JP3943644B2 - Image forming apparatus and method of controlling image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image according to a set image forming mode and a method for controlling the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some conventional image forming apparatuses have a recovery processing function for returning the image forming mode after interruption of image formation due to jam (paper jam), running out of toner, etc., even if the apparatus is turned off for jam processing, By storing parameters such as the copy mode and copy conditions in a non-volatile raw memory (for example, a RAM having a battery backup means), recovery processing is possible.
[0003]
Further, while an image is being formed on a document using an automatic document feeder (feeder), automatic document recovery (return) processing by the feeder may be performed after image formation is interrupted due to a jam or no toner.
[0004]
In this recovery process, if the user resets all of the documents including the fed document during the image formation using the feeder, for example, when the re-image is formed after jamming, the image is already automatically generated by the device. The original that has been formed is fed forward and image formation is resumed from the remaining originals.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional example has the following problems.
[0006]
In particular, in the case of a personal machine, a display on the operation unit that allows the user to recognize that the image forming mode is recovered (returned) after interruption of image formation due to a jam (paper jam) or no toner in consideration of cost. There is a case where a means for notifying the recovery procedure by a message is not provided. In general, even if the user expects the recovery procedure by referring to the instruction manual, the contents are often difficult to read. On the other hand, it is possible to display a label on the device itself against such a situation, but it becomes difficult to accurately express various jams, and the device becomes full of labels if it depends on the label. It will make the product image worse.
[0007]
Further, in an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of a plurality of documents using an automatic document feeder (feeder), automatic document recovery processing is performed by the automatic document feeder. However, a user who does not recognize that he / she automatically performs recovery processing (who does not know how to handle a document for automatic recovery) may instruct the start of image formation in an incorrect state.
[0008]
  As a specific example, in an image forming apparatus that performs recovery processing, image formation is started with five originals set in a feeder, and the image forming apparatus forms an image of a second original.WhenA case where a jam (paper jam) occurs will be described as an example.
[0009]
  In this case, the user jammedPaperIs removed, the original is restored, all the five originals are reset in the feeder, and if a restart instruction is issued, the image forming apparatus automatically executes the recovery process. Then, the image is formed from the second original and a correct image formation result is obtained.
[0010]
  However, when a restart instruction is issued with the 2nd to 5th documents still set in the feeder without resetting the first imaged document after the jam is released, the image forming apparatus Performs the recovery process described abovedo itSince the second document is preliminarily fed (considered as the first document), image formation is performed from the third document. For this reason, the image of the second document is not formed, and the image formation result intended by the user cannot be obtained.
[0011]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems.MysteriousMy goal is,An inexperienced user who does not know the recovery procedure by the recovery process manually restarts image formation in the state intended by the user, and a user who knows the recovery procedure by the recovery process automatically restarts image formation and makes a mistake Preventing image formation from being resumed in an unintended state, andTheAn inexperienced user who does not know how to handle a document by moving document recovery processing manually restarts document feeding and image formation in the state intended by the user, and who knows how to handle a document by automatic document recovery processing. Simply restores the original and resets it on the original feeder, and automatically resumes the original and restarts the image formation, and the image formation is resumed in an unintended state due to an erroneous operation on the original feeder. That can be prevented, andTheEven a user who does not know how to handle a document by moving document recovery processing can perform correct automatic document recovery processing by simply setting the discharged document on the document feeder.StructureIs to provide.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention sets whether to restart the image formation by executing the image forming mode recovery process after the image forming unit interrupts the image forming unit, or to restart the image forming without executing the image forming mode recovery process. A storage means for storing information indicating the presence / absence of recovery processing in the image forming mode based on the setting by the setting means, and when entering the return operation after interruption of image formation in the image forming unit, When the recovery means is stored in the storage means, the image formation mode is returned to resume the image formation, and when no recovery process is stored, the image formation mode is set to the standard state and the image formation is performed. It has the control means to restart, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0013]
  In addition, the present invention provides a document in which image formation has already been completed among the documents reset in the document feeding unit after the image forming unit based on the document fed from the document feeding unit is interrupted. Setting means for setting whether to restart image formation from the remaining document, or to restart image formation by feeding the document set in the document feeding unit without skipping, Storage means for storing information indicating the presence / absence of recovery processing for document feeding based on the setting by the setting means, and the storage means when entering the return operation after the image formation of the image forming unit is interrupted Is stored in the document feeding section, among the documents reset in the document feeding unit, the document whose image formation has already been completed is preliminarily fed, and image formation is restarted from the remaining documents, Recover the storage means If no processing is stored, and having a control means for resuming the feeding to the image forming without idle feeding the documents set on the document feeder.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and particularly, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described.
[0023]
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is roughly divided into four blocks, that is, an exposure system, an image forming system, a paper feeding / conveying system, and a control system.
[0024]
In the figure, the exposure system includes a document table, a document illumination unit, an optical path unit, and the like. A document illumination lamp 4 scans a document placed on a document table. The scanned original light image by the original illumination lamp 4 is reflected in the order of the first mirror 3, the second mirror 2, and the third mirror 1, and is reflected by the fourth mirror 14, the fifth mirror 15, and the sixth mirror 11 through the zoom lens 8. The light is reflected and projected onto the photosensitive drum 12.
[0025]
The image forming system includes a photosensitive drum 12, a primary charger 9, a CD unit 13, a developing device 16, a transfer charger 24, a separation charger 25, and the like. A primary charger 9 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 12 rotating in the clockwise direction. A blank exposure lamp 10 removes the charge on the non-image portion of the surface charge of the uniformly charged photosensitive drum 12. The photosensitive drum 12 from which the charges of the non-image part have been removed is exposed by the projection light of the original from the exposure system.
[0026]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a CD unit that color-develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 formed by the image exposure. A developing unit 16 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 formed by the image exposure. Reference numeral 23 denotes a pre-transfer charger which increases the charge amount of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 12 developed by the developing device 16.
[0027]
Reference numeral 24 denotes a transfer charger, which transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 12 developed by the developing unit 16 and charged by the pre-transfer charger 23 onto the transfer paper conveyed from the paper feeding unit. A separation charger 25 separates the recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer charger 24 from the photosensitive drum 12.
[0028]
A cleaner 6 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 12 after the transfer. Reference numeral 7 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that neutralizes residual charges on the photosensitive drum 12 after the residual toner is removed. Thereafter, processes such as primary charging, image exposure, development, and transfer are repeated again.
[0029]
  The paper feeding / conveying system includes a paper feeding unit, a conveying unit, a fixing unit and the like. 28 and 29 are cassettes for storing transfer paper. Reference numerals 21 and 20 denote cassette paper feed rollers for feeding the transfer paper stored in the cassettes 28 and 29. The transfer paper fed from the cassette 28 by the cassette paper feed roller 20 is, VerticalIt is conveyed to the registration roller 22 by the pass rollers 19 and 18. Reference numeral 17 denotes a manual paper feed roller, and the transfer paper fed manually is conveyed to the registration roller 22.
[0030]
The transfer paper conveyed to the registration roller 22 forms an abutment loop on the registration roller 22, and skew correction and timing correction for image leading edge alignment are performed. The toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 12 by the transfer charger 24 is transferred to the transfer paper transported to the registration roller 22, and the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 12 by the separation charger 25, and is transported through the transport unit 27. Then, it is conveyed to the fixing roller 30.
[0031]
The fixing roller 30 is heated by a fixing heater 311 (shown in FIG. 2 described later), the surface temperature of the fixing roller 30 is detected by a thermistor 302 (shown in FIG. 2 described later), and the surface temperature of the fixing roller 30 reaches a predetermined value. So that it is controlled. Reference numeral 5 denotes a web for applying silicone oil to the fixing roller 30. The toner image transferred onto the transferred transfer paper is fixed on the transfer paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing roller 30.
[0032]
In the case of normal copying, the transfer paper on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed by the paper discharge roller 31 and is discharged out of the apparatus by the paper discharge roller 33.
[0033]
  On the other hand, in the case of double-sided copying, the transfer paper on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed by the paper discharge roller 31 anddeflectionIt is deflected by the plate 32 and is again conveyed to the registration roller 22 by the lower conveyance unit inlet roller 34, the setback roller 26, and the lower conveyance unit outlet roller 35.
[0034]
Reference numeral 312 denotes an operation unit that can perform various settings, display messages, and the like. Reference numeral 353 denotes an automatic document feeder (DF) that conveys the document to the document table. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a controller 300 (shown in FIG. 2) inside and has a control system for controlling the entire image forming apparatus.
[0035]
Further, the automatic document feeder 353 is of a circulation type (the document feeding unit and the document ejection unit are the same, the fed document is ejected and returned to the document feeding unit), a non-circulation type, or any other type. The method may be used.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0037]
In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes a control unit (controller), which is a CPU 300a, ROM 300b, RAM 300c (nonvolatile memory, for example, NVRAM, RAM having a battery backup function, for example, copy mode even when the power is turned off for jam release etc. , And a flag / parameter such as a copy condition), and the CPU 300a controls the copying sequence based on a program stored in the ROM 300b.
[0038]
The operation unit 312 includes a key input unit such as a copy number setting key, a copy magnification setting key, a start key for instructing start of a copy operation, a stop key for instructing stop of the copy operation or returning the operation mode to a standard state, and setting of the operation mode A display unit such as an LED for displaying a status or the like is arranged.
[0039]
  Reference numeral 302 denotes a temperature sensor composed of a thermistor or the like, which detects the surface temperature of the fixing roller 30 and detects an A / D converter.BaThe value A / D converted by the data 301 is input to the controller 300.
[0040]
A high-voltage control unit 303 controls the charging system such as the primary charger 9 and the transfer charger 24 and the high-voltage unit 304 that applies a predetermined potential to the developing device 16 and the like. A motor control unit 305 controls driving of a motor 306 such as a stepping motor or a main drive motor.
[0041]
A DC load control unit 307 controls driving of a solenoid, a clutch, and the like for the paper feed roller 21 and the registration roller 22. Reference numeral 308 denotes sensors such as a paper jam detection of the transfer paper and a position detection of the optical system / lens system. An AC driver 309 controls the AC power supply to the AC load 310 and the fixing heater 311 such as the document illumination lamp 4. Also, an abnormality such as the fixing heater 311 is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the main switch (MSW) 314 with a shut-off function is turned off.
[0042]
Reference numeral 313 denotes a DC power supply that supplies DC power to the controller 300 or the like. The AC power input from the power plug 316 is input to the DC power supply 313 via the door switch (DSW) 315 and the main switch 314.
[0043]
The controller 300 also controls a paper deck 351, an editor 352, an automatic document feeder (feeder) 353, a sorter 354, and the like that are optionally mounted.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the operation unit 312 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0045]
In the figure, 401 is a copy density adjustment lever, which is used to manually adjust the copy density. Reference numeral 402 denotes a fixed magnification display, which displays the fixed magnification selected with the fixed magnification key 414. Reference numeral 403 denotes a zoom display which is lit when the zoom magnification mode is set with the zoom magnification key 413. Reference numeral 404 denotes a paper selection / paper replenishment display which displays a cassette or the like selected by the paper selection key 412 and a display when the paper runs out or is not set correctly.
[0046]
Reference numeral 405 denotes a number / magnification display, which displays the number of copies / magnification set with the number / zoom set key 409. A clear / stop key 406 cancels the number of copies and interrupts continuous copying. Reference numeral 407 denotes a power switch, and reference numeral 408 denotes a copy start key, which is pressed to start copying. Reference numeral 410 denotes a paper jam display, which blinks when a paper jam occurs. Reference numeral 415 denotes an AE key which switches the copy density between AE (automatic density adjustment) and manual adjustment.
[0047]
Hereinafter, the setting operation procedure of the recovery process in the image forming mode in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0048]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a setting operation procedure of recovery processing in the image forming mode set by the operation unit 312 shown in FIG. 3, and the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0049]
In the figure, when the user mode is entered to cause the user to set whether or not to execute the recovery (return) process, the user presses the AE key 415 on the operation unit 312 as shown in FIG. Press and hold for about 4 seconds. As a result, the CPU 300a determines that the user mode has been entered based on the control program in the ROM 300b, and displays “U1” on the number / magnification display 405 as shown in FIG.
[0050]
Unlike the normal copy standby state, this state is a state exclusively for selection / setting by the user, and is called “user mode” in order to avoid confusion. In this embodiment, “user mode” is used for selection / setting by the user, but “management mode” may be used if the selection / setting is made by the administrator, and “service mode” is used if selection / setting is made by the service person. May be.
[0051]
  When the user mode is entered as described above, the recovery mode selection item is entered. Here, as shown in FIG.U“U1” indicates that the item is a recovery mode selection item. If another item (such as “U2” or “U3”) is displayed, the user is prompted to select “U1”. As shown in FIG. 4C, when the user presses the copy start key 408 while “U1” is displayed, the CPU 300a determines that the recovery mode has been set based on the control program in the ROM 300b. As shown in FIG. 4D, “0” is displayed on the number / magnification display 405. The display of “0” indicates a setting for not executing the recovery process (no recovery), and the display of “1” indicates a setting for executing the recovery process (with recovery). Here, since the default (initial value) is set not to execute the recovery process, “0” is displayed.
[0052]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4E, when the user presses the “+” key of the number / zoom set key 409, a recovery process is executed (hereinafter referred to as “with recovery”) (the first return mode). ) Is set. In addition, when the user presses the “−” key of the number / zoom set key 409 in a state where there is recovery, it is possible to set it again without recovery.
[0053]
When the user depresses the “+” key of the number of copies / zoom set key 409 and sets the presence of recovery, the CPU 300a determines that the presence of recovery is set from the control program in the ROM 300b, and FIG. As shown, “1” is displayed on the number / magnification display 405. The CPU 300a holds “1” (with recovery) as a recovery flag on the RAM 300c by the control program in the ROM 300b. If no recovery is set (that is, no recovery is set), “0” (no recovery) is held in the RAM 300c as a recovery flag, and the display on the number / magnification display 405 is “0”. Is. That is, whether or not there is recovery can be set by the user pressing the “+” key or the “−” key of the number / zoom set key 409 shown in FIG. .
[0054]
Next, in order to leave the recovery mode setting item, when the user presses the copy start key 408 as shown in FIG. 4 (f) while “1” (with recovery) or “0” (without recovery) is displayed, Exit the recovery mode setting item. As a result, the CPU 300a determines that the recovery mode setting item has been removed from the control program in the ROM 300b, and displays “U1” on the number / magnification display 405 as shown in FIG.
[0055]
When the user presses the AE key 415 or the clear / stop key 406, the user mode is exited (returns to the normal copy standby state).
[0056]
As a result, the setting of the first return mode indicating whether or not the image formation mode is to be recovered (returned) after the image formation is interrupted such as a jam is completed. Here, the copy operation is performed in the normal copy standby state. For example, image formation is interrupted due to a jam (paper jam), and when the copy operation is resumed after jam processing (paper jam removal), the set recovery (return) ) Mode is controlled to resume image formation after image formation is interrupted.
[0057]
The return mode setting operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0058]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a return mode setting procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1)-(6) shows each step.
[0059]
First, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the AE key 415 is pressed for 4 seconds, a user mode is entered to allow the user to set whether to recover (return) the image forming mode. As shown in (b), “U1” is displayed on the number / magnification display 405 (1). Next, as shown in FIG. 4E, the CPU 300a determines whether or not the user has pressed the “+” key of the number / zoom set key 409 to set the presence of recovery (2). If it is determined that the presence is set, the recovery presence flag is held in the RAM 300c, and “1” is displayed on the number / magnification display 405 (3).
[0060]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that recovery is not set (that is, recovery is not set), the CPU 300a holds a recovery no-recovery flag on the RAM 300c, and the number / magnification display 405 indicates “ “0” is displayed (4). The RAM 300c is a non-volatile memory (for example, a RAM having battery backup means) that maintains flags / parameters such as copy mode and copy conditions in the state immediately before the power is turned off even when the power is turned off.
[0061]
Next, the user presses the copy start key 408 as shown in FIG. 4F while “1” (with recovery) or “0” (without recovery) is displayed on the number / magnification display 405. Thus, the recovery mode setting item is exited, and “U1” is displayed on the number / magnification display 405 as shown in FIG. 4G (5). Then, when the user presses the AE key 415 or the clear / stop key 406, the user exits the user mode (returns to the normal copy standby state) (6), and the process is terminated.
[0062]
The image forming mode recovery processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0063]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first recovery processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1)-(4) shows each step.
[0064]
First, when image formation is interrupted due to a jam (paper jam) or the like, jam processing (paper jam removal) is performed, and the image forming apparatus enters a return operation, the CPU 300a holds “1” as a recovery flag in the RAM 300c. It is determined whether or not (1), and if it is determined that “1” is held, a return process of the image forming mode is performed (2), and the image formation is restarted (3).
[0065]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that “0” is held in the RAM 300c as the recovery flag, the image forming mode is set to the standard state (4), and image formation is restarted from the beginning ( 3).
[0066]
As described above, the recovery (return) mode for determining whether or not to execute the recovery (return) processing in the image forming mode after the image formation interruption such as jam is set, and the copy operation is performed in the normal copy standby state. When image formation is interrupted due to a paper jam and the copy operation is resumed after jam processing (paper jam removal), the intended copy operation can be resumed by the set recovery (return) mode.
[0067]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the user mode (setting whether to recover (return) the image forming mode) is performed by the user using the keys and display on the operation unit 312 as illustrated in FIG. 4 has been described. However, a dip switch as shown in FIG. 7 to be described later may be provided on the operation unit 312 or the controller 300.
[0068]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a dip switch for setting the user mode of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
[0069]
In the figure, switch SW1, switch SW2, and switch SW3 are dip switches, and various user modes can be set by switching "ON / OFF" of switches SW1 to SW3. For example, if the switch SW1 is simply set to “ON”, it is assumed that there is recovery, and if it is set to “OFF”, it is assumed that there is no recovery, and the recovery flag is set to “1” in the RAM 300c. “0” is held.
[0070]
As described above, by making it possible to select and set the user mode with / without recovery depending on the user's convenience, it is possible to prevent miscopying that is not intended by the user, which occurs when the user does not know the procedure of the recovery process.
[0071]
In consideration of cost, even in an image forming apparatus that does not have a means (display device or the like) for notifying the user of a recovery processing procedure or the like, the user selects and sets a user mode with / without recovery. In addition, it is possible to prevent miscopying that is not intended by the user without deteriorating the image of the product by displaying a label on the apparatus itself.
[0072]
Furthermore, in terms of cost, an image forming apparatus having a nonvolatile memory can implement the present invention only by control by a method of setting with a key on the operation unit 312 and display. An image forming apparatus that is not provided can implement the present invention only by adding an inexpensive dip switch shown in FIG.
[0073]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the configuration for setting whether or not the recovery (return) processing of the image forming mode is executed after the interrupted image formation such as a jam (first return mode) has been described. However, the automatic document feeder is used. It may be configured to set whether or not to execute automatic document recovery (return) processing by the automatic document feeder (second return mode) after image formation is interrupted due to a jam or the like during image formation. The embodiment will be described.
[0074]
The procedure for setting whether or not automatic document recovery (return) processing is executed by the automatic document feeder in the present embodiment (second return mode) is set in the first return mode described in the first embodiment. It may be a procedure. That is, in the operation procedure shown in FIG. 4, “U1” displayed on the number / magnification display 405 as shown in FIG. 4B indicates a setting item for the automatic document recovery operation. .
[0075]
Further, if the switch SW1 shown in FIG. 7 is “ON”, the automatic document recovery may be set, and if SW1 is “OFF”, the automatic document recovery may be set. “U1” displayed on the number / magnification display 405 shown in b) is a setting item (first embodiment) of recovery processing (first return mode) in the image forming mode, and is displayed on the number / magnification display 405. “U2” may be set to set the automatic document recovery operation (second return mode).
[0076]
Further, if the switch SW1 in FIG. 7 is “ON”, the image forming mode is recovered, and if it is “OFF”, the image forming mode is not recovered. If the switch SW2 is “ON”, the automatic document recovery is present. If it is “OFF”, it may be configured that automatic document recovery is not set.
[0077]
The automatic document recovery processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0078]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second recovery processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1)-(3) shows each step.
[0079]
First, image formation is interrupted due to a jam (paper jam) or the like, and the user resets the image forming apparatus including jammed paper (paper jam removal) and a document including an image-formed document to the automatic document feeder. Upon entering the operation, the CPU 300a determines whether or not “1” is held as the automatic document recovery flag in the RAM 300c (1). If it is determined that “1” is held, the image has been formed. The document is fed forward to perform automatic document recovery processing (2), and the document is fed to resume image formation (3).
[0080]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that “0” is held in the RAM 300c as the automatic document recovery flag, the document is fed and image formation is resumed (3).
[0081]
As described above, an automatic document recovery mode for setting whether or not to execute automatic document recovery (return) processing after image formation interruption such as a jam is set, and a copying operation is performed using the automatic document feeder, for example, jam ( When image formation is interrupted due to a paper jam and the copy operation is resumed after jam processing (paper jam removal), the original feeding and copying operations are performed in the best state intended by the set automatic document recovery (return) mode. Resumed.
[0082]
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration is described in which the user performs setting of whether or not to perform the recovery operation in the image forming mode and the automatic document recovery process by operating the operation unit 312 or the dip switch illustrated in FIG. However, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a card reader (not shown), reads the environment information (or user ID) stored in each user's card, and reads the read environment information (or the read user ID). The recovery process may be automatically set based on the user's environment information stored in advance in the non-volatile RAM 300c corresponding to the above.
[0083]
Further, when the user inputs a user ID from a numeric keypad (not shown) on the operation unit 312, the user's environment information corresponding to the input user ID stored in advance in the nonvolatile RAM 300 c is used. You may comprise so that the setting of a recovery process may be performed automatically.
[0084]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the setting for not executing the recovery process is set as the default and the execution of the recovery process is set by the operation unit 312 or the like has been described. However, the recovery process setting is set to the default (recovery process after a predetermined time elapses). It is also possible to return to the setting of (Do not execute).
[0085]
[Third Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the user sets whether to perform the automatic document recovery operation of the automatic document feeder. However, after the image formation is interrupted due to a jam or the like during image formation, the automatic document feeder is set. It may be configured to discharge all the originals set in the original and return the originals to the original state. The embodiment will be described below.
The document discharge processing operation of the automatic document feeder 353 in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0086]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a document discharge processing procedure of the automatic document feeder 353 in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1)-(5) shows each step. In addition, the image forming apparatus can perform automatic document recovery processing.
[0087]
When image formation is interrupted due to a jam or the like during image formation based on a document fed from the automatic document feeder, the CPU 300a calls a document discharge routine from the control program in the ROM 300b, and the automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as DF). ) The CPU 300a determines whether or not the sensor 308 has detected the occurrence of a jam (paper jam) during copying using 353 (1). If the occurrence of the jam is not detected, the processing is terminated. Is detected, the CPU 300a determines whether or not the DF document can be ejected (2). If it is not possible (such as when the document is jammed in the DF 353), the jammed document must be removed. Since automatic document discharge by the apparatus is impossible, the process ends.
[0088]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the DF document can be ejected (if the transfer paper is jammed instead of the document), all the remaining DF documents placed on the feeding unit in the middle of copying (apparatus) The automatic document feeder 353 automatically discharges the document to a document discharge unit (not shown) (3). With this operation, if the user resets the discharged document as it is when the copy is resumed, the apparatus automatically feeds the document that has already been copied, and the copy operation is resumed from the original where the copy is interrupted. (Automatic document recovery process).
[0089]
Next, the CPU 300a determines whether or not the clear / stop key 406 on the operation unit 312 has been pressed (4). If it has been pressed, the processing is terminated. It is determined whether or not the discharge has been completed (5). If it is determined that all the originals have not been completely discharged, the process returns to step (3). If it is determined that the discharge has been completed, the process ends.
[0090]
Note that the reason why the clear / stop key 406 is pressed in step (4) and the document discharge is stopped halfway is that when there are a large number of remaining documents to be discharged, it takes time to discharge all the documents. For this reason, the user who knows how to handle a document in the automatic document recovery process can stop the document discharge operation by the clear / stop key 406 and can manually reset the document.
[0091]
As described above, even a user who does not know how to handle a document in the automatic document recovery process in an apparatus having an automatic document recovery operation, simply sets the document automatically discharged to the document discharge unit to the document feeding unit as it is (circulation type). In the case of the automatic document feeder, the automatically ejected document is already set in the document feeding unit, so there is no need to set the document), and a mistake that occurs without knowing how to handle the document with respect to the DF Copying can be prevented.
[0092]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.
[0093]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0094]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like is used. it can.
[0095]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0096]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0097]
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0098]
Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0099]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,ClearlyAccording to, PaintingAn unfamiliar user who does not know the recovery procedure by the recovery process in the image forming mode sets the return mode not to execute the recovery process, restarts the image formation in a manually intended state, and performs the recovery procedure by the recovery process in the image forming mode. A user who knows can set a return mode for executing the recovery process, automatically set the image forming mode, and resume image formation in an intended state.
[0100]
  AlsoInexperienced users who do not recognize the automatic recovery by the recovery process in the image formation mode,default valueThe image formation can be resumed manually in the intended state.
[0101]
  AlsoAn unfamiliar user who does not know how to handle the document to the document feeder for automatic recovery by automatic document recovery processing sets the recovery mode not to perform automatic document recovery processing, and forms an image in the intended state manually. The user who knows how to handle the original with respect to the original feeding unit for restarting the automatic original recovery process, sets the return mode for executing the automatic original recovery process, Just set it in the document feeder.,Automatic document feeding and image formation can be resumed in an intended state.
[0102]
  AlsoEven an inexperienced user who does not know how to handle a document to the document feeding unit for automatic recovery by automatic document recovery processing,default valueThe document feeding and the image formation can be resumed in a manually intended state as it is.
[0103]
  AlsoEven an inexperienced user who does not know how to handle a document to the document feeding unit for automatic recovery by automatic document recovery processing simply resets the ejected document to the document feeding unit. Document feeding and image formation can be resumed in the intended state.
[0104]
  AlsoIf a large number of originals are discharged, it is possible to stop the discharge of the originals, manually handle the originals, and resume the original document feeding and image formation.
[0109]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image formation from being restarted in a state not intended by the user, which is caused by not knowing the automatic return procedure after interruption of the image formation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.
3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a setting operation procedure of recovery processing in an image forming mode set by an operation unit illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a return mode setting procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first recovery processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dip switch that sets a user mode of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second recovery processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a document discharge processing procedure of the automatic document feeder in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3000 controller
300a CPU
300b ROM
300c RAM
312 Operation unit
353 Automatic document feeder (feeder)

Claims (8)

Or performing recovery processing of the image forming mode after the image forming interruption of the image forming section to restart the image formation, setting means to set whether to resume the image formation without performing recovery processing of the image forming mode When,
Storage means for storing information indicating the presence or absence of recovery processing in the image forming mode based on the setting by the setting means, prior to the copying operation;
When entering the return operation after the image formation of the image forming unit is interrupted, if there is recovery processing stored in the storage means, the image forming mode is returned to resume image formation, and no recovery processing is stored In this case, the image forming apparatus includes control means for setting the image forming mode to a standard state and restarting image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit stores no recovery process as an initial value . After the image formation of the image forming unit based on the document fed from the document feeding unit is interrupted , among the documents reset on the document feeding unit, the document whose image formation has already been completed is skipped. , or to resume the image formation from the rest of the document, and configuring means to configure whether to resume the image formation is fed without idle feeding the documents set on the document feeding unit,
Storage means for storing information indicating the presence or absence of recovery processing for document feeding based on the setting by the setting means, prior to the copying operation;
When the recovery operation is stored in the storage unit when entering the return operation after the image forming unit interrupts the image forming unit, the image forming has already been completed among the documents reset in the document feeding unit. If the original document is skipped, image formation is resumed from the remaining document, and no recovery processing is stored in the storage means, the document set in the document feeder is fed without being skipped. And an image forming apparatus having control means for restarting image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein no initial recovery process is stored in the storage unit as an initial value . Wherein, after the image formation interruption of the image forming unit based on the document fed from the document feeding unit, according to claim 3, wherein the controller controls so as to discharge all of the document from the document feeding unit Image forming apparatus. Before SL control means, based on the stop instruction in the original discharge operation, the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the stopping the original discharge operation. Or performing recovery processing of the image forming mode to resume the image formation after the image formation interruption of the image forming section, based on whether the set to resume the image formation without performing recovery processing of the image forming mode, the image A storage step of storing information indicating the presence or absence of recovery processing in the formation mode in a storage unit prior to the copy operation ;
When entering the return operation after the image formation of the image forming unit is interrupted, if there is recovery processing stored in the storage means, the image forming mode is returned to resume image formation, and no recovery processing is stored A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image formation restarting step of setting the image forming mode to a standard state and restarting image formation. After the image formation of the image forming unit based on the document fed from the document feeding unit is interrupted , among the documents reset on the document feeding unit, the document whose image formation has already been completed is skipped. The document feeding recovery process based on the setting of whether to resume image formation from the remaining document or to feed the document set in the document feeding unit without skipping and resume image formation A storage step of storing information indicating the presence or absence of storage in the storage means prior to the copy operation ;
When the recovery operation is stored in the storage unit when entering the return operation after the image forming unit interrupts the image forming unit, the image forming has already been completed among the documents reset in the document feeding unit. If the original document is skipped, image formation is resumed from the remaining document, and no recovery processing is stored in the storage means, the document set in the document feeder is fed without being skipped. And an image formation restarting step for restarting image formation .

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