JP4576888B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to improvement of handling of a plurality of jobs.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called digital copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a copying machine) that has an image reading unit and an image forming unit and transmits image data between them can be reserved for each work unit. A so-called copy job (hereinafter simply referred to as a job) reservation function is used.

  This job reservation function is a function that automatically reserves a job in the digital copier, so that the digital copier automatically proceeds with copying when the pre-reserved job is completed. Can leave the copier after the reservation operation. Therefore, the user is not restrained, and is a particularly useful function in the case of mass copying of a high-speed machine, especially when a plurality of units of work for performing mass copying are executed continuously.

  Similarly, some image forming apparatuses such as printers have a function of reserving a job to be executed after that when there is a print job (hereinafter, simply referred to as a job) currently being executed for image formation. is doing. In addition, some image forming apparatuses having both functions of a copying machine and a printer have a function of reserving both a copy job by copying and a print job as a printer. .

  In such an image forming apparatus, when a paper out occurs in a job during image formation, etc., the paper being executed is out of paper, but there is a recording paper corresponding to the reserved job. However, there is a problem that the image forming operation stops when the job being executed is interrupted.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the following Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when a paper out occurs in a job during image formation, the currently executed job is out of paper, but the reserved job In the case where a corresponding recording sheet exists, an improvement plan is described in which a reserved job that can be executed is executed.

  In addition, it is common in an image forming apparatus to perform a calibration operation for each unit every time a certain image formation is performed. This calibration operation is also referred to as self-check, and is intended to prevent changes in color and density due to changes in the characteristics of the photoconductor and developer due to continuous output, temperature changes, and fatigue of each part. Executed.

In this case, if the calibration operation of each part occurs in the middle of the job, the color characteristics and gradation characteristics of the image may change before and after that, which is not desirable because it is noticeable as a change in image quality. For this reason, in Patent Document 3 below, if there is a reserved job next to the job being executed, the reserved job is executed first, and both the job being executed and the image formation of the reserved job are completed. The calibration operation is performed at the time.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-31271 (first page to second page, FIG. 5) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-47697 (first page to second page, FIG. 3) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-91109 (first page to second page, FIG. 3)

With the techniques of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, although the situation of stopping the image forming operation is avoided, efficient job execution is not realized.
For example, if the output settings for each job are different, the output settings (fixing temperature, temperature of the heating means of the post-processing device, etc.) may differ between jobs, and adjustment operations (temperature control) may occur. Latency may occur.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the output settings are different between job # 1 and job # 2, the execution for job # 1 (FIG. 7 S1) is completed (YES in FIG. 7 S2), and preparation for job # 2 is performed. After the operation is started (S3 in FIG. 7) and the preparation operation for the job # 2 is completed (S4 YES in FIG. 7), the execution of the job # 2 is started (S5 in FIG. 7). In this case, a waiting time for the preparation operation occurs.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, if there is a reserved job next to the job being executed, the reserved job is executed first, and both the job being executed and the image formation of the reserved job are completed. Since the adjustment operation is performed at that time, there is a problem that deterioration in image quality cannot be avoided.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and realizes efficient execution of a plurality of jobs by minimizing waiting time caused by preparation operations and adjustment operations among a plurality of jobs. With the goal.

That is, the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.
(1) The invention described in claim 1 is a job management unit capable of handling a plurality of jobs relating to image formation, and an image corresponding to the image data is transferred to recording paper and fixed by heating for each job. Thus, when the output setting of the image forming unit that executes image formation and the output setting of the job to be executed next (next job) is different from the output setting of the job that is executing image formation (current job) , image formation of the current job during execution with determining whether executable image formation of the current job by starting the preparatory operation of the temperature control requires a certain time for the next job, the image also of the current job by the start of the preparatory operation for the next job An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control to start a preparation operation for a next job when it is determined that the formation can be performed .

  In this invention, when forming an image while handling a plurality of jobs, if the output setting of the next job is different from the output setting of the current job, it is determined whether or not the next job preparation operation can be started during execution of the current job. In addition, when it is determined that the preparation operation for the next job can be started, control for starting the preparation operation for the next job is performed.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, the temperature can be controlled independently according to at least two types of recording paper sizes, and the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is heated and fixed to form an image. A fixing unit configured to control the temperature of the fixing unit of the next job during image formation of the current job when the recording paper size of the next job is different from the recording paper size of the current job. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the preparatory operation can be started, a control for starting a temperature control preparatory operation for the fixing unit is performed for the next job.

  In the present invention, the temperature can be controlled independently according to each of at least two types of recording paper sizes. When the toner image transferred on the recording paper is heated and fixed to form an image, If the recording paper size is different from the recording paper size of the current job, and it is determined that the temperature control preparation operation for the fixing means of the next job can be started during execution of the current job, the fixing means for the next job Control for starting the temperature control preparation operation is performed.

  (3) In the invention according to claim 3, the control means is a case where the recording paper size of the next job is larger than the recording paper size of the current job, and the temperature of the fixing means in the portion corresponding to the large recording paper size. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined that a control preparation operation can be started, a control for starting a temperature control preparation operation of the fixing unit is performed for the next job.

  In the present invention, the temperature can be controlled independently according to each of at least two types of recording paper sizes. When the toner image transferred on the recording paper is heated and fixed to form an image, If the recording paper size is larger than the recording paper size of the current job and it is determined that the temperature control preparation operation for the fixing unit corresponding to the large recording paper size can be started, the fixing unit for the next job Control for starting the temperature control preparation operation is performed.

(4) The invention according to claim 4 is an image forming apparatus to which a post-processing device including a bind processing unit that binds a bundle of recording sheets with an adhesive heated by a heating unit is connected, wherein the control unit includes: When the bind process is not specified for the current job and the bind process is specified for the next job, the heating temperature control for the bind process of the next job can be started during the image forming execution of the current job. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined, the control for starting heating of the post-processing apparatus is performed for the next job.

  According to the present invention, when a post-processing apparatus having a binding processing unit that binds a bundle of recording sheets with an adhesive heated by a heating unit is connected, the current job is not designated for the binding process, and is bound to the next job. When processing is designated and it is determined that heating for the next job bind processing can be started during execution of the current job, control is performed to start heating of the post-processing device for the next job.

( 5 ) The invention described in claim 5 is a job management means capable of handling a plurality of jobs relating to image formation, an image forming means for forming an image according to image data in units of each job, and each job Control means for performing control to change the execution order of the plurality of jobs handled by the job management means so that the number of adjustment operations of each unit occurring between the jobs is reduced due to a difference in output setting of The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

  In the present invention, when an image is formed while handling a plurality of jobs, the execution order of the plurality of jobs to be handled is reduced so that the number of adjustment operations of each unit occurring between the jobs is reduced due to the difference in the output setting of each job. Control to replace.

( 6 ) In the invention according to claim 6 , the adjusting operation may be performed by adjusting the temperature of a fixing unit that heats and fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper to form an image, or by the adhesive heated by the heating unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the temperature of the post-processing apparatus including a bind processing unit that binds the recording paper bundle is adjusted.

  In the present invention, when an image is formed while handling a plurality of jobs, the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is heated and fixed to adjust the temperature of the fixing unit for forming an image depending on the output setting of each job, or When adjustment of the temperature of the post-processing apparatus having the binding processing unit that binds the recording paper bundle with the adhesive heated by the heating unit occurs between the jobs, the number of jobs to be handled is reduced so that the number of times decreases. Control to change the execution order.

( 7 ) In the invention according to claim 7 , the adjusting operation is performed according to a difference in paper type or paper size, and the temperature of a fixing unit that forms an image by heating and fixing the toner image transferred on the recording paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the image forming apparatus is an adjustment of the above.

  In the present invention, when an image is formed while handling a plurality of jobs, if the temperature adjustment of the fixing unit according to the difference in the paper type or the paper size occurs between the jobs due to the difference in the output setting of each job, Control is performed to change the execution order of a plurality of jobs to be handled so that the number of times decreases.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, when an image is formed while handling a plurality of jobs related to image formation, if the output setting of the next job is different from the output setting of the current job, Considering whether or not the preparatory operation will affect the image formation of the current job, it is determined whether the preparatory operation can be started, and the next job preparatory operation can be executed without affecting the current job. If it is determined, control is performed to start the preparation operation for the next job.

  As a result, the preparation operation for the next job is started without affecting the current job, so that multiple jobs can be efficiently executed while minimizing the waiting time caused by the preparation operation between multiple jobs. realizable.

  (2) In the invention described in claim 2, the temperature can be controlled independently according to each of at least two types of recording paper, and the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is heated and fixed to form an image. In this case, if the recording paper size of the next job is different from the recording paper size of the current job, even if the fixing operation for the fixing temperature control of the next job is started during execution of the current job, Judging whether the preparation operation can be started without considering the influence on the current job, if it is determined that the next job preparation operation can be executed without affecting the current job, the fixing temperature control for the next job is performed. Control to start the preparation operation.

  As a result, the operation of fixing temperature control in accordance with the recording paper size of the next job is started without affecting the current job, thereby minimizing waiting time due to fixing temperature control between multiple jobs. However, it is possible to efficiently execute a plurality of jobs.

  (3) In the invention described in claim 3, the temperature can be controlled independently according to each of at least two types of recording paper, and the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is heated and fixed to form an image. When the recording paper size of the next job is larger than the recording paper size of the current job, the preparatory operation for fixing temperature control of the portion corresponding to the large recording paper size of the next job is started during the current job execution. Even if it does not affect the image formation of the current job, it is determined whether the preparation operation can be started or not, and it is determined that the next job preparation operation can be executed without affecting the current job. Then, control for starting the fixing temperature control preparation operation for the next job is performed.

  As a result, the fixing temperature control operation is started in accordance with the recording paper size of the next job larger than the current job without affecting the current job, so the waiting time caused by the fixing temperature control among a plurality of jobs can be reduced. Efficient execution of multiple jobs can be realized while minimizing.

  (4) In the invention according to claim 4, when a post-processing device having a binding processing unit that binds a bundle of recording sheets with an adhesive heated by the heating means is connected, the binding processing is designated for the current job. If the bind process is specified for the next job and the heating for the bind process of the next job is started during the execution of the current job, it will not affect the image formation of the current job. In consideration of this, it is determined whether or not the preparation operation can be started, and when it is determined that the next job preparation operation can be executed without affecting the current job, control is performed to start heating the post-processing apparatus for the next job.

  As a result, the heating temperature control operation is started in accordance with the bind processing of the next job without affecting the current job, so that the waiting time due to the fixing temperature control between multiple jobs is minimized, Efficient execution can be achieved for multiple jobs.

( 5 ) According to the invention described in claim 5 , when an image is formed while handling a plurality of jobs related to image formation, the number of adjustment operations of each part generated between the jobs is reduced due to a difference in output setting of each job. In addition, control is performed to change the execution order of a plurality of jobs to be handled.

  As a result, the job execution order is rearranged, and the number of adjustment operations between each job required due to the difference in the output settings of each job is reduced. Therefore, the waiting time caused by the adjustment operation between multiple jobs is reduced. Efficient execution of multiple jobs can be realized while minimizing.

( 6 ) In the invention described in claim 6 , when an image is formed while handling a plurality of jobs related to image formation, the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is heated and fixed depending on the output setting of each job. If the adjustment of the temperature of the fixing unit to be formed or the adjustment of the temperature of the post-processing apparatus provided with the binding processing unit that binds the recording paper bundle with the adhesive heated by the heating unit occurs between jobs, the number of times is Control is performed to change the execution order of a plurality of jobs to be handled so as to decrease.

  As a result, the job execution order is rearranged, and the number of fixing or heating temperature adjustment operations required between jobs is reduced due to differences in the output settings of each job. Efficient execution can be realized for a plurality of jobs while minimizing the waiting time.

( 7 ) According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when an image is formed while handling a plurality of jobs related to image formation, the temperature of the fixing unit is adjusted according to the difference in paper type or paper size depending on the output setting of each job. Is generated between the jobs, control is performed to change the execution order of the plurality of jobs to be handled so that the number of times decreases.

  As a result, the job execution order is rearranged, and the number of fixing temperature adjustment operations required between jobs is reduced due to differences in the output settings of each job. Efficient execution of multiple jobs can be realized while minimizing time.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
<Electrical configuration and overall configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration example of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine provided with an image reading unit will be described as a specific example. However, even in an image forming apparatus such as a printer that does not include an image reading unit, the operation of the present invention is described. It is possible to produce an effect.

  In this embodiment, the job (JOB) means a copy job by a copying operation in a copying machine or a print job for an image forming operation by printing.

  Here, the copy job stores image data generated by reading a document, together with output settings (various settings related to image formation output), in a storage unit until image formation is output in units of a series of read documents. Means what was done. Here, the print job is read by the storage unit together with output settings (various settings related to image formation output) for image data sent from other devices when the image forming apparatus operates as a printer. This means that data stored until a series of image data is output as a unit. Here, the scanner job is stored with the scan setting (various settings related to the scan) to the scan execution in response to the scan instruction sent from another device when the image forming apparatus operates as a scanner. Or image data obtained by executing reading. Further, the reserved job means a job that is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus in a state of waiting for image formation without reading a document or receiving image data and outputting an image in real time. Yes.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus, which includes the following parts. A control unit 101 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 and a control unit as a job management unit that manages a plurality of jobs.

In this embodiment, the control unit 101 performs the following controls (1) to (10).
(1) Various controls including job management when handling a plurality of jobs related to image formation.
(2) When the output setting of the job to be executed next (next job) is different from the output setting of the job (current job) that is executing image formation, the preparation operation for the next job is started during the current job execution. In addition, it was determined whether or not the preparation operation can be started while considering whether it affects the image formation of the current job, and the start of the preparation operation for the next job was determined to be executable without affecting the current job. Control to start the preparation operation of the next job.

  (3) The temperature can be controlled independently according to each of at least two types of recording paper sizes. When the toner image transferred on the recording paper is heated and fixed to form an image, the next job is recorded. Whether the paper size is different from the recording paper size of the current job, and whether the preparatory operation for fixing temperature control of the next job is started during the current job does not affect the image formation of the current job Control for starting the preparatory operation of the fixing temperature control for the next job when it is determined whether or not the preparatory operation can be started while considering that the next job preparatory operation can be executed without affecting the current job.

  (4) The temperature can be controlled independently according to each of at least two types of recording paper sizes. When the toner image transferred on the recording paper is heated and fixed to form an image, the next job is recorded. If the paper size is larger than the recording paper size of the current job and the preparatory operation for fixing temperature control of the part corresponding to the large recording paper size of the next job is started during execution of the current job, image formation of the current job is possible. Judging whether the preparation operation can be started without considering the influence on the original job, if it is determined that the next job preparation operation can be executed without affecting the original job, the fixing temperature control for the next job is performed. Control to start the preparation operation.

  (5) When a post-processing apparatus having a bind processing unit that binds recording paper bundles with a heated adhesive is connected, the bind process is not specified for the current job, and the bind process is specified for the next job. In this case, whether or not the preparatory operation can be started is considered in consideration of whether the heating for the bind process of the next job is started during the current job does not affect the image formation of the current job. Control to start heating the post-processing device for the next job when it is determined that the next job preparation operation can be executed without affecting the current job.

  (6) In the case where control is performed to perform the calibration operation of each part every execution of fixed image formation, the number of outputs of the current job and the number of outputs of the next job are referred to and it is determined that the calibration operation is performed during the execution of the next job. In such a case, the calibration operation is executed after the current job execution is completed and before the next job execution is started.

  (7) When performing adjustments that affect any of the color characteristics, gradation characteristics, or gamma characteristics of color image formation as a calibration operation for each part every time a certain image formation is executed, Control that refers to the number of outputs and the number of outputs of the next job and executes the calibration operation after the completion of the current job and before the start of the next job when it is determined that the calibration operation is performed during the execution of the next job.

(8) Control for changing the execution order of a plurality of jobs to be handled so that the number of adjustment operations of each unit occurring between the jobs is reduced due to a difference in output setting of each job.
(9) Depending on the output setting of each job, the temperature of the fixing unit for forming the image by heating and fixing the toner image transferred on the recording paper, or the recording paper bundle by the adhesive heated by the heating unit When the adjustment of the temperature of the post-processing apparatus provided with the binding processing unit that binds the two occurs, the execution order of a plurality of jobs to be handled is changed so that the number of times decreases.

  (10) When the temperature adjustment of the fixing unit corresponding to the difference in the paper type or the paper size occurs between the jobs due to the difference in the output setting of each job, execution of a plurality of jobs handled so that the number of times decreases. Control to change the order.

  An operation display unit 110 includes an operation unit 111 and a display unit 112. Here, various operation inputs relating to job output settings such as selection of the number of copies, enlargement / reduction ratio, recording paper size (A4, A4R, B5, B5R), recording paper tray, and the like are performed on the operation unit 111. In addition, the display unit 112 displays the setting of the job changed to execute the image formation (setting after the change), or the image forming cannot be executed despite the attempt to change the setting, and the processing is stopped. The reason why the cancellation was reached is displayed.

  Reference numeral 120 denotes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF), which automatically feeds a placed document to an image reading unit 130 described later. The ADF 120 may be configured to reverse the front and back sides of the document and feed the image on the back side of the document to the image reading unit. The ADF 120 can also be discharged after automatically feeding one side (front side) of the document to the image reading unit.

  An image reading unit (scanner unit) 130 serves as an image reading unit that optically reads a document and generates image data. An image processing unit 140 is an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the image reading unit 130.

  An image forming unit 150 serves as an image forming unit that records (image forms) image-processed image data on a recording sheet. A printer / scanner controller 160 handles image data read by the image reading unit 130 and image data from the I / F 161 which is an external I / F.

  Reference numeral 170 denotes a storage unit composed of storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device for storing image data and various data. Image data of a reserved job before execution, image data developed at the time of image formation, data such as a job list are also stored in the storage unit 170.

  The image processing unit 140 performs image processing not only on the image data from the image reading unit 130 but also on the image data from the printer / scanner controller 160 as necessary.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a post-processing device (first finisher) as post-processing means for performing various post-processing (punch processing, stapling processing, binding processing, etc.) on the recording paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the post-processing apparatus 200 includes a post-processing control unit 201 that performs post-processing control, a punch unit 210 that performs punching processing, a stapling unit 220 that performs stapling processing, and an adhesive heated by a heating unit (heater). And a bind processing unit 230 that executes a bind process for binding the end of the recording paper bundle. Here, the post-processing control unit 201 executes various types of post-processing control while communicating with the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100, the stack discharge control unit 301 of the post-processing apparatus 300, and the like.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes a stack discharge unit 310 such as a carriage as a stack discharge unit configured to be able to take out the recording sheet after the recording sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is loaded, and stack discharge control. A post-processing device as a stacking / discharging device (second finisher). Here, the stack discharge control unit 301 performs stack discharge control while communicating with the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100, the post-processing control unit 201 of the post-processing apparatus 200, and the like.

<Mechanical configuration and overall operation of image forming apparatus>
Next, the overall mechanical configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment and the finisher connected thereto will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, a state in which the post-processing device 200 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 will be described as a specific example, and the post-processing device 300 will be omitted.
In FIG. 2, a plurality of documents d with the surface of the first page of the document facing up are placed on the tray 121 of the ADF 120 capable of reading both sides of the document. When the document d is automatically fed, reading is performed with the light source 131 and the mirrors 132 to 134 fixed under the second platen glass.

  At this time, in the image reading unit 130, the original surface of the original d is irradiated by the light source 131, and the reflected light forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 135 which is a photoelectric conversion means via the mirrors 132 to 134 and the imaging optical system. . Here, the image reading unit 130 is configured by the light source 131, the mirrors 132 to 134, the optical system having the imaging optical system and the CCD 135, and the optical system driving means (not shown). In FIG. 2, when the document d is placed on the platen glass with the reading surface facing downward, the optical system scans along the platen glass and performs reading.

The read image data of the document d is sent from the CCD 135 to an image processing unit 140 (not shown).
When the document d is automatically fed by the ADF 120, when the first page of the document d is read, a winding operation using the roller is performed again through the reversing roller, and the image on the back side of the document d Is read by the image reading unit 120 and sent to the image processing unit 140. In this way, the document d from which the images on the front surface and the back surface are read is reversed again by the reversing roller and stacked on the paper discharge tray 122 with the front surface facing downward. The image data read by the image reading unit 120 in this manner is stored in the storage unit 170 after predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing unit 140.

  On the other hand, the recording paper p is fed out from any of the paper feed cassettes 30 a to 30 c on which the recording paper (recording paper) is stacked and fed to the image forming unit 50. The recording paper p fed to the image forming unit 50 is synchronized by the second paper feeding roller (registration roller) 32 at the entrance thereof, and then comes closer to the photosensitive drum 51.

  The size of the document is detected when the document is placed, when the document is being transported, or when the image of the document is being read, and the detected size of the document (from a plurality of paper cassettes ( When zooming, such as enlarging or reducing settings, select the paper cassette that contains the recording paper that matches the recording paper size after multiplying by the scaling factor, and the auto paper select (APS) function that feeds the recording paper. You may have. When this APS function is activated, a suitable recording sheet p is fed out and fed in accordance with the function.

  When the image data processed by the image processing unit 140 and stored in the storage unit 170 is input to the image writing unit 40, laser light corresponding to the image data is emitted from the laser diode in the image writing unit 40 onto the photosensitive drum 51. To form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 53 to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 51.

  This toner image is transferred to the recording paper p by the transfer portion 54 below the photosensitive drum 51. Then, the recording paper p that is pressure-bonded to the photosensitive drum 51 is separated by the separation unit 55. The recording paper p separated from the photosensitive drum 51 enters the fixing device 59 through the transport mechanism, and the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure. In the case of double-sided image formation, an image on the back side (second page image) is formed on the recording paper p at this stage.

  The fixing device 59 is provided with a central heater and an end heater inside the fixing roller so that the temperature can be independently controlled according to at least two types of recording paper sizes. In the case of recording paper such as B5 or A4R, only the central heater is driven, and in the case of A3 or A4 recording paper, the central heater and the end heater are driven to perform fixing.

  In the case of single-sided image formation, the recording paper p on which the toner image has been fixed is left as it is according to the output form of the post-processing device 200 described later, or is reversed again by the reversing unit 63 and is discharged by the discharge roller 65. It is discharged to (a post-processing device described later).

  Further, in the case of double-sided image formation, it is conveyed downward through the guide 61 and enters the reversing unit 63. Next, the recording paper p contained in the reversing unit 63 is again fed out by the reversing roller 62 and is sent again to the image forming unit 50 via the reversing conveyance path 64.

  In the image forming unit 50 where the image formation on the back side of the original d has been completed, the toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 51 is removed by the cleaning unit 56 and charged by the subsequent charging unit 52 to prepare for the next image formation. .

  In this state, the surface of the recording paper p (the surface on which no image is formed yet) is carried into the image forming unit 50, and an image of the surface (first page image) is formed. The recording paper p separated from the photosensitive drum 51 by the separation unit 55 enters the fixing device 59 again through the transport mechanism 57 and is fixed.

  In this way, the recording paper p on which image formation on the back surface and the front surface has been completed conforms to the output form in the post-processing device 200 described later, or is reversed again by the reversing unit 63 and is discharged by the discharge roller 65. It is discharged to (a post-processing device described later).

  In the post-processing apparatus 200, as post-processing specified in advance at the time of job reservation or the like, punch processing is performed at the specified position by the punch unit 210, or stapling processing is performed at the specified position by the staple unit 220, or The ends of the recording paper bundle are bound by the adhesive heated by the heating means (heater) of the binding processing unit 230, and the binding processing (bookbinding processing) is performed. Note that the recording paper that has not been post-processed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 201, and the recording paper that has been punched is discharged to the paper discharge unit 202, and a bundle of recording paper that has been stapled or bound is stored. Is discharged to the paper discharge unit 203.

  Although omitted in FIG. 2, a post-processing device 300 (see FIG. 1) such as a stacking / discharging device that can be connected to the subsequent stage of the post-processing device 200 is a recording sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming device 100. Are sequentially stacked on the stack discharge tray, and the stack discharge tray is gradually lowered as the recording paper is stacked. Then, the recording paper can be taken out after the operator pulls out the loading / unloading section including the loading / unloading tray in a state where the recording paper is loaded.

<Description of operation of the first embodiment>
Here, the operation of the image forming apparatus that forms an image in the first embodiment will be described in detail together with the operation of the post-processing apparatus with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the description of this embodiment, the job that is most executable or being executed is described as job # 1, and the reserved job that is executable next to job # 1 is described as job # 2.

  First, the control unit 101 executes image formation for job # 1 in an executable state (S1 in FIG. 3). In parallel with the execution of job # 1, the control unit 101 monitors whether there is input of image data (generation of a reserved job) from the image reading unit 130 or the printer / scanner controller 160 (S2 in FIG. 3). .

If there is no reserved job (NO in FIG. 3 S2), the control unit 101 performs control until the image formation for job # 1 is completed (NO in S8, S1 in FIG. 3).
Here, if there is input of image data (YES in S2 of FIG. 3), the control unit 101 stores the image data in the storage unit 170 as the occurrence of the reservation job. Further, the control unit 101 records the occurrence of this reserved job in the history column of the reserved job list.

  Then, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the output setting of the generated reserved job # 2 is different from the job # 1 (S3 in FIG. 3). It should be noted that here, the output setting is different in a state in which a preparatory operation for a certain period of time is required, such as temperature control accompanying the temperature rise of the heater of the fixing device 59 and temperature control accompanied by the temperature rise of the heater of the bind processing unit 230. Treat as a case.

  In other words, when switching the trays for the recording paper stored in each tray, it is only a simple paper feed tray switch and no preparatory operation is required. Not included.

  However, if plain paper in tray # 1 is used in job # 1 and thick paper in tray # 2 is used in job # 2, it is necessary to raise the fixing temperature in accordance with the fixing of the thick paper. Treat settings as different.

  Further, the heater of the fixing device 59 is independent of the central heater and the end heater (see FIG. 4A), and A4R size plain paper of tray # 1 is used in job # 1. In the case where the center heater is used (see FIG. 4B), the end of the heater of the fixing device 59 is used when A3 size plain paper on tray # 2 is used in job # 2. Since it is necessary to raise the fixing temperature of the part heater (see FIG. 4C), the output setting is treated differently.

  Note that when A4 size plain paper in tray # 1 is used in job # 1 and A3 size plain paper in tray # 2 is used in job # 2, the heater of the fixing device 59 is already at the end. Since the fixing temperature is also increased (see FIG. 4C), the output setting is treated as not different.

  Also, when using the post-processing apparatus 300, when loading and discharging recording papers of different sizes, the same is true in terms of loading / unloading designation. In the embodiment, the output settings are treated as different.

  If the output settings are not different between job # 1 and job # 2 (NO in S3 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 performs control until image formation for job # 1 is completed (NO in S8, S1 in FIG. 3). .

  Further, the control unit 101 detects the remaining number of output sheets for job # 1 (S4 in FIG. 3), and when the remaining number of output sheets is greater than N (NO in FIG. 3 S4), the control unit 101 determines the number of output sheets for job # 1. Control is performed until image formation is completed (NO in step S8 in FIG. 3, S1). Here, the remaining output number N is calculated from the capacity of the image forming apparatus 100 (time required to output one sheet) and the time required for the preparation operation. That is, it is desirable to determine the remaining output number N in accordance with various preparation operations so that the preparation operation for job # 2 is completed almost simultaneously with the completion of job # 1.

  If it is detected that the remaining number of output sheets N has been reached for job # 1 (YES in S4 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 starts the preparation operation for job # 2 and starts the current job (here, job # 1). In consideration of whether the image formation is not affected, it is determined whether or not the preparation operation can be started (S5 in FIG. 3).

  For example, if job # 1 and job # 2 have the same paper type, job # 1 is A4R size, job # 2 is A4 size or A3 size, or job # 1 is bound as post-processing If no processing is selected, but bind processing is selected as post-processing in job # 2, etc., even if the preparation operation for job # 2 is started, the operation of job # 1 being executed is affected. This corresponds to the case where it can be executed without giving (YES in FIG. 3 S5).

  As described above, when it is determined that the job # 2 can be executed even if the preparation operation for the job # 2 is started, it does not affect the operation of the job # 1 being executed (YES in S5 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 Control to start the preparation operation for job # 2 is performed (S6 in FIG. 3).

  That is, the control unit 101 performs control such as supplying power to the end heater of the fixing device 59 or supplying power to the heater of the bind processing unit 230 as a preparation operation in accordance with the output setting of job # 2.

  Note that if the paper thickness is different between job # 1 and job # 2 and the temperature needs to be changed at both the end and center of the fixing device 59, the job # 2 is being executed when the preparation operation is started. This corresponds to the case where the job # 1 is not executable because it affects the operation of job # 1 (NO in FIG. 3 S5) (NO in FIG. 3 S5).

In such a case, the control unit 101 performs setting to start the preparation operation for job # 2 after completion of job # 1 (S7 in FIG. 3).
In such a case, the control unit 101 sets the job # 2 preparation operation to start immediately before the completion of job # 1, for example, when the last recording sheet of job # 1 passes through the fixing device 59. May be. In this way, even before the completion of job # 1, it is possible to make the state in which job # 1 is not affected.

  Then, after confirming that the final recording paper for job # 1 has been discharged, that is, after job # 1 is completed (S8 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 completes the preparation operation for job # 2. (S9, S10 in FIG. 3), and if the preparation operation for job # 2 is completed (YES in S10 in FIG. 3), control is performed to execute image formation for job # 2 (S11 in FIG. 3).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the temperature control preparation process for the job # 2 (next job) or the temperature control for the bind process can be started during the execution of the job # 1 (current job). Since control for starting the fixing temperature control preparation operation for the next job is performed, efficient execution of a plurality of jobs can be realized while minimizing waiting time due to fixing temperature control among a plurality of jobs.

  The preparation operation for job # 2 is also set to start immediately before job # 1 is completed, for example, when the last recording sheet of job # 1 passes through the fixing device 59, so that preparation for fixing temperature control is performed for the next job. Since the control for starting the operation is performed, efficient execution of a plurality of jobs can be realized while minimizing waiting time due to fixing temperature control between the plurality of jobs.

  Note that, as a specific example that does not affect the image formation of the current job even if the preparation operation of the next job is started during the execution of the current job, an end heater of the fixing device 59 used in the description of the above embodiment The present invention is not limited to the temperature rise control and the heater temperature control for the binding process, and can be applied to various other preparation processes.

<Description of Operation of Second Embodiment>
Here, the operation of the image forming apparatus for forming an image in the second embodiment will be described in detail together with the operation of the post-processing apparatus with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the description of this embodiment, the job that is most executable or being executed is described as job # 1, and the reserved job that is executable next to job # 1 is described as job # 2.

  First, the control unit 101 executes image formation for job # 1 in an executable state (S1 in FIG. 5). In parallel with the execution of job # 1, the control unit 101 monitors whether there is input of image data (generation of a reserved job) from the image reading unit 130 or the printer / scanner controller 160 (S2 in FIG. 5). .

If no reserved job is generated (NO in S2 in FIG. 5), the control unit 101 performs control until the image formation for job # 1 is completed (NO in S5, S1 in FIG. 5).
If there is input of image data (YES in S2 in FIG. 5), the control unit 101 stores the image data in the storage unit 170 as a reserved job is generated. Further, the control unit 101 records the occurrence of this reserved job in the history column of the reserved job list.

  Then, the control unit 101 counts the number of image formation outputs so far (copy count), the output number of the currently executing job # 1 (current job), and the job # 2 (next job) that is the generated reserved job. With reference to the number of outputs, it is determined whether or not a calibration operation to be executed every fixed image formation is entered during job # 2 (S3 in FIG. 5).

  Here, as the calibration operation of each part to be executed every time a certain image formation is performed, the potential of each part is adjusted with respect to the color characteristics, gradation characteristics, or gamma characteristics of the color image formation based on instructions from the control unit 101. Or an adjustment operation in which a sample image is formed and then read and corrected. By performing this calibration operation, the gradually changing characteristic returns to the initial value.

  Here, if the calibration operation is not scheduled to occur during execution of job # 2 (NO in FIG. 5 S3), control unit 101 continues until image formation for job # 1 is completed (NO in S5 in FIG. 5, S1). ) To control.

  If the calibration operation is scheduled to occur during execution of job # 2 (YES in S3 in FIG. 5), the control unit 101 does not perform the initial fixed image formation, but after completion of image formation for job # 1. Reserve execution of the calibration operation before starting image formation for job 2 (S4 in FIG. 5).

  In this case, the control unit 101 initially sets a calibration operation reservation immediately before job # 2 in the reserved job list, or rewrites a predetermined number of image forming executions for executing the calibration operation. The timing for each fixed image formation may be made different.

  Then, when the image formation for job # 1 is completed (YES in S5 in FIG. 5), the control unit 101 checks whether the calibration operation is reserved (S4 in FIG. 5). If the calibration operation is not reserved (S6 in FIG. 5). NO), the control unit 101 performs control until the image formation for job # 2 is completed (S9 and S10 in FIG. 5).

  Further, the control unit 101 checks whether or not the calibration operation is reserved (S4 in FIG. 5) when the image formation for job # 1 is completed (YES in FIG. 5S5), and if the calibration operation is reserved (S6 in FIG. 5). If YES, the control unit 101 performs control so that the calibration operation (S7 in FIG. 5) is completed (S7, S8 in FIG. 5) before the image formation for job # 2 is executed. When this calibration operation (S7 in FIG. 5) is completed (YES in S8 in FIG. 5), the control unit 101 controls to continue until image formation for job # 2 is completed (S9 and S10 in FIG. 5).

  As a result, if it is determined that the calibration operation is performed during the next job execution, the calibration operation is executed after the current job execution is completed and before the next job execution is started. A plurality of jobs can be processed without causing a change in image quality or deterioration in image quality. In addition, since the calibration operation is executed slightly earlier than the timing of the original calibration operation, it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality such as color and density.

  This calibration operation is also effective for monochrome image formation, but it can be applied to changes in image quality such as color, gradation, and gamma characteristics in the case of color image formation to prevent image quality changes and image quality degradation. Even better results can be obtained.

<Description of operation of the third embodiment>
Here, the operation of the image forming apparatus for forming an image in the third embodiment will be described in detail together with the operation of the post-processing apparatus with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the control unit 101 monitors whether there is input of image data (generation of a reservation job) from the image reading unit 130 or the printer / scanner controller 160. If there is input of image data, the control unit 101 determines that a reservation job has occurred. The image data is stored in the storage unit 170. Further, the control unit 101 records the occurrence of this reserved job in the history column of the reserved job list. Then, the control unit 101 refers to such a reserved job list and determines whether or not a plurality of reserved jobs are generated (S1 in FIG. 6).

Here, if a plurality of reserved jobs have not occurred (NO in FIG. 6 S1), the image formation of the job is executed in the normal mode according to the instruction of the control unit 101 (S8 in FIG. 6).
On the other hand, if a plurality of reservation jobs are generated (YES in S1 in FIG. 6), the control unit 101 divides each of the plurality of reservation jobs with the same or similar output settings, and executes each group. Rearrange the job execution order so that

  For example, the recording paper for A4R designated jobs and the A3 designated jobs differ from each other in whether or not the end heaters of the fixing device 59 are driven. Further, both the A4R designated job and the A5 designated job are the same group because the end heater of the fixing device 59 is not driven. In addition, since the fixing temperature differs between plain paper and thick paper as recording paper, separate groups are used. Further, since the driving of the heater of the post-processing apparatus differs depending on whether or not the binding process of the post-processing apparatus is performed, the post-processing apparatus is grouped. Further, a group that uses recording paper stored in a tray that is already mounted in the image forming apparatus is divided into a group that requires replacement of the tray.

  Based on such grouping, the job execution order is rearranged so as to be executed in group units (S2 in FIG. 6), and the number of adjustments such as temperature adjustment, heater driving, and tray replacement occurring between jobs is minimized. The rearrangement of the job execution order is repeated until the number of adjustments no longer decreases (NO in S3 in FIG. 6, S2).

  When the number of adjustments does not decrease any more, the control unit 101 determines the execution order (S4 in FIG. 6). That is, the control unit 101 reorganizes the reserved job list according to this execution order. It is desirable to consider not only the number of adjustments but also the adjustment time required for each adjustment.

  In the previous example, a group of jobs (recording paper A4, A3, etc.) that also drive the end heater of the fixing device 59 is executed first, and then a job that does not drive the end heater of the fixing device 59 (recording). By executing a group of paper (A4R, A5, etc.), it is not necessary to wait for the temperature rise of the end heater, so it can be considered that there is no adjustment for the end heater. When the fixing temperature differs between plain paper and thick paper, it is desirable to determine the job execution order so that adjustment can be completed in a short time in consideration of the time required for temperature rise and the time required for temperature processing. .

  In addition, when one of the two types of adjustment operations occurs depending on the rearrangement method, it is necessary to determine the execution order so that an adjustment operation with a short adjustment time is generated. It is preferable when considering the time.

  Here, the control unit 101 executes job image formation according to the reorganized reserved job list (S5 in FIG. 6). Note that while executing a job according to the reserved job list reorganized in this way, new image data may be input from the outside to generate a new reserved job (S6 in FIG. 6).

  That is, the control unit 101 monitors the generation of a new reserved job while executing image formation of a job according to the reorganized reserved job list, and when a new reserved job is generated (S6 in FIG. 6). YES), the new reservation job and the unexecuted reservation job as a whole are grouped according to the output setting of each reservation job being the same or similar, and the job execution order is rearranged again (S2 in FIG. 6). Then, the job execution order is rearranged until the number of adjustments such as temperature adjustment, heater driving, and tray replacement occurring between jobs is minimized, that is, until the number of adjustments no longer decreases (NO in step S3 in FIG. 6, S2). ).

  In addition, because there is a possibility that the reservation job list that has been reorganized so far may not be optimal due to the occurrence of a new reservation job, instead of simply applying a new reservation job to a job with the same or similar output setting, It is desirable to recalculate the minimum number of adjustments from all of the reservation jobs remaining at that time.

  In this way, the generation of a new reserved job is monitored in the middle, and all jobs are executed based on the reserved job list while reorganizing the reserved job list as necessary (S5 and S7 in FIG. 6).

  This sort of job execution order reduces the number of adjustment operations and the time required between jobs due to differences in the output settings of each job, so waiting time due to adjustment operations between multiple jobs It is possible to efficiently execute a plurality of jobs while minimizing the above. Also, in this case, the job execution order is rearranged, and the number of fixing or heating temperature adjustment operations between jobs is reduced due to differences in the output settings of each job. It is possible to efficiently execute a plurality of jobs while minimizing the waiting time due to the operation. Also, in this case, the job execution order is rearranged, and the number of fixing temperature adjustment operations required between each job is reduced due to the difference in the output settings of each job, resulting in adjustment operations between multiple jobs. This makes it possible to efficiently execute a plurality of jobs while minimizing the waiting time.

  Further, at the time of rearranging the above execution order, the execution order is determined so that temperature control or the like can be executed in the middle of the previous job as a preparatory operation as in the first embodiment described above. It is even more desirable.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 ADF (automatic document feeder)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Image reading part 30 Paper feeding part 40 Image writing part 50 Image forming part 60 Inversion part 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control part 110 Operation display part 111 Operation part 112 Display part 120 ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 Image reading part 140 Image processing part 150 Image forming part 160 Printer / scanner controller 170 Storage part 200 Post-processing apparatus

Claims (7)

Job management means capable of handling a plurality of jobs related to image formation;
An image forming unit that performs image formation by transferring an image corresponding to image data to a recording sheet and heating and fixing in units of each job;
Temperature control that requires a certain time for the next job during image formation execution of the current job when the output setting of the job to be executed next (next job) is different from the output setting of the job (current job) that is executing image formation preparation operation to start at with determining whether executable image formation of the current job, when also been determined to be an image forming execution of the current job by the start of the preparatory operation for the next job, the next Control means for controlling to start the job preparation operation;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A temperature control is possible independently according to each of at least two types of recording paper sizes, and a fixing unit that heats and fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper to form an image is provided.
The control unit can start a temperature control preparation operation for the fixing unit of the next job during image formation execution of the current job when the recording paper size of the next job is different from the recording paper size of the current job. If it is determined that, the control for starting the temperature control preparation operation for the fixing unit is performed for the next job.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control means determines that it is possible to start the temperature control preparation operation for the fixing means in the portion corresponding to the large recording paper size when the recording paper size of the next job is larger than the recording paper size of the current job. In this case, a control for starting a temperature control preparation operation for the fixing unit is performed for the next job.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. An image forming apparatus to which a post-processing device having a bind processing unit that binds recording paper bundles with an adhesive heated by a heating unit is connected,
The control means is a case where the bind process is not specified for the current job and the bind process is specified for the next job, and the heating temperature for the bind process of the next job during image formation execution of the current job. When it is determined that control can be started, control is performed to start heating the post-processing device for the next job.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit performs control to change the execution order of the plurality of jobs handled by the job management unit so that the number of adjustment operations of each unit occurring between the jobs is reduced due to a difference in output setting of each job.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The adjustment operation includes a binding processing unit that adjusts the temperature of a fixing unit that heats and fixes a toner image transferred onto a recording sheet to form an image, or binds a bundle of recording sheets with an adhesive heated by the heating unit. After-treatment device temperature adjustment,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The adjustment operation is an adjustment of the temperature of a fixing unit that forms an image by heating and fixing a toner image transferred onto a recording paper, which occurs according to a difference in paper type or paper size.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

Images