JP3565753B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having at least any two of a document copying function, a data printing function, and a facsimile function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an image forming apparatus having at least any two functions of a document copying function, a data printing function, and a facsimile function (hereinafter, referred to as a multi-function peripheral), for example, when having at least a facsimile function and a printer function, A plurality of operations, such as performing a printer operation during facsimile reception, can be processed in parallel.
[0003]
However, for example, in a multifunction machine having a copy function and a printer function, even if a user requests a copy function while the multifunction machine is operating as a printer, the same function is used for the copy function and the print function in the multifunction machine. When the image forming unit is used, the parallel processing as described above cannot be performed.
[0004]
In this case, the user who wants to execute the copy may give up once and then perform the copy again after a lapse of time, or if the user wants to execute the copy quickly, visits the MFP several times to determine whether the printing process has been completed. Or, in some cases, copying is executed after confirming that the printer processing is completed in front of the multifunction peripheral.
[0005]
Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, in the conventional multifunction peripheral, print jobs can be received in parallel, and the print jobs are assigned priorities, and a newly generated print job is currently being processed. If the priority is higher than the print job, the print job currently being processed is temporarily interrupted, the new print job is interrupted, and the interrupted print job is terminated after the interrupted new print job is completed. Is configured to resume.
[0006]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the priority and job interruption. A printer job 101 (101a to 101d) for printing four sheets by the printer function and a copy job for copying two sheets by the copy function 102 (102a, 102b) are illustrated in parallel.
[0007]
here , For example, if a copy job 102 occurs while the printer function of the multifunction peripheral is operating to process the printer job 101, and if the copy job 102 has a lower priority than the printer job 101, FIG. As shown in (a), the copy jobs 102a and 102b are turned after the printer jobs 101a to 101d.
[0008]
vice versa , The copy job 102 has a higher priority than the printer job 101, for example, , When the copy job 102 occurs between the processing of the print 101b and the print 101c, the copy jobs 102a and 102b are transferred between the print 101b and the print 101c in the printer job 101 as shown in FIG. To be interrupted.
[0009]
However, in the above-described prior art, a low-priority job gives up processing to a higher-priority job that has been requested later, so that the low-priority job takes a long time to complete processing. Cost. Therefore , For example, even if a low-priority job has a small number of printers or copies (hereinafter, referred to as the number of processed sheets), the job is executed after the processing with a relatively large number of processed sheets, and the user may feel dissatisfied. And to Become.
[0010]
On the other hand, the multifunction machine is characterized by the fact that the area and cost for installing a dedicated copier, printer, or facsimile for each function can be reduced, and it is installed in a relatively small office, etc., and is necessary for image formation. With multiple functions (copy, fax, printer, etc.) Although In general, the image forming capability itself is inferior to a large-scale dedicated machine.
[0011]
In addition, the image forming ability is inferior because the diameter of the photosensitive drum is small, the rotation speed is low, and the image forming speed is low. The processing time for performing the process is long.
[0012]
Accordingly, since the multifunction peripheral generally has a lower image forming capability than a dedicated machine, a low-priority job gives up processing to a higher-priority job that has been requested later. Compounding the problem that low jobs take a long time to complete processing.
[0013]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-191362 has been proposed to make it possible to accept a plurality of print jobs and complete the output of the page currently being output. By the time the image processing for the next page is not completed, the other print jobs waiting for processing are performed to maximize the image forming ability, and the priority is given until the job with the highest priority is completed. There is disclosed a technology capable of avoiding a problem that a job with a low rank is made to wait for a long time.
[0014]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the priority and job interruption disclosed in the publication. A copy job 102a by a copy function is changed to printer jobs 101a to 101d for printing four sheets by a printer function. A case where an interrupt is made and parallel processing is performed is shown. Each of the printer jobs 101a to 101d requires a processing time interval of “t1”, and is performed during “t0” (<t1). Is The figure shows a case where each image formation is stopped and image processing of each printer job is performed.
[0015]
That is, when the copy job 102a is interrupted into the printer jobs 101a to 101d, the copy job 102a newly generated during the image processing period t0 in which the image formation is stopped is interrupted. Therefore , Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the copy 102a is interrupted during the time t0 between the print 101b and the print 101c to perform the parallel processing.
[0016]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the printer described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-191362, if the image processing of the next page is not completed before the output of the currently output page is completed, another print job waiting for processing is performed. This is useful in that the image forming capability is maximized, and a low-priority job does not have to wait for a long time until the processing of a high-priority job is completed.
[0017]
However , According to the publication, if the image processing of the next page is not completed before the output of the page currently being output is completed, the print job waiting to be processed is interrupted. If the image processing of the next page is completed before the output of the page is completed, an interrupt But There is a problem that can not be.
[0018]
In FIG. 7A, after the output of the print 101b is finished, the copy 102a can be interrupted and executed during the time t0 during which the image processing of the print 101c is performed. However, as shown in FIG. Is short (the image processing time of the print 101c is short) and the time t2 for forming the image of the copy 102a is longer, the copy 102a cannot be interrupted, and the image forming ability is not necessarily maximized. There is a problem that it cannot be said that there is.
[0019]
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, a method is conceivable in which the image forming interval is changed and the image forming of the interrupt job is inserted during the period when the image forming of the preceding job is not performed. . That is, normally, when the time interval during which the print 101a is forming an image is t2, and when the time interval from the end of image formation of the print 101a to the start of image formation of the next print 101b is t0, the image forming time But If the copy 102a, which is the copy job of t2, is interrupted, if t2> t0, the prints 101b and 10b are processed. 1 A new interval t3 with respect to c is set longer than t1 (t3> t1), and a copy 102a is inserted between the printers 101b and 101c.
[0020]
However, in this case, since the printing speed in FIG. 4C is substantially higher than the printing speed in FIG. 4B, the recording capability of the image forming apparatus is used to the maximum. As a result, the actual image forming interval becomes narrow, which exceeds the fixing ability of the image recording unit for fixing the image on the recording medium.
[0021]
Typically , Image formation In the apparatus, the fixing performance is set so that recording can be continuously performed in a normal recording state.If the fixing temperature exceeds the limit of the fixing ability and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit does not follow, and a fixing failure occurs, The recording operation is interrupted. For this reason, if the parallel recording at a recording interval narrower than the normal recording interval continues for a long time, there is a problem that a fixing failure occurs and not only the interrupting job but also all the print jobs have to be interrupted. .
[0022]
In addition, there is a method in which the initial print speed has a margin so that another print job can be easily interrupted between print jobs. However, in this case, the print speed is wasteful, and the normal print speed is wasteful. If there is no interruption, it goes without saying that the printing speed is reduced.
[0023]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the related art, and has as its object to solve the problem that all recording operations are interrupted due to the inability of the fixing unit to fix during parallel recording. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can avoid the problem and maximize the image forming ability.
[0024]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention includes a plurality of data input units capable of inputting data relating to a print job, an image processing unit provided for each of the plurality of data input units, and performing a predetermined image processing based on the input data, Single leaf Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the fixing means for fixing the unfixed image formed in the first and second input jobs after the first print job is input from the data input unit; During the image formation for each sheet of the first print job, control is performed such that the image formation for each sheet of the second print job is interrupted. , From the fixing limit temperature of the fixing unit Also high Temperature, which is predetermined as a temperature at which parallel image forming operations for a plurality of print jobs are interrupted. When it is detected that the temperature has dropped to the predetermined temperature, the image formation of one of the first print job and the second print job is interrupted, and the image formation of the other print job is stopped. In the state where the temperature does not drop to the fixing limit temperature. Control means for controlling to continue, and said control means And an image forming unit for forming images related to the first and second print jobs based on the control of the image forming apparatus.
[0025]
Also , The present invention includes a storage unit that stores input data from the data input unit and data after image processing in the image processing unit, The first print job and The second print job When Input from the data input unit and image processing in the image processing unit according to And using the storage unit , Continue without interruption Picture An image forming apparatus.
[0026]
further , The present invention is characterized in that when the temperature is lowered to the predetermined temperature by the temperature detecting means, Image formation The data input section to continue without releasing Print jobs from Priority setting means for presetting the priority of means Is , Further, when the priority is set by the priority setting means, , Yu The data input unit having a lower priority order Pertaining to print jobs from Stop image formation Picture An image forming apparatus.
[0027]
Also , further , The present invention During execution of a first print job from the data input unit, when a second print job is input from the data input unit, The fixing unit does not lower to the predetermined temperature based on the detection result of the temperature detecting unit. so Interrupt printable Record Interruption number calculating means for calculating the number of sheets, and the interrupt printing is possible based on the calculation result of the interrupting number number calculating means Record Means for informing the user of the number of sheets. Picture An image forming apparatus.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 2 is an overall cross-sectional view of the MFP 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the overall configuration of the MFP 30. A document table 35 made of transparent glass or the like is provided on the upper surface of the multifunction peripheral 30, and an automatic document feeder 36 is provided above the document table 35. The automatic document feeder 36 is a device for automatically feeding documents placed on a document set tray (not shown) provided in the automatic document feeder to the document table 35 one by one automatically. .
[0029]
A document reading unit 31 including a scanner 40 for optically scanning and reading a document image placed on the document table 35 is provided below the document table 35. The scanner 40 is provided to guide a lamp reflector assembly 41 that exposes the surface of a document and a reflected light image from the document to a photoelectric conversion element 44 (CCD: Charge Coupled Devices). , A first scanning unit 40a having a first reflecting mirror 42a for further reflecting light reflected from the original, a second reflecting mirror 42b for guiding reflected light from the first reflecting mirror 42a to the CCD 44, and a third reflecting unit. A second scanning unit 40b having a reflecting mirror 42c mounted thereon, an optical lens 43 for forming a reflected light image from the original on a CCD 44 via the above-described reflecting mirrors 42a, 42b and 42c, and a light from the original. And a CCD 44 for converting the reflected light image into an electric image signal.
[0030]
The scanner 40 operates the automatic document feeder 36 in conjunction with the automatic document feeder 36. Feeding The image of the document automatically conveyed by the device 36 is read at a predetermined exposure position. Then, the document image read by the scanner 40 is sent as image data to an image data input unit (not shown). After performing predetermined image processing on the image data, the image is stored in a memory of an image processing unit described later. Once stored, the image in the memory is read out according to the output instruction and transferred to the laser writing unit 46.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the scanner 40 has a CCD 44 fixed and the first and second scanning units 40a and 40b are moved. However, the scanning unit having the CCD 44 integrally provided is a document table. A method of scanning the original placed on the original 35 and reading the original image may be used.
[0032]
The laser writing unit 46 includes a semiconductor laser light source that emits laser light, a polygon mirror that deflects laser light at an equal angular velocity, according to image data read from a memory or image data transferred from an external device. It has an f-θ lens and the like that corrects the laser light deflected at the angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 48 constituting the image forming unit 32 so that it is deflected at the constant angular velocity.
[0033]
The image forming unit 32 charges the photosensitive drum 48 to a predetermined potential around the photosensitive drum 48, and supplies toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 48 to form a visible image. Developing device, a transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 to recording paper (recording medium, transfer member), a cleaning device for collecting excess toner on the photosensitive drum 48, and a static eliminator And
[0034]
The read data relating to the document image read by the scanner 40 is temporarily stored and stored in an image memory, and then read out as appropriate to perform predetermined image processing. The body 48 is scanned with a laser beam by the laser writing unit 46 to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image on the photosensitive body 48.
[0035]
Next, the electrostatic latent image is visualized by the developer in the developing device described above, and the visualized image is converted into a recording paper (recording medium, transfer paper, Single leaf The recording paper on which the visible image has been transferred is transferred to the fixing unit 49.
[0036]
The fixing unit 49 is provided with a fixing roller 49a having a built-in heater, and a temperature detector 49b serving as temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature near the fixing roller 49a or the fixing roller 49a. The detected temperature value is connected to a control unit 72, which will be described later, and controls the energization of the heater in accordance with the detected temperature detected value to control the temperature of the fixing roller 49a. It is to be noted that a halogen lamp can be suitably used as the heater, and a thermistor can be suitably used as the temperature detector 49b.
[0037]
On the discharge side of the image forming unit 32, in addition to the fixing unit 49, a switchback path 56 for reversing the front and back of the recording paper to form an image on the backside of the recording paper again, And a post-processing device 34 having a lifting tray. The recording paper on which the visible image has been fixed by the fixing unit 46 is guided to the post-processing device 34 by the discharge roller 57 via the switchback path 56 as necessary, where the predetermined post-processing is performed. It will be discharged later.
[0038]
The paper feed unit is disposed below the image forming unit 32, and is supplied from the manual feed tray 54, the duplex unit 55, the multi-stage paper feed tray unit including the paper cassettes 51 to 53, and the paper cassettes 51 to 54. And a transport unit that transports the paper sheet to a transfer position where the transfer unit in the image forming unit 32 is disposed. The duplex unit 55 communicates with a switchback path 56 for reversing the recording paper, and is used when performing image formation on both sides of the recording paper.
[0039]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the overall electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 30 is roughly divided into a scanner unit 40, a printer board 68, a FAX board 71, an image forming unit 61, a large-capacity storage unit 73, and an image processing unit 64 for each function. 66, 69, storage units 65, 67, 70, and a control unit 72. Therefore, the scanner 40, the printer board 68, and the FAX board 71 correspond to a plurality of data input units. The control unit 72 includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores various data such as the number of printed sheets, the number of printed sheets, the presence or absence of an interrupt instruction, priority information, and a control program for a print job.
[0040]
That is , The multi-function device 30 receives a copy (copy) function of recording image data read by the scanner 40 on recording paper by the image forming unit 61 and print data or print commands from a personal computer 62, a word processor, a portable information terminal, or the like. A printer function of receiving and recording on recording paper by the image forming unit 61 and transmitting data of an image read by the scanner 40 to the facsimile device 63, and transmitting the image data received from the facsimile device 63 to the recording paper by the image forming unit 61. It has a facsimile function for recording.
[0041]
This configuration is for input and image processing of the copy function, the facsimile function, and the printer function in parallel, respectively.For example, the specification of the multifunction device 30 is such that the facsimile function and the copy function or the facsimile function If only the copy function and the printer function are processed in parallel without performing the printer function in parallel, only the part related to the copy function and the printer function among the image processing parts may be provided independently.
[0042]
When the MFP 30 uses a copy function or a facsimile function (in this case, a facsimile transmission function), the scanner 40 reads a document image to be copied or facsimile-transmitted, and reads the read image data into an image processing unit. At 64, predetermined image processing is performed, and data before and after the image processing is appropriately stored and stored in the storage unit 65.
[0043]
Next, in the case of copying, the data after image processing is transferred to the image forming unit 61 by the control unit 72 to perform copying, while in the case of facsimile transmission, the data after image processing is controlled by the control unit 72. Is transferred to the facsimile board 71, stored again in the storage unit 70, subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 69 in a form capable of facsimile transmission, and transmitted to the external facsimile 63 by facsimile.
[0044]
Also , When the MFP 30 uses the printer function, image data or a print request signal is input from an external personal computer (PC) 62, a word processor, a portable information terminal, or the like via the printer board 68, The processing unit 66 expands the recordable image data based on the input data itself or the input request signal, and the expanded image data is stored in the storage unit 67 and transmitted from the hard disk or the like via the control unit 72. Is stored in the large-capacity storage unit 73, or a printing process is performed in the image forming unit 61.
[0045]
further , When using the facsimile receiving function in the multifunction device 30, image data and control signals are input from the external facsimile 63 via the FAX board 71, and the image processing unit 69 outputs the input image data and the like. Is expanded into image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 61, and the expanded image data is stored in the storage unit 70 and stored in the large-capacity storage unit 73 via the control unit 72, or Printing processing is performed in the unit 61. Therefore, the image processing unit 64 , 66 , Reference numeral 69 corresponds to an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing based on input data.
[0046]
The control unit 72 is connected to a heater built in the fixing roller 49a of the fixing unit 49, an energization control circuit related to the heater, a temperature detector 49b, and a sensor circuit unit of the temperature detector 49b. When the temperature detector 49b is formed of a thermistor, after extracting a change in the resistance value of the thermistor as an analog voltage change, the analog voltage is input to an analog-to-digital converter in the microprocessor of the controller 72. Convert an analog voltage to a digital voltage and input it, and refer to a preset table etc. according to the digital voltage value By current fixation temperature To Can be detected.
[0047]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the parallel processing of the MFP 30 configured as described above. When the image forming time t2 of the newly generated job can be inserted during the image processing period t0 within the normal image forming interval t1, the multifunction device 30 performs the parallel processing as it is, but does not allow the insertion. In some cases, the parallel processing can be performed by appropriately extending the image forming interval t1.
[0048]
(1) When interrupting without changing the time interval of image formation
A case where a copy job 102a is interrupted by a plurality of print jobs 101a to 101d will be described. For example, in the case of the printer operation, when the process speed is 120 mm / sec and the continuous recording sheet speed is 15 sheets / min, the image forming time interval t1 is 60/15 = 4 seconds, and the paper feed interval is 120 × 4 = 480 mm.
[0049]
If the paper is A4, since the A4 size is 210 mm × 297 mm, the image forming time t2 of the A4 horizontal size is 210/120 = 1.75 seconds, and the image processing time t0 = t1−t2 = 4-1.75 = 2.25 seconds. At this time, when a new copy job 102a is generated, the image processing time t0 is 2.25 seconds, so that it is possible to interrupt the copy job 102a that performs A4 landscape size copying with a recording time t2 of 1.75 seconds. Become.
[0050]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, it is possible to interrupt the image recording of the copy job newly generated during the image processing period t0 in which the image formation is stopped in the printer job. At this time, the actual recording interval is t4 (2 seconds), and when a newly generated copy job is interrupted, the continuous recording number can be set to 30 sheets / minute.
[0051]
(2) When interrupting by changing the time interval of image formation
A case where the copy job 102a is interrupted by a plurality of print jobs 101a to 101d in the same manner as (1) will be described. In this case, when the printer operation is performed at a process speed of 120 mm / sec and a continuous recording sheet speed of 20 sheets / min, the image forming time interval t1 is 60/20 = 3 seconds, and the paper feed interval is 120 × 3 = 360 mm.
[0052]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the image forming time t2 of the A4 horizontal size is 210/120 = 1.75 seconds, and the image processing time t0 = t1-t2 = 3-1. 75 = 1.25 seconds. At this time, if a new copy job 102a is generated, the image processing time t0 is 1.25 seconds, and therefore, it is impossible to interrupt the copy job 102a that performs A4 landscape size copying with a recording time t2 of 1.75 seconds. It becomes.
[0053]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 Is changed to t3 (4 seconds) so that the image recording by the copy job can be inserted between the printer jobs 101b and 101c, the actual image forming interval t4 is 2 seconds, and the continuous recording number is 30 sheets / min. And
[0054]
When a plurality of image data are interrupted and recorded by the parallel processing, the recording of each job is performed alternately as shown in FIG. However, the image forming interval in the case of no interruption or in the case of the conventional copy priority method includes post-processing rotation when the mode of the previously executed job is ended or temporarily ended and the mode is switched to another mode. Therefore, several seconds are required.
[0055]
In the above description, for simplicity, if t0> t2, it is assumed that insertion can be performed as it is. However, since the time between images cannot be generally set to 0, an optimum margin value is provided. The determination may be made with an appropriate margin. further , Depending on the image processing time of each job, it is desirable to be able to flexibly cope with printing alternately, such as interrupting one copy on two printers and interrupting two copies on three printers. .
[0056]
Further, recording sheets (recording medium, transfer material) on which images have been processed and processed by different jobs may be output to different sheet discharging units. This eliminates the need for a complicated process of inserting the copied recording paper between a plurality of printed recording papers and sorting them for each job, for example.
[0057]
In the above description, the parallel processing of the copy function and the printer function has been described. However, in the case where the parallel processing is performed by the same function such as a printer job and a printer job or a copy job and a copy job, each function is If there is only a single image processing unit, for example, data obtained by performing only image processing during the idle time during image recording is stored in the large-capacity storage unit 73 in advance. By doing so, it is possible to perform parallel processing in the same type of job.
[0058]
In the above description, the image forming interval is appropriately changed. However, generally, the image forming condition (in the case of the electrophotographic method, , The image forming interval can be changed by changing the sheet conveyance timing by a conveyance roller or the like in the image forming unit 32 without changing the so-called process conditions. Accordingly, image processing of image data or the like for forming an image can be performed in parallel.
[0059]
Further, the image processing related to the job to be processed in parallel may be configured to be performed at a time excluding the image forming time. However, since the image formation can be executed from the part where the image processing is completed, there is a time delay. Image processing may be performed, and image processing may be performed during image formation in some cases. Generally, during the image formation, it may be configured to perform the image processing relating to the job for which the processing for forming the image is not currently performed.
[0060]
(3) Explanation of flowchart
The parallel recording of the MFP 30 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when image formation starts, it is determined in step S2 (hereinafter abbreviated as S2) whether or not there is an interruption instruction. If there is no interruption instruction, normal image formation (recording and printing) is performed. If the recording interval has been changed, the normal recording interval is set, while if the recording interval has not been changed, the process proceeds to S4 as it is (S3).
[0061]
In S4, one image of the job specified in advance is recorded, and in S5, the number of recordings is checked. If there is a remaining number, the process returns to S2. On the other hand, when the end of the recording for the number of recordings is detected in S5, it is checked whether or not there is any recording instructed by the interruption (S11), and if there is no recording instructed by the interruption, the image recording is terminated.
[0062]
On the other hand, if it is detected in S2 that an interrupt instruction has been issued, the image forming time t0 of the preceding job is compared with the image recording time t2 of the interrupting job in S6, and if t0 <t2, the recording time of the preceding job is determined. Since the image recording of the interrupt job cannot be inserted during the interval (the period in which no recording is performed), the recording paper of the preceding job is Feeding interval That is, the image forming interval And one image of the interrupt job is recorded in S8.
[0063]
Next, in t6, if t0> t2, Record Paper Feeding Since the image recording of the interrupt job can be inserted between recordings of the preceding job (a period during which recording is not performed) without increasing the interval, the image of the interrupt job is deleted in S8 without executing S7. Will be recorded.
[0064]
After recording the image of the interruption job, the number of recordings of the interruption job is checked in S9. Of preceding job Image formation is advanced, and recording of a job instructed by interruption or recording of a job instructed in advance is repeatedly executed.
[0065]
If it is confirmed in S9 that the recording of the job instructed to be interrupted is completed, the interrupt instruction is canceled in S10, and the above-described S4 to S4 are performed. 5 Through the processing of , In step S3, the normal recording interval is returned. As a result, even if the image forming interval becomes longer due to the interruption, the preceding job can be executed with a minimum delay, and the interruption process can be executed without delay.
[0066]
If the job specified earlier during the parallel processing completes the recording first, the processing shifts from S5 to S11. If the job indicated by the interruption remains, the interruption instruction is canceled in S12 and the remaining job remains. The interrupted job is upgraded to the preceding job, and image recording is continuously executed in S2. Thereafter, when all image recording is completed, the image forming operation ends.
[0067]
It should be noted that the interrupt instruction is specifically issued by a user pressing an interrupt key or the like provided on an operation unit (not shown) of the multifunction peripheral 30, and the control unit 7 connected to the operation unit. 2 , The MFP 30 may recognize that the print job is actually interrupted when the print instruction key of the operation unit is pressed. In addition, when an operation key (setting key or the like) related to copying is pressed during the operation of the printer function, it may be predicted that there is an interruption.
[0068]
Further, when there is a print job or a facsimile job during copying, for example, , The controller 72 controls the printer board 68 FAX This can be achieved by checking the communication interface unit provided on the board 71 at predetermined intervals, or by providing an interrupt input unit or the like for detection.
[0069]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a change in the temperature of the fixing roller 49a due to a change in the output of a temperature detector 49b disposed in the vicinity of the fixing roller 49a of the fixing unit 49 in the multifunction peripheral 30, where the vertical axis indicates the temperature and the horizontal axis indicates Is time.
[0070]
In FIG. 1, TS is a set temperature of the image recording unit during standby, TL1 is a temperature at which the fixing roller 49a converges when continuous recording is performed at a normal recording interval, TL3 is set in advance, and the fixing unit 49 determines that the fixing unit 49 cannot fix. The temperature of the fixing roller 49a (fixing limit temperature) at the time of determining to stop the operation of the forming apparatus, TL2 cancels the parallel recording operation. Predetermined for At temperature , Than TL3 high The temperature has a certain margin, and is set to be equal to or lower than TL1 (TL3 <TL2 <TL1 <Ts).
[0071]
When recording starts at a normal recording interval (t = t in FIG. 1) ₁ Point {circle around (1)}), since the recording paper passes through the fixing unit 49, the temperature of the fixing roller 49a decreases (t = t). ₂ Point (2)). When recording is further continuously performed, (2) in FIG. 1 (t = t ₂ ) And ▲ 5 ▼ (t = t ₅ )), The temperature sequentially decreases, and at point (5), the temperature of the fixing roller 49a becomes T _L1 Converges to Next, when the recording is stopped at the point (5), the temperature of the fixing roller 49a is reduced to the point (6) (t = t ₆ ) At standby temperature T _S To recover.
[0072]
Here, during recording at the normal recording interval, when an interrupt instruction is issued at point (2) and parallel recording is started, the recording paper of the interrupted print job is placed between the recording paper of the preceding job and the recording paper. Is newly inserted, the number of recordings per unit time increases, and the temperature of the fixing roller 49a changes by a temperature lower than the broken line connecting the points (2) and (5) (point (2)). To (3)). When the parallel recording is further continued, the point (4) (t = t4, t ₃ <T ₄ <T ₅ ), The unfixable temperature T _L3 , And the recording operation in the recording section is completely stopped in order to prevent the fixing failure.
[0073]
In this state, the parallel processing is limited. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature T _L2 When the point (3) is reached, the parallel processing is temporarily canceled, only the recording of the image data from one of the input means is interrupted, and only the recording of the image data from the other input means is continued. As a result, the number of recordings per unit time can be restored, the temperature of the fixing roller 49a can be restored, and one of the recordings can be continued without completely stopping the recording operation of the recording unit due to a fixing failure. Then, after the continued recording is completed, the image data from the interrupted input unit is continuously executed.
[0074]
On the other hand, the input of image data from the interrupted input unit may be interrupted, but if the multi-function device 30 is equipped with the large-capacity storage unit 73, the input operation and the image processing are continuously performed. The large-capacity storage unit 73 may be configured to store the image data for which the image processing has been completed, and the image stored in the large-capacity storage unit 73 may be stored when the recording interruption is released and recording becomes possible. If data is output, image recording can be performed efficiently.
[0075]
The print job that is interrupted when parallel processing cannot be performed is generally a print job of the image data of the interrupted input unit unless otherwise specified. If a configuration can be set in advance as to which input unit the image data print job is to be interrupted, recording of the image data from the set input unit will be continued. In order to set the priority order of the input means, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a user, a service person, or the like can be set from the operation unit.
[0076]
Also, when parallel processing is instructed, In the interrupt number calculating means of the control unit 72, When the parallel recording is performed from the temperature detected by the temperature detector 49b of the fixing roller 49a, the number of prints that can be interrupted by the parallel processing while the temperature drops to TL2 is obtained by a table or a calculation. In the number notification means, It is displayed for a certain period of time on the number display , Parallel processing is possible by voice etc. interrupt The number of records can be notified to the operator. That is, table information that associates the number of sheets that can be fixed with each temperature (for example, every 1 ° C. or each predetermined temperature) obtained in advance through an experiment or the like in an interrupt recording state is stored in a storage unit (not shown) in the control unit 72. Or in the control program for the print job, “((current fixing unit temperature) − (fixable limit temperature, for example, TL2)) / (predetermined at the time of interruption recording. 1 This can be achieved by performing an operation such as "temperature drop per sheet) = (number of sheets that can be interrupted)".
[0077]
As a specific example, when the interrupt key of the operation unit (not shown) is pressed, the number of recordable images is blinked for only a few seconds during which interruption is possible in an area where a number can be displayed, such as a record number display unit. And alert the operator in a display mode different from the normal display mode.
[0078]
Also , For example, by displaying a text message such as “Parallel recording may be interrupted when the number of records that can be recorded exceeds the limit” on the guidance display on the display unit such as a liquid crystal display, it is possible to inform the operator more easily. It is possible. By this notification , The operator can determine whether to perform parallel recording or not to perform parallel recording. , It is possible to know in advance that the state will be interrupted on the way, and the operator will not feel uneasy at the time of interruption.
[0079]
As described above, even if an attempt is made to form an image for a new print job between image formations for the previous print job, if image formation for the new print job cannot be inserted at regular image forming intervals, Is a problem when parallel recording is performed by narrowing the actual recording interval, that is, increasing the number of recordings per unit time, by extending the image forming interval and interrupting image formation so as not to greatly exceed the image forming time. In this case, it is possible to perform the parallel recording until just before the temperature reaches the non-fixable temperature, and interrupt the image recording of only one of the print jobs just before the non-fixable state.
[0080]
That is, it is possible to utilize the image forming capability of the image forming unit to the utmost without stopping the operation of the image forming unit due to the inability to fix, increase the opportunities for parallel processing, and accelerate the overall progress of the print job. be able to.
[0081]
The above is the description of the embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various applications are possible. For example, in performing the parallel processing, the control unit 72 performs only the input of the newly generated print job and the image processing in parallel, stores the image data in the large-capacity storage unit 73, and stores all of the image data in the new print job. After the image processing is completed, it is also possible to alternately perform image formation by a new print job and image formation by a previous print job.
[0082]
Thus, taking into account a case where the processing of the image data input for interruption is not in time for the alternate image formation timing, the image data is temporarily stored in the large-capacity storage unit 73 so that the processing is performed in advance. It is also possible to alternately perform image formation with the job being executed.
[0083]
Therefore, while minimizing the effect of the preceding job on image formation , Since the recording data can be prepared and the image formation is performed alternately from the time when the preparation is completed, it is possible to avoid a problem that a new print job is unnecessarily delayed.
[0084]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the copy jobs 102a and 102b are interrupted between the plurality of print jobs 101a to 101d to perform parallel processing. Interrupt a print job or a facsimile print job or vice versa , A copy job or print job may be interrupted between facsimile print jobs. Further, the present invention may be applied to an interruption between a plurality of print jobs or an interruption between print jobs related to a plurality of facsimile machines.
[0085]
Although FIG. 3 shows the external device that transmits the data to be printed as if it is one of the PCs 62, more preferably, the external device may be shared by a plurality of external devices via a network. In this case, priorities are set for print requests from a plurality of external devices, and interrupt processing is appropriately performed, thereby enabling efficient print output in accordance with the priorities.
[0086]
Further, in FIG. 3, the multifunction peripheral 30 is illustrated as if it were integrally configured. However, the image forming unit 61, the scanner unit 40, and the like may be provided separately. May be configured by hardware or software.
[0087]
Also , Further, the multifunction peripheral 30 according to the present embodiment has a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, but it is sufficient that at least two functions are provided without all the above three functions.
[0088]
Also , Further, in the flowchart according to FIG. 5, it is determined in S2 whether or not an interrupt instruction has been issued each time one sheet is printed. However, instead of one sheet, a predetermined number of sheets or a predetermined number according to the processing content of the processing unit is determined. The determination may be made for each number. Thus, the present invention can be implemented even when the processing capacity of the control unit 72 is relatively low.
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, For multiple print jobs When continuous printing is performed for a long time in the parallel processing, the fixing ability of the fixing unit is reduced, and recording may not be performed. Predetermined By stopping one of the recordings and continuing the other recording when the temperature reaches the temperature, it is possible to prevent the recording from being disabled while continuing the parallel processing as much as possible.
[0090]
Also , According to the present invention, data from an input unit where printing is interrupted Even the data Since the image processing is continued without interrupting the input and is stored in the storage unit, there is a time at the image forming interval. Effectively It can be used to immediately print the image data stored in the storage unit when the status of the image forming unit is restored or after the printing of data from another input unit that was performing parallel processing is completed. ,mark The overall progress of the printing job can be hastened.
[0091]
further , According to the present invention, when the temperature of the fixing unit falls below the predetermined temperature, the input unit for continuing the recording without interruption. Print jobs from Prioritize the image forming unit before it becomes incapable of fixing. Reno Input section Print jobs from Can be set beforehand, and the printing operation can be continued without interrupting the data printing from the input unit having the higher priority.
[0092]
Also , further , According to the present invention, when the parallel processing is instructed, the operator can confirm in advance the number of sheets that can be processed in parallel with the operation unit, the voice, or the like, and can execute the parallel processing without interrupting the printing on one side. Since the number of sheets can be set and executed, , Which Jobs Also It is possible to prevent a situation such as interruption from occurring. Also, printing When the number of sheets is set to be equal to or more than the possible number, even if one of the recordings is interrupted during the execution of the parallel processing, the operator recognizes in advance and does not give any anxiety.
[0093]
In addition, when an interrupt is instructed, the number of recorded sheets That is, the number notification means To Than By displaying the number of sheets that can be processed in parallel continuously for a certain time in a display form different from normal, processing It is also possible to easily notify the operator that a warning display of the possible number of recordings is made.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a temperature transition of a fixing roller in a fixing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overall sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing interruption of a print job according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an interruption of a print job according to the related art.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an interruption of a print job according to the related art.
[Explanation of symbols]
30 MFP
31 Document reading unit
32 imaging unit
34 Post-processing equipment
35 Platen
36 Automatic Document Feeder
40 Scanner
40a, 40b scanning unit
46 Laser writing unit
48 Photoconductor drum
49 Fusing unit
49a Fixing roller
49b Temperature detector
61 Image forming unit
62 Personal Computer (PC)
63 facsimile machine
64, 66, 70 Image processing unit
65, 67, 69 storage unit
68 Printer Board
71 FAX Board
72 Control unit
73 Mass Storage
101 Printer Job
101a to 101d print
102 Copy Job
102a, 102b copy

Claims (4)

A plurality of data input units capable of inputting data relating to a print job, an image processing unit provided for each of the plurality of data input units and performing predetermined image processing based on the input data, and an undetermined sheet formed on a sheet A temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of a fixing unit for fixing an image; and a first print job after a first print job is input from the data input unit and a second print job is input. during the image formation for each according sheet of the, controls so as to interrupt the image formation for each sheet according to the second print job, the temperature detecting means, a temperature higher than the fixing temperature limit of the fixing means a is, if it is detected that dropped to a predetermined temperature predetermined as the temperature for interrupting the parallel image forming operations regarding a plurality of print jobs, any one of the first print job or the second print job The interrupted image formation, and control means for controlling so as to continue with no decrease image formation of the other print job until the fixing limit temperature under the control of said control means, said first, second print job An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image according to (1). Input from the a storage unit for storing the data after the image processing of the input data and the image processing unit from the data input unit, the data input unit according to a second print job and the first print job The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing in the image processing unit is continued without interruption using the storage unit . It has a priority setting means for setting the priority of the print job from the data input unit to continue without releasing the image forming upon decreased by said temperature detecting means to the predetermined temperature in advance, the control means further, the priority when the priority is set by order setting means, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that interrupting the image forming relating to a print job from the lower priority the data input unit An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. During the execution of the first print job from the data input unit, when the second print job is input from the data input unit , the fixing unit determines the predetermined value based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. an interrupt number calculating means for calculating the interrupt printable recording sheets not drop to a temperature, based on the calculation result of the interrupt number calculator means, and the number notification means for notifying the interrupt printable number of recording sheets to the user the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises.

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