JP2014168910A - Image forming device, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device configured so as to form an image using ink on a sheet and also configured so as to calculate a drying time of ink on the surface of a sheet, which is capable of appropriately calculating the drying time of the surface of the sheet so that contamination by ink or unnecessary time taken for printing are not caused when an image is formed on the surface of the sheet for the second time or when an image is formed on the reverse surface of the sheet.SOLUTION: An image forming device 1 is composed of a drying time estimation part that calculates a drying time of ink on the surface of a sheet using a correction coefficient set at least in correspondence with a structure unique to the device, and estimates the timing when image forming is possible on the sheet 3 for the second time, and an input display part for notifying of the estimation information estimated by the drying time estimation part. The correction coefficient is set separately for a case where an image is formed on the surface of the sheet for the second time and for a case where an image is formed on the reverse surface of the sheet.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that form an image on a sheet using ink.

  Conventionally, examples of apparatuses that form an image on a sheet using ink include the following.

  A printer system comprising a remaining drying time calculating means for calculating the remaining drying time until the ink discharged on each record carrier dries, and a display means for displaying the calculated remaining drying time of each record carrier (for example, Patent Documents) 1).

  An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control the output order of print jobs to be accumulated and managed so that the total drying time is minimized according to the result of the drying time calculation unit. A notification means that predicts the drying end time for each page from the data and the drying characteristics of the ink, records this, obtains the drying end time of all pages from the drying end time corresponding to each page, and notifies the operator of this. An inkjet recording apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Storage means for storing the relationship between the amount of ink used and the ink drying time for each type of printing machine and for each type of ink used for printing by the printing machine, and the type of printing machine used for printing while acquiring print data An acquisition means for acquiring printing conditions based on the acquired print data, including the type of ink used for printing by the printing machine, and an amount of ink used based on the print data acquired by the acquisition means Ink in printing based on the acquired print data based on the calculated amount of used ink, the printing condition acquired by the acquisition means, and the relationship between the ink usage amount stored in the storage means and the ink drying time Estimating means for estimating the drying time and the ink drying time estimated by the estimating means or the ink drying time. Print support apparatus comprising output means for outputting the printing time or the printing speed, (for example see Patent Document 3).

  Information acquisition means for acquiring recording medium information (type of recording medium) and environmental information (temperature and humidity) and image forming conditions (recording density, recording speed, recording area, colorant adhesion amount, etc.) for each image forming element The drying time and the total image formation time are set according to the image formation condition setting means to be set, the recording medium information and the environment information acquired by the information acquisition means, and the image formation conditions set by the image formation condition setting means. A total image forming time calculating means for calculating, and a display means for displaying the image forming time, as well as a quality level and a balance (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

  Means for acquiring date information at the time of printing, means for acquiring location information of a place where the recording apparatus is installed, and deriving ink drying time from the acquired date information and location information (ink discharge amount required for image formation) Inkjet recording apparatus (for example, derived from ink drying time derived according to the environmental information in which the recording apparatus is installed) and means for performing ink drying processing based on the derived ink drying time (for example, (See Patent Document 5).

  These conventional apparatuses mainly focus on the drying time of an ink image formed on a sheet as a recording medium, and predict the drying end time from the print data and the drying characteristics of the ink. The ink drying time is calculated from the humidity and humidity.

  By the way, in the field of printing using ink, drying is generally set (primary drying) and drying (secondary drying).

  Set (primary drying) is an initial stage of ink drying, which is not completely dry, but does not become soiled even if the printed material is stacked or moved. However, since it is not in a completely dry state, if the printed material is vigorously moved, vibrated, or a strong force is applied, the ink moves and causes a stain problem.

  Drying (secondary drying) is a state in which a pigment is fixed to form a strong ink film. In other words, the surface adhesiveness of the ink is lost, and the ink becomes ready for post-processing.

  As described above, the conventional apparatus predicts the drying end time from the print data and ink drying characteristics, or calculates the ink drying time from the type, temperature, humidity, etc. of the recording medium. Challenges arise.

That is, this type of image forming apparatus may form an image again on a sheet on which an image is formed.
In the conventional apparatus, since the calculation of the drying time that does not cause inconvenience upon paper discharge, that is, the ink drying time is set (primary drying), when the image is formed again on the sheet on which the image has been formed. The ink on the surface of the sheet may move and cause a trouble of contamination.

  On the other hand, this type of image forming apparatus includes a separation member that separates sheets from a sheet layer one by one, an image forming unit that forms an image using ink on a sheet separated by the separation member, and a separation member In general, a sheet conveyance path connecting the member and the image forming unit is provided.

In addition, there are various types of configurations such as the separating member and the sheet conveying path, which are not uniform.
Therefore, the conditions (ink drying level) at which the ink on the sheet surface starts to move vary depending on the structure unique to the apparatus.

  Furthermore, when the image is formed again on the sheet on which the image is formed, the image is formed again on the sheet surface after the image is formed on the sheet surface, and on the back surface of the sheet after the image is formed on the sheet surface. Sometimes an image is formed.

  Therefore, the conditions (ink drying level) at which the ink on the sheet surface starts to move differ depending on the post-processing of the sheet in addition to the structure unique to the apparatus. Note that the post-processing of the sheet refers to a case where an image is formed again on the paper surface as described above, or a case where an image is formed on the back surface of the paper after the image is formed on the paper surface.

  Thus, even if it is said that drying time is a bite, the required drying level differs depending on the type of post-processing and the structure unique to the apparatus. Therefore, the conventional apparatus has a problem that when the post-processing described above is performed with the conventional apparatus, it depends on the operator's work experience, and there is a possibility that the ink may be stained and the time required for printing may be unnecessarily long. There is.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a separation member that separates a plurality of layered sheets into a single sheet, and ink on the sheet separated by the separation member. In an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image used; and a sheet conveyance path that connects at least the separation member and the image forming unit, the surface of the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. A drying time estimating unit that calculates a drying time of ink using a correction coefficient set corresponding to at least a structure unique to the apparatus, and estimates a time when an image can be formed again on the sheet; and the drying time estimating unit An estimation information notifying unit that notifies the estimation information estimated in step (a), and the correction coefficient re-forms an image on the sheet surface with respect to a sheet on which the image is formed on the sheet surface. The case, relative to the seat on which the image is formed on the sheet surface, characterized in that it is set separately in the case of forming an image on a sheet back surface.

  According to the present invention, when the image is formed several times on the surface of the sheet or when the image is formed on the back surface of the sheet, the ink drying time is set using the correction coefficient set corresponding to the structure unique to the apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of contamination by ink and the unnecessary time required for printing.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. (1) It is explanatory drawing which showed the electrical structure of the image forming apparatus concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (list) which showed the list | wrist of the correction coefficient corresponding to the structure specific to an apparatus, and the kind of post-processing. It is explanatory drawing (list) which showed the list | wrist of the 2nd correction coefficient corresponding to the structure specific to an apparatus, and the kind of post-processing. It is explanatory drawing (list) which showed the list | wrist of the 3rd correction coefficient corresponding to according to the structure peculiar to an apparatus, and the kind of post-processing. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of an image forming system according to a second embodiment.

An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
(Embodiment 1)
An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration. FIG. 2B is a functional configuration diagram. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (list) showing a list of correction coefficients corresponding to each device-specific structure and post-processing type. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (list) showing a list of second correction coefficients corresponding to each device-specific structure and each post-processing type. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (list) showing a list of third correction coefficients corresponding to the structures unique to the apparatus and the types of post-processing.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a sheet feeding table 2, a sheet conveyance path 3A, a pickup roller 4, a separation roller 5, a friction pad 6 as an example of a separation member, a registration roller 7, and an example of an image forming unit. Printing drum 8, press roller 9, suction belt 10, paper discharge tray 11, inkjet image forming unit 12 as an estimated information notification unit, and operation control unit 14.

  The sheet feeding table 2 is configured to stack sheets 3 as an example of sheets, and is configured to press the uppermost sheet 3 of the stacked sheets 3 in the direction of a pickup roller 4 to be described later.

  The sheet conveying path 3A is linearly formed so as to connect the friction pad 6 and the suction belt 10 via the printing drum 8 so that the sheet 3 supplied from the sheet feed table 2 can be discharged to a sheet discharge table 11 described later. Is formed.

  The sheet conveying path 3A illustrated in FIG. 1 is formed in a straight line as described above, but the sheet conveying path 3A of this type of image forming apparatus 1 has a U-turn path from the separating member to the image forming unit. Some are formed in a shape (see FIGS. 3 (2) and (4)). In this case, the front and back of the paper 3 are reversed and conveyed.

  The pickup roller 4 is provided above the paper feed tray 2 so as to be rotatable. The pickup roller 4 rotates at least in contact with the uppermost paper surface on the paper feed tray 2 so that at least the uppermost paper 3 is sent out. It is like that.

  The separation roller 5 is adjacent to the pickup roller 4 and is rotatably provided on the surface of the paper 3 on which an image is formed (hereinafter referred to as an image surface). The separation roller 5 is provided on the surface of the paper fed out by the pickup roller 4. By rotating while contacting, the paper 3 is sent out to the sheet conveying path 3A.

  The separation roller 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided on the image surface side of the sheet 3 as described above. However, the separation roller 5 of this type of image forming apparatus 1 is opposite to the image surface side of the sheet 3. There are some (see FIGS. 3 (1) and (2)). Note that the image surface side of the paper 3 is a surface of the front and back surfaces of the paper 3 on which an image will be formed.

  The friction pad 6 as an example of the separation member is composed of a plate-like friction member provided below the separation roller 5 so as to face the separation roller 5. Such a separation method using a plate-like friction member is called a friction pad method (pad brake method).

  The friction pad 6 applies a friction member to the sheet 3 attached to the back surface of the sheet on the separation roller 5 side with a predetermined pressure (hereinafter referred to as separation pressure) against a plurality of moving layered sheets fed from the sheet feeding table 2. The sheet 3 on the separation roller 5 side and the sheet 3 attached to the back surface of the sheet are separated by restricting the movement of the sheet 3. In other words, the friction pad 6 separates a plurality of moving layered sheets into one sheet.

  In this friction pad system, there is a squeak between the back side of the paper on the separation roller 5 side and the front side of the paper attached to the back side of the paper, and between the back side of the paper and the separation member.

  The friction pad 6, which is the separation member illustrated in FIG. 1, is provided on the side opposite to the image surface side of the paper 3, but the separation member of this type of image forming apparatus 1 is provided on the image surface side of the paper 3. Some have been (see FIG. 3 (1) (2)).

  Further, in addition to the friction pad type separation member described above, for example, there are the following. These separation members are all known techniques.

Reverse roller system A system that separates a feed roller and a reverse roller that is in reverse contact with the feed roller. In this reverse roller system, the reverse roller is always reverse, so that when one separated sheet 3 is transported, there is a “speed at transport speed + reverse reverse speed”.

Roller friction method Roller method using a torque limiter. When only the torque less than the torque limiter is applied, the “conveying speed” causes a slickness. However, this roller friction method is advantageous for this technical problem because the contact area between the paper 3 and the friction member is small.

Bank separation method A bank with a predetermined angle is provided downstream in the transport direction of the paper 3, and the paper 3 is abutted and bent along the slope of the bank by the transport force of the paper feed roller, one by one Separate feeding method. Although this bank separation method has a small pressure, it is disadvantageous to this technical problem because it is rubbed in contact after separation.

Gate roller system A system in which the sheet 3 fed by the pickup roller 4 is passed through a gap (gap) between the comb-shaped feed roller and the gate roller and separated by the resistance force of the gate roller. Adjust the resistance by slightly overlapping the outer periphery of the feed roller and the outer periphery of the gate roller. (Prevents double feed by utilizing deformation reaction force generated when it is fed into the overlap wrap). Since the contact pressure at the nip portion is small, it works advantageously for this technical problem.

FRR method (retard roller method, MRR method)
This FRR system works with the present technical problem because it is rotated after separation.

Corner nail separation method, bending separation method This method does not cause any particular slack in separation.

No separation (when the sheet conveyance path 3A is configured to retransmit by reverse switching back)
Since no separation operation is required, there will be no cosmetics associated with this.

Air separation method Air separation method. It is easy to dry with the amount of air blown.

  As described above, there are various separation members, but the degree of ink stain varies depending on the method of the separation member. In general, the relationship is as follows.

  Reverse roller method> Friction pad method> Roller friction method> Bank separation method> Gate roller method> FRR method> Corner nail separation method, bending separation method> No separation (when retransmitting after switchback inversion)> Air separation method.

  The registration rollers 7 are a pair of rollers that can be rotationally driven and provided downstream of the separation roller 5 and the separation member in the sheet conveyance direction. The pair of registration rollers 7 makes the sheet 3 skew by causing the leading edge of the sheet 3 sent out by the separation roller 5 to abut the nip where the rollers are in contact with each other to create a predetermined slack. to correct. Then, the rotation is started at a predetermined timing, and the sheet 3 is sent out to an image forming unit described later.

  A printing drum 8 serving as an image forming unit has an original plate on which a hole for forming a desired image is wound around a rotatable drum body. The printing drum 8 forms an image on the fed paper 3 by causing ink injected into the drum body to ooze out from the holes of the original plate. Examples of the ink described above include emulsion ink. The main components of this emulsion ink are water, oil and colorant.

The press roller 9 is provided so as to face the printing drum 8 across the sheet conveyance path 3 </ b> A, and presses the paper 3 in the direction of the printing drum 8.
The suction belt 10 is an endless belt in which suction holes are formed, and can be rotationally driven along the sheet conveyance path 3 </ b> A downstream of the position of the printing drum 8 and the press roller 9 in the sheet conveyance direction. It is stretched across multiple rollers. The inside of the suction belt 10 is made negative pressure by a vacuum pump, so that the paper 3 is conveyed in a state in which the paper 3 is adsorbed through a suction hole.

The paper discharge table 11 is for stacking the sheets 3 on which images have been conveyed conveyed by the suction belt 10.
The inkjet image forming unit 12 serving as the estimated information notification unit is provided above the suction belt, and prints estimated information described later on the final paper sucked by the suction belt. The final paper is a normal paper 3 for forming an image on the paper surface, or a trial paper dedicated to printing estimated information.

The printed state estimation information may be a character string readable by an operator (human) or an optically readable information such as a barcode, and is not particularly limited.
In addition, although the estimated information alerting | reporting part of this Embodiment was the inkjet image formation part 12, it is not limited to this, For example, you may display estimated information on the input display part 14d.

  The operation control unit 14 controls the operation of each component of the image forming apparatus 1 to realize each function, and includes a CPU 14a, a ROM 14b, and a RAM 14c as shown in FIG.

  A program code for a series of operation control of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is stored in the ROM 14b. The program code includes a calculation formula for calculating the ink drying time using at least a correction coefficient set corresponding to the structure unique to the apparatus. Details of the correction coefficient and the calculation formula will be described later.

  The operation control unit 14 expands the program code in the RAM 14c, stores data necessary for control such as information obtained from various sensors in the RAM 14c, and uses the RAM 14c as a work area according to the program code according to the program code. However, it controls the motor, the input display unit 14d, the inkjet image forming unit 12, and the like, which are various loads.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above, first, the pickup roller 4 sends out the paper 3 loaded on the paper feed table 2 toward the separation roller 5 and the friction pad 6. The separation roller 5 and the friction pad 6 separate the fed sheet 3 into one sheet, and feed the separated sheet 3 toward the registration roller 7. The separated sheet 3 is conveyed almost straight toward the pair of registration rollers 7.

At this time, the registration roller 7 stops rotating, and the leading edge of the separated sheet 3 hits the nip of the registration roller 7 to correct the skew of the sheet 3.
After the skew of the paper 3 is corrected, the registration roller 7 starts to rotate at a predetermined timing and sends the paper 3 toward the printing drum 8. The fed sheet moves while being pressed against the printing drum 8 by the press roller 9.

At this time, the ink in the printing drum 8 oozes out from holes (holes for forming an image) provided in the original plate, and an ink image is formed on the paper 3.
The suction belt sucks the image-formed paper 3 and conveys the image-formed paper 3 toward the paper discharge tray 11. The suction belt releases the suction before the paper discharge tray 11 and discharges the image-formed paper 3 to the paper discharge tray 11.

  The conveyance speed or distance of the suction belt is such that the ink drying time based on the conventional calculation formula can be obtained, and the ink on the paper 3 is conveyed during the conveyance by the adsorption belt. Immediately after it is gradually dried and discharged to the paper discharge tray 11, it is in a set state. That is, even when the image-formed paper 3 is stacked on the paper discharge tray 11, the upper back surface of the upper paper is in a state where there is no fear of smearing with the ink of the lower paper 3, but it can be used in post-processing. It is not dry.

  In this state, if an image is formed again on the paper surface, or an image is formed on the paper back surface after the image is formed on the paper surface, the undried ink rubs against each component such as the friction pad 6. As a result, stains on the sheet 3 caused by the ink transfer, a problem of ink transfer from the friction pad 6 to the separation roller 5 (or vice versa), and the like occur.

  However, the drying level of ink required on the paper surface differs depending on the structure unique to the apparatus between when the image is formed again on the paper surface and when the image is formed on the paper back surface after the image is formed on the paper surface. .

  That is, in the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the friction pad 6 that can be said to be the main generation source of the above-described problem is provided at a position facing the printing drum 8 with the sheet conveyance path 3 </ b> A interposed therebetween. Further, the sheet conveyance path 3A is also linear toward the printing drum 8 and is not configured to reverse the front and back of the sheet 3.

  Therefore, when an image is formed again on the front surface of the paper, the surface that contacts the friction pad 6 is the back surface of the paper on which no ink image is formed.

  On the other hand, when an image is formed on the back side of the paper after the image is formed on the front side of the paper, the surface in contact with the friction pad 6 is the surface of the paper on which the ink image is formed, and contamination by the friction pad 6 occurs.

As described above, the drying level of the ink on the paper surface varies depending on the structure unique to the apparatus and the type of post-processing.
Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is added to “ambient temperature and humidity, paper type, ink type, paper transport time, image content (image density, image position)” considered in the prior art. The drying time estimation unit F1 calculates the drying time of the ink on the surface of the paper by multiplying the correction coefficient corresponding to the structure specific to the apparatus and the type of post-processing, and estimates the time when the image can be formed on the paper 3 again. Is provided.

  Depending on the type of post-processing, that is, whether to form an image on the back side of the paper or to form an image again on the front side of the paper, the operator inputs and sets via the input display unit 14d.

  The drying time estimation unit F1 is a function realized by the operation control unit 14 using information from various sensors, correction coefficients recorded in the ROM 14b, various numerical information, calculation formulas incorporated in the program code, and the like. .

The drying time estimation unit F1 according to the first embodiment calculates, for example, a drying time in a set state by a known technique, and multiplies the calculated value by the correction coefficient shown in FIG. 3 to obtain the ink drying time on the paper surface. ing.
In the case of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, among the correction coefficients indicated by a thick frame in FIG. 3, correction coefficients corresponding to the type of post-processing input and set by the operator via the input display unit 14 d are set. The The setting based on the measure-specific structure is not set by the operator but fixed for each device.

  The correction coefficient and the ink drying time will be described in detail. The set time T1 is calculated by a calculation formula according to the conventional technique, and the correction coefficient A is multiplied by this to calculate the drying time T2 that can be post-processed.

When forming an image on the back side of paper (back side):
T2 = T1 × A = T1 × 3.0
When forming the image again on the paper surface (during composition):
T2 = T1 * A = T1 * 2.0
This value is shorter than the “complete drying” time T3. (T3> T2)

The ink drying time (corrected drying time) on the paper surface calculated in this way is estimated information in association with the date and time immediately after paper discharge.
As an example of this estimation information, for example, if the date and time immediately after paper discharge is April 1, 2013 AM 10:00, and the ink drying time T2 on the paper surface is 30 minutes, the date and time of April 1, 2013 AM 10:30 Estimated information.

In this example, in FIG. 3, the separation member method is the friction pad method, the separation member is disposed on the side opposite to the image surface, and the sheet conveyance path 3A is linear.
For example, when the separation member method is a friction pad method, the separation member is disposed on the image surface side, and the sheet conveying path 3A is linear, the correction coefficients for each post-processing are as follows.

  That is, when the image is formed on the back side of the paper after the image is formed on the front side of the paper, the correction coefficient is 2.0, and when the image is formed again on the front side of the paper, the correction coefficient is 3.0. The correction coefficient for each post-processing of 1 is reversed.

  This is because the separation member is arranged on the image surface side, and therefore when the image is formed again on the paper surface, the separation member may disturb the first image already formed. Alternatively, when an image is formed on the back side of the paper, there is no possibility of disturbing the first image already formed by the separation member.

  Further, when the separation member method is the friction pad method, the separation member is disposed on the image surface side, and the sheet conveying path 3A is U-turned, the correction is performed when the image is formed on the paper surface and then the image is formed on the paper back surface. The coefficient is 2.0, and the correction coefficient when an image is formed again on the paper surface is 3.0.

  Also, when the separation member method is the friction pad method, the separation member is disposed on the side opposite to the image surface, and the sheet conveying path 3A is U-turned, the image is formed on the paper surface and then the image is formed on the paper back surface. Is 3.0, and 2.6 when the image is formed again on the paper surface.

  As shown in FIG. 3, this type of image forming apparatus 1 has various apparatus-specific structures such as the arrangement of separation members, the configuration of the sheet conveyance path 3 </ b> A, and the method of the separation members. As the correction coefficient, a numerical value corresponding to each of these structures and corresponding to post-processing is adopted.

  Further, in this type of image forming apparatus 1, the separation member can apply a separation pressure to the plurality of moving layered sheets 3, and can suppress the force of movement of the sheet 3 other than the sheet 3. In some cases, the separation pressure can be adjusted.

  In such a case, a second correction coefficient corresponding to each adjustment level of the separation pressure (for example, three levels of separation pressures of large, medium, and small) is set. The second correction coefficient is set to have a longer ink drying time for a larger separation pressure because a larger separation pressure causes less ink smearing than a smaller separation pressure.

  Further, the second correction coefficient is used when the image is formed again on the paper surface with respect to the paper 3 on which the image is formed on the paper surface, and on the back surface of the paper 3 with the image formed on the paper surface. Are separately set for the case of forming an image (FIG. 4).

The drying time T2 that can be post-processed is calculated by calculating the “set” time T1 using a calculation formula according to the prior art, multiplying this by the correction coefficient A, and further multiplying by the second correction coefficient B. Is calculated (T2 = T1 × A × B).
For example, when the friction pad 6 of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 can adjust the separation pressure in three stages with a spring or the like, the second correction coefficient in the thick frame in FIG. 4 is used.

  In addition, when the separation member is provided at an arbitrary position within the width of the paper 3, when an image is formed on the paper 3, it is within an image area having an image density higher than a certain value (the amount of ink is constant). The third correction coefficient may be provided separately for the case where the separation member is located and the case where the separation member is not located in the image region expected to be equal to or greater than the value.

  That is, compared with the case where the separation member is located in an image region having an image density of a certain value or more, and the case where the separation member is not located, the former is less likely to be smeared with ink. The time is set longer.

  In this case, the third correction coefficient is used when the image is formed again on the paper surface with respect to the paper 3 on which the image is formed on the paper surface, and on the back surface of the paper 3 with the image formed on the paper surface. It is configured so that it can be set corresponding to the case of forming an image (FIG. 5).

  The image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 winds an original plate on which a hole for forming a desired image is wound around a drum body that can be driven to rotate, and the ink injected into the drum body exudes from the holes of the original plate. In this way, an image is formed on the sent paper 3.

Therefore, it is possible to determine to some extent an image area having an image density equal to or higher than a certain value before forming an image on the sheet 3.
On the other hand, the arrangement of the separating members in the width direction of the sheet 3 is information unique to the apparatus (known information).
Therefore, in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, whether or not the separation member is located in an image region where the amount of ink is expected to be a certain value or more when forming an image on the paper 3 is input. It is configured to be input by an operator via the display unit 14d.

The dry time T2 that can be post-processed is calculated by calculating the “set” time T1 using a calculation formula according to the prior art, multiplying this by the correction coefficient A, and further multiplying by the third correction coefficient C. Is calculated (T2 = T1 × A × C). If the separation pressure by the separation member can be adjusted, the second correction coefficient B is also multiplied (T2 = T1 × A × B × C).
For example, when the friction pad 6 of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is arranged at the center in the width direction of the sheet 3, the third correction coefficient in the thick frame in FIG. 5 is used.

  Note that in the case of this method in which a print original is handled by print data, an image area extraction unit that previously extracts an image area from which the amount of ink is expected to be a certain value or more when forming an image on the paper 3; An image area determination unit that determines whether or not the separation member is located in the image area by using the image area information extracted by the image area extraction unit and the position information of the separation member, and automatically determines It is preferable to configure as described above.

  The estimated information obtained in this way is printed only on the final paper by the inkjet image forming unit 12. As a result, the final sheet on which the estimated information is printed is positioned at the highest level stacked on the sheet discharge tray 11 in layers. The operator confirms the estimated information printed on the final sheet, and sets the sheet 3 stacked on the sheet discharge tray 11 on the sheet feed tray 2. Then, when the operator confirms that the ink drying time has elapsed, the operator starts desired post-processing. The estimation information may be written on the input display unit 14d. In this case, the operator confirms the estimated information written on the input display unit 14d.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, when the image is formed again on the front side of the sheet or when the image is formed on the back side of the sheet 3, the setting is made corresponding to the structure unique to the apparatus. Since the ink drying time is calculated using the corrected coefficient, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of contamination by ink and the unnecessary time required for printing.

  Further, the separation member can apply a separation pressure to the plurality of sheet-like sheets 3 being moved so that the force of moving the sheet 3 other than the sheet 3 can be suppressed, and the separation pressure can be adjusted. If configured, a second correction coefficient corresponding to each adjustment level of the separation pressure is used. Thereby, the effect mentioned above can be acquired more accurately.

  Further, when the separation member is provided at an arbitrary position within the width of the paper 3, when the image is formed on the paper 3, the separation member is located in an image area having an image density equal to or higher than a certain value. The third correction coefficient corresponding to whether or not the Thereby, the effect mentioned above can be acquired more accurately.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, an image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a functional configuration diagram.

The above-described first embodiment exemplifies the case where the operator confirms the progress of the ink drying time, but the image forming system according to the second embodiment is an example in which the progress confirmation of the ink drying time by the operator is abolished. .
The image forming system according to the second embodiment includes a reading unit 13, a time determination unit F2, and an operation stop unit F3 in addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The reading unit 13 optically reads the estimated information printed on the final sheet by the inkjet image forming unit 12 as the estimated information notification unit, and transmits the information to the operation control unit 14, as shown in FIG. In addition, it is provided between the pickup roller 4 and the separation roller 5 above the sheet feed table 2. For example, when the estimation information is printed as a barcode, the reading unit 13 becomes a barcode reader.

  The time determination unit F2 is a function realized by the operation control unit 14, and compares the estimated information read by the reading unit 13 with the current time to determine whether or not the time when image formation is possible has been reached. . Note that this type of image forming apparatus 1 has a clock function and can acquire the current time.

  The operation stop unit F3 is a function realized by the operation control unit 14, and when the time determination unit F2 determines that the time when image formation is possible has not been reached, the image is displayed until the time when image formation is possible is reached. Stop the forming operation. When it is determined that it is time to form an image, an image forming operation is started.

  The image forming system according to the second embodiment configured as described above is printed only on the final sheet by the inkjet image forming unit 12 as in the first embodiment. As a result, the final sheet on which the estimated information is printed is positioned at the highest level stacked on the sheet discharge tray 11 in layers. The operator sets the paper 3 loaded on the paper discharge tray 11 on the paper feed tray 2 and starts a desired post-processing.

  The reading unit 13 optically reads the estimated information printed on the final sheet, and the time determination unit F2 compares the estimated information read by the reading unit 13 with the current time, and at a time when image formation is possible. Determine whether it has been reached.

  Then, when the time determination unit F2 determines that the time when image formation is possible has not been reached, the operation stop unit F3 stops the image forming operation until the time when image formation is possible is reached. When it is determined that it is time to form an image, an image forming operation is started.

The above-described example is a case where the image is formed again on the front surface of the paper. However, when an image is formed on the back surface of the paper 3, the following technical means are employed.
Output estimated information on trial paper. The bundle of sheets 3 loaded on the sheet table 11 is inverted and set on the sheet feeding table 2. Further, the trial paper on which the estimated information is output is set on a bundle of paper 3 set on the paper feed tray 2 so that the reading unit 13 can read the paper.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, a reading unit 13 b is provided below the sheet feed table 2, and the estimated information printed on the last sheet at the bottom of the bundle of sheets 3 set on the sheet feed table 2 is read. Read by the unit 13b. Note that a reading unit may be provided above and below the paper feed tray 2 and any reading unit may be selected via the input display unit 14d.

  According to the image forming system according to the second embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the human error and reliably wipe out the possibility of contamination by ink and the unnecessary time for printing.

(Embodiment 3)
Embodiments 1 and 2 described above assume only the case where the image forming apparatus that notifies the estimation information is the same as the image forming apparatus that performs post-processing of the sheet.
The third embodiment is an example assuming a case where an image forming apparatus that notifies estimated information and an image forming apparatus that performs post-processing of paper are basically different.

  That is, the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment forms an image using ink on a separation member that separates a plurality of layered sheets into one sheet and a sheet separated by the separation member. A second image forming apparatus which calculates using a correction coefficient set corresponding to a structure unique to the second image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and a sheet conveying path connecting at least the separation member and the image forming unit; Thus, a drying time estimation unit that estimates the time when image formation is possible on the sheet and an estimation information notification unit that notifies the estimation information estimated by the drying time estimation unit are provided.

  The correction coefficient described above forms an image on the back side of the sheet when the image is formed again on the sheet surface and when the image is formed on the sheet surface. It is set separately for each case.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, when calculating the drying time in which post-processing is possible, the image forming apparatus that performs post-processing, that is, the structure unique to the second image forming apparatus and the type of post-processing Except for using the correction coefficient based on the above, it is substantially the same as the above-described first and second embodiments, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

When the second image forming apparatus that performs post-processing is not a specific apparatus, the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment inputs a correction coefficient corresponding to the second image forming apparatus via the input display unit 14d. The correction coefficient corresponding to each second image forming apparatus to be post-processed is recorded in the ROM in advance, and the correction coefficient can be selected via the input display unit 14d. To do.
In this case, assuming that the image forming apparatus that notifies the estimation information may be the second image forming apparatus, a correction coefficient corresponding to the image forming apparatus may be input, and a correction corresponding to the image forming apparatus may be input. The coefficient may be recorded in the ROM in advance.

  Further, the reading unit 13, the timing determination unit F2, and the operation stop unit F3 illustrated in the second embodiment are provided in the second image forming apparatus that performs post-processing, and the second image forming apparatus and the estimated information notification unit An image forming system may be constructed with an image forming apparatus including

  According to the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, an improvement in convenience can be expected.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has been described above. However, the above-described embodiment shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications are possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Paper feed stand 3 Paper 3A Sheet conveyance path 4 Pickup roller 5 Separation roller 6 Friction pad (separation member)
7 Registration roller 8 Printing drum (image forming part)
9 Press Roller 10 Suction Belt 11 Paper Discharge Stand 12 Inkjet Image Forming Unit (Estimated Information Notification Unit)
13 Reading unit 14 Operation control unit F1 Drying time estimation unit F2 Timing determination unit F3 Operation stop unit T2 Drying time T1 capable of post-processing Set time A Correction coefficient B Second correction coefficient C Third correction coefficient

Japanese Patent No. 3708018 JP 2007-296702 A JP 2007-21905 A JP 2010-173306 A JP 2006-168014 A

Claims (8)

A separation member that separates a plurality of layered sheets into one sheet, an image forming unit that forms an image using ink on the sheet separated by the separation member, the separation member, and the image In an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet conveyance path connecting at least a forming unit,
The ink drying time on the surface of the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is calculated using a correction coefficient set corresponding to at least the structure unique to the apparatus, and the image can be formed again on the sheet. A drying time estimation unit for estimating the timing;
An estimated information notifying unit for notifying the estimated information estimated by the drying time estimating unit,
The correction factor is
When the image is formed on the sheet surface again with respect to the sheet on which the image is formed on the sheet surface, and when the image is formed on the back surface of the sheet with the image formed on the sheet surface. An image forming apparatus characterized by being set separately. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image using ink on a sheet,
A separation member that separates a plurality of layered sheets into one sheet, an image forming unit that forms an image using ink on the sheet separated by the separation member, the separation member, and the image A correction coefficient set in correspondence with a structure unique to the second image forming apparatus including at least a sheet conveyance path connecting the forming unit, and the second image forming apparatus performs image formation on the sheet. A drying time estimation unit for estimating a possible time;
An estimated information notifying unit for notifying the estimated information estimated by the drying time estimating unit,
The correction factor is
When the image is formed on the sheet surface again with respect to the sheet on which the image is formed on the sheet surface, and when the image is formed on the back surface of the sheet with the image formed on the sheet surface. An image forming apparatus characterized by being set separately. The correction factor is
Whether the sheet conveying path has a shape that reverses the sheet before the sheet reaches the image forming unit or a shape that does not reverse the sheet, and whether the separation member is disposed on the sheet surface side The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is set to correspond to each combination of arrangement on the back side. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction coefficient is set corresponding to each method of the separating member. The separation member is configured to apply pressure to the plurality of layered sheets that are moving so that the force of movement of the sheets other than the one sheet can be suppressed and the pressure can be adjusted. In case
A second correction coefficient is set for each pressure adjustment level, and the second correction coefficient re-forms an image on the sheet surface with respect to a sheet on which the image is formed on the sheet surface. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the setting is performed separately for the case where the image is formed on the back side of the sheet and the case where the image is formed on the back side of the sheet. Image forming apparatus. In the case where the separation member is provided at an arbitrary position within the sheet width,
When the image is formed on the sheet, the third set separately depending on whether or not the separation member is located in an image region having an image density equal to or higher than a certain value. With a correction factor of
The third correction coefficient is obtained when the image is formed again on the sheet surface with respect to the sheet on which the image is formed on the sheet surface, and on the sheet back surface with respect to the sheet on which the image is formed on the sheet surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be set in accordance with a case where an image is formed on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimated information notification unit is configured to be able to print the estimated information on the surface of the sheet or on a trial sheet. apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to claim 7;
A reading unit that reads the estimated information printed by the estimated information notification unit;
A time determination unit that compares the estimated information read by the reading unit with a current time to determine whether or not it is time for image formation;
And an operation stop unit that stops the image forming operation until the time when image formation is possible when the time determination unit determines that the time when image formation is possible has not been reached. Forming system.

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