JP2012104875A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in a simple structure in which a suitable speed can be set with consideration of a lifetime of an image forming component.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes the steps of listing up all combinations of speeds (step S2), calculating a speed difference by subtracting a scanner speed from an engine speed (step S6), calculating a first copy time corresponding to a selected combination (step S8), determining whether all combinations have been calculated (step S10), subsequently extracting all combinations with the speed difference of "-" (step S12), arranging the extracted combinations with "-" in the ascending order from 0 (step S14), extracting all combinations with the speed difference of "+" (step S16), arranging the extracted combinations with "+" in the ascending order from 0 (step S18), and selecting the highest combination as a combination with priority on lifetime (step S20).

Description

  The present invention relates to speed control of components having different speeds in an image forming apparatus in which a scanner and a printer are combined.

  In conventional copying machines, facsimile machines, and the like, an original is optically read, and the read image data is printed on a recording medium such as paper using image forming means.

  In such an image forming apparatus, if the document reading time in the scanner, which is an optical reading device, and the image forming time in a printer that forms an image on a sheet based on the read image data are the same, waiting for each other is waited for. Since there is no time, an efficient image forming operation (printing operation) can be executed.

  However, the document reading time (or scanning speed) and image forming time (or printing speed) generally vary depending on whether the document is color / monochrome, or depending on factors such as paper size and resolution.

  It is conceivable to provide a function and a mechanism for matching each other's speed with respect to the change (Patent Document 1). However, the structure becomes complicated, and mounting the function and mechanism increases the cost of the apparatus.

  On the other hand, in general, the life of parts such as the photosensitive drum used in the printing operation mainly depends on the rotation time of the photosensitive drum and the application time of the voltage applied to the photosensitive drum.

  Therefore, when the image forming time is shorter than the image reading time, there is a problem that the life of the image forming component such as the photosensitive drum is shortened if the waiting time on the image forming side is long. 2 compares the reading time of one image with the formation time of one image. If the reading time of the image is long, the printing operation is temporarily stopped and the printing operation is stopped. Techniques for matching are disclosed. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for delaying the activation timing of the photosensitive member. Patent Document 4 also discloses a technique for changing the scan speed.

JP 2007-150678 A JP 2007-199517 A JP 2003-307990 A JP 2008-017121 A

  However, the mechanism and function for adjusting the timing and the speed as shown in the above document leads to the complexity of the function as described above.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is an image forming apparatus having a simple configuration and capable of setting an appropriate speed in consideration of the life of an image forming component. The purpose is to provide.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a scanner capable of reading a document at a plurality of reading speeds, an image forming unit capable of printing image data read by the scanner at a plurality of printing speeds, and a scanner. And a controller for controlling the driving of the image forming unit. The controller has a reading speed at which the time that the image forming unit waits among a plurality of combinations of the plurality of reading speeds and the plurality of printing speeds is reduced based on the plurality of reading speeds of the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds of the image forming unit. And a combination of printing speed and drive each.

  Preferably, the controller has a reading speed in which a speed difference obtained by subtracting each reading speed of the scanner from each printing speed of the image forming unit is close to 0 based on the plurality of reading speeds of the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds of the image forming unit. And a combination of printing speed and drive each.

  Preferably, the controller determines, based on the plurality of reading speeds of the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds of the image forming unit, from each printing speed of the image forming unit among a plurality of combinations of the plurality of reading speeds and the plurality of printing speeds. Calculate the speed difference by subtracting each scanning speed of the scanner and give priority to the case where the scanning speed is faster than the printing speed than the case where the scanning speed is slower than the printing speed. The speed difference is arranged in the order close to 0, and the combination of the highest reading speed and the printing speed is selected from the plurality of arranged combinations and driven.

  In particular, the controller further includes an accepting unit that accepts a specification giving priority to speed, and when the controller accepts an instruction to wire the speed by the accepting unit, the controller reads the highest reading speed and the printing speed among a plurality of combinations arranged. Compare the printing time of the first sheet in the combination with the printing time of the first sheet in the combination of a plurality of lower reading speeds and printing speeds, and one sheet in the combination of the highest reading speed and the printing speed A combination of a reading speed lower than a printing time earlier than the eye printing time and a printing speed is selected and driven.

  In particular, the controller has a printing time that is faster than the printing time of the first sheet in the combination of the highest reading speed and the printing speed among a plurality of combinations of the lower reading speed and the printing speed, and the upper A combination of reading speed and printing speed is selected and driven.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes an input unit capable of receiving a plurality of mode designation inputs, and at least one of a plurality of reading speeds by the scanner and a plurality of printing speeds in the image forming unit in accordance with the mode designation input by the input unit. Will be changed.

  Preferably, the scanner and the image forming unit are independently provided as separate bodies.

  In the controller of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming unit waits among a plurality of combinations of the plurality of reading speeds and the plurality of printing speeds based on the plurality of reading speeds of the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds of the image forming unit. The combination of the reading speed and the printing speed that reduces the time to perform is selected and driven. Therefore, it is possible to set to an appropriate speed with a simple configuration and considering the life of the image forming component.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer 140 of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing explaining the outline of the scanner 130 and ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 170 according to embodiment of this invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the speed table of the engine speed and the scanner speed according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the arrangement | sequence table which arranged each combination based on the speed difference of the engine speed and scanner speed according to embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which selects the combination of the engine speed and scanner speed of the printer according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining another speed table of engine speed and scanner speed according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the arrangement | sequence table which arranged each combination based on the speed difference of the engine speed and scanner speed according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining another speed table of engine speed and scanner speed according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the arrangement | sequence table which arranged each combination based on the speed difference of the engine speed and scanner speed according to embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

(Overview of the image forming apparatus 100)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 1, an MFP (Mutli Function Peripheral), which is an example of an image forming apparatus, is described. The present invention can be similarly applied to a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or the like.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 110 and an operation display 120 in an operation panel 150 located at the top of the main body. The operation unit 110 receives various instructions from the user input through the key 160. The operation display 120 displays an instruction menu for the user.

  A scanner 130 and an ADF 170 are provided on the upper surface of the main body. The ADF 170 sends the document to the scanner 130. A printer 140 is provided on the side of the main body. A tray 190 and a paper feeding unit 180 are provided at the lower part of the main body.

  A sheet as a recording medium on which an image is printed by the printer 140 is discharged to the tray 190. The paper feed unit 180 supplies paper to the printer 140. A plurality of image forming units are provided inside the main body. An image pattern is formed by applying ink to the development pattern developed by the developing device, and the image pattern by the ink is printed on a recording medium.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of printer 140 of image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the printer 140 has a tandem type transfer unit and sequentially superimposes four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). An image is formed. In FIG. 2, the components corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are identified by a, b, c, and d, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 140 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 3 by exposure by the exposure device 6 by the developing device 4, and the obtained toner image is transferred to a primary transfer roller (not shown). 2) is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 2 and further transferred to a recording sheet.

  That is, the printer 140 has four color (Y, M, C, K) cartridges (imaging units) 28 arranged in a tandem arrangement, and toner images (toner images) of the respective colors formed by these cartridges 28. Are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 2 and transferred and synthesized.

  Each cartridge 28 includes a developing device 4, a charging device 5, an exposure device 6, and the like arranged in the vicinity of the drum-shaped photoconductor 3. The surface of the photoreceptor 3 is charged to a predetermined voltage (charging potential) V0 by the charging device 5, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure from the exposure device 6. This electrostatic latent image is obtained by supplying toner charged from the developing roller to a potential gap ΔV between the potential of the electrostatic latent image and the developing bias voltage Vdc by the developing roller to which the developing bias voltage Vdc is applied. And visualized.

  The toner image visualized on the surface of the photoreceptor 3 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 2 by the primary transfer roller. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 2 is secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roller 31 to the recording paper conveyed by the cassette paper supply roller 8 from the paper supply unit 180 containing the recording medium. The recording paper conveyed by the cassette paper supply roller 8 is temporarily stopped by the timing roller 38 as necessary. Further, a manual paper feed roller 9 is provided for transporting the recording paper to the timing roller 38 when the recording paper is supplied manually. A paper detection sensor 29 is provided on the upstream side of the timing roller 38, and timing control is performed according to the detection output of the sensor. A paper material detection sensor 22 is also provided.

  The toner image secondarily transferred onto the recording paper is fixed by the fixing roller 32a. A pressure roller 32b is provided so as to face and contact the fixing roller 32a. A temperature sensor for detecting the surface temperature of the fixing roller 32a is provided in the vicinity of the fixing roller 32a, and a fixing heater for heating the fixing roller 32a is provided inside the fixing roller 32a. A fixing loop sensor 27 is provided upstream of the fixing roller 32a.

  The fixed recording paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray by a paper discharge roller 33 or is conveyed to a double-sided conveyance path 35. The double-sided conveyance path 35 is connected to a path leading to the timing roller 38 described above. The double-sided conveyance path 35 is provided with double-sided conveyance rollers 34 a and 34 b, and the double-sided conveyance motor 45 drives the double-sided conveyance rollers 34 a and 34 b so that the recording paper on the double-sided conveyance path 35 is fed to the timing roller 38. It is conveyed to.

  The toner (transfer residual toner) that is not completely transferred by the secondary transfer described above and remains on the intermediate transfer belt 2 is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 7. That is, after the secondary transfer, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 2 is cleaned by the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 7. In this embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 7 is of a cleaning blade type that is movable between the press contact and the separation with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 2. It is possible to use various types or mechanisms such as a brush type in which the voltage applied to 2 is controlled on and off. The transfer residual toner is collected in a waste toner box 36.

  Above the cartridge 28 is provided a toner bottle 25 that replenishes toner by operating the stirring blade 26. In addition, toner replenishing motors 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are provided for operating the stirring blades 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d, respectively.

  Further, a color PC motor 48, a main motor 44, a fixing motor 46, a color developing motor 40, and a developing motor 42 are provided.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a scanner 130 and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 170 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the ADF 170 includes a paper feed tray 211, a pickup roller 162, a document detection sensor 163, a paper feed roller 213, a separation roller 215, a registration roller 217, a pre-reading roller 219, and a transport. Guide member 220, intermediate roller 221, post-reading roller 223, paper discharge roller 230, reverse discharge roller 222, paper discharge tray 227, paper discharge / reverse switching units 225 and 226, and second reading unit 229 And an ADF control unit 261 for controlling the entire ADF 170.

  The scanner 130 has a platen glass 231 formed of a transparent member, a light source 233 for irradiating light, a reflecting member 235 for reflecting light from the light source, and three line sensors arranged in the sub-scanning direction. The first reading unit 241, the reflection mirrors 237 A, 237 B, and 237 C for reflecting the reflected light from the document and guiding it to the first reading unit 241, and the light reflected by the reflection mirror 237 C are coupled onto the first reading unit 241. A lens 239 for imaging, a first image processing unit 243 for processing image data output by the first reading unit 241, and a second image processing for processing image data output by the second reading unit 229 And a scanner control unit 251 that controls the entire scanner 130.

  The scanner control unit 251 outputs the image data input from the first and second image processing units 243 and 245 to the printer 140, executes image formation processing in the printer 140, and performs printing on the printing paper according to a predetermined printing mode. Print the input image data.

  The ADF control unit 261 rotates the pickup roller 162, the paper feed roller 213, the separation roller 215, the registration roller 217, the pre-reading roller 219, the intermediate roller 221, the post-reading roller 223, the reverse discharge roller 222, and the paper discharge roller 230. Controls the drive of the motor that is the power source. The ADF control unit 261 also executes control of the paper discharge / reverse switching units 225 and 226 for executing paper discharge and paper reversal control.

  The pickup roller 162 is in contact with one original from the top of the plurality of originals stacked on the paper feed tray 211, and conveys the original into the ADF 170. The operation switching of the pickup roller 162 is executed by an electromagnetic clutch or the like (not shown).

  The pickup roller 162 operates based on the detection result of the document detection sensor 163, and when it is determined that the document is placed on the paper feed tray 211 in response to the detection result of the document detection sensor 163. Does not operate when it is determined that the document is transported to the ADF 170 and is not placed. It is assumed that the ADF control unit 261 receives and controls the detection result of the document detection sensor 163. In addition, when the ADF control unit 261 receives the detection result from the document detection sensor 163 and determines that there is no document, it can output to the CPU 300.

The document conveyed into the ADF 170 reaches the paper feed roller 213.
The feed roller 213 conveys the document to the separation roller 215, and the separation roller 215 and the registration roller 217 convey the document to the pre-reading roller 219. The pre-reading roller 219 conveys the document to the first reading position L1 of the scanner 130 on the platen glass 231 via the conveyance guide member 220.

  When the document that has passed the first reading position L1 reaches the intermediate roller 221, it is conveyed to the second reading position L2 by the intermediate roller 221.

  The document that has passed through the intermediate roller 221 passes through the second reading position L2 of the second reading unit 229 and is guided to the post-reading roller 223. When the document is discharged, the document is guided to the discharge roller 230 by the post-reading roller 223 and the reverse switching unit 226. The document that has passed through the discharge roller 230 is discharged from the transport path P1 to the discharge tray 227 and stacked.

  Further, the conveyance path is switched according to the switching of the paper discharge / reverse switching units 225 and 226, the original is once guided from the post-reading roller 223 in the direction of the conveyance path P2, and is conveyed again via the post-reading roller 223. It is also possible to guide to the registration roller 217 via the path P3. In this case, the document guided to the registration roller 217 is guided again in a state reversed from the state previously guided to the registration roller 217, and can be conveyed again to the first and second reading positions. . Since the document transported to the first and second reading positions is reversed, the document is guided once from the intermediate roller 221 to the transport path P4 in accordance with the switching of the paper discharge / reverse switching units 225 and 226. Then, the paper can be discharged from the transport path P1 to the paper discharge tray 227 by the reverse discharge roller 222 and the paper discharge roller 230. By this method, the reversed document returns to the original state and is guided from the paper discharge roller 230 to the paper discharge tray 227.

  The first reading unit 241 includes photoelectric conversion elements such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor arranged in the main scanning direction.

  The first reading unit 241 optically reads an image formed on the original when the original conveyed by the ADF 170 passes the first reading position L1, and photoelectrically converts the image data to the first image processing unit 243. Output to.

  The second reading unit 229 is, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a main scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the document conveyance direction.

  The second reading unit 229 is disposed in an opening 228 provided in the document conveyance path, and optically reads and photoelectrically converts image data formed on the document that passes through the second reading position L2. Is output to the second image processing unit 245.

  Therefore, the first reading unit 241 and the second reading unit 229 can read both sides of the document while the ADF 170 transports the document once.

  In this example, the ADF that reads a double-sided original at a time has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a configuration that reads only a single-sided original.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 4, MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes HDD 302, ADF 170, ROM 306, RAM 308, CPU 300, network card 312, FAX modem 314, scanner 130, printer 140, And an operation panel 150. Each unit is connected by an internal bus and can exchange data with each other.

  The HDD 302 is an area for storing various data. Specifically, the image data acquired by the scanner 130 is stored.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 306 is a storage area in which a software program used to realize a predetermined function in the MFP 100 is stored.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 308 is used as a work area of the CPU 300.

  CPU 300 controls MFP 100 as a whole, and outputs predetermined instructions to each unit.

  The network card 312 is an interface connected to an external LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and receives, for example, a print job from an external terminal device or the like. The received print job is stored in the RAM 308. The print data (drawing data) included in the print job stored in the RAM 308 is expanded and printed on a predetermined sheet.

The FAX modem 314 executes a FAX function.
The scanner 130 is based on the above-described configuration. As an example, the scanner 130 reads a document conveyed by the ADF 170 and acquires image data. As will be described later, the scanner 130 can be driven by the scanner control unit 251 at a plurality of stages.

  For example, the printer 140 prints image data acquired by the scanner 130 on a recording sheet. The printer 140 also includes an engine control unit 145 for controlling each unit that executes a printing operation in the printer 140. As will be described later, the printer 140 can be driven by the engine control unit 145 at a plurality of stages.

  The operation panel 150 accepts various operation inputs by the user and displays various setting information.

  Hereinafter, an image forming process according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this example, a case where the document reading speed of the scanner 130 and the image data printing speed of the printer 140 are different will be described. The scanner 130 can read a plurality of originals at a reading speed (scanner speed), and the printer 140 can also print at a plurality of printing speeds (engine speed). The scanner speed and the engine speed are different from each other, and the optimum scanner speed and engine speed are selected from a plurality of combinations.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a speed table of engine speed and scanner speed according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the speed table is stored in the HDD 302.

Here, as an example, the speed of A4 size paper is shown.
Two types of scanner speeds can be selected and can be changed to 10 (sheets / minute) and 5 (sheets / minute) for A4 paper.

  On the other hand, three types of engine speeds can be selected, and can be changed to speeds of 24 (sheets / minute), 12 (sheets / minute), and 6 (sheets / minute).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an array table in which the combinations are arranged based on the speed difference between the engine speed and the scanner speed according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, here, a case where a total of six combinations are arranged based on the speed difference between the engine speed having the third speed and the scanner speed of the second speed is shown.

  Specifically, the case where the speed difference obtained by subtracting the scanner speed from the engine speed is calculated and arranged in the order of the speed difference is shown. Here, priority is given to the case where the scanner speed is higher than the engine speed, and the speed difference is arranged in order of close to zero.

  The arrangement based on the speed difference is arranged in the order in which the printer waits for less time.

  Also shown is the first copy time (FCOT) calculated according to the combination of engine speed and scanner speed along with the speed difference. The first copy time (FCOT) is a time from scanning the first first sheet to printing and outputting. The first copy time is calculated based on a predetermined engine start time, a reading time and a printing time corresponding to the speeds of the scanner and the printer.

  In this example, the engine speed of 6 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute), which are the highest combinations, are selected according to the arrangement table and selected as the life priority.

  That is, in the present embodiment, basically, according to the arrangement table, the document is read by the scanner at a life priority speed that is a combination of an engine speed of 6 (sheets / minute) and a scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute). And printing in the printer is executed.

  According to the arrangement based on the speed difference, a combination that reduces the waiting time of the printer is selected, that is, an image formation is executed with priority on the lifetime, and the configuration is simple and appropriate considering the lifetime of the image forming component. Speed can be set.

  On the other hand, since the combination has a priority on life, there may be a user who wants to execute image formation at high speed. In the present embodiment, basically, image formation is executed at a speed according to the combination selected with life priority. However, when a speed priority instruction is input from the user, it is selected as performance priority. Image formation is executed at a speed according to the combination.

  It should be noted that the speed priority instruction input is provided as a predetermined button on the operation panel 150 as an example although not shown. It is assumed that a speed priority instruction has been input by pressing the predetermined button. In this example, a case where a predetermined button is provided will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the button, and may be displayed as a selectable icon on the operation display 120, for example. Alternatively, it may be determined that a speed priority instruction is automatically input according to the user's various mode settings.

  In this example, a case where the third combination of the engine speed of 12 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute) are selected and selected as the performance priority is shown. That is, in the present embodiment, from the first copy time (FCOT) based on the first copy time (FCOT) of the combination selected as the life priority among the combinations arranged with the life priority according to the arrangement table. If it is possible to print in a short short period, the combination is selected as a priority for performance.

  From the combinations arranged in the life priority order, the upper combination having a short first copy time is selected as the performance priority combination. By this selection, the speed is increased in accordance with the user's intention, and the combination with higher life priority is selected, so that it is possible to set the speed to an appropriate speed in consideration of the life of the image forming component.

  Hereinafter, a method for selecting the combination of the life priority and the performance priority will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for selecting a combination of the engine speed and the scanner speed of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flow to be selected is executed by CPU 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the selection, the CPU 300 instructs the engine control unit 145 and the scanner control unit 251 to drive at a speed according to the selected combination. The engine control unit 145 and the scanner control unit 251 are assumed to be driven at the instructed speed. It is assumed that the scanner control unit 251 and the engine control unit 145 can be driven at a speed shown in FIG. 5 in advance.

Referring to FIG. 7, first, all speed combinations are listed (step S2).
Next, a combination in which the speed difference between the engine speed and the scanner speed is not calculated is selected (step S4).

Next, a speed difference obtained by subtracting the scanner speed from the engine speed is calculated (step S6).
Next, the first copy time according to the selected combination is calculated (step S8).

Next, it is determined whether all combinations have been calculated (step S10).
If it is determined in step S10 that all combinations have been calculated (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S12.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that all combinations have not been calculated (NO in step S10), the process returns to step S4. Then, another combination is selected, and the calculation of the speed difference or the like is repeated according to the same method as described above.

  If it is determined that all combinations have been calculated, then all combinations having a speed difference of “−” are extracted (step S12).

  Next, the extracted “-” combinations are arranged in the order close to 0 (step S14).

Next, all combinations having a speed difference of “+” are extracted (step S16).
Next, the extracted combinations of “+” are arranged in the order close to 0 (step S18).

  Next, the top combination is selected as a life priority combination (step S20). As described above, since the arrangement is made according to the speed difference, the top combination is selected as the life priority.

Next, the next order is selected (step S22).
Then, it is determined whether or not the first copy time (FCOT) corresponding to the selected order is shorter than the highest first copy time (step S24).

  If it is determined in step S24 that the first copy time (FCOT) corresponding to the selected order is shorter than the highest-order first copy time (YES in step S24), it is selected as a performance priority combination (step S26). ).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the first copy time (FCOT) corresponding to the selected order is not shorter than the highest-order first copy time (NO in step S24), the process proceeds to step S28.

Then, it is determined whether or not all combinations have been compared (step S28).
If it is determined in step S28 that not all combinations have been compared (NO in step S28), the process returns to step S22.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that all combinations have been compared (YES in step S28), the highest combination is selected as a performance priority (step S30).

Then, the process ends (END).
That is, according to the order arranged in the life priority, whether or not the first copy time is shorter than the highest first copy time is sequentially compared. Then, an upper combination satisfying the condition is selected as a performance priority. Since it is possible to select a combination with a short first copy time from the order arranged with priority on the life, it is possible to select a combination with a high speed while considering the life.

  When all combinations are compared, if there is no combination that satisfies the condition, the highest combination selected as the life priority is selected as the performance priority combination.

  Explaining the specific example of FIG. 6 described above, they are arranged in the array described in FIG.

  Then, according to step S20, the highest engine speed of 6 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute) are selected as life priority.

  Next, the first copy time (FCOT) when the highest engine speed is 6 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed is 10 (sheets / minute) is 16 (seconds). In accordance with the processing in steps S22 to S26, the engine speed of 12 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute) are selected as the priority combination as the upper combination shorter than the first copy time.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another speed table of engine speed and scanner speed according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the speed table is stored in the HDD 302.

  Three types of scanner speeds can be selected, and can be changed to a speed of 10 (sheets / minute), 5 (sheets / minute), and 3 (sheets / minute).

  On the other hand, two types of engine speeds can be selected and can be changed to a speed of 24 (sheets / minute) or 12 (sheets / minute).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an array table in which the combinations are arranged based on the speed difference between the engine speed and the scanner speed according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 9, here, a case where a total of six combinations are arranged based on the speed difference between the engine speed having the second speed and the scanner speed of the third speed is shown.

  Then, the engine speed 12 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed 10 (sheets / minute) are selected, which are arranged according to the flow described in FIG. Is done. That is, by performing image formation with priority on life, it is possible to set to an appropriate speed with a simple configuration and considering the life of the image forming component.

  Further, according to the flow described in FIG. 7, the first copy time (FCOT) of the combination selected as life priority among the combinations arranged with life priority according to the arrangement table is used as a reference. The engine speed of 24 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute) that can be printed in a short period of time shorter than the FCOT are selected as performance priority. By this selection, the speed is increased in accordance with the user's intention, and the combination with higher life priority is selected, so that it is possible to set the speed to an appropriate speed in consideration of the life of the image forming component.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another speed table of engine speed and scanner speed according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the speed table is stored in the HDD 302.

  Two types of scanner speeds can be selected and can be changed to a speed of 10 (sheets / minute) and 5 (sheets / minute).

  On the other hand, three types of engine speeds can be selected, and can be changed to speeds of 12 (sheets / minute), 6 (sheets / minute), and 3 (sheets / minute).

  The engine speed indicates the speed when the A4 size printing described in FIG. 5 is enlarged to the A3 size.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an array table in which the combinations are arranged based on the speed difference between the engine speed and the scanner speed according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 11, here, a case where a total of six combinations are arranged based on the speed difference between the engine speed having the third speed and the scanner speed of the second speed is shown.

  Then, the engine speed is 3 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed is 5 (sheets / minute), which is a combination that is arranged in accordance with the flow described in FIG. Is selected. That is, by performing image formation with priority on life, it is possible to set to an appropriate speed with a simple configuration and considering the life of the image forming component.

  Further, according to the flow described in FIG. 7, the first copy time (FCOT) of the combination selected as life priority among the combinations arranged with life priority according to the arrangement table is used as a reference. The engine speed of 6 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute) and the scanner speed of 10 (sheets / minute) that can be printed in a short period of time shorter than the FCOT) are selected as priority. By this selection, the speed is increased in accordance with the user's intention, and the combination with higher life priority is selected, so that it is possible to set the speed to an appropriate speed in consideration of the life of the image forming component.

  In this example, the case where the speed is changed according to the enlargement of the size of the printing paper has been described. However, the speed is not limited to the enlargement of the size of the printing paper, and the speed is similarly changed in the case of the reduction.

  The speed is also changed depending on the copy mode (color / monochrome) difference and the scanner resolution designation. Then, the optimum combination is selected according to the above-described method according to the changed speed combination. The change of the size of the printing paper, the specification of the scanner resolution, the selection of the copy mode (color / monochrome), and the like are specified by the user via the operation panel 150. It is possible to select an optimum combination by referring to a speed table corresponding to various modes stored in advance in the HDD 302 in accordance with setting input of various modes from the user via the operation panel.

  In this example, a table in which the scanner speed and the engine speed are set is shown. However, the table is not limited to the table in particular, and the scanner speed table and the engine speed table are stored separately. May be.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the MFP. In addition, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus in which the scanner 130 and the printer 140 are integrally molded, and a configuration in which the scanner 130 and the printer 140 that are separately molded separately may be combined. When combining, communication paths are provided so as to be accessible to each other, and as an example, the CPU 300 is connected so as to be controllable. In addition, the above-described speed table of the scanner 130 and the printer 140 is stored in the HDD 302.

  It is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer (CPU) to function and execute control as described in the above flow. Such a program can be read by a non-transitory computer such as a flexible disk attached to a computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. It can also be recorded on a recording medium and provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program may be a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operation system (OS) and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  2 Intermediate transfer belt, 3 photosensitive member, 4 developing device, 5 charging device, 6 exposure device, 7 intermediate transfer belt cleaner, 8 cassette paper feed roller, 9 manual paper feed roller, 22 paper material detection sensors, 24a, 24b, 24c , 24d toner supply motor, 25 toner bottle, 26, 26a stirring blade, 27 fixing loop sensor, 28 cartridge, 29 paper detection sensor, 31 secondary transfer roller, 32a fixing roller, 32b pressure roller, 33, 230 paper discharge roller 34a Double-sided conveyance roller, 35 Double-sided conveyance path, 36 Waste toner box, 38 Timing roller, 40 Color development motor, 42 Development motor, 44 Main motor, 45 Double-sided conveyance motor, 46 Fixing motor, 100 Image forming apparatus, 110 Operation Part, 120 operation display, 130 Scanner, 140 Printer, 145 Engine control unit, 150 Operation panel, 162 Pickup roller, 163 Document detection sensor, 180 Paper feed unit, 190 tray, 211 Paper feed tray, 213 Paper feed roller, 215 Separation roller, 217 Registration roller, 243 First image processing unit, 245 Second image processing unit, 251 Scanner control unit, 261 ADF control unit, 306 ROM, 308 RAM, 312 network card, 314 modem.

Claims (7)

A scanner capable of reading a document at a plurality of reading speeds;
An image forming unit capable of printing image data read by the scanner at a plurality of printing speeds;
A controller for controlling the driving of the scanner and the image forming unit,
The controller is configured such that, based on the plurality of reading speeds of the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds of the image forming unit, the image forming unit out of a plurality of combinations of the plurality of reading speeds and the plurality of printing speeds. An image forming apparatus that selects a combination of a reading speed and a printing speed that reduces waiting time and drives each of them.   The controller is configured to subtract each reading speed of the scanner from each printing speed of the image forming unit based on the plurality of reading speeds of the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds of the image forming unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a combination of a reading speed and a printing speed close to 0 is selected and driven. The controller is
Based on the plurality of reading speeds of the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds of the image forming unit, each print of the image forming unit among a plurality of combinations of the plurality of reading speeds and the plurality of printing speeds. Calculate a speed difference obtained by subtracting each reading speed of the scanner from the speed,
When the reading speed is faster than the printing speed, the reading speed is prioritized over the case where the printing speed is slower than the printing speed, and the calculated speed difference and the speed difference are arranged according to the order close to 0,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a combination of the highest reading speed and printing speed is selected and driven from among the plurality of combinations arranged in the array. It further comprises a receiving means for receiving a specification giving priority to speed,
The controller, when receiving the designation to wire the speed by the receiving means, the printing time of the first sheet in the combination of the highest reading speed and the printing speed among the plurality of the arranged combinations The printing time that is faster than the printing time of the first sheet in the combination of the highest reading speed and the printing speed is compared with the printing time of the first sheet in the combination of the plurality of lower reading speeds and the printing speed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a combination of a lower reading speed and a printing speed is selected and driven.   The controller has a printing time that is earlier than the printing time of the first sheet in the combination of the highest reading speed and the printing speed among the plurality of lower reading speeds and printing speeds, and the upper The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a combination of the reading speed and the printing speed is selected and driven. It further comprises an input means capable of accepting a plurality of mode designation inputs,
6. The image according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of reading speeds by the scanner and the plurality of printing speeds in the image forming unit is changed according to a mode designation input by the input unit. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanner and the image forming unit are independently provided as separate bodies.

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