positional deviation of the image forming subsystem 150 is detected with higher accuracy to correct the image position. You may make it use for control.

  It is also effective to arrange the positioning mechanism 120 in the vicinity of a mechanism for transferring a toner image onto a transfer material. Thereby, the positional accuracy between the position of the transfer roller and the transferred transfer material can be further effectively improved.

  In the above example, in order to perform the positioning operation smoothly, the shapes of the positioning pin 115 and the positioning hole 119 are optimally designed together with the dimensional relationship between the shaft and the hole (fitting method, etc.). The configuration is not limited to the positioning pin method, and other configurations may be employed as long as the configuration satisfies the required accuracy of positioning while improving user operability.

  Next, the paper transport platform 60, the paper feed unit 70, and the transport unit 80 will be described. The paper feed unit 70 and the transport unit 80 are configured such that a plurality of paper feed units and transport units having different performances can be connected to the paper transport platform 60 in a replaceable manner.

  9A and 9B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of a replaceable paper feed unit. As an example of a replaceable paper feed unit having a different performance, FIG. 1A illustrates a paper feed unit 70A for low speed paper feed, and FIG. 2B illustrates a paper feed unit 70B for high speed paper feed. .

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the sheet feeding unit 70A for low-speed sheet feeding is controlled by the platform control unit 65 or a sheet feeding unit control unit (not shown) in the sheet feeding unit 70A. The DC brushless motor 501 rotates at a predetermined speed. In the paper feeding operation, the pickup roller 502 is controlled to contact and separate from the transfer material P at a predetermined timing by a solenoid (not shown) or the like. The transfer material P is picked up when a pickup roller 502 driven by a DC brushless motor 501 comes into contact with the transfer material P, is fed into a paper feed path 511, and is transported by a transport roller 503 in the paper feed path 511, thereby forming an image. It is conveyed to the subsystem 150 at a predetermined speed. The re-feeded transfer material P from the transport unit 80 passes through the re-feed path 512 and is transported by the transport roller 503 in the paper feed path 511 to be transported to the image forming subsystem 150.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the paper feed unit 70B for high-speed paper feed is controlled by the platform controller 65 or a paper feed unit controller (not shown) in the paper feed unit 70B. The stepping motor 504 rotates at a predetermined speed that is variably controlled. In the paper feeding operation, the pickup roller 502 is controlled to contact and separate from the transfer material P at a predetermined timing by a solenoid (not shown) or the like. The transfer material P is picked up by a pickup roller driven by a stepping motor 504 coming into contact with the transfer material P, fed into a paper feed path 511, and conveyed by a conveyance roller 503 in the paper supply path 511, thereby forming an image forming subsystem. 150 is conveyed at a predetermined speed. The re-feeded transfer material P from the transport unit 80 passes through the re-feed path 512 and is transported by the transport roller 503 in the paper feed path 511 to be transported to the image forming subsystem 150.

  At this time, the transfer speed of the transfer material P is varied according to the rotational speed of the stepping motor 504 that is variably controlled, so that the transfer speed of the transfer material and the interval between the plurality of transfer materials P that are continuously fed are changed. Control is possible in a wide range in multiple stages.

  Here, the paper feed unit 60 has been described as having a single paper feed stage. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and as conventionally known, a plurality of paper feed stages are provided. It may be configured such that a plurality of transfer material types and transfer material sizes can be fed by being coupled or connected in multiple stages.

  10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of a replaceable transport unit. As a transport unit having different replaceable performance, a transport unit 80A for low-speed transport is illustrated in FIG. 10A, and a transport unit 80B for high-speed transport is illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the transport unit 80A for low-speed transport is controlled by the platform controller 65 or a transport unit controller (not shown) in the transport unit 80A. The stepping motor 520 is controlled to rotate forward and backward according to the operation mode. The DC brushless motor 521 rotates at a predetermined speed. In the transport operation, the transfer material P transported from the fixing unit 180 of the image forming subsystem 150 is sent to the paper discharge path 525. At the time of paper discharge, the paper discharge roller 522 rotates the transfer material P in a direction to discharge the transfer material P to the outside of the machine, thereby discharging the transfer material P to the outside of the machine.

  At the time of reversal for forming both sides, the paper discharge roller 522 rotates in the direction of discharging the transfer material P, and stops the stepping motor 520 with the rear end of the transfer material P engaged with the paper discharge roller 522. By reverse rotation, the paper discharge roller 522 is stopped and reversely rotated, and the transfer material P is conveyed to the conveyance path 526. The transfer material P is transported through the transport path 526 by the transport rollers 523 and 524 that are rotationally driven by the DC brushless motor 521 that is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed, and is sent to the refeed path 512 of the paper feed unit 70.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, in the transport unit 80B for high-speed transport, the stepping motor 531 rotates and drives the transport roller 523, and the stepping motor 532 drives and rotates the transport roller 524. The transport unit 80B is controlled by the platform control unit 65 or a transport unit control unit (not shown) in the transport unit 80B. The stepping motors 520, 531, and 532 rotate at a predetermined speed and direction that are variably controlled. In the transport operation, the transfer material P transported from the fixing unit 180 of the image forming subsystem 150 is sent to the paper discharge path 525. When paper is discharged, the paper discharge roller 522 rotates in a direction to discharge the transfer material P to the outside of the apparatus, and discharges the transfer material P to the outside of the apparatus.

  At the time of reversal for forming both sides, the paper discharge roller 522 rotates in the direction of discharging the transfer material P, and the stepping motor 520 is stopped and reversed while the rear end of the transfer material P is engaged with the paper discharge roller 522. As a result, the sheet discharge roller 522 is stopped and reversely rotated to convey the transfer material P to the conveyance path 526. The transfer material P is transported through a transport path 526 by a transport roller 523 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor 531 that is controlled at a variable speed, and a transport roller 524 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor 532 that is controlled at a variable speed. It is sent to the refeed path 512 of the unit 70. At this time, the transfer speed of the transfer material P is changed in accordance with the rotational speed of the stepping motors 531 and 532 that are variably controlled, so that the transfer speed of the transfer material P and the transfer materials P that are continuously transferred are adjusted. Spacing can be controlled over a wide range in multiple stages.

  The paper transport platform 60A (see FIG. 7A) incorporating the paper feed unit 70A and the transport unit 80A, and the paper transport platform 60B (see FIG. 7B) incorporating the paper feed unit 70B and the transport unit 80B. In any case, the platform control unit 65 (see FIG. 1) collects control information corresponding to the incorporated unit by identifying the incorporated unit or communicating with the unit. Then, control information corresponding to the incorporated unit is exchanged with the printer engine control unit 105, and the platform control unit 65 controls the paper transport platform 60 based on the control specifications determined by the printer engine control unit 105. Take control.

  Next, the image forming subsystem 150 will be described. In the image forming subsystem 150, the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180 are configured to be exchangeable with those having different functions and to be physically separable.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming subsystem 150A for a 4D full-color printer. The image forming subsystem 150A includes an image forming unit 170A as an image forming unit 170 and a fixing unit 180A as a fixing unit 180.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming subsystem 150B for a 1D full color printer. The image forming subsystem 150B is configured by mounting an image forming unit 170B as the image forming unit 170 and a fixing unit 180B as the fixing unit 180.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming subsystem 150C for a 1D monochrome printer. The image forming subsystem 150C is configured by mounting an image forming unit 170C as the image forming unit 170 and a fixing unit 180C as the fixing unit 180.

  First, details of the image forming subsystem 150A shown in FIG. 11 will be described. The image forming unit 170A includes an image forming unit 601Y that forms a yellow image, an image forming unit 601M that forms a magenta image, an image forming unit 601C that forms a cyan image, and a black image. The image forming unit 601Bk to be formed includes four image forming units. These four image forming units 601Y, 601M, 601C, and 601Bk are arranged in a line at regular intervals.

  In each of the image forming units 601Y, 601M, 601C, and 601Bk, drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive members (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drums”) 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D are installed as image carriers. Around the photosensitive drums 602A, 602B, 602C, 602D, there are primary chargers 603A, 603B, 603C, 603D, developing devices 604A, 604B, 604C, 604D, transfer rollers 605A, 605B, 605C, 605D as transfer means. Drum cleaner devices 606A, 606B, 606C, and 606D are respectively disposed, and a laser exposure device 607 is installed below the primary chargers 603A, 603B, 603C, and 603D and the developing devices 604A, 604B, 604C, and 604D. Has been.

  The developing devices 604A, 604B, 604C, and 604D store yellow toner, cyan toner, magenta toner, and black toner, respectively. Each of the photosensitive drums 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D is a negatively charged OPC photosensitive member, and has a photoconductive layer on an aluminum drum base. A predetermined number of clockwise rotations in FIG. It is rotationally driven at a process speed (mm / sec).

  Primary chargers 603A, 603B, 603C, and 603D serving as primary charging means have predetermined negative polarity surfaces on the photosensitive drums 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D by a charging bias applied from a charging bias power source (not shown). Charge uniformly to the potential. The developing devices 604A, 604B, 604C, and 604D contain toner, and each color latent image formed on each of the photosensitive drums 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D is attached to each color toner and developed as a toner image ( Visualization).

  Transfer rollers 605A, 605B, 605C, and 605D as primary transfer units are disposed so as to be in contact with the respective photosensitive drums 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D via the intermediate transfer belt 608 in the respective primary transfer units 615A to 615D. Has been. The drum cleaner devices 606A, 606B, 606C, and 606D have a cleaning blade or the like for removing, from the photosensitive drum 2, residual transfer toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 during the primary transfer.

  An intermediate transfer belt 608 is disposed on the upper surface side of each of the photosensitive drums 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D, and is stretched between the secondary transfer counter roller 609 and the tension roller 610. The secondary transfer counter roller 609 is disposed in the secondary transfer unit 616 so as to be in contact with the secondary transfer roller 611 via the intermediate transfer belt 608. The intermediate transfer belt 608 is made of a dielectric resin such as polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate resin film, polyvinylidene fluoride resin film, or the like.

  Further, in the intermediate transfer belt 608, a primary transfer surface 608B is formed on the surface facing the photosensitive drums 602A, 602B, 602C, 602D. The intermediate transfer belt 608 is disposed such that the primary transfer surface 608B is inclined with the secondary transfer roller 611 side facing downward.

  The laser exposure device 607 includes laser light emitting means (not shown) that emits light corresponding to time-series electric digital pixel signals of image information to be given, a polygon mirror 618, a scanner motor 617, a reflection mirror, and the like. By exposing 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D to the surface of each photosensitive drum 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D charged by each primary charger 603A, 603B, 603C, and 603D, each color corresponding to image information The electrostatic latent image is formed. At the same time, a beam detection signal (BD) generation circuit (not shown) provided in the laser exposure apparatus 607 detects the laser beam in the main scanning direction polarized by the polygon mirror.

  Furthermore, an image forming unit control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of each of these elements is provided, and the image forming unit control means further includes a process speed of the image forming unit, color viewing, Controls such as density adjustment.

  Next, the fixing unit 180A will be described. The fixing unit 180A is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer unit 616 of the image forming unit 170A in the recording paper conveyance direction. Inside the fixing unit 180A, a fixing device 612 having a fixing roller 612A having a heat source such as a halogen heater and a pressure roller 612B is installed in a vertical path configuration. The fixing roller 612A and the pressure roller 612B are driven to rotate by a driving device (not shown), and the surface temperature of the fixing roller is controlled by controlling the power of the halogen heater in the fixing roller 612A. Further, a fixing unit control means (not shown) for controlling these elements is provided. The fixing unit control means further controls the rotation speed of each roller, the temperature adjustment temperature of the fixing roller, and when an abnormality occurs. The process is controlled.

  The image forming control unit 160 of the image forming subsystem 150A communicates with the image forming unit control unit and the fixing unit control unit, sucks unit information from each control unit, and transmits unit control information to each control unit. . Further, each image signal is exchanged from the controller 200, and control information is exchanged with the printer engine control unit 105 and the platform control unit 65.

  Here, the configuration in which the image forming unit 170A and the fixing unit 180A each have a control unit has been described, but the image forming unit 170A and the fixing unit 180A can operate even in a configuration without these control units. In this case, the image forming control unit 160 controls each element in the image forming unit 170A and the fixing unit 180A.

  Next, details of the image forming subsystem 150B shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The image forming unit 170B includes a scanner unit 631, and the scanner unit 631 includes a laser unit 634, a polyhedral mirror (polygon mirror) 635, a scanner motor 636, and a beam detection signal (BD signal) generation circuit 643. The image forming unit 170B also includes a photosensitive drum 632, an intermediate transfer belt 633, a developing rotary 637 having developer units 637A to 637D for each color, a primary transfer roller, a secondary transfer roller 638, and a cleaning blade 639.

  The photosensitive drum 632 is an OPC photosensitive member having a photoconductive layer on an aluminum drum base, and is rotationally driven at a predetermined process speed in a clockwise direction in FIG. 12 by a driving device (not shown). A primary charger 642 serving as a primary charging unit uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 632 to a predetermined potential by a charging bias applied from a charging bias power source (not shown). In the scanner unit 631, the laser unit 634 emits a laser beam modulated based on a time-series electric digital pixel signal of given image information. The polyhedral mirror 635 is a rotating polygon mirror for deflecting the laser light emitted from the laser unit 634 to scan the photosensitive drum 632 and form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 632. The scanner motor 636 drives the polygon mirror 635 to rotate. The beam detection signal generation circuit 643 detects the laser beam in the main scanning direction deflected by the polygon mirror 635.

  The developing rotary 637 converts the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 632 into yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) developer units 637A, 637B, 637C, and 637D. Develop with The photosensitive drum 632 applies a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller with the developer on the photosensitive drum 632 developed by the developing rotary 637 applied to the primary transfer roller 163 as in the image forming unit 170A described above. Next transfer. The secondary transfer roller 638 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 633 and secondarily transfers the developer on the intermediate transfer belt 633 to a recording medium such as recording paper.

  The cleaning blade 639 is always in contact with the photosensitive drum 632 and performs cleaning by scraping off residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 632. Further, like the image forming unit 170A, the image forming unit 170B is provided with image forming unit control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of each internal element. Controls process speed, color viewing, density adjustment, etc.

  Next, the fixing unit 180B will be described. The fixing unit 180B is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer roller 638 of the image forming unit 170B in the conveyance direction of the recording paper, and the fixing device 640 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by heating and pressing. Perform fixing operation. The roller of the fixing device 640 is driven to rotate by a driving device (not shown), and the surface temperature of the fixing roller is controlled by controlling the power of the halogen heater in the fixing device 640. The fixing unit 180B is further provided with fixing unit control means (not shown) for controlling these elements. The fixing unit control means controls the rotational speed of each roller and the temperature control of the fixing roller. Controls temperature and processing in case of abnormality.

  Also in the image forming subsystem 150B, as in the case of the image forming subsystem 150A, the image forming control unit 160 communicates with the image forming unit control means and the fixing unit control means, and unit control information, image signals, and the like. And exchange control information. Further, the image forming unit 170B and the fixing unit 180B are not limited to the configuration having the control unit, and can operate even in the configuration without the control unit. In this case, the image forming control unit 160 can operate. Each element in the image unit 170B and the fixing unit 180B is controlled.

  Next, details of the image forming subsystem 150C shown in FIG. 13 will be described. The image forming unit 170C includes a scanner unit 661. The scanner unit 661 includes a laser unit 663, a polyhedral mirror (polygon mirror) 664, a scanner motor 665, and a beam detection signal generation circuit 672. The image forming unit 170C also includes a photosensitive drum 662, a developing unit 666, and a transfer roller 667.

  The photosensitive drum 662 is an OPC photosensitive member having a photoconductive layer on an aluminum drum base, and is driven to rotate at a predetermined process speed counterclockwise in FIG. 13 by a driving device (not shown). A primary charger 670 as a primary charging unit uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 662 to a predetermined potential by a charging bias applied from a charging bias power source (not shown).

  In the scanner unit 661, the laser unit 663 emits a laser beam modulated based on a time-series electric digital pixel signal of given image information. The polyhedral mirror (polygon mirror) 664 is a rotating polygon mirror for deflecting the laser beam emitted from the laser unit 663 and scanning the photosensitive drum 662 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 662. . The scanner motor 665 drives the polygon mirror 664 to rotate. The beam detection signal generation circuit 672 detects the laser beam in the main scanning direction deflected by the polygon mirror 664.

  The developing unit 666 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 662 with a black (Bk) developer. The transfer roller 667 contacts the photosensitive drum 662 and transfers the developer on the photosensitive drum 662 to a recording medium such as recording paper. The cleaning blade 669 is in constant contact with the photosensitive drum 662 and performs cleaning by scraping off residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 662.

  Further, like the image forming unit 170A, the image forming unit 170C is provided with image forming unit control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of each internal element. Controls process speed and density adjustment.

  Next, the fixing unit 180C will be described. The fixing unit 180C is disposed downstream of the transfer roller 667 of the image forming unit 170C in the transfer material transport direction, and the fixing device 668 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by heating and pressing. I do. The roller of the fixing device 668 is driven to rotate by a driving device (not shown), and the surface temperature of the fixing roller is controlled by controlling the power of the halogen heater in the fixing device 668. The fixing unit 180C is further provided with fixing unit control means (not shown) for controlling these elements. The fixing unit control means controls the rotation speed of each roller and the temperature adjustment temperature of the fixing roller. Also, it controls the processing at the time of abnormality.

  Also in the image forming subsystem 150C, as in the case of the image forming subsystem 150A, the image forming control unit 160 communicates with the image forming unit control unit and the fixing unit control unit, and unit control information, image signals, and the like. And exchange control information. In addition, the image forming unit 170C and the fixing unit 180C are not limited to the configuration having the control unit, and can operate even in a configuration without the control unit. In this case, the image forming control unit 160 operates the image forming unit 160C. Each element in the image unit 170C and the fixing unit 180C is controlled.

  Next, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1600 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1600.

  Here, the transport unit 80 is a unit having a control unit including a CPU therein, and the paper feed unit 70 is a unit that does not include a CPU inside. The image forming unit 170 is a unit having a control unit including a CPU therein, and the fixing unit 180 is a unit not including a CPU therein.

  In the paper transport platform 60, the transport unit 80 communicates with the platform control unit 65 to exchange control information and control each control load. The sheet feeding unit 70 controls each control load under the control of the platform control unit 65. The paper feeding unit 70 performs load control related to the transfer material feeding operation. The transport unit 80 performs load control related to the discharge, reversal, and double-side transport operations of the transfer material. By such control, the paper transport platform 60 realizes a transfer material transport operation related to image formation.

  In the image forming subsystem 150, the image forming unit 170 communicates with the image forming control unit 160, transfers control information, and controls each control load. The fixing unit 180 controls each control load under the control of the image formation control unit 160. The image forming unit 170 performs an image forming operation on the transfer material based on an image signal exchanged with the controller 200, and the fixing unit 180 performs a heat fixing operation of the image formed on the transfer material. Here, the exchanged image signal is a signal including video data (VIDEO), image synchronization CLK (VCLK), main scanning synchronization signal (BD), and sub-scanning synchronization signal (ITOP).

  The image forming subsystem 150 receives the transfer material transported by the paper transport platform 60 and transfers the image formed by the image forming subsystem 150 to the correct position on the transfer material. In order to realize this, the image formation control unit 160 controls the platform of the paper transport synchronization signal (REGI) generated based on the sub-scanning synchronization signal (ITOP) managed by the image formation control unit 160 via the printer engine control unit 105. Send to part 65. The platform control unit 65 controls paper feeding and transport operations based on the sent paper transport synchronization signal (REGI), and delivers the transported transfer material to the image forming subsystem 150 at a predetermined timing. By performing such a cooperative operation, the image forming subsystem 150 realizes an image forming operation on the conveyed transfer material.

  The power supply unit 90 outputs a DC output and a rectified AC output from the AC input. As the output DC output, a plurality of output-controlled voltage outputs are supplied to the platform, subsystem, and each unit of the image forming apparatus 1600. The AC output is supplied to the platform, subsystem, and each unit as necessary. Here, a system supplied to the fixing unit will be described as an example.

  The printer engine control unit 105 includes control information on the paper transport platform 60 obtained by communication with the platform control unit 65, control information on the image forming subsystem 150 obtained by communication with the image formation control unit 160, and a power supply unit 90. The control information of the power supply unit 90 obtained from the above is integrated. Based on these control information, the control information is sent to the platform control unit 65, the image formation control unit 160, and the power supply unit 90 in order to cause the printer engine 100 to perform an image forming operation.

  The platform control unit 65 communicates with the transport unit 80 based on the control information determined by the printer engine control unit 105, and transfers control information. The platform control unit 65 also controls each control load of the paper feeding unit 70 based on the control information determined by the printer engine control unit 105. The transport unit 80 controls each control load based on the transferred control information.

  The image formation control unit 160 communicates with the image forming unit 170 based on the control information determined by the printer engine control unit 105, and transfers control information. The image formation control unit 160 also controls each control load of the fixing unit 180 based on the control information determined by the printer engine control unit 105. The image forming unit 170 controls each control load based on the received control information. The power supply unit 90 controls the output voltage based on the control information determined by the printer engine control unit 105.

  The controller 200 communicates with the printer engine control unit 105 to exchange control information, and exchanges image signals with the image formation control unit 160. An image reading device 220 that performs an image reading operation is connected to the controller 200, and image information is input from the image reading device 220. A document feeding device 230 is connected to the image reading device 220, and a document feeding operation is performed by the document feeding device 230. The controller 200 is connected to an operation unit 210 that performs operation input and display, and control information is exchanged between the controller 200 and the operation unit 210. The controller 200 is connected to the network 10 and can exchange image signals and control information with a computer (not shown) on the network 10.

  Note that the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1600 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the configuration shown in FIG. 14, another configuration shown in FIG. 15 can be adopted. That is, the printer engine control unit 105 may be configured to operate with the same CPU resources as the platform control unit 65.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1600.

  The printer engine control unit 105 includes control information of the included platform control unit 65, control information of the image forming subsystem 150 obtained by communication with the image formation control unit 160, and control information of the power supply unit obtained from the power supply unit 90. And supervise. Other configurations and control modes are the same as those described in FIG.

  14 and 15, each unit in the transport platform 60 and each unit in the image forming subsystem 150 includes a unit having a control unit including a CPU and a unit not having a CPU. Explanation was given as a system. However, the combination that each unit has a CPU is not limited to this example, and can be set as appropriate depending on the control content of the unit.

  The printer engine 100 includes a paper transport platform 60 and an image forming subsystem 150, two units of a paper feeding unit 70 and a transport unit 80 in the paper transport platform 60, and an image forming unit in the image forming subsystem 150. The description has been given of a system in which two units 170 and fixing unit 180 exist. However, the configuration of the subsystem in the printer engine and the configuration of the platform and the units in the subsystem are not limited to such systems, and can be set as appropriate according to the control contents of the subsystem and the unit. .

  FIGS. 16, 18, and 20 are block diagrams of the image forming subsystems 150A, 150B, and 150C, respectively. 17, 19 and 21 are timing charts showing image forming timings of the image forming subsystems 150A, 150B and 150C, respectively. 17, 19, and 21 exemplify the case where two images are continuously formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 16, 18, and 20, the image forming subsystems 150A, 150B, and 150C include image forming units 170A, 170B, and 170C and fixing units 180A, 180B, and 180C, respectively. The control unit 160 includes image formation control units 160A, 160B, and 160C including an image processing unit.

  First, in the image forming subsystem 150A shown in FIG. 16, an image signal is input from the controller 200 in the RGB color format to the image forming control unit 160A, and the following processing is performed. That is, the image signal is subjected to density conversion by the LOG conversion circuit 310 and converted to YMCK data by the output masking circuit 311. The output masking circuit 311 performs conversion so that the average color difference in the Lab space is minimized, and its coefficient depends on the hardware characteristics of the image forming unit 170A.

  The YMCK data is input to the gradation correction circuit 312 and gradation correction is performed using a lookup table (hereinafter referred to as “LUT”). As the LUT, a table that corrects hardware characteristics such as individual differences and temporal changes of the image forming unit 170A, a density adjustment table that is changed according to user settings, and an image mode table such as a character mode / photographic paper mode are combined. Things are used.

  The LUT also changes depending on the next halftone process. Since the halftone processing circuit 313 performs a plurality of halftone processes in parallel, the gradation correction circuit 312 has an LUT corresponding to the processing configuration of the halftone processing circuit 313. , Process and output all at the same time. The tone-corrected signal is input to the halftone processing circuit 313, and print data is generated. The print data is subjected to error diffusion and a plurality of screen processes simultaneously in parallel by a halftone processing circuit 313, and is selected and output by a Z signal described later. The output print data is subjected to delay processing according to the drum arrangement in the inter-drum delay memory 314, and is output to the image forming unit 170A.

  A Z signal representing an image feature is also input from the controller 200 in parallel. The Z signal is a signal synchronized with the RGB signal, and is input to the LOG conversion circuit 310, the output masking circuit 311, the gradation correction circuit 312, the halftone processing circuit 313, and the inter-drum delay memory 314. The Z signal includes data indicating page unit characteristics and data indicating pixel unit characteristics. Specifically, the former is data indicating a copy image / PDL image, and the latter is text / photo or BMP. (Bitmap) / Data indicating an object or the like.

  The image output timing of the controller 200 is controlled by image synchronization signals ITOP and PBD output from the timing generation unit 315. The ITOP signal is a synchronizing signal in the sub-scanning direction, and the PBD signal is a synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction. The image clock PCLK is also input to the controller 200, and the controller 200 outputs image data synchronized with PCLK.

  The PBD signal is generated based on the BD signal output from the image forming unit 170A. The timing generation unit 315 also generates a REGI signal for controlling the driving timing of the registration rollers, and the REGI signal is supplied to the image forming unit 170A including the registration rollers. The REGI signal is generated based on the ITOP signal, and its timing is determined by the relationship between the image forming position, the transfer position, and the registration roller, and is a value unique to the image forming subsystem 150A. The REGI signal is simultaneously supplied to the platform control unit 60 in order to synchronize with the registration roller.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the RGB image is output from the controller 200 according to the ITOP timing, and the YMCK data supplied to the image forming unit 170A is sequentially output after the image processing delay t1. There is a phase difference of the inter-drum delay t2 between the YMCK data, and this delay process is performed in the inter-drum delay memory 314. In the timing generation unit 315, a REGI signal is generated after delay processing of registration delay t3 from ITOP generation, the registration roller is driven at this timing, and the sheet is conveyed to a secondary transfer unit (not shown). For secondary transfer, transfer is started at a timing delayed by a transfer delay t4 from the REGI signal. The process for the second page is started during the transfer operation for the first page, and is repeated in the same manner when the number of sheets is larger.

  In the image forming subsystem 150B illustrated in FIG. 18, the image signal is input from the controller 200 to the image forming control unit 160B in the RGB color format, and the following processing is performed.

  The image forming control unit 160B in the image forming subsystem 150B is different from the image forming control unit 160A in the image forming subsystem 150A only in that a page memory 320 is provided instead of the inter-drum delay memory 314. Is the same.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the RGB image is output from the controller 200 according to the ITOP timing, the YMCK print data is stored in the page memory 320 after the image processing delay t10, and the YMCK data is sequentially supplied to the image forming unit 170B. Due to the structure, image formation for each color is performed, so that the next print data is supplied after the image formation for each color is completed. In the timing generation unit 315, a REGI signal is generated after the delay processing of the registration delay t13 from the ITOP generation, the registration roller is driven at this timing, and the sheet is conveyed to a secondary transfer unit (not shown).

  For secondary transfer, transfer is started at a timing delayed by a transfer delay t14 from the REGI signal. The process for the second page is started at a timing such that the image formation process for the fourth color on the first page and the image formation process for the first color on the second page do not overlap. It is.

  In the image forming subsystem 150C shown in FIG. 20, the image signal supplied from the controller 200 is in the RGB format as in the full-color image forming control unit 160A, and the Bk signal is generated by the image forming control unit 160C.

  First, the Bk generation circuit 330 performs conversion from RGB to Bk signal. Next, density conversion is performed by the LOG conversion circuit 331, gradation correction is performed by the gradation correction circuit 332, and print data is generated by the halftone processing circuit 333.

  The functions of the LOG conversion circuit 331, the gradation correction circuit 332, and the halftone processing circuit 333 are exactly the same as the LOG conversion circuit 310, the gradation correction circuit 312 and the halftone processing circuit 313 of the image formation control unit 160A, and are different. Is only the point that the number of channels is Bk single color, that is, one channel.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the RGB image is output from the controller 200 according to the ITOP timing, and the Bk data supplied to the image forming unit 170C after the image processing delay t20 is output. In the timing generation unit 315, a REGI signal is generated after delay processing of registration delay t23 from ITOP generation, the registration roller is driven at this timing, and the sheet is conveyed to the transfer unit. As for the transfer, the transfer is started at a timing delayed from the REGI signal by the transfer delay t24. The process for the second page is started during the transfer operation for the first page, and is repeated in the same manner when the number of sheets is larger.

  Next, an image forming operation by the printer engine 100 when the image forming subsystem 150A corresponding to the high-speed color throughput described above is mounted on the paper transport platform 60 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the printer control unit 105 receives an instruction to start an image forming job in accordance with a user instruction via the operation unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 1600, a paper feed request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the platform control unit 65. The transport unit 80 and the paper feed unit 70 start to operate. Similarly, when an image formation request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the image formation control unit 160, the image forming unit 170A and the fixing unit 180A start an image forming operation.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the photosensitive drums 602A to 602D of the image forming units 601Y, 601M, 601C, and 601Bk that are rotationally driven at an arbitrary process speed by a driving mechanism (not shown) of the image forming unit 170A are respectively provided. The primary chargers 603A to 603D are uniformly charged to a negative polarity. Then, the laser exposure device 607 irradiates the polygon mirror 618 that is rotationally driven by the scanner motor 617 from the laser light emitting element with an image signal that is color-separated input from the outside, and passes through each reflection light via a reflection mirror or the like. An electrostatic latent image of each color is formed on the drums 602A to 602D.

  A yellow toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 602A by a developing device 604A to which a developing bias having the same polarity as the charging polarity (negative polarity) of the photosensitive drum 602A is applied. As a visible image. This yellow toner image is driven by a transfer roller 605A to which a primary transfer bias (a reverse polarity (positive polarity) to toner) is applied at a primary transfer portion 615A between the photosensitive drum 602A and the transfer roller 605A. Primary transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt 608.

  The intermediate transfer belt 608 to which the yellow toner image is transferred moves to the image forming unit 601M side. Also in the image forming unit 601M, the magenta toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 602B is superimposed on the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 608 in the same manner as described above, and is then transferred to the primary transfer unit 615B. Is transcribed. At this time, the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 602A to 602D is scraped off and collected by a cleaner blade or the like provided in the drum cleaner devices 606A to 606D.

  In the same manner, cyan and black toner images formed by the photosensitive drums 602C and 602D of the image forming units 601C and 601Bk on the yellow and magenta toner images superimposed and transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 608 are each 1 A full color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 608 by being sequentially superposed on the next transfer portions 615A to 615D.

  Then, in accordance with the timing at which the front end of the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 608 moves to the secondary transfer portion 616 between the secondary transfer counter roller 609 and the secondary transfer roller 611, the paper feed cassette is fed from the paper feed unit 70. Selected. Then, the pickup roller 502 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) is driven to pick up the uppermost sheet of the transfer material (sheet) P loaded in the sheet feeding cassette and convey it to the sheet feeding path 511. Is done. Further, the transport roller 503 transports the transported transfer material P to the registration roller 613 (see FIG. 11) of the image forming unit 170A. Then, the transfer material P is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 616 by the registration roller 613 of the image forming unit 170A. Full-color toner images are collectively transferred to the transfer material P conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 616 by a secondary transfer roller 611 to which a secondary transfer bias (polarity opposite to the toner (positive polarity)) is applied. Is done.

  The transfer material P on which the full-color toner image is formed is conveyed to the fixing device unit 180A, and the full-color toner image is heated at the fixing nip portion 614 (see FIG. 11) between the fixing roller 612A and the pressure roller 612B. After being pressurized and thermally fixed on the surface of the transfer material P, it is transported to a transport unit 80 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). Then, the transfer material P is discharged onto the discharge tray on the upper surface of the main body by the discharge roller 522 through the discharge path 525 of the transport unit 80, and a series of image forming operations is completed.

  The above is the image forming operation at the time of single-sided image formation. Subsequently, a double-sided image forming operation will be described.

  The double-sided image forming operation is the same as the single-sided image forming operation until it is conveyed to the fixing unit 180A. That is, after the full-color toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing nip 614 between the fixing roller 612A and the pressure roller 612B and thermally fixed on the surface of the transfer material P, the paper discharge path 525 of the transport unit 80 is used. After that, the paper discharge roller 522 stops the rotation of the paper discharge roller 522 in a state where most of the transfer material P is discharged onto the paper discharge tray on the upper surface of the main body. At that time, the rear end position of the transfer material P is positioned at a reversible position. That is, the transfer material P stops so that the rear end position of the transfer material P reaches the downstream side from the branch point of the paper discharge path 525 and the transport path 526.

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the transfer material P that has been transported by stopping the rotation of the paper discharge roller 525 is transferred to the transfer path 526 including the transport rollers 523 and 524. The sheet discharge roller 522 is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation during the single-sided image forming operation. The paper discharge roller 522 is rotated in the reverse direction. Thus, the rear end side of the transfer material P located at the reversible position is set as the front end side, and the transfer material P is made to reach the conveyance roller 523.

  Thereafter, the transfer material P is conveyed to the conveyance roller 524 by the conveyance roller 523. Then, the paper is transported to a paper feed path 511 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) of the paper transport platform 60. Further, the transport roller 503 transports the transported transfer material P to the registration roller 613 of the image forming unit 170A. In the meantime, an image formation request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the image formation control unit 160, and the front end of the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 608 is secondary-similar to the above-described one-side image formation. The transfer material P is moved to the secondary transfer portion 616 by the registration roller 613 in accordance with the timing of moving to the secondary transfer portion 616 between the transfer counter roller 609 and the secondary transfer roller 611.

  After the toner image is transferred by aligning the leading edge of the toner image and the leading edge of the transfer material P by the secondary transfer unit 616, the image on the transfer material P is fixed by the fixing unit 180A in the same manner as the single-sided image forming operation. Then, the transfer material P is conveyed again by the paper discharge roller 522 of the transport unit 80 and finally discharged onto the paper discharge tray, and a series of image forming operations is completed.

  Next, an image forming operation by the printer engine 100 when the image forming subsystem 150B corresponding to the medium speed color throughput described above is mounted on the paper transport platform 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. To do.

  When the printer control unit 105 receives an instruction to start an image forming job, a paper feed request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the platform control unit 65, and the transport unit 80 and the paper feed unit 70 start operating. Similarly, when an image formation request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the image formation control unit 160, the photosensitive unit is rotationally driven at an arbitrary process speed by a drive mechanism (not shown) of the image forming unit 170B. The drum 632 rotates. The photosensitive drum 632 is uniformly charged to a negative polarity by the primary charger 642.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the scanner unit 631 irradiates a polygon mirror 635 rotated by a scanner motor 636 with a color light-separated image signal input from the outside from a laser light emitting element, and a reflection mirror or the like. Then, an electrostatic latent image of yellow (Y) is formed on the photosensitive drum 632. At the position where the photosensitive drum 632 contacts the yellow (Y) developer unit 637A in the developing rotary 637, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 632 is visualized by the yellow (Y) developer. Furthermore, the yellow (Y) developer on the photosensitive drum 632 is transferred to the primary transfer bias (with a polarity opposite to that of the toner (at a polarity opposite to that of the toner) at a position where the photosensitive drum 632 is rotated by the driving mechanism and the photosensitive drum 632 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 633. The image is primarily transferred onto the driven intermediate transfer belt 633 by the transfer roller to which the positive polarity)) is applied. At this time, the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 632 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 639 and collected in the collection container. Here, the developing rotary 637 is rotated about 90 degrees by a driving means (not shown) to prepare for the next development of magenta (M).

  Next, in the image formation of the magenta (M) data, the latent image of the magenta (M) data is written on the photosensitive drum 632 as in the case of the image formation of the yellow (Y) data. Subsequently, the photosensitive drum 632 is rotated by the drive mechanism. The photosensitive drum 632 is uniformly charged to a negative polarity by the primary charger 642.

  Then, the scanner unit 631 irradiates the polygon mirror 635 rotated by the scanner motor 636 with the color-separated image signal input from the outside from the laser light emitting element, and passes the reflection mirror or the like on the photosensitive drum 632. To form a yellow (M) electrostatic latent image.

  The latent image on the photosensitive drum 632 is visualized by the magenta (M) developer at the same rotational position of the intermediate transfer belt 633 as when yellow (Y) data is imaged. Further, at the position where the photosensitive drum 632 is rotated by the driving mechanism and the photosensitive drum 632 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 633, the magenta (M) developer on the photosensitive drum 632 is subjected to the primary transfer bias (reverse polarity to the toner ( The image is primarily transferred onto the driven intermediate transfer belt 633 by the transfer roller to which the positive polarity)) is applied.

  Subsequently, for the cyan (C) and black (BK), control by the image forming process similar to the above is performed. Then, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) developers are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 633, and at a predetermined position, a sheet cassette is fed from the sheet feeding unit 70. Selected. Then, the pickup roller 502 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) is driven to pick up the uppermost sheet of the transfer material (sheet) P loaded in the sheet feeding cassette and convey it to the sheet feeding path 511. Is done.

  Further, the transport roller 503 transports the transported transfer material P to the registration roller 641 (see FIG. 12) of the image forming unit 170B. Then, the transfer material P is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion by the registration roller 641 of the image forming unit 170B. A full-color toner image is collectively applied to the transfer material P by the secondary transfer roller 638 to which a secondary transfer bias (polarity opposite to the toner (positive polarity)) is applied to the transfer material P conveyed to the secondary transfer unit. Secondary transfer is performed.

  The transfer material P on which the full-color toner image is formed is conveyed to the fixing device unit 180B, and after the full-color toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing device 640 and thermally fixed on the surface of the transfer material P, the conveyance unit P It is conveyed to 80. Then, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray on the upper surface of the main body by a paper discharge roller 522 through a paper discharge path 525 of the transport unit 80, and a series of image forming operations is completed.

  The above is the image forming operation at the time of single-sided image formation. Subsequently, a double-sided image forming operation will be described.

  The double-sided image forming operation is the same as the single-sided image forming operation until it is conveyed to the fixing unit 180B. That is, after a full-color toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing device 640 and thermally fixed on the surface of the transfer material P, the paper discharge tray 522 of the transport unit 80 passes through the paper discharge path 525 and is discharged by the paper discharge roller 522. With most of the transfer material P being discharged upward, the rotation of the paper discharge roller 522 is stopped. At that time, the rear end position of the transfer material P is positioned at a reversible position. That is, the transfer material P is stopped so that the rear end position of the transfer material P reaches the downstream side from the branch point of the paper discharge path 525 and the transport path 526.

  Subsequently, in order to send the transfer material P, whose conveyance has been stopped by stopping the rotation of the discharge roller 525, to the conveyance path 526 provided with the conveyance rollers 523, 524, the single-sided image forming operation of the discharge roller 522 is performed. Rotate in the opposite direction to the time rotation. By rotating the paper discharge roller 522 in the reverse direction, the rear end side of the transfer material P located at the reversible position is set as the front end side and the transport roller 523 is reached.

  Thereafter, the transfer material P is conveyed to the conveyance roller 524 by the conveyance roller 523. Then, the paper is conveyed to a paper feed path 511 of the paper feed unit 60B. Further, the transport roller 503 transports the transported transfer material P to the registration roller 641 of the image forming unit 170B. In the meantime, an image formation request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the image formation control unit 160, and the front end of the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 608 is secondary as in the case of the above-described one-side image formation. The transfer material P is moved to the secondary transfer unit 616 by the registration roller 641 in accordance with the timing of moving to the secondary transfer unit 616 between the transfer counter roller 609 and the secondary transfer roller 611.

  After the toner image is transferred by matching the leading edge of the toner image with the leading edge of the transfer material P by the secondary transfer unit 616, the image on the transfer material P is fixed by the fixing unit 180B in the same manner as the one-sided image forming operation. Let Then, the transfer material P is again conveyed by the paper discharge roller 522 of the transport unit 80 and finally discharged onto the paper discharge tray, and a series of image forming operations is completed.

  Next, an image forming operation by the printer engine 100 when the image forming subsystem 150C corresponding to the high-speed monochrome throughput described above is mounted on the paper transport platform 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 13. FIG.

  When the printer control unit 105 receives an instruction to start an image forming job, a paper feed request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the platform control unit 65, and the transport unit 80 and the paper feed unit 70 start operating. Similarly, when an image formation request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the image formation control unit 160, the photosensitive unit is rotationally driven at an arbitrary process speed by a drive mechanism (not shown) of the image forming unit 170C. The drum 662 rotates. The photosensitive drum 662 is uniformly charged to a negative polarity by the primary charger 670. Then, the scanner unit 661 irradiates the polygon mirror 664 rotated by the scanner motor 665 with an image signal input from the outside from the laser light emitting element, and the electrostatic latent image is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 662 via the reflection mirror. Form an image.

  At the position where the photosensitive drum 662 is in contact with the developer unit 666, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 662 is visualized by the developer. In addition, a paper feed cassette is selected from the paper feed unit 70 and the pickup roller 502 is driven to pick up the uppermost paper of the transfer material (paper) P loaded on the paper feed cassette and transport it to the paper feed path 511. The Further, the transport roller 503 transports the transported transfer material P to the registration roller 671 of the image forming unit 170C. The toner image is transferred to the transfer material P by the transfer roller 667 to which a transfer bias (opposite polarity (positive polarity) with respect to the toner) is applied to the transfer material P conveyed to the secondary transfer portion. The transfer material P on which the toner image is formed is conveyed to the fixing device unit 180C, and the toner image is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 668 and thermally fixed on the surface of the transfer material P, and then conveyed to the conveyance unit 80C. The Then, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray on the upper surface of the main body by a paper discharge roller 522 through a paper discharge path 525 of the transport unit 80, and a series of image forming operations is completed. At this time, the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 662 is scraped off and collected by a cleaner blade or the like provided in the drum cleaner device 669.

  The above is the image forming operation at the time of single-sided image formation. Subsequently, a double-sided image forming operation will be described.

  The double-sided image forming operation is the same as the single-sided image forming operation until it is conveyed to the fixing unit 180C. After the toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing device 668 and thermally fixed on the surface of the transfer material P, the toner image passes through the paper discharge path 525 of the transport unit 80 and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray on the upper surface of the main body. With most of the transfer material P being discharged, the rotation of the paper discharge roller 522 is stopped. At that time, the rear end position of the transfer material P is positioned at a reversible position. That is, the transfer material P is stopped so that the rear end position of the transfer material P reaches the downstream side from the branch point of the paper discharge path 525 and the transport path 526.

  Subsequently, in order to send the transfer material P, whose conveyance has been stopped by stopping the rotation of the discharge roller 525, to the conveyance path 526 provided with the conveyance rollers 523, 524, the single-sided image forming operation of the discharge roller 522 is performed. Rotate in the opposite direction to the time rotation. By rotating the paper discharge roller 522 in the reverse direction, the rear end side of the transfer material P located at the reversible position is set as the front end side and the transport roller 523 is reached.

  Thereafter, the transfer material P is conveyed to the conveyance roller 524 by the conveyance roller 523. Then, the paper is conveyed to a paper feed path 511 of the paper feed unit 70. Further, the transport roller 503 transports the transported transfer material P to the registration roller 671 of the image forming unit 170C. In the meantime, an image formation request command is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the image formation control unit 160, and the transfer material P is moved to the transfer unit by the registration roller 613 as in the case of the one-sided image formation.

  After the front end of the toner image and the front end of the transfer material P are made to coincide with each other at the transfer portion and the toner image is transferred, the image on the transfer material P is fixed by the fixing unit 180C as in the single-sided image forming operation. Then, the transfer material P is again conveyed by the paper discharge roller 522 of the transport unit 80 and finally discharged onto the paper discharge tray, and a series of image forming operations is completed.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, the printer engine control unit 105, the image formation control unit 160 in the image formation subsystem 150, and the paper transport platform 60 for establishing the image formation operation in the printer engine 100. The communication and timing of the platform control unit 65 and the power supply unit 90 will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where a typical one-page image forming operation starts and ends normally will be described.

  22A to 22E are conceptual diagrams showing configuration communication parameters. FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams showing a command sequence. 22 and 23 show configuration communication and command sequences immediately after the printer engine 100 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 90, that is, when the power is turned on.

  First, configuration data (hereinafter referred to as “configuration information”) 701 shown in FIG. 22A is a common part of the configuration data for each unit, and as the capability information, the printer engine control unit 105 when the power is turned on. Sent to. The configuration information 701 is sent from the platform control unit 65 to the printer engine control unit 105 when the printer engine control unit 105, the platform control unit 65, and the image formation control unit 160 start processing by supplying power from the power supply unit 90. Similarly, the image data is transmitted from the image formation control unit 160 to the printer engine control unit 105, respectively.

  The data contents transmitted here are contents for notifying the printer engine control unit 105 what kind of capabilities the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 have as a subsystem and platform. The contents are as follows.

  For example, it is a unit ID for determining which unit the information is from. Information such as the process speed at which the unit can operate can also be considered. Regarding the process speed, for example, when the image forming subsystem 150 is capable of color printing, the fixing conditions and transfer conditions are different between the full color mode and the black monochrome mode, and can be fixed even with the same transfer material. Speed may vary.

  Therefore, in order to correctly notify the capability of the image forming subsystem, it is necessary to notify the process speed value in the full color mode and the process speed value in the black monochrome mode as one set with the color mode. On the other hand, in the case of a paper transport platform, the transfer material transport capacity often does not change between full color mode and black single color mode. In this case, the conditions are common to full color and black single color modes as well as the process speed value. To be notified.

  On the other hand, when the types of transfer materials are different, for example, when thick paper and plain paper are compared, there are many cases where differences occur in fixing conditions and conveyance conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to notify each type of transfer material, that is, a set of material conditions and process speed. In addition, the difference in color mode / material conditions may cause a difference in the fixing heater temperature to ensure the fixability. Data also needs to be notified.

  Based on the above, the data structure of the configuration information 701 is a data structure for notifying information with a process speed, a color mode as a premise thereof, power consumption (W), and material conditions as one set. In the configuration information 701, a case where three types of process speeds should be notified is shown as an example. In the case of a unit that only needs to be notified of one type of process speed, it is sufficient to notify only that.

  In addition, the distance between the transfer material and the transfer material, that is, the minimum distance between papers, may vary depending on the unit due to conditions such as the sensor reaction time as the transport condition and the fixing property. Is included in the configuration information 701.

  The power supply amount data 702 shown in FIG. 22B is notified from the power supply unit 90 to the printer engine control unit 105. In the present embodiment, the printer engine 100 has a configuration including the image forming subsystem 150 having an arbitrary capability and the paper transport platform 60. Therefore, the total amount of power that can be supplied from the power supply unit 90, and the power supply system The configuration data is important data for determining whether or not the apparatus can be operated. Therefore, like the configuration information 701, the suppliable power amount data 702 is data to be notified to the printer engine control unit 105 when the power is turned on.

  The unique configuration information 703 shown in FIG. 22C is a unique part of the configuration data for each unit. In addition to the data notified as the configuration information 701 shown in FIG. 22A, the unique configuration information 703 includes data that the image formation control unit 160 should notify as capability data of the image formation subsystem 150. .

  Specifically, the unique configuration information 703 includes configuration information such as “4D color image forming subsystem 150A” or “1D color image forming subsystem 150B”. It is. Furthermore, in the case of a color image forming subsystem such as the image forming subsystems 150A and 150B, it is necessary to generate ITOP signals for four colors at appropriate time intervals in order to develop and transfer four-color images. . Data for that purpose, such as “ITOP interval” data, is also included.

  In the case of a color image forming subsystem, four color images are developed and developed from the point in time when an ITOP signal for controlling color image data to be developed first is generated out of a certain page of image data. There may be a case where a time required for the transfer and the arrival of the head of the sub-scan of the image data at the secondary transfer portion is necessary for alignment with the transfer material. Therefore, the data for that purpose also needs to be included in the unique configuration information 703 as necessary.

  The printer engine operating condition information 704 shown in FIG. 22D is data for operating the printer engine 100 as an image forming apparatus. For example, the process speed value and power consumption amount in each color mode and each material condition notified from the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 by the configuration information 701 and 703 and the supplyable power amount data 702 are notified. It is also possible to derive an operating condition from which all units can operate normally and the printer engine 100 can obtain stable performance as an image forming apparatus from the supplied power amount. It is also possible for the printer engine control unit 105 to store several operating conditions as specified values in advance and select operating conditions that are not inconsistent with data collected from each unit.

  In the example of FIG. 22D, the case where three types of process speed and PPM (print per minute) in each color mode and each material condition are determined in the printer engine operating condition information 704 is described. It is also possible to notify a combination of color modes and materials that cannot be handled as necessary.

  The power consumption amount information 705 shown in FIG. 22E is notified from the image formation control unit 160 and the platform control unit 65 to the printer engine control unit 105. After receiving the operation condition from the printer engine control unit 105, the image formation control unit 160 and the platform control unit 65 determine again the power consumption amount under the operation condition, and use the determined power consumption amount information 705 as the power consumption amount information 705. The printer engine control unit 105 is notified again.

  The power consumption amount information 705 compares the suppliable power amount data 702 received from the power supply unit 90 by the printer engine control unit 105 with the total amount of power consumed under the conditions determined by each unit. Used when correcting conditions.

  This completes the description of the parameters for configuration communication when the power is turned on.

  In the above description, the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 have their own units such as a CPU in each unit associated therewith, for example, the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180 associated with the image forming subsystem 150. It is assumed that the system does not have the above control means, that is, the system in which the subsystem itself manages the storage and control of the capability information of the associated unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the accompanying unit has its own control means, the platform control unit 65 and the image forming control unit 160 receive the notification of the configuration information 701 from the accompanying units, respectively. It may be configured to communicate with the printer engine control unit 105 after collecting them.

  The sequence in the case where the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 are responsible for storing and controlling the capability information of each unit associated therewith is executed as follows. First, in the configuration information command sequence when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 23A, the power SW (not shown) is turned on, and power is supplied from the power unit 90 to each unit. Configuration information 701 is transmitted from the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 to the printer engine control unit 105. At this time, unique configuration information 703 is also added from the image formation control unit 160. Almost simultaneously with this data communication, the power supply unit 90 transmits suppliable power amount data 702 to the printer engine control unit 105.

  Based on the received configuration information 701 and 703, the printer engine control unit 105 determines operation conditions or operation specifications (process speed and PPM in each material / color mode) as the image forming apparatus. Thereafter, the printer engine control unit 105 transmits the determined operation condition as printer engine operation condition information 704 to the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160.

  The platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 recognize that they operate based on the printer engine operation condition information 704, and prepare for the image formation operation such as generation of operation parameters. The power consumption of is calculated again. Then, the calculation result is transmitted to the printer engine control unit 105 as power consumption information 705.

  With the above command sequence, a series of configuration communication at the time of power-on is completed.

  Note that the sequence when the units associated with the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 have their own control means is as shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 23B, after a power supply SW (not shown) is turned on and power is supplied from the power supply unit to each unit, a paper feed unit that is a unit associated with the platform control unit 65 first. 70 and the transport unit 80 transmit configuration information 701 to the platform control unit 65. Similarly, the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180 which are units attached to the image forming control unit 160 also transmit configuration information 701 to the image forming control unit 160.

  The platform control unit 65 determines capability information as the platform control unit 65 based on the configuration information 701 transmitted from the paper feeding unit 70 and the transport unit 80. The image forming control unit 160 performs the same operation.

  Thereafter, in addition to the configuration information 701 from the platform control unit 65 and the configuration information 701, the unique configuration information 703 is transmitted as configuration data to the printer engine control unit 105. Almost simultaneously with this data communication, the power supply unit 90 transmits suppliable power amount data 702 to the printer engine control unit 105.

  Based on the received configuration information 701 and 703, the printer engine control unit 105 determines operation specifications or operation conditions (process speed and PPM in each material / color mode) as the image forming apparatus. Thereafter, the printer engine control unit 105 transmits the determined operation condition as printer engine operation condition information 704 to the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160.

  The platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 recognize that the printer engine operating condition information 704 is operated, and the printer engine operating condition information 704 is associated with the paper feeding unit 70 and the transport unit 80, which are associated units. The image is transmitted to the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180.

  Receiving the printer engine operating condition information 704, the paper feeding unit 70 and the conveying unit 80, the image forming unit 170, and the fixing unit 180 recognize that they operate according to the given operating conditions, and generate operation parameters. At the same time as preparing for the image forming operation, each power consumption amount under the given operating conditions is calculated again. Then, the calculation result is transmitted as the power consumption information 705 to the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160, respectively.

  Each of the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 calculates a total sum based on the power consumption amount information 705 transmitted from each associated unit. Further, the calculation result is transmitted to the printer engine control unit 105 as power consumption information 705.

  With the above command sequence, a series of power-on configuration communication is terminated.

  FIGS. 24A to 24F are conceptual diagrams showing communication parameters exchanged with each unit when the printer engine 100 performs an image forming operation. FIGS. 25A and 25B are diagrams illustrating a command sequence when the printer engine 100 performs an image forming operation.

  A sheet feed request command 711 shown in FIG. 24A is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 in order to start the transfer material transfer during the image forming operation. This is a common part of the feed request command and parameters.

  Since the paper feed request command 711 is a paper feed request, it can be transmitted only to the platform control unit 65, and can also be transmitted to the image formation control unit 160 in the sense of reservation of an image forming operation. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the image is transmitted to the image forming control unit 160 in the sense of reservation.

  As an example of data necessary for a paper feed start request, a paper feed request command 711 includes a command ID representing a paper feed start request command, a page ID corresponding to the requested image data, a color mode, a paper size, material information, and a printing surface. Data such as (single-sided, double-sided surface, double-sided backside, etc.) are shown.

  The unique paper feed request command 712 shown in FIG. 24B does not need to be notified to the image forming control unit 160 as reservation information for the image forming operation, but the platform control unit 65 actually controls the transfer of the transfer material. This is the data of the necessary unique part and is not described in the command data of the paper feed request command 711. More specifically, the paper feed stage information for starting the paper feed and the paper discharge direction necessary for carrying by the carrying unit.

  The paper feed request ACK command 713 shown in FIG. 24C is based on the result of the platform controller 65 determining whether to start the paper feed operation based on the paper feed request command 711 and the specific paper feed request command 712. This is command data for notifying the control unit 105. Specific examples of the parameters indicate that the page ID, the paper feed stage information, the paper feed status information indicating whether or not the paper feed has been started normally, or the state where the paper feed is started, and the paper feed status information are not started. NG factor information in the case of “NG”. Specific examples of the NG factor include a paper out condition, an error condition, and a jam condition. In the present embodiment, it also means that the timing at which the image forming operation may be started when the platform control unit 65 transmits the paper feed request ACK command 713.

  The image formation request command 714 shown in FIG. 24D is transmitted from the printer engine control unit 105 to the image formation control unit 160 when the platform control unit 65 notifies the start of paper feed as a paper feed request ACK command 713. The The printer engine control unit 105 issues this image formation request command 714 when it is ready for image formation. Specific examples of the parameters include page ID and color mode.

  The image formation operation start notification command 715 shown in FIG. 24E is received by the image formation request command 714 when the image formation request is issued to the image formation control unit 160, and the image formation control unit 160 actually forms the image. This is command data for notifying the printer engine control unit 105 that the operation has started.

  The image forming control unit 160 generates an ITOP signal that is a trigger for starting the image forming operation according to the configuration, and simultaneously issues the image forming operation start notification command 715. Upon receiving the image forming operation start notification command 715, the printer engine control unit 105 also transmits the image forming operation start notification command 715 to the platform control unit 65 for transfer control of the transfer material. Specific examples of parameters of the image forming operation start notification command 715 include a page ID.

  An image formation / conveyance end notification command 716 shown in FIG. 24F is command data for notifying that all of the image forming operation and the conveyance operation have been completed. For example, when the transfer material is discharged from the transport unit 80 to the outside of the machine or the transfer material remains in the machine due to a jam or the like, the platform control unit 65 performs all of the image forming operation and the transport operation. It detects that the printing has ended, and notifies the printer engine control unit 105 of the result as an image formation / conveyance completion notification command 716.

  By this image formation / conveyance end notification command 716, the printer engine control unit 105 recognizes whether or not the image (page) image forming operation has been normally completed. Specific examples of parameters of the image formation / conveyance end notification command 716 include end status information for notifying whether or not the image has been normally completed, and NG factor information indicating a factor that has not been completed normally. Examples of NG factors include error conditions and jam conditions.

  The above is the parameter details of the command data communicated among the printer engine control unit 105, the platform control unit 65, and the image formation control unit 160 in accordance with the image forming operation.

  Also in the above description, each unit associated with the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 controls a system that does not have its own control means such as a CPU, that is, a unit associated with the subsystem itself. It presupposes a system to control. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the accompanying unit has its own control means, the command data received by the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 can be used for each accompanying unit. Necessary command data may be transmitted at an appropriate timing so that each accompanying unit controls a part of the image forming operation. In that case, the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160 are configured to transmit the result from each associated unit, if necessary, and communicate with the printer engine control unit 105 after collecting the results. May be.

  FIG. 25A shows a command sequence during an image forming operation in the case where the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 are responsible for controlling each unit associated therewith.

  In starting the image forming operation, first, the printer engine control unit 105 transmits a paper feed request command 711 to the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160. In addition to the paper feed request command 711, a unique paper feed request command 712 is also transmitted to the platform control unit 65.

  After receiving the paper feed request command 711, the platform control unit 65 determines whether or not the paper feed can be started, and transmits the result as a paper feed request ACK command 713 to the printer engine control unit 105. In this case, the conditions for determining that the sheet feeding can be started include a state in which the transfer material is not in the absence state, a jam state due to another transfer material that has already started feeding, and the like.

  When the printer engine control unit 105 receives the paper feed request ACK command 713 and recognizes that the platform control unit 65 has determined that the paper feed can be started, the image formation start command is used as the image formation request command 714 for image formation control. To the unit 160. The image formation control unit 160 receives the image formation request command 714 and determines whether the time has passed since the previous image formation by the image formation interval obtained from the set value of the PPM.

  If the image forming control unit 160 determines that an image can be formed, it generates an ITOP signal and starts the image forming operation. At the same time, the image forming operation start notification is sent to the printer engine control unit 105 as an image forming operation start notification command 715. Send. Upon receiving the image forming operation start notification command 715, the printer engine control unit 105 recognizes that image formation has started normally, and at the same time, notifies the platform control unit 65 of the image forming operation start for transfer material conveyance control. A command 715 is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the image forming operation start notification command 715, the platform control unit 65 recognizes that the transfer material is transport-controlled by the registration rollers so that the transfer material is controlled to be transferred by the secondary transfer unit. On the other hand, the image formation control unit 160 operates the registration roller by controlling the timing so that the position of the developed image and the transfer material matches after a predetermined time from the generated ITOP signal, and at the same time notifies the platform control unit 65 of the registration signal. Then, the fact that the transfer material conveyance operation has actually started is notified. Upon receiving the notification, the platform controller 65 starts driving the load on the upstream side of the registration roller of the transfer material.

  After image formation control and conveyance control are performed by the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160, the transfer material is delivered from the image formation subsystem 150 to the paper conveyance platform 60. Thereafter, when the platform control unit 65 recognizes that the transfer material has been discharged from the paper transport platform 60, an image formation / transport end notification command 716 is issued to the printer engine control unit 105. The printer engine control unit 105 receives the image formation / conveyance completion notification command 716 and recognizes that all of the series of image forming operations on the transfer material have been completed.

  The above is the details of the command sequence from the start to the end of the one-page image forming operation in the case where the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 are responsible for controlling each unit associated therewith.

  Note that the sequence when the units associated with the paper transport platform 60 and the image forming subsystem 150 have their own control means is as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 25B, when the image forming operation is started, first, the printer engine control unit 105 transmits a paper feed request command 711 to the platform control unit 65 and the image formation control unit 160. . In addition to the paper feed request command 711, a unique paper feed request command 712 is also transmitted to the platform controller 65. After receiving the paper feed request command 711, the platform control unit 65 transmits the unique paper feed request command 712 to the paper feed unit 70 in addition to the received paper feed request command 711.

  The image formation control unit 160 transmits the received paper feed request command 711 to the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180 as they are. The paper feed unit 70 determines whether or not the paper feed can be started by receiving the paper feed request command 711, and transmits the result as a paper feed request ACK command 713 to the platform control unit 65. In this case, the conditions for determining that the sheet feeding can be started include that the transfer material is not in the absence state, that the jam is not caused by another transfer material that has already started feeding, and the like. .

  The platform control unit 65 transmits a paper feed request ACK command 713 indicating the same result to the printer engine control unit 105 in accordance with the paper feed request ACK command 713 received from the paper feed unit 70. When the printer engine control unit 105 receives the paper feed request ACK command 713 and recognizes that the platform control unit 65 has determined that the paper feed can be started, the printer engine control unit 105 transmits the image formation request command 714 to the image formation control unit 160. To do. The image formation control unit 160 transmits the received image formation request command 714 to the image forming unit 170 and the fixing unit 180 as they are.

  The image forming unit 170 receives the image formation request command 714 and determines whether the time has passed since the previous image formation by the image formation interval obtained from the set value of the PPM. If it is determined that image formation is possible, the image forming unit 170 generates an ITOP signal and starts an image forming operation, and simultaneously transmits an image forming operation start notification command 715 to the image forming control unit 160.

  The image forming control unit 160 transmits the same content as the image forming operation start notification command 715 transmitted from the image forming unit 170 to the printer engine control unit 105. The image forming control unit 160 also notifies the fixing unit 180 of the start of the image forming operation in order to notify the fixing unit 180 that the transfer material will be conveyed later because the image forming unit 170 has started the image forming operation. A command 715 is transmitted.

  The printer engine control unit 105 receives the image forming operation start notification command 715, recognizes that the image forming operation has started normally, and simultaneously starts the image forming operation with respect to the platform control unit 65 for transfer material conveyance control. A notification command 715 is transmitted. After receiving the image forming operation start notification command 715, the platform control unit 65 transmits the received image forming operation start notification command 715 to the paper feeding unit 70 as it is.

  The platform control unit 65 and the paper feeding unit 70 receive the image forming operation start notification command 715, so that the transfer material is controlled by the registration rollers so that the transfer is controlled by the secondary transfer unit. recognize. On the other hand, the image forming unit 170 operates the registration roller by controlling the timing so that the position of the developed image and the transfer material coincides with each other after a predetermined time from the generated ITOP signal, and at the same time, sends the registration signal via the image formation control unit 160. The platform control unit 65 is notified of the fact that the transfer material conveyance operation has actually started. The platform controller 65 receives the notification and simultaneously transmits the notification to the paper feeding unit 70 without delay, so that the paper feeding unit 70 starts driving the load on the upstream side of the registration roller of the transfer material.

  The platform control unit 65 receives the paper feed received before the timing when the transfer material is transferred from the image forming subsystem 150 to the paper transport platform 60 after a predetermined time from the timing when the image forming operation start notification command 715 is received. The request command 711 and the unique paper feed request command 712 are notified to the transport unit 80, and the transport unit is prepared to receive the transfer material.

  After that, when the transport unit 80 receives and transports the transfer material, and finally recognizes that the transfer material has been discharged out of the apparatus, the transport unit 80 issues an image formation / transport end notification command 716 to the platform control unit 65. To do. Upon receiving the image formation / conveyance completion notification command 716 from the conveyance unit 80, the platform control unit 65 transmits an image formation / conveyance completion notification command 716 having the same contents to the printer engine control unit 105. The printer engine control unit 105 receives the image formation / conveyance completion notification command 716 and recognizes that all of the series of image forming operations on the transfer material have been completed.

  Next, the part which becomes the characteristic of this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. This image forming system is configured such that an information management server 130 and a plan proposal server 131 are connected to an image forming apparatus 1600 so that information can be exchanged via the network 10. The information management server 130 and the plan proposal server 131 may correspond to the servers 30-1 and 30-2 (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of combination data (operation specification information) stored in the information management server 130. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a current system specification displayed on a display unit (not illustrated) of the operation unit 210. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of change proposal data. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply change recommendation displayed on a display unit (not illustrated) of the operation unit 210.

  The combination data (see FIG. 27) is obtained by the printer engine control unit 105 collecting operation specification information regarding image forming processing operations of all the subsystems or units that can be attached and detached in the image forming apparatus 1600. While being sent to the management server 130 and stored, it is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the operation unit 210. In this combination data, replaceable subsystems or unit groups are displayed in the left column. In this example, the image forming subsystem group includes the graphic color G1, the office color A1, and the office color C1, and the sheet feeding unit group includes the sheet feeding units C11, C12, and C13. In the middle column, the maximum specifications of each unit are displayed, and the speed (CPM), the corresponding material (paper), and the power consumption are listed as specifications. The right column shows the unit requirements for each unit.

  The graphic colors G1, A1, C1, and the paper feeding units C11, C12, C13 are all examples, and the number is not limited to these. The graphic colors G1, A1, and C1 correspond to the image forming subsystems 150A and 150B described above, for example.

  The change proposal data is organized and stored by the plan proposal server 131, and is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the operation unit 210 in the image forming apparatus 1600. In the example of FIG. 29, change proposal data when the image forming subsystem is exchanged from the office color C1 to the office color A1 is shown.

  That is, when the image forming subsystem is changed from the office color C1 to the office color A1, when the paper feeding unit C11 is changed to the paper feeding unit C12 at the same time, the speed is 40 CPM and the material correspondence is 200 g. Up. Furthermore, the power supply unit needs to be changed in order to increase the power supply capacity. Alternatively, when the paper feeding unit C11 is replaced with the paper feeding unit C13 at the same time, the speed is increased to 40 CPM and the material correspondence is increased to 125 g. Furthermore, there is no need to change the power supply unit to increase the power supply capacity. Alternatively, when the sheet feeding unit C11 is not changed, only the image forming subsystem is replaced, and the productivity and the material correspondence are not changed. Furthermore, there is no need to change the power supply unit to increase the power supply capacity.

  Next, a series of operations will be described.

  When the user attempts to improve the specifications of the image forming subsystem or the paper feeding unit, first, the printer engine control unit 105 (see FIG. 14) displays a display (not shown) of the operation unit 210 in response to a predetermined operation of the operation unit 210. Display the current system specifications shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 28, the image forming subsystem is the office color C1, the paper feeding unit is the paper feeding unit C11, the power system is 1000 W, and one outlet. At the same time, the printer engine control unit 105 calls the combination data of each unit group shown in FIG. 27 from the information management server 130 via the network 10 and displays it on the operation unit 210.

  Next, when the user performs an operation for changing the image forming subsystem from the office color C1 to the office color A1 by a predetermined operation of the operation unit 210 as an input for specification specification, the information is stored in the network 10. Is transmitted to the plan proposal server 131. At the same time, the combination data (FIG. 27) stored in the information management server 130 is transmitted to the plan proposal server 131.

  The plan proposal server 131 organizes change proposal data based on these two data. That is, the plan proposal server 131 refers to the combination data, and searches for a unit that can be mounted instead of the currently mounted unit or the like in order to satisfy the specifications specified by the user as much as possible. Then, for each searched unit, etc., the speed proposal, the specification change corresponding to the material, and the necessity of the power supply change are determined and converted into data, thereby organizing the change proposal data. At that time, an appropriate change mode of the power supply (for example, a new outlet is required) is also searched and included in the change proposal data.

  Then, the plan proposal server 131 returns the organized change proposal data (FIG. 29) to the image forming apparatus 1600 via the network 10. In the image forming apparatus 1600, the returned change proposal data is displayed on the operation unit 210, and the user confirms the contents.

  Here, if the user who has confirmed the content of the change proposal data intends to select a change from the paper feed unit C11 to the paper feed unit C12, the power consumption is 700 W for the office color A1, and the paper feed unit C12. Is 400 W (see FIG. 27), which is 1100 W in total. Then, the capacity of the 1000 W power supply that is originally configured becomes insufficient. However, as shown in FIG. 29, in the case of a change to the paper feeding unit C12, the message “change in power supply is necessary” is displayed, so that it is necessary to change the power supply in making the above-described change. The user can know that it is.

  On the other hand, if it is desired to select a change from the paper supply unit C11 to the paper supply unit C13, the power consumption is 700 W for the office color A1 and 250 W for the paper supply unit C13, which is 950 W in total, which is 1000 W. The power supply is sufficient. In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, the message “No need to change power supply” is displayed, so that the user can know that the power supply change is not necessary when making the above changes.

  In this way, since it is possible to confirm in advance whether or not a power supply change is required by exchanging units while confirming the change proposal data, it is possible for the user to easily perform spec-up without excess or deficiency.

  By the way, if the user performs an operation of changing the image forming subsystem to the graphic color G1, if the user wants to select the change from the paper supply unit C11 to the paper supply unit C12, the total required power becomes 1600W. (See FIG. 27). Therefore, in Japan, the power supply standard exceeds 100V-15A. In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 30, a display unit (not shown) of the operation unit 210 displays that a new outlet is necessary for the selected specification upgrade. Even in this case, it is possible for the user to improve the specs without excess or deficiency.

  According to the present embodiment, when the user tries to replace the image forming subsystem, the user determines how the spec changes and whether or not the power supply needs to be changed by checking the change proposal data. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to easily increase the specifications without excess or deficiency, and to prompt the user to change the appropriate power supply standard according to the change of the operation specifications.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not the power supply needs to be changed is displayed, but it may be displayed only when the power supply needs to be changed.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the combination data and the change proposal data are stored in the information management server 130 and the plan proposal server 131 connected to the image forming apparatus 1600 via the network 10 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained by performing a series of processing when the apparatus specifications are increased by the printer engine control unit 105 provided in the image forming apparatus 1600. That is, the printer engine control unit 105 is configured to perform the functions of the information management server 130 and the plan proposal server 131 without using an external device via the network 10, and the image forming apparatus 1600 alone performs processing. Good.

  Specifically, the combination data is stored in the printer engine control unit 105. The change proposal data is also generated and stored by the printer engine control unit 105. The printer engine control unit 105 also handles exchanges for information input from the user.

  In the present embodiment, the processing of selecting a power source necessary for specification improvement in the item of power of the power source has been described. However, the input voltage to the power source (100 V, 200 V system), the number of phases (single phase, 3 phase) It is also possible to adopt a process of selecting a necessary power source from items such as phase input) and output voltage from the power source.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the specifications of the image forming subsystem 150 and the paper feeding unit 70 are exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is needless to say that the same processing can be applied to increase the specifications by replacing other functional units such as the fixing unit 180, the image forming unit 170, and the transport unit 80.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when the user specifies the image forming apparatus 1600, the power supply system proposal corresponding to the specification is displayed on the operation unit 210 and the user is recognized. However, in the second embodiment, a description will be given of a processing method in the case where the user has recognized the power supply spec-up but only the subsystem or unit is actually replaced and the power-supply spec-up is not performed. Therefore, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the following method can be considered as a simple method. As described above, the power consumption amount information 705 (see FIG. 22E) is notified from the image formation control unit 160 and the platform control unit 65 to the printer engine control unit 105. Supplyable power amount data 702 (see FIG. 22B) is notified from the power supply unit 90 to the printer engine control unit 105. When the power consumption amount information 705 is larger than the suppliable power amount data 702, the printer engine control unit 105 determines that the operation as the image forming apparatus is impossible, and the controller 200 sends the information to the operation unit 210 via the controller 200. Is displayed, the user is made aware, and prompts the user to replace the power supply unit 90.

  However, in this case, when the operation of the image forming apparatus 1600 is stopped, it is safe, but it is inconvenient for the user. Therefore, as will be described below, a mode in which operation is performed within the power supply range of the power supply unit 90 will be described.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a current waveform.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, a state in which the office color A1 and the paper feeding unit C12 are combined and the power supply capability is 1000 W shown in FIG. 27 will be described.

  The next process is performed prior to the start of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1600. First, if the office color A1 and the paper feeding unit C12 are combined, it should be possible to handle 200 g of material at a speed of 70 CPM. However, if it is the combination, a power supply of 1100 W is required. Here, the printer engine control unit 105 determines that a power shortage of 100 W is generated (see the apparatus current waveform 1631 in FIG. 31).

  In order to eliminate the power shortage 100W, the printer engine control unit 105 has printer engine operating condition information 704 (information such as CPM (for example, 65 CPM) smaller than the current state and material correspondence (for example, 150 g) smaller than the current state). 22D) is transmitted to the image formation control unit 160 and the platform control unit 65.

  Thereafter, the image forming control unit 160 and the platform control unit 65 calculate the power consumed by each unit based on the received printer engine operating condition information 704. In other words, the image forming control unit 160 calculates the power when changed as shown in the changed fixing system current waveform 1632 shown in FIG. 31, and the platform control unit 65 calculates the power supply system current waveform 1633 shown in FIG. Calculate the power when changed as follows.

  Then, the power data is transferred again to the printer engine control unit 105 as power consumption information 705. Based on the power consumption information 705, the printer engine control unit 105 determines whether the power consumption is within 1000 W in total. As a result, when it is determined that the operation is possible, the operation of the image forming apparatus is started based on the above-described sequence (FIG. 25A).

  However, if it is determined that the operation is impossible, the image forming control is performed again using the printer engine operating condition information 704, which is information regarding CPM (for example, 60 CPM) less than the current state and material correspondence (for example, 120 g) less than the current state. To the unit 160 and the platform control unit 65. Such processing is repeated until it is determined that operation is possible. At the same time, the printer engine control unit 105 causes the operation unit 210 to display the current operation specifications such as “current operation mode is XXCPM and material support is XXg”, etc. Let the user recognize.

  According to the present embodiment, if the collected power consumption amount information 705 is larger than the suppliable power amount data 702 before the start of the operation, the processing operation related to image formation is performed in the control mode with a lowered operation specification. Therefore, the processing operation can be performed with appropriate specifications within the range of power that can be supplied. Further, safety can be ensured by the degeneration operation.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the power specification that has been set once is adjusted again by detecting the power information at the time of actual operation with respect to the power information sucked from each unit, and the operation specification is optimized. Try to plan. In addition, the processing in the second embodiment is also performed. Therefore, the second embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, power detection means (not shown) is provided in the power supply unit 90.

  Also in the present embodiment, as an example, a case where the office color A1 and the paper feeding unit C12 are combined and the power supply capability is 1000 W shown in FIG. 27 will be described.

  First, it is assumed that the operation specification is in a state of operating in an operation mode corresponding to 65 CPM and 150 g material by the printer engine control unit 105 by the same processing as described in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram showing current waveforms based on calculated values and actually measured values. In the figure, a device current waveform (calculated value) 1661 is calculated based on the power supply capability based on the suppliable power amount data 702 and the required power consumption based on the power consumption amount information 705. It is a waveform when it is determined that it is possible. The apparatus current waveform (calculated value) 1661 is equal to the sum of the paper feeding system current waveform 1633 and the fixing system current waveform (calculated value) 1632. Further, the apparatus current waveform (actual value) 1662 is equal to the sum of the paper feed system current waveform 1633 and the fixing system current waveform (actual value) 1664.

  When the image forming apparatus operates according to the above sequence (FIG. 25A), the power detection unit in the power supply unit 90 measures the power curve during actual operation at the same time. A device current waveform (actual value) 1662 and a fixing system current waveform (actual value) 1664 are obtained by this actual measurement. The actual measurement data by the power detection means is added to the suppliable power amount data 702 and passed to the printer engine control unit 105.

  When the printer engine control unit 105 determines that the device current waveform (actual value) 1662 is smaller than the device current waveform (calculated value) 1661, the printer engine control unit 105 causes the image formation control unit 160 to upload the material correspondence data. Printer engine operating condition information 704 is transmitted. Thereafter, the image formation control unit 160 transmits new power consumption amount information 705 to the printer engine control unit 105 again in order to return a new power calculation value after the specification is upgraded.

  The printer engine control unit 105 compares the received power consumption amount information 705 with the suppliable power amount data 702 transmitted from the power supply unit 90, and if it can be determined that power can be supplied by the power supply unit 90, its operation specifications. The process proceeds to the image forming operation. At the same time, the printer engine control unit 105 causes the operation unit 210 to display the current operation specification via the controller 200 and allow the user to recognize it.

  According to the present embodiment, the processing operation can be performed by setting the maximum specification within the range of power that can be supplied.

  Note that as the frequency of receiving the actual power data from the power supply unit 90 increases, the operation specifications can be further optimized.

  For each spec, it displays where the unit can be realized by changing the unit. In addition, when the unit and subsystem are replaced, if the power supply replacement or connection method needs to be changed, that item is displayed. Thus, when the user replaces the unit and the connection of the power source is changed, a tool (system) that supports the user's system upgrade plan can be provided by proposing the item in advance.

  In the second and third embodiments, the example in which the fixing power and the paper feeding sequence are adjusted has been described. However, the operation modes of the image forming unit 170 and the conveyance unit 80 and all of these operation modes are adjusted. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained.

  In the first, second, and third embodiments, the system in which the image forming apparatus 1600 includes one power supply unit 90 has been described. However, a plurality of power supply units 90 are provided, and each unit includes a power supply unit. It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained in the system provided.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a printer engine. It is a perspective view of a printer engine. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer engine configured by replacing an image forming subsystem. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer engine configured by replacing an image forming subsystem. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer engine configured by replacing an image forming subsystem. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer engine configured by replacing a paper feed unit and a transport unit. Schematic diagram (FIG. (A)) showing a state in the middle of positioning of the image forming subsystem with respect to the paper transport platform, and schematic diagram (FIG. (B)) showing a state in which the image forming subsystem 150 is positioned with respect to the paper transport platform. ). It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the sheet feeding unit of the low-speed paper feeding direction and the high-speed paper feeding direction which can be replaced | exchanged. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the conveyance unit of the low-speed paper feeding direction and the high-speed paper feeding direction which can be replaced | exchanged (FIG. (A), (b)). 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming subsystem for a 4D full-color printer. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming subsystem for a 1D full-color printer. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming subsystem for a 1D monochrome printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of an internal structure of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming subsystem. FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating image formation timing of the image forming subsystem. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming subsystem. FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating image formation timing of the image forming subsystem. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming subsystem. FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating image formation timing of the image forming subsystem. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the parameter of configuration communication. It is a figure which shows a command sequence. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating communication parameters exchanged with each unit when the printer engine performs an image forming operation. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a command sequence when the printer engine performs an image forming operation. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of the combination data (operation | movement specification information) stored in an information management server. It is a figure which shows an example of the present system specification displayed on the display part not shown of an operation part. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of change proposal data. It is a figure which shows an example of the power supply change recommendation displayed on the display part not shown of an operation part. It is a figure which shows a current waveform. It is a figure which shows the current waveform by a calculated value and an actual measurement value.

Explanation of symbols

60 Paper transport platform 65 Platform control unit 70 Paper feed unit (functional unit)
80 Transport unit (functional unit)
90 Power supply unit (functional unit, actual power measuring means)
100 Printer Engine 105 Printer Engine Control Unit (Operation Control Unit, Spec Collection Unit, Display Control Unit)
130 Information Management Server 131 Plan Proposal Server (Unit Search Unit, Judgment Unit)
150 Image Forming Subsystem 160 Image Forming Control Unit 170 Image Forming Unit (Functional Unit)
180 Fixing unit (functional unit)
210 Operation section (spec input means, display section)
1600 image forming apparatus

Claims (7)

A plurality of detachable functional units;
An operation control means for controlling operations of a plurality of mounted functional units to perform processing operations relating to a series of image formation;
Spec collection means for collecting operation spec information on processing operations related to the image formation of the plurality of detachable functional units;
Spec input means for inputting operation spec information desired by the user;
A function that is currently installed to satisfy the operation spec information input by the spec input means based on the operation spec information collected by the spec collection means and the operation spec information input by the spec input means. Unit search means for searching for a functional unit that can be installed instead of a unit;
A determination means for determining whether or not a power supply needs to be changed when the functional unit currently mounted is replaced with a mountable functional unit searched by the unit search means;
An image forming system comprising: a display control unit that displays on the display unit when the determination unit determines that the power supply needs to be changed.   As a result of the determination by the determination means, when the power supply needs to be changed, it has a power supply search means for searching for an appropriate power supply change mode, and the display control means has the power supply search searched by the power supply search means. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an appropriate change mode is displayed on the display unit. Multiple functional units;
An operation control means for controlling operations of the plurality of functional units to perform processing operations relating to a series of image formation;
A power supply unit,
The operation control means collects power information necessary for the processing operation related to the image formation from the plurality of functional units before starting the processing operation related to the image formation, and can be supplied from the power supply unit. Collect information about
Further, the operation control unit, when executing the processing operation related to the image formation, performs the processing operation related to the image formation based on the collected information on the necessary power and the collected information on the power that can be supplied. An image forming system characterized by adjusting a control mode.   The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the operation control unit lowers an operation specification related to a processing operation related to the image formation when the suppliable power is smaller than the necessary power. Multiple functional units;
An operation control means for controlling operations of the plurality of functional units to perform processing operations relating to a series of image formation;
A power supply unit;
Necessary power information collecting means for collecting information on power necessary for processing operations related to the image formation from the plurality of functional units;
Suppliable power information collecting means for collecting information on suppliable power from the power supply unit;
An actual power measuring means for measuring the actual power supplied by the power supply unit when the processing operation relating to the image formation is performed;
The operation control unit is measured by the necessary power information collected by the necessary power information collecting unit, the suppliable power information collected by the suppliable power information collecting unit, and the actual power measuring unit. An image forming system that adjusts a control mode of a processing operation related to next image formation based on the supplied actual power.   When the actual power supplied is smaller than the required power at the time of execution of the processing operation related to the current image formation, the operation control means operates at the time of execution of the processing operation related to the previous image formation. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein:   The plurality of functional units include one having a CPU, and the functional unit having the CPU performs its own control based on a control signal sent from the operation control means. The image forming system according to any one of the above.

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