JP2022077445A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

To execute printing in the correct printing order on sheets of a correct paper type when a jam of a recording medium occurs in an image forming apparatus and residual recording media remaining in the image forming apparatus is automatically conveyed.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a paper feed tray; a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium fed from the paper feed tray in the image forming apparatus, and when a jam of the recording medium occurs in the image forming apparatus, after the jammed recording medium being the cause of the jam is removed, conveys a residual recording medium remaining in the image forming apparatus; a printing control unit that controls the order of printing on the residual recording media; and a sheet type determination unit that determines the sheet type of the recording media. When the conveying unit conveys the residual recording media, if the sheet type of the jammed recording medium and the sheet type of the residual recording media are different from each other, the printing control unit inserts a recording medium of the same sheet type as that of the jammed recording medium from the paper feed tray, and after printing is performed on the recording medium, executes printing on the residual recording media according to the printing order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

In an image forming apparatus that removes only the jammed paper that caused the jam when a jam of paper (an example of a recording medium) occurs in the image forming apparatus and conveys the remaining paper into the image forming apparatus. A technique has been developed to continue printing on the remaining paper in a preset printing order.

However, in the above technique, if the paper type of the removed jam paper and the paper type of the remaining paper are different, printing cannot be executed on the paper of the correct paper type in the correct printing order.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is the correct paper type when jamming of the recording medium occurs in the image forming apparatus and the remaining recording medium remaining in the image forming apparatus is automatically conveyed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of performing printing in the correct printing order on the paper.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention conveys the paper feed tray and the recording medium fed from the paper feed tray in the image forming apparatus, and the paper feed tray and the recording medium to be fed from the paper feed tray are conveyed in the image forming apparatus. When a jam occurs in the recording medium, after the jam recording medium that caused the jam is removed, the transport unit that conveys the remaining recording medium remaining in the image forming apparatus, and the printing order for the remaining recording medium. The print control unit includes a print control unit for controlling the size of the paper and a paper type determination unit for determining the paper type of the recording medium. When the paper type and the paper type of the remaining recording medium are different, the recording medium of the paper type of the jam recording medium is inserted from the paper feed tray, and printing is performed on the recording medium. Printing is performed on the remaining recording medium according to the printing order.

According to the present invention, when jamming of a recording medium occurs in an image forming apparatus and the remaining recording medium remaining in the image forming apparatus is automatically conveyed, the correct printing order is applied to the paper of the correct paper type. It has the effect that printing can be executed with.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming system to which the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of printing processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of printing processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of printing processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of the printing process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of the printing process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus and the image forming method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming system to which the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied. First, an example of the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a preprocessing apparatus 2-1 that perform printing (image forming and drawing) on paper X (an example of a recording medium). It has 2-3 and post-processing devices 3-1 to 3-3.

The preprocessing devices 2-1 to 2-3 are provided with paper feed trays 101-3 to 101-8, and perform various preprocessing on the paper X (an example of a recording medium) before printing in the image forming apparatus 1. It is a device. The paper feed trays 101-3 to 101-8 are examples of paper feed trays in which the paper X is set. In the following description, when the pretreatment devices 2-1 to 2-3 are not distinguished, they are referred to as pretreatment devices 2.

The post-processing devices 3-1 to 3-3 are devices provided with paper ejection trays 301-1 to 301-3 and perform various post-processing on the paper X on which printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The output trays 301-1 to 301-3 are examples of output trays on which the printed paper X in the image forming apparatus 1 is output. In the following description, when the post-processing devices 3-1 to 3-3 are not distinguished, they are referred to as post-processing devices 3.

The image forming apparatus 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus having paper feed trays 101-1 and 101-2, a conveying unit 108, an image forming unit 102, and the like, and printing (image forming, drawing) on the paper X. Is. The paper feed trays 101-1 and 101-2 are examples of paper feed trays in which paper X is set. In the following description, when the paper feed trays 101-1 to 101-8 are not distinguished, they are referred to as the paper feed tray 101.

The transport unit 108 is an example of a transport unit that transports the paper X fed from the paper feed tray 101 in the image forming apparatus 1 (inside the machine). Further, when the paper X is jammed in the image forming apparatus 1, the transport unit 108 removes the jam paper X (an example of the jam recording medium) which is the paper X that caused the jam, and then removes the jam. The remaining paper X (an example of the remaining recording medium), which is the remaining paper X in the image forming apparatus 1, is automatically conveyed. The image forming unit 102 is an example of an image forming unit that prints on the paper X conveyed along the conveying path (indicated by a dotted line) by the conveying unit 108.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a paper transport control unit 103, an abnormality detection unit 104, a print order control unit 105, a paper removal determination unit 106, and a paper type determination. It has a part 107 and the like.

The paper transport control unit 103 controls the transport of the paper X by the transport unit 108 in the image forming apparatus 1. The abnormality detection unit 104 detects the occurrence of an abnormality such as jam in the paper X (jam paper X) in the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the abnormality detection unit 104 detects the position where an abnormality such as a jam occurs in the image forming apparatus 1.

The print order control unit 105 is an example of a print control unit that controls the print order of the paper X (including the remaining paper X) conveyed in the image forming apparatus 1. The paper removal determination unit 106 is an example of a paper removal determination unit that determines whether or not the jam paper X has been removed when the occurrence of jam of the paper X is detected by the abnormality detection unit 104. Further, the paper removal determination unit 106 determines whether or not the remaining paper X remains in the image forming apparatus 1 after the jam paper X is removed from the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the paper removal determination unit 106 other than the jam paper X is based on the jam generation position in the image forming apparatus 1, the paper type of the remaining paper X, and the layout of the conveying path of the paper X in the image forming apparatus 1. Change the number of sheets X to be removed. As a result, printing can be executed on the target paper X in the target printing order regardless of the status of the remaining paper X in the image forming apparatus 1 at the time of jam occurrence and the layout of the transport path. ..

The paper type determination unit 107 is set in each of the paper type of the paper X to be printed by the image forming unit 102 (in other words, the paper X transported by the transport unit 108) and the paper feed trays 101-1 to 101-8. This is an example of a paper type determination unit for determining the paper type of the paper X.

In the above configuration, when the printing order control unit 105 conveys the remaining paper X by the conveying unit 108, the paper type of the jam paper X removed from the image forming apparatus 1 and the paper type of the remaining paper X are determined. If they are different, the paper X of the paper type of the jam paper X is inserted (fed) from the paper feed tray 101. Then, the print order control unit 105 executes printing on the remaining paper X after printing on the paper X. As a result, jam of the paper X occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, and when the remaining paper X is automatically conveyed in the image forming apparatus 1, the paper X of the correct paper type is printed in the correct printing order. Printing can be performed.

Further, the print order control unit 105 is a notification unit for notifying the replacement of the paper X to be set in the paper feed tray 101 when the paper X other than the paper type of the jam paper X is set in the paper feed tray 101. It also works as an example. For example, the print order control unit 105 displays a message notifying the replacement of the paper X on the display unit of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 1 has a plurality of paper feed trays 101, even if paper X other than the paper type of jam paper X is set in each paper feed tray 101, the paper type and the paper feed tray 101 Regardless of the relationship between the above, printing can be executed in the correct printing order on the paper X of the correct paper type.

Further, the print order control unit 105 also functions as an example of a notification unit for notifying a set of paper X having the same paper type as the paper type of jam paper X when the paper X is not set in the paper feed tray 101. .. For example, the print order control unit 105 displays a message notifying the set of the paper X on the display unit of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, when the paper X is inserted, even in a specific case in which the paper X is not set in the paper feed tray 101, printing can be executed on the paper X of the correct paper type in the correct printing order.

When the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment conveys the remaining paper X by the conveying unit 108, when the paper type of the jam paper X and the paper type of the remaining paper X are different, the paper feed tray 101 is used. , It may have a switch that can select whether to insert the paper X of the paper type of the jam paper X or to manually remove all the remaining paper X. As a result, when there is no spare paper X for the paper type to be not inserted and the paper X cannot be set in the paper feed tray 101, the remaining paper X at the time of jam occurrence can be manually removed.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of printing processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Next, an example of the flow of the printing process in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When the paper X is conveyed to the drawing position by the conveying unit 108, the image forming unit 102 starts printing (printing) on the paper X (step S311). At that time, when the occurrence of jam of the paper X is detected by the abnormality detecting unit 104 (step S312), the paper transport control unit 103 stops the image forming apparatus 1 such as the transport of the paper X by the transport unit 108. The process is executed (step S313).

Next, when the abnormality detection unit 104 detects the occurrence of jam on the paper X, the paper removal determination unit 106 determines whether or not the jam paper X has been removed. When it is determined that the removal of the jam paper X is completed (step S314), the paper removal determination unit 106 determines whether or not there is paper X (remaining paper X) to be continuously conveyed in the image forming apparatus 1 (inside the machine). Determination (step S315). When there is no remaining paper X in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S315: No), the system control unit 100 restarts printing (printing) on the paper X next to be conveyed to the image forming apparatus (step S318).

When there is residual paper X in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S315: Yes), the print order control unit 105 determines the paper type of the jam paper X (removed paper X) determined by the paper type determination unit 107, and the paper is conveyed. It is determined whether or not the paper type (paper type) of the continuing paper X (remaining paper X) is the same (step S316). When the paper type of the jam paper X and the paper type of the remaining paper X are the same (step S316: Yes), the print order control unit 105 plans to draw on the jam paper X that caused the jam (print schedule). ), Printing on the remaining paper X is restarted (step S318).

On the other hand, when the paper type of the jam paper X and the paper type of the remaining paper X are different (step S316: No), the printing order control unit 105 jams before the remaining paper X in the transport path of the paper X. A paper X of the same paper type as the paper X is inserted, the paper X is conveyed to the drawing position of the image forming unit 102, and then the remaining paper X is conveyed to the drawing position of the image forming unit 102 (step S317). Then, the print order control unit 105 restarts printing (printing) on the inserted paper X in order from the image scheduled to be drawn on the jam paper X (step S318).

4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining an example of printing processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Next, an example of the printing process in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the numbers described after the reference numeral “X—” indicate the order of the paper X on which the images are printed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the paper X-3 becomes the jam paper X, the image forming apparatus 1 prints three sheets of the paper X of the paper type A (paper type) of the paper X-3. , It is necessary to print on the papers X-6 to X-11 of the paper type B. However, when the paper X-3 is removed, there are only two sheets of the remaining paper X-4 and X-5 of the paper type A, so that the printing order control unit 105 of the paper type B, as shown in FIG. Paper X-5'of paper type A is inserted from the paper feed tray 101-2 in front of the papers X-6 to X-11. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the print order control unit 105 prints the image scheduled to be printed on the papers X-3, X-4, X-5 on the papers X-4, X-5, X of the paper type A. Print for -5'. As a result, the images can be printed on the remaining paper X in the preset printing order without changing the printing order of the images scheduled to be printed on the papers X-3, X-4, and X-5. ..

6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining another example of the printing process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Next, another example of the printing process in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 1 has a paper type A paper X-3, a paper type B paper X-4, a paper type B paper X-5, and a paper type C paper X-6. It is necessary to print the images in the order of ~ X-11. However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the paper X-3 becomes the jam paper X, the paper feed tray 101 into which the paper X of the paper type A can be inserted is the paper X-4, in the transport direction of the paper X. Since it exists on the upstream side of X-5, it is not possible to insert the paper X of the paper type A in front of the papers X-4 and X-5. Therefore, if printing on the paper X is continued as it is, the paper types of the paper X conveyed to the drawing position of the image forming unit 102 will be in the order of paper type B, paper type B, paper type A, and paper type C. , Images cannot be printed on the remaining paper X (papers X4 to X11) in a preset order.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the user of the image forming apparatus 1 removes the papers X-4 and X-5 together with the jam paper X-3 without printing the image. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the printing order control unit 105 sets the paper type A paper X-3'and the paper type B paper X-4 in front of the paper type C papers X-6 to X-11. Insert', X-5'. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the print order control unit 105 prints the image scheduled to be printed on the papers X-3, X-4, and X-5 on the paper X-3'of the paper type A and the paper type B. Print on paper X-4'and X-5'. As a result, the images can be printed on the remaining paper X in the preset printing order without changing the printing order of the images scheduled to be printed on the papers X-3, X-4, and X-5. ..

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the jam of the paper X occurs in the image forming apparatus 1 and the remaining paper X is automatically conveyed into the image forming apparatus 1. , Printing can be executed in the correct printing order on the paper X of the correct paper type.

The program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like in advance. The program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium.

Further, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present 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 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes the above-mentioned units (paper transport control unit 103, abnormality detection unit 104, printing order control unit 105, paper removal determination unit 106, paper type determination unit 107, etc.). As the actual hardware, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) reads a program from the ROM and executes it, so that each part is loaded on the main memory and the paper transport control is performed. A unit 103, an abnormality detection unit 104, a print order control unit 105, a paper removal determination unit 106, a paper type determination unit 107, and the like are generated on the main storage device.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a multifunction device having at least two of a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function will be described. It can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

1 Image forming device 2 Pre-processing device 3 Post-processing device 100 System control unit 101 Paper feed tray 102 Image forming unit 103 Paper transfer control unit 104 Abnormality detection unit 105 Printing order control unit 106 Paper removal determination unit 107 Paper type determination unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-108033

Claims (6)

Paper tray and
When the recording medium fed from the paper feed tray is conveyed in the image forming apparatus and the recording medium is jammed in the image forming apparatus, the jam recording medium that caused the jam is removed. After that, a transport unit that transports the remaining recording medium remaining in the image forming apparatus, and a transport unit.
A print control unit that controls the print order for the remaining recording medium,
A paper type determination unit for determining the paper type of the recording medium is provided.
When the printing control unit conveys the remaining recording medium by the conveying unit, when the paper type of the jam recording medium and the paper type of the remaining recording medium are different, the jam is transmitted from the paper feed tray. An image forming apparatus that inserts the recording medium of the paper type of the recording medium, prints on the recording medium, and then prints on the remaining recording medium according to the printing order. Based on the position where the jam of the recording medium is generated in the image forming apparatus, the paper type of the remaining recording medium, and the layout of the transport path of the recording medium in the image forming apparatus, the jam is removed in addition to the jam recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper removal determination unit for changing the number of recording media. Claim 1 or claim 1 or the present invention further includes a notification unit for notifying the replacement of the recording medium to be set in the paper feed tray when the recording medium other than the paper type of the jam recording medium is set in the paper feed tray. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 2. The image according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the set of the recording medium of the same paper type as the paper type of the jam recording medium when the recording medium is not set in the paper feed tray. Forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a switch capable of selecting whether to insert the recording medium or manually remove all the remaining recording media. An image forming method performed by an image forming apparatus.
When the recording medium fed from the paper feed tray is conveyed in the image forming apparatus and a jam of the recording medium occurs in the image forming apparatus, the jam recording medium that caused the jam is removed. After that, a transport step of transporting the remaining recording medium remaining in the image forming apparatus, and
A print control step that controls the print order for the remaining recording medium, and
Including a paper type determination step of determining the paper type of the recording medium.
In the print control step, when the paper type of the jam recording medium and the paper type of the residual recording medium are different when the remaining recording medium is conveyed, the jam recording medium is transferred from the paper feed tray to the jam recording medium. An image forming method in which the recording medium of a paper type is inserted, printing is performed on the recording medium, and then printing is performed on the remaining recording medium according to the printing order.

Images