JP6161536B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of reducing the time required for image formation after a paper out occurs.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction copying machine (MFP), there is a technique for optimizing printing conditions depending on the type of paper. For example, a media sensor is provided in the apparatus in advance, the type of paper at the time of printing is measured, and the printing conditions are changed accordingly.

  However, since the media sensor is usually premised on measuring the characteristics of one sheet of paper, for example, the media sensor is often installed in a paper path or the like. Thus, there is a problem that the change of the printing conditions is delayed.

  In order to solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-104117 (Patent Document 1) discloses an apparatus main body and an image generator that is provided in the apparatus main body and generates an image to be printed on recording paper. An image forming apparatus is disclosed, which includes: a sheet feeding mechanism having a stacking unit on which the recording paper is stacked; and a paper type identification device that identifies the type of the recording paper stacked on the stacking unit. Yes. In this image forming apparatus, an image generation condition for generating an image or a printing condition on the recording sheet is changed according to the type of the recording sheet identified by the paper type identifying apparatus. This makes it possible to accurately determine the paper type without separating one sheet from the paper bundle, and even if there are multiple paper types, there is no need for a paper type detection means for each cassette, and printing performance. It is said that there is no lowering.

JP 2009-104117 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, when the paper feed cassette is incorporated in the apparatus main body, the paper feed cassette is used to identify the type of paper in the paper feed cassette and change the printing conditions. There is a possibility that the first copy time from when the sheet is loaded to when the first sheet is discharged becomes longer. That is, it is not a technique for handling out of paper.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of shortening the time required for image formation after the out of paper has occurred. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that detects whether or not a paper cassette has run out during execution of a print job. The following configuration is adopted.

That is, the present invention relates to a table stored in advance in association with the glossiness of the paper, which is the paper type value, and the rotation speed of the polygon motor, and the higher the glossiness, the slower the rotation speed of the polygon motor. When a paper out occurs during the execution of a print job and a paper cassette that has been replenished is loaded, the paper stored in the paper cassette is loaded using the media sensor of the loaded paper cassette. The paper type value measuring means for measuring the type value of the paper, the measured paper type value and the paper type value stored in the table are collated, and the rotation speed of the polygon motor corresponding to the collated paper type value and the velocity determining means for the corresponding image forming speed, and a resuming the image forming unit the print job based on image formation speed the determined, the media sensor, the light source Light from the ED is irradiated on the surface of the paper P through the first imaging lens, and reflected light from the paper P is condensed through the second imaging lens, and the CMOS It is configured to form an image on a sensor, and is provided in the vicinity of a lift plate upper limit detection sensor of each paper feed cassette, and images the surface image of the paper and measures the type value of the paper. .

In addition, the present invention can be configured as an image forming method of an image forming apparatus that detects whether or not a paper cassette has run out during execution of a print job. That is, according to the present invention, the glossiness of the paper, which is the paper type value, is associated with the rotation speed of the polygon motor in advance in a predetermined memory table. The higher the glossiness, the slower the rotation speed of the polygon motor. When a paper cassette that is out of paper occurs during execution of a print job and a paper cassette that has been replenished is loaded, the paper cassette is used by using the media sensor of the loaded paper cassette. Measuring the type value of the paper stored in the paper, collating the measured paper type value with the paper type value stored in the table, and rotating the polygon motor corresponding to the collated paper type value comprising determining an image forming speed corresponding to the speed, and resuming the print job based on image formation speed the determined, the media sensor The light from the light source LED is irradiated onto the surface of the paper P through the first imaging lens, and the reflected light from the paper P is condensed through the second imaging lens. The image is formed on the CMOS sensor, and is provided in the vicinity of the lift plate upper limit detection sensor of each paper feed cassette, and images the surface image of the paper and measures the type value of the paper. And

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time required for image formation after a paper out occurs.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram (FIG. 6A) illustrating an example of a configuration of a sheet feeding cassette according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram (FIG. 6B) illustrating an example of a table according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. Moreover, the alphabet S added before the number in a flowchart means a step.

<Image forming apparatus>
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multi-function machine including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like. Function as an image forming apparatus.

  The operation of the MFP 100 (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy function will be briefly described below.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction machine 100, the document is placed on the document table 101a provided on the upper surface of the housing unit or the document table 101b of the automatic document feeder. Subsequently, the user uses the operation unit 102 (operation panel) provided in the vicinity of the document table 101 to input setting conditions related to image formation from the operation screen of the operation unit 102. When the user presses a start key provided on the operation unit 102, the multifunction peripheral 100 starts image formation (print processing).

  Next, in the image reading unit 103, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108, and image data corresponding to the original is generated.

  An image forming unit 109 forms a toner image based on the image data. The image forming unit 109 is provided with a photosensitive drum 110. The photosensitive drum 110 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 112, the developing unit 113, the transfer unit 114, the cleaning unit 115, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 111 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. The exposure unit 112 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 114 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the formed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, paper, sheet) by the transfer device 114. The cleaning unit 115 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 110.

  The sheets are conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 116 provided in the multi function peripheral 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 116 to the conveyance path by the pickup roller 117. Each sheet cassette 116 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on setting conditions relating to image formation.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114 by the conveyance roller 118 and the registration roller 119. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 114 and conveyed to the fixing device 120.

  When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes between a heating roller and a pressure roller provided in the fixing device 120, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed on the sheet. The The amount of heat of the heating roller is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet and the image formation is completed, and the sheet is guided to the path switching unit 121 by the conveyance roller 118.

  In the path switching unit 121, the sheet is guided to the sheet discharge tray 122 provided on the side surface of the casing unit or the casing through the sheet discharge port 123 according to a switching instruction from the multifunction peripheral 100. To the in-body tray 124 provided in the body cylinder. The sheets are stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 122 or the in-body tray 124. Through the above procedure, the housing unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a copy function to the user.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 201 (operation panel), a touch pen 202, and operation keys 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing a key in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, a setting condition corresponding to the pressed key is input.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 201, and the display unit displays an operation screen such as the initial screen, for example. A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201. When the user touches the touch pen 201 with the tip of the touch pen 202, a sensor provided under the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit, and an operation. The units 306 (102) are connected by the internal bus 307.

  The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like, and based on the execution result, data and instructions from the driver 306 and the operation unit 307, key 1 is transmitted and received, and the operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled.

  Also, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing a program. The ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like store programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the multifunction device 100 is activated, and the display receiving unit 401 displays an initial screen (operation screen) on the touch panel 201.

  When the user places a document on the document table 101a while viewing the initial screen, inputs a desired setting condition (for example, the paper size is A4 size, etc.), and presses the start key 205, the display receiving means 401 is displayed. The setting condition and the pressing of the start key 205 are accepted and the image forming unit 402 is notified of this. Receiving the notification, the image forming unit 402 receives a print job corresponding to the setting condition (FIG. 5: S101).

  In addition to the above-described method, the image forming unit 402 may receive a print job from a terminal device that is communicably connected to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the image forming unit 402 receives a print job, execution of the print job is started. First, the paper feed cassette 116 corresponding to the paper size (for example, A4 size) of the setting condition is selected.

  When the image forming unit 402 selects a paper feed cassette 116 to be fed, the image forming unit 402 notifies the paper type value measuring unit 403 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the paper type value measuring unit 403 measures the type value of the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 116 using a media sensor provided in advance in the selected paper feed cassette 116 (FIG. 5: S102).

  Here, the paper type value measuring unit 403 may measure the paper type value by any method, for example, as follows. That is, the paper type value measuring unit 403 first activates the media sensor of the selected paper feed cassette 116. The media sensor 600 is provided in advance for each paper feed cassette 116 at a predetermined position of the paper feed cassette 116 capable of measuring the paper type value. For example, as shown in FIG. It is provided in the vicinity of the upper limit detection sensor 601. A pickup roller 117 of the paper feed cassette 116 is disposed directly below the lift plate upper limit detection sensor 601, and a free end 602 a of a lift plate 602 of the paper feed cassette 116 is disposed directly below the pickup roller 117. The fixed end 602b of the lift plate 602 is rotatably installed, and the free end 602a of the lift plate 602 is raised by a lift raising unit (not shown) so that it is placed on the free end 602a of the lift plate 602. The sheet bundle P thus brought into contact with the pickup roller 117 pushes the pickup roller 117 upward. The lift of the lift roller is stopped by the lift plate upper limit detection sensor 601 detecting the push-up of the pickup roller 117.

  The media sensor 600 is provided in the vicinity of the lift plate lift detection sensor 601, so that the surface of the sheet bundle P can be detected and the type value of the sheet can be measured.

  The paper type value may be any measured value, and examples thereof include the reflectance, wavelength, transmittance, thickness, and the like of the surface of the paper. In the embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the paper is the paper thickness. This will be described as a type value. When the paper type value is the paper thickness, the media sensor 600 includes, for example, a light source LED for light irradiation, a first imaging lens for imaging light from the light source LED, The light imaged by the first imaging lens is reflected from the paper P, and the second imaging lens for imaging the reflected light, and for imaging the reflected light imaged A CMOS sensor, and the light from the light source LED is irradiated onto the surface of the paper P through the first imaging lens, and the reflected light from the paper P passes through the second imaging lens. The light is condensed and imaged on the CMOS sensor. Thereby, the surface image of the paper P is imaged, digitized (analogized), and the numerical value is calculated and measured as the paper thickness (type value).

  When the paper type value measuring unit 403 measures the paper type value, the paper type value measuring unit 403 notifies the speed determining unit 404, and the speed determining unit 404 having received the notification corresponds to the measured paper type value. The image forming speed is determined (FIG. 5: S103).

  Here, the image forming speed means a speed related to image forming (printing), and, for example, the rotation speed of the polygon motor of the exposure unit 112 that is easily affected by the first copy time (is likely to become a bottleneck) is adopted. I can do it. The rotation of the polygon motor must already be stable when executing a print job (image formation), and the time required to stabilize the rotation of the polygon motor is naturally the magnitude of the rotation speed of the polygon motor. Fluctuates depending on That is, the first copy time varies depending on the rotational speed of the polygon motor.

  On the other hand, the conveyance speed of the sheet conveyed during image formation corresponds to the image formation speed including the rotation speed of the polygon motor, and it is necessary to select an optimum speed according to the type value of the sheet.

  Here, the method by which the speed determining unit 404 determines the image forming speed may be any method. For example, the method is as follows. That is, the speed determining means 404 first refers to a table stored in advance in a predetermined memory.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the table 603 stores a sheet thickness 604 that is a sheet type value and a polygon motor rotation speed 605 corresponding to the sheet thickness 604 in association with each other. . Here, plain paper having a normal thickness serving as a reference is stored in the paper thickness 604, and a normal rotation speed serving as a reference is stored in the rotation speed 605 of the polygon motor, and the thickness 604 of the paper is normal. The thicker the paper (thick paper), the slower the rotation speed 605 of the polygon motor than the normal rotation speed, and the thinner the paper thickness 604 (thin paper) compared to the normal paper, the lower the rotation speed 605 of the polygon motor. Are stored in association with each other faster than the normal rotation speed. This is because the process linear speed, that is, the image forming speed differs depending on the type (thickness) of the paper. Although the numerical value range is not described in the sheet thickness 604 of the table 603, for example, in the case of thick paper, in the range of A to B, in the case of plain paper, in the range of B to C, thin paper If so, it is defined as within the range of C to D. The boundary values of A, B, C, and D are values that are set as appropriate.

  The speed determination unit 404 collates the measured paper type value with the paper type value in the table 603, and selects the rotation speed 605 of the polygon motor corresponding to the collated paper type value. Thus, the image forming speed is uniquely determined.

  When the speed determining unit 404 determines the image forming speed, the image forming unit 402 is notified of this, and the image forming unit 402 that receives the notification executes a print job using the image forming speed ( FIG. 5: S104). For example, the image forming unit 402 reads the image data of the document on the document table 101 a, conveys the sheet from the selected sheet feeding cassette 116, executes image formation on the sheet, and prints a predetermined tray 122. , 124.

  Here, while the image forming unit 402 is executing a print job, a sheet presence sensor provided in advance in the sheet cassette 116 determines whether sheets are present in the sheet cassette 116 (out of paper). Is determined) (FIG. 5: S105).

  As a result of the determination, if there is no sheet in the paper cassette 116 during execution of the print job (FIG. 5: S105 YES), the image forming unit 402 cancels the print job and accepts the display. The display accepting means 401 that has notified the means 401 displays an out-of-paper error screen on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S106).

  Here, when the user pulls out the paper cassette 116 out of paper while looking at the error screen, replenishes paper there, and installs the paper cassette 116 supplied with the paper, the image forming unit 402 Then, it is detected by the cassette mounting sensor provided in advance in the paper feed cassette 116 that the paper feed cassette 116 is loaded (FIG. 5: S107).

  When the paper feed cassette 116 is loaded, the image forming unit 402 determines whether the paper size of the loaded paper feed cassette 116 matches the paper size (for example, A4 size) of the setting condition. (FIG. 5: S108).

  As a result of the determination, when the paper size of the loaded paper cassette 116 matches the paper size of the setting condition (FIG. 5: S108 YES), the image forming unit 402 informs the fact to that effect. 403 is notified. Upon receiving the notification, the paper type value measuring means 403 measures the type value of the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 116 using the media sensor of the paper feed cassette 116 mounted (FIG. 5: S109). . The method by which the paper type value measuring unit 403 measures the paper type value is the same as described above.

  When the measurement of the paper type value is completed, the paper type value measuring unit 403 notifies the speed determining unit 404 to that effect, and the speed determining unit 404 receiving the notification corresponds to the measured paper type value. Then, the image forming speed is determined (FIG. 5: S110). Here, the method by which the speed determining unit 404 determines the image forming speed is the same as described above.

  When the image forming speed is determined, the speed determining means 404 notifies the image forming means 402 to that effect, and the image forming means 402 that has received the notification restarts the print job using the image forming speed. (FIG. 5: S111), and the process proceeds to S105.

  Here, when the image forming unit 402 resumes the print job, for example, the polygon motor is rotated in accordance with the image forming speed, and the lift plate 602 of the mounted paper feed cassette 116 is raised and replenished. The formed paper is brought into contact with the pickup roller 117, and image formation is resumed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the paper feed cassette 116 is loaded in the case of running out of paper, the paper type value of the paper feed cassette 116 is measured, and the image forming speed is changed accordingly. ing. Therefore, conventionally, the image forming speed after the out of paper is maintained is the same as the image forming speed when the first print job is input. Even if a paper of a different type from the paper type is replenished to the paper feed cassette 116, the image forming speed is determined again according to the type of the paper. Image formation can be resumed at a high speed. As a result, even when the paper runs out, image formation can be executed at an optimum image formation speed, so that it is possible to realize image formation with the shortest first copy time. In addition, since the image forming speed is optimized according to the paper type, it is possible to minimize the first copy time while maintaining the print quality.

  In S108, for example, when the result of the determination shows that the paper size of the loaded paper cassette 116 does not match the paper size of the setting condition (FIG. 5: S108 NO), the image forming unit 402 does so. Is displayed on the touch panel 201, for example, an error screen indicating that the paper size of the replenishment paper is changed to the paper size of the print job (see FIG. 5: S106) The user is urged to replenish paper of the optimum paper size.

  In S105, if the result of the determination is that there is paper in the paper feed cassette 116 in the print job, that is, if the paper is not out (FIG. 5: S105 NO), the image forming unit 402 performs the printing. Complete the job. In this case, the print job is completed without the occurrence of out of paper.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a paper out occurs during execution of a print job and a paper cassette with paper replenished is loaded, the paper feed cassette is used to detect the paper feed. A paper type value measuring unit 403 for measuring the type value of the paper stored in the paper cassette, a speed determining unit 404 for determining an image forming speed corresponding to the measured paper type value, and the determined image And an image forming unit 402 that restarts the print job based on a forming speed.

  As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for image formation after the sheet has run out.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the table 603 that stores the sheet thickness and the rotational speed of the polygon motor in association with each other is used. However, other configurations may be used. When the paper type value is, for example, glossiness, the table stores the glossiness in association with the polygon motor rotation speed that is slower as the glossiness is higher.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the multifunction device 100 reads the program, and the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for scanners, copiers, printers, and the like, and reduce the time required for image formation after a paper shortage has occurred. This is effective as an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

100 MFP 401 Display Accepting Unit 402 Image Forming Unit 403 Paper Type Value Measuring Unit 404 Speed Determination Unit

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus that detects whether or not a paper cassette has run out during execution of a print job,
Associating the glossiness of the paper, which is the paper type value, with the rotation speed of the polygon motor, and the higher the glossiness, the slower the polygon motor rotation speed,
When a paper out occurs during the execution of a print job and a paper cassette that has been replenished is loaded, the media sensor of the loaded paper cassette is used to check the amount of paper stored in the paper cassette. A paper type value measuring means for measuring the type value;
A speed determination unit that collates the measured paper type value with the paper type value stored in the table, and sets the rotation speed of the polygon motor corresponding to the collated paper type value and the image forming speed corresponding thereto;
Image forming means for restarting the print job based on the determined image forming speed,
In the media sensor, the light from the light source LED is irradiated onto the surface of the paper P through the first imaging lens, and the reflected light from the paper P is collected through the second imaging lens. Lighted and imaged on the CMOS sensor, provided in the vicinity of the lift plate upper limit detection sensor of each paper feed cassette, picks up the surface image of the paper, and measures the type value of the paper An image forming apparatus. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus for detecting whether or not a paper cassette has run out during execution of a print job,
In a predetermined memory table, in advance, the gloss level of the paper, which is the paper type value, is associated with the rotational speed of the polygon motor, and the higher the gloss level, the lower the rotational speed of the polygon motor is stored.
When a paper out occurs during the execution of a print job and a paper cassette that has been replenished is loaded, the media sensor of the loaded paper cassette is used to check the amount of paper stored in the paper cassette. Measuring the type value;
Collating the measured paper type value with the paper type value stored in the table, and determining the rotation speed of the polygon motor corresponding to the collated paper type value and the corresponding image forming speed;
Resuming the print job based on the determined image formation speed,
In the media sensor, the light from the light source LED is irradiated onto the surface of the paper P through the first imaging lens, and the reflected light from the paper P is collected through the second imaging lens. Lighted and imaged on the CMOS sensor, provided in the vicinity of the lift plate upper limit detection sensor of each paper feed cassette, picks up the surface image of the paper, and measures the type value of the paper An image forming method.

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