JP6683070B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and image forming apparatus program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming apparatus program.

  A sheet on which an N-up (Nin1) image in which a plurality of images are aggregated is formed by the image forming apparatus is cut by a post-processing apparatus that is in-line connected to the image forming apparatus, and each image is formed individually. An image forming system that separates and conveys sheets of paper is known.

  In such an image forming system, for example, an aggregate image in which a plurality of images (for example, two images of the first image and the second image) are aggregated is formed on one sheet of A3 size paper. By cutting the A3 size sheet on which the aggregate image is formed, the first image and the second image are separated into two A4 size sheets on which the respective images are formed. Then, the sheet on which the first image is formed is conveyed as the preceding sheet on the downstream side in the conveying direction, and the sheet on which the second image is formed is conveyed as the succeeding sheet on the upstream side in the conveying direction. When a jam occurs on the preceding paper on which the first image is formed during conveyance, the preceding paper, which is the cause paper, becomes an invalid paper, and the succeeding paper on which the second image is formed is also the preceding paper on the conveyance path. Becomes an obstacle and cannot be discharged, so it becomes invalid paper. In this case, the recovery of the paper on which the first image is formed and the paper on which the second image is formed is performed by converting the combined image in which the first image and the second image are combined into one A3 size paper. The image is formed again.

  On the other hand, when a jam occurs on the succeeding paper on which the second image is formed, the succeeding paper on which the second image, which is the cause paper, is invalid, but the preceding paper on which the first image is formed is invalid. Since it can be discharged, it can be regarded as effective paper. However, if recovery is performed by forming an aggregate image in which the first image and the second image are aggregated on one sheet of A3 size paper, after cutting, the A4 size sheet on which the first image is imaged is again formed. Duplication causes page duplication.

  As a prior art for preventing such page duplication, there is one described in Patent Document 1 below. That is, when a jam occurs on the subsequent paper on which the above-described second image is formed, recovery is performed by forming the combined image on which the first image and the second image are combined onto one sheet of A3 size paper. To do. Then, after cutting, the sheet on which the first image is formed is discharged to a discharge destination different from the normal discharge destination to which the paper on which the first image is formed is discharged (Prior Art 1). . Alternatively, for the second image formed on the jam-caused paper, recovery is performed by forming an image on the A4 size paper which is the size after cutting (Prior Art 2). According to these prior arts, the A4 size paper on which the first image is formed is not overlapped and discharged to the same discharge destination, so that page overlap is prevented.

JP, 2005-105973, A

  However, according to the above-mentioned prior art 1, since the originally unnecessary image formation of the first image is performed, there is a problem that consumables such as toner and paper are wasted. Further, there is a problem that productivity is lowered because control time is required to discharge the sheet on which the first image obtained by the recovery is formed, to a discharge destination different from the normal discharge destination.

  Further, according to the above-mentioned prior art 2, there is a problem that the work becomes complicated because it is necessary to set the paper of the size after cutting in advance. Furthermore, at the time of recovery, the size of the paper on which the second image formed on the paper caused by the jam is formed and the size of the paper on which the image is formed after that are different, so it is necessary to switch the paper feed port, and double-sided printing is performed. There is a problem in that productivity may drop because the time circulation may not be possible. Furthermore, when the size of the sheet after cutting becomes irregular, such as when the A3 size sheet is cut into three equal-sized sheets, it becomes difficult to prepare the irregular-sized sheet. There is a problem that the cost for preparation increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, when a jam occurs in the conveyance of the sheet on which the aggregated image is formed after cutting, if there is an effective sheet separated from the sheet caused by the jam by cutting, the aggregation mode of the image is The formed image is changed to an aggregation mode in which the recovery start image is used. This provides an image forming apparatus capable of preventing duplication of pages, and suppressing complication of work, decrease in productivity, and increase in cost.

  The above problems of the present invention can be solved by the following means.

  (1) An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, a cutting unit that cuts the image-formed recording medium into a plurality of recording media, a conveying unit that conveys the cut recording medium, and the cut recording medium. There is a jam detection unit that detects a jam and a preceding effective recording medium that is separated from the recording medium in which the jam is detected by cutting and that is conveyed in advance of the recording medium in which the jam is detected. If it is determined that the preceding effective recording medium is present, a determination unit that determines whether or not the preceding valid recording medium exists, a first specific image formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected, and in recovery, the first specific image is an image. The aggregation mode is changed so that the formed recording medium is combined with the image formed on the recording medium that is subsequently conveyed after cutting, and the aggregated image by the changed aggregation mode is changed. Image forming apparatus and a control section for forming images on a recording medium.

  (2) The control unit is arranged such that the first specific image is arranged on the most downstream side of the images included in the aggregated image with respect to the transport direction when the recording medium is transported to the cutting unit. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the aggregation mode is changed.

  (3) The image forming unit forms an aggregate image on the recording medium in which images of a plurality of pages allocated to form an image on the cut recording medium are aggregated, and the aggregate mode after the change In the case where it is determined that the blank page occurs, the control unit further includes a blank page occurrence determination unit that determines whether a blank page to which the images of the pages are not allocated is aggregated by The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2) above, wherein an image is not formed on the empty page and a portion of the recording medium corresponding to the empty page is blank.

  (4) The image forming unit forms an aggregate image on the recording medium in which images of a plurality of pages allocated to form an image on the cut recording medium are aggregated. In the case where it is determined that the blank page occurs, the control unit further includes a blank page occurrence determination unit that determines whether a blank page to which the images of the pages are not allocated is aggregated by In any one of (1) to (3) above, after cutting, the recording medium corresponding to the empty page is discharged to a discharge destination different from the output destination of the recording medium other than the recording medium corresponding to the empty page. The image forming apparatus described.

  (5) The apparatus further includes a paper interval time determination unit that determines the paper interval time of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, and the empty page occurrence determination unit is configured to display the number of originals, the number of copies, and the combined mode after the change. Based on the determination whether the empty page occurs based on, the control unit is determined that the empty page occurs, and when the determined paper interval time is longer than a predetermined value, the changed aggregation mode The image forming apparatus according to (3) or (4) above, wherein the empty page is further changed to correspond to the first sheet conveyed after a sheet interval time longer than the predetermined value.

  (6) The blank page generation determination unit generates the blank page when the image formation of the unit unit to be imaged immediately before the last unit unit is completed when a plurality of sets of images are formed. The image forming apparatus according to (5) above, which determines whether or not to perform.

  (7) In the case where a jam of the cut recording medium is detected again after changing the aggregation mode, the control unit is separated from the recording medium in which the jam is detected again by cutting. In addition, when it is determined that there is a recording medium previously conveyed to the recording medium in which the jam is detected again, the second specific image formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected again and the second specific image. (2) The combining mode is further changed so as to combine an image formed on a recording medium that is subsequently conveyed to a cut recording medium on which a specific image has been formed, (1) to (6) above The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1.

  (8) An image forming system having an image forming device and a cutting device, wherein the image forming device has an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, and the cutting device stores the image formed recording medium. A cutting unit that cuts a plurality of recording media, a conveying unit that conveys the cut recording media, a jam detection unit that detects a jam of the cut recording media, and a recording in which a jam is detected by cutting. A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a preceding effective recording medium that is separated from the medium and is conveyed prior to the recording medium in which the jam is detected, and if it is determined that the preceding effective recording medium exists, A specific image formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected, and a recording that is conveyed after cutting to the cut recording medium on which the specific image is formed in recovery in recovery. An image forming system having a control unit, the the body and an image to be imaged by changing the aggregation manner to aggregate into, to an image forming aggregate image by consolidating aspect after the change to the recording medium.

  (9) A step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium, a step (b) of cutting the image-formed recording medium into a plurality of recording media, a step (c) of conveying the cut recording medium, and The step (d) of detecting a jam of the cut recording medium, and the preceding that is separated from the recording medium in which the jam is detected by cutting and is conveyed before the recording medium in which the jam is detected. A step (e) of determining whether or not an effective recording medium exists, and, when it is determined that the preceding effective recording medium exists, the specific image formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected and the recovery The aggregation mode is changed so that the specific image is combined with the image formed on the recording medium that is conveyed after cutting to the recording medium on which the specific image is formed. Program for executing the steps (f) to the image formed on the recording medium, to the image forming apparatus.

  When a jam occurs in the post-cutting conveyance of a sheet on which an aggregated image is formed, if there is an effective paper separated from the jam-causing paper by cutting, the image aggregation mode will be imaged on the jam-causing paper. The changed image is changed to the aggregation mode in which the recovery start image is used. As a result, duplication of pages can be prevented, and the complexity of work, the reduction in productivity, and the increase in cost can be suppressed.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing a sheet on which an aggregate image in which a plurality of images are aggregated is formed and a sheet after cutting the sheet according to the aggregation mode in the 4-up print setting. It is an explanatory view for explaining before and after a sheet is cut. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a comparative example in which page duplication occurs in recovery after a paper jam occurs due to the presence of preceding valid paper. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining that page duplication is prevented by changing the aggregation mode of images when recovering a jam generated after cutting in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of changing the aggregation mode when the image data of the input document is page image data and when the image data is aggregated image data. It is an explanatory view for explaining an example in the case where a blank page occurs by changing the aggregation mode. When a paper jam occurs twice in a print job and the aggregation mode is changed in each recovery, and the empty page generated by the first alteration of the aggregation mode disappears due to the second alteration of the aggregation mode. It is an explanatory view for explaining. An explanatory diagram for explaining a case where a blank page is generated due to a change in the aggregation mode and a paper interval is longer than a predetermined value, and the processing time of a print job is reduced by further changing the aggregation mode. Is. An explanatory diagram for explaining that when an empty page is generated due to the change of the aggregation mode and the paper interval is longer than a predetermined value, the processing time of the print job is reduced by further changing the aggregation mode. Is. After finishing the booklet processing for the last unit, if it is necessary to wait for the interval between sheets to discharge the blank sheet, which is the final sheet, by changing the aggregation mode, the processing time of the print job can be changed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating that it reduces further. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a cutting device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a post-processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing a process from detection of a jam of a cut sheet to image formation in recovery in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart showing a process from detection of a jam of a cut sheet to image formation in recovery in an image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming apparatus program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the image forming system. The direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 indicates the sheet conveyance direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 110, a cutting device 120, and a post-processing device 130. The cutting device 120 and the post-processing device 130 can be configured as a part of the image forming apparatus 110 by being incorporated in the image forming apparatus 110.

  The image forming apparatus 110, the cutting apparatus 120, and the post-processing apparatus 130 are communicably connected to each other via a signal line 140.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 110 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication interface 113, an operation unit 114, a display unit 115, an image control unit 116, a reading unit 117, and an image forming unit 118. These components are connected to each other via a bus 119 for exchanging signals. The control unit 111 constitutes a determination unit, a blank page occurrence determination unit, and a paper interval time determination unit. Further, the control unit 111 constitutes a control unit together with the image control unit 116.

  The control unit 111 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 111 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 110 and performs various arithmetic processes according to a program. That is, the control unit 111 performs overall control and processing relating to image formation while cooperating with each component that constitutes the image forming apparatus 110. Further, the control unit 111 can mutually communicate with the cutting device 120 and the post-processing device 130, obtain information from the cutting device 120 and the post-processing device 130, and control these devices.

  Details of the operation of the control unit 111 will be described later.

  The storage unit 112 may be configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Programs executed by the control unit 111 and data processed by the control unit 111 are temporarily stored in the RAM. The ROM stores various programs and various data. The HDD stores various programs including a program for the control unit 111 to control each component of the image forming apparatus 110, image data received through the communication interface 113 or the reading unit 117, and other various data.

  The communication interface 113 is an interface for communicating between the image forming apparatus 110 and an external device. As the communication interface 113, a network interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), SATA, PCI Express, USB, and IEEE 1394 is used. Further, as the communication interface 113, various local connection interfaces such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wireless communication interface such as IEEE 802.11, or the like can be used.

  The operation unit 114 includes a touch panel for performing various settings, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing to start an operation, a stop key for instructing to stop the operation, and a reset key for initializing various setting conditions. It consists of fixed keys.

  The display unit 115 displays a touch panel for displaying various information and inputs various settings, a ten key for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing the start of an operation, a stop key for instructing to stop the operation, and initializing various setting conditions. It consists of various fixed keys such as the reset key and indicator lamps. The overlapping functions of the operation unit 114 and the display unit 115 may be included in either the operation unit 114 or the display unit 115.

  The image control unit 116 performs layout processing and rasterization processing of print data included in the print job received by the communication interface 113, and generates image data that is image data in a bitmap format. The print job is a general term for print commands to the image forming apparatus 110, and includes print data and print settings. The print data is data of a document to be printed, and the print data may include various data such as image data, vector data, and text data. Specifically, the print data may be PDL (Page Description Language) data, PDF (Portable Document Format) data, or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) data. The print settings are settings related to image formation on paper and settings related to post-processing of printed matter, and include, for example, the number of originals, the number of copies, N-up, image aggregation mode in N-up, paper type, grayscale, or full-color. , Various settings such as double-sided printing, stapler, punching, and folding. The number of documents is the number of pages of the image in the print data.

  The image control unit 116 generates image data of an aggregated image in which a plurality of images are aggregated according to the N-up setting included in the print settings and the aggregation mode of the images in the N-up.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a sheet on which an aggregate image in which a plurality of images are aggregated is formed and a sheet after cutting the sheet according to the aggregation mode in the 4-up print setting.

  As shown in FIG. 4, there may be a plurality of types of aggregation modes in the 4-up print setting. In the upper part of FIG. 4, a sheet on which an aggregated image in which four images are aggregated is formed, and a sheet after cutting the sheet according to an aggregation mode in which pages of four images are aggregated side by side are shown. ing. In the lower part of FIG. 4, in accordance with an aggregation mode in which pages of four images are aggregated in two rows and two columns, a sheet on which an aggregate image in which four images are aggregated is formed, and a sheet after cutting the sheet. It is shown.

  Note that, in the following description, in order to simplify the description, the combined images are combined so that the two images are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side with respect to the sheet transport direction, unless otherwise specified. The description will be given assuming that it is an image.

  The reading unit 117 irradiates a document set at a predetermined reading position on the document table with light from a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, and photoelectrically converts the reflected light with an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. Image data is generated from the electric signal.

  The image forming unit 118 forms an image based on the image data on a sheet through an electrification, exposure, development, transfer and fixing process by an electrophotographic method, and outputs the image.

  The control unit 111 controls the sheet on which the combined image is formed to be conveyed to the cutting device 120.

  The control unit 111 transmits, to the cutting device 120 via the communication interface 113, the cutting number for cutting the sheet on which the aggregated image is formed into the sheet on which the images formed by the aggregated images are formed. To do. As a result, the cutting device 120 cuts each sheet according to the cutting number.

  The control unit 111 receives from the cutting device 120 via the communication interface 113, information on the occurrence of a jam when the cut paper is conveyed and the paper causing the jam, which is the paper in which the jam is detected. The information about the paper causing the jam may include, for example, the page number of the causing paper and the copy number of the unit to which the causing paper belongs when a plurality of copies are cut.

  Based on the received jam-causing paper information and the image aggregation mode set in the print settings, the control unit 111 separates the jam-causing paper and conveys the paper preceding the causative paper. It is determined whether or not (hereinafter, referred to as “effective leading paper”) exists. The preceding effective paper constitutes a preceding effective recording medium.

  When the control unit 111 determines that the preceding valid paper is present, the image formed on the paper causing the jam and the recovery printing (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “recovery”) performed after the cause paper is removed The combining mode is changed so as to combine the cut sheet on which the image is formed with the image formed on the sheet that is subsequently conveyed. As a result, the image formed on the preceding effective sheet is excluded, and the image is formed on the sheet causing the jam to be the recovery start image. Hereinafter, the image formed on the paper causing the jam will be referred to as one of the specific image, the first specific image, and the second specific image.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining before and after the paper is cut. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing a comparative example in which page duplication occurs in recovery after a paper jam occurs due to the presence of preceding effective paper.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an A3 size sheet on which a 2-up image, which is an aggregate image of image 1 and image 2, is formed is conveyed with its short side being the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. Thereafter, the sheet is cut into two A4 size sheets by the cutting device 120, and the cut A4 size sheet is conveyed with the long side being the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. Here, “A3S” is a setting in which an A3 size sheet is conveyed with its short side being the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. “A4L” is a setting in which an A4 size sheet is conveyed with the long side in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction.

  The upper part of FIG. 6 shows the recovery when there is no preceding effective paper, and the lower part shows the recovery when there is the preceding effective paper. Note that, in FIG. 6, invalid papers, including papers that cause a jam, are marked with a cross.

  In the case of the upper part of FIG. 6, a sheet on which a jammed image is formed by cutting the sheet on which the aggregated image in which the image 1 and the image 2 are aggregated is cut (A4 size on which the image 2 is imaged is formed. Sheet) is a sheet that has been conveyed after the cause sheet. That is, in this case, there is no preceding effective paper. The preceding paper, which is the cause paper, is invalid paper, and the succeeding paper on which the second image is formed is also invalid paper because the preceding paper on the transport path is an obstacle and cannot be discharged. Therefore, page overlap does not occur even if the normal recovery is performed in which the aggregated image in which the first image and the second image are aggregated is formed again on the A3 size sheet.

  In the case of the lower part of FIG. 6, the paper on which the combined image of the image 1 and the image 2 is formed is cut and separated from the paper causing the jam (A4 size paper on which the image 1 is formed). Is a sheet conveyed prior to the origin sheet. That is, in this case, the preceding effective paper exists. The preceding paper, which is the origin paper, is an invalid paper, but the preceding paper on which the first image is formed is a valid paper because it can be ejected. Therefore, when the normal recovery is performed in which the combined image in which the first image and the second image are combined is re-imaged on the A3 size sheet, the first image is imaged and the preceding effective sheet discharged as the effective sheet. The sheet overlaps the sheet on which the image 1 is formed by the recovery. Therefore, page duplication occurs.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining that in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, page overlap is prevented by changing the image aggregation mode when recovering a jam that occurs after cutting. . Note that, in FIG. 7, the paper causing the jam is an invalid paper and is therefore marked with a cross.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the preceding effective paper is present in the jam generated after cutting, the specific image (image 2) and the paper conveyed subsequently to the cut paper on which the specific image is formed are conveyed. The aggregation mode is changed so that the image (image 3) to be image-formed is aggregated. That is, for example, the specific image (image 2) is arranged at the most downstream side of the images (image 2 and image 3) included in the aggregated image with respect to the transport direction when the sheet is transported to the cutting device 120. Change the aggregation mode. As a result, while the sheet separated from the jam-causing paper and conveyed prior to the jam-causing paper is used as the preceding effective paper, the page overlapping can be prevented by changing the aggregation mode of the aggregated images formed in the recovery. To be prevented.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for describing a method of changing the aggregation mode when the image data of the input document is page image data and when the image data is aggregated image data. The page image data is image data formed on each sheet after cutting. The aggregated image data is image data obtained by aggregating a plurality of images formed on the cut sheets.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 8, when the image data of the input document is page image data, the combination mode is changed by changing the combination for combining the page image data. By changing the aggregation mode, the aggregated image in the changed aggregation mode is formed on the sheet.

  As shown in the lower part of FIG. 8, when the image data of the input document is aggregated image data, the aggregated image data is divided into image data for each image aggregated in the aggregated image data, and then the divided image data is divided. Change the combination for aggregation of image data. As a result, the aggregation mode is changed. By changing the aggregation mode, the aggregated image in the changed aggregation mode is formed on the sheet.

  The plurality of images aggregated in the aggregated image may be images of pages allocated to form images on the cut paper. The control unit 111 determines whether or not a blank page to which a page image is not allocated is generated by aggregating the images in the changed aggregation mode. That is, for example, the control unit 111 allocates images of a predetermined number of pages to N page areas in N-up, and determines that an empty page occurs when a page area that cannot be allocated occurs. When the control unit 111 determines that a blank page to which an image is not assigned is generated by changing the aggregation mode, the control unit 111 does not form an image on the blank page, and blanks the sheet portion corresponding to the blank page. The control unit 111 can determine whether a blank page occurs based on the number of originals, the number of copies, and the changed aggregation mode set in the print settings of the print job.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example in which a blank page occurs due to a change in the aggregation mode.

  When a paper jam occurs as shown in FIG. 9, there is a preceding effective paper (a paper on which an image 3 is formed) which is a paper that is separated from the causative paper and is conveyed prior to the causative paper. The number of output sheets (sheets on which an image is formed based on a print job and which is cut and output) is 10 and is an even number. In this case, the number of output sheets in the recovery is reduced by subtracting the number of effective sheets (three sheets on which images 1 to 3 are formed) from the initial number of output sheets by changing the aggregation mode in the recovery. There are seven, which is an odd number. As a result, there is no image to be combined with the image 10, so that there is no image data for forming an image on the final paper of the cut and output paper, and a blank page occurs.

  In this case, an image is not formed on the portion of the paper corresponding to the blank page and the paper is left blank. Further, after cutting, the sheet corresponding to the empty page is output to a discharge destination (hereinafter, referred to as “special discharge destination”) 135S different from the normal discharge destination 135N which is the output destination of the paper other than the paper corresponding to the blank page. To discharge. The paper corresponding to the empty page is not limited to a blank paper, and may be a paper on which a color chart for color measurement is image-formed, for example.

  The control unit 111 further changes the aggregation mode from the changed aggregation mode when the jam of the cut sheet is detected again after the aggregation mode is changed in the paper jam recovery. That is, the control unit 111 separates the sheet from which the jam has been detected again by being cut and which is conveyed prior to the sheet for which the jam has been detected again (hereinafter referred to as “second preceding effective sheet”). ".") Is present. When the control unit 111 determines that the second preceding effective sheet is present, the control unit 111 further changes the aggregation mode as follows. That is, the control unit 111 forms an image on the second specific image formed on the sheet in which the jam is detected, and on the sheet that is conveyed subsequently to the cut sheet on which the second specific image is formed. The aggregation mode is further changed so as to aggregate the sheets to be processed.

  FIG. 10 shows that in a print job, a paper jam occurs twice and the aggregation mode is changed in each recovery, so that the empty page generated by the first aggregation mode change changes the aggregation mode for the second time. It is an explanatory view for explaining the case where it disappears by.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 10, when the first paper jam occurs, the paper is separated from the cause paper (the paper on which the image 2 is formed) and is conveyed prior to the cause paper (the image 1 is An image-formed sheet (first preceding effective sheet) exists.

  As shown in the middle part of FIG. 10, a blank page is generated as a result of the change of the aggregation mode for preventing page duplication due to the recovery for the first jam.

  After that, even when the paper jam occurs for the second time, there is the second preceding effective paper (paper on which the image 2 is formed) separated from the origin paper (paper on which the image 3 is formed).

  As shown in the lower part of FIG. 10, by the recovery for the second jam, the aggregation mode is changed to prevent page duplication, and the empty page disappears. That is, the empty page can be eliminated by using the portion of the paper corresponding to the empty page generated in the recovery of the first jam in the recovery of the second jam.

  The control unit 111 determines the inter-sheet time of the cut sheets conveyed from the cutting apparatus 120 to the post-processing apparatus 130. The control unit 111 may determine the inter-paper time as an interval of transport for each unit transported from the cutting device 120 to the post-processing device 130, particularly when the print settings of the print job include a plurality of print copies. That is, the control unit 111 can determine the paper interval between the trailing paper in the preceding unit and the leading paper in the following unit. The paper interval time can be determined in advance for each print job as the time required for post-processing such as booklet processing for each unit. The paper interval time can be calculated based on the number of paper sheets output to the post-processing device 130 for each unit and the content of the post-processing. The control unit 111 transmits the determined sheet interval time to the cutting device 120 via the communication interface 102.

  When the paper jam occurs and the aggregation mode is changed in the recovery, the control unit 111 determines that an empty page occurs, and when the determined inter-paper interval is longer than a predetermined value, the aggregation is performed as follows. Aspects may be further modified. That is, the control unit 111 further changes the aggregation mode so that a blank page corresponds to the first sheet conveyed after the paper interval time has elapsed. As a result, by discharging the paper corresponding to the empty page by using the paper interval time, the discharge time of the paper corresponding to the empty page is reduced. The predetermined value may be the time required to discharge the cut sheet corresponding to the empty page.

  FIG. 11 illustrates a case where a blank page is generated due to the change of the aggregation mode and the paper interval is longer than a predetermined value, and the processing time of the print job is reduced by further changing the aggregation mode. FIG. In the example of FIG. 11, the number of originals is set to 5 and the number of copies is set to 2 in the print setting of the print job.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 11, a jam occurs due to the paper on which the image 2 has been image-formed, and the preceding effective paper (paper on which the image 1 has been imaged) exists. In this case, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 11, an empty page occurs due to the change of the aggregation mode in the recovery. Under this condition, the distance between the tail paper (paper on which the image 5 is formed) in the first unit and the top paper (paper on which the image 1 is formed) in the second unit is less than the predetermined value. If it is too long, the aggregation mode is further changed. That is, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11, the paper interval time longer than the predetermined value (in the middle part of FIG. 11, the paper on which the image 5 of the first unit is imaged and the image 1 of the second unit are imaged). The interleaving mode is further changed so that the empty page corresponds to the sheet that is first conveyed after the elapse of (interval between the sheets). If booklet processing, which is post-processing for each unit, is performed, compare the paper interval time between the trailing paper in the first unit and the first paper in the second unit, corresponding to the time required for booklet processing. It is expected to be long. Therefore, it is desirable to determine whether the paper interval time between the trailing paper in the preceding image-formed unit and the leading paper in the subsequent image-formed unit is longer than a predetermined value.

  The determination as to whether or not a blank page occurs can be made when the image formation of the first unit portion that is formed immediately before the second unit portion that is the last unit portion is completed.

  FIG. 12 illustrates that when an empty page is generated due to the change of the aggregation mode and the paper interval is longer than a predetermined value, the processing time of the print job is reduced by further changing the aggregation mode. FIG. The upper part of FIG. 12 corresponds to the interruption of FIG. 11, and the lower part of FIG. 12 corresponds to the lower part of FIG.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 12, when the sheet discharged last in the print job is a blank sheet corresponding to an empty page, the blank sheet discharge time for discharging the blank sheet from the special discharge destination 135S as the processing time of the print job. Will be required.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 12, the paper interval time is used by further changing the aggregation mode so that the empty page corresponds to the first sheet conveyed after the paper interval time longer than the predetermined value. Then you can eject a blank sheet. As a result, it is possible to reduce the blank paper discharge time.

  Here, there may be a case where a sheet interval time is required before the next sheet is discharged after the booklet processing for each unit is completed. In this case, the blank sheet, which is the final sheet, cannot be immediately ejected after the booklet processing for the final unit is completed, and therefore it is necessary to wait for the sheet interval time.

  FIG. 13 shows a print job by further changing the aggregation mode when it is necessary to wait for the paper interval time to discharge the final blank paper after the booklet processing for the last unit is completed. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining that the processing time of FIG.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 13, when it is necessary to wait for the paper interval time to discharge the blank sheet, which is the final sheet, after the booklet processing for the final unit is completed, The processing time of the print job becomes longer.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 13, the paper interval time is used by further changing the aggregation mode so that the empty page corresponds to the first sheet conveyed after the paper interval time longer than the predetermined value. Then you can eject a blank sheet. Further, in the combined mode after the change, the sheet to be ejected last is not the sheet corresponding to the empty page but the sheet of the unit portion to be booklet processed (the sheet on which the image 5 is formed). No waiting time is required. Therefore, the blank sheet discharge time and the standby time are reduced.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the cutting device.

  The cutting device 120 includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, a communication interface 123, a paper feeding unit 124, a paper discharging unit 125, a cutting unit 126, and a paper sensor 127. These components are connected to each other via a bus 128 for exchanging signals. The cutting device 120 constitutes a cutting unit. The control unit 121 constitutes a transport unit together with the transport path RD1 and a transport roller (not shown). The control unit 121 constitutes a jam detection unit together with the paper sensor 127.

  The basic configurations of the control unit 121, the storage unit 122, and the communication interface 123 are the same as the corresponding components in the image forming apparatus 110, and thus the description will be omitted or simplified.

  The control unit 121 controls various components of the cutting device 120 and performs various arithmetic processes according to a program. That is, the control unit 121 performs overall control related to the cutting of the paper in cooperation with the respective constituent elements of the cutting device 120.

  Details of the operation of the control unit 111 will be described later.

  The storage unit 122 stores a program for the control unit 121 to control each component of the cutting device 120 and various data received through the communication interface 123. The storage unit 122 can store, for example, the print settings, the number of sheets of paper cut, and the interval between sheets received from the image forming apparatus 110.

  The communication interface 123 is an interface for communicating between the cutting device 120 and the image forming device 110 and the post-processing device 130.

  The paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 110 is input to the paper feeding unit 124.

  The paper discharge unit 125 discharges the paper cut at the paper interval received from the image forming apparatus 110.

  The cutting unit 126 cuts the paper fed by the paper feeding unit 124 and on which the aggregated image is formed by cutting. The cutting unit 126 can be configured by a laser irradiation device, and cuts a sheet by irradiating a laser to a cutting position of the sheet which is temporarily stopped. On the other hand, the cutting unit 126 can cut the paper with a cutter. The cutting unit 126 cuts the paper according to the print settings and the number of cuts received from the image forming apparatus 110. For example, when the paper size is set to A3 in the print settings and the number of cuts is designated as 2 by the image forming apparatus 110, the cutting unit 126 cuts the A3 size paper into two A4 size papers. To do.

  The paper sensor 127 detects the position of the paper in the transport path RD1 before and after cutting. The paper sensor 127 can be configured by, for example, a line sensor provided at a required position on the transport path.

  The control unit 121 detects a jam of the cut sheet based on the position of the sheet on the transport path RD1 detected by the sheet sensor 127. The control unit 121 can detect a jam, for example, because the position of the sheet does not change even though the control is performed to convey the sheet. When the jam of the sheet after cutting is detected, the control unit 121 transmits the information on the occurrence of the jam and the sheet of the jam to the image forming apparatus 110 via the communication interface 123.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the post-processing device.

  The post-processing device 130 includes a control unit 131, a storage unit 132, a communication interface 133, a paper feeding unit 134, an output unit 135, a binding unit 136, and a paper sensor 137. These components are connected to each other via a bus 138 for exchanging signals. The control unit 131 constitutes a transport unit together with the transport path RD2 and a transport roller (not shown). The control unit 131 constitutes a jam detection unit together with the paper sensor 137.

  The basic configurations of the control unit 131, the storage unit 132, and the communication interface 133 are the same as the corresponding components in the image forming apparatus 110, and thus the description will be omitted or simplified.

  The control unit 131 controls various components of the post-processing device 130 and performs various arithmetic processes according to a program. That is, the control unit 131 performs overall control of post-processing of paper in cooperation with each component of the post-processing device 130.

  Details of the operation of the control unit 131 will be described later.

  The storage unit 132 stores a program for the control unit 131 to control each component of the post-processing apparatus 130, and various data such as print settings received through the communication interface 133.

  The communication interface 133 is an interface for communicating between the post-processing device 130 and the image forming device 110 and the cutting device 120.

  The sheet cut by the cutting device 120 is supplied to the sheet feeding unit 134.

  The output unit 135 outputs the post-processed sheet as a printed matter. The output unit 135 discharges a non-sheet such as a blank sheet corresponding to a blank page. The output unit 135 includes a normal discharge destination 135N for outputting a printed material of a print job and a special discharge destination 135S for discharging a non-sheet.

  The binding unit 136 performs side binding, which is a post-process, on sheets. When the image forming apparatus 110 forms images of a plurality of sets, the binding unit 136 performs side binding on each unit.

  The paper sensor 137 detects the position of the paper in the transport path. The paper sensor 137 can be configured by, for example, a line sensor provided at a required position on the transport path RD2.

  The control unit 131 detects the jam of the sheet based on the position of the sheet on the transport path RD2 detected by the sheet sensor 137. The control unit 131 can detect a jam, for example, because the position of the sheet does not change even though the control is performed to convey the sheet. When the paper jam is detected, the control unit 131 transmits information about the occurrence of the paper jam and the paper causing the jam to the image forming apparatus 110 via the communication interface 133.

  The operation of the image forming system 100 will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing from the detection of a jam of the cut sheet to the image formation in the recovery in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart can be executed by the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 110 according to the program stored in the storage unit 112 of the image forming apparatus 110.

  The control unit 111 determines whether a jam of the cut paper has occurred (S101). The control unit 111 can determine that a jam of the cut sheet has occurred by receiving information on the occurrence of the jam and the cause sheet from the cutting apparatus 120 or the post-processing apparatus 130.

  When the control unit 111 determines that a jam of the cut sheet has occurred (S101: YES), the control unit 111 determines whether or not there is a preceding valid sheet (S102).

  When the control unit 111 determines that the preceding valid sheet does not exist (S102: NO), the recovery image formation is performed in the image aggregation mode before the jam is detected without changing the image aggregation mode. Yes (S104).

  When the control unit 111 determines that the preceding valid sheet is present (S102: YES), the control unit 111 changes the image aggregation mode as follows. That is, the control unit 111 aggregates the specific image formed on the paper caused by the jam and the image formed on the sheet conveyed subsequently to the cut sheet on which the specific image is formed. The aggregation mode of the images is changed so as to allow it. At that time, the aggregation mode of the images is changed so that the specific image is arranged on the most downstream side of the images included in the aggregated image with respect to the conveyance direction when the sheet is conveyed to the cutting device 120 (S103). . After that, the control unit 111 executes recovery image formation in the changed image aggregation mode (S104).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing from the detection of a jam of the cut sheet to the image formation in the recovery in the image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the flowchart of FIG. 16 is that in this flowchart, when a blank page occurs due to a change in the image aggregation mode at the time of recovery after a paper jam, a portion of the paper corresponding to the blank page is generated. Is a blank page.

  The control unit 111 determines whether a jam of the cut paper has occurred (S201).

  When the control unit 111 determines that the jam of the cut sheet has occurred (S201: YES), the control unit 111 determines whether or not the preceding effective sheet exists (S202).

  When the control unit 111 determines that there is no preceding valid paper (S202: NO), the control unit 111 proceeds to step S204.

  When the control unit 111 determines that the preceding valid paper is present (S202: YES), the control unit 111 changes the image aggregation mode as follows. That is, the control unit 111 aggregates the specific image formed on the paper caused by the jam and the image formed on the sheet conveyed subsequently to the cut sheet on which the specific image is formed. The aggregation mode of the images is changed so as to allow it. At that time, the image aggregation mode is changed so that the specific image is arranged on the most downstream side of the images included in the aggregated image with respect to the conveyance direction when the sheet is conveyed to the cutting device 120 (S203). .

  The control unit 111 determines whether or not a blank page is generated by changing the aggregation mode of images in step S203 (S204).

  When the control unit 111 determines in step S203 that a blank page does not occur due to the change of the image aggregation mode (S204: NO), it executes recovery image formation (S206). At that time, the control unit 111 executes the image formation of the aggregated image aggregated in the changed aggregation mode (S203) or the unchanged aggregation mode depending on the presence or absence of the preceding effective paper (S202) (S206).

  When the control unit 111 determines that a blank page is generated due to the change of the image aggregation mode in step S203 (S204: YES), the portion of the paper corresponding to the blank page is blank (S205). The control unit 111 executes the image formation of the aggregated images aggregated in the changed aggregation mode (S203) or the unchanged aggregation mode depending on the presence or absence of the preceding valid paper (S202) (S206). At that time, the portion of the paper corresponding to the empty page is blank.

  This embodiment has the following effects.

  When a jam occurs in the post-cutting conveyance of a sheet on which an aggregated image is formed, if there is an effective paper separated from the jam-causing paper by cutting, the image aggregation mode will be imaged on the jam-causing paper. The changed image is changed to the aggregation mode in which the recovery start image is used. As a result, duplication of pages can be prevented, and the complexity of work, the reduction in productivity, and the increase in cost can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, when changing the aggregation mode of the images, the first specific image formed on the paper caused by the jam is the most one of the images included in the aggregation image with respect to the transportation direction when the paper is transported to the cutting unit. Be arranged on the downstream side. This makes it possible to more easily transport the recovered paper in the same transport order as before the occurrence of the jam.

  Furthermore, when a blank page to which an image is not assigned is generated by aggregating images according to the changed aggregation mode, no image is formed for the blank page, and the portion of the paper corresponding to the blank page is blank. As a result, it is possible to suppress consumption of consumables by not forming an image on an unnecessary sheet corresponding to a blank page.

  Further, when a blank page to which an image is not assigned is generated by aggregating images according to the changed aggregation mode, after cutting, the paper corresponding to the blank page is output to a discharge destination different from the output destination of the paper other than the relevant paper. To discharge. As a result, it is possible to prevent the effective paper and the ineffective paper from being mixed at the discharge port.

  Further, when a blank page to which an image is not assigned is generated due to the change of the aggregation mode, and the paper interval time of the cut paper is longer than a predetermined value, the changed aggregation mode is changed to Further change the empty page to correspond to the first sheet conveyed after the passage. Thus, by discharging the paper corresponding to the empty page by using the paper interval time, it is possible to reduce the discharge time of the paper corresponding to the empty page.

  Furthermore, when the image formation of a plurality of copies is performed, it is determined whether or not a blank page occurs when the image formation of the unit copy formed immediately before the last unit copy is completed. As a result, whether or not a blank page will occur can be determined once at a stage when the accuracy is improved.

  Furthermore, if the jam of the cut paper is re-detected and there is an effective paper separated from the paper caused by the jam by cutting, the aggregation mode of the image is set to the recovery start image of the image formed on the paper caused by the jam. The aggregation mode is further changed. As a result, it is possible to prevent duplication of pages each time a jam occurs, and prevent complicated work, lower productivity, and increased cost.

  The image forming apparatus, the image forming system, and the image forming apparatus program according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the detection of empty pages is performed based on the number of originals, the number of copies, and the changed aggregation mode. However, empty pages are detected in the image data of the aggregated image generated by the image control unit. Can be detected based on.

  Further, in the embodiment, the paper is described as an example of the recording medium, but the recording medium may be a film, a substrate, an envelope, or the like.

  Further, in the embodiment, part or all of the processing executed by the program may be replaced with hardware such as a circuit.

RD1 transport path,
RD2 transport path,
100 image forming system,
110 image forming apparatus,
111 control unit,
118 image forming unit,
120 cutting device,
121 control unit,
126 cutting part,
127 paper sensor,
130 post-processing device,
131 control unit,
135 Output,
136 binding section,
137 Paper sensor.

Claims (9)

An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium,
A cutting unit that cuts the image-formed recording medium into a plurality of recording media;
A transport unit that transports the cut recording medium,
A jam detection unit that detects a jam of the cut recording medium,
A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a preceding effective recording medium that has been separated from the recording medium in which the jam has been detected by cutting and that has been conveyed prior to the recording medium in which the jam has been detected,
When it is determined that the preceding effective recording medium is present, the first specific image image-formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected, and the recording medium after cutting on which the first specific image is image-formed in recovery. For the control unit that changes the aggregation mode so as to aggregate the image formed on the recording medium that is subsequently conveyed after cutting, and forms the aggregate image on the recording medium according to the changed aggregation mode,
An image forming apparatus having.   The control unit is configured to arrange the first specific image in the most downstream side of the images included in the aggregate image with respect to the conveyance direction when the recording medium is conveyed to the cutting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which is changed. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium, which is an aggregated image in which images of a plurality of pages allocated to form an image on the cut recording medium are aggregated,
Further comprising an empty page occurrence determination unit that determines whether or not an empty page to which an image of the page is not allocated occurs by aggregating images in the aggregation mode after the change,
The image according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when it is determined that the empty page occurs, the control unit does not form an image on the empty page and leaves a portion of the recording medium corresponding to the empty page blank. Forming equipment. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium, which is an aggregated image in which images of a plurality of pages allocated to form an image on the cut recording medium are aggregated,
Further comprising an empty page occurrence determination unit that determines whether or not an empty page to which an image of the page is not allocated occurs by aggregating images in the aggregation mode after the change,
When it is determined that the empty page occurs, the control unit, after cutting, sets the recording medium corresponding to the empty page to a discharge destination different from the output destination of the recording medium other than the recording medium corresponding to the empty page. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is ejected. Further comprising a paper interval time determining unit for determining a paper interval time of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit,
The empty page occurrence determination unit determines whether the empty page occurs based on the number of documents, the number of copies, and the changed aggregation mode.
When it is determined that the empty page occurs and the determined paper interval time is longer than a predetermined value, the control unit sets the changed aggregation mode after the paper interval time longer than the predetermined value has elapsed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet to be first conveyed is further changed so that the empty page corresponds to the sheet.   The blank page occurrence determination unit determines whether or not the blank page is generated when the image formation of the unit unit imaged immediately before the last unit unit is completed when the image formation of a plurality of copies is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus determines whether   In the case where the jam of the cut recording medium is detected again after changing the aggregation mode, the control unit separates the jam from the recording medium in which the jam is detected again, and When it is determined that there is a recording medium that is conveyed before the recording medium in which the jam is detected, the second specific image image-formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected again, and the second specific image. 7. The aggregation mode is further modified so as to aggregate the image formed on the recording medium that is subsequently conveyed with respect to the cut recording medium on which the image has been formed, according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The image forming apparatus described. An image forming system having an image forming device and a cutting device,
The image forming apparatus,
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium,
The cutting device,
A cutting unit that cuts the image-formed recording medium into a plurality of recording media;
A transport unit that transports the cut recording medium,
A jam detection unit that detects a jam of the cut recording medium,
A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a preceding effective recording medium that has been separated from the recording medium in which the jam has been detected by cutting and that has been conveyed prior to the recording medium in which the jam has been detected,
When it is determined that the preceding effective recording medium is present, the specific image formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected, and the sheet of the post-cutting recording medium on which the specific image is formed in the recovery are cut. An image forming system including: a control unit configured to change an aggregation mode so as to aggregate images to be image-formed on a recording medium that is subsequently conveyed and to form an aggregate image on the recording medium according to the modified aggregation mode. . A step (a) of forming an image on a recording medium,
A step (b) of cutting the image-formed recording medium into a plurality of recording media;
A step (c) of transporting the cut recording medium,
A step (d) of detecting a jam of the cut recording medium,
A step (e) of determining whether or not there is a preceding effective recording medium which is separated from the recording medium in which the jam is detected by cutting and is conveyed prior to the recording medium in which the jam is detected;
When it is determined that the preceding effective recording medium is present, the specific image formed on the recording medium in which the jam is detected and the sheet of the cut recording medium on which the specific image is formed in the recovery are cut. A step (f) of changing the aggregation mode so as to aggregate the image formed on the recording medium that is subsequently conveyed, and forming the aggregated image on the recording medium by the changed aggregation mode;
A program for causing the image forming apparatus to execute.