JP2019012246A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide means that continues transferring developer images to labels without interrupting print processing even in an image forming apparatus employing a secondary transfer system.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a roll sheet in which a plurality of labels are attached to a belt-like mount at a predetermined gap in a peelable manner; an image forming unit that forms developer images on the basis of print data; an intermediate transfer body to which the developer images formed by the image forming unit are transferred; a transfer unit that transfers the developer images transferred to the intermediate transfer body to the labels; a defect detection sensor that detects defects of the labels. When the defects of the labels are detected by the defect detection sensor, the image forming apparatus executes transfer prevention procedures to prevent transfer of the developer images performed by the transfer unit when defective parts pass through the transfer unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer that continuously prints on a plurality of labels.

  When a conventional label printer detects a defect of an RFID embedded in a label, the label is blank-fed and printed on the next label (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-159838 A (paragraphs 0013-0014, 0035-0038, FIG. 5)

  However, the above-described conventional technology has a problem that it cannot be applied to a secondary transfer type printer that has finished primary transfer when a defective label is detected.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a developer image based on a roll paper in which a plurality of labels are detachably attached to a belt-like mount through a predetermined gap and print data. An image forming unit for forming the image, an intermediate transfer member for transferring the developer image formed by the image forming unit, a transfer unit for transferring the developer image transferred to the intermediate transfer member to the label, and the label A defect detection sensor for detecting a defect, and when the defect detection sensor detects a defect in the label, the transfer unit transfers the developer image when the defect part passes through the transfer part. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that a transfer prevention process for preventing the image is executed.

  As a result, the present invention provides an effect that the transfer of the developer image onto the label can be continued without interrupting the printing process even in the secondary transfer type image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a printer according to a first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the printer of Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the roll paper of Example 1. Explanatory drawing which shows the writing sensor of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a toner image transfer process according to the first exemplary embodiment. Block diagram showing a printer of Embodiment 2 Explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the printer of Example 2. FIG. Explanatory drawing showing toner image transfer processing of Example 2

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The printer of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

A printer 1 as an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment is an electrophotographic printer that prints a color image by a secondary transfer method, and includes the configuration illustrated in FIG.
The main control unit 2 of the printer 1 is connected to a host device such as a personal computer through the communication unit 3, and controls each unit in the printer 1 based on a print job received from the host device to perform print processing or the like. It has a function to execute.

In the print job of this embodiment, a series of image data in which image data for each label L corresponding to the print order number (the same as the number of labels L counted from the top) is arranged in the print order is attached. .
The storage unit 4 stores a program executed by the main control unit 2, various data used for the program, processing results obtained by the main control unit 2, and the like.

  The display unit 5 is provided in the upper part of the apparatus main body 1a of the printer 1 and includes a display screen such as an LCD and an input means such as a touch panel. Various display screens and various information for the operator are displayed on the display screen. In addition to having a display function, the input unit has a function of accepting an input or selection input by an operator.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on one side of the apparatus main body 1a of the printer 1 of the present embodiment, a paper feeding unit that accommodates a roll paper 6 on which a plurality of labels L are detachably attached as a roll-shaped medium. 1b is disposed, and the printed roll paper 6 set in the paper supply unit 1b and printed in the apparatus main body 1a is placed on a take-up reel (not shown) provided on the other side of the apparatus main body 1a. It is wound into a roll.

  The printer 1 of this embodiment is configured so that two types of roll papers 6a and 6b can be set. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of labels L are arranged linearly at equal intervals on a strip-like translucent mount 7. The roll paper 6a shown in FIG. 3 (b) on which the label L is peelably pasted through a predetermined gap G, and the label paper stuck on the semi-transparent mount 7 so as to be peelable are provided. As an identification mark for indicating the leading end position of the label L in the transport direction on the back surface of the base sheet 7 without cutting unnecessary portions of the label paper through the gaps G and removing unnecessary portions of the label paper. Two types of roll paper 6b shown in FIG. 3C on which the black mark 8 is printed are used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper 6 is set in the lower part of the side portion on the opposite side of the apparatus main body 1 a in the paper feeding unit 1 b of the present embodiment, along the conveyance direction of the conveyance path 9 of the roll paper 6. A paper feed sensor 11, a paper feed roller 12, a cutter transmission sensor 13, a cutter reflection sensor 14, a cutter unit 15 and the like are arranged.

In addition, an image forming unit 17 having a plurality of image forming units 16 is disposed in the upper part of the apparatus main body 1 a, and below the image forming unit 17, along the transport direction of the transport path 9, the write transmission sensor 18, A writing reflection sensor 19, a transfer unit 21, a fixing unit 22, and a discharge roller 23 are arranged, and a transfer belt 24 as an intermediate transfer member is stretched between the image forming unit 17 and the conveyance path 9.
Further, a plurality of transport rollers 25 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the transport path 9 in the paper feed unit 1b and the apparatus main body 1a.

The paper feed sensor 11 is a mechanical or optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of the roll paper 6 fed to the conveyance path 9.
The paper feed roller 12 is disposed immediately after the paper feed sensor 11 disposed at the most upstream portion in the transport direction of the transport path 9, and the roll paper 6 is sandwiched between two rollers driven by the paper feed motor 13a. Then transport.

  The cutter transmission sensor 13 and the cutter reflection sensor 14, and the writing transmission sensor 18 and the writing reflection sensor 19 have the same functions.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cutter transmission sensor 13 as a defect detection sensor is a transmission type optical sensor in which a light emitting unit 13 a and a light receiving unit 13 b are opposed to each other with a roll paper 6 on a conveyance path 9 interposed therebetween. The light transmitting unit 13b receives light transmitted from the light emitting unit 13a that has passed through the mount 7 and is disposed upstream of the cutter unit 15 in the conveying direction (hereinafter simply referred to as upstream). Based on the change in the amount of transmitted light, a detection signal of the tip position of the label L attached to the roll paper 6a is output to the main controller 2.

  The cutter reflection sensor 14 is a reflection type optical sensor that receives light from the light emitting unit 14a reflected by the back surface of the roll paper 6b by the light receiving unit 14b and detects a difference in reflectance depending on the type of color. The amount of light reflected from the light emitting portion 14a reflected by the back surface of the mount 7 is received by the light receiving portion 14b and is arranged on the back surface of the roll paper 6b based on the change in the amount of reflection. The printed black mark 8 is detected and a detection signal of the leading end position of the label L on the roll paper 6 b is output to the main control unit 2.

  The writing transmission sensor 18 as a defect detection sensor is a transmission type optical sensor in which a light emitting unit 18 a and a light receiving unit 18 b are arranged to face each other with the roll paper 6 on the conveyance path 9 interposed therebetween, and is upstream of the transfer unit 21. Of the label L attached to the roll paper 6a on the basis of the change in the light transmission amount. A tip position detection signal is output to the main controller 2.

  The writing reflection sensor 19 is a reflective optical sensor that receives light from the light emitting portion 19a reflected by the back surface of the roll paper 6b by the light receiving portion 19b and detects a difference in reflectance depending on the type of color. The light transmission unit 19a receives the reflected light amount from the light emitting unit 19a reflected by the back surface of the mount 7 and receives the change in the reflected amount of the roll paper 6b. The black mark 8 printed on the back surface is detected, and a detection signal of the leading end position of the label L on the roll paper 6 b is output to the main control unit 2.

  Therefore, when the roll paper 6a is set in the paper feed unit 1b, the operator selects the cutter transmission sensor 13 and the writing transmission sensor 18 from the selection screen of the display unit 5, and the roll paper 6b is supplied to the paper supply unit 1b. Is set, the cutter reflection sensor 14 and the writing reflection sensor 19 are selected, and the cutting operation by the cutter unit 15 and the transfer operation by the transfer unit 21 are executed.

  The cutter unit 15 has a function of cutting the roll paper 6 with a cutting blade that is rotated by a cutter motor 15a.

  The image forming unit 17 includes image forming units 16y, 16m, and 16c that form toner images as developer images of setting colors including yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). 16k, and a primary transfer roller 26 for transferring the toner image formed by each unit onto the outer surface of the transfer belt 24 is provided below the image forming units 16y, 16m, 16c, and 16k. ing.

  The transfer belt 24 is an endless belt driven by a belt roller 24 b that is rotationally driven by a belt motor 24 a, and conveys the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 24 to the transfer unit 21.

  The transfer unit 21 sandwiches the roll paper 6 and the transfer belt 24 on the conveyance path 9 and has a secondary transfer roller 28 in contact with the back surface of the roll paper 6 on the roll paper 6 side, and a transfer belt on the transfer belt 24 side. The toner image on the transfer belt 24 is formed by the negative potential applied to the backup roller 29. Transfer to the label L on the roll paper 6.

  The transfer belt 24 includes a belt cleaning blade 31 as a belt cleaning unit between the transfer unit 21 on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the transfer belt 24 (clockwise in FIG. 2) and the image forming unit 17. The belt cleaning blade 31 is disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the outer surface, and has a function of scraping and removing the toner adhering to the outer surface of the transfer belt 24.

The fixing unit 22 pressurizes and heats the toner image transferred onto the label L by the transfer unit 21 with a heat roller 32 that is rotationally driven by a heat roller motor 32 a and a fixing belt 33 that presses the heat roller 32. And has a function of fixing to the label L.
The discharge roller 23 is disposed at the most downstream portion of the conveyance path 9 of the apparatus main body 1a, and the roll paper 6 is sandwiched between two rollers driven by the discharge motor 23a so that the roll paper is outside the apparatus main body 1a. 6 is discharged.

The transport roller 25 sandwiches the roll paper 6 between two rollers driven by the transport motor 25a and transports between the above parts.
The main control unit 2 of this embodiment includes a display control unit 41, an image formation control unit 42, a motor control unit 43, a heater control unit 44, a cutter control unit 45, a high voltage control unit 46, a label loss determination unit 47, and the like. Functional means are formed.

The display control unit 41 generates display data based on the display items sent from the main control unit 2 and displays the display data on the display screen of the display unit 5, selection input by the operator, and the like using the input means. It has a function to accept.
The image formation control unit 42 receives a series of image data for each label L, the total number of labels L to be printed, and the like for one label L of the print job received from the host device via the communication unit 3. It has a function of distributing image data by image forming unit 16 and generating print data, and a function of arranging print data for each label L in order of printing and sending them to the main control unit 2.

  Further, the image forming control unit 42 has a function of generating a toner image for each label L by the image forming unit 17 based on the print data for each label L.

  The motor control unit 43 controls the feeding roller 12, the discharging roller 23, the belt roller 24, the conveying roller 25, and the heat roller 32 by the feeding motor 12a, the discharging motor 23a, the belt motor 24a, the conveying motor 25a, and the heat roller motor 32a. It has a function of controlling the rotation speed and the like of the roll paper 6 by controlling the rotation.

The heater control unit 44 has a function of controlling the temperature of the heat roller 32 of the fixing unit 22 and notifying the main control unit 2 by a warm-up completion notification that the heat roller 32 has reached the printable temperature.
The cutter control unit 45 has a function of specifying the cutting position based on the detection signal of the tip position from the cutter transmission sensor 13 or the cutter reflection sensor 14 and causing the cutter unit 15 to perform the cutting operation of the roll paper 6. Yes.

The high voltage control unit 46 controls the high voltage power supply unit 48 to control the voltage applied to each primary transfer roller 26 and the voltage applied to the backup roller 29 of the transfer unit 21.
The label loss determination unit 47 has a function of monitoring the transmission light amount detection signals from the cutter transmission sensor 13 and the writing transmission sensor 18 which are the defect detection sensors of this embodiment and determining the presence or absence of the label L. Have.

  In this embodiment, the level L defect is determined by detecting the light transmittance of the mount 7 after the light transmittance from each of the transmission sensors 13 and 18 has changed from the sticking part of the label L to the light transmittance of the mount 7. When the gap G between the labels L continues beyond a predetermined time, the label L attached to the roll paper 6 conveyed through the conveyance path 9 is peeled off from the mount 7 in advance and is missing. Judge that.

  Such a defective portion of the label L can be detected regardless of whether the set roll paper 6 is the roll paper 6a or 6b having a different roll paper type.

  That is, since the mount 7 and the portion where the label L is pasted on the mount 7 have different light transmittances, the roll paper 6 is of any type in the cutter transmission sensor 13 and the writing transmission sensor 18. However, since the light transmission amount of the mount 7 is detected in the defective portion of the label L, the defective portion of the label L can be detected based on the duration of the light transmission from the time when the mount 7 is detected. .

  In the secondary transfer type printer 1 as in this embodiment, transfer is performed from the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19 with respect to the length of the transfer belt 24 between the image forming unit 17 and the transfer unit 21. Since the transport length to the unit 21 is short, when the toner image is transferred to the label L, the toner image needs to be transferred to the transfer belt 24 by the image forming unit 17 before the label L to be transferred is detected. There is.

  The toner image for each label L sequentially transferred to the transfer belt 24 is already transferred to the label L even if the label L is lost due to factors such as impact or rubbing. Therefore, if the transfer operation is continued, the toner image is transferred onto the mount 7 of the defective portion.

  Normally, the label L application surface of the mount 7 is subjected to a surface treatment for facilitating the peeling of the label L, and the transferred toner image is not fixed and is discharged from the apparatus main body 1a to the outside by the discharge roller 23. In some cases, the toner image is discharged, and the toner image is peeled off from the mount 7 and the periphery of the discharge roller 23 and the discharge port is soiled.

  For this reason, when the loss of the label L is detected, an alarm is issued and the printing process is stopped. Then, the roll paper 6 is cut, the roll paper 6 remaining in the apparatus is taken out, and the roll paper 6 is set again. Takes time, and there is a waste paper which is the roll paper 6 to which the unprinted label L is attached.

  In addition, the printed material is divided into two parts, that is, a portion that has been printed before cutting and a portion that has been printed after resetting, and subsequent management of the printed material becomes difficult.

  In order to eliminate such time when the label L is lost, the waste of the roll paper 6 and the like, in this embodiment, when the defect of the label L is detected, the toner image is transferred to the defective portion. The transfer process is continued without performing the transfer process, and after the transfer process of the series of image data attached to the print job is finished, the print data that was supposed to be printed on the defective portion is transferred again to the subsequent label L. I have to.

  In the storage unit 4 of this embodiment, when a defect of the label L is detected, a defective part print data storage area for storing print data to be transferred in correspondence with the printing order number of the label, and the label transferred by the transfer unit 21 L transfer count area for counting the number of L sheets, missing label detection frequency count area for counting the number of times the loss of the label L is detected, the order of occurrence of defects, the number of retransfers, the total number of transfers displayed when retransfer is performed A display information storage area for storing display information such as the number of missing labels is secured in advance.

  Further, in the storage unit 4, a missing flag setting area for determining whether or not the label L is missing is secured in advance. The missing flag of this embodiment is set to “0” when no missing label L is detected, and to “1” when a missing label L is detected.

  Further, in the storage unit 4, after the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19 detects the leading end position of the label L, the conveyance length during transfer until the label L reaches the transfer position of the transfer unit 21, After the cutter transmission sensor 13 or the cutter reflection sensor 14 detects the leading end position of the label L, the cutting conveyance length until the label L reaches the cutting position of the cutter unit 15, the cutter transmission sensor 13 or the cutter reflection sensor 14 When the leading end position of the label L is detected, the number of preceding labels, which is the number of untransferred labels L existing between the label L and the transfer portion 21, is preset and stored.

  Hereinafter, the processing operation of the toner image transfer process by the printer 1 of the present embodiment will be described according to the step indicated by S in FIG.

S1: When the operator turns on the printer 1, the program stored in the storage unit 4 of the printer 1 is automatically started.
When the program is started, the main control unit 2 stands by in a waiting state for receiving a print job transmitted from the host device, and starts a printing process when receiving a print job attached with a series of image data and the like. The process proceeds to S2. If no print job is received, the standby is continued.

  S2: The main control unit 2 that has started the printing process erases the print data in the missing part print data storage area of the storage unit 4 and the display information in the display information storage area, detects the count number in the transfer number count area, and detects the missing label. The count number and missing flag in the count area are set to “0”, parameters and the like are initialized, it is confirmed that the paper feed sensor 11 detects the presence of the roll paper 6, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  S3: The main control unit 2 having initialized the parameters and the like starts warming up of the fixing unit 22 by the heater control unit 44, and proceeds to step S4.

  S4: The main control unit 2 that has started the warm-up of the fixing unit 22 sends a series of image data of the print job to the image formation control unit 42, and the image formation control unit 42 for each label L based on the received image data. The print data is generated, attached with a print order number, and sent to the main control section 2. The main control section 2 stores the received print data with the print order number received in the storage section 4, and also prints the print order number. The number of numbers is stored as the number of prints that is the total number of labels L to be printed this time, and when a warm-up completion notification is received from the heater control unit 44, the process proceeds to step S5.

S5: The main control unit 2 starts the transfer process of the toner image to the label L.
That is, the main control unit 2 supplies a high voltage set in advance to each image forming unit 16 from the high-voltage power supply unit 48 by the high-voltage control unit 46, and feeds the roller 12, the transport roller 25 and the like by the motor control unit 43. To start transporting the roll paper 6.

  When a high voltage is supplied to each image forming unit 16, the main control unit 2 sends the stored print data to the image formation control unit 42, and the image formation control unit 42 receives the received print data for each label L. Based on the image forming units 16, the toner images of the set colors are developed in the printing order.

The main control unit 2 then performs the primary transfer from the high-voltage power supply unit 48 by the high-voltage control unit 46 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image formed by each image forming unit 16 reaches the primary transfer roller 26. A high positive potential is applied to the roller 26.
At this time, the negatively charged toner image formed by each image forming unit 16 is attracted by the high positive potential applied to the primary transfer roller 26 and transferred onto the transfer belt 24.

  In this manner, the toner image for each label L formed by the image forming unit 17 is transferred onto the transfer belt 24 in the order of printing.

  S6: The main control unit 2 that has started the transfer of the toner image to the transfer belt 24 monitors the transmission light amount detection signal from the cutter transmission sensor 13 by the label loss determination unit 47 and is conveyed on the conveyance path 9. When the loss of the label L attached to the roll paper 6 is detected, the process proceeds to step S7. If no missing label L is detected, the process proceeds to step S9.

  S7: The main control unit 2 that has detected the loss of the label L rewrites the loss flag in the storage unit 4 to “1”, and proceeds to step S8.

  S8: The main control unit 2 that has rewritten the missing flag to “1” adds the count number of the transfer sheet count area of the storage unit 4 and the count number of the missing label detection count area, and adds “1” to the added value. In addition, the printing order number of the toner image to be transferred next is calculated.

  Then, the main control unit 2 calculates the print order number of the print data to be transferred to the detected defective portion by adding the preset number of preceding labels to the calculated print order number, and the print order number is assigned. The print data is stored in the missing portion print data storage area of the storage unit 4 as print data to be printed on the label L, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  S9: The main control unit 2 that has not detected the loss of the label L in step S6 or has stored the print data of the loss portion in step S8, reads the label L from the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19 When the detection signal of the tip position is monitored, the detection signal of the tip position is output from the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19, and the loss of the label L is determined by the detection signal of the writing transmission sensor 18. Then, after transferring the toner image to the label L immediately before the defective portion, the process proceeds to step S11.

  If the writing transmission sensor 18 does not detect the loss of the label L, that is, if the presence of the label L is determined, the process proceeds to step S10.

  S10: The main control unit 2 that has determined the presence of the label L drives the conveyance path 9 by the motor control unit 43 after the tip transmission position detection signal is output from the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19. Then, the label L on the roll paper 6 is conveyed in the direction of the transfer unit 21 by a predetermined conveyance length at the time of transfer, and the toner image on the transfer belt 24 is transferred to the label while finely adjusting the conveyance speed of the roll paper 6. In accordance with the timing of reaching L, the high voltage control unit 46 applies a high negative potential from the high voltage power supply unit 48 to the backup roller 29 of the transfer unit 21 to transfer the toner image to the label L, and the number of transferred images in the storage unit 4 By adding “1” to the count number of the count area, the number of transfer of the label L that has been transferred is counted, and the process proceeds to step S14.

At this time, in the transfer unit 21, the negatively charged toner image on the transfer belt 24 is separated from the transfer belt 24 by the high negative potential applied to the backup roller 29, and is pulled to the grounded secondary transfer roller 28. Attached and transferred onto the label L.
Then, the main control unit 2 conveys the roll paper 6 onto which the toner image has been transferred in the direction of the fixing unit 22, and the fixing unit 22 fixes the heat roller 32 that has already reached the printable temperature and presses it. The toner on the label L is heated and melted by the belt 33 to fix the toner image on the label L of the roll paper 6.

After fixing the toner image, the main control unit 2 discharges the roll paper 6 to which the printed label L is attached to the outside of the apparatus main body 1a by the discharge roller 23, and the discharged roll paper 6 is a take-up reel (not shown). Rolled up.
In this manner, the normal label L printing process is executed by the printer 1 of this embodiment.

  S11: On the other hand, the main control unit 2 that has determined the loss of the label L in step S9 performs a transfer prevention process for the label L, and proceeds to step S12.

  That is, the main control unit 2 presets the missing portion of the label L of the roll paper 6 in the direction of the transfer unit 21 after the front end position detection signal is output from the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19. The high-voltage controller 46 supplies the backup roller 29 of the transfer unit 21 from the high-voltage power supply unit 48 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image on the transfer belt 24 reaches the defective portion of the label L. Then, a toner image transfer prevention process is performed which applies a high positive potential opposite to that at the time of transfer.

  As a result, the negatively charged toner image on the transfer belt 24 is attracted to the backup roller 29 by the high positive potential applied to the backup roller 29, and the toner image is held while being attracted to the transfer belt 24.

  The toner image held on the transfer belt 24 is conveyed by the transfer belt 24 in the direction of the image forming unit 17 and is removed by a belt cleaning blade 31 disposed between the transfer unit 21 and the image forming unit 17.

  S12: The main control unit 2 that has performed the toner image transfer prevention process waits for the defective portion to pass through the transfer unit 21, and waits for the next label L from the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19. After the leading edge position detection signal is output, it is determined that the label L has passed through the transfer portion 21 in the direction of the transfer portion 21 for a preset transfer length during transfer. By adding “1” to the count number in the detection count area, the number of missing labels L is counted, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  S13: The main control unit 2 that has determined the passage of the missing part stops applying the positive potential to the backup roller 29 by the high-pressure control unit 46, cancels the transfer prevention treatment, and proceeds to step S14.

  S14: The main control unit 2 that has transferred the toner image to the normal label L in step S10 or has canceled the transfer prevention processing in step S13 counts the number of missing label detections in the count of the transfer number count area of the storage unit 4. The number of passing labels, which is the number of labels L that have passed through the transfer unit 21, is calculated by adding the count number of areas. If the calculated number of passing labels is less than the number of printed sheets stored in the storage unit 4, a step is performed. Returning to S6, the transfer process is continued while monitoring the loss of the label L.

  If the number of passing labels is equal to or greater than the number of printed sheets, the end of the transfer process using the current print data is determined, and the process proceeds to step S15.

S15: The main control unit 2 that has determined the end of the transfer process checks the missing flag stored in the storage unit 4, and if the missing flag is “0”, a label loss occurs in the current transfer process. If it is determined that the transfer process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S18.
If the missing flag is “1”, it is determined that retransfer of the print data to be printed on the missing label L is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  S16: The main control unit 2 that has determined that continuation of the transfer process is necessary reads out the print data that is stored in the missing part print data storage area of the storage unit 4 and that has the print sequence number to be printed on the label missing part. The printing order numbers are arranged in order to generate a defect occurrence order, and the display information storage area of the storage unit 4 is confirmed. If the defect occurrence order is not stored, the generated defect occurrence order is stored and already stored. For example, the storage of the order of occurrence is omitted.

  Also, the count number of the missing label detection count area is generated as the retransfer number, and the display information storage area is confirmed. If the retransfer number is not stored, the generated retransfer number is stored and already stored. If so, the storage of the retransfer number is omitted.

  Further, the main control unit 3 sets the count number in the transfer number count area read in step S14 as the total transfer number, and sets the count number in the missing label detection number count area in the display information storage area of the storage unit 4 as the label loss number. In addition to the stored total transfer number and label loss number, the total transfer number and label loss number are updated.

  Then, the main control unit 2 rewrites the number of prints in the storage unit 4 with the number of print order numbers read out being the total number of prints of the label L to be printed this time that requires retransfer, and reduces the read print order number. A new print order number is generated by arranging the print data in order, print data in which a new print order number is assigned to each of the read print data is generated, and the print data for retransfer is stored in the storage unit 4 and step S17. Migrate to

  S17: The main control unit 2 that has generated the re-transfer print data erases the print data in the missing portion print data storage area of the storage unit 4 and sets the counts of the transfer number count area and the transfer number count area to “0”. The defect flag is rewritten to “0”, the process returns to step S5, and the transfer process using the retransfer print data is started.

At the time of this retransfer, the label L transferred first is transferred to the label L transferred last in the previous transfer process, that is, the next label L following the label L to which the last print data was transferred before retransfer. Is done.
As described above, in this embodiment, even when the defect of the label L is detected in the retransfer process, the transfer process is continued without transferring the toner image of the defect part.

  If a loss of the label L is detected during the retransfer process, the defect flag is rewritten to “1” in step S7, so that the defect flag remains “0” in step S15 until the defect flag remains “0”. The transfer process of transfer is continued.

  S18: In step S15, the main control unit 2 that has determined that the transfer process has been completed without any label loss in the current transfer process confirms the display information storage area of the storage unit 4 and displays the display information storage area in the display information storage area. If the display information is not stored, it is determined that display of the reprint result is unnecessary, and when the cut roll paper 6 is confirmed to be discharged, the current print processing is terminated, and the process returns to step S1 to return to the print job. Wait in the reception waiting state.

  If the display information is stored in the display information storage area, it is determined that it is necessary to display the reprint result due to the occurrence of the label loss, and the process proceeds to step S19.

  The cutting process of the roll paper 6 of the present embodiment is executed as follows.

  That is, by the parallel processing, when the missing flag is “0”, the main control unit 2 adds the count number of the missing label detection number count area to the count number of the transfer number count area of the storage unit 4 to the count number. While adding the preset number of preceding labels, it is monitored that the calculation result reaches the current print number stored in the storage unit 4, and when the calculation result reaches the current print number, When the detection signal of the leading end position of the next label L is output from the cutter transmission sensor 13 or the cutter reflection sensor 14 after being recognized as the label L to be transferred to the sheet, the conveyance at the time of cutting set in advance after receiving the detection signal When the sheet is conveyed by the length, the cutter control unit 45 sends a cutting instruction to the cutter unit 15, and the cutter unit 15 moves the gap between the last label L and the next label L between the gap G. Cutting the sheet 6, to stop the transport roller 25 and paper feed roller 12 disposed on the upstream side of the cutter unit 15.

  Then, the main control unit 2 transfers the toner images to the labels L corresponding to the number of preceding labels on the cut roll paper 6, and the label L fixed by the fixing unit 22 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 1a. When confirmed, the end of the printing process is recognized.

  Thereby, the cut roll paper 6 is wound around a take-up reel (not shown) and managed as one printed matter.

  S19: The main control unit 2 that has determined that it is necessary to display the reprint result reads out the order of occurrence of defects, the number of retransfers, the total number of transferred images, and the number of missing labels from the display information storage area of the storage unit 4 The number of occurrences is the total number of occurrences of defects, which is the total number of labels L in which defects have occurred, the number of retransfers is the number of reprints that have been fixed after retransfer, and the order of occurrence of defects is a series of images of the received print job. The printing order number of the label L in which data is defective is used, the total number of transfer is the total number of printed sheets including the number of reprints that have been fixed after the transfer of all print data, and the display items of these reprint results The data is sent to the display control unit 41. The display control unit 41 generates display data of the received display items and displays the display data on the display unit 5 to notify the operator of the reprint result.

  The main control unit 2 ends the current printing process when the display control unit 41 receives a confirmation operation by the operator, returns to step S1, and waits in a print job reception waiting state.

  In this way, the toner image transfer process is executed by the printer 1 of this embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the loss of the label L is detected by the cutter transmission sensor 13, the reverse of the transfer to the backup roller 29 when the defective portion passes the transfer portion 17. Since the toner image transfer prevention treatment is performed by applying the potential, the transfer of the toner image to the label L can be continued without interrupting the printing process even in the secondary transfer type printer 1.

  Further, since the printing on the label L is continued without interrupting the printing process, it is possible to eliminate the recovery work performed by interrupting the printing process and to prevent the occurrence of waste paper, and to reduce the time and roll. It is possible to eliminate the waste of the paper 6 and improve the efficiency in label printing.

  Furthermore, when the label L is lost, the print data to be printed on the defective portion is automatically retransferred to the label L subsequent to the last label L in the series of transfer processes, so that the series attached to the print job All the image data can be printed by one printing process, and the printed material can be made into one volume, thereby simplifying management of the printed material.

  Further, when the retransfer is performed, the retransfer result is displayed on the display unit 5 as the reprint result, so that the operator can easily grasp the information regarding the label defect of the printed matter.

  Hereinafter, the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that parts similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the vicinity of the secondary transfer roller 28 of the apparatus main body 1a of the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the secondary transfer roller 28 disposed on the roll paper 6 side is driven in the direction opposite to the backup roller 29 by driving by the retracting motor 51a. A retraction mechanism 51 for retreating is provided.

  In addition to the function of controlling the rotation of the paper feed roller 12 and the like by the paper feed motor 12a and the like, the motor control unit 43 of this embodiment controls the conveyance speed of the roll paper 6 and the like. Thus, the retracting mechanism 51 is driven by the retracting motor 51 a to retract the secondary transfer roller 28 from the back surface of the roll paper 6.

  In the storage unit 4 of the present embodiment, a missing portion print data storage area, a transfer sheet count area, a missing label detection count area, a display information storage area, and a missing flag setting area are stored in advance as in the first embodiment. It is secured.

  In the storage unit 4, the transfer length during transfer, the transfer length during cutting, and the number of preceding labels are stored in advance as in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the processing operation of the toner image transfer process by the printer 1 of the present embodiment will be described in accordance with the step indicated by SA in FIG.

  Since the processing operations of steps SA1 to SA10 of the present embodiment are the same as the processing operations of steps S1 to S10 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  SA11: The main control unit 2 that has determined the loss of the label L in step SA9 performs a transfer prevention process for the label L, and proceeds to step SA12.

  That is, the main control unit 2 presets the missing portion of the label L of the roll paper 6 in the direction of the transfer unit 21 after the front end position detection signal is output from the writing transmission sensor 18 or the writing reflection sensor 19. The high-voltage controller 46 supplies the backup roller 29 of the transfer unit 21 from the high-voltage power supply unit 48 in accordance with the timing at which the toner image on the transfer belt 24 reaches the defective portion of the label L. A toner image transfer prevention treatment that applies the same high negative potential as that at the time of transfer and drives the retracting mechanism 51 by the retracting motor 51 a by the motor control unit 43 to retract the secondary transfer roller 28 from the back surface of the roll paper 6. I do.

  As a result, the electric field generated between the secondary transfer roller 28 and the backup roller 29 moved to a position separated from the roll paper 6 is weakened, and the toner image on the transfer belt 24 is not separated from the transfer belt 24. It is held while being adsorbed by 24.

  The toner image held on the transfer belt 24 is removed by the belt cleaning blade 31 in the same manner as in step S11 of the first embodiment.

  SA12: The main control unit 2 that has performed the toner image transfer prevention process determines that the defective portion has passed the transfer portion 21 in the same manner as in step S12 of the first embodiment, and detects the defective label in the storage unit 4. By adding “1” to the count number in the detection count area, the number of missing labels L is counted, and the process proceeds to Step SA13.

S <b> 13: The main control unit 2 that has determined the passage of the defective portion uses the motor control unit 43 to drive the retracting mechanism 51 in the reverse direction so that the secondary transfer roller 28 comes into contact with the back surface of the roll paper 6. The process is restored to cancel the transfer prevention treatment, and the process proceeds to step SA14.
The subsequent processing operations in steps SA14 to SA19 are the same as the processing operations in steps S14 to S19 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In this way, the toner image transfer process is executed by the printer 1 of this embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the loss of the label L is detected by the cutter transmission sensor 13, the secondary transfer roller 28 is moved to the back surface of the roll paper 6 when the loss portion passes the transfer portion. Since the toner image is prevented from being transferred from the toner image, the toner image is transferred to the label L without interrupting the printing process even in the secondary transfer type printer 1 as in the first embodiment. In addition to being able to continue, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that when the secondary transfer roller 28 is retracted, the backup roller 29 is applied with the same high negative potential as that during transfer. However, the application of the potential to the backup roller 29 is stopped. May be.

  In each of the embodiments described above, when the retransfer is performed, the retransfer result is displayed on the display unit 5. However, in addition to the display on the display unit 5, the retransfer result is printed on the label L. You may do it.

  In each of the embodiments described above, it has been described that the loss of the label L being conveyed is detected by the cutter transmission sensor 13 (see step S6 and the like). However, the writing transmission sensor 18 may detect it. In this case, when the writing transmission sensor 18 detects the leading end position of the label L, the number of untransferred labels L existing between the label L and the transfer portion 21 is used as the preceding label number at the time of defect detection. It may be stored in the storage unit 4.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of an image forming apparatus in which the roll paper 6 to which the printed label L is attached is wound up to form a single printed product has been described. However, one printed label L is provided. Even if the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus that cuts and discharges every sheet or a plurality of sheets, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

L label 1 printer 1a apparatus main body 1b paper feed unit 2 main control unit 3 communication unit 4 storage unit 5 display unit 6, 6a, 6b roll paper 7 mount 8 black mark 9 transport path 11 paper feed sensor 12 paper feed roller 12a paper feed Motor 13 Cutter transmission sensor 14 Cutter reflection sensor 15 Cutter unit 15a Cutter motor 16y, 16m, 16c, 16k Image forming unit 17 Image forming unit 18 Write transmission sensor 19 Write reflection sensor 21 Transfer unit 22 Fixing unit 23 Discharge roller 23a Discharge Motor 24 Transfer belt 24a Belt motor 24b Belt roller 25 Transport roller 25a Transport motor 26 Primary transfer roller 28 Secondary transfer roller 29 Backup roller 31 Belt cleaning blade 32 Heat roller 32a Heat roller motor 33 Fixing belt 41 Table Display control unit 42 image formation control unit 43 motor control unit 44 heater control unit 45 cutter control unit 46 high voltage control unit 47 label loss determination unit 48 high voltage power supply unit 51 retraction mechanism 51a retraction motor

Claims (7)

A roll paper that affixed a plurality of labels to a belt-like mount so as to be peeled through a predetermined gap;
An image forming unit that forms a developer image based on the print data; and
An intermediate transfer member for transferring the developer image formed by the image forming unit;
A transfer portion for transferring the developer image transferred to the intermediate transfer member to the label;
A defect detection sensor for detecting the defect of the label,
When the defect of the label is detected by the defect detection sensor, a transfer prevention treatment is performed to prevent the transfer of the developer image by the transfer part when the defect part passes through the transfer part. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
In the transfer portion, a potential applying roller is provided,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the transfer prevention treatment is executed by applying a potential opposite to that at the time of transfer to the potential applying roller. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The transfer unit has two rollers facing each other with the roll paper and the intermediate transfer member interposed therebetween,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the potential applying roller is a roller disposed on the intermediate transfer member side among the two rollers. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The transfer unit has two rollers facing each other with the roll paper and the intermediate transfer member interposed therebetween,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the transfer prevention treatment is performed by retracting a roller disposed on the roll paper side from the roll paper, of the two rollers. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection sensor is an optical sensor that detects a light transmission amount of light transmitted through the mount. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The print data consists of one sheet of data to be transferred to the label,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the transfer prevention treatment is performed, the print data to be transferred to the defective portion is applied to a label subsequent to the label to which the last print data is transferred before retransfer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
An image forming apparatus that displays information on the retransfer when the retransfer is performed.

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