JP6135417B2 - Image forming control apparatus, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image formation control device, an image formation device, and a program.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming a toner image on a recording material and a fixing device for fixing the toner image to the recording material, the conveyance speed of the recording material in the fixing device is determined with respect to the type of the recording material. An image forming apparatus having a plurality of correspondence tables is known (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-330345 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image formation control device, an image formation device, and a program that warn that the width of the recording medium is less than the width of the pressing surface of the fixing member.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that the width in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the continuous recording medium and the pressure surface formed by the pair of pressure members in the detachable fixing member are a width obtaining means for obtaining a width direction of the width of the continuous recording medium is compared with the width of said pressing surface of the continuous recording medium obtained by the width obtaining means, the width of the continuous recording medium When the width of the pressure surface is less than the width of the pressure surface, a warning is output to guide the replacement of the pressure member with a fixing member whose width is equal to or less than the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition unit. And an image forming control apparatus including control means for controlling the output means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means is configured such that the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means is equal to or larger than the width of the pressure surface and an image formed on the continuous recording medium. at least a portion of the width obtaining means and the pressure obtained by the pressure surface, when located outside the range of the width direction of the continuous recording medium, according to claim 1 Symbol placement for controlling the output means to output the warning The image forming control apparatus.

The invention according to claim 3 includes the image formation control device according to claim 1 or claim 2 , and image forming means for forming an image on the continuous recording medium based on the input image information. An image forming apparatus.

The invention according to claim 4, the computer, the direction of width intersecting the transport direction of the continuous recording medium, and a pair of detachable fixing member pressing surface of the pressure member is formed, the width of the continuous recording medium Width acquisition means for acquiring the width in the direction, and the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means and the width of the pressure surface, and the width of the continuous recording medium is the width of the pressure surface The output means is controlled to output a warning for exchanging with a fixing member in which the width of the pressure surface is equal to or less than the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means. It is a program for functioning as control means.

According to the first, third , and fourth aspects of the invention, a warning is given that the width of the recording medium is less than the width of the pressing surface of the fixing member.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a warning is given that the width of the image formed on the recording medium is larger than the width of the pressing surface of the fixing member.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the label paper based on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the rotating image holding body which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a warning processing routine in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

<Overall configuration of image forming apparatus>
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a paper feeding device 12 that feeds a recording medium, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium P fed from the paper feeding device 12. 14 and a storage device 16 that stores the recording medium P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 14, and a control device 18 that controls each of the paper feeding device 12, the image forming unit 14, and the storage device 16. Yes.

  The paper feeding device 12 supplies a continuous long continuous paper P as a recording medium, and the storage device 16 stores the continuous paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 14.

  The continuous paper P is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as PP (polypropylene), paper such as glassine paper or high-quality paper, and generally has a role as a mount and is discarded when used as shown in FIG. A so-called label paper is used in which a surface base material 53 provided on the uppermost layer is adhered to the release paper 51 via an adhesive layer 52 made of an adhesive material such as glue as an intermediate layer. A pattern and characters are printed on the surface base material 53 and used. The label paper 5 is arranged as a roll paper wound in a roll shape so that the surface base 53 side is positioned on the surface (outer peripheral surface) which is an image forming surface, depending on the application.

  The paper feeding device 12 is provided with a paper feeding roll 20 made of continuous paper P wound up in a roll shape, and the paper feeding roll 20 is driven to rotate by a driving means (not shown) so that the continuous paper P forms an image. Supplied to the unit 14.

  In addition, the storage device 16 is provided with a storage roll 22 in which the continuous paper P on which an image has been formed is wound up in a roll shape.

  Based on the image information, the image forming unit 14 applies an image using four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to the continuous paper P. Form. The image forming unit 14 holds an image forming device 24 that forms a toner image developed with toner constituting the developer, and a toner image formed by the image forming device 24, respectively. An intermediate transfer device 26 that transports the toner image to a secondary transfer position for secondary transfer, a fixing device 28 that fixes the toner image on the continuous paper P that has been secondarily transferred by the intermediate transfer device 26, and the like. An area where the toner image is formed on the continuous paper P is defined as an image formation area.

  The image forming device 24 includes four image forming devices 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K that respectively form toner images of Y, M, C, and K colors.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each image forming device 24 includes a photosensitive drum 30 as an example of a rotating image carrier. Around each photosensitive drum 30, a charging device 32, an exposure device 34, a developing device 36, a primary transfer device 38, a cleaning device 40, and the like, which will be described later, are provided.

  The photosensitive drum 30 has an image holding surface having a photoconductive layer (photosensitive layer) made of a photosensitive material on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical or columnar base material that has been grounded. Further, the photosensitive drum 30 is supported so as to be rotated by transmission of power by a driving device (not shown).

  The charging device 32 is configured to include a contact-type charging roll 32 </ b> A that is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum 30, and charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30 where image formation is possible. A charging voltage is supplied to the charging device 32. As the charging voltage, when the developing device 36 performs reversal development, a voltage or current having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner supplied from the developing device 36 is supplied.

  The exposure device 34 irradiates the charged peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30 with light based on the image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30.

  The developing device 36 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30 by the exposure device 34 with toner of a corresponding color developer to generate a toner image. Although not shown, the developing device 36 is agitated and conveyed such as a developing roll that conveys the developer to a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 30 and a screw auger that conveys the developer so as to be supplied to the developing roll while stirring the developer. A member and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the amount of developer held on the developing roll are arranged. A developing bias voltage is applied to the developing device 36 between the developing roll and the photosensitive drum 30. Further, the developing roll and the agitating / conveying member rotate in a predetermined direction by receiving power from a rotation driving device (not shown). As the developer, for example, a two-component developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier can be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner supplied to the developing device 36 is supplied from a toner cartridge 42 containing a developer containing toner of each color.

  The primary transfer device 38 is a contact type transfer device provided with a primary transfer roll 38A that rotates in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30 and is supplied with a primary transfer voltage. By supplying the primary transfer voltage to the primary transfer roll 38 </ b> A, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are transferred to the intermediate transfer device 26. As the primary transfer voltage, a direct current having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is supplied.

  Further, the cleaning device 40 removes and removes adherents such as toner remaining on the image holding surface of the photosensitive drum 30 after the primary transfer. In the present embodiment, the cleaning device 40 is provided with a blade that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 30, and the attached matter attached to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is removed by this blade.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer device 26 is disposed at a position below each image forming device (24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K) 24. In the present embodiment, the intermediate transfer device 26 includes an intermediate transfer belt 44 that rotates in the direction of arrow A while passing through a primary transfer position between the photosensitive drum 30 and the primary transfer device 38, and an intermediate transfer belt 44. A plurality of support rollers 26 </ b> A to 26 </ b> C that are rotatably supported and a secondary transfer device 46 that secondarily transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 44 onto the continuous paper P are mainly provided. Although not shown, the intermediate transfer device 26 is a belt that removes toner adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 44 after passing through the intermediate transfer device 26 and adhering material such as paper dust and cleaning the belt. A cleaning device is provided.

  As the intermediate transfer belt 44, for example, an endless belt made of a material in which a resistance adjusting agent such as carbon black is dispersed in a synthetic resin such as polyimide resin or polyamide resin is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer device 26 has a peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 44 at a secondary transfer position that is an outer peripheral surface portion of the intermediate transfer belt 44 supported by the belt support roller 26C in the intermediate transfer device 26. The contact-type transfer device includes a secondary transfer roller 46A that rotates in contact with the secondary transfer roller and is supplied with a secondary transfer voltage. The secondary transfer roller 46A or the support roller 26C of the intermediate transfer device 26 is supplied with a DC voltage having the opposite polarity or the same polarity as the toner charging polarity as a secondary transfer voltage. A density sensor 48 for detecting the density of the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 44 is provided on the intermediate transfer belt 44, and toner supply is performed based on the density detection result of the density sensor 48. The amount is to be controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing device 28 includes a roll-type or belt-type heating rotator 28A that is heated by heating means so that the surface temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and the heating rotator 28A. A roll-type or belt-type pressurizing rotator 28B that rotates in contact with a predetermined pressure is arranged. In the fixing device 28, the continuous paper P comes into contact with the heating rotator 28 </ b> A and the pressurizing rotator 28 </ b> B, and the toner image transferred to the continuous paper P by the secondary transfer device 46 is heated and pressed, thereby fixing. Processing is performed. Further, the fixing device 28 includes a plurality of fixing devices 28 having different sizes, and any one of the fixing devices 28 is attached to the image forming unit 14. When a fixing device 28 having a different size is attached, the fixing device 28 is removed from the image forming unit 14 and replaced.

  The control device 18 controls the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 18 includes a CPU 60, a ROM 62, a RAM 64, a user interface unit 66, an image input device 68, an environment sensor 70, an image forming unit 14, a paper width sensor 76, and a fixing device. A type sensor 78 is mainly provided. The CPU 60 is an example of a width acquisition unit and a control unit.

  The CPU 60 is a CPU that controls the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in an integrated manner, and the CPU 60 controls the image forming operation with reference to a program stored in the ROM 62, a parameter stored in the RAM 64, and the like. .

  The user interface unit 66 inputs the type and size of the recording medium on which the user forms an image, the number of prints, and the like. The user interface unit 66 displays a warning message input from the CPU 60. When a warning message indicating that the pressure surface of the fixing device 28 is damaged is displayed on the user interface unit 66, a selection screen for determining whether to perform an image forming operation is displayed on the user interface unit 66.

  The image input device 68 inputs an image.

  The environmental sensor 70 detects the environmental temperature of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The paper width sensor 76 detects the width of the continuous paper P in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P. The width in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is an example of the width in the direction intersecting the transport direction.

The fixing device type sensor 78 detects the type of the fixing device 28 attached to the image forming unit 14, and the heating rotating body 28 </ b> A of the fixing device 28 corresponding to the type stored in a memory (not shown). The width in the width direction of the continuous paper P of the pressure surface formed by the pressure rotating body 28B is acquired. Specifically, a chip for determining the type of the fixing device is attached to the fixing device 28, and the fixing device type sensor 78 determines the type of the fixing device 28 by reading the chip. Corresponding to the type of the fixing device 28, the width of the pressing surface formed by the heating rotator 28A and the pressing rotator 28B of the fixing device 28 is stored in the memory. The heating rotator 28A and the pressure rotator 28B of the fixing device 28 are examples of the fixing member. The width of the pressure surface formed by the heating rotator 28A and the pressure rotator 28B is an example of the width in the width direction of the recording medium of the pressure surface formed by the pair of pressure members in the fixing member.
<Basic operation of image forming apparatus>

  Subsequently, a basic image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  Upon receiving a request for an image forming operation (printing), the image forming apparatus 10 includes four image forming devices (24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K) 24, an intermediate transfer device 26, a secondary transfer device 46, a fixing device 28, and the like. Starts.

  In each image forming device 24, first, each photosensitive drum 30 is rotated, and the surface of each photosensitive drum 30 is charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by each charging device 32. Subsequently, the exposure device 34 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 30 with light based on image information, whereby an electrostatic latent image of each color component is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30. .

  Subsequently, toner of corresponding colors (Y, M, C, K) charged to a predetermined polarity is respectively applied to the electrostatic latent image of each color component formed on the photosensitive drum 30 by each developing device 36. Supplied and electrostatically attached, the electrostatic latent image is developed. As a result, the electrostatic latent image of each color component formed on the photosensitive drum 30 is visualized as a toner image of four colors (Y, M, C, K) developed with the corresponding color toner. The

  Subsequently, when each color toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 of each image forming device 24 is conveyed to the primary transfer position, each color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 44 by the primary transfer device 38. The primary transfer is performed in such a state that the images are sequentially overlapped.

  Further, in each image forming device 24 in which the primary transfer has been completed, the cleaning device 40 removes deposits such as toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductive drum 30 to clean the surface of the photoconductive drum 30. As a result, each image forming device 24 becomes ready for the next image forming operation.

  Subsequently, in the intermediate transfer device 26, the toner image primarily transferred by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 44 is held and conveyed to the secondary transfer position. On the other hand, in the paper feeder 12, the continuous paper P is supplied from the paper feed roll 20 to the secondary transfer position along a predetermined conveyance path prior to the image forming operation.

  At the secondary transfer position, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 44 is secondarily transferred onto the continuous paper P all at once by the secondary transfer device 46. In addition, in the intermediate transfer device 26 that has finished the secondary transfer, a toner such as toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 44 after the secondary transfer is removed by a belt cleaning device (not shown).

  Subsequently, the continuous paper P onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 28, and the fixing device 28 performs a fixing process to fix the toner image on the continuous paper P. Finally, the continuous paper P after the fixing is finished is discharged from the image forming unit 14 and taken up on the storage roll 22 of the storage device 16.

  With the above operation, the continuous paper P on which a full color image formed by combining four color toner images is formed is output.

<Warning process according to this embodiment>
Next, the “warning process” executed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing routine of “warning processing”. The “warning process” control program is read from the storage unit (not shown) and executed by the CPU 60 when a request for an image forming operation (printing) is received.

  First, in step S102, the width of the continuous paper P detected by the paper width sensor 76 is acquired.

  Next, in step S104, the type of the fixing device 28 detected by the fixing device type sensor 78 is acquired, and the heating rotor 28A of the fixing device 28 corresponding to the type stored in the memory (not shown) The width of the pressing surface formed by the pressing rotator 28B is acquired.

  Next, in step S105, the image forming area of the continuous paper P is obtained based on the image information included in the request for the image forming operation.

  Next, in step S106, it is determined whether or not the width of the continuous paper P acquired in step S102 is equal to or larger than the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device 28 acquired in step S104. If the width of the continuous paper P is equal to or larger than the width of the pressure surface, the process proceeds to step S107. If the width of the continuous paper P is less than the width of the pressure surface, the process proceeds to step S110.

  Next, in step S107, it is determined whether at least a part of the image forming area acquired in step S105 is located outside the range in the width direction of the pressure surface of the fixing device 28 acquired in step S104. . When the image forming area of the continuous paper P is not located outside the range in the width direction of the pressing surface, the process proceeds to step S108, and the image forming area of the continuous paper P is in the range in the width direction of the pressing surface. If it is located outside, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S108, the image forming operation is executed based on the image forming operation request received in step S100, and the process ends.

In step S110, the user interface unit 66 displays a warning message that the pressure surface of the fixing device 28 is damaged and a message that guides the replacement of the pressure device with a fixing device whose width is equal to or less than the width of the recording medium. .

  In step S111, a warning message indicating that the image forming operation cannot be performed is displayed on the user interface unit 66, and the process ends.

  In step S112, it is determined whether an instruction for an image forming operation has been accepted. If an image forming operation instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S108. If an image forming operation instruction has not been accepted, the process ends.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, when the width of the recording medium is less than the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device, a warning message is displayed to prompt replacement of the fixing device.

  Further, it is possible to prevent image quality defects by preventing paper edge scratches and label paper adhesive from adhering to the pressure surface of the fixing device.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the present invention is not limited to the case where the type of the fixing device is detected to acquire the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device, and the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device may be detected by a sensor.

  Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, a case has been described in which the control device configuring the image forming apparatus acquires the width in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording medium and the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device. It is not limited to this. For example, the width in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording medium and the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device may be acquired by an external terminal (for example, a PC).

  In this embodiment, the fixing device includes a plurality of fixing devices having different sizes, and one of the fixing devices is an image forming device attached to the image forming unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is not to be done. For example, the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus in which the fixing device cannot be replaced.

In this embodiment, the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device is equal to or smaller than the width of the continuous paper, and at least a part of the image forming area is outside the range in the width direction of the pressure surface of the fixing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image may be formed when the width of the pressure surface of the fixing device is equal to or greater than the width of the continuous paper.

  Further, in the present specification, the embodiment has been described in which the program is installed in advance. However, the program can be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium or provided via a network. It is also possible to do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 14 Image forming part 18 Control apparatus 28B Pressure rotating body 28A Heating rotating body 28 Fixing apparatus 66 User interface part 76 Paper width sensor 78 Fixing apparatus type sensor

Claims (4)

A width acquisition means for acquiring a width in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the continuous recording medium, and a width in a width direction of the continuous recording medium of a pressure surface formed by a pair of pressure members in a detachable fixing member;
When the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means is compared with the width of the pressure surface, and the width of the continuous recording medium is less than the width of the pressure surface, the width of the pressure surface is Control means for controlling the output means so as to output a warning for exchanging with a fixing member that is equal to or smaller than the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means ;
An image forming control apparatus. The control means has a width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means equal to or greater than a width of the pressure surface, and at least a part of an image formed on the continuous recording medium is obtained by the width acquisition means. of the acquired pressure surface, the continuous recording when located outside the range of the width direction of the medium, according to claim 1 Symbol placement image formation control apparatus for controlling the output means to output a warning. An image formation control device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Image forming means for forming an image on the continuous recording medium based on the input image information;
An image forming apparatus. Computer
A width acquisition means for acquiring a width in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the continuous recording medium, and a width in a width direction of the continuous recording medium of a pressure surface formed by a pair of pressure members in a detachable fixing member; and When the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means is compared with the width of the pressure surface, and the width of the continuous recording medium is less than the width of the pressure surface, the width of the pressure surface is Control means for controlling the output means so as to output a warning for exchanging with a fixing member that is equal to or smaller than the width of the continuous recording medium acquired by the width acquisition means;
Program to function as.

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