JP2012083666A - Image formation device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device and a recording medium which can relieve a user burden by changing a removal process of recording paper remained in a staple tray depending on an application flexibly.SOLUTION: This invention comprises: temporary accumulation means which accumulates image formation processed recording paper temporarily at a staple binding mode; finisher information notice means to notify recording paper eject information on a finisher which performs the staple binding mode; recording paper detection means which detects the recording paper accumulated by the temporary accumulation means; application information notice means to notify an ejection process of recording paper which remains without staple binding at the temporary accumulation means; and control means which changes the ejection process of the remaining recording paper with reference to application information notified by the application information notice means and finisher information notified by the finisher information notice means in the case where the recording paper detection means detects the remained recording paper.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a stapling mode for stapling recording paper subjected to image formation processing, and a removal method when a recording paper for stapling remains on a staple tray depending on an application. The present invention relates to a recording medium for an image forming apparatus in which a program for changing is recorded.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine equipped with these functions, a plurality of sheets of image forming processing (hereinafter simply referred to as “printing”) are stapled. Those capable of printing in the staple mode are well known.

  In such an image forming apparatus, when printing is performed in the staple mode, the printed recording paper before stapling is separated from the paper discharge tray for collecting the recording paper bundle after stapling. Generally, it is once accumulated on the staple tray.

  In particular, in a large-sized image forming apparatus capable of speeding up, such a staple tray is often disposed inside a finisher that is installed adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body as an option.

  However, during printing in the staple mode, printing is canceled such as deleting data related to printing including image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “job”), or the image forming apparatus is turned off. If this happens, the recording paper remains on the staple tray.

  However, if the next printing process is executed while the recording paper remains on the staple tray due to job cancellation (printing cancellation) or power OFF, the first remaining recording paper (hereinafter referred to as “first recording paper”). And the recording paper (hereinafter referred to as “subsequent recording paper”) accumulated later, stapling may be performed while the paper is mixed.

  Therefore, if the sensor detects that the recording paper remains on the staple tray due to job cancellation or power OFF, a warning is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit, and the user can manually select the previous recording paper on the staple tray. There is a technique for removing the image by removing the image by performing empty discharge on the discharge tray.

  Even when empty paper discharge is performed on the paper discharge tray, for example, in order to prevent the recording paper after the empty paper discharge from being mixed with the recording paper after the next print processing, In the case of a finisher equipped with a paper discharge tray, the first recording paper and the rear recording paper are discharged to different paper discharge trays, or the paper discharge tray is displaced in the width direction of the recording paper and There is known a technique for sorting and discharging the recording paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the recording paper remaining on the staple tray uniformly adopts one of the removal methods of having the user manually remove or empty discharge, and the removal method can be changed. could not.

  Therefore, when a copying function (copying function) or a printing function is provided as in a multi-function peripheral, for example, a copying function is often provided in which the user waits in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus from the original set to the end of printing. When the recording paper is being executed, and when the printing function is being executed so that the user does not have to wait in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus until the printing is completed by sending the print data, Regardless of whether or not removal can be easily performed, either manual removal or empty paper discharge is uniformly adopted.

  This allows the user to manually remove the recording paper remaining on the staple tray even though the user is waiting near the image forming apparatus by executing the copy function as one of the applications of the multifunction peripheral. Since it is difficult to forget to remove, even if you want to remove it manually, there is a user burden that the user forgets to remove the recording paper after empty paper discharge and the user returns to take out the recording paper. There was a bug that would occur.

  Another user who came near the image forming apparatus to perform the copy function even though the user is not waiting near the image forming apparatus by executing the print function as one of the applications of the multifunction peripheral. In addition, there is a problem that a user burden such as manually removing the recording paper remaining on the staple tray occurs.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and a recording medium that can reduce the burden on the user by flexibly changing the method of removing the recording paper remaining on the staple tray according to the application. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a temporary stacking unit that temporarily stacks recording sheets that have undergone image formation processing in the staple binding mode, and a recording sheet discharge of a finisher that executes the staple binding mode. A finisher information notifying means for notifying paper information, a recording paper detecting means for detecting the recording paper accumulated in the temporary accumulating means, and a method for discharging the recording paper remaining without stapling to the temporary accumulating means are notified. Refer to application information notified by the application information notifying unit and the finisher information notified by the finisher information notifying unit when the recording sheet detecting unit detects that there is a remaining recording sheet. And a control means for switching a residual recording paper discharge method.

  The recording medium of the present invention is a storage medium having a plurality of application functions and storing a program for executing a staple binding mode in which recording sheets subjected to image formation processing are temporarily accumulated on a staple tray and then stapled. The storage medium records a discharge method preset for each of a plurality of application functions and for each recording paper discharge function of the finisher.

  The image forming apparatus and the recording medium of the present invention can reduce the burden on the user by changing the method of removing the recording paper remaining on the staple tray flexibly according to the application.

1 is an explanatory diagram of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a basic configuration specialized for printing and discharging control in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a chart of a basic configuration related to print discharge control in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a warning display example displayed on the liquid crystal display when automatic discharge cannot be performed in the multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example of paper discharge control when job cancellation is performed during execution of printing in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example of paper discharge control when there is residual recording paper on the staple tray when printing is to be executed in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Next, an image forming apparatus and a recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following examples are preferred specific examples of the image forming apparatus and the recording medium of the present invention, and may have various technically preferred limitations, but the technical scope of the present invention is particularly limited. As long as there is no description which limits this invention, it is not limited to these aspects. In addition, the constituent elements in the embodiments shown below can be appropriately replaced with existing constituent elements and the like, and various variations including combinations with other existing constituent elements are possible. Therefore, the description of the embodiment described below does not limit the contents of the invention described in the claims.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of the multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a multifunction machine 10 serving as an image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body 11, a plurality of feed trays 12, 13, and 14 that are disposed below the apparatus main body 11 and can be pulled out, and above the apparatus main body 11. An operation panel 15 disposed, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter simply referred to as “ADF”) 16 rotatably disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11, and a finisher disposed on the side of the apparatus main body 11. 17.

  The finisher 17 is an optional device different from the apparatus main body 11 in the present embodiment. For example, the finisher 17 is in a state in which a standard discharge tray (not shown) detachably attached to the apparatus main body 11 is removed. And a finisher main body 18, a paper discharge tray 19 that changes to a standard paper discharge tray, and a second paper discharge tray 20 that has a sorting function that can be displaced in the recording paper width direction separately from the paper discharge tray 19. ing. The finisher 17 also includes a staple tray 21 that temporarily accumulates recording sheets that have undergone image forming processing (hereinafter simply referred to as “printing”) in the staple binding mode, and a recording sheet that is accumulated on the staple tray 21. A stapler (not shown). The staple tray 21 is provided with a known recording sheet detection sensor (not shown) that detects the presence of the recording sheet.

  Although not shown inside the apparatus main body 11, data processing such as operation data for operating the operation panel 15 and print data including image data transmitted from a network-connected personal computer (not shown) And a variety of engines (drivers) that are driven and controlled by the controller.

  Further, inside the apparatus main body 11, paper feeds from the trays 12, 13, 14 to the paper discharge port 22 for feeding and transporting recording papers of various sizes stored in the paper feed trays 12, 13, 14. A conveyance path (not shown) is provided. Further, although not shown in the drawing, the image forming unit for forming an image to be transferred onto the recording paper from the read or transmitted image data is formed in the apparatus main body 11. A transfer unit that transfers the transferred image onto the recording paper, a fixing unit that fixes the transferred image onto the recording paper, a paper discharge unit that discharges the fixed recording paper from the paper discharge port 22 toward the finisher 17, and the like. Has been. The paper feed / conveyance path, the image forming unit, the transfer unit, the fixing unit, the paper discharge unit, and the like are well-known, although their installation positions and structures differ depending on the model and the like. Is omitted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 11 includes a scanner engine 31 as an image input unit for reading a document when performing a copy function or a scanner function, and an image input unit when performing a print function. A host I / F (interface) control unit 33 that receives print data from an external host device (such as a personal computer) 32, and the type of I / F is based on local connection such as IEEE 1284, USB, wired, or wireless There is a network connection such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Further, in the FAX function, the scanner function is applied to the image input means at the time of FAX transmission, and the external host device 32 can be applied. At the time of FAX reception, the FAX control unit 35 decodes data as print data through an NCU (Network Control Unit) 34 connected to a general public line. Further, the print output means is a printer engine 36, and there are image forming methods such as a laser method, an LED method, and an ink jet method. In addition, the CPU 37 has instructions and controls for each block, and a program for executing the entire image forming process is stored in a ROM 38 as a storage medium. Depending on the system, it is possible to improve the processing performance by installing a plurality of ROMs 38. The RAM 39 is a volatile memory, and is used for temporarily storing data of processing of each block including the CPU 37 via the RAM control unit 40. Note that the RAM 39 temporarily stores image data, mode settings, and the like for print execution. The NVRAM 41 is a non-volatile memory, and is used as a storage medium for storing device-specific information (such as various parameters) and a program for executing functions related to the present invention.

  The operation unit 15 is a device operator (user) such as a numeric keypad for device operation, a start key, a stop key interrupt key, various button keys, an indicator for device status display (LED, LCD display, speaker, etc.) And an information input / output with the operation unit 15 by the operation unit I / F control unit 42. In this embodiment, a panel switch type liquid crystal display 43 (see FIGS. 1 and 5) is used as an indicator.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a basic configuration specialized for printing and discharging control in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the application unit 44 corresponding to the RAM 39 and the NVRAM 41 notifies the print control unit 45 corresponding to the CPU 37 of the application information. The print control unit 45 instructs the post-processing unit 46 corresponding to the CPU 37 to discharge the remaining recording paper, and instructs the operation unit 15 to display a warning. Further, the post-processing unit 46 stores a paper discharge method for each application. Further, the post-processing unit 46 corresponds to the printer engine 36 and notifies the print control unit 45 of the remaining recording paper information. Note that application information from the application unit 44 to the print control unit 45 is notified when the job starts or when the job continues.

  FIG. 4 is a chart of a basic configuration related to print discharge control in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 37 performs the remaining recording paper considering the function of the finisher 17 installed as an optional device when the copy function or the printer function as the application of the multifunction machine 10 is executed in the staple binding mode. Control the delivery method.

  Specifically, the print control unit 45 shown in FIG. 3 determines the paper discharge method from the performance of the application and the finisher 17. For example, if the performance of the finisher 17 can be automatically discharged by the copy function, the remaining recording sheet is automatically discharged (empty discharge) at the head of the job. Also, if the finisher 17 is not capable of automatic paper discharge with the copy function, it can be removed manually or stapled and discharged, so the user is notified and a method for removing the remaining recording paper is selected. Let

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a warning display example displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 when automatic paper discharge is not possible in the multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, if the determination by the print control unit 45 is the copy function and the performance of the finisher 17 cannot be automatically discharged, the liquid crystal display 43 warns the user to select the discharge method. Display and selection switches 17a and 17b for "stapling and discharging" or "manually discharging" are displayed.

  Next, a more specific discharge method selection control example of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of paper discharge control when a job is canceled during printing. In FIG. 6, in the case of the printer function, print data including image data is transmitted from a personal computer connected to the MFP 10 via a network, and the staple binding mode is selected in the print data. And In the case of the copy function, it is assumed that a document is set on the ADF 16 and the staple binding mode is selected by the operation unit 15. In addition, a description will be given from a state in which a job cancel operation is received from the personal computer (print function) or the operation unit 15 (copy function) and a CPU 37 receives a job cancel command during printing.

(Step S1)
In step S1, the CPU 37 executes a print end process upon arrival of a job cancel command, and proceeds to step S2.

(Step S2)
In step S <b> 2, the CPU 37 ends the processing as it is if there is no remaining recording paper in the staple tray 21 based on the determination result of the post-processing unit 46 whether there is residual recording paper in the staple tray 21. If there is residual recording paper, the process proceeds to step S3.

(Step S3)
In step S3, the CPU 37 determines whether or not the remaining recording paper on the staple tray 21 is in a state where the engine can be controlled. If the engine cannot be controlled, the CPU 37 proceeds to step S6. The process proceeds to S4.

(Step S4)
In step S4, the CPU 37 refers to the application information. If the application information is a printer function, the process proceeds to step S5. If the application information is not a printer function, the process ends.

(Step S5)
In step S5, since it is a printer function, the CPU 37 checks the performance of the finisher 17 with respect to the post-processing unit 46. If the performance of the finisher 17 can be automatically discharged, the process proceeds to step S7. If the finisher 17 is not capable of automatic paper discharge, the process proceeds to step S8.

(Step S6)
In step S <b> 6, for example, the CPU 37 displays a warning to the user that there is residual recording paper on the staple tray 21 on the liquid crystal display 43 and ends this processing. The CPU 37 operates the liquid crystal display 43 and, when the user selects “staple and discharge”, staples and discharges, and “manually discharge” is selected. In this case, a warning that there is residual recording paper is displayed to inform the user that the residual recording paper is to be removed. In this case, the processing of the next job is stopped until the recording paper remaining on the staple tray 21 is removed.

(Step S7)
In step S7, the CPU 37 automatically discharges the recording paper remaining on the staple tray 21 to the second discharge tray 20 because the finisher 17 can automatically discharge, and ends the printing process.

(Step S8)
In step S8, since the finisher 17 cannot automatically discharge, the CPU 37 automatically discharges the recording sheet remaining on the staple tray 21 to the second discharge tray 20 and ends the printing process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of paper discharge control when there is a remaining recording sheet on the staple tray 21 when printing is to be executed, such as when the power is turned on after the power is turned off during printing. In FIG. 7, in the case of the printer function, print data including image data transmitted from a personal computer connected to the MFP 10 via a network is received, and the staple binding mode is selected in the print data. It shall be. In the case of the copy function, it is assumed that the stapling mode is selected by the operation unit 15 and the document is set on the ADF 16 and the start key is pressed.

(Step S11)
In step S11, the CPU 37 checks whether or not there is residual recording paper on the staple tray 21 at the start of printing. If there is residual recording paper, the process proceeds to step S12. If there is no residual recording paper, printing is performed. Be started.

(Step S12)
In step S12, the CPU 37 determines whether the remaining recording paper on the staple tray 21 is in a state where the engine can be controlled. If the engine cannot be controlled, the process proceeds to step S18. The process proceeds to S13.

(Step S13)
In step S13, the CPU 37 confirms the performance of the finisher 17. If the performance of the finisher 17 can be automatically discharged, the CPU 37 proceeds to step S16, and if the performance of the finisher 17 cannot be automatically discharged. Shifts to step S14.

(Step S14)
In step S14, the CPU 37 refers to the application information. If the application information is a copy function, the process proceeds to step S15. If not, the process proceeds to step S17.

(Step S15)
In step S15, the CPU 37 displays a paper discharge selection screen on the liquid crystal display 43. If the user selects "staple and discharge", the process proceeds to step S17, and "manually discharge paper". "" Is selected, the process proceeds to step S16.

(Step S16)
In step S <b> 16, the CPU 37 automatically discharges the recording paper remaining on the staple tray 21 to the second paper discharge tray 20 and ends the printing process.

(Step S17)
In step S <b> 17, the CPU 37 automatically discharges the recording paper remaining on the staple tray 21 to the second discharge tray 20 and ends the printing process.

(Step S18)
In step S18, for example, the CPU 37 displays a warning to the user that there is residual recording paper on the staple tray 21 on the liquid crystal display 43 and informs the user that it will be removed manually, and ends this processing. In this case, the processing of the next job is stopped until the recording paper remaining on the staple tray 21 is removed.

  As described above, according to the multifunction machine 10 as the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the recording paper is recorded on the staple tray 21 when the job is canceled or the power is turned off according to the copy function or the printer function as an application in the staple binding mode. When the toner remains, the burden on the user can be reduced by changing the method for removing the recording paper remaining on the staple tray flexibly.

  The embodiment described above can also be configured as follows.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the control unit, as a method for discharging the remaining recording paper, automatically discharges the paper as it is without being stapled, manually discharges staples after staple binding, and manually without staples. Or two or more of the selected paper discharge for selecting the manual paper discharge for manually discharging paper without staple binding.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of application functions and a storage for storing a program for executing a staple binding mode in which recording sheets subjected to image formation processing are temporarily accumulated on a staple tray and then stapled. The storage medium stores a discharge method set in advance for each of a plurality of application functions and for each recording paper discharge function of the finisher.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made specifically without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. is there.

10 MFP (image forming device)
17 Finisher 21 Staple tray (temporary stacking means)
44 Application section (application notification means)
45 Print Control Unit (CPU / Control Unit)
46 Post-processing section (finisher information notification means)

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-187478

Claims (4)

Temporary stacking means for temporarily stacking the recording paper subjected to image formation processing in the staple binding mode;
Finisher information notifying means for notifying finisher recording paper discharge information for executing the staple binding mode;
Recording paper detection means for detecting the recording paper accumulated in the temporary accumulation means;
Application information notifying means for notifying the discharging method of the recording paper remaining without being stapled to the temporary stacking means;
When the recording paper detecting means detects that there is a remaining recording paper, the residual recording paper is referred to by referring to the application information notified by the application information notifying means and the finisher information notified by the finisher information notifying means. Control means for switching the discharge method of
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The control means, as a method for discharging the remaining recording paper, automatic discharge that automatically discharges as it is without staple binding, staple binding discharge that discharges after staple binding, manual abolition that discharges manually without staple binding, staple 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: two or more of selected staple discharge that selects a staple binding discharge that is discharged after binding and a manual abolition that is manually discharged without stapling. .   The control means identifies whether the function is a copy function or a printer function as application information. In the case of the copy function, the discharge method including manual discharge is switched according to the function of the finisher. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein switching is performed according to a function of the finisher excluding paper discharge. A storage medium having a plurality of application functions and storing a program for executing a staple binding mode in which recording sheets subjected to image formation processing are temporarily accumulated on a staple tray and then stapled,
The recording medium records a discharge method preset for each of a plurality of application functions and for each recording paper discharge function of the finisher.

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