JP5866308B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that primarily transfers a toner image to an intermediate transfer member, performs secondary transfer to a sheet, and then fixes the sheet by heating and pressing the sheet.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a paper jam (jam) may occur. When the occurrence of a jam is detected, the printing operation such as paper conveyance is stopped in order to prevent the degree of clogging from becoming serious. Then, the user performs a jam process for removing the paper causing the jam. Here, when the printing operation is stopped, only the paper causing the jam is removed, and if the paper remaining on the other transport path can be transported and forcibly discharged, all of the plurality of papers being transported are removed when the jam occurs. Convenient and saves time. In particular, if the paper can be forcibly ejected, it may not be necessary to remove the paper remaining on the fixing unit. This saves the user from having to remove the paper on which the unfixed toner image has been transferred. There is no need to get dirty.

  Patent Document 1 describes an example of an image forming apparatus that performs an operation of discharging a sheet remaining on another conveyance path after a jam process for removing a sheet that causes a jam. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an image print unit that forms and supports an unfixed image on a recording material, and a recording material from the image print unit in a heating nip formed by a heating rotator and a pressing rotator. A heating and fixing device that permanently fixes an unfixed image on the recording material by passing the image, and at the time of resetting after the printing operation of the image forming apparatus is interrupted due to jam detection during image printing, An image forming apparatus that detects the temperature of a heater and determines the heater temperature for automatically discharging the recording material remaining in the image forming apparatus based on the detected temperature is described. With this configuration, even in an image forming apparatus equipped with a film heating type heat fixing device, when a jam occurs, the recording material remaining in the image forming apparatus is not manually removed from the image forming apparatus by a user. An attempt is made to automatically discharge the recording material out of the image forming apparatus.

JP-A-9-325643

  First, in an image forming apparatus such as an image forming apparatus that forms a color image, a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum is first transferred to an intermediate transfer member, and then secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer member to a sheet. Some of them print.

  In an image forming apparatus having an intermediate transfer member, printing may stop due to a jam in a state before the toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer member and secondarily transferred to the paper. In other words, printing may stop due to a jam in a state where a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member. In this case, when forcible discharge is performed after the jam processing, conventionally, the toner image on the intermediate transfer member is secondarily transferred to the paper, and after the process of fixing the secondary transferred toner image to the paper, Discharged.

  Therefore, at the time of forced ejection, the heater of the fixing unit must be energized in order to transfer and fix the toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto the paper. In the forced discharge, power for transferring and fixing an unnecessary toner image on the intermediate transfer member is consumed. However, when printing is stopped due to a jam, the paper that is forcibly ejected is printed only halfway in one page, and thus the paper ejected by forcible ejection may be wasted. Therefore, when forcibly discharging, unnecessary toner images on the intermediate transfer member are transferred and fixed, so that power and paper are wasted.

  In addition, the temperature of the fixing unit decreases from when printing is stopped due to jam processing to when forced discharge is performed. It takes time to raise the temperature of the fixing unit to a temperature suitable for toner fixing in order to fix the toner image during forced ejection.

  As described above, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that wasteful power and paper are consumed when the paper remaining in the apparatus is forcibly discharged after the jam occurs.

  Note that the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is an image forming apparatus that does not have an intermediate transfer member. Further, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is provided in the image forming apparatus based on the detected temperature of the heater of the heating rotating body at the time of reset after the printing operation of the image forming apparatus is interrupted due to jam detection during image printing. Since the heater temperature for automatically discharging the remaining recording material is determined, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is always transferred to the paper and is fixed to the toner image during forced discharge. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and it is an object to suppress waste of power, paper, and time when forcibly discharging paper remaining in the machine after a jam has occurred. And

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that supplies paper, an image forming unit that forms a toner image, an intermediate transfer member that receives primary transfer of a toner image formed by the image forming unit, An intermediate transfer unit including a cleaning device that collects and cleans toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member, a secondary transfer unit that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer member to a sheet, and the paper supply unit. A print engine unit that includes a transport unit that transports the supplied paper, a fixing unit that includes a heater and fixes a toner image that has been secondarily transferred to the paper, and a plurality of paper detectors that are provided in the paper transport path; The print engine unit is controlled to detect the occurrence of a paper jam based on the output of the paper detector. When the occurrence of the jam is detected, the operation relating to printing is stopped, and then the paper remaining on the conveyance path is conveyed and discharged. Forced discharge Anda control unit for causing the print engine unit, wherein, if an attempt is made to the forced discharge, when the sheet in contact with and the secondary transfer unit no paper in the fixing unit is not, the intermediate In a state where the transfer member is rotated to perform a pre-discharge cleaning operation for cleaning the toner image on the intermediate transfer member by the cleaning device, and the energization to the heater is stopped after the pre-discharge cleaning operation. The forced discharge of the paper remaining on the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction with respect to the secondary transfer unit is performed by the print engine unit, when the forced discharge is performed, when there is a paper in the fixing unit, and When there is a sheet in contact with the secondary transfer unit, the print engine unit is forced to discharge while the heater is energized so that the toner image is fixed on the sheet.

  According to the present invention, when the paper remaining in the machine is forcibly discharged after a jam occurs, waste of power, paper, and time can be suppressed.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a printer. It is a figure which shows an image forming unit. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining sheet conveyance and jam detection. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of detection of jam generation. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state of a sheet remaining on a conveyance path after jam processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state of a sheet remaining on a conveyance path after jam processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when performing forced discharge.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the printer 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
First, an outline of the printer 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the printer 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the image forming units 40Bk to 40M.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 1 (corresponding to an operation unit) attached to the side. The printer 100 includes a paper feeding unit 2, a first transport unit 3a (corresponding to a transport unit), an image forming unit 4, an intermediate transfer unit 5, a secondary transfer unit 6, a fixing unit 7, and a second transport unit 3b. (Corresponding to the transport unit).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 1 is provided at the tip of an arm 11 provided on the upper right side of the printer 100. The operation panel 1 includes a display unit 12 that displays the status of the printer 100, various messages, and a setting screen. The display unit 12 is a display panel such as a touch panel type liquid crystal. The operation panel 1 serves as an operation unit for accepting settings such as printing conditions by the user, and accepting an error state or canceling the display thereof. In addition, the operation panel 1 displays the state of the apparatus, precautions, error messages, and the like on the display unit 12 to notify the user.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed unit 2 is disposed below the inside of the printer 100. The paper feed unit 2 includes a cassette 21. The cassette 21 accommodates the paper P. The paper feed unit 2 is provided with a paper feed roller 22 that is rotated by a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a paper feed motor 2m (see FIG. 4) or a gear to feed and transport the paper P. The paper feed roller 22 rotates and sends the paper P to the first transport unit 3a.

  Then, the first transport unit 3 a transports the paper P within the printer 100. The first transport unit 3a guides the paper P supplied from the paper feeding unit 2 to the image forming unit 4 (secondary transfer unit 6). The first transport unit 3a is provided with a transport roller pair 31, a registration roller pair 32, and the like. The registration roller pair 32 waits for the conveyed paper P in front of the secondary transfer roller 61 (intermediate transfer belt 52), and sends it out in accordance with the timing of the secondary transfer of the toner image onto the paper P.

  The image forming unit 4 forms a toner image based on image data of an image to be formed. The image forming unit 4 includes an image forming unit 40 (40Bk, 40Y, 40C, 40M) for four colors and an exposure device 41. Specifically, the image forming unit 4 receives an image forming unit 40Bk that forms a black image, an image forming unit 40Y that forms a yellow image, an image forming unit 40C that forms a cyan image, and a magenta image. An image forming unit 40M to be formed.

  Accordingly, the image forming units 40Bk to 40M will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The image forming units 40Bk to 40M have basically the same configuration although the colors of the toner images to be formed are different. Therefore, in the following description, the image forming unit 40Bk will be described as an example, but in the following description, symbols of Bk, Y, C, and M indicating colors are omitted unless particularly necessary. Further, common members are denoted by common reference numerals in the image forming units 40Bk to 40M.

  First, the image forming unit 40 includes a photosensitive drum 42, a charging device 43, a developing device 44, and a drum cleaning device 45. The photosensitive drum 42 is rotatably supported. The photosensitive drum 42 receives the driving force of the main motor 4m (see FIG. 4) and is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed. The photosensitive drum 42 carries a toner image on the circumferential surface through an electrification, exposure, and development process (image carrier).

  The charging device 43 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 42 with a constant potential. The exposure device 41 outputs laser light toward the photosensitive drum 42. The exposure device 41 includes optical system members such as a semiconductor laser device (laser diode), a polygon mirror, a polygon motor, an fθ lens, and a mirror (not shown). The exposure device 41 uses these optical system members to irradiate a charged photoconductor drum 42 with an optical signal (laser light, illustrated by a broken line) based on an image signal obtained by color-separating image data. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface.

  The developing device 44 stores a developer (so-called two-component developer) including a carrier made of toner and a magnetic material. The developing device 44 causes the toner to fly toward the photosensitive drum 42 and develops the electrostatic latent image with the toner.

  The drum cleaning device 45 cleans the photosensitive drum 42. Further, above the drum cleaning device 45, a static elimination device 46 is provided that performs static elimination by irradiating the photosensitive drum 42 with light.

  Returning to FIG. In order to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 42 onto the paper P, an intermediate transfer unit 5 and a secondary transfer unit 6 are provided. The intermediate transfer unit 5 receives the primary transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 42. The secondary transfer unit 6 secondarily transfers the primarily transferred toner image onto the paper P.

  The intermediate transfer unit 5 includes a plurality of primary transfer rollers 51 (51Bk, 51Y, 51C, 51M), an intermediate transfer belt 52 (corresponding to an intermediate transfer member), a driving roller 53, driven rollers 54, 55, and a belt cleaning device 56 ( Equivalent to a cleaning device). The secondary transfer unit 6 includes a secondary transfer roller 61.

  The endless intermediate transfer belt 52 is stretched around primary transfer rollers 51 </ b> Bk to 51 </ b> M, a driving roller 53, and driven rollers 54 and 55. The intermediate transfer belt 52 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 by the rotational driving of the driving roller 53 that receives the driving force from the intermediate transfer motor 5m. The photosensitive drums 42 corresponding to the primary transfer rollers 51Bk to 51M sandwich an endless intermediate transfer belt 52. A voltage for primary transfer is applied to each of the primary transfer rollers 51Bk to 51M. The toner images (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta) formed by the image forming unit 40 are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 52 while being sequentially superimposed without any deviation.

  The driving roller 53 and the secondary transfer roller 61 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 52, and the intermediate transfer belt 52 and the secondary transfer roller 61 form a nip through which the paper P passes. A predetermined voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 61. As a result, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 52 is secondarily transferred to the paper P. Residual toner or the like on the intermediate transfer belt 52 is removed and collected by the belt cleaning device 56.

  The belt cleaning device 56 includes a blade 56a and a rubbing roller 56b. The blade 56 a extends in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the intermediate transfer belt 52. Further, the blade 56a contacts the intermediate transfer belt 52 so as to scrape the residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 52, and removes residual toner and dirt. The rubbing roller 56 b is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 52. The rubbing roller 56b rotates and rubs the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 52 to remove residual toner and dirt.

  The fixing unit 7 is disposed downstream of the image forming unit 4 in the paper transport direction. The fixing unit 7 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred onto the paper P and fixes it. The fixing unit 7 is mainly composed of a heating roller 72 as a heating rotator heated by a heater 71 (see FIG. 3) and a pressure roller 73 as a pressure rotator in pressure contact with the heating roller 72. Then, when the paper P on which the toner image is transferred passes through the nip between the heating roller 72 and the pressure roller 73, the paper P is heated and pressed by the heat from the heating roller 72 and the pressure from the pressure roller 73. Is done. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper P. The sheet P after the fixing is directed to the second transport unit 3b provided above the fixing unit 7.

  The paper P that has passed through the fixing unit 7 is transported through the second transport unit 3 b that extends substantially horizontally from the branching unit 33 toward the left side surface of the printer 100. Then, the paper P is discharged by a discharge roller pair 34 to a discharge tray 35 provided on the upper left outer side of the printer 100. Thereby, printing of one page is completed.

  During double-sided printing, the single-side printed paper P discharged from the fixing unit 7 is once sent from the branching unit 33 toward the discharge tray 35, and then the paper conveyance direction is switched back toward the right side of the printer 100. Is done. Then, the paper P passes through the branching section 33, is sent downward through the duplex printing conveyance section 3c, and is again fed to the registration roller pair 32 through the first conveyance section 3a.

(Hardware configuration of printer 100)
Next, a hardware configuration of the printer 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printer 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 100 includes a main control unit 8 inside. The main control unit 8 includes a CPU 81 that performs various types of arithmetic processing and signal processing, an image processing unit 82 that performs image processing on image data, and the like. The main control unit 8 causes the CPU 81 and the image processing unit 82 to perform various processes and controls each unit of the printer 100.

  The CPU 81 is a central processing unit, and controls and calculates each unit of the printer 100 based on various data such as a control program, control data, and setting data stored in the storage unit 83. The storage unit 83 is configured by a combination of a nonvolatile storage device such as ROM, flash ROM, and HDD and a volatile storage device such as RAM. The storage unit 83 stores a control program, control data, and the like for the printer 100.

  The main control unit 8 is connected to the operation panel 1 and recognizes the setting made on the operation panel 1. Further, the main control unit 8 causes the display unit 12 of the operation panel 1 to display information indicating the state of the printer 100 such as an error or an abnormality.

  The main control unit 8 is connected to the communication unit 84. The communication unit 84 is a communication interface for communicating with a computer 200 that is a transmission source of image data indicating the contents to be printed and print data including setting data for printing via a network, a cable, or a public line. The computer 200 is a personal computer or a server. The communication unit 84 receives print data from the computer 200.

  The image processing unit 82 performs various kinds of image processing such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, density conversion, and data format conversion on the image data received from the computer 200 according to the setting. When the print job is executed, the image processing unit 82 sends the image data after the image processing to the exposure device 41. The exposure device 41 receives this image data and scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 42.

  In the printer 100, a paper feed unit 2, a first conveyance unit 3a, an image forming unit 4, an intermediate transfer unit 5, a secondary transfer unit 6, a fixing unit 7, a second conveyance unit 3b, and a duplex printing conveyance unit 3c are provided. In addition, a print engine unit 10 is provided that is a portion that conveys the paper P, forms a toner image, and performs printing. An engine control unit 9 (corresponding to a control unit) that controls the operation of the print engine unit 10 is provided. The main control unit 8 and the engine control unit 9 are communicably connected. When printing is performed, the main control unit 8 gives printing execution instructions and data indicating print contents such as the number of pages and functions used to the engine control unit 9 to perform printing.

  The engine control unit 9 includes an engine CPU 91 that performs calculations and processing related to printing. The engine control unit 9 includes an engine memory 92 that stores data and programs related to the operation of the print engine unit 10. The engine control unit 9 actually controls the operation of the print engine unit 10 based on an instruction from the main control unit 8 and causes the print engine unit 10 to perform printing.

(Paper transport and jam detection)
Next, paper conveyance and jam detection will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining sheet conveyance and jam detection.

  The printer 100 according to the embodiment serves as a motor that rotates a rotating body related to paper conveyance and toner image formation, and includes a paper feed motor 2m, a first conveyance motor 3am, a main motor 4m, an intermediate transfer motor 5m, a fixing motor 7m, and a second conveyance. Includes motor 3bm and double-sided transfer motor 3cm.

  The engine control unit 9 can rotate the sheet feeding motor 2m and rotate the sheet feeding roller 22 to cause the sheet feeding unit 2 to perform sheet feeding and sheet conveyance. Further, the engine control unit 9 can rotate the first transport motor 3am to rotate the transport roller pair 31 and the registration roller pair 32 so that the first transport unit 3a can transport the paper. An electromagnetic clutch (not shown) is provided in the drive transmission path to the registration roller pair 32, and the engine control unit 9 can control the rotation and stop of the registration roller pair 32 by controlling the electromagnetic clutch.

  Further, the engine control unit 9 rotates the intermediate transfer motor 5m, rotates the driving roller 53 and rotates the intermediate transfer belt 52, and moves the toner image and transports the paper to the intermediate transfer unit 5 and the secondary transfer unit 6. Can be done. Further, the engine control unit 9 can rotate the main motor 4 m that rotates the photosensitive drum 42, and can rotate the photosensitive drum 42 in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 52.

  Further, the engine control unit 9 can rotate the fixing motor 7m and rotate the heating roller 72 and the pressure roller 73 to cause the fixing unit 7 to convey the paper. Further, the engine control unit 9 rotates the second transport motor 3bm and rotates a transport roller in the second transport unit 3b such as the discharge roller pair 34 to transport the paper to the second transport unit 3b. Can be made. Further, the engine control unit 9 can rotate the double-sided conveyance motor 3 cm and rotate the conveyance roller in the double-sided printing conveyance unit 3 c to cause the second conveyance unit 3 b to convey the paper.

  In this manner, the engine control unit 9 controls the rotation of each motor, and causes each unit in the printer 100 to carry the paper. Specifically, the engine control unit 9 controls each motor, and in the print engine unit 10, in the paper feeding unit 2, the first transport unit 3 a, the intermediate transfer unit 5, the secondary transfer unit 6, the fixing unit 7, 2 The paper conveyance unit 3b and the double-sided printing conveyance unit 3c are caused to convey the paper.

  Next, detection of a jam on the paper transport path will be described. The printer 100 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of paper sensors S (corresponding to paper detection bodies) along the paper P conveyance path.

  Each paper sensor S is a sensor whose output changes when the presence of the paper P is detected and when the presence of the paper P is not detected. As the sheet sensor S, an optical sensor can be used. However, a sensor other than an optical sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor may be used for the paper sensor S.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first paper sensor S1, the second paper sensor S2, the third paper sensor S3, the fourth paper sensor S4, and the fifth paper sensor S5 are sequentially provided from the upstream side in the paper transport direction as the paper sensor S. Provided.

  The first sheet sensor S1 is provided between the sheet feeding roller 22 of the sheet feeding unit 2, the sheet feeding path from the sheet feeding unit 2, and the joining portion to the first transport unit 3a. The first paper sensor S1 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the paper P is properly fed from the paper feeding unit 2.

  The second paper sensor S2 is provided between the transport roller pair 31 and the registration roller pair 32 in the first transport unit 3a. In other words, the second sheet sensor S <b> 2 is provided in the vicinity of the downstream side of the registration roller pair 32. The second paper sensor S <b> 2 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the paper P has reached the registration roller pair 32 and the paper P has passed through the registration roller pair 32.

  The third sheet sensor S3 is provided between the fixing unit 7 and the secondary transfer unit 6, in other words, the portion where the secondary transfer roller 61 and the driving roller 53 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 52. The third sheet sensor S3 is a sensor for detecting whether the sheet P has reached the secondary transfer unit 6 and the sheet P has passed through the secondary transfer unit 6.

  The fourth paper sensor S4 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing unit 7 and on the upstream side of the fifth paper sensor S5. In other words, the fourth paper sensor S4 is provided between the fixing unit 7 and the position where the second conveyance unit 3b and the double-side conveyance unit branch from the first conveyance unit 3a. The fourth paper sensor S4 is a sensor for detecting whether the paper P has reached the fixing unit 7 and has passed through the fixing unit 7.

  The fifth paper sensor S5 is provided between the fixing unit 7 and the discharge roller pair 34. In other words, the fifth paper sensor S5 is provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the discharge roller pair 34. The fifth paper sensor S5 is a sensor for detecting whether the paper P has reached the discharge roller pair 34 and the paper P has been properly discharged to the discharge tray 35.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the output of each paper sensor S (first paper sensor S <b> 1 to fifth paper sensor S <b> 5) is input to the engine control unit 9. The engine control unit 9 can recognize whether or not the paper P is present at the installation position of each paper sensor S by confirming the output of each paper sensor S.

  Further, the engine control unit 9 can recognize that the jam of the paper P has occurred by checking the output of each paper sensor S during printing. Specifically, the paper transport speed is determined in advance. Further, the installation position of each paper sensor S is fixed, and the distance from the paper feeding unit 2 to each paper sensor S and the distance between each paper sensor S are determined. Therefore, the engine control unit 9 should detect the arrival of the paper P based on the paper conveyance speed, the distance from the leading edge of the paper P placed on the paper feeding unit 2 to the paper sensor S, and the distance between the sensors. Recognize that a jam has occurred when the arrival (presence) of the paper P cannot be detected even during the time period, or when the paper P cannot be detected and the presence of the paper P continues to be detected even during the time period when the paper passage should be detected. To do. The time zone is a margin for the ideal arrival time or passage time of the paper P, and indicates an allowable range of advance and delay of the paper conveyance.

  Jam detection data D1 for the engine control unit 9 to detect the occurrence of a jam is stored in the engine memory 92. The engine control unit 9 recognizes and detects the occurrence of a jam based on the data stored in the engine memory 92.

  In the jam detection data D1, according to the paper size, the time when each paper sensor S should detect the arrival of the paper P from the start of paper feeding, and each paper sensor S passes through the paper from the start of paper feeding according to the paper size. Stores data that defines the time zone to be detected. For example, in the jam detection data D1, a time zone in which the first paper sensor S1 and the second sensor should detect paper arrival and passage from the start of paper feeding is determined according to the paper size.

  It is also possible to detect the occurrence of a jam from the output change of the sheet sensor S located on the upstream side as a starting point. In this case, in the jam detection data D1, the arrival or passage of paper should be detected by each paper sensor S downstream from a certain paper sensor S, starting from a change in output of a certain paper sensor S or a predetermined time point. A time zone may be defined. For example, the third paper sensor S3, the fourth paper sensor S4, and the fifth paper sensor S5 are turned on when the paper reaches the second paper sensor S2 near the registration roller pair 32 and the rotation of the registration roller pair 32 starts. A time zone in which arrival and passage should be detected is determined.

  Further, the engine control unit 9 monitors the output of each paper sensor S. When there is a paper sensor S in which the output change due to paper arrival does not occur in the time zone where paper arrival should be detected, or there is a paper sensor S in which the output change due to paper passage does not occur in the time zone where paper passage should be detected, engine control The unit 9 determines that a jam has occurred. In other words, the engine control unit 9 detects the occurrence of a jam.

  Further, the engine control unit 9 changes the output position due to the passage of the paper at the installation position of the paper sensor S where the output change due to the arrival of the paper does not occur during the time zone when the arrival of the paper should be detected or during the time zone when the passage of the paper should be detected. Based on the installation position of the paper sensor S that has not been present, it may be determined and detected at which position of the paper transport path a jam has occurred. When the output of a certain paper sensor S is used to detect the passage of paper even after the time period for detecting the passage of paper has elapsed, the engine control unit 9 causes a jam at the location where the paper sensor S is installed. You may judge.

(Flow of detecting jam occurrence)
Next, the flow of detecting the occurrence of a jam will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detection flow of jam occurrence.

  The start in FIG. 5 is a time when printing data is received from the computer 200, the main control unit 8 gives a print instruction to the engine control unit 9, and the engine control unit 9 starts printing control.

  Note that when a print job for printing a plurality of pages or a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed, a plurality of sheets P may be conveyed in the printer 100. In other words, there is a case where the paper feeding unit 2 continuously feeds paper while providing a certain gap, and the part that transports the paper P in the printer 100 transports a plurality of papers P. During such continuous printing, jam detection shown in the flowchart of FIG. In other words, during the continuous printing, the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the engine control unit 9 causes the sheet feeding unit 2 to start feeding (step # 11). Then, the engine control unit 9 causes the paper P to be conveyed to the part (print engine unit 10) that carries the paper (step # 12). In other words, the engine control unit 9 includes the motors included in the print engine unit 10 (the paper feed motor 2m, the first transport motor 3am, the main motor 4m, the intermediate transfer motor 5m, the fixing motor 7m, the second transport motor 3bm, and both sides. Of the transport motor 3 cm), the motor required for paper transport is rotated.

  Then, the engine control unit 9 confirms the output of each sheet sensor S, and confirms whether or not a jam has occurred in the sheet P being fed and being conveyed (step # 13). Whether or not this jam has occurred is confirmed and detected at predetermined intervals, such as every several tens of milliseconds.

  If the occurrence of a jam is not detected (No in Step # 13), the engine control unit 9 checks whether or not the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 35 based on the output of the fifth paper sensor S5 (Step # 13). 14). In other words, the engine control unit 9 confirms whether or not it is no longer necessary to detect the occurrence of jam for the target paper P.

  When the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 35 (Yes in step # 14), this flow ends. On the other hand, when the paper P is not discharged to the discharge tray 35 (No in step # 14), the flow returns to step # 12.

  Further, when the occurrence of a jam is detected (No in Step # 13), the engine control unit 9 stops the printing operation (Step # 15). Specifically, the engine control unit 9 stops the respective motors to stop the sheet conveyance, and controls the image forming unit 4 to stop the toner image formation. Further, the engine control unit 9 stops voltage application at the image forming unit 4, the intermediate transfer unit 5, and the secondary transfer roller 61, and stops energization of the heater 71.

  Then, the engine control unit 9 displays that the jam has occurred on the display unit 12 of the operation panel 1 (step # 16). At this time, the engine control unit 9 may cause the display unit 12 to display a location where it is determined that a jam has occurred. In other words, the engine control unit 9 may cause the display unit 12 to display a location where a jam may have occurred. Further, the engine control unit 9 confirms the output of each sheet sensor S in a state where the sheet conveyance is stopped, thereby displaying the portion where the sheet P remains (the portion where the sheet P exists). You may display on the part 12. And it will transfer to the jam processing work by a user.

  After all of the paper P remaining in the transport path is removed due to the stoppage due to the occurrence of the jam, the engine control unit 9 causes the print engine unit 10 to print from the page that has not been discharged to the discharge tray 35 due to the jam. The printing engine unit 10 restarts printing.

(Jam processing work)
Next, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a jam processing operation for removing the paper P on which a jam has occurred will be described.

  When a jam occurs, it is necessary to remove the paper P that caused the jam. In the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, the front cover C1 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 1) or the side cover C2 provided on the right side surface of the printer 100 can be opened so that the jammed paper P can be removed. it can. The front cover C1 and the side cover C2 can be opened to expose the paper transport path in the printer 100. Further, the cassette 21 of the paper feeding unit 2 is removable. For this reason, when the paper P is jammed in the vicinity of the paper feeding unit 2, the cassette 21 can be removed and the paper P causing the jam can be removed.

  The paper P on which the jam has occurred can be visually confirmed as being folded, torn, bellows-like, or double fed. Therefore, the user visually checks the paper P remaining in the printer 100 or confirms the information displayed on the display unit 12 to remove the paper P causing the jam.

  Then, after removing the jammed paper P, the user causes the print engine unit 10 to forcibly discharge the paper P remaining in the transport path and discharge it to the discharge tray 35.

  Here, in the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, among the papers P that remain on the transport path due to the stop of the printing operation due to the jam, the paper P that does not cause the jam is printed after the paper P that caused the jam is removed. By causing the engine unit 10 to convey the paper, the paper P that has been conveyed without abnormality when a jam occurs can be forcibly discharged to the discharge tray 35 (details will be described later). Therefore, the user only needs to remove the paper P on which the jam has occurred. By checking the output change of each paper sensor S, the engine control unit 9 can detect which position of the paper P is removed by the jam processing in the transport path.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a front cover sensor S6 is provided to detect opening and closing of the front cover C1. The engine control unit 9 can detect the open / closed state of the front cover C1 based on the output of the front cover sensor S6. Further, a side cover sensor S7 is provided to detect opening / closing of the side cover C2. The engine control unit 9 can detect the open / closed state of the side cover C2 based on the output of the side cover sensor S7. A cassette sensor S8 is provided to detect whether or not the cassette 21 is attached. Based on the output of the cassette sensor S8, the engine control unit 9 can detect whether or not the cassette 21 is attached in a state where paper can be fed.

  Therefore, the engine control unit 9 detects a jam based on the outputs of these sensors, detects that each cover has been opened, or that the cassette 21 has been removed. When one or a plurality of predetermined conditions, such as whether each cover or cassette 21 is closed and the conveyance path is not exposed, are satisfied, the forced discharge instruction is issued. May be received, and the print engine unit 10 may be caused to execute paper conveyance for forced discharge.

  In the jam processing, the paper P remaining on the paper transport path other than the paper P on which the jam has occurred can be removed by the user's hand. When the front cover C1 and the side cover C2 are closed and the cassette 21 is attached when the engine control unit 9 is in a state where all the paper sensors S detect “no paper”, the paper is jammed. It may be determined that all the paper P remaining in the transport path has been removed. At this time, the engine control unit 9 does not accept the forced discharge execution instruction and causes the print engine unit 10 to perform printing from a page that has not been discharged to the discharge tray 35 due to a jam without performing forced discharge.

(Forced discharge)
Next, forced discharge when a jam occurs in the printer 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. 6 and 7 are views for explaining the state of the paper P remaining in the transport path after the jam processing.

  As described above, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment can forcibly discharge the paper P remaining in the paper transport path after the jam processing. In other words, during the conveyance of a plurality of sheets P, after jamming occurs, the sheet conveyance or printing is stopped after the sheet conveyance or printing is stopped. Forcibly discharging the transportable sheet P to the discharge tray 35 can be performed by the print engine unit 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 1 is provided with a forced discharge key K1 for accepting execution of forced discharge. The forced ejection key K1 may be provided as a hard key, or may be provided as a soft key displayed on the display unit 12. The operation panel 1 accepts an operation to the forced discharge key K1 as a forced discharge execution instruction. A signal indicating a forced discharge execution instruction is sent to the engine control unit 9. Upon receiving this signal, the engine control unit 9 causes the print engine unit 10 to forcibly discharge.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the paper Pa and the paper Pb exist in the transport path when forced discharge is started. For example, in the case of continuous printing, when the paper P passing through the fixing unit 7 causing the jam is removed, the state shown in FIG. 6 may occur.

  Specifically, the paper Pa reaches the registration roller pair 32 but does not contact the secondary transfer unit 6, in other words, reaches the nip portion between the secondary transfer roller 61 and the intermediate transfer belt 52. This is the sheet P in a state of not being present. The paper Pb is a paper P that is being sent out from the paper supply unit 2.

  In the state of FIG. 6, since the paper Pa is approaching the secondary transfer unit 6, the image forming unit 4 has started the formation of a toner image for secondary transfer onto the paper Pa. A toner image for secondary transfer onto the paper Pa is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 52. However, there is a case where the toner image formation is stopped due to the occurrence of a jam before all the toner images to be secondarily transferred are formed on the paper Pa. In such a case, the entire image for one page cannot be printed on the paper Pa.

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, at the time of forced discharge, the paper P is discharged after secondary transfer of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 52 to the paper P and fixing of the toner image to the paper P. It had been. Therefore, it is necessary to energize the heater 71 of the fixing unit 7 during forced discharge. In addition, although the conveyance of the paper for forced discharge can be started immediately, the forced discharge cannot be started unless the temperature of the fixing unit 7 reaches a temperature suitable for fixing the toner image. For this reason, in the conventional image forming apparatus, wasteful power consumption and wasteful waiting time occur during forced ejection.

  Therefore, in the printer 100 of the present embodiment, when forcibly discharging without the paper P in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6 as shown in FIG. 6, the engine control unit 9 sends the intermediate transfer belt to the belt cleaning device 56. The intermediate transfer section 5 is caused to perform a pre-discharge cleaning operation for cleaning the toner image on the sheet 52. As a result, secondary transfer of the toner image of the intermediate transfer belt 52 onto the paper P is avoided, the heater 71 is de-energized, wasteful power and paper P are not consumed, and wasteful waiting time is eliminated.

  In the pre-discharge cleaning operation, the engine controller 9 rotates the intermediate transfer belt 52 by rotating the intermediate transfer motor 5m. Further, the engine control unit 9 applies a voltage that prevents the toner from adhering to the secondary transfer roller 61 to the secondary transfer power supply unit 62 (see FIG. 4) that applies a voltage to the secondary transfer roller 61. To be applied. Specifically, in the pre-discharge cleaning operation executed as a pre-forcible discharge stage, the secondary transfer power supply unit 62 has the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner and prevents the toner from adhering to the secondary transfer roller 61. A voltage having such a magnitude (reverse transfer bias) is applied to the secondary transfer roller 61.

  Further, the belt cleaning device 56 is provided with a cleaning power supply unit 561 for applying a voltage to the blade 56a and the rubbing roller 56b in order to suck and collect the toner without leakage (see FIG. 4). The engine control unit 9 causes the cleaning power supply unit 561 to apply a voltage (cleaning bias) to the blade 56 a and the rubbing roller 56 b when cleaning the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 52 including the pre-discharge cleaning operation. Specifically, the cleaning power supply unit 561 applies a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner to the blade 56a and the rubbing roller 56b.

  Here, the rotation amount (number of rotations) of the intermediate transfer belt 52 in the pre-discharge cleaning operation can be determined as appropriate. In order to shorten the pre-discharge cleaning operation, the engine control unit 9 causes the portion of the toner image farthest from the secondary transfer unit 6 at the start of the pre-discharge cleaning operation to the secondary transfer unit 6 (secondary transfer roller). 61), or until the portion of the toner image farthest from the secondary transfer portion 6 reaches the belt cleaning device 56 at the start of the pre-discharge cleaning operation, the intermediate transfer belt in the pre-discharge cleaning operation. 52 is rotated. Alternatively, the engine control unit 9 may rotate the intermediate transfer belt 52 one or more times in the pre-discharge cleaning operation.

  Then, by the pre-discharge cleaning operation, the toner is not secondarily transferred to the sheet P on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction with respect to the secondary transfer unit 6 at the time before the sheet conveyance for the forced discharge is started. Then, the engine control unit 9 starts transporting the paper P remaining on the paper transport path, and forcibly discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 35. In addition, since toner is not transferred to the paper P upstream of the secondary transfer unit 6 in the paper transport direction during forced discharge, the engine control unit 9 causes the heater 71 of the fixing unit 7 during the paper transport by forced discharge. Energization remains stopped. In the example of FIG. 6, the engine control unit 9 does not transfer the toner image to the paper Pa and the paper Pb, does not energize the heater 71, and conveys the paper to the discharge tray 35. To do.

  Next, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the paper Pc, the paper Pd, and the paper Pe exist in the transport path when forced discharge is started. For example, during continuous printing, a jam may occur on the downstream side of the fixing unit 7 in the paper conveyance direction, and when the paper P causing the jam is removed, the state shown in FIG.

  Specifically, the paper Pc is the paper P that is passing through the fixing unit 7, in other words, in a state where the paper P is sandwiched between the nips of the heating roller 72 and the pressure roller 73. The sheet Pd is the sheet P that is passing through the secondary transfer unit 6, in other words, being sandwiched between the nip between the secondary transfer roller 61 and the intermediate transfer belt 52. The paper Pe is being sent out from the paper supply unit 2.

  In the state of FIG. 7, since the toner passes through the fixing unit 7, an unfixed toner image remains on the paper Pc. Further, the sheet Pd is passing through the secondary transfer unit 6 and is in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6. Therefore, when toner image formation is stopped due to the occurrence of a jam, the untransferred toner image that has been secondarily transferred is carried on the paper Pd.

  As described above, when the paper is transported by forced discharge, if the toner image is not fixed onto the paper P on which the unfixed toner image is secondarily transferred, the unfixed toner is heated by the heating roller. There is a risk that a rotating body such as 72 or the discharge roller pair 34 located downstream of the secondary transfer unit 6 in the sheet conveyance direction or a guide for guiding conveyance may be stained with toner.

  Therefore, in the printer 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the paper P in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6 or the paper P in the fixing unit 7 (passes through the fixing unit 7) at the time when the paper conveyance by forced discharge is started. For the paper P) in the middle, the engine control unit 9 passes the fixing unit 7 while the heater 71 is energized at the time of forced discharge.

  Further, if the pre-discharge cleaning operation is performed in a state where the sheet P is in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6 at the time when the sheet conveyance by forced discharge is started, the sheet P passing through the secondary transfer unit 6 is conveyed. . Therefore, the engine control unit 9 does not cause the intermediate transfer unit 5 to perform the pre-discharge cleaning operation when there is a sheet P that is in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6 and is passing through at the time when the sheet conveyance by forced discharge is started.

  It is not necessary to pass the fixing unit 7 while energizing the heater 71 for the paper P existing upstream of the secondary transfer unit 6 in the paper transport direction when starting the forced discharge. For this reason, the engine control unit 9 causes the heater 71 when the paper P that has been in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6 at the time of starting paper conveyance by forced discharge passes through the fixing unit 7 based on the output of the fourth paper sensor S4. May be stopped.

  However, in some cases, when the forced discharge is started, the primary transfer of the toner image to be transferred onto the paper P existing on the upstream side in the paper transport direction from the secondary transfer unit 6 to the intermediate transfer belt 52 has already started. May have been. In such a case, the engine control unit 9 causes the secondary transfer unit 6 to perform secondary transfer on the paper P existing on the upstream side of the secondary transfer unit 6 in the paper transport direction, so that the secondary transferred toner is transferred. The heater 71 may be energized until the image passes through the fixing unit 7.

  Note that when the toner image is secondarily transferred onto the paper P during the paper conveyance by forced discharge, the secondary transfer power supply unit 62 applies a transfer bias to the secondary transfer roller 61. In addition, when the paper is conveyed by forced discharge, the engine control unit 9 applies the voltage (cleaning bias) to the blade 56a and the rubbing roller 56b when the secondary transfer and the heater 71 are energized. 561.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the engine control unit 9 secondarily transfers the toner image to the paper Pc and the paper Pd, and possibly the paper Pd, and the temperature of the heating roller 72 is suitable for fixing when passing through the fixing unit 7. While the heater 71 is energized so as to reach the temperature, the print engine unit 10 is caused to carry the paper to the discharge tray 35.

(Flow of processing when forced discharge)
Next, based on FIG. 8, the flow of processing when performing forced discharge will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when forced ejection is performed.

  The start of FIG. 8 is a time when processing related to forced discharge is started. Specifically, it is a point in time when a predetermined condition for starting the forced discharge process is satisfied. As described above, the predetermined condition may be that the execution of the forced discharge is instructed by operating the forced discharge key K1, or after the printing operation such as paper conveyance is stopped due to the occurrence of a jam, A condition may be that the cover P is opened or closed, the output of each sheet sensor S is confirmed, and the presence of the sheet P is present at any point in the transport path.

  Before starting paper conveyance by forced ejection, the engine control unit 9 checks whether or not there is a paper P in the fixing unit 7 (step # 21). In other words, the engine control unit 9 checks whether or not the paper P is passing through the fixing unit 7 (step # 21).

  If the sheet P is present in the fixing unit 7 (Yes in Step # 21), the engine control unit 9 energizes the heater 71 in order to fix the sheet P stopped while passing through the fixing unit 7, thereby fixing the fixing unit 7 7 is heated to a temperature suitable for fixing (step # 22). Then, the engine control unit 9 starts transporting the paper P remaining on the transport path, and causes the print engine unit 10 to transport the paper by forced discharge (step # 23). Then, this flow ends (END).

  On the other hand, when there is no paper P in the fixing unit 7 (No in Step # 21), the engine control unit 9 checks whether or not there is a toner image that has not yet been secondarily transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 52 (Step S21). # 24). If there is no toner image on intermediate transfer belt 52 (No in step # 24), the flow proceeds to step # 23. As a result, the engine control unit 9 causes the print engine unit 10 to carry out paper conveyance by forced discharge without energizing the heater 71 or performing the pre-discharge cleaning operation.

  When there is a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 52 (Yes in Step # 24), the engine control unit 9 checks whether or not there is a sheet P in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 52 (Step # 25). In other words, the engine control unit 9 checks whether or not there is a sheet P that has been passing through the secondary transfer unit 6.

  When there is a sheet P in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 52 (Yes in Step # 25), it is necessary to fix the toner image. Therefore, the flow moves to step # 22. On the other hand, when there is no sheet P in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 52, the engine control unit 9 causes the intermediate transfer unit 5 to perform a pre-discharge cleaning operation (step # 26). Then, the flow moves to step # 23. In this case, the paper P is forcibly discharged without energizing the heater 71 of the fixing unit 7 by performing the pre-discharge cleaning operation.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (printer 100) according to the present embodiment includes the paper feeding unit 2 that supplies the paper P, the image forming unit 4 that forms a toner image, and the toner formed by the image forming unit 4. An intermediate transfer unit 5 having an intermediate transfer member (intermediate transfer belt 52) that receives the primary transfer of the image and a cleaning device (belt cleaning device 56) that collects and cleans toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member, and an intermediate transfer member ( A secondary transfer unit 6 that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 52 to the paper P, and a transport unit (first transport unit 3a, second transport unit) that transports the paper P supplied from the paper feed unit 2. A printing engine unit 10 including a conveyance unit 3b, a duplex printing conveyance unit 3c), a fixing unit 7 that includes a heater 71 and fixes a toner image secondarily transferred to the paper P, and a plurality of paper P in the conveyance path of the paper P. Formed paper detector (No. To the fifth paper sensor S5) and the print engine unit 10 to recognize the position of the paper P on the transport path based on the output of the paper detection body and to detect the occurrence of a jam of the paper P. A control unit (engine control unit 9) for causing the print engine unit 10 to forcibly discharge the paper P remaining in the transport path and discharge it to the discharge tray 35 after stopping the operation related to printing. When the controller P is in a state where there is no paper P in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6 when forced discharge is performed, the control unit rotates the intermediate transfer member to cause the cleaning device to clean the toner image on the intermediate transfer member. The pre-discharge cleaning operation is performed, and after the pre-discharge cleaning operation, the energization of the heater 71 is stopped, and the paper P remaining on the upstream side in the paper transport direction from the secondary transfer unit 6 is forcibly discharged. It was decided to perform the print engine unit 10.

  Thus, when the paper P remaining in the apparatus is forcibly discharged after the jam occurs, the toner image on the intermediate transfer member (intermediate transfer belt 52) is not transferred or fixed to the paper P. Therefore, when forcibly discharging after occurrence of a jam, it is necessary to supply wasteful power to the heater 71 in order to set the fixing unit 7 at a temperature suitable for fixing in order to fix the toner image on the intermediate transfer member. Absent. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate wasteful power and consumption of the paper P in the image forming apparatus (printer 100) during forced discharge. Further, for fixing the toner image on the intermediate transfer member, it is not necessary to wait for the start of forced discharge until the fixing unit 7 reaches a temperature suitable for fixing.

  Further, the control unit (engine control unit 9) fixes the toner image on the paper P with respect to the paper P in contact with the secondary transfer unit 6 and the paper P in the fixing unit 7 when forced discharge is performed. In this way, the print engine unit 10 is forced to discharge while the heater 71 is energized. As a result, when a jam occurs, fixing is performed on the paper P on which at least a part of the toner image is transferred. Therefore, scattering of the toner secondarily transferred to the paper P can be prevented. Further, the toner does not adhere to the member of the fixing unit 7 whose temperature has decreased. Therefore, thereafter, the paper P to be printed is not smeared with the toner attached to the member of the fixing unit 7.

  Further, when the control unit (engine control unit 9) tries to forcibly discharge, the fixing unit 7 does not have the sheet P, and there is no toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body (intermediate transfer belt 52). Then, the printing engine unit 10 is forced to discharge in a state where the energization to the heater 71 is stopped without performing the pre-discharge cleaning operation on the intermediate transfer unit 5. Thereby, when the cleaning on the intermediate transfer member is unnecessary, the pre-discharge cleaning operation is skipped and not performed. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce power consumption when performing forced discharge. Further, it is not necessary to wait for the paper conveyance by forced discharge until the pre-discharge cleaning operation is completed, and the waiting time of the user until the forced discharge is completed can be reduced.

  The image forming apparatus (printer 100) of the present embodiment includes an operation unit (operation panel 1) that receives an instruction to execute forced discharge, and the control unit (engine control unit 9) issues an instruction to execute forced discharge. When the operation unit accepts, the print engine unit 10 is forced to discharge. As a result, the user can cause the image forming apparatus to carry out the paper conveyance by forced ejection at a user's request by a certain operation such as pressing a key for executing forced ejection.

  In addition, the secondary transfer unit 6 in the image forming apparatus (printer 100) of the present embodiment secondarily transfers the toner image onto the paper P and the secondary transfer roller 61 in contact with the intermediate transfer member (intermediate transfer belt 52). Therefore, the control unit (engine control unit 9) includes the secondary transfer power supply unit 62 that applies a voltage to the secondary transfer roller 61, and the control unit (engine control unit 9) has the same polarity as the toner charging polarity during the pre-discharge cleaning operation. Thus, the secondary transfer power supply unit 62 is controlled so that a voltage having a magnitude that prevents toner from adhering to the secondary transfer roller 61 is applied to the secondary transfer roller 61. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the toner image on the intermediate transfer body (intermediate transfer belt 52) from adhering to the secondary transfer roller 61. Therefore, the paper P to be printed is not stained by the toner attached to the secondary transfer roller 61 thereafter.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus including a fixing device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Printer (image forming apparatus) 10 Print engine part 1 Operation panel (operation part) 2 Paper feed part 3a 1st conveyance part (conveyance part) 3b 2nd conveyance part (conveyance part)
3c Carrying part for double-sided printing (conveying part) 35 Discharge tray 4 Image forming part 5 Intermediate transfer part 52 Intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member)
56 Belt cleaning device (cleaning device)
6 Secondary transfer section 61 Secondary transfer roller 62 Secondary transfer power supply section 71 Heater 7 Fixing section 9 Engine control section (control section)
P paper Pa paper Pb paper Pc paper Pd paper Pe paper S paper sensor S1 first paper sensor (paper detector)
S2 Second paper sensor (paper detector) S3 Third paper sensor (paper detector)
S4 4th paper sensor (paper detection body) S5 5th paper sensor (paper detection body)

Claims (4)

A paper feeding unit that supplies paper, an image forming unit that forms a toner image, an intermediate transfer member that receives primary transfer of the toner image formed by the image forming unit, and a toner that remains on the intermediate transfer member An intermediate transfer unit including a cleaning device for cleaning; a secondary transfer unit that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer member onto a sheet; and a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit. A print engine unit that includes a fixing unit that includes a heater and fixes the toner image that has been secondarily transferred to the paper;
A plurality of paper detectors provided in a paper transport path;
The print engine unit is controlled to detect the occurrence of a paper jam based on the output of the paper detector. When the occurrence of the jam is detected, the operation relating to printing is stopped, and then the paper remaining on the conveyance path is conveyed and discharged. A control unit that causes the print engine unit to perform forced discharge,
The control unit rotates the intermediate transfer member to rotate the toner image on the intermediate transfer member when there is no paper in the fixing unit and no paper in contact with the secondary transfer unit. Is performed upstream of the secondary transfer unit in the sheet conveyance direction in a state where energization of the heater is stopped after the pre-discharge cleaning operation. Let the print engine part perform the forced discharge of the remaining paper,
When the forced discharge is to be performed, when there is a sheet in the fixing unit and when there is a sheet in contact with the secondary transfer unit, the heater is energized so that a toner image is fixed on the sheet. An image forming apparatus that causes a print engine unit to forcibly discharge. When the control unit attempts to perform the forced discharge, if the fixing unit has no paper and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member is not present, the control unit performs the pre-discharge cleaning operation on the intermediate transfer unit. not performed, in a state of stopping the energization of the heater, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that to perform the forced discharge to the printing engine unit. An operation unit that receives an instruction to execute the forced discharge,
When the control unit an instruction to execute the forcible discharge is the operation unit accepts an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that to perform the forced ejection in the print engine unit. The secondary transfer unit includes a secondary transfer roller that is in contact with the intermediate transfer member, and a secondary transfer power supply unit that applies a voltage to the secondary transfer roller in order to secondary transfer a toner image to a sheet.
When the pre-discharge cleaning operation is being performed, the control unit applies a voltage having the same polarity as the toner charging polarity and preventing the toner from adhering to the secondary transfer roller. as applied to the transfer roller, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller controls the secondary transfer power supply unit.

Images