JP4800249B2 - Printing condition switching device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing condition switching device and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a printing condition switching device for an image forming apparatus capable of printing a plurality of original bundles under respective printing conditions and an image forming apparatus provided with the printing switching device.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a document reading unit that can read image information of a document, an image forming unit that forms a toner image based on the image information, and a fixing that fixes an image formed by the image forming unit on a sheet A sheet conveying unit that conveys the sheet to the image forming unit, the fixing unit, and the like, and a sheet discharging unit that discharges the sheet on which the image is fixed. In such an image forming apparatus, image information of a document is read by a document reading unit, and an image is formed on a sheet based on the image information of the document by the image forming unit. The paper on which the image is formed is conveyed to the fixing unit, and the image is fixed on the paper. Then, the paper on which the image is fixed is discharged from the paper discharge unit.

Here, an image forming apparatus that can change the printing conditions for each bundle of documents is considered (see Patent Document 1). In this image forming apparatus, a special sheet is inserted between two original bundles, and the printing condition is changed by reading the sheet with an original reading unit.
JP-A-5-27497

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a special sheet, which requires cost and labor for arranging the special sheet between two document bundles.

  An object of the present invention is to perform printing under printing conditions corresponding to each original bundle without using a special sheet.

Printing condition switching according to a first aspect of the present invention apparatus, a printing condition switching device printable image forming apparatus in each printing condition includes a document feeder and a plurality of document bundle for conveying the original, a plurality A storage unit capable of storing a plurality of printing conditions corresponding to the original bundle, an original placed at a specific position of the original bundle placed at a predetermined original placement position, and an original placed at the specific position A document conveyance control unit that controls the document conveyance unit so as to convey the original document, and a document conveyed by the document conveyance unit controlled by the document conveyance control unit. The recognizable means provided at a predetermined distance in the conveyance direction and the original conveyed by the original conveying section controlled by the original conveyance control means are recognized by the recognizable means. An identification unit that determines a document that is shifted in the conveyance direction at the document placement position as compared to other documents as a document placed at the specific position of the document bundle based on the time until Printing condition switching means for switching the printing condition to the printing condition corresponding to the next bundle of originals stored in the storage unit when it is determined that the document is arranged; The specific position is either the position where the original is read at the beginning of the original bundle or the position where the original is read at the end of the original bundle.

In this printing condition switching device, when printing a document bundle under each printing condition, printing conditions corresponding to each document bundle are stored in the storage unit. Then, the document placed at a predetermined document placement position is transported, and the document is recognized by a recognizable means provided at a predetermined distance in the document transport direction from the document placement position. The identification unit specifies a document that is shifted in the transport direction at the document placement position from the other document based on the time from the document placement position until the document transport unit recognizes the document transported by the document transport unit. Judged as a document placed at the position. Here, the predetermined document placement position is a position where the document bundle is placed when reading the image data of the document bundle. For example, the leading edge is placed on the document reading unit side on the document placement tray of a copying machine or the like. It refers to the position where the bundle of documents is placed. If the original is located at a specific position, the printing condition is switched to the next original bundle. Here, the document refers to a sheet on which printing is performed.

  Here, by setting the specific position to the position of the first printed document or the last printed document in the document bundle, printing can be performed under the printing conditions corresponding to each document bundle. Since a special sheet is not used, the cost and labor of preparing a special sheet can be saved.

A printing condition switching device according to a second invention is the printing condition switching device according to the first invention , and stops the printing operation when it is determined by the identification means that the document is placed at a specific position. The printing operation stop means is further provided.

  Here, since the printing operation is stopped when the document at a specific position is recognized, it is possible to check the printing conditions for each bundle of documents, and to prevent the bundle of documents from being printed under the wrong printing conditions. Can do.

A third invention printing condition switching device according to is a printing condition switching device printable image forming apparatus in each printing condition includes a document feeder and a plurality of document bundle for conveying the original, predetermined A document transport control means for controlling the document transport unit so as to transport a document placed at a specific position of the document bundle placed at the document placement position and a document other than the document placed at the specified position. A document capable of being recognized by the document transport unit controlled by the document transport control means, the recognizable means being provided at a predetermined distance in the transport direction from the document placement position, and the document transport control. Based on the time until the original conveyed by the original conveying unit controlled by the means is recognized by the recognizable means, the original is placed at the original placement position more than the other originals. An identification unit that determines a document that is displaced in the conveyance direction as a document placed at the specific position of the document bundle, and a printing operation is stopped when the identification unit determines that the document is placed at a specific position. A printing operation stopping unit; and a printing condition setting receiving unit that receives a setting of printing conditions for the next document bundle in a state where the printing operation is stopped by the printing operation stopping unit. The specific position is either the position where the original is read at the beginning of the original bundle or the position where the original is read at the end of the original bundle.

In this printing condition switching device, a document placed at a predetermined document placement position is transported, and the document is recognized by a recognizable means provided at a predetermined distance in the document transport direction from the document placement position. The identification unit specifies a document that is shifted in the transport direction at the document placement position from the other document based on the time from the document placement position until the document transported by the document transport unit recognizes the document. Judged as a document placed at the position. Here, the predetermined document placement position is a position where the document bundle is placed when reading the image data of the document bundle. For example, the leading edge is placed on the document reading unit side on the document placement tray of a copying machine or the like. It refers to the position where the bundle of documents is placed. Then, if it is recognized as the arranged document to a specific position of the document bundle, the printing operation is stopped. When the printing operation is stopped, the printing condition setting is accepted.

Here, by setting the specific position to the position of the first printed document or the last printed document in the document bundle, the printing conditions can be set for each document bundle. Printing can be performed under the corresponding printing conditions. Since a special sheet is not used, the cost and labor of preparing a special sheet can be saved.

A printing condition switching device according to a fourth invention is the printing condition switching device according to the first or third invention , wherein the document conveyance control means is located at a specific position shifted in the conveyance direction from other documents . A transport roller capable of transporting a document is operated. The recognizable means recognizes that the document has been conveyed by a sensor disposed at a predetermined distance in the document conveyance direction from the conveyance roller.

  Here, since the document placed at the specific position is shifted in the paper transport direction from the other documents, the time for transporting to the sensor is different from the time required for transporting the other documents, and is the document at the specific position. I can recognize that.

An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect includes a printing condition switching device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects , a reading unit that reads image information of a document, and image information read by the reading unit. An image forming unit that can form an image based on the image forming unit, a discharge unit that can discharge a document on which an image has been formed on the image forming unit to the outside, and a sheet that can transport a document on which an image is formed on the image forming unit to the discharge unit And a transport unit.

  In this image forming apparatus, the image information of the original is read by the reading unit, an image is formed on the original based on the read image information, and the original on which the image is formed is conveyed to the discharge unit by the paper conveying unit. Then, the document is discharged from the discharge unit. Here, the printing conditions are switched for each original bundle by the printing condition switching device.

  In the present invention, printing can be performed under printing conditions corresponding to each original bundle without using a special sheet.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a multifunction machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an overall external view of the multifunction device 1, and FIG. 2 is an overall cross-sectional view of the multifunction device 1, and details thereof are omitted. The multifunction device 1 includes a reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a fixing unit 4, a discharge unit 5, a paper storage unit 6, a paper conveyance unit 7, and a printing condition switching device 8 (see FIG. 4). have. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a display panel 110 capable of inputting printing conditions for a document is provided on the outer frame of the multi function device 1. The display panel 110 is provided with keys for selecting a plurality of printing conditions, for example, enlargement / reduction, double-sided printing, and the like, and the printing conditions for the original are determined using these keys. In this display panel 110, it is possible to input print conditions corresponding to each document bundle for a plurality of document bundles.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the reading unit 2 is a part for reading image data of a document, and includes a first document reading unit 21 and a second document reading unit 22.

  The first document reading unit 21 includes a contact glass 211, a cover 212, a CCD sensor (not shown), and an optical system. The contact glass 211 is a transparent plate-like member and can place a document. Further, the contact glass 211 is disposed on the upper side of the CCD sensor and the optical system. The cover 212 can hold a document between the contact glass 211 and is disposed on the upper side of the contact glass 211. Further, one end of the cover 212 is fixed to the outer frame of the multifunction peripheral so as to be rotatable with respect to the contact glass 211.

  The second document reading unit 22 includes a document placement tray 221, a document transport unit 222, a document transport roller 223, a document discharge unit 224, a document detection sensor 225, and an optical system (not shown). The optical system of the second document reading unit 22 and the optical system of the first document reading unit are the same optical system, and an image of the document is passed from a predetermined position of the document transport unit 222 through the end of the contact glass 211. Is read. The document placement tray 221 is a portion on which a document is placed and is provided on the cover 212. A predetermined document placement position is set on the document placement tray 221. Here, the document placement position is a position near the document transport unit 222 and transported by the document transport roller 223. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the document to be read first in the document bundle is arranged at the lowermost side of the document bundle and shifted to the upstream side in the document transport direction with respect to the other documents. Here, FIG. 3 shows a state in which two document bundles are arranged. When the original is placed at the original placement position, the original bundle is supported by an original holding roller (not shown). The document transport unit 222 is a part for transporting a document to a document discharge unit 224 through a position where image data can be read, and includes a plurality of rollers. The document transport roller 223 is a roller for transporting a document to the document transport unit 222, and is slightly deviated from the document placement position so that even a document deviated from the document placement position in the document transport direction can be transported. In the position. Specifically, it is disposed upstream of the document placement position in the document transport direction. The document discharge unit 224 is a portion from which a document from which image information has been read is discharged, and is disposed below the document placement tray 221. The document detection sensor 225 is a sensor for detecting a document, and is disposed at a predetermined position in the document transport direction from the document placement position. The document detection sensor 225 is an optical sensor. When printing a bundle of documents, each document is sandwiched between the contact glass 211 and the cover 212 to read image information of the document. Alternatively, the document bundle is placed at the document placement position of the document placement tray 221, and the document image information is read when the documents in the document bundle are sequentially transported to the document discharge unit 224 by the document transport unit 222.

  The image forming unit 3 is a part for forming an image on a sheet, and includes a photosensitive drum 31, a laser unit 32, and a developing device 33. The image forming unit 3 is disposed in the upper part of the multifunction machine 1. The photosensitive drum 31 is a cylindrical member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed based on image data read by the reading unit 2 or image data transmitted from an external computer. The laser unit 32 is a member for irradiating the photosensitive drum 31 with laser light. The developing device 33 supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 and is disposed adjacent to the photosensitive drum 31. Toner is stored inside the developing device 33, and a developing roller 33 a is disposed facing the photosensitive drum 31. Toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 by the developing roller 33a.

  The fixing unit 4 is a part for fixing the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit 3 to the sheet, and includes a heating roller 41 and a pressure roller 42. The fixing unit 4 is disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 3 in the sheet conveying direction. The heating roller 41 is a member for melting and fixing a toner image formed on a sheet by heat. The pressure roller 42 is disposed to face the heating roller 41.

  The discharge unit 5 is a part for discharging the copied paper from the inside of the multifunction device 1 to the outside of the multifunction device 1, and is disposed on a side portion of the multifunction device 1.

  The paper storage unit 6 is a part that stores paper supplied to the image forming unit 3, and includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 61. The paper storage unit 6 is disposed at the lower part of the multifunction device 1. Each of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 61 stores different types of paper (for example, A4, A3, B4, etc.).

  The paper transport unit 7 is a part that can transport the paper in the paper storage unit 6 in the order of the image forming unit 3, the fixing unit 4, and the discharge unit 5. A registration roller and a feed roller are disposed in the paper transport unit 7.

  The printing condition switching device 8 is a device for switching the printing conditions for each bundle of documents and printing under the corresponding printing conditions. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 81 is executed by the CPU executing a program. Functions as a document recognition unit 82, a printing condition switching unit 83, and a printing operation stop unit 84.

  The storage unit 81 is a portion that can store a plurality of printing conditions corresponding to a plurality of document bundles, and stores programs for causing various other functional units to function.

  The document recognition unit 82 includes a document conveyance control unit 821, a recognizable unit 822, and an identification unit 823. The document conveyance control unit 821 operates the document conveyance roller 223 to convey the documents one by one from the document bundle. The recognizable unit 822 recognizes that the document has been conveyed by the document detection sensor 225 disposed at a predetermined distance from the document conveyance roller 223 in the document conveyance direction. The identification unit 823 determines whether or not the document conveyed by the document conveyance roller 223 is the first document in the document bundle based on the time until the document detection sensor 225 recognizes the document. Here, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is the first document, but it may be determined whether or not it is the last document.

  The printing condition switching unit 83 switches the printing condition to the printing condition corresponding to the next document bundle stored in the storage unit 81 when the document recognition unit 82 determines that the document is the first document in the document bundle.

  The printing operation stop unit 84 stops the printing operation when the document recognition unit 82 determines that the document is placed at a specific position.

2. Operation First, the operation of the multifunction device 1 when printing an image on a sheet will be described.

  When printing an image on a sheet, image data is first transmitted from an external computer, or image data of a document is read by the document reading unit 2. At this time, the paper in the paper storage unit 6 is conveyed to the image forming unit 3. Thereafter, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 3, and an image is formed on the sheet by the image forming unit 3 based on the image data. The sheet on which the image is formed is conveyed to the fixing unit 4 and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 4 is discharged from the discharge unit 5.

  Next, the operation of the printing condition switching device 8 when copying based on the printing conditions of the respective original bundles using the second original reading unit 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, a plurality of document bundles are arranged at the document placement position of the document placement tray 221. At this time, the first document in each document bundle, that is, the document arranged at the bottom side is arranged so as to be shifted to the back side in the transport direction. Then, the lowermost original is conveyed to the original conveying unit 222 by the original conveying roller 223. When the document is transported, the document transported by the document detection sensor 225 is detected. At this time, whether or not the document is the first document is determined based on the time when the document conveying roller 223 starts to rotate and the time when the document is detected by the document detection sensor 225 (S1). If it is not the first original (NO in S1), printing is performed based on the image information. If it is the first original (YES in S1), the printing condition is switched to the printing condition corresponding to the next original bundle stored in the storage unit 81 (S2). Then, the printing operation is stopped (S3), and a printing resumption command is received by the display panel 110. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an instruction to resume printing has been issued (S4). If the command for restarting printing has not been issued (NO in S4), the process waits until the command for restarting printing is issued. On the other hand, when a command to resume printing is issued (YES in S4), printing is performed on the paper based on the image information. Then, it is determined whether or not it is the last document (S6), that is, whether or not there is a next document. If it is not the next last document (NO in S6), that is, if the next document is conveyed, the above operation is repeated. On the other hand, if it is the last document, the operation is terminated.

Here, by placing the first document out of a plurality of document bundles, printing can be performed under the printing conditions corresponding to the respective document bundles. Since a special sheet is not used, the cost and labor of preparing a special sheet can be saved. Further, since the printing operation is stopped for each original bundle, the printing conditions can be confirmed for each original bundle, and the original bundle can be prevented from being printed under an incorrect printing condition.
3. Other Embodiments (a) In the above embodiment, the lowermost part of the original bundle is described as the specific position. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be the uppermost part of the original bundle.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the multifunction device 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be a copying machine or the like.

  (C) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage unit 81 stores a plurality of printing conditions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing condition setting receiving unit 181 (printing conditions) as shown in FIG. Setting accepting means) may be provided, and the printing conditions may be set every time the printing operation of one document bundle is completed. The operation in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, a plurality of document bundles are arranged at the document placement position of the document placement tray 221. At this time, the first document in each document bundle, that is, the document arranged at the bottom side is arranged so as to be shifted to the back side in the transport direction. Then, the lowermost original is conveyed to the original conveying unit 222 by the original conveying roller 223. When the document is transported, the document transported by the document detection sensor 225 is detected. At this time, whether or not the document is the first document is determined based on the time when the document transport roller 223 starts to rotate and the time when the document is detected by the document detection sensor 225 (S11). If it is not the first original (NO in S11), printing is performed based on the image information. If it is the first original (YES in S11), the printing operation is temporarily stopped (S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the print panel setting has been accepted by the display panel 110 (S13). If the display panel 110 has not accepted the print condition setting (NO in S13), the process waits until the print condition setting is accepted. When setting of printing conditions is received on the display panel 110 (YES in S13), it is determined whether or not a command for resuming printing has been issued (S4). If a command to resume printing has not been issued (NO in S14), the process waits until a command to resume printing is issued. On the other hand, when an instruction to resume printing is issued (YES in S14), printing is performed on the sheet based on the image information. Then, it is determined whether or not it is the last document (S16), that is, whether or not there is a next document. If it is not the next last document (NO in S16), that is, if the next document is conveyed, the above operation is repeated. On the other hand, if it is the last document, the operation is terminated.

  Here, since the printing conditions are set for each original bundle, printing can be performed for each original bundle under the printing conditions set by the operator.

1 is an external view of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The enlarged view of a reading part. The block diagram of a printing condition switching device. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a printing condition switching apparatus. The block diagram of the printing condition switching apparatus which concerns on other embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of a printing condition switching device according to another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming device)
2 Reading unit 3 Image forming unit 5 Discharging unit 7 Paper transport unit 8 Printing condition switching device 81 Storage unit 82 Document recognition unit (document recognition means)
83 Printing condition switching section (printing condition switching means)
84 Printing operation stop section (Printing operation stop means)
181 Print condition setting receiving unit (print condition setting receiving means)
223 Document conveying roller (conveying roller)
225 Document detection sensor
821 Document conveyance control unit (document conveyance control means)
822 Recognizable part (recognizable means)
823 identification unit (identification means)

Claims (5)

A printing condition switching device of an image forming apparatus that includes a document conveying unit for conveying a document and is capable of printing a plurality of document bundles under respective printing conditions,
A storage unit capable of storing a plurality of printing conditions corresponding to a plurality of document bundles;
Document transport control means for controlling the document transport unit to transport a document placed at a specific position of the bundle of documents placed at a predetermined document placement position and a document other than the document placed at the specified position. When,
A recognizable unit capable of recognizing a document conveyed by the document conveyance unit controlled by the document conveyance control unit, and provided at a predetermined distance in the conveyance direction from the document placement position;
Based on the time until the document transported by the document transport unit controlled by the document transport control means is recognized by the recognizable means, the document is shifted in the transport direction at the document placement position from the other documents. Identifying means for determining a document as a document placed at the specific position of the document bundle;
A printing condition switching unit that switches the printing condition to a printing condition corresponding to the next bundle of documents stored in the storage unit when it is determined by the identification unit that the document is placed at a specific position;
Equipped with a,
The print condition switching device according to claim 1, wherein the specific position is one of a position where the original is read at the beginning of the original bundle and a position where the original is read at the end of the original bundle . The printing condition switching device according to claim 1, further comprising a printing operation stopping unit that stops a printing operation when the identification unit determines that the document is placed at a specific position. A printing condition switching device of an image forming apparatus that includes a document conveying unit for conveying a document and is capable of printing a plurality of document bundles under respective printing conditions,
Document transport control means for controlling the document transport unit to transport a document placed at a specific position of the bundle of documents placed at a predetermined document placement position and a document other than the document placed at the specified position. When,
A recognizable unit capable of recognizing a document conveyed by the document conveyance unit controlled by the document conveyance control unit, and provided at a predetermined distance in the conveyance direction from the document placement position;
Based on the time until the document transported by the document transport unit controlled by the document transport control means is recognized by the recognizable means, the document is shifted in the transport direction at the document placement position from the other documents. Identifying means for determining a document as a document placed at the specific position of the document bundle;
A printing operation stop means for stopping the printing operation when it is determined by the identification means that the document is placed at a specific position;
A printing condition setting receiving means for receiving setting of printing conditions for the next bundle of documents in a state where the printing operation is stopped by the printing operation stopping means;
Equipped with a,
The print condition switching device according to claim 1, wherein the specific position is one of a position where the original is read at the beginning of the original bundle and a position where the original is read at the end of the original bundle . The document conveyance control means is a means for controlling the operation of a conveyance roller capable of conveying the document at the specific position that is shifted in the conveyance direction from other documents,
The recognizable means recognizes that the document has been transported by a sensor disposed at a predetermined distance in the document transport direction from the transport roller;
The printing condition switching device according to claim 1 or 3 . The printing condition switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A reading unit that reads the image information of the document;
An image forming unit capable of forming an image based on image information read by the reading unit;
A discharge unit capable of discharging the paper on which the image is formed in the image forming unit to the outside;
A paper transport unit capable of transporting the paper on which the image is formed in the image forming unit to the discharge unit;
An image forming apparatus.

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