JP2013088772A - Image forming method and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform jam removal, and improve efficiency of recovery processing after a jam resolution.SOLUTION: An image forming system where an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device are connected with each other stops a conveyed normal sheet within the image forming system in an available state when a jam occurs, regarding parts or a group of jobs as a unit, a sheet generating the jam as a jammed sheet, and a sheet generating no jam as a normal sheet, compares a normal sheet of a preceding unit and a residual sheet of a subsequent unit, and controls according to determination whether executing recovery processing from the subsequent unit after removing all the sheets of the jammed sheet and the normal sheet of the preceding unit having generated a jam, or executing recovery processing from the preceding unit after removing the jammed sheet of the preceding unit and the residual sheet of the subsequent unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming system for forming an image such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to a jam recovery process in an image forming system in which a plurality of post-processing devices are connected to the rear stage of the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming system in which a plurality of post-processing apparatuses having different functions such as binding and bookbinding are connected to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data may be used.

  In such an image forming system, a plurality of sheets are simultaneously conveyed and post-processing is continuously performed. When a jam occurs in such an image forming system, how to handle normal remaining paper other than jammed paper becomes a problem. In particular, there is a great demand for reusing the normal remaining paper after the jam paper instead of discarding it.

  When a jam occurs, stop the normal remaining paper following the jammed paper so as not to damage it, open the conveyance path such as the door, remove the jammed paper, and close the door. A sheet conveying apparatus such as an image forming apparatus having a purge function for discharging residual paper remaining on the sheet is widely used.

  In such a sheet conveying apparatus, a sheet remaining in the apparatus is detected by a sensor, and based on information from the sensor, the control unit determines whether or not to purge.

  Regarding this type of technology, Patent Documents 1-2 and the like describe related technologies.

JP 2001-158666 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-258516

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1-2 above, the remaining paper is simply discharged outside the machine, or the remaining paper is only treated as a recovery target, and the trouble of removing the jammed paper by the operator is not considered. .

  Further, in an image forming system in which a plurality of post-processing devices are connected, jamming may occur in the preceding part or job, and the paper of the subsequent part or job may be image-formed to become residual paper. In such a case, if the above purge process is applied, the recovery process is executed from the preceding part or job. Therefore, there is a problem that subsequent printing is delayed. Further, there is a problem that the remaining paper of the succeeding part or job is wasted, but no consideration has been given to such a problem between the preceding and succeeding.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is an image forming method and an image forming method that can efficiently remove jam and increase the productivity and efficiency of recovery processing after jam removal. The purpose is to realize the system.

  The present invention for solving the problems is configured as follows.

  (1) A first invention is an image forming method in an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet and a plurality of post-processing apparatuses for performing post-processing on the image-formed sheet are connected. When a jam occurs, the normal paper that is being transported in the image forming system is stopped in a usable state, the unit of the copy or job is a unit, the jammed paper is jammed paper, and the paper that is not jammed is normal paper In this case, the normal paper of the preceding unit and the residual paper of the subsequent unit are compared, and all the sheets of the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the normal paper in which the jam has occurred are removed, and the recovery process is executed from the subsequent unit. Alternatively, the image forming method is characterized by determining and controlling whether to remove the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the residual paper of the succeeding unit and execute the recovery process from the preceding unit.

  (2) In the second invention, the value of the normal paper of the preceding unit and the value of the residual paper of the subsequent unit are compared with each other in (1), and all of the jammed paper and the normal paper of the preceding unit in which the jam has occurred The recovery process is executed from the succeeding unit by removing the sheet of paper, or the recovery process is executed from the preceding unit by removing the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the residual paper of the succeeding unit. It is characterized by determining and controlling so that a decrease in value is reduced.

  (3) In the third invention, in the above (2), the value is at least one of the number of residual paper to be removed, paper type, paper unit price, toner consumption, security, and image formation time. Including one.

  (4) In the fourth invention, in the above (1) to (3), when it is determined that the recovery process is executed from the succeeding unit by removing all the sheets of the preceding unit, after receiving the operator's approval. The determination is performed.

  (5) In the fifth invention, in the above (1) to (4), when it is determined and executed that the recovery process is executed from the subsequent unit by removing all sheets of the preceding unit, the subsequent unit is the preceding unit. It is characterized by displaying on the display unit that the vehicle is overtaken.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the present invention, when a jam occurs, the normal paper being conveyed in the image forming system is stopped in a usable state, and the normal paper in the preceding unit is compared with the remaining paper in the subsequent unit, and the jam in the preceding unit in which the jam has occurred. Whether to remove all of the paper and normal paper and perform recovery processing from the subsequent unit, or to remove the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the remaining paper of the subsequent unit and execute the recovery processing from the previous unit Decide and control. Thereby, the recovery process can be started in a state where productivity and efficiency are improved without waste.

  Also, compare the value of the normal paper of the preceding unit and the value of the residual paper of the subsequent unit, remove all the jammed paper of the preceding unit that has jammed and the normal paper, and execute the recovery process from the subsequent unit Whether to remove the leading unit jam paper and the subsequent unit residual paper and execute the recovery process from the preceding unit is determined and controlled so that the decrease in the value is reduced depending on which one is removed. I have to. Here, the value includes at least one of the number of remaining sheets to be removed, the sheet type, the sheet unit price, the toner consumption, the security, and the image forming time. As a result, it is possible to automatically determine the value of the sheet, and to start the recovery process in a state where the decrease in value is small and the productivity and efficiency are increased without waste.

  Also, when it is decided to remove all the paper of the preceding unit and execute the recovery process from the succeeding unit, the decision is executed after receiving the operator's approval. In this state, the recovery process can be started in a state where productivity and efficiency are improved without waste.

  In addition, when it is decided to execute recovery processing from the succeeding unit by removing all sheets of the preceding unit, the display unit displays that the succeeding unit overtakes the preceding unit. With the operation understood by the operator, the recovery process can be started with increased productivity and efficiency without waste.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen display in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen display in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen display in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention.

  The best mode (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, an image forming apparatus will be described as a specific example. Here, the image forming method is realized as an operation or control of the image forming apparatus.

[Configuration of Embodiment]
Here, the configuration of the image forming system of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 (block diagram) and FIG. 2 (cross-sectional configuration diagram). Note that description of general parts that are known as an image forming system and are not directly related to the characteristic operation and control of the present embodiment is omitted.

  Here, as the image forming system, the image forming apparatus 100, the post-processing apparatus 200, the post-processing apparatus 300, the post-processing apparatus 400, and the post-processing apparatus 500 are connected as shown in FIG. .

  The image forming apparatus 100 controls each unit in the image forming apparatus 100 and controls the entire system as an image forming system, a communication unit 102 for communicating with other connected apparatuses, and a user An operation display unit 103 that performs operation input by the user and a state of the image forming apparatus 100, a job storage unit 104 that stores job data, a printing time storage unit 105 that stores printing time, and a printing time determination that determines printing time. Section 106, jam removal page designation section 107 for designating a jam removal page, recovery overtaking determination section 108 for determining overtaking of a section or a job at the time of recovery processing, and conveyance section 110 for conveying a sheet in image forming apparatus 100 A document reading unit 120 that scans the document, an image data storage unit 130 that stores image data for printing, and an image data An image processing unit 140 for processing, an image forming unit 150 to perform the formation and print an image based on image data on a sheet, provided with is composed of the image data command.

  The first-stage post-processing device 200 includes a control unit 201 that controls each unit in the post-processing device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 101, a communication unit 202 for communicating with other connected devices, A display unit 203 (see FIG. 3) that displays jam removal information when a jam occurs, a jam detection unit 205 that detects a jam in the post-processing device 200, and jam information that transmits the detected jam information to the image forming apparatus 100 The notification unit 207, a transport unit 210 that transports the paper in the post-processing apparatus 200, a folding unit 220 that folds the paper as post-processing, and a punch unit 230 that punches the paper as post-processing are configured. .

  The second-stage post-processing device 300 includes a control unit 301 that controls each unit in the post-processing device 300 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 101, a communication unit 302 for communicating with other connected devices, A display unit 303 (see FIG. 3) that displays jam removal information when a jam occurs, a jam detection unit 305 that detects a jam in the post-processing device 300, and jam information that transmits the detected jam information to the image forming apparatus 100 Report section 307, transport section 310 for transporting sheets in post-processing apparatus 300, discharge path selection section 320 for selecting a discharge path, folding section 330 for folding sheets as post-processing, and stack alignment of sheets as post-processing A stack aligning unit 340 that performs stapling processing for sheet saddle stitching as post-processing, and booklet cutting that performs booklet cutting as post-processing. And parts 360, the sub-tray discharge stacking portion 370 to the loading for sub-tray discharging is configured to include a booklet accommodating stacking unit 380 for stacking those in the booklet as post, a.

  The third-stage post-processing device 400 includes a control unit 401 that controls each unit in the post-processing device 400 in accordance with a command from the control unit 101, a communication unit 402 for communicating with other connected devices, A display unit 403 (see FIG. 3) that displays jam removal information when a jam occurs, a jam detection unit 405 that detects a jam in the post-processing device 400, and jam information that transmits the detected jam information to the image forming apparatus 100 A notification unit 407, a transport unit 410 that transports paper in the post-processing apparatus 400, a discharge path selection unit 420 that selects a discharge path, a stage stack alignment unit 430 that aligns paper as a main stage stack as post-processing, and a rear A stage stack aligning unit 440 that aligns sheets as sub-stage stacks as processing, and a paste replenishing unit 450 that replenishes paste applied as post processing Glue replenishing unit 460 that applies glue when creating a booklet as post-processing, a sub-tray discharge stacking unit 470 that stacks for sub-tray discharge, and a booklet storage stacking unit 480 that stacks a booklet as post-processing , And is configured.

  The fourth-stage post-processing device 500 includes a control unit 501 that controls each unit in the post-processing device 500 in accordance with a command from the control unit 101, a communication unit 502 that communicates with other connected devices, A display unit 503 (see FIG. 3) that displays jam removal information when a jam occurs, a jam detection unit 505 that detects a jam in the post-processing device 500, and jam information that transmits the detected jam information to the image forming apparatus 100 A notification unit 507, a conveyance unit 510 that conveys a sheet in the post-processing apparatus 500, a discharge path selection unit 520 that selects a discharge path, a stack alignment unit 530 that performs stage stack alignment of sheets as post-processing, and post-processing A stapling unit 540 for stapling the paper, a sub-tray discharge stacking unit 470 for stacking on the sub-tray 500T2, a main unit And it is configured to include a main tray discharge stacking portion 480 for the loading to discharging to Lee 500T1, a.

  Further, in the conveyance paths of the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatuses 200 to 500, a paper passing sensor and a jam detection sensor (not shown) are arranged, and jamming, presence of residual paper, and stacking on a stacker are performed. It is configured such that each control unit can detect a sheet or the like that is present.

  In this embodiment, the first stage post-processing apparatus 200 is referred to as FNS1, the second stage post-processing apparatus 300 is referred to as FNS2, and the third stage post-processing apparatus 400 is referred to as FNS3 and the fourth stage for convenience. The post-processing apparatus 500 will be referred to as FNS4 for convenience. Further, when referring to any post-processing apparatus, it is simply called FNS.

  In this embodiment, a unit of a set or job is referred to as a unit, and a paper having a jam is referred to as a jam paper, and a paper having no jam is referred to as a normal paper.

[Operation of Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming system of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a normal image forming operation is omitted, and the recovery process at the time of jam occurrence is mainly described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 and various explanatory diagrams of FIG. 6 and subsequent figures. I do.

  The image forming apparatus 100 feeds and conveys paper in accordance with image formation. Here, the sheet necessary for image formation is fed from the sheet feeding unit to the image forming unit 150, and the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 150 is discharged and conveyed toward the FNS1 (step S101 in FIG. 4). ).

  In the FNS 1-4, the paper from the image forming apparatus 100 is transported at a predetermined speed while performing a predetermined post-process designated by the job (step S201 in FIG. 5).

  In each FNS 1-4, jam detection is performed by the jam detection units 205 to 505, and the control units 201 to 501 of each FNS perform not only jamming on their own devices until the end of the job (step S203 in FIG. 5). It also monitors jams of other machines (steps S202 to S204 in FIG. 5).

  Similarly, in the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 101 monitors notification of a jam code from the FNS (steps S102 to S103 in FIG. 4) until the end of the job (step S103 in FIG. 4).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6, three sheets of image-formed sheets are stacked on the stacker 500 s of the FNS 4, and sheets of ID = 20 are transported in the FNS 4, and IDs of 21 and 22 are transported in the FNS 3. A specific example is a state in which a sheet is conveyed, a sheet with ID = 23, 24 is conveyed in FNS2, and a sheet with ID = 25, 26 is conveyed in FNS1.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that a jam has occurred on the sheet of ID = 20 in FNS4.

  Here, in the FNS 4, the occurrence of a jam is detected by the jam detection unit 505. Upon receiving the detection result, the control unit 501 stops the paper conveyance by the conveyance unit 510 (step S205 in FIG. 5), and has a predetermined predetermined value. Is generated, and the control unit 101 is notified of the occurrence of the jam from the communication unit 502 via the communication units 202 to 402 of the other FNS and the communication unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S206 in FIG. 5). .

  In the image forming apparatus 100 that has received a jam occurrence notification from the FNS side via the communication unit 102, the control unit 101 stops image formation in the image forming unit 150 and paper conveyance by the conveyance unit 110 (in FIG. 4). In step S104, the occurrence of jam is displayed on the operation display unit 103 (step S105 in FIG. 4).

  Further, since the FNS 4 that has generated the jam is the final stage (YES in step S207 in FIG. 5), the control unit 501 and the jam information reporting unit 507 generate predetermined jam information that is determined in advance, and the communication unit The data is transmitted from the other FNS communication units 202 to 402 to the control unit 101 via the communication unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S208 in FIG. 5). As will be described later, the jam information of this final jam occurrence stage FNS is transmitted to the control unit 101 with jam information of other FNS added.

  Here, the jam information generated by the FNS 4 includes jammed page ID [ID = 20], normal discharged number of sheets in stacker [3 sheets], recoverable remaining sheet number [0 sheets], with [] in a specific value. , Recoverable residual paper number [1], Recoverable residual paper ID [None], Recoverable unit top paper information [None], Recoverable residual paper amount information [None], Recoverable residual paper security (confidential) Information [None], recoverable residual paper single-sided double-sided information [None], and so on (see the FNS4 column in FIG. 8).

  When the FNS that has caused the jam is not the final stage (NO in step S207 in FIG. 5), the FNS control unit receives and stores the jam information from the downstream FNS (steps S210, S210 in FIG. 5). S211) After the downstream FNS is completely stopped (YES in step S209 in FIG. 5), the above-mentioned predetermined jam information of the own device is added to the received jam information of the downstream FNS, and the jam information reporting unit communicates. The data is transmitted to the control unit 101 via the communication unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the other FNS communication unit upstream (step S212 in FIG. 5).

  Further, when a jam occurs in the subsequent FNS without causing a jam in the own device (YES in step S204 in FIG. 5), the predetermined information of the own device described above is added to the jam information received from the downstream FNS via the communication unit. The jam information is added to the control unit 101 via the communication unit 102 of the upstream FNS and the communication unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 with the jam information added (in FIG. 5). Step S214). Note that the jam information reporting unit of FNS1 to FNS3 does not generate a jam on its own machine, but there is a residual paper in a state where the jam has occurred and the conveyance has stopped as shown in FIG. 8 (see the column of FNS1 to FNS3). The information to be added is added as jam information and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100.

  Here, the jam information generated by the FNS1 to FNS3 includes the jammed page ID, the number of normally ejected sheets in the stacker, the number of remaining recoverable sheets, the number of unrecoverable remaining sheets, the remaining recoverable sheet ID, and the first sheet of recoverable units. Information, recoverable residual paper amount information, recoverable residual paper security (confidential) information, recoverable residual paper single-sided double-sided information, etc. This is paper information, and when a plurality of papers remain, the respective jam information exists (see the columns FNS1 to FNS3 in FIG. 8).

  In the image forming apparatus 100 that has received the jam information (see FIG. 8) from the FNS side via the communication unit 102 (YES in step S106 in FIG. 4), the succeeding unit next to the unit in which the jam has occurred is retained in the FNS. (Step S107 in FIG. 4). Here, the unit means a group of copies or jobs.

  Here, when the succeeding unit next to the jammed unit does not exist as the staying paper in the FNS, that is, as shown in FIG. 9, only the staying paper having the same unit as the jammed paper exists in the FNS. In this case (NO in step S107 in FIG. 4), when recovery is started from the jammed paper portion in the current jam occurrence unit, the jam removal page designation unit 107 determines (step S108 in FIG. 4).

  Then, the control unit 101 generates jam removal information for removing all jammed paper and stagnant paper, and transmits the jam removal information to each FNS via each communication unit via the communication unit 102 (in FIG. 4). Step S109).

  Further, here, when the succeeding unit next to the jammed unit exists in the FNS as a staying paper, that is, as shown in FIG. 10, a staying paper of a unit different from the jammed paper exists in the FNS. If it is determined (YES in step S107 in FIG. 4), the jam removal page designating unit 107 determines a page on which recovery is started with reference to the jam information (FIG. 8) (see FIG. 4). Step S110).

  Here, the subroutine for determining the recovery start page (step S110 in FIG. 4) in the case where the preceding unit and the succeeding unit of the jam occurrence stay in the FNS as shown in FIG. 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. explain.

  In FIG. 11, the processing will be described using a specific example in which the recovery start page is determined with priority on the minimum number of removed pages by placing emphasis on the number of pages as the contents of the removed paper. That is, in this specific example, the value is determined based on the number of pages.

  The jam removal page designation unit 107 acquires jam information (step S301 in FIG. 11) and grasps the status of each FNS included in the jam information.

  The following description is processing of the jam removal page designating unit 107 unless otherwise specified.

  Here, the number of normally discharged sheets and the remaining number of recoverable remaining sheets that exist downstream from the jammed paper and are stacked in the stacker are added together and stored as recoverable number information for each FNSx (FIG. 11 in step S302). The FNSx is a notation indicating each FNS.

  Here, in each FNSx, it is checked whether or not the jam occurrence page ID is “Yes” (step S303 in FIG. 11). If there is, the jam occurrence page ID is stored (step in FIG. 11). YES in S303, S304). In the FNSx in which the jam occurrence page ID is “none”, the process of storing the jam occurrence page ID is omitted (NO in step S303 in FIG. 11).

  Further, in each FNSx, it is checked whether a recoverable unit top sheet exists (step S305 in FIG. 11), and if it exists, the page ID of the unit top sheet in each FNSx is stored. (YES in step S305 in FIG. 11, S306). In the FNSx in which the unit top sheet information is “not the top”, the process of storing the page ID is omitted (NO in step S305 in FIG. 11).

  The above processing is repeated for all FNS from the last stage (step S301 in FIG. 11) toward the top (NO in step S307 in FIG. 11, S308, S302 to S306).

  If the above-described processing of jam information in all FNSs is completed (YES in step S307 in FIG. 11), the same unit existing downstream from the smallest page ID among the jammed page IDs in the preceding unit. Recoverable number information corresponding to the number of pages up to the first page ID in the unit is acquired as “preceding unit recoverable number” (step S309 in FIG. 11).

  If no jam occurs in the subsequent unit, (last page ID−first page ID + 1) is acquired as “recoverable unit recoverable number” (step S310 in FIG. 11).

  Further, when there is a jam occurrence in the subsequent unit, recoverable number information corresponding to the number of pages up to the first page ID in the same unit existing downstream from the smallest page ID among the jam occurrence page IDs, Obtained as “the number of subsequent unit recoverable sheets” (step S310 in FIG. 11).

  Then, the “preceding unit recoverable number” acquired as described above and the “subsequent unit recoverable number” are compared (step S311 in FIG. 11).

  As a result of the comparison, if “the preceding unit recoverable number of sheets”> “the succeeding unit recoverable number of sheets” (YES in step S311 in FIG. 11), the continuation of the preceding unit in which a jam has occurred (small jam occurrence page ID) It is determined that the recovery is started from the position (step S312 in FIG. 11).

  If the comparison result indicates that “the number of recoverable preceding unit recoveries”> “the number of recoverable subsequent unit recoveries” (NO in step S311 in FIG. 11), it is determined that recovery is started from the position of the subsequent unit following the jam. (Step S313 in FIG. 11).

  By determining the recovery in this way, it is possible to start the recovery process with increased productivity and efficiency without waste.

  In the case of FIG. 10, a jam occurs when the page ID of the preceding unit = 20, and the page IDs = 17 to 19 within the same unit can be recovered, so the number of recoverable preceding unit is 3. In FIG. 10, since ((last page ID = 26) − (first page ID = 21) +1)) = 6 in the subsequent unit, the subsequent unit recoverable number is 6. Therefore, the number of subsequent unit recoverable sheets is large.

  In the case of FIG. 12, a jam occurs when the page ID of the preceding unit = 20, and the page IDs = 17 to 19 within the same unit can be recovered, so the number of recoverable preceding unit is 3. Further, in the subsequent unit of FIG. 12, jam (damage) occurs when page ID = 25, and page IDs = 21 to 24 within the same unit can be recovered, so the subsequent unit recoverable number is 4. Therefore, the number of subsequent unit recoverable sheets is large.

  Although the damage is different from a jam, it is a sheet that has been damaged in some way during conveyance, and can be detected by a sheet passing sensor or a jam detection sensor.

  In the case of FIG. 13, a jam occurs when the page ID of the preceding unit = 20, and the page ID = 19 within the same unit can be recovered, so the number of recoverable preceding unit is 1. Further, in the subsequent unit of FIG. 13, a jam (damage) occurs with page ID = 26, and the page IDs = 21 to 25 within the same unit can be recovered. Therefore, the number of subsequent unit recoverable sheets is large.

  In other words, here, the recovery page is determined so as to remove the smaller number of recoverable sheets.

  The comparison may be made as “the number of recoverable preceding unit recoveries” ≧ “the number of recoverable subsequent unit recoveries”, or when “the number of recoverable preceding unit recoveries” = “the number of recoverable subsequent unit recoveries” You may make an inquiry about what to do.

  Further, in FIG. 11 described above, a specific example is given in which the number of pages is emphasized as the removal paper content, but the removal paper content is not limited to this. For example, referring to the amount information of paper, the value of any unit such as unit amount ((amount / sheet) x number of sheets), image formation time (color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided), security (confidential printing), etc. And the recovery page can be determined so that the decrease in value is minimized. Also, the overall value may be determined by weighting a plurality of parameters. In either case, the operator can arbitrarily select it.

  As a result, it is possible to automatically determine the value of the sheet, and to start the recovery process in a state where the decrease in value is small and the productivity and efficiency are increased without waste.

  In the case of FIG. 14, the preceding unit recoverable number is 3, and the subsequent unit recoverable number is 3, which is the same number. In this case, when a sheet having a higher amount than the preceding unit is used for the subsequent unit (hatched portion in FIG. 14), the amount is determined to be value, and the subsequent unit is determined to be recovered.

  In the case of FIG. 15, the preceding unit recoverable number is 8, the subsequent unit recoverable number is 5, and the preceding unit recoverable number is large. However, paper having a higher amount than the preceding unit is used for the subsequent unit (page ID = 22 in FIG. 14). Here, when the amount of each sheet is totaled in the preceding unit and the subsequent unit, if the amount of the subsequent unit becomes high, it is determined to recover the subsequent job.

  Further, although not included in the jam information of FIG. 8, easy / difficulty of obtaining paper may be used as a parameter. In other words, the recovery page determination may be performed by removing as little paper as is difficult to obtain.

  This is the end of the description of the recovery start page determination subroutine by the jam removal page designating unit 107 (step S110 in FIG. 4 = FIG. 11), and the description returns to FIG.

  When it is determined to start recovery from the jam occurrence position of the preceding unit (YES in step S111 in FIG. 4, S112, step S312 in FIG. 11), the control unit 101 retains the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the subsequent unit. Jam removal information for instructing to remove all the paper is generated, and the jam removal information is transmitted to each FNS via each communication unit via the communication unit 102 (step S113 in FIG. 4).

  Further, when it is determined that the recovery is started first from the subsequent unit (NO in step S111 in FIG. 4, S114, step S313 in FIG. 11), the control unit 101 determines all the preceding units (jam paper and normal paper). 4) is generated, and the jam removal information is transmitted to each FNS via the communication unit 102 via the communication unit 102 (step S115 in FIG. 4).

  As the jam removal information, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the page ID and information on whether to remove or not are included for each FNS. FIG. 16 shows an example of jam removal information for instructing to remove all of the preceding units (all of jammed paper and normal paper).

  When each control unit 201-501 receives the above jam removal information at each FNS via the communication units 202-502 (YES in step S215 in FIG. 5), each control unit 201-501 Jam removal information is displayed on the display units 203 to 503 (see FIG. 3) so as to remove the corresponding paper (step S216 in FIG. 5). Here, in each of the FNS display units 203 to 503, a jam removal display is performed by turning on a lamp at a corresponding position so that the operator can remove the sheet (see FIG. 10).

  At this time, the control unit 101 uses the jam removal information to show the jam removal 1031 of the entire image forming system on the display screen 1030 of the operation display unit 103 as shown in FIG. May be.

  Further, when it is determined that the recovery is started first from the subsequent unit (NO in step S111 in FIG. 4, S114, step S313 in FIG. 11), the subsequent unit overtakes the preceding unit and the output order is switched. . In particular, when the job output order is switched, it is also desirable to display an approval acceptance screen 1032 (FIG. 18) for obtaining the operator's approval.

  When the overtaking approval 1033 is obtained from the operator, the control unit 101 executes overtaking and starts recovery from the subsequent unit. When the overtaking denial 1034 is input from the operator, the control unit 101 May change the control so that recovery is started from the preceding unit without performing overtaking. As a result, the recovery process can be started in a state in which the productivity and efficiency are improved without waste in a state in line with the operator's intention. In addition, there is no output that is not intended by the operator.

  When the overtaking approval 1033 is obtained from the operator and the overtaking is executed and the recovery is started from the subsequent unit, or when the overtaking is executed without the overtaking approval and the recovery is started from the subsequent unit, the overtaking is performed. It is also desirable to display a notification screen 1035 (FIG. 19) for notifying the operator that the output order is changed. As a result, the recovery process can be started in a state where the operator understands the operation of the system and the productivity and efficiency are improved without waste.

  In FIGS. 4, 5, and 11 described above, the removal page and the recovery position are determined as processing of the jam removal page designation unit 107 on the image forming apparatus 100 side with reference to the jam information from each FNS. It is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the control unit 201 of the FNS 1 at the most upstream position where all jam information is collected may determine the recovery position and notify the image forming apparatus 100 of the page information. In this case, the FNS 1 may notify the jam removal information to the whole, or the image forming apparatus 100 may notify each FNS of the jam removal information.

  Here, in response to the removal instruction based on the jam removal information, a description will be given of a response process in a case where a removal instruction sheet and a normal sheet not instructed to be removed are also removed.

  When instructed by the jam removal information to remove all the preceding unit sheets and the damaged sheet having the page ID = 26 in the succeeding unit as shown in FIG. 21, all the preceding unit sheets and the succeeding unit as shown in FIG. A specific example is the case where normal paper with normal page ID = 25 is removed in addition to the damaged paper with page ID = 26.

  First, a determination process on the FNS side in the case where the normal paper is erroneously removed on the FNS side will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, on the FNS 1 to 4 side, the sheet conveyance is stopped by detecting the jam (damage) of FNS 1 and FNS 4 (step S 401 in FIG. 23). Further, FNS1 and FNS4 generate predetermined jam codes that are determined in advance, and notify the control unit 101 of the occurrence of a jam via the communication unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S402 in FIG. 23).

  At this time, the FNS 1 and the FNS 4 that have generated the jam create sensor information of the jam paper by the jam detection sensor (step S403 in FIG. 23), and at the downstream side of the jammed paper that can be recovered by the paper passage sensor. The sensor information of the staying paper is created (step S404 in FIG. 23).

  Here, when the jam removal information from the image forming apparatus 100 is received by the FNS1 and FNS4 (step S405 in FIG. 23), the FNS1 and the FNS4 display the respective jam removal information so as to remove the corresponding paper in the own apparatus. (Step S406 in FIG. 23).

  Here, FNS1 and FNS4 detect door open (YES in step S407 in FIG. 23), jam paper removal detection of jam removal information (YES in step S408 in FIG. 23), and door close detection (step in FIG. 23). If YES in S409, the sensor information before jam removal is compared with the sensor information after jam removal for the removed paper (step S410 in FIG. 23).

  Here, if there is paper remaining to be removed based on the jam removal information (YES in step S411 in FIG. 23), the above door open detection (step S407 in FIG. 23), the jam paper removal detection in the jam removal information. (Step S408 in FIG. 23) and door close detection (Step S409 in FIG. 23) are repeated.

  In addition, if the paper to be removed is removed based on the jam removal information (NO in step S411 in FIG. 23), the FNS1 and FNS4 are sensors for recoverable residual paper (residual paper to be left) before jam removal. The information is compared with the sensor information after jam removal (step S412 in FIG. 23).

  Here, if the remaining paper that should be left by the jam removal information remains normally (NO in step S413 in FIG. 23), the FNS1 and FNS4 transmit ready information to the image forming apparatus 100 (in FIG. 23). Step S415).

  On the other hand, if at least one sheet of residual paper to be left has been removed based on the jam removal information (YES in step S413 in FIG. 23), information on the remaining sheets of FNS1 and FNS4 at that time is used as new jam information. The image is retransmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 (step S414 in FIG. 23). Whether or not the remaining paper that should be left is removed can be detected from the fact that the paper passing sensor that should be turned on has changed to OFF.

  Accordingly, the recovery start page is changed on the image forming apparatus 100 side. In this case, the recovery start position may be simply changed from the page ID = 26 to the page ID = 25. However, since the number of remaining paper pages is changed, the image forming apparatus 100 will be described later. It is desirable to redetermine the removal paper and recovery position on the side.

  A determination process on the image forming apparatus 100 side in the case where the normal sheet is mistakenly removed on the FNS side will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 is waiting to receive jam release information and ready information from the FNS side (steps S501 and S502 in FIG. 24).

  Here, the jam release information is transmitted from the FNS when the jammed paper is removed, and then the ready information is transmitted from the FNS when the remaining paper remains normally (see step S415 in FIG. 22). . When the jammed paper is removed, jam release information is transmitted from the FNS. However, if the remaining paper does not remain normally, new jam information is transmitted from the FNS instead of the ready information (see FIG. 23 step S414).

  When the jam release information and the ready information are received from the FNS side (YES in steps S501 and S502 in FIG. 24), the recovery processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is executed (step S503 in FIG. 24).

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 that has received new jam information (see FIG. 8) from the FNS side via the communication unit 102 (NO in step S502 and YES in S504 in FIG. 24), the next unit of the jammed unit is detected. It is determined whether the subsequent unit exists as a staying paper in the FNS (step S505 in FIG. 24). Here, the unit means a group of copies or jobs.

  Here, when the succeeding unit next to the jammed unit does not exist as the staying paper in the FNS, that is, as shown in FIG. 9, only the staying paper having the same unit as the jammed paper exists in the FNS. In the case (NO in step S505 in FIG. 24), when recovery starts from the jammed paper portion in the current jam occurrence unit, the jam removal page designation unit 107 determines (step S506 in FIG. 24).

  Then, the control unit 101 generates jam removal information with an instruction to remove all jammed paper and stagnant paper, and transmits the jam removal information to each FNS via each communication unit via the communication unit 102 (FIG. 24). Middle step S507).

  Further, here, when the succeeding unit next to the jammed unit exists in the FNS as a staying paper, that is, as shown in FIG. 10, a staying paper of a unit different from the jammed paper exists in the FNS. If this is the case (YES in step S505 in FIG. 24), the jam removal page designating unit 107 determines the page on which recovery is to be started with reference to the jam information (FIG. 8) (see FIG. 24). Step S508).

  Here, the subroutine for determining the recovery start page (step S508 in FIG. 24) when the preceding unit and the succeeding unit stay in the FNS is as described with reference to FIG.

  When it is determined to start recovery from the jam occurrence position of the preceding unit (YES in step S509 in FIG. 24, S510), the control unit 101 instructs to remove all the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the staying paper of the subsequent unit. Jam removal information is generated, and the jam removal information is transmitted to each FNS via the communication unit 102 via the communication unit 102 (step S511 in FIG. 24).

  In addition, when it is determined that the recovery is started first from the subsequent unit (NO in step S509 in FIG. 24, S512), the control unit 101 instructs to remove all the preceding units (all of jammed paper and normal paper). The jam removal information is generated, and the jam removal information is transmitted to each FNS via the communication unit 102 via the communication unit 102 (step S513 in FIG. 24).

  In this way, even when the operator has removed the normal paper, the recovery process can be started with increased productivity and efficiency without waste.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control part 102 Communication part 103 Operation display part 107 Jam removal page designation | designated part 108 Job overtaking determination part 110 Conveyance part 150 Image formation part 200 Finisher (FNS1)
201 Control Unit 202 Communication Unit 203 Display Unit 205 Jam Detection Unit 207 Jam Information Reporting Unit 210 Carrying Unit 300 Finisher (FNS2)
301 Control Unit 302 Communication Unit 303 Display Unit 305 Jam Detection Unit 307 Jam Information Reporting Unit 310 Transport Unit 400 Finisher (FNS3)
401 Control unit 402 Communication unit 403 Display unit 405 Jam detection unit 407 Jam information reporting unit 410 Transport unit 500 Finisher (FNS4)
501 Control unit 502 Communication unit 503 Display unit 505 Jam detection unit 507 Jam information reporting unit 510 Conveying unit

Claims (10)

An image forming method in an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and a plurality of post-processing apparatuses that perform post-processing on the image-formed sheet are connected,
Stop the normal paper being transported in the image forming system when jamming is available,
If the paper that has jammed is jammed paper and the paper that has not jammed is normal paper,
Compare the normal paper of the preceding unit and the residual paper of the subsequent unit, and remove all the jammed paper of the preceding unit and normal paper where the jam has occurred and execute recovery processing from the subsequent unit, or Decide and control whether to remove the jammed paper and the remaining paper of the subsequent unit and execute the recovery process from the previous unit.
An image forming method. Compare the value of the normal paper of the preceding unit with the value of the residual paper of the subsequent unit,
Remove all the jammed paper from the preceding unit that has jammed and normal paper and perform recovery processing from the succeeding unit, or remove the jammed paper from the preceding unit and the remaining paper from the succeeding unit and remove it from the preceding unit. As to whether to execute the recovery process, it is determined and controlled so that the decrease in the value becomes small depending on which one is removed,
The image forming method according to claim 1. The value includes at least one of the number of residual paper to be removed, paper type, paper unit price, toner consumption, security, and image formation time.
The image forming method according to claim 2. If it is decided to remove all the paper in the preceding unit and execute the recovery process from the succeeding unit,
Execute the decision after receiving the operator's approval,
The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the image forming method is an image forming method. When it is decided to execute the recovery process from the subsequent unit by removing all the paper in the preceding unit,
Display on the display that the succeeding unit overtakes the preceding unit.
The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein: An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and a plurality of post-processing apparatuses that perform post-processing on the image-formed sheet are connected to each other.
The post-processing device includes a transport unit that stops normal paper being transported in the image forming system when a jam occurs.
In the image forming apparatus, when a unit of a set or a job is a unit, a jammed paper is a jammed paper, and a paper that is not jammed is a normal paper, the preceding unit normal paper and the subsequent unit residual paper And remove all the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the normal paper where the jam occurred, and execute recovery processing from the succeeding unit, or remove the jammed paper of the preceding unit and the remaining paper of the succeeding unit. A control unit that determines and controls whether to execute the recovery process from the preceding unit.
An image forming system. The controller is
Compare the value of the normal paper of the preceding unit with the value of the residual paper of the subsequent unit,
Remove all the jammed paper from the preceding unit that has jammed and normal paper and perform recovery processing from the succeeding unit, or remove the jammed paper from the preceding unit and the remaining paper from the succeeding unit and remove it from the preceding unit. As to whether to execute the recovery process, it is determined and controlled so that the decrease in the value becomes small depending on which one is removed,
The image forming system according to claim 6. The value includes at least one of the number of residual paper to be removed, paper type, paper unit price, toner consumption, security, and image formation time.
The image forming system according to claim 7. It has an operation unit that receives the approval of the operator,
The control unit executes the determination after obtaining the operator's approval in the operation unit when it is determined that the recovery process is executed from the subsequent unit by removing all sheets of the preceding unit.
The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. The control unit displays on the display unit that the subsequent unit overtakes the preceding unit when it is determined to execute recovery processing from the subsequent unit by removing all sheets of the preceding unit.
The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.