JP3762112B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having both a printing function and a copying function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional printing apparatus has realized a printing function with a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the printing apparatus includes a host computer 2104, a printer 2102, and a printer controller 2103 that sends image data sent from the host computer 2104 in accordance with the operation of the printer 2102.
[0003]
FIG. 21 shows a configuration of a printing apparatus in which an image reading device 2501 is added to the configuration shown in FIG. 17 and the image reading device 2501 is connected to a host computer 2104 via a network or directly to provide an image reading function. Further, the printer function and the copying function are realized by changing the configuration as shown in FIG. That is, a reader unit 2501 that reads an original, a controller unit 2602 that can communicate with the reader unit 2501 with respect to the printer controller 2103 shown in FIG. 17, and a selector unit that selects one of the reader unit 2501 and the controller unit 2602 2603, a communication line 2601 between the reader unit 2501 and the controller unit 2602 constitutes the printing apparatus.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 21 in the conventional example, a copying function can be provided by printing an image read by the image reading device 2501 by the printer 2102, but the processing speed and transmission can be performed via the network 2105 or the host computer 2104. There was a problem that the output was slow and the output could not be obtained in real time.
[0005]
Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 22, in order to provide a copying function, the controller unit 2602 needs an I / F that communicates with the reader separately from the I / F that communicates with the printer with respect to the printer controller 2103 shown in FIG. Therefore, significant changes are required both in terms of hardware and software.
[0006]
Further, when the configuration shown in FIG. 22 is adopted, in a printer that takes time for post-processing after completion of printing, including complete cleaning of the photosensitive drum, transfer belt, and the like, which is executed after completion of printing, the user can When printing a plurality of documents using the reading device 2501, the printer engine 2102 determines that the next print start signal does not come during the document replacement time after the end of printing of the first document, and shifts to the post-processing state. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to wait for the post-processing to be completed before printing the second and subsequent originals.
[0007]
Further, when an automatic document feeder is installed on the document reader as a copying function, if the document replacement time of the automatic document feeder for continuous printing is long, the printer engine receives a print start signal during the document replacement time. Since there is no change and the state transitions to the post-processing state, there is a problem that the state transits to the post-processing state during continuous printing. For this reason, the next state transition prohibition command is issued from the reader controller at a predetermined timing. This makes it possible to enter the post-processing state immediately after the end of printing of the current document, and to make the printer stand by while making the printer engine run as it is. Although it is possible to start the next printing without transitioning to the processing state, the heat in the fixing roller is used during printing when the printer is put in the standby state. However, the surface of the fixing roller is abnormally high compared to the temperature during the printing operation due to the overshoot characteristics of the fixing roller. In the worst case, there is a possibility that the fixability in the next printing may be affected.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the target processing is that a reader can be added without changing the printer controller, and a copying function that is not limited by the processing speed of the host computer can be realized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can always perform optimum image formation without adversely affecting image formation of the next job.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an engine control unit that controls conveyance of a recording sheet of a printer and image formation control, and performs setting and operation of the engine control unit or an external computer. Taka Has been sent Painting A printer controller for sending an image at a timing desired by the engine control unit, a document reading device, control of the document reading device, and processing of image data output from the document reading device, and processing by the engine control unit In a printing apparatus that includes a reader controller that sends an image at a timing, and is configured by inserting the reader controller between the engine controller and a printer controller.
Normally, after the current printing is completed, the printer enters the post-processing state immediately after the printing state, and the control is performed so that the engine state transitions so that the fixing temperature adjustment control in the normal standby state is executed. No When a next state transition prohibition command is issued from the reader controller to the engine control unit at a predetermined timing of the current printing, after the current printing is completed, the state is not shifted to the post-processing state or the next printing state, and , D Waiting for the next state transition permission command from the reader controller while the engine is in operation, the printer is put into standby mode during printing, and during this time, the fixing temperature adjustment control dedicated to the standby state during printing is different from the fixing temperature control during printing operation. After executing the transition to the standby state during printing, when the next state transition permission command is issued from the reader controller at a predetermined timing, the engine is returned to the printing state at a predetermined timing at which printing is possible, and the fixing temperature control during the printing operation is performed again And the next print image data transmitted from the reader controller is printed.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the switching timing from the fixing temperature control during the printing operation to the fixing temperature control during the printing standby state is switched immediately before the sheet is discharged. It is characterized by.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the post-processing state is not issued unless a next state transition permission command is issued before the settable time elapses after the transition to the printer engine printing standby state. In the post-processing state, the fixing temperature adjustment control is executed not in the fixing temperature adjustment control during the printing operation but in the standby state during the normal standby state. Features.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, each of the fixing temperature adjustment controls is performed such that a predetermined temperature adjustment target temperature is set and maintained at the target temperature. .
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the temperature adjustment target temperature of the fixing temperature adjustment control in the standby state during printing is relative to the temperature adjustment target temperature of the fixing temperature adjustment control during the printing operation. It is low and is set to be higher than the temperature adjustment target temperature of the fixing temperature adjustment control during standby.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
[Overall configuration]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to the present invention, in which 101 is a reader frame, 102 is a document table, 103 is a light source, 104 is a photoelectric conversion means, 105 is an analog / digital conversion means, and 106 is a reader. It is a controller.
[0016]
Reference numeral 2001 denotes a printer main body, 2002 denotes a DC controller that performs printer paper conveyance control and image formation control, and 2003 denotes an image forming unit. Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller shown in FIG. 17, which is built in the printer main body 2001 as shown in FIG.
[0017]
Further, 2104 is a one-to-one or host computer in FIG. 17 connected to the printer controller 2103 via a network 2105, 2004 is an optional paper cassette deck, 2005 is an optional sorter, and 2006 is paper feed. This is an optional controller for controlling the cassette deck 2004 and the sorter 2005.
[0018]
The reader controller 106 performs processing of digital images output from the analog-digital conversion means 105 and motor control means (not shown) for reading a document, and a function of performing communication control with the DC controller 2002 and the printer controller 2103. Have In the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the reader controller 106 is disposed in the printer main body 2001 and does not have an external cable for performing communication control with the DC controller 2002 or the printer controller 2103.
[0019]
[Printer controller and printer configuration]
In this embodiment, a reader controller 106 is connected between the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102, and processing is performed between the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102. Here, first, the configurations of the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102 as the premise will be described.
[0020]
First, the overall configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0021]
In FIG. 17, reference numeral 2101 denotes a video I / F. This video I / F 2101 performs communication between a printer 2102 and a printer controller 2103 described later. Details of each signal of the video I / F 2101 will be described later.
[0022]
Reference numeral 2102 denotes a printer, which forms an electric image signal received through the I / F of the printer 2101 in a visible form, transfers it to a recording sheet, fixes it, and outputs it. Various loads are controlled to realize these image forming sequences. In addition, it also functions to detect the status of the printer 2102 and notify the printer controller 2103 of the status.
[0023]
Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller which receives data sent via the host computer 2104 or the network 2105. This is sent in various formats such as bitmap data and PDL (Page Discription Language) description data. This data is developed in a memory and transferred to the printer 2102 as raster format data. In this way, data created by the host computer 2104 can be output to a printer.
[0024]
Next, the video I / F 2101 connecting the printer controller 2103 and the printer 2102 will be described in detail.
[0025]
In the connection diagram shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller, and reference numeral 2002 denotes an engine control unit (DC controller) that controls an engine provided in the printer 2102 shown in FIG. Signals as shown in the figure are exchanged between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002.
[0026]
FIG. 3 shows a signal list of the video I / F 2101. Here, only the representative signals shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
[0027]
First, / PPRDY 203 is a signal indicating that communication with the printer controller 2103 is possible after completion of processing such as initial setting after power is supplied to the printer 2102.
[0028]
204 / CPRDY is a signal indicating that communication with the engine control unit 2002 is possible after power is supplied to the printer controller 2103 and processing such as initial setting is completed.
[0029]
A / RDY signal 205 is a signal indicating that the engine control unit 2002 is enabled to perform a printing operation in response to a print start instruction (a / PRNT signal described later) from the printer controller 2103. The condition that this signal becomes true is that the printer 2102 indicates whether the temperature in the fixing device has reached a predetermined temperature, whether the recording paper does not remain in the printer 2102, or whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed. It is only when each part of is operating normally.
[0030]
The / PRNT signal 206 is a signal that the printer controller 2103 instructs the engine control unit 2002 to start or continue the printing operation.
[0031]
A / TOP signal 207 is a synchronization signal that is passed from the engine control unit 2002 to the printer controller 2103 and serves as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. This signal is output after a predetermined time after the / PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller 2103.
[0032]
The / LSYNC signal 208 is a synchronization signal that the printer controller 2103 uses as a reference for horizontal scanning. Similar to the / TOP signal, the / PRNT signal is output from the printer controller 2103 to the printer controller 2103 after a certain time. Is output.
[0033]
A / VCLK signal 209 is a synchronous clock for a later-described / VDOEN and / VDO signal, and generates a clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal from the printer controller 2103.
[0034]
A / VDOEN signal 210 is a signal for controlling the image signal output from the printer controller 2103 to be taken into the engine control unit 2002. The engine control unit 2002 detects whether this signal is TRUE / FALSE in synchronization with the / VCLK signal, and captures an image signal in the case of TRUE and does not capture in the case of FALSE.
[0035]
The / VDO signal 211 is image data. The printer controller 2103 outputs in synchronization with the / VCLK signal based on the / TOP signal for the vertical direction and the / LSYNC signal for the horizontal direction.
[0036]
A / CCLK signal 212 is a synchronous clock when the printer controller 2103 transmits a serial command to the engine control unit 2002 and when the engine control unit 2002 returns a serial status to the printer controller 2103. Is output.
[0037]
A / CBSY signal 213 is a signal that indicates to the engine control unit 2002 that the printer controller 2103 is transmitting a serial command using a / CMD signal described later.
[0038]
The / CMD signal 214 is a signal used when the printer controller 2103 transmits serial information to the engine control unit 2002, and the serial information is called a command.
[0039]
The / SBSY signal 215 is a signal that indicates to the printer controller 2103 that the engine control unit has returned a serial status using the 2002 / STS signal.
[0040]
As for the / STS signal of 216, the engine control unit 2002 calls the serial information to the printer controller 2103 the status.
[0041]
The / CCRT signal 217 is a signal for reporting to the printer controller 2103 when the internal status of the printer 2102 changes. When the printer controller 2103 receives this report signal, it issues a command for inquiring about what has changed on the engine side using the / CMD signal, and the engine control unit 2002 notifies the state by using the / STS signal. .
[0042]
Next, the printer 2102 controlled by the engine control unit 2002 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the printer 2102.
[0043]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a scanner. The scanner 401 receives the image signal / VDO sent from the printer controller 2103, converts it into laser light, and then irradiates the photoconductor 402 to irradiate the photoconductor 402. An image is formed on. The photosensitive member 402 reaches the color developing unit 403 and the black developing unit 404 while rotating clockwise. The developing units 403 and 404 function to place (develop) toner on the photosensitive member 402 in accordance with the electric charge charged on the photosensitive member 402. When the image is black and white, only the black developer 404 operates, and when the image is color, both the color developer 403 and the black developer 404 are used.
[0044]
Next, the image formed on the photosensitive member 402 is transferred to an intermediate transfer member 405 that rotates clockwise. The intermediate transfer member 405 completes image formation on the intermediate transfer member 405 by rotating once for black and white and rotating four times for color.
[0045]
On the other hand, the recording paper fed from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409 by the pickup roller 411 or 412 is conveyed according to the paper supply roller 413 or 414 and further conveyed by the conveyance roller 415 to before registration.
[0046]
The timing is controlled such that the recording paper comes between the intermediate transfer body 405 and the transfer belt 406 at the timing when the image formation is completed on the intermediate transfer body 405. When the recording paper reaches between the intermediate transfer member 405 and the transfer belt 406, the transfer belt 406 contacts the intermediate transfer member 405, and the toner is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by heat and pressure by the fixing roller 407.
[0047]
The recording sheet on which the image is fixed is conveyed to either the face-up discharge port 417 or the face-down discharge port 418 specified in advance by the printer controller 2103 and discharged.
[0048]
Thus, the image information sent from the printer controller 2103 can be output.
[0049]
Next, the timing of signals exchanged between the video I / F 2101 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows the video I / F 2101 as the signal time elapses.
[0050]
First, when the printer controller 2103 completes preparation of image information, the / PRNF signal is set to Low (true) and transmitted to the engine control unit 2002. At the same time, an image synchronization signal / VCLK signal used for transferring an image signal is also generated.
[0051]
In response to this, the engine control unit 2002 performs various settings inside the printer 2102 and outputs a / TOP signal and a / LSYNC signal to the printer controller 2103 when the image can be received. The printer controller 2103 transfers the / VDO signal that is an image signal and the / VDOEN signal that is an image valid signal to the engine control unit 2002 in accordance with the / TOP signal that is the vertical synchronization signal and the / LSYNC signal that is the horizontal synchronization signal. To do.
[0052]
Next, it is shown what commands and status are exchanged by serial communication during these printing operations. FIG. 6 shows the timing of communication between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002.
[0053]
First, the case where the lowermost / CCRT signal is not used will be described.
[0054]
When the printer controller 2103 wants to issue a command to the engine control unit 2002, the / CBSY signal is set to Low (true), and command data is sent to the / CMD signal in synchronization with the clock signal / CCLK. The engine control unit 2002 that has received it confirms that the / CBSY signal is High (false), then sets / SBSY to Low (true) and generates engine-side status data corresponding to the command from the print controller 2103. Sent to / STS in synchronization with the / CCLK signal. The printer controller 2103 receives this status data, and print control is continued or interrupted depending on the status data.
[0055]
Next, the / CCRT signal will be described.
[0056]
This / CCRT signal is a signal that becomes Low (true) when a change occurs with respect to the engine-side state designated by the printer controller 2103 in advance. For example, assume that the printer controller 2103 has previously set the / CMD signal so that the / CCRT signal is validated when there is no paper. Therefore, it is assumed that there is only one remaining recording sheet, and the printer controller 2103 issues two printout requests. The print sequence operation is normally processed for the first sheet without any problem. However, since the second recording sheet does not exist, the printer engine side detects a change in state at the stage where the second image formation is started, and changes the / CCRT signal from High to Low. This signal is transmitted to the printer controller 2103. As soon as this is detected, the printer controller 2103 returns to the printer controller side 2103 a paper feed unit paper presence status to know which paper feed cassette is out of paper to the engine control unit 2002. The / CCRT signal is cleared to High at the timing when the status is returned and the / SBSY signal becomes Low.
[0057]
Here, more specifically, the exchange of commands / status between the print controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 is shown in FIG. 7, and the printing operation will be described based on this. Here, color output is assumed.
[0058]
When a print start request is generated, the printer controller 2103 checks the ready state of the printer 2102 with respect to the engine control unit 2002 while performing image data conversion processing and the like. Next, a command for designating the recording paper feed tray is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status.
[0059]
Next, a paper discharge port is determined by a command for designating a paper discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many pages of an image are formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for designating monochrome / color, all settings on the printer 2102 side are completed.
[0060]
Thereafter, the printer controller 2103 generates a print request / PRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, the engine controller 2002 returns a / TOP signal for a predetermined time. The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the / TOP signal, the horizontal direction is synchronized with the / LSYNC signal, and the / VDO signal is synchronized with / VCLK to transfer the image to the engine control unit 2002. Since the color mode is set here, the / TOP signal is generated four times to form images for four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black.
[0061]
Then, after the final / TOP signal is generated, the / PRNT signal is returned to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and proceeds to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer member 405. Further, the transferred recording sheet passes through the fixing roller 407 and is then discharged to a designated discharge port. Finally, the printer controller 2103 confirms with the engine control unit 2002 that the recording paper is not transported (discharge end), ends printing, and waits in a ready state until the next print request is generated.
[0062]
If an illegal state such as a recording paper jam, the absence of the recording paper, or a door open by the user occurs during the operation as described above, the abnormality of the printer 2102 is immediately detected from the engine control unit 2002 using the / CCRT signal. Tell the controller 2103. Then, the printer controller 2103 performs corresponding processing.
[0063]
The processing performed between the printer controller 2103 and the printer (engine control unit) 2102 has been described above.
[0064]
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a printing apparatus having the electrical configuration described above.
[0065]
In FIG. 16, reference numeral 2001 denotes a printer main body, 2002 denotes a DC controller that performs paper conveyance control and image formation control of the printer 2102, and 2003 denotes an image forming unit. Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller shown in FIG. 17, which is built in the printer main body 2001 as shown in FIG.
[0066]
Reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer shown in FIG. 17 connected to the printer controller 2103 via a one-to-one or network 2105. 2004 is a paper cassette deck that can be added as an option, 2005 is a sorter that can be added as an option, and 2006 is an option controller that controls the paper cassette deck 2004 and sorter 2005.
[0067]
[Configuration when a reader controller is installed]
FIG. 8 shows not only image data output from the printer controller based on data transferred from the computer to the printing apparatus described above, but also a reader that optically reads a document image on paper, converts it into a digital signal, and outputs it. It is sectional drawing at the time of mounting | wearing with a controller.
[0068]
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a document feeder for transporting a document to a portion for optically reading, 802 denotes an optical reader, and 805 denotes a document table glass. The document feeder 801 is driven in synchronization with the optical reader 802. When the document image is transferred onto the document glass 805 by the document feeder 801, the optical reader 802 moves in the left-right direction in FIG. The image is scanned while the reflected light subjected to appropriate optical processing is sent to the photoelectric conversion unit 804. Reference numeral 803 denotes a printer main body.
[0069]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing electrical connections when a reader controller 901 for reading a document image is attached to the block diagram showing connections between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG.
[0070]
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a reader controller, which is disposed at an electrical intermediate between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 in FIG. 2. The types of signal lines between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 and between the engine control unit 2002 and the reader controller 901 have the same functions as the types of signal lines shown in FIG. However, since the signals between the printer controllers 2103 and the signals between the engine control units 2002 are physically different, the former is given a C and the latter is given a P as a signal name.
[0071]
Reference numeral 902 denotes an image signal processing unit, 903 denotes a document scanning optical system control unit that controls the optical reading device 802, and 904 denotes a document feeding control unit that controls the document feeding device 801. Reference numeral 905 denotes an operation unit, and 906 denotes an image input unit. The image signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 804 is input from the image input unit 906 and transferred to the image signal processing 902 inside the reader controller 901.
[0072]
Next, the configuration in the reader controller 901 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.
[0073]
18, 901 is the reader controller shown in FIG. 9, 902 is the image processing unit shown in FIG. 9, and 906 is the image input unit shown in FIG. A selector 2201 selects either the output of the image processing unit 902 or a signal sent from the printer controller 2103 and outputs the selected signal to the engine control unit 2002. There are three signal systems to be switched by the selector 2201, image clock / VCLK, image enable / VDOEN, and image data / VDO. Reference numeral 2202 denotes a serial communication controller that communicates with the engine control unit 2002, and 2203 denotes an input / output port that exchanges signals that supplement communication with the serial communication controller 2202.
[0074]
An interrupt controller 2204 is supplied with an image leading edge request signal / PTOP and a printer state change signal / PCCRT. 2205 is a serial communication controller that communicates with the printer controller 2103, 2206 is an input / output port for exchanging signals to supplement communication with the communication controller 2205, 2207 is a gate, and this gate 2207 is sent from the printer 2102. It controls whether or not to send a signal to the printer controller 2103. This gate control is performed by the image leading edge request signal / TOP and the line synchronization signal / LSYNC.
[0075]
Reference numeral 2208 denotes a control circuit having a gate function and a flag set function, and controls the printer status change signal / CCRT. By controlling the opening / closing of the gate 2207, it is controlled whether or not the printer status change signal / PCCRT issued by the engine control unit 2002 is transmitted to the printer controller 2103. Also, by setting a flag, the reader controller 901 sends the printer status change signal / CCRT. It can be issued to the printer controller 2103. Reference numeral 2209 denotes a CPU that controls the whole.
[0076]
[Operation when copying]
A method for reading a full-color original image and outputting it from the image forming apparatus will be described.
[0077]
When a copy start key (not shown) on the operation unit 905 is input, the reader controller 901 closes the gate 2207 and the signal control 2208 for the copy mode, and the selector 2201 displays the output of the image processing unit 902. Set to be selected.
[0078]
Next, the ready state signal / PRDY of the printer 2102 is checked with respect to the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203. Next, various settings are performed using the serial communication controller 2202. First, a command for designating a recording paper feed stage is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status.
[0079]
Next, a paper discharge port is determined by a command for specifying the paper discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many pages of an image are to be formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for designating monochrome / color, all settings on the printer 2102 side are completed.
[0080]
After the document is fed onto the document table by the document feeder 801, the reader controller 901 generates a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, a / PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit 2002 after a predetermined time. This is processed by the interrupt controller 2204, and the optical reading device 802 is operated so as to be synchronized with the / PTOP signal. The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the / PTOP signal, the horizontal direction is synchronized with the / PLSYNC signal, the / PVDO signal is synchronized with the / PVCLK signal, and the signal input from the photoelectric conversion device 804 to the image processing unit 902 is processed in the engine. Transfer to the control unit 2002. Since the color mode is set here, the optical reading device 802 is operated four times, and images of four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are formed for the / PTOP signal generated four times.
[0081]
After the final / PTOP signal is generated, the / PPRNT signal is returned to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and proceeds to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer member 405. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller 407 and is then discharged to a designated paper discharge port. Finally, the reader controller 901 confirms with the engine control unit 2002 that the recording paper is not being conveyed (discharge end), and then ends printing and waits in a ready state until the next print request is generated.
[0082]
[Operation when printing]
A method for outputting an image from the printer controller 2013 from the image forming apparatus will be described.
[0083]
When the copying operation is finished, the reader controller 901 enters a ready state. At this time, the reader controller 901 opens the gate 2207 and the control circuit 2208 for the operation during printing. The reader controller 901 checks the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer 2102 with respect to the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203, and if it is OK, the reader controller 901 uses the input / output port 2206 to check the printer controller 2103. The ready state signal / CRDY of the printer 2102 is set.
[0084]
Next, the printer controller 2103 communicates to make various settings, and the reader controller 901 receives it using the serial communication controller 2205 and the CPU 2209 interprets it. In accordance with the contents, the reader controller 901 makes various settings using the serial communication controller 2202. In response to the series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status to the reader controller 901, and the reader controller 901 receives the status using the serial communication controller 2202. The received content is interpreted by the CPU 2209 and this time, the serial communication controller 2205 is used to communicate with the printer controller 2103.
[0085]
Next, the printer controller 2103 generates a print request / COUNT signal for the reader controller 901, and the reader controller 901 receives it and generates a print request / PPRNT signal for the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, a / PTOP signal is returned from the engine control unit 2002 after a predetermined time. This is passed through the gate 2207 and returned to the printer controller 2103 as a / CTOP signal. The printer controller 2103 synchronizes the vertical scanning direction with the / CTOP signal, further synchronizes the horizontal direction with the / PLSYNC signal that has passed through the gate 2207 and the horizontal direction with the / CLSYNC signal, and synchronizes the CVDO signal with / CVCLK, to the reader controller 901. And forward. In the reader controller 901, the selector 2201 is set so as to select a signal sent from the printer controller 2103, and the signals sent from the printer controller 2103 are engine controlled as / PVCLK, / PVDOEN, / PVDO. Is sent to the unit 2002.
[0086]
[Differences between printing and copying]
Here, the difference between the operation at the time of printing and the operation at the time of copying will be described with respect to the image transmission timing.
[0087]
Although a detailed description of the configuration of the printer controller 2103 is omitted, the printer controller 2103 has an image memory therein, and image data for printing is prepared in advance therein. Accordingly, the time required until the print data / VDO signal can be output in response to the image leading edge request signal / TOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 is only the electrical delay time.
[0088]
On the other hand, in the copy mode, the original is read and the image data is output while moving the optical reading device 802.
[0089]
As shown in FIG. 20, it takes time to accelerate the optical reader 802 from the stopped state to the moving state at a high speed for reading a document. For example, about several hundred msec. Takes time. Therefore, if the engine control unit 2002 sends the image leading edge request signal / TOP signal in the copy mode at the same timing as the signal in the print mode, the print image data / VDO reaches the engine in the copy mode. Will be delayed by several hundred msec. There are the following two plans for this.
[0090]
1) Send the / TOP signal earlier during printing than during printing.
2) A separate signal (RSTART) is provided for the copy mode.
In order to execute the above 1) plan, the configuration in the reader controller 901 may remain as shown in FIG. 18, and in the copy mode, the reader controller 901 starts to move the document reading device 802 in response to the / TOP signal.
[0091]
In order to execute the plan 2), the configuration shown in FIG. That is, the image leading edge request signal / PTOP sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal necessary only when the printer controller 2103 performs printing, and does not need to be input to the interrupt controller 2204 of the reader controller 901. The reading apparatus movement start request signal / RSTART sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal necessary only in the copy mode, and need not be sent to the printer controller 2103.
[0092]
[Control for setting commands]
Next, characteristic control of the present invention will be described.
[0093]
By connecting the reader controller 901 between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002, communication between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 is as follows.
[0094]
When the reader controller 901 reads and outputs a document image using the engine control unit 2002 (copier mode), the printer controller 2103 issues a setting command (for example, a paper feed cassette change command 9) to the printer 2102. The case will be described.
[0095]
10 and 11 are flowcharts showing a command issuance sequence when the reader controller 901 is not inserted (that is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2). FIG. 10 shows a processing sequence in the printer controller 2103, and FIG. 11 shows a processing sequence in the engine control unit 2002.
[0096]
The printer controller 2103 waits for a response from the engine control unit 2002 after issuing a paper feed cassette change command, determines the success of the command when the response comes, and ends a series of command issuance sequences. The engine control unit 2002 determines the content of the command when it receives a command from the printer controller 2103, and notifies the printer controller 2103 of successful command execution when the change is successful in the case of a paper feed cassette change command.
[0097]
[Control for state change signal]
Next, in a configuration in which the reader controller 901 is interposed, a state change on the engine side, for example, an error occurrence state is transmitted from the engine control unit 2002 side to the reader controller 901 using the PCCRT. The processing in the case will be described.
[0098]
In the case of a configuration in which the reader controller 901 is in between, there is a possibility that the change of the state that the reader controller 901 side and the printer controller 2103 side want to know is different. For example, this is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being conveyed is jammed.
[0099]
If a jam occurs when the engine is performing a copying operation under the control of the reader controller 901, this state is a state that only the reader controller 901 wants to know. Since the printer controller 2103 is not a jam that is being output, the printer controller 2103 cannot perform proper post-processing even if it is informed of this state.
[0100]
Also, if a control system equivalent to the reader controller 901 is to be mounted, both controllers 901, 2103 will also have the software for jam processing control that the other should have, so it will be redundantly installed. A lot of waste is generated in terms of evaluation and software capacity.
[0101]
Therefore, basically, the printer controller 2103 is notified in the print mode, and the reader controller 901 is notified in the copy mode. However, the printer controller 2103 may want an engine state change signal even in the copy mode. For example, it is necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 of information such as a cassette size change or no paper. These do not strictly ask the time from when the state change signal is issued by the engine control unit 2002 until the processing is performed by the controllers 901 and 2103.
[0102]
Therefore, processing as described below is performed.
[0103]
That is, in the copy mode in which the reader controller 901 controls the engine control unit 2002, the printer controller 2103 receives the state change signal / PCCRT notified from the engine control unit 2002 using the gate function of the control circuit 2208. Is masked, and only the reader controller 901 receives it through the interrupt controller 2204. The reader controller 901 performs processing according to the control flow of FIG. That is, when the / PCCRT signal becomes true, the reader controller 901 issues a command for acquiring a state change to the engine control unit 2002. After that, the contents of the engine state change are grasped by looking at the returned status. Then, it is determined whether or not the content is to be notified to the printer controller 2103. For example, a status change such as a change in the paper cassette size is notified. If it is determined to be notified, a flag is set using the control circuit 2208, and a state change signal / CCCRT is generated and notified to the printer controller 2103.
[0104]
In the printer mode in which the printer controller 2103 controls the engine control unit 2002, the gate function of the control circuit 2208 is released, and the state change signal / PCCRT notified from the engine control unit 2002 is changed to the state change signal / CCCRT. Is notified to the printer controller 2103.
[0105]
[Control for execution commands]
Next, execution command control will be described.
[0106]
For example, how the reader controller 901 performs control when the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 simultaneously request use of the engine controller 2002 will be described.
[0107]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the location and exchange of data when a print request occurs during a copy operation. At this time, the engine control unit 2002 receives the image signal / PVDO sent from the reader controller 901 and forms an image. In the operation, as described with reference to FIG. 7, settings such as paper cassette designation, paper ejection port designation, and image formation mode have been set by serial communication between the reader controller 901 and the engine control unit 2002.
[0108]
1301 is a buffer for various settings, and stores values set by the reader controller 901 in the engine control unit 2002 and values set by the printer controller 2103 in the engine control unit 2002. Among the various setting values shown in the buffer 1301, the above-mentioned designated value is stored in the setting value for the reader. Here, when a print request is generated from the printer controller 2103 during the copying operation, it is difficult to think from the viewpoint of usability that the copying operation is interrupted and the printing is performed. Therefore, the print request in this situation is postponed until the copy operation is completed.
[0109]
However, / CSTS must be returned to / CCMD from the printer controller 2103. Therefore, of the setting values in the buffer 1301, only the setting value from the printer 2102 is set as the setting value for PDL upon request. Only the setting values from the printer 2102 are set in response to the request for the setting values for the reader and the setting values for the PDL. If the setting value for the reader is different from the setting value for the PDL, the reader controller 901 may set the engine control unit 2002 before the copying operation is finished and the printer operation is started. A specific example will be described as follows.
[0110]
Currently, the copy operation is in progress, the paper is fed from the upper cassette and discharged to the face-up discharge port, and the image formation mode is also set to the color mode based on the determination (2) that the document is color. Suppose. Here, when a print request is generated from the printer controller 2103, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings can be made. Here, it is assumed that the print request is a request for feeding paper from the upper cassette, discharging it to the face-down discharge port, and outputting a monochrome image. With respect to the paper cassette designation, both the reader controller 901 and the printer controller 2103 designate the upper cassette. Therefore, it is not necessary to issue a paper feed cassette designation command to the engine control unit 2002 even when the copying operation is completed and the printing operation is switched. Since the discharge port and the image forming mode are specified differently in the copying operation and the printing operation, when the copying operation is completed, the reader controller 901 again instructs the engine control unit 2002 to specify the discharging port and the image forming mode. Need to be issued.
[0111]
As described above, the reader controller 901 does not make a determination only to postpone the command execution to the engine control unit 2002 in response to the command from the printer controller 2103, but the reader controller 901 has already sent to the engine control unit 2002. On the other hand, for those already set, a determination is made so that they are not set twice.
[0112]
Next, a case where a copy request is generated during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, in contrast to the case of FIG. 13, from the viewpoint of usability, it is better that the copy operation can be executed in an interrupted manner than if the copy button cannot be copied during the print operation even if the copy button is pressed in front of the copier. .
[0113]
In this case, / CVDO sent from the printer controller 2103 is selected by the selector 2201 and sent to the engine control unit 2002 as / PVDO. It is assumed that the settings are exactly the same as those described with reference to FIG. 13 and the settings from the printer controller 2103 are the upper cassette, the face-down discharge port, and the monochrome image mode. Since the engine control unit 2002 can detect the end for the first time when the / PPRNT signal from the printer controller 2103 becomes High (false), it does not know how many sheets are printed out. Here, it is assumed that the printer is going to print out four images. If the reader does not interrupt and make a copy operation request, four / PTOP signals are generated from the engine control unit 2002 as shown in FIG. 5, and an image is sent from the printer controller 2103 to the reader controller 901 accordingly. To the engine control unit 2002.
[0114]
Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request for one copy of a color original is generated in the reader controller 901 during the second printout. This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0115]
In response to the / CPRNT request from the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 901 issues a / PPRNT request to the engine control unit 2002, and the / PTOP signal from the engine control unit 2002 passes through the reader controller 901 as the / CTOP signal to the printer controller 2103. To be supplied. In this way, the printing operation of the first image indicated by 1501 and the second image indicated by 1502 is executed.
[0116]
Here, a case where the reader controller 901 generates an interrupt copy request during the print-out operation for the second sheet will be described.
[0117]
The reader controller 901 generates a / CCCRT signal for the printer controller 2103. This is because the engine state has not actually changed but the reader requests the printer controller 2103 to open the engine in order to acquire the printer engine. As described above, the control unit 2208 is used for generation. In response to the / CCCRT signal, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for checking the status of the engine, and the reader controller 901 returns to the printer controller 2103 a status indicating “copying in progress”. Then, the printer controller 2103 detects that the engine is performing a copy operation while keeping the / CPRNT signal Low (true), and continues to wait for the / CTOP signal. If it is not in the copy state and / CPRNT remains Low (true) / CTOP does not come, a timeout error occurs after a certain time. However, in the copy state, the timeout is canceled on the printer controller 2103 side, and Set to continue waiting for CTOP signal.
[0118]
This time, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 performs a copy operation, and the / PTOP signal is used on the reader controller 901 side. In addition, as indicated by 1505, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine side is masked to the printer controller 2103. The image signal actually generated by the reader controller 901 is only 1506 image signals. Then, after one interrupt copy is completed, the / PTOP signal is masked again and sent to the printer controller 2103 as / CTOP to print the images 1503 and 1504 from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002. Can be out.
[0119]
As described above, the interrupt copy operation during the print operation can be realized.
[0120]
As described above, the reader controller 901 determines, depending on the case, which one acquires the printer engine according to the state of the printer controller 2103 or the reader controller 901 and at which timing the command is issued. Requests from the two controllers 901 and 2103 can be realized for one engine.
[0121]
[Control for setting confirmation command]
Next, control when the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command will be described.
[0122]
When the printer controller 2103 confirms that the state set in the engine control unit 2002 has been confirmed, the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command via / CCMD. Upon receiving this, the reader controller 901 checks the setting value storage buffer in FIG. 13, and if the content that the printer controller 2103 wants to confirm is present in the buffer, the content is read and notified to the printer controller 2103 via / CSTS.
[0123]
If the content is not in the buffer, the reader controller 901 issues a setting content confirmation command through / PCMD. The engine control unit 2002 reads the content, notifies the setting content to the reader controller 901 through / PSTS, and the reader controller 901 notifies the content to the printer controller 2103 through / CSTS.
[0124]
[Control when issuing next state transition enable command / next state transition disable command]
FIG. 24 shows a sequence flow after the main switch of a printer not shown in FIG. 23 is turned on. After the main switch (not shown) is turned on (S2700), the printer engine performs preprocessing such as setting parameters necessary for printer control and adjusting the temperature to a temperature necessary for printing the fixing device (S2701). When the fixing temperature necessary for printing is reached and pre-processing such as setting of various parameters necessary for control (S2702) is completed, the image data printing start standby state is entered (S2703).
[0125]
When the print start standby state is entered, the printer waits for a print start signal (/ PRNT) from the reader controller 901. When the print start signal is transmitted from the reader controller 901 (S2704), printing is started and the printer transitions to the print state ( S2705). After the end of printing (S2706), the normal printer transitions to a post-processing state (S2707). In the post-processing state, the printer may take a long time to perform careful cleaning processing of the drum and transfer belt. When the post-processing is completed, the printer transitions to a print start standby state (S2708).
[0126]
A case will be described below where the user controls the printer from the reader controller 901 so that the user does not enter a post-processing state for each original when copying a plurality of originals.
[0127]
The user places the document on the document table and presses the key for starting printing. When the print start key is pressed, the reader controller 901 transmits the image data read by the document reading device 22501 together with the transmission of the / PRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002 as described above, and the printer transmits the latent image / development / feed. A series of printing sequences including paper, transfer, and arrangement are executed, but the next state transition prohibition command C1 is issued from the reader controller 901 at a predetermined timing during printing. FIG. 24 shows a sequence flow after the printer receives this command.
[0128]
When the command is received (S2800), the state transition prohibition flag is set (S2801), and the engine control unit 2002 checks this flag at the timing (S2802) when the normal post-processing starts (S2803), and this flag is set. If the printer engine is operating, a transition is made to the standby state during printing (S2804).
[0129]
After entering the standby state during printing, the user replaces the second original and presses the switch again. When the reader controller 901 detects that the print start key is pressed (S2806), it issues a next state transition permission command to the printer engine control unit 2002 (S2807). Upon receiving this command, the printer returns to the printing state at a predetermined timing (S2808) at which printing can be started (S2810), and the reader controller 901 obtains the next image data in accordance with the timing at which the printer returns to the printing state. Then, the next printing is started.
[0130]
When a predetermined time that can be set in the standby state during printing has elapsed (S2805), the printer shifts to a post-processing state and executes post-processing (S2809). If the next state transition prohibition command is not transmitted from the reader controller 901, the printer transitions to the post-processing state after printing and executes post-processing (S2809).
[0131]
As described above, by using the next state transition permission command and the next state transition prohibition command C2, in a printer that requires a longer time than the document replacement time for post processing, the processing proceeds to post processing, and the post processing ends. It is possible to execute the next image data printing without waiting. In addition, when a settable time elapses after the transition to the standby state during printing, the printer engine control unit 2002 controls the printer so as to transition to the post-processing state.
[0132]
[Temperature control during printing, standby during printing, and post-processing]
The temperature control at the time of transition from the printing operation to the post-processing state or the standby state during printing as described above will be described.
[0133]
25 and 26 show an outline of the fixing unit in the present embodiment.
[0134]
25 and 26, 2900 is a fixing upper roller, 2901 is a fixing lower roller, 2902 and 2903 are lamps in the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 and are used as fixing heaters, 2904 and 2905 are upper and lower fixing rollers 2900. , 2901 is a thermistor for measuring the surface temperature of the fixing roller disposed in contact with the surface of the sheet 2906. When the paper is ejected from the fixing device, the lever is pushed upward to finish the ejection of the paper from the fixing device. Part 2907 of the sensor for detecting whether or not is a sheet to be conveyed.
[0135]
The fixing device unit is configured such that pressure is applied to the upper and lower two fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 (not shown) at a contact point, and fixing is performed by a fixing method using the pressure between the upper and lower two rollers 2900 and 2901 and the fixing roller. Fixing control is executed by adopting two methods of thermal fixing by heating fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 by fixing heaters 2902 and 2903 passed through 2900 and 2901.
[0136]
Thermistors 2904 and 2905 for measuring the surface temperature of the fixing roller are installed on the surfaces of the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 in contact with the upper and lower heaters 2902 and 2903, respectively. The fixing roller surface temperature obtained from both thermistors 2904 and 2905 is measured as the fixing temperature, and the current fixing temperature is determined from the measurement data obtained by the engine control unit 2002, and the fixing heaters 2902 and 2903 are turned on / off. Control. In the fixing temperature adjustment control in the present embodiment, the engine control unit 2002 sets the temperature adjustment target temperature, determines the current state from the fixing roller surface temperature obtained as described above, and maintains the temperature adjustment target temperature. The fixing heater is turned ON / OFF so that
[0137]
In the present embodiment, during the printing operation, the fixing temperature adjustment target temperature during the printing operation is set and the fixing temperature adjustment control is executed. The fixing temperature adjustment target temperature during the printing operation is naturally set higher than the fixing temperature adjustment target temperature during standby in order to thermally fix the toner on the paper. During the printing operation, even when the fixing temperature adjustment target temperature is set high, when the sheet is conveyed between the upper and lower fixing rollers 2900 and 2901, it is set by heat absorption due to toner fixation and heat absorption of the sheet itself. The temperature on the surface of the fixing roller is usually lower than the target temperature. Accordingly, during the printing operation, the fixing temperature considering the thermal fixing of the toner is set as the temperature adjustment target temperature.
[0138]
However, when the temperature is not conveyed between the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 for a long time when the standby state during printing in this case is entered, if the fixing temperature control is performed during the printing operation, the paper is between the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901. The heat of the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 absorbed by the heat fixing of the toner and the heat absorption by the paper is also eliminated, and the surface temperature of the fixing roller is overshooted by the temperature characteristics of the surface temperature of the fixing roller. 27 suddenly rises (FIG. 27). In the worst case, for example, if the fixing temperature adjustment control during the printing operation is executed for a long time during the printing operation state, the adverse effect as shown in FIG. May enter the temperature range.
[0139]
When the next sheet comes in the temperature range where the surface temperature of the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 enters this adverse effect, the temperature of the surface of the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901 is high due to the offset phenomenon of the fixing device. The toner that has been deposited adheres to the fixing rollers 2900 and 2901, and the adhered toner further re-fixes on the paper, resulting in a phenomenon in which an optimum image cannot be obtained.
[0140]
Therefore, when entering the standby state during printing, the fixing temperature adjustment control dedicated to the standby state during printing is executed. Fixing temperature adjustment target temperature of fixing temperature adjustment control in standby state during printing is set lower than the fixing temperature adjustment target temperature of fixing temperature adjustment control during printing operation in order to solve the problem of sudden temperature rise on the surface of the fixing roller. In consideration of the printing of the next job, it is set higher than the temperature control target temperature during standby. Thus, by setting the temperature control temperature lower than during printing operation, sudden It is possible to suppress the temperature rise to a range where there is no problem. In this embodiment, in consideration of the fixing property, switching from the fixing temperature control during the printing operation to the fixing temperature control in the standby state during printing is executed immediately before the sheet is discharged from the fixing device. Like to do. The timing at which the sheet is discharged from the fixing device is controlled such that the engine control unit 2002 performs switching at the timing at which the trailing end of the discharged sheet is detected by the fixing discharge sensor 2906 shown in FIG.
[0141]
Since the temperature control target temperature in the standby state during printing is set higher than the temperature control target temperature in standby mode, switch to the temperature control control in standby mode in the post-processing state before entering standby mode. It is necessary to lower the temperature. Therefore, when the next job does not start from the standby state during printing and transitions to the post-processing state, control is performed so as to execute switching of the fixing temperature control.
[0142]
FIG. 28 shows a control flow that simply represents the above control.
[0143]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the conventional problem can be solved by inserting a reader controller between the engine controller and the printer controller, and a reader can be added without changing the printer controller. In addition, it is possible to realize a copying function that is not limited by the processing speed of the host computer.
[0144]
In addition, according to the present invention, even after entering the standby state during printing, it is possible to suppress a sudden temperature rise due to the overshoot characteristic to a range where there is no problem by executing the fixing temperature adjustment control dedicated to the standby state during printing. Thus, there is an effect that the optimum image formation can always be performed without adversely affecting the image formation of the next job.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a controller and a printer.
FIG. 2 is a connection diagram between a printer controller and an engine control unit.
FIG. 3 is a list of video I / F signals.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a paper conveyance path in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an image signal timing chart.
FIG. 6 is a serial signal timing chart.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating serial communication during a printing operation.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus according to the present invention in a state where a leader portion is mounted.
FIG. 9 is a connection diagram in a configuration in which a reader controller is inserted between the printer controller and the engine control unit.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a communication sequence.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process procedure of a state change in / CCRT when a reader is attached.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for a print request during a copy operation.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a copy request processing procedure during a print operation;
FIG. 15 is a timing chart at the time of interrupt copying.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the printer.
FIG. 17 is a system connection diagram of a printer.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration in a reader controller.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration in a reader controller.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a timing difference between copying and printing.
FIG. 21 is a system connection diagram of a conventional reader.
FIG. 22 is a system connection diagram of a conventional reader.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation sequence flow of the printer.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation sequence flow of the printer when a next state transition prohibition command is received.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a fixing unit.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing unit.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating fixing roller surface temperature overshoot characteristics.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a switching procedure of fixing temperature control.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Leader frame
106 Reader controller
1301 Setting value buffer
2001 Printer body
2002 Engine control unit
2103 Printer controller
2104 Host computer
2201 selector
2207 gate
2208 Control circuit
2501 Image reading apparatus

Claims (5)

An engine control unit for controlling the conveyance and image forming control of the recording paper in the printer, or to perform the settings and operation of the engine control unit, desires images sent outside the computer or al of the engine control unit Printer controller for sending image at timing, document reading device, reader controller for controlling document reading device and processing image data output from document reading device, and sending image at desired timing of engine control unit In a printing apparatus configured by inserting the reader controller between the engine control unit and a printer controller,
Normally controls to transition the state of the engine to perform fixing temperature control of the normal standby immediately enters the wrap-up state from the printed state after the current printing is completed, engine control unit during the printing operation when it is issued to the next state transition prohibition command reader controller at a predetermined timing in the current printing on does not transition after the current print ending wrap-up state or a next printing state, and, an engine While waiting for the next state transition permission command from the reader controller, the printer makes a transition to the standby state during printing and waits, and during this time, the fixing temperature adjustment control dedicated to the standby state during printing, which is different from the fixing temperature control during the printing operation, is executed. After the transition to the standby state during printing, if the reader controller issues a next state transition permission command at a predetermined timing, the engine Is returned to the printing condition in timing, perform the fixing temperature control during the printing operation again, the printing apparatus characterized by printing the next print image data transmitted from the reader controller. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a switching timing from the fixing temperature control during the printing operation to the fixing temperature control during the printing standby state is switched immediately before the sheet is discharged. If the next state transition permission command is not issued between the transition to the standby state during printing of the printer engine and a predetermined time that can be set, the transition to the post-processing state is made. In the post-processing state, the fixing temperature control is printed. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing temperature adjustment control during normal standby is executed, not the fixing temperature adjustment control during operation but the fixing temperature adjustment control during standby during printing. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the fixing temperature adjustment controls is performed such that a predetermined temperature adjustment target temperature is set and held at the target temperature. The temperature adjustment target temperature of the fixing temperature adjustment control in the standby state during printing is lower than the temperature adjustment target temperature of the fixing temperature adjustment control during the printing operation and is lower than the temperature adjustment target temperature of the fixing temperature adjustment control during standby. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is set so as to be higher.

Images