JP4366958B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a post-processing apparatus capable of performing post-processing in a plurality of different modes on an image-formed recording sheet, and in particular, such image forming. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of maintaining durability without reducing productivity in the apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When a large amount of image formation is performed in the image forming apparatus, a finisher (post-processing apparatus) that performs various post-processing (staple processing, alignment processing, punch processing, etc.) is connected to the discharge side of the printer. Yes.
[0003]
This post-processing apparatus is provided with a control means (CPU) for post-processing, and receives an instruction for post-processing from the control means (CPU) of the image forming apparatus, and is instructed to the recording paper on which the image has been formed. Execute post-processing.
[0004]
In such a post-processing apparatus, when an instruction for post-processing is received from the image forming apparatus, initialization for the next post-processing is performed after completion of the post-processing being executed. Here, the initialization for post-processing includes driving the guide plate to the initial position in accordance with the recording paper size in the alignment process, and moving the stapler to the staple designation position in the staple process.
[0005]
Regarding the initialization in the post-processing as described above, it is described in Patent Document 1 below that control for increasing the discharge interval of the image forming apparatus main body is executed in accordance with the post-processing time in the post-processing apparatus. .
[0006]
Further, regarding the initialization in the post-processing as described above, when the post-processing apparatus needs to be initialized due to a change in the mode of the post-processing, the operation of the image forming apparatus is temporarily stopped. It is described in.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-215858 A (first page)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-330741 A (first page)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, image forming apparatuses are often used as network printers, and accordingly, there is a demand for image formation with a plurality of different post-processing modes in one job.
[0009]
Therefore, as described above in Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform continuous operation at first glance by increasing the discharge time on the image forming apparatus main body side according to the post-processing time in the post-processing apparatus. Depending on the contents of the initialization executed, a long waiting time is given to the image forming apparatus side.
[0010]
In this case, since the image forming apparatus can immediately respond when the initialization of the post-processing apparatus is completed, good results can be obtained from the viewpoint of productivity, but the image carrier (photosensitive drum, etc.) or fixing Since the roller continues to rotate, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of material durability. In particular, high-speed image formation has been demanded in recent years, and the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum and the fixing roller has been increased. Continuing useless operation has led to expediting consumption of each part.
[0011]
On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus is temporarily stopped along with the change of the initialization mode as described in Patent Document 2, the situation is not preferable from the viewpoint of productivity of the image forming apparatus.
[0012]
That is, in such an operation state in which post-processing of a plurality of modes is mixed and images are continuously formed, if the post-processing device is initialized for each mode of post-processing, productivity (unit: The number of image forming outputs per hour) is reduced, and the durability of the apparatus is reduced.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an initial stage required for post-processing even in an operation state in which post-processing of a plurality of modes is mixed to continuously form images. An object of the present invention is to realize an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the apparatus durability from being lowered while suppressing the decrease in productivity due to the conversion.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the present invention for solving the above-described problems is described below.
[0015]
(1) The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of being connected to a post-processing apparatus capable of performing post-processing in a plurality of different modes on recording paper on which an image has been formed. When performing image formation with post-processing, it is necessary to change the post-processing mode. In the post-processing device Determine whether there is initialization, The Calculate the initialization time when initialization is required, The Initialization time and Predetermined Compare with the reference time, determine whether to continue or stop the image forming operation, The An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for controlling an image forming operation based on determination of continuation / stop of the image forming operation.
[0016]
In the present invention, when image formation with post-processing in a plurality of different modes is executed, the image forming apparatus communicates with the post-processing apparatus, and the control means of the image forming apparatus performs the following (1) to (4) Control.
(1) Judge the presence or absence of initialization accompanying the change of post-processing mode,
(2) Communicate with the post-processing device via the communication means, calculate the initialization time when initialization is required,
(3) Compare the initialization time with the reference time to determine whether to continue or stop the image forming operation.
(4) The image forming operation is controlled based on the determination of whether or not to continue / stop the image forming operation.
[0017]
As a result, even in an operation state in which multiple modes of post-processing are mixed and image formation is performed continuously, the image formation operation is controlled based on the determination of image formation operation continuation / stop according to the initialization time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in productivity due to the initialization required for the post-processing and not to decrease the durability of the apparatus.
[0018]
(2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the reference time as a time from the start of feeding to the completion of discharge.
[0019]
In the present invention, the control means determines whether to continue / stop the image forming operation using the time from the start of feeding to the completion of discharge as the reference time. As a result, it is possible to effectively perform the control that does not decrease the durability of the apparatus while suppressing the decrease in productivity due to the initialization required for the post-processing.
[0020]
(3) In the invention according to claim 3, when the control means determines that the image forming operation is to be continued while performing post-processing, the time required for post-processing is further added to the normal paper feed interval time, and The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an initialization required time is added to control discharge timing in the image forming apparatus.
[0021]
According to the present invention, when the image forming operation is continued with the post-processing, the post-processing time is added to the time required for the normal sheet passing interval, and the initialization time is further added. To control. As a result, it is possible to effectively perform the control that does not decrease the durability of the apparatus while suppressing the decrease in productivity due to the initialization required for the post-processing.
(4) The invention according to claim 4 is connected to the post-processing device by a communication means, The control means determines whether or not initialization is performed in the post-processing apparatus accompanying the change in the mode of the post-processing, and when it is determined that initialization is necessary based on the determination, data on initialization time is transmitted via the communication means. The initialization time is obtained using communication from the post-processing device, the initialization time data is calculated, the initialization time is compared with the reference time, and the continuation / stop of the image forming operation is performed. Determining and controlling the image forming operation based on the determination of continuation / stop of the image forming operation; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
[0022]
In this invention, it is determined whether or not there is initialization associated with the mode change. later From an independent aftertreatment device Via communication Based on information Calculate the initialization time, and determine whether to continue / stop the image forming operation. Do. As a result, with the same communication / control configuration for connecting multiple types of post-processing devices with different initialization conditions, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity due to initialization required for post-processing and to maintain the durability of the device. Therefore, it is possible to effectively perform control that does not reduce the performance.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the content and numerical values, such as the specific example described in embodiment shown below.
[0024]
<Image Forming Apparatus of First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and functional blocks of a scanner apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 300 connected to the image forming apparatus 200. It is.
[0025]
Here, reference numeral 100 denotes a scanner device, an input control unit 101 that performs control relating to input, a communication unit 110 that performs serial communication with an image forming apparatus 200, a post-processing apparatus 300, and a print controller 400, which will be described later, and an image of a document. A scanner unit 120 for generating image data, an operation unit 130 for inputting image data and various operations, and a display unit 140 for displaying the apparatus status.
[0026]
Here, reference numeral 200 denotes an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image corresponding to image data on a recording sheet. The image forming apparatus 200 includes an image formation control unit 201 that controls each unit, a communication unit 210 that performs serial communication with a scanner device 100, a post-processing device 300, and a print controller 400, which will be described later, and a print engine 220 that performs image formation. Configured.
Note that an image processing unit that performs necessary image processing on image data, a paper feeding unit that accumulates and feeds recording paper on which image formation is performed, and a conveyance unit that conveys recording paper on which image formation is performed 220 is built in.
[0027]
In this embodiment, when executing image formation with post-processing in a plurality of different modes, the image forming apparatus 200 communicates with the post-processing apparatus 300, and the image forming control unit 201 performs the following ▲ Controls 1 to 4 are performed.
・ (1) Judge the presence or absence of initialization accompanying the post-processing mode change,
(2) Communicate with the post-processing device via the communication means, calculate the initialization time when initialization is required,
(3) Compare the initialization time with the reference time to determine whether to continue or stop the image forming operation,
(4) The image forming operation is controlled based on the determination of continuation / stop of the image forming operation.
[0028]
That is, the image formation control unit 201 includes (1) initialization determination means, (2) initialization time calculation means, (3) operation determination means, and (4) operation control means in order to execute the above control. ing.
[0029]
A post-processing apparatus 300 is a finisher that performs post-processing on the recording paper on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 200. The post-processing apparatus 300 includes a post-processing control unit 301 that controls each unit, a communication unit 310 that performs serial communication with the image forming apparatus 200, a transport unit 320 that transports post-processed recording paper, and a staple process as post-processing. The apparatus includes a stapling unit 330 applied to the paper, an alignment unit 340 that performs alignment processing (shift processing) on the recording paper as post-processing, and the like.
[0030]
Reference numeral 400 denotes a print controller that performs control when image data to be formed by the image forming apparatus 200 is received from an external device. The print controller 400 includes a controller control unit 401 that controls each unit, a communication unit 410 that performs serial communication with the image forming apparatus 200, an interface unit 420 that exchanges image data with an external device, and the like. .
[0031]
2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation state of the image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment (the control state of the image formation control unit 201). The operation will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 and the explanatory diagrams of FIG. 4 and subsequent figures.
[0032]
[Image output request]
Here, the document is read by the scanner device 100, or image data from an external device (not shown) or the like is given to the print controller 400, and page 6 from image (1) to image (6) is displayed in 2 pages. Assume that a job to be output is generated.
[0033]
The image output requests (recording paper size / double-sided / single-sided / post-processing) for the image (1) to the image (6) are as follows (see FIG. 4 (1)).
Image (1): A3 / one side / straight,
Image (2): A3 / single side / straight,
Image (3): B5R / single side / staple (one place),
Image (4): B5R / single side / staple (one place),
Image (5): A3 / single side / staple (2 places),
Image (6): A3 / single side / staple (2 places),
[Initialization judgment]
Here, the image formation control unit 201 receives an image output request from the print controller 400 and receives a post-processing device. 3 The presence or absence of initialization associated with the post-processing mode change at 00 is determined for each page of image formation before paper feed is performed (FIGS. 2 and 4 (2)).
[0034]
As the initialization determination, the image forming control unit 201 sets a post-processing mode of the post-processing (preceding post-processing) of the finally fed recording paper that has already been transported in the image forming apparatus 200 after the start of the image forming operation. Obtain (S1 in FIG. 2). Then, the post-processing mode (subsequent post-processing) for the image formation output requested is acquired (S2 in FIG. 2).
[0035]
Here, the image formation processing control unit 201 compares whether or not the preceding post-processing and the subsequent post-processing are in the same mode (S3 in FIG. 2).
[0036]
Here, if the preceding post-processing and the subsequent post-processing are in the same mode (N in FIG. 2 S3), the initialization itself is not necessary, and no special initialization control is necessary. Set as paper information (S5 in FIG. 2) and end.
[0037]
Here, if the preceding post-processing and the subsequent post-processing are not in the same mode (Y in FIG. 2), an initialization operation for the subsequent post-processing is necessary. In this embodiment, productivity improvement and durability are achieved. Since special initialization control is required for maintenance, the image forming process control unit 201 acquires and calculates the initialization time (S4 in FIG. 2). Then, the image formation control unit 201 sets information that needs to be initialized and initialization time information as paper feed information (S5 in FIG. 2) and ends.
[0038]
Note that post-processing mode information at the time of image request is stored as “paper feed information” for each paper feed. The “paper feed information” has the following contents, and is managed in memory for each fed transfer paper.
・ Post-processing mode information,
・ Initialization information,
・ Initialization time information,
In the flowchart S1, the memory reference operation is performed as reference to the paper supply information of the previous paper supply, and in S2 and S5, as the paper supply information of the current paper supply request.
[0039]
This post-processing device 3 Initialization of post-processing at 00 is required when straight (no post-processing) to post-processing, post-processing with straight (no post-processing), change from one post-processing to another post-processing .
[0040]
When outputting the two copies of the above image (1) to image (6),
First image (3) (Straight → Staple (1 place)),
First copy image {circle over (5)} (staple (one place) → staple (two places)),
Second copy image (1) (staples (2 places) → straight),
Second copy image (3) (Straight → Staple (one place)),
Second image (5) (staples (one place) → staples (two places)),
With post-processing equipment 3 It is necessary to initialize post-processing at 00.
[0041]
[Initialization time calculation]
The image formation control unit 201 is a post-processing device. 3 The initialization time is calculated (obtained) for the case where initialization is required in accordance with the mode change of the post-processing at 00 (see FIG. 4 (3)).
[0042]
In this case, the image formation control unit 201 acquires the initialization time data necessary for the basic state of the transfer paper size, the contents of the post-processing mode, the change mode of the post-processing mode, and the like from the post-processing control unit 301. Get initialization time.
[0043]
For example, it is assumed that the initialization time required in the basic state for the transfer paper size, the contents of the post-processing mode, the change mode of the post-processing mode, and the like is as follows (see FIG. 5A). It is assumed that the two staples are as shown in FIG. 5 (b) (1), and the one staple is as shown in FIG. 5 (b) (2).
Straight (no post-processing): 0 seconds,
1 staple, A3: 15 seconds,
1 staple, B5R: 10 seconds,
2 staples, A3: 15 seconds,
2 staples, B5R: 10 seconds,
Staple 1 → 2 locations ・ A3 → A3: 25 seconds,
Staple 1 → 2 locations ・ A3 → B5R: 30 seconds,
Staple 1 → 2 locations ・ B5R → A3: 35 seconds,
Staple 1 → 2 locations ・ B5R → B5R: 25 seconds,
Staple 2 → 1 location A3 → A3: 25 seconds,
Staple 2 → 1 location A3 → B5R: 30 seconds,
Staple 2 → 1 location B5R → A3: 35 seconds,
Staple 2 → 1 location B5R → B5R: 25 seconds,
Therefore, when outputting the two images of image (1) to image (6),
First image {circle around (3)} (straight → staple (one place)): 10 seconds,
First copy image {circle over (5)} (staple (one place) → staple (two places)): 35 seconds,
Second copy image (1) (staples (2 locations) → straight): 0 seconds,
Second copy image {circle over (3)} (straight → staple (one place)): 10 seconds,
Second copy image {circle over (5)} (staple (one place) → staple (two places)): 35 seconds,
With post-processing equipment 3 Initialization of post-processing at 00 can be executed (see FIG. 4 (3)).
[0044]
[Operation Judgment / Operation Control (1)]
Here, the image formation control unit 201 compares the calculated presence / absence obtained as described above, the calculated initialization time, and a predetermined reference time to determine whether to continue / stop the image forming operation. Each page of formation is determined after execution of initialization determination (see FIGS. 3 and 4 (4)). Note that the image forming control unit 201 determines whether to continue / stop the image forming operation using the time from the start of feeding to the completion of discharging as a reference time. Here, as an example, a case where the reference time is set to 30 seconds is taken as a specific example.
[0045]
Here, the continuation of the image forming operation means that the image formation is continued even during the initialization of the post-processing, that is, the image formation is continued by executing the paper feeding for the next image formation. is doing.
[0046]
Also, the stop of the image forming operation is to stop the image formation during the initialization of the post-processing, that is, to stop the paper feeding for the image formation, and the photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus and its periphery (charging, It means that the operation of the fixing device is temporarily stopped.
[0047]
In this embodiment, it is desirable to determine whether to continue / stop the image forming operation using the time from the start of paper feeding to the completion of discharge as a reference time. As a result, it is possible to effectively perform the control that does not decrease the durability of the apparatus while suppressing the decrease in productivity due to the initialization required for the post-processing.
[0048]
That is, at the time of outputting the two copies of the above image (1) to image (6),
First copy image (1): Continuation of image formation (because there is no initialization),
First copy image (2): Continuation of image formation (because there is no initialization),
First copy image (3): Continuation of image formation (because initialization is less than 30 seconds),
First image {circle around (4)}: Continue image formation (because there is no initialization),
First copy image (5): Stop image formation (because initialization is 30 seconds or more),
First copy image {circle around (6)}: Continue image formation (because there is no initialization),
Second copy image (1): Continue image formation (because initialization is less than 30 seconds),
Second copy image (2): Continue image formation (because there is no initialization),
Second copy image (3): Continue image formation (because initialization is less than 30 seconds),
Second copy image (4): Continuation of image formation (because there is no initialization),
Second copy image (5): Stop image formation (because initialization is 30 seconds or more),
Second copy image {circle around (6)}: Continue image formation (because there is no initialization),
The image forming control unit 201 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 (see FIG. 4 (4)).
[0049]
The above situation is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the time chart of FIG. For images other than the first copy image (5), the image formation is continued because the initialization is not performed or the initialization is less than 30 seconds.
[0050]
For the first copy image (5), the image formation is stopped (machine stop) when the first copy image (4) is discharged because the initialization is 30 seconds or longer (FIG. 6 (4a)). . In this case, it is desirable to stop other than the image formation control unit 201.
[0051]
For such processing, the image formation control unit 201 refers to the paper feed information and checks whether or not initialization is performed (S1 in FIG. 3). If initialization is not necessary (N in FIG. 3S), the image formation is continued. The paper feed is activated (S3 in FIG. 3). In addition, the image formation control unit 201 refers to the paper feed information, and if initialization is present (Y in FIG. 3), checks whether the initialization time is equal to or longer than the reference time (S2 in FIG. 3). Here, if the initialization time is less than the reference time (30 seconds in this embodiment) (N in FIG. 3), the paper feed is started as the image formation is continued (S3 in FIG. 3). If the initialization time is equal to or longer than the reference time (30 seconds in this embodiment) (Y in FIG. 3), the operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped as the image formation stop (S4 in FIG. 3).
[0052]
Further, the image forming control unit 201 restarts the image forming apparatus assuming that the startable condition is satisfied when the image forming apparatus is completely stopped and the post-processing control unit 301 is notified of the completion of initialization. (FIG. 6 (4b)).
[0053]
[Operation Judgment / Operation Control (2)]
Further, the image formation control unit 201 compares the presence / absence of initialization obtained as described above with the calculated initialization time and a predetermined reference time, and continues the image forming operation with post-processing. If it is determined, the post-processing time is further added to the normal paper feed interval, and the initialization time is added to execute the second paper feed, thereby controlling the discharge timing in the image forming apparatus. (See FIGS. 8 and 4 (5)). Here, “second paper feeding” refers to paper feeding that is actually sent to the image forming path for the paper that has been fed.
[0054]
Here, the second paper feed interval time at the time of normal post-processing execution is the discharge interval T of the image-formed recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 in consideration of the post-processing time T2 in the post-processing apparatus 300. The post-processing time T2 is added to the original discharge timing T1 of the image forming apparatus (S5 in FIG. 8).
[0055]
In addition to this, in the addition control of the paper feed interval time in the present embodiment in which image formation is continued with initialization of the post-processing as in the present embodiment, the post-processing time T2 in the post-processing apparatus 300 is added. And the post-processing initialization time T3, the post-processing time T2 and the post-processing are set as the discharge interval T of the image-formed recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 at the original discharge timing T1 of the image forming apparatus. Initialization time T3 is added (S4 in FIG. 8).
[0056]
In this case, for the post-processing initialization time T3, the image forming control unit 201 performs the post-processing device. 3 The initialization time is acquired for the case where initialization is required in accordance with the mode change of the post-processing at 00 (see FIG. 4 (3)), and this initialization time is used.
[0057]
Note that the second paper feed timer control is executed at the time-up point of the interval timer that manages the interval set at the time of the second paper feed of the preceding paper that has been fed. This is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, regarding the presence / absence of timer time-up, the presence / absence of interval timer setting, and the presence / absence of second paper feed timer control processing (processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 8), the first transfer sheet, the second and subsequent transfer sheets Each of the final transfer paper will be described.
[0058]
The above situation is shown in the time chart of FIG. The first image {circle over (3)}, the second image {circle over (1)}, and the second image {circle over (3)} are images that are discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 because the image formation is continued in less than 30 seconds after initialization. As the discharge interval T of the formed recording paper, a post-processing time T2 and a post-processing initialization time T3 are added to the original discharge timing T1 of the image forming apparatus (FIG. 6 (5a), (5b), (5c). )).
[0059]
[Image output]
FIG. 7 schematically shows a state of image formation with partial post-processing of 6 pages and 2 parts with the paper discharge tray portion of the image forming apparatus 200 face down (image forming surface down). .
[0060]
That is, in the specific example described above, image (1) to image (2): A3 / single side / straight, image (3) to (4): B5R / single side / staple (one place), image (5) to ▲ 6 ▼: A3 / single side / staple (two places) is output as a total of two copies.
[0061]
<Other embodiments>
The specific examples (contents, numerical values, etc.) of the post-processing used in the description in the above embodiment are merely examples for description, and are not limited thereto.
[0062]
<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, an example in which one post-processing apparatus 300 is connected to one image forming apparatus 200 in FIG. 1 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a plurality of post-processing devices can be cascade-connected to one image forming apparatus 200. In such a case, in the case of conventional control, the operation on the image forming apparatus side is stopped until the initialization of all the post-processing devices is completed, and the productivity is reduced, or the initialization of all the post-processing devices is performed. Until the process is completed, the image forming apparatus waits in a state where an image can be formed to reduce durability.
[0063]
However, according to the present embodiment, the productivity resulting from the initialization required for the post-processing, even in an operation state in which post-processing of a plurality of modes coexists and continuously forms images. As a result, it is possible to prevent the apparatus durability from being lowered while minimizing the decrease in the apparatus.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As described in the above embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.
[0065]
(1) In the first aspect of the present invention, when executing image formation involving post-processing in a plurality of different modes, the control means includes:
(1) Judge the presence or absence of initialization accompanying the change of post-processing mode,
(2) Calculate the initialization time when initialization is required,
(3) Compare the initialization time with the reference time to determine whether to continue or stop the image forming operation.
(4) The image forming operation is controlled based on the determination of whether or not to continue / stop the image forming operation.
[0066]
As a result, even in an operation state in which multiple modes of post-processing are mixed and image formation is performed continuously, the image formation operation is controlled based on the determination of image formation operation continuation / stop according to the initialization time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in productivity due to the initialization required for the post-processing and not to decrease the durability of the apparatus.
[0067]
(2) In the invention described in claim 2, the control means determines whether to continue / stop the image forming operation with the time from the start of paper feeding to the completion of discharge as the reference time. As a result, it is possible to effectively perform the control that does not decrease the durability of the apparatus while suppressing the decrease in productivity due to the initialization required for the post-processing.
[0068]
(3) In the invention according to claim 3, when the image forming operation is continued with post-processing, the post-processing time is further added to the normal paper feed interval, and the initialization time is further added. The discharge timing in the image forming apparatus is controlled. As a result, it is possible to effectively perform the control that does not decrease the durability of the apparatus while suppressing the decrease in productivity due to the initialization required for the post-processing.
[0069]
(4) In the invention according to claim 4, it is connected with the post-processing device by the communication means, and it is determined whether or not there is an initialization accompanying the mode change of the post-processing. later , By information from the post-processing device via the communication means Calculate the initialization time, and determine whether to continue / stop the image forming operation. Like to do. As a result, with the same communication / control configuration for connecting multiple types of post-processing devices with different initialization conditions, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity due to initialization required for post-processing and to maintain the durability of the device. Therefore, it is possible to effectively perform control that does not reduce the performance.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus and its peripheral devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation state of initialization soldering and initialization time calculation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of operation determination of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Scanner device
101 Input control unit
200 Image forming apparatus
201 Image formation control unit
300 Post-processing device
301 Post-processing control unit
400 print controller
401 Controller control unit

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus capable of being connected to a post-processing apparatus capable of performing post-processing in a plurality of different modes on an image-formed recording sheet,
When performing image formation with post-processing, it is determined whether the initialization of the post-processing device associated with the mode change of the post-processing, to calculate the initialization time when the initialization is necessary, the initialization by comparing the time with a predetermined reference time, the control means determines the image forming operation continues / stop, performs control for controlling the image forming operation based on the image forming operation continued / stop determination,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The control means uses the time from the start of feeding to the completion of discharge as the reference time.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When it is determined that the image forming operation is continued with post-processing, the control unit adds the time required for the post-processing to the time required for the normal paper feeding interval, and further adds the time required for initialization, Controlling the discharge timing in the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Connected to the post-processing device by communication means,
The control means includes
Determining the presence or absence of initialization in the post-processing device accompanying the mode change of the post-processing;
If it is determined by the determination that initialization is necessary, initialization time data is acquired from the post-processing device via the communication means by communication,
Calculating the initialization time using the initialization time data;
Compare the initialization time and the reference time, determine whether to continue or stop the image forming operation,
Controlling the image forming operation based on the determination of continuation / stop of the image forming operation;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images