JP2021191617A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus which enables reduction of risk that a medium deteriorates due to being heated.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an ejection head which ejects liquid to a medium; a conveyance unit which conveys the medium; a drying unit drying the medium; an image acquisition unit which acquires an image read by an image reading unit reading the image formed on the medium by the ejection head; a comparison inspection unit which compares a comparison image being the object of comparison for determining the state of heating of the medium with the image acquired by the image acquisition unit to inspect the state of heating of the medium; and a control unit which performs control of stopping heating of the medium by the drying unit when a state amount according to heating exceeds a threshold as a result of inspection by the comparison inspection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, in a printing device provided with a drying chamber (drying space) in which conveyed members such as roll paper and continuous paper are conveyed, and a heating means for heating the members conveyed in the drying chamber, smoke is emitted in the drying chamber. A technique for preventing the spread of smoke to the outside of a drying chamber by a normally closed shutter member that opens and closes at least one of the outlet side and inlet side openings of the drying chamber when it occurs is disclosed (for example, a patent). See Document 1).

However, the technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the medium transported to the drying chamber may be deteriorated by heating before the shutter is closed due to smoke generation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the risk of deterioration of a medium due to heating.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention uses a discharge head for discharging liquid to a medium, a transport unit for transporting the medium, a drying unit for drying the medium, and the discharge head. An image acquisition unit that acquires an image read by an image reading unit that reads an image formed on the medium, a comparative image that is a comparison target for determining a heating state of the medium, and an image acquisition unit acquire the image. When the state amount corresponding to the heating exceeds the threshold as a result of the inspection by the comparative inspection unit and the comparative inspection unit for inspecting the heating state of the medium by comparing with the image, the medium by the drying unit. It is provided with a control unit for controlling to stop heating.

According to the present invention, the risk of deterioration of the medium due to heating can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view of a direction along the transport direction of the dried portion. FIG. 3 is a side explanatory view of FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic explanatory view of a main part on the exit side of FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic explanatory view of a main part of the outlet side portion used for explaining the operation of FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, an inkjet type image forming apparatus. Although the image forming apparatus 1 is described here as being an inkjet type image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to this.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a feeding unit 11, a conveying unit 12, a precoating unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a drying unit 15, an inspection device 16, an inversion unit 17, and a paper ejection unit 18.

In the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 14 forms an image forming ink (“liquid”) with respect to the paper P (an example of a “medium”) which is a recording material as a sheet material to be fed from the feeding unit 11. An image is formed by one example). Then, after the ink adhering to the paper P is dried in the drying unit 15, the image formed on the paper P is read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B of the inspection device 16, and the paper P is ejected from the paper ejection unit 18. Discharge from.

The paper feed unit 11 feeds the paper P one by one. The transport unit 12 transports the paper P using the transport roller 141. In the present embodiment, the transport unit 12 transports the paper P by the transport roller 141, but the transport method of the paper P is not limited to this. For example, the paper P may be conveyed using a conveying belt. The transport unit 12 transports the paper P from the paper feed unit 11 to the pre-painted unit 13.

The precoat portion 13 applies the precoat liquid to both sides or one side of the paper P. The precoat liquid has a function of agglutinating the color material components in the ink and facilitating the fixing of the ink. By applying the precoat liquid to the paper P before image formation, it is possible to form a high-quality image even when the paper P in which the ink is difficult to fix is used. The pre-coating unit 13 applies the pre-coating liquid to the paper P, and then conveys the paper P to the image forming unit 14 by the conveying unit 12.

The image forming unit 14 forms an image on the paper P conveyed from the precoating unit 13. The image forming unit 14 includes a recording head 22 (an example of a “discharge head”). The recording head 22 is mounted on the carriage 21. The recording head 22 ejects black K, cyan C, magenta M, yellow Y, and white W ink to the paper P.

The type and number of inks ejected by the recording head 22 are not limited to this. For example, the recording head 22 may eject clear ink or the like in addition to the above. Further, the image forming unit 14 conveys the paper P to the drying unit 15 by the conveying unit 12.

The drying unit 15 dries the ink adhering to the paper P. The drying unit 15 dries by heating the surface on which the image of the paper P is formed. When the double-sided printing is set, the drying unit 15 conveys the paper P to the inversion unit 17 by the conveying unit 12. When the single-sided printing is set, the drying unit 15 transports the paper P to the inspection device 16 by the transport unit 12. A detailed description of the drying portion 15 will be described later.

The reversing section 17 reverses the front and back of the paper P on which the front surface is printed, which is conveyed from the drying section 15, and conveys it to the image forming section 14. The reversing portion 17 is provided on the transport path of the transport unit 12.

The inspection device 16 inspects the image formed on the paper P. In the present embodiment, the inspection device 16 includes a first scanner 16A and a second scanner 16B (an example of an "image reading unit"). The first scanner 16A and the second scanner 16B read (image) an image formed on the paper P by the recording head 22.

In the case of single-sided printing, the first scanner 16A reads an image formed on the surface of the paper P. In the case of double-sided printing, the first scanner 16A reads the image formed on the back surface of the paper P, and the second scanner 16B reads the image formed on the front surface of the paper P. The image read by the scanners (first scanner 16A, second scanner 16B) is used for inspection of defects on the paper P and inspection of the heated state.

In the present embodiment, the inspection device 16 includes the first scanner 16A and the second scanner 16B, but the number of scanners may be one. In this case, the scanner reads one side, then conveys the paper P to the reversing unit 17 to invert the paper P, and then reads the other side. Further, the inspection device 16 conveys the paper P to the paper ejection unit 18 by the conveying unit 12.

The paper ejection unit 18 includes a paper ejection tray 18A on which a plurality of sheets P are loaded. The paper ejection unit 18 sequentially stacks and holds the paper P conveyed from the inspection device 16 on the paper ejection tray 18A. The configuration of the paper ejection unit 18 is not limited to this, and any configuration may be used as long as the paper P is ejected.

Next, the dried portion of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view of the direction along the transport direction of the drying portion, FIG. 3 is a side explanatory view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic explanatory view of a main part on the outlet side, and FIG. It is an enlarged schematic explanatory view of the main part of the part on the exit side to be used for.

The drying unit 15 is a radiant drying device, and includes a drying chamber 123 in which the paper P is conveyed and a heater 122 for heating the paper P conveyed in the drying chamber 123 in the housing (enclosure) 121. There is.

Further, in the housing 121, a normally closed shutter portion that opens and closes the opening 124A on the outlet side and the opening 124B on the entrance side of the drying chamber 123 (when the two are not distinguished, it is referred to as “opening 124”). 125 and 125 are arranged respectively.

The shutter portion 125 is displaced on the housing 121 side between the closed position where the opening 124 is closed (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 4) and the open position where the opening 124 is opened (the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 4). It is held in the recess 126.

A compression spring 127, which is a means for urging the shutter portion 125, is arranged at a closed position (direction of the solid line arrow in FIG. 4) for closing the opening portion 124. As a result, the shutter portion 125 becomes a normally closed shutter, and when it is displaced to the open position, it is displaced in the direction of the broken line arrow against the urging force of the compression spring 127 in FIG.

Here, the shutter unit 125 is arranged so as to be in contact with the paper P conveyed in the drying chamber 123.

The shutter portion 125 is provided so as to be displaced to an open position where the opening portion 124 is opened when the paper P is conveyed in contact with the shutter portion 125. Specifically, when the paper P is conveyed in contact with the shutter portion 125, the sliding force of the paper P is applied to the shutter portion 125, and a part of this sliding force resists the urging force of the compression spring 127. It acts as a force to push the shutter portion 125, and the shutter portion 125 is displaced to the open position (displacement in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIG. 4).

At this time, the compression spring 127 is arranged so that the urging direction is inclined and intersects with the conveying direction of the paper P. As a result, when the paper P is conveyed in contact with the shutter portion 125, the shutter portion 125 is more likely to be displaced to the open position than when the urging direction of the compression spring 127 is perpendicular to the conveying direction. ..

Further, the shutter portion 125 does not generate a force from the paper P to the shutter portion 125 when the transport of the paper P in contact with the shutter portion 125 is stopped. Displaces to the closed position (displaces in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. 4).

The shutter portion 125 is preferably a metal member. By using a metal member, the heat of the paper P can be absorbed.

Further, since the paper P is contacted and conveyed, the shutter portion 125 is preferably made of a member having a curved surface (curvature) so that the paper P is not damaged by the shutter portion 125. In this case, when the shutter portion 125 rotates, the direction of the force acting from the paper P becomes the rotation direction and may not be displaced. Therefore, the shutter portion 125 has a non-rotating roller (roller) or a plate shape having a curved surface. It is preferably composed of members.

Since the shutter portion 125 is configured in this way, when the paper P is conveyed, as shown in FIG. 5A, the shutter portion 125 is displaced to the open position where the opening 124 is opened, so that the paper P is printed. The surface is conveyed without touching the inner wall surface of the housing 121.

On the other hand, when the transfer of the paper P is stopped, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shutter portion 125 is displaced to the closed position where the opening 124 is closed by the urging force of the compression spring 127 (to the normally closed position). Return).

As a result, when the transport of the paper P is stopped, the opening 124 is closed by the shutter portion 125, so that even if smoke is emitted inside the drying chamber 123, the smoke spreads to the outside of the housing 121 (outside the drying chamber). You can definitely prevent that. The configuration of the shutter unit 125 is not limited to this. For example, a drive unit (motor or the like) for driving the shutter unit 125 may be provided, and the shutter unit 125 may be opened and closed by driving the drive unit, if necessary.

(Hardware configuration of image forming device)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 50, a first scanner 16A, a second scanner 16B, a carriage 21, a main scanning motor 72, a paper transport motor 73, and the like. It includes a heater 122, an operation panel 160, a storage 170, and various sensors 180.

The control unit 50 is a device that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 54, and I. It includes a / O55, a host I / F56, a head drive control unit 61, a main scanning motor drive unit 62, a transfer motor drive unit 63, a heater control unit 64, and a scanner control unit 66.

The CPU 51 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The ROM 52 is a non-volatile memory that holds data and programs even while the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is cut off. The RAM 53 is a volatile memory that functions as a work area (work area) of the CPU 51.

The ASIC 54 is an integrated circuit that processes various signals for image data or print data, image processing for rearranging, and other input / output signals for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1.

The I / O 55 is an interface for inputting an image read and output by the scanners (first scanner 16A and second scanner 16B), detection signals from various sensors 180, and the like. The host I / F56 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data and signals to / from the host 150 side. The host I / F56 is, for example, a network interface compliant with TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol).

The host I / F56 may be an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). Examples of the host 150 connected to the host I / F 56 include an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), an image reading device such as an image scanner, and an imaging device such as a digital camera.

The head drive control unit 61 drives and controls the recording head 22. The head drive control unit 61 transfers image data (processed data, ejection data) as serial data to the drive circuit inside the recording head 22.

At this time, the head drive control unit 61 generates and records a transfer clock and a latch signal necessary for transferring image data and confirming the transfer, and a drive waveform used when ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 22. Output to the drive circuit inside the head 22. The drive circuit inside the recording head 22 selectively inputs the drive waveform corresponding to the input image data to the piezoelectric element (actuator) of each nozzle of the recording head 22.

The main scanning motor drive unit 62 controls the drive of the main scanning motor 72 under the control of the CPU 51 to control the movement of the carriage 21 in the main scanning direction. The main scanning motor 72 is a motor that moves the carriage 21 in the main scanning direction via a timing belt by rotationally driving the carriage 21.

The transfer motor drive unit 63 drives the paper transfer motor 73 under the control of the CPU 51. The paper transport motor 73 is a motor that rotates the transport roller 141 to transport the paper P in the sub-scanning direction.

The heater control unit 64 controls the heating of the heater 122. The scanner control unit 66 controls the operations of the first scanner 16A and the second scanner 16B.

The operation panel 160 accepts various inputs according to the user's operation and displays various information (for example, information according to the accepted operation, information indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1, a setting screen, etc.). , A device having an input function and a display function. The operation panel 160 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) equipped with a touch panel function.

The operation panel 160 is not limited to the liquid crystal display device, and may be composed of, for example, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display device equipped with a touch panel function. Further, the operation panel 160 may be provided with an operation unit such as a hardware key or a display unit such as a lamp in addition to or in place of the touch panel function.

The storage 170 stores various data such as programs, and holds various data even while the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is cut off. The storage 170 is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

The various sensors 180 are a group of sensors for detecting the state of the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of the various sensors 180 include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the recording head 22 and the like, an optical sensor for detecting the position of the paper P, and the like.

An outline of the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. The control unit 50 receives print data or the like from the host 150 side via the host I / F 56 via a cable or a network. Then, the CPU 51 reads out and analyzes the print data in the receive buffer included in the host I / F56.

Subsequently, the ASIC 54 performs necessary image processing, data rearrangement processing, and the like, and transfers the processed data (image data) to the recording head 22 via the head drive control unit 61. Note that the dot pattern data for outputting the image may be generated by storing the font data in the ROM 52, for example, and the image data is expanded into the bitmap data by the printer driver on the host 150 side to form the image. It may be transferred to the device 1 side.

The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and it is not necessary to include all the components shown in FIG. 6, or it may include other components. ..

(Function of image forming device)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The control unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming control unit 50A and an inspection control unit 50B. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 211 outside the control unit 50. The image forming control unit 50A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The inspection control unit 50B controls the operation related to the inspection of the image.

The image formation control unit 50A includes a print image generation unit 201, a medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202, a yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203, a print control unit 204, a notification control unit 208, a drying control unit 209, and a transfer control unit 210. .. Further, the inspection control unit 50B includes a comparison image generation unit 205, a read image acquisition unit 206, and a comparison inspection unit 207.

The print image generation unit 201 generates image data for printing. In the present embodiment, the print image generation unit 201 generates image data for printing from the print data received from the host 150. In the present embodiment, the print image generation unit 201 is realized by the ASIC 54, but the print image generation unit 201 may be realized by the CPU 51 executing a program stored in the ROM 52 or the like.

The medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202 acquires medium defect determination information indicating conditions for determining a defect on the paper P. In the present embodiment, the medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202 acquires the medium defect determination information input by the user via the operation panel 160.

Here, the medium defect determination information is information indicating a condition for determining the presence or absence of a defect in the medium. In the present embodiment, the medium defect determination information refers to a condition that the user has determined that "if the defect of the paper P is up to this state, it is allowed". The medium defect determination information is information indicating conditions such as "when there are XX black spots on the paper P" and "when there are △△ (size) black spots on the paper P". ..

In addition to the above, the medium defect determination information may include information that determines an allowable range such as scratches and yellowing of the paper P. The medium defect information acquired by the medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202 is stored in the storage unit 211 described later. The media defect determination information acquisition unit 202 may acquire media defect determination information from another device (server or the like).

The yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203 acquires yellowing determination information indicating conditions for determining the yellowing state of the paper P. In the present embodiment, the yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203 acquires the yellowing determination information input by the user via the operation panel 160.

In addition, yellowing means discoloration and yellowing. It is generally known that when a white object is heated, it gradually turns yellow. Therefore, the heating state of the paper P can be known from the yellowing state of the paper P after heating and drying.

Here, the yellowing determination information is information indicating conditions for determining the yellowing state of the paper P. In the present embodiment, the yellowing determination information refers to a condition defined by the user as "allowing the yellowing state of the paper P up to this state".

The yellowing judgment information includes, for example, the position of yellowing, the number of yellowing, the total area of yellowing, the magnitude of yellowing, the shade of yellowing, the concentration of yellowing, the shape of yellowing, and the degree of yellowing. It is the information that defines the condition of the value indicating. Specifically, it is information indicating conditions such as "when XX yellowing is present on paper P" and "when Δ△ (size) yellowing is present on paper P".

In addition to the above, the yellowing determination information may include information such as "information on the position of yellowing (central portion, edge portion, etc.)". The medium defect information acquired by the yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203 is stored in the storage unit 211. The yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203 may acquire yellowing determination information from another device (server or the like).

The print control unit 204 controls the print operation. In the present embodiment, the print control unit 204 controls the recording head 22 and forms an image on the paper P from the image data generated by the print image generation unit 201.

The comparative image generation unit 205 generates a comparative image to be the target of the comparative inspection for determining the heating state of the paper P. The comparison image generation unit 205 is a comparison image to be compared based on the image data generated by the print image generation unit 201, the medium state information indicating the state of the medium, and the information for determining the degree of color change. To generate.

Specifically, the comparative image generation unit 205 is based on the image data generated by the print image generation unit 201, the medium state information stored in the storage unit 211, and the yellowing determination information stored in the storage unit 211. Then, a comparative image to be compared for inspecting yellowing is generated.

Here, in the present embodiment, the medium state information is information indicating the state of the paper P used for the next printing. For example, it is information such as black spots, scratches, and yellowing existing on the paper P used for the next printing. The medium state information is acquired from the image of the paper P before image formation read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B.

Further, the state information of the paper P indicates the size and properties of the paper P such as the size of the paper P (A4, B5, etc.), the thickness of the paper P, the type of the paper P (plain paper, glossy paper, etc.), and the like. Information is also included. Information indicating the size, properties, etc. of the paper P is acquired from, for example, print data received from the host 150.

The comparative image for inspecting yellowing in the present embodiment is an image showing an allowable limit of a value indicating the degree of yellowing. In the present embodiment, the comparative image generation unit 205 generates a comparative image to determine a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and a third threshold value of values indicating the degree of yellowing. The threshold value may be one.

Here, the reason why the medium state information is used for generating the comparative image will be described. For example, when the paper P used for printing next is yellowed from the beginning, even if the influence of drying by the drying portion 15 is within the allowable range, the value indicating the degree of yellowing under the influence of the original yellowing is the threshold value. This is because it may exceed.

Further, since the print finish may change depending on the size and properties of the paper P, the comparison image generation unit 205 is determined to generate the comparison image in consideration of the size and properties of the paper P.

In the present embodiment, the comparative image generation unit 205 generates a comparative image for determining the yellowing state of the paper P as a comparative image for determining the heating state of the paper P, but the comparative image. The image generated by the generation unit 205 is not limited to this.

For example, the comparative image generation unit 205 can use the comparative image for determining the heating state of the paper P as a comparative image for determining the degree of color change other than yellowing, or the deformation of the paper P caused by heating and drying. A comparative image or the like for determining the state may be generated. In short, any paper P may be used as long as it can determine the heating state of the paper P.

Further, in the present embodiment, the comparative image generation unit 205 inspects the presence or absence of defects in the paper P based on the information indicating the size and properties of the paper P and the medium defect determination information stored in the storage unit 211. Generate a comparison image to be compared. It should be noted that the reason why the comparative image generation unit 205 uses the information indicating the size and properties of the paper P to generate the comparative image is that the reading result of the paper P before image formation differs depending on the size and properties of the paper P. Because there is a possibility.

The scanned image acquisition unit 206 acquires the image scanned by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B. In the present embodiment, the scanned image acquisition unit 206 acquires the image of the paper P after the image is formed by the recording head 22 read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B.

Specifically, the transport unit 12 transports the paper P (image formed by the recording head 22) dried by the drying unit 15 to the inspection device 16, and the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B is conveyed. Read the paper P. Then, the scanned image acquisition unit 206 acquires an image of the paper P whose image is formed by the recording head 22 read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B and dried by the drying unit 15.

Further, in the present embodiment, the scanned image acquisition unit 206 acquires the image of the paper P read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B before the image is formed by the recording head 22.

Specifically, first, the transport unit 12 transports the paper P (which does not apply the precoat liquid, forms an image, or dries) fed from the paper feed unit 11 to the inspection device 16, and then transports the first scanner 16A or The second scanner 16B reads the conveyed paper P. Then, the scanned image acquisition unit 206 acquires the image of the paper P read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B before the precoat liquid is applied, the image is formed, and the drying is performed.

The image of the paper P acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit 206 and read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B before the precoat liquid application, image formation, and drying shows the size, properties, and the like of the paper P. Together with the information, it is stored in the storage unit 211 as medium state information.

The comparative inspection unit 207 performs an inspection by comparing the comparative image to be compared for determining the heating state of the paper P with the scanned image. In the present embodiment, the comparative inspection unit 207 compares the comparative image generated by the comparative image generation unit 205 with the scanned image acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit 206, and inspects the heating state of the paper P.

Specifically, the comparative inspection unit 207 forms an image by the comparative image to be compared for inspecting the yellowing generated by the comparative image generation unit 205 and the recording head 22 acquired by the reading image acquisition unit 206. The image of the paper P dried by the drying unit 15 is compared with the image of the paper P, and the yellowing state of the paper P is inspected to inspect the heating state of the paper P.

In the present embodiment, the comparative inspection unit 207 inspects the heating state of the paper P with a value indicating the degree of yellowing of the paper P, but by a value indicating the degree of color change other than yellowing or drying. The heating state of the paper P may be inspected by inspecting a value indicating the degree of deformation of the paper P that occurs.

Further, in the present embodiment, the comparative inspection unit 207 compares the comparative image generated by the comparative image generation unit 205 with the scanned image acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit 206, and inspects the presence or absence of defects in the paper P.

Specifically, the comparative inspection unit 207 has a comparative image to be compared for inspecting the presence or absence of defects in the paper P generated by the comparative image generation unit 205, and a precoat liquid acquired by the read image acquisition unit 206. It is compared with the image of the paper P before coating, image formation and drying, and the presence or absence of defects in the paper P is inspected.

In the present embodiment, the paper P determined to be defective as a result of the comparative inspection by the comparative inspection unit 207 is discharged to the output tray 18A of the paper ejection unit 18 after displaying the fact on the operation panel 160. It will be paper. This makes it possible to prevent the formation of an image on the dirty paper P or the like, which is unusable.

It should be noted that the measures to be taken when it is determined that there is a defect are not limited to this. For example, the white ink may be applied to a place where there is a black spot on the paper P using the recording head 22, and then the comparative inspection may be performed again. If it is determined that there is no defect as a result of the re-inspection, an image is formed on the paper P by the recording head 22. If it is determined that there is a defect in the re-inspection, the paper P is discharged to the paper ejection tray 18A of the paper ejection unit 18 after displaying the fact on the operation panel 160.

The notification control unit 208 controls the notification unit that notifies the information to notify the warning unit prompting the confirmation of the drying unit 15 before the heating of the medium by the drying unit 15 is stopped. The notification control unit 208 is an example of a “control unit”.

The notification control unit 208 controls the notification unit to notify the notification unit when the value indicating the degree of color change exceeds the threshold value as a result of the inspection by the comparison inspection unit 207. The value indicating the degree of color change is an example of "a state quantity that changes with heating". The "state amount that changes with heating" is not limited to a value indicating the degree of color change, and may be, for example, a value indicating the degree of deformation of the paper P caused by heating.

Specifically, when the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the first threshold value as a result of the comparative inspection of the yellowing state by the comparative inspection unit 207, the notification control unit 208 displays the drying unit 15 on the operation panel 160. Control is performed to display a warning message prompting confirmation of the heater 122 of. The operation panel 160 is an example of a “notifying unit”. The method of notification is not limited to display. For example, a method such as causing the speaker to sound a warning sound may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the notification control unit 208 is determined to have a defect in the paper P as a result of the comparative inspection of the defect of the paper P by the comparative inspection unit 207, the notification control unit 208 is used for the next printing on the operation panel 160. Control is performed to display a message indicating that the paper P to be printed is defective.

The drying control unit 209 controls the drying unit 15. In the present embodiment, the drying control unit 209 controls to stop the heating of the paper P by the drying unit 15 when the state amount that changes according to the heating of the paper P exceeds the threshold value.

Specifically, the drying control unit 209 notifies when the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the second threshold value larger than the first threshold value as a result of the comparative inspection of the yellowing state by the comparative inspection unit 207. After the warning message display process by the control unit 208, the heater 122 is controlled to be stopped via the heater control unit 64.

The drying control unit 209 is an example of a “control unit”. In the present embodiment, the drying control unit 209 controls to stop the drying when the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the second threshold value, but does not notify the warning and the degree of yellowing. When the value indicating the above exceeds the threshold value, the drying may be stopped.

The transport control unit 210 controls the transport of the medium by the transport unit 12. In the present embodiment, the transfer control unit 210 controls to stop the transfer of the paper P by the transfer unit 12 after the heating of the medium by the drying unit 15 is stopped.

Specifically, the transport control unit 210 notifies when the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds a third threshold value larger than the second threshold value as a result of the comparative inspection of the yellowing state by the comparative inspection unit 207. After the warning message display process by the control unit 208 and the stop process of the heater 122 by the drying control unit 209, control is performed to stop the transfer of the paper P via the transfer motor drive unit 63. The transport control unit 210 is an example of a “control unit”.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when the transport of the paper P is stopped, the shutter portion 125 is displaced to the closed position and the entrance / exit of the drying portion 15 is closed. Therefore, by stopping the transport of the paper P, the paper P is tentatively dried. Even if smoke is emitted in the portion 15, it is possible to prevent the smoke from spreading.

In the present embodiment, the transport control unit 210 controls to stop the transport of the paper P when the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the third threshold value, but the warning notification and the stop of drying are performed. It may be configured to control to stop the feeding of the paper P when the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the threshold value. Further, there may be a configuration in which only the warning is notified, a configuration in which only the warning is notified and the paper P is stopped, and a configuration in which the drying is stopped and the paper P is stopped.

The storage unit 211 stores various data. Specifically, the storage unit 211 stores, for example, medium defect determination information, yellowing determination information, and the like. The storage unit 211 is realized by, for example, the storage 170 shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the medium defect determination information and the yellowing determination information can be freely changed by the user. Further, the medium defect determination information and the yellowing determination information input by the user can be output to an external device (for example, a server or the like).

As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can share the medium defect determination information and the yellowing determination information with other image forming apparatus. By sharing the medium defect judgment information and the yellowing judgment information, for example, even if there is a yellowing pattern unknown to a certain image forming apparatus and it cannot be detected as yellowing, the yellowing If another image forming apparatus has the yellowing determination information corresponding to the pattern of, it is possible to detect the yellowing pattern as yellowing.

The storage location of the medium defect determination information, the yellowing determination information, and the like is not limited to the storage unit 211. For example, it may be stored in a storage unit such as a server.

The above-mentioned print image generation unit 201, medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202, yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203, print control unit 204, comparison image generation unit 205, read image acquisition unit 206, comparison inspection unit 207, and notification control unit. The 208, the drying control unit 209 and the transfer control unit 210 conceptually show the functions, and are not limited to such a configuration.

For example, a plurality of functional units shown as independent functional units in FIG. 7 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in FIG. 7 may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

Further, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202, yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203, print control unit 204, comparison image generation unit 205, read image acquisition unit 206, comparison inspection unit 207, and notification control unit. The functions of 208, the drying control unit 209, and the transfer control unit 210 are realized by the CPU 51 executing a program stored in the ROM 52 or the like, but the function is not limited thereto.

For example, the inspection device 16 is provided with a separate CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and among the above, the functions of the inspection control unit 50B (comparative image generation unit 205, read image acquisition unit 206, comparative inspection unit 207) are used in the inspection device 16. It may be realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM or the like of the inspection device 16.

(Processing of image forming apparatus)
Next, the processing of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

First, as a premise, the user inputs the medium defect determination information and the yellowing determination information via the operation panel 160, and the medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202 acquires the medium defect determination information and makes a yellowing determination. The information acquisition unit 203 acquires the yellowing determination information, and the storage unit 211 stores the medium defect determination information acquired by the medium defect determination information acquisition unit 202 and the yellowing determination information acquired by the yellowing determination information acquisition unit 203. It is assumed that you are doing.

The comparative image generation unit 205 generates a comparative image for inspection of the paper P from the information indicating the size and properties of the paper P acquired from the print data received from the host 150 and the medium defect determination information (step S101). ). The first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B reads the image of the paper P before image formation (step S102).

The scanned image acquisition unit 206 acquires an image of the paper P before image formation read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B (step S103). The image of the paper P before image formation acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit 206 is stored in the storage unit 211 as medium state information together with information indicating the size and properties of the paper P.

The comparative inspection unit 207 compares the comparative image for inspection of the paper P generated by the comparative image generation unit 205 with the image of the paper P before image formation acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit 206, and has a defect in the paper P. The presence or absence is inspected (step S104).

When the comparative inspection unit 207 determines that the paper P is defective (step S104: Yes), the notification control unit 208 sends a warning message to the operation panel 160 to the effect that the paper P used for printing next is defective. Display (step S106). The paper ejection unit 18 ejects the paper P determined to be defective by the comparative inspection unit 207 in the paper ejection tray 18A (step S108). Then, the paper feed unit 11 feeds the next paper P and returns to step S102.

On the other hand, when the comparative inspection unit 207 determines in step S104 that there is no defect in the paper P (step S104: No), the comparative image generation unit 205 contains the image data generated by the print image generation unit 201 and the storage unit 211. A comparative image for yellowing inspection is generated from the medium state information stored in the storage unit 211 and the yellowing determination information stored in the storage unit 211 (step S105).

The print control unit 204 controls the recording head 22 and forms an image on the paper P from the image data generated by the print image generation unit 201 (step S107). The first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B reads the image of the paper P after the image formation (step S109). The scanned image acquisition unit 206 acquires an image of the image-formed paper P read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B (step S110).

The comparative inspection unit 207 compares the comparative image for yellowing inspection generated by the comparative image generation unit 205 with the image of the paper P after image formation acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit 206, and inspects the yellowing state. Then, it is confirmed whether the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the first threshold value (step S111). When the first threshold value is exceeded (step S111: Yes), the comparative inspection unit 207 confirms whether the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the second threshold value (step S112).

When the second threshold value is exceeded (step S112: Yes), the comparative inspection unit 207 confirms whether the value indicating the degree of yellowing exceeds the third threshold value (step S114). When the third threshold value is exceeded (step S114: Yes), the notification control unit 208 controls the operation panel 160 to display a warning message prompting to confirm the heater 122 of the drying unit 15.

Next, the drying control unit 209 controls to stop the heater 122 via the heater control unit 64. After that, the transfer control unit 210 controls to stop the transfer of the paper P, closes the entrance / exit of the drying unit 15 by the shutter unit 125, and ends this process (step S116).

On the other hand, when the third threshold value is not exceeded in step S114 (step S114: No), the notification control unit 208 controls the operation panel 160 to display a warning message urging the operation panel 160 to confirm the heater 122 of the drying unit 15. .. After that, the drying control unit 209 controls to stop the heater 122 via the heater control unit 64, stops the drying, and ends the main process (step S115).

Further, when the second threshold value is not exceeded in step S112 (step S112: No), the notification control unit 208 controls the operation panel 160 to display a warning message prompting to confirm the heater 122 of the drying unit 15. , This process is terminated (step S113). In this case, the following printing process is executed.

If the first threshold value is not exceeded in step S111 (step S111: No), this process ends as it is. In this case as well, the next printing process is executed.

(Effect of image forming device)
Next, the effect of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a reading image acquisition unit 206 for acquiring an image read by the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B for reading an image formed on the paper P by the recording head 22, and a reading image acquisition unit 206 for the paper P. A comparative inspection unit 207 that inspects the heating state of the paper P by comparing the comparative image to be compared for determining the heating state with the scanned image acquired by the scanned image acquisition unit 206, and the paper P. It includes a drying control unit 209 that controls the drying of the paper P by the drying unit 15 when the amount of state that changes with heating exceeds the threshold value.

Here, it is known that the image forming apparatus provided with the drying portion may deteriorate the medium in the process of drying by heating. From this, it is considered that the fact that the state amount that changes with the heating of the paper P exceeds the threshold value indicates a sign of abnormal heating by the drying portion 15.

Therefore, when the comparative inspection unit 207 compares and inspects the comparative image and the scanned image and the state amount that changes according to the heating of the paper P exceeds the threshold value, the drying control unit 209 heats the paper P by the drying unit 15. By stopping the paper P, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being continuously heated by the drying portion 15 showing signs of abnormality. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the risk of deterioration of the paper P due to heating.

Further, in this case, since the transport of the paper P is not stopped, for example, when the drying operation is stopped by the drying control unit 209, the first scanner 16A or the second scanner 16B is reading the paper P. In such a case, the reading process can be continued.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment generates a comparative image based on the state information of the paper P and the yellowing determination information indicating the conditions for determining the yellowing state of the paper P. A generation unit 205 is provided. The yellowing state of the paper P is one of the indexes indicating the heating state of the paper P, and the comparative inspection unit 207 inspects the yellowing state of the paper P as the heating state of the paper P to dry the paper P. It is possible to detect signs of abnormal heating by the unit 15.

Further, by generating a comparative image by adding the yellowing judgment information, for example, even if the paper P used for the next printing is yellowed from the beginning, the effect of yellowing is taken into consideration and the yellowing occurs. It is possible to generate a comparative image showing the permissible limit of the value indicating the degree. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being affected by the original yellowing and determining that the yellowing exceeds the threshold value even though the yellowing is actually within the allowable range.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment controls the notification unit for notifying information to notify the warning unit prompting the confirmation of the drying unit 15 before stopping the heating of the medium by the drying unit 15. A control unit 208 is provided.

As a result, when the drying unit 15 shows signs of abnormal heating, the user can inspect and repair the drying unit 15 at an unnecessary stage until the drying unit 15 is stopped. Then, by inspecting and repairing the drying portion 15, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being heated in an abnormal state. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can further reduce the risk of deterioration of the paper P due to heating.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment stops the transport of the paper P after stopping the heating of the medium by the shutter section 125 that closes the entrance / exit of the drying section 15 when the transport of the paper P is stopped and the drying section 15. A transport control unit 210 for performing control is provided.

As a result, when the risk of smoke generation due to heating increases, the shutter unit 125 makes it possible to close the entrance / exit of the drying unit 15, and even if smoke generation occurs due to heating, the smoke spreads. Can be prevented.

In addition, the user can arbitrarily change the yellowing determination information that is the standard for determining yellowing. As a result, for example, when the user learns a yellowing state that should be newly detected as a sign of a change in the heater 122, it should be dealt with by setting a condition corresponding to the newly known yellowing state. It becomes possible to detect the state of yellowing. That is, the risk of deterioration of the paper P due to heating can be further reduced.

Further, the yellowing determination information can be output to another device such as a server. This makes it possible to share the yellowing determination information with other image forming devices. Therefore, for example, even if there is a yellowing pattern unknown to a certain image forming apparatus and it cannot be detected as yellowing at present, other yellowing determination information corresponding to the yellowing pattern is obtained. If the image forming apparatus of the above has, it becomes possible to detect the pattern of yellowing as yellowing. That is, the risk of deterioration of the paper P due to heating can be further reduced.

In the embodiment described above, the "inkjet type image forming apparatus" forms an image by landing ink on a medium such as paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, and ceramics. Means a device.

Further, "image formation" is not only to give an image having a meaning such as characters or figures to a medium, but also to give an image having no meaning such as a pattern to the medium (simply a droplet is a medium). It also means (to land on).

Further, "ink" is not limited to what is called ink, but is used as a general term for all liquids capable of forming images, such as recording liquids, fixing treatment liquids, resins, and liquids. ..

Further, "paper" is not limited to paper, but includes OHP sheets, cloth, etc., and means that ink droplets are adhered to the material, such as a recording medium, a recording medium, a recording paper, and a recording paper. It is used as a general term for things that include what is called.

Further, the "image" is not limited to a two-dimensional image, but also includes an image given to a three-dimensionally formed object and an image formed by three-dimensionally modeling the three-dimensional object itself.

Further, in the embodiment described above, when at least one of the functional units of the image forming apparatus 1 is realized by executing the program, the program is provided by being incorporated in the ROM 52 or the like in advance.

Further, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disc (FD), or a CD-. It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as R (Compact Disk-Recordable) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

Further, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Further, the program executed by the device of the above-described embodiment has a module configuration including at least one of the above-mentioned functional units, and as actual hardware, the CPU 51 is the above-mentioned storage device (ROM 52 or storage). By reading the program from 170) and executing it, each of the above-mentioned functional units is loaded and generated on the main storage device (for example, RAM 53).

Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" as used herein is a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and conventional circuit modules.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-mentioned novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above-described embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Image forming device 11 Feeding section 12 Transport section 13 Pre-painting section 14 Image forming section 15 Drying section 16 Inspection device 16A 1st scanner 16B 2nd scanner 17 Inversion section 18 Paper ejection section 21 Carriage 22 Recording head 50 Control section 51 CPU
52 ROM
53 RAM
54 ASIC
55 I / O
56 Host I / F
61 Head drive control unit 62 Main scanning motor drive unit 63 Transfer motor drive unit 64 Heater control unit 66 Scanner control unit 72 Main scanning motor 73 Paper transfer motor 122 Heater 141 Transfer roller 150 Host 160 Operation panel 170 Storage 180 Various sensors 201 Printed image Generation unit 202 Media defect judgment information acquisition unit 203 Yellowing judgment information acquisition unit 204 Print control unit 205 Comparison image generation unit 206 Read image acquisition unit 207 Comparison inspection unit 208 Notification control unit 209 Drying control unit 210 Transport control unit 211 Storage unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-079686

Claims (8)

A discharge head that discharges liquid to the medium,
A transport unit that transports the medium and
A drying part that heats and dries the medium, and
An image acquisition unit that acquires an image read by an image reading unit that reads an image formed on the medium by the ejection head, and an image acquisition unit.
A comparative inspection unit that compares a comparative image to be compared for determining the heating state of the medium with the image acquired by the image acquisition unit and inspects the heating state of the medium.
As a result of the inspection by the comparative inspection unit, when the state quantity that changes according to the heating of the medium exceeds the threshold value, the control unit that controls to stop the heating of the medium by the drying unit, and the control unit.
An image forming apparatus. The state quantity that changes in response to heating is a value indicating the degree of color change.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The value indicating the degree of color change is a value indicating the degree of yellowing.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. A comparative image generation unit that generates the comparative image based on the image data, the medium state information indicating the state of the medium, and the yellowing determination information indicating the conditions for determining the yellowing state of the medium. Further equipped with a comparative image generator,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The yellowing determination information can be arbitrarily changed by the user.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The yellowing judgment information changed by the user can be output to an external device.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The control unit controls the notification unit for notifying information to notify a warning prompting confirmation of the drying unit before the heating of the medium by the drying unit is stopped.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Further provided with a normally closed shutter portion that opens and closes at least one of the outlet side and inlet side openings of the drying portion.
The shutter portion is in contact with the medium conveyed by the conveying portion, and is in contact with the medium.
The shutter portion is provided so as to be displaced to an open position where the opening portion is opened by being conveyed in a state where the medium is in contact with the shutter portion.
The control unit controls to stop the transfer of the medium by the transfer unit after the heating of the medium by the drying unit is stopped.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images