JP6766613B2 - Image forming system and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, an image forming system in which a plurality of devices such as an image forming device and a paper processing device are continuously arranged has been known. In image forming devices such as MFPs, a wide variety of devices are prepared, from inexpensive general office equipment used in an office environment to high-performance printing equipment used in printing business.

Further, in recent years, instead of designing separately for general office work and printing business, an image forming device having a common design that can be applied to any application (hereinafter, "common type image forming device"". ) Has appeared. In an image forming system including this common type image forming apparatus, its use can be switched according to a difference in the configuration of a paper processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. That is, either connect a paper processing device (paper processing device for general office work) connected to an image forming device for general office work, or connect a paper processing device (for printing business) connected to an image forming device for printing business. The use of the image forming system (image forming apparatus) can be switched depending on whether the paper processing apparatus) is connected.

By the way, the paper (paper size and paper type) supported by the common type image forming apparatus is the same as that of the image forming apparatus for printing business, so that the paper that can be used is more compatible than the image forming apparatus for general office work. More. For example, it supports large paper sizes such as 13 inches x 19 inches and paper types such as embossed paper and thin paper. By the way, such paper is not supported by the image forming apparatus for general office work, and similarly, it is not supported by the paper processing apparatus for general office work. Therefore, when a paper processing device for general office work is connected to the common type image forming device, the paper that can be passed by the common type image forming device cannot be passed by the paper processing device for general office work. Occurs.

This problem can be solved by connecting a paper processing device for printing business to a common type image forming device or limiting the functions of the common type image forming device. However, in the former case, there is a problem that the paper processing apparatus for printing business is not suitable for general office work because it is expensive. Further, in the latter case, there is a problem that the performance of the image forming apparatus cannot be maximized.

For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an image forming apparatus capable of continuing a printing job by temporarily disconnecting the post-processing apparatus.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-186735 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-248635

According to the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus can print on paper that cannot be passed through the paper processing apparatus, but even if the printing job is completed, the paper can be printed. The processing device remains disconnected. The disconnection of the paper processor is temporary, and it is necessary to return the paper processor to its original position after the job is completed, but the user may forget to return it to its original position. In this case, there is a problem that the processing becomes complicated because the user who has input the next print job cannot execute the print job or has to return the paper processing device to the original position.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent the devices from being hindered from the succeeding print job when the devices are separated from each other at the time of executing the preceding print job. An image forming system and an image forming apparatus capable of the present invention are provided.

In order to solve such a problem, the first invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus, a paper processing apparatus connected to the downstream side of the image forming apparatus, and a control unit for controlling the image forming system. I will provide a. In this image forming system, the image forming apparatus can directly eject the paper by separating the paper processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus. Then, when the control unit determines that the paper printed by the image forming apparatus in the print job is not supported by the paper processing apparatus and the printing job is a job that does not require the paper processing apparatus, the control unit determines that the paper is not supported by the paper processing apparatus. On condition that the paper processing apparatus is separated from the image forming apparatus, the printing job is continued, and when the printing job is completed, the return control for returning the separated paper processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus is performed.

Here, in the first invention, it is preferable that the return control outputs a warning via the display unit.

Further, in the first invention, it is preferable that the return control outputs a warning sound or a warning sound via the notification unit.

Further, in the first invention, it is preferable that the return control transmits a signal for notifying a warning from the information processing device to the information processing device that has input the print job.

Further, in the first invention, it is preferable that the return control displays the information of the user who has input the print job for which the paper processing apparatus has been separated, via the display unit.

Further, in the first invention, it is preferable that the return control limits the operation of the user who has input the print job from which the paper processing apparatus has been separated.

Further, in the first invention, it is preferable that the control unit releases the return control when the paper processing device is returned to the image forming device.

Furthermore, the third invention provides an image forming apparatus in which a paper processing apparatus is connected to the downstream side. This image forming apparatus has a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus, and the paper can be directly ejected by separating the paper processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus. Then, when the control unit determines that the paper printed by the image forming apparatus in the print job is not supported by the paper processing apparatus and the printing job is a job that does not require the paper processing apparatus, the control unit determines that the paper is not supported by the paper processing apparatus. On condition that the paper processing apparatus is separated from the image forming apparatus, the print job is continued, and when the print job is completed, the return control for returning the separated paper processing apparatus to the original position is performed.

According to the present invention, even if the devices are separated from each other when the preceding print job is executed, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the subsequent print job.

Explanatory drawing which shows typically the structure of the print system which concerns on this Embodiment Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of an image formation system Explanatory drawing explaining the state of separation between devices in an image formation system A flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. Explanatory drawing explaining a warning about disconnection of a paper processing apparatus Explanatory drawing explaining an example of warning about return control Explanatory drawing explaining an example of warning about return control

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a print system according to the present embodiment. The print system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming system 1 and an information processing device (for example, a PC) 2 that transmits a print job to the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 and the PC 2 are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) so that they can communicate with each other.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 is composed of an image forming apparatus 100 and a paper processing apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 100 and the paper processing apparatus 200 are continuously arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the paper P.

The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus, and is a so-called tandem type color image forming apparatus that forms a full-color image. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is not uniquely designed according to the application such as for general office work or printing business, but has a common design so as to be compatible with any application. (Common type image forming device).

The image forming apparatus 100 is mainly composed of a document reading apparatus SC, an image forming unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, a paper conveying unit 13, a fixing device 16, and a control unit 18, and these elements are contained in the housing 100a. Is housed in.

The document reading device SC illuminates the image of the document with the lighting device, reads the reflected light with the line image sensor, and obtains an image signal. This image signal is input to the control unit 18 as image data after being subjected to processing such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression.

The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are an image forming unit 10Y that forms a yellow (Y) image, an image forming unit 10M that forms a magenda (M) image, and an image that forms an image of cyan (C). It is composed of a forming portion 10C and an image forming portion 10K that forms an image of black (K).

The image forming unit 10Y includes a photoconductor drum, a charging unit, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a drum cleaner arranged around the photoconductor drum. In the image forming unit 10Y, an image (toner image) corresponding to yellow is formed on the photoconductor drum, and the image formed on the photoconductor drum is an intermediate transfer belt which is an endless belt by a primary transfer roller. It is transferred to a predetermined position on 11. Further, the remaining image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K are also composed of a photoconductor drum, a charging unit, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a drum cleaner arranged around the photoconductor drum. It is the same as the part 10Y.

The image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 11 is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 12 to the paper P transported at a predetermined timing by the paper transport unit 13.

The paper transport unit 13 is composed of a plurality of transport rollers, and transports the paper P along the transport path. The paper P is housed in the paper tray 14, and the paper P housed in the paper tray 14 is taken in by the paper feeding unit 15 and sent out to the transport path. The paper P fed to the transport path is transported to the downstream side by a plurality of transport rollers arranged along the transport path.

The fixing device 16 is a device that performs a fixing process for fixing an image (transferred image) on the paper P. The fixing device 16 includes a fixing roller, a pressure roller, and a heating heater for heating the fixing roller. The fixing device 16 conveys the paper P, and fixes the image on the paper P by performing pressure fixing by a fixing roller and a pressure roller and heat fixing by a heater.

The paper P that has been subjected to the fixing process is discharged to the paper processing device 200 via a transport path on the downstream side of the fixing device 16. Further, when the image is formed on the back surface of the paper P, the switching gate G1 is switched and sent out to the reverse transfer path.

The control unit 18 has a function of controlling the image forming apparatus 100 and controlling the entire image forming system 1. As the control unit 18, a microcomputer (processor) mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O interface can be used. The control unit 18 forms an image on the paper P by controlling the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, the paper conveying unit 13, the fixing device 16, and the like.

Further, the control unit 18 is connected to the network via the network interface 19. Further, the control unit 18 is connected to the paper processing device 200 (paper processing control unit 220) via the communication interface 20.

The operation panel 21 is an input unit that accepts user operations, and is, for example, a touch-type input unit that includes a display and a touch panel capable of inputting information according to information displayed on the display. The user can set the print job conditions, specifically, the image density, the magnification, the paper tray 14 as the paper feed source, the paper size, the paper type, and the like through the operation on the operation panel 21. .. The operation panel 21 also functions as a display unit that displays various information to the user by being controlled by the control unit 18.

The speaker 22 outputs various sounds or voices by being controlled by the control unit 18 (notification unit).

The paper processing device 200 is a device that executes a predetermined process on the paper P supplied from the image forming device 100. The paper processing device 200 is mainly composed of a paper processing unit 210 and a paper processing control unit 220, and these elements are housed in the housing 200a.

The paper processing unit 210 executes a predetermined process on the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 100. The paper processing unit 210 according to the present embodiment performs post-processing on the paper P. Post-processing includes folding processing for making various folds on paper P, punching processing for punching paper P, bookbinding processing for folding and saddle stitching on a plurality of papers P, and staple cutting on a plurality of papers P. Staple processing and the like can be mentioned.

The paper processing unit 210 may perform processing other than post-processing. For example, the paper processing unit 210 may measure the color of the image formed on the paper P or read the image in order to correct the image characteristics of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition to this, the paper P may be humidified, the curl of the paper P may be corrected, or the paper P may be conveyed to a device connected further downstream.

The paper processing unit 210 executes a predetermined post-processing on the paper P, or discharges the paper P to a paper ejection tray 201 provided outside the machine without executing any post-processing.

The paper processing control unit 220 has a function of controlling the paper processing device 200. As the paper processing control unit 220, a microcomputer (processor) mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O interface can be used. The paper processing control unit 220 performs post-processing on the paper P by controlling the paper processing unit 210.

The paper processing control unit 220 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 (control unit 18) via the communication interface 221.

In the image forming system 1 having such a configuration, when the printing job is executed, as shown in FIG. 3A, the paper P on which the image is formed in the image forming apparatus 100 is transferred to the paper processing apparatus 200. Will be supplied. The paper P supplied to the paper processing device 200 is conveyed in the paper processing device 200 and discharged to the paper ejection tray 201. In the case of a print job that requires post-processing, post-processing is performed on the paper P in accordance with the transfer in the paper processing apparatus 200.

The image forming apparatus 100 and the paper processing apparatus 200 are each composed of independent apparatus (housings 100a, 200a). Then, for example, by moving the paper processing device 200 to the downstream side, the image forming device 100 and the paper processing device 200 can be separated from each other. As shown in FIG. 3B, the image forming apparatus 100 can directly eject the paper P by separating the paper processing apparatus 200 from the image forming apparatus 100.

In the image forming system 1, the control unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the paper P printed by the image forming apparatus 100 is supported by the paper processing apparatus 200 in the printing job. Further, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the print job is a job that requires the paper processing device 200. The control unit 18 is a job in which the paper P printed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the print job is the paper P that is not supported by the paper processing device 200, and the printing job does not require the paper processing device 200. If this is determined, the print job is continued on condition that the paper processing device 200 is separated from the image forming device 100. Further, the control unit 18 performs return control for returning the separated paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100 when the print job is completed. In the return control in the present embodiment, the control unit 18 does not operate the paper processing device 200 to return to the initial position (a position where the paper processing device 200 can operate integrally with the image forming device 100), but returns to the initial position. This is to encourage the user to return it.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 18 using, for example, the input of a print job as a trigger. The input of the print job can be performed on the operation panel 21 of the image forming apparatus 100. The print job can also be input from the PC2.

In step 10 (S10), the control unit 18 generates an image related to the print job. After the image is generated, the control unit 18 determines the size and type of the paper P to be printed and the post-processing from the generated image and the conditions specified in the print job. The conditions specified in the print job include the paper size, the paper type, the paper tray 14, and the post-processing.

In step 11 (S11), the control unit 18 determines whether or not the paper P printed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the print job, that is, the paper size and the paper type, is supported by the paper processing apparatus 200. The paper P supported by the paper processing device 200 is paper that can be handled by the paper processing device 200, and the paper P that is not supported is restricted from being passed through the paper processing device 200. The paper processing device 200 holds the information on the paper P supported by the paper processing device 200, and the control unit 18 can acquire the information by communicating with the paper processing device 200. Note that this information may be held in advance by the control unit 18.

If the paper P for printing is supported by the paper processing apparatus 200, an affirmative determination is made in step 11 and the process proceeds to step 12 (S12). On the other hand, if the paper P related to printing is not supported by the paper processing apparatus 200, a negative determination is made in step 11 and the process proceeds to step 13 (S13).

In step 12, the control unit 18 continues the print job. As a result, the paper P is passed through the image forming apparatus 100, and an image is formed on the paper P. The paper P on which the image is formed is supplied from the image forming apparatus 100 to the paper processing apparatus 200, and when it is conveyed in the paper processing apparatus 200, it is ejected to the paper ejection tray 201. In the case of a print job that requires post-processing, post-processing is performed on the paper P in accordance with the transfer in the paper processing apparatus 200.

In step 13, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the print job is a job that requires the paper processing device 200. If the print job is a job that requires the paper processing apparatus 200, a positive determination is made in step 13 and the process proceeds to step 14 (S14). On the other hand, if the print job is a job that does not require the paper processing device 200, a negative determination is made in step 13, and the process proceeds to step 17 (S17) described later.

In step 14, the control unit 18 interrupts the print job and outputs a warning that the paper P cannot be ejected via the operation panel 21. In addition to the operation panel 21, the warning may use another display unit such as a lamp or output a predetermined sound or voice (the same applies hereinafter).

In step 15 (S15), the control unit 18 determines whether or not to discard the print job. Specifically, the control unit 18 displays information asking the user whether to discard the print job via the operation panel 21, and makes a determination in this step based on the operation result of the user with respect to the display. .. When the print job is discarded, an affirmative judgment is made in step 15, and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, if the print job is not discarded, a negative determination is made in step 15 and the process proceeds to step 16 (S16).

In step 16, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the print job conditions have been changed. Specifically, the control unit 18 displays information for changing the conditions of the print job via the operation panel 21, and determines the step based on the operation result of the user with respect to the display. When the conditions of the print job are changed, a positive determination is made in step 16 and the process returns to step 11. On the other hand, if the conditions of the print job are not changed, a negative determination is made in step 16 and the process returns to step 14.

In step 17, the control unit 18 requests the user to disconnect the paper processing device 200. This request is made by displaying information to that effect on the operation panel 21. In the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the paper P to be printed is not supported by the paper processing device 200 and the printing job does not require the paper processing device 200, the paper processing device 200 is used. By disconnecting, the print job can be continued. Therefore, in this step, as shown in FIG. 5, it is displayed that the printing job can be continued by disconnecting the paper processing apparatus 200. In addition to the operation panel 21, this request may be made by using another display unit such as a lamp or outputting a predetermined sound or voice.

In step 18 (S18), the control unit 18 determines whether or not the paper processing device 200 has been disconnected. This determination may be made based on the user's operation on the operation panel 21, or may be made from the detection result of the sensor that detects that the paper processing device 200 has been disconnected. If an affirmative determination is made in step 18, that is, if the paper processing device 200 is disconnected, the process proceeds to step 19 (S19). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 18, that is, if the paper processing device 200 is not disconnected, the process returns to step 17.

In step 19, the control unit 18 continues the print job. As a result, the paper P is passed through the image forming apparatus 100, and an image is formed on the paper P. Since the paper processing device 200 is separated from the image forming device 100, the paper P on which the image is formed is discharged from the image forming device 100 itself (FIG. 3B).

In step 20 (S20), when the print job is completed, the control unit 18 performs return control for returning the separated paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the return control according to the present embodiment outputs a warning for returning the separated paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100 via the operation panel 21.

In step 21 (S21), the control unit 18 determines whether or not the paper processing device 200 has been returned to the initial position (position before separation). When the paper processing apparatus 200 is returned, an affirmative determination is made in step 21, and the process proceeds to step 22 (S22). On the other hand, if the paper processing device 200 has not been returned, a negative determination is made in step 21 and the process returns to step 20.

In step 22, the control unit 18 releases the return control (warning) in step 20.

As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is capable of directly ejecting the paper P by separating the paper processing apparatus 200 from the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 18 determines that the paper P printed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the print job is the paper P that is not supported by the paper processing device 200, and that the printing job is a job that does not require the paper processing device 200. If it is determined, the print job is continued on condition that the paper processing device 200 is separated from the image forming device 100. Then, when the print job is completed, the control unit 18 performs return control for returning the separated paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100.

According to this configuration, return control is performed to return the separated paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100. As a result, the user can be urged to return the paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100, and it is expected that the paper processing device 200 will be returned to the original position without being separated. As a result, even if the paper processing apparatus 200 is disconnected when the preceding print job is executed, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the subsequent print job.

In the present embodiment, the return control outputs a warning via the operation panel 21.

According to this configuration, the warning displayed on the operation panel 21 can prompt the user to return the paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100. As a result, even if the paper processing apparatus 200 is disconnected when the preceding print job is executed, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the subsequent print job.

In the present embodiment, a method of appealing to the user's eyesight is adopted for the return control, but a warning sound or a warning sound may be output via the speaker 22.

Further, the return control may transmit a signal for notifying a warning on the PC2 to the PC2 that has input the print job. As a result, it is possible to output information for returning the separated paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100 from the PC 2. Therefore, it is possible to urge the user to return the paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100. As a result, even if the paper processing apparatus 200 is disconnected when the preceding print job is executed, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the subsequent print job.

Further, the return control may display the information of the user who has input the print job that separated the paper processing device 200 via the operation panel 21 (see FIG. 7).

According to this configuration, the information of the user who has disconnected the paper processing apparatus 200 is displayed. As a result, it is possible to psychologically restrict the paper processing device 200 from being left in a detached state. Therefore, it is possible to urge the user to return the paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100. As a result, even if the paper processing apparatus 200 is disconnected when the preceding print job is executed, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the subsequent print job.

Further, the return control may restrict the operation of the user who has input the print job from which the paper processing device 200 has been separated. Here, the operation restriction is to restrict a part of the operations (functions) in the image forming system 1.

According to this configuration, the operation for the user who has separated the paper processing apparatus 200 is restricted. As a result, it is possible to psychologically restrict the paper processing device 200 from being left in a detached state. Therefore, it is possible to urge the user to return the paper processing device 200 to the image forming device 100. As a result, even if the paper processing apparatus 200 is disconnected when the preceding print job is executed, it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the subsequent print job.

The various methods shown in the return control may be performed not only individually but also in combination.

The image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. ..

The image forming apparatus itself applied to the image forming system also functions as a part of the present invention. Further, it can be applied not only to the combination of the image forming apparatus and the paper processing apparatus but also to the combination of two apparatus having different supported papers. Further, the image forming system may include an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus and the paper processing apparatus.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming system is configured to be connected to the network, but it does not have to be connected to the network. Further, the image forming apparatus and the paper processing apparatus may be electrically connected so as to be able to communicate with each other in a state where the image forming apparatus and the paper processing apparatus are physically separated.

1 Image forming system 100 Image forming device 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Image forming unit 11 Intermediate transfer belt 12 Secondary transfer belt 13 Paper transport unit 14 Paper tray 15 Paper feed unit 16 Fixing device 18 Control unit 21 Operation panel 22 Speaker 200 Paper processing device 201 Paper ejection tray 210 Paper processing unit 220 Paper processing control unit

Claims (8)

Image forming device and
A paper processing device connected to the downstream side of the image forming device and
In an image forming system having a control unit that controls the image forming system.
The image forming apparatus can directly eject the paper by separating the paper processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus.
The control unit
When it is determined in the print job that the paper printed by the image forming apparatus is not supported by the paper processing apparatus and the printing job is a job that does not require the paper processing apparatus, the paper processing is performed. The print job is continued and the print job is continued on condition that the device is separated from the image forming device.
An image forming system comprising performing return control for returning the separated paper processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus when the printing job is completed. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the return control outputs a warning via a display unit. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the return control outputs a warning sound or a warning sound via a notification unit. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the return control transmits a signal for notifying a warning from the information processing device to the information processing device that has input a print job. Formation system. The image forming according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the return control displays information of a user who has input a print job that has separated the paper processing apparatus via a display unit. system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the return control limits an operation on a user who has input a print job that has separated the paper processing apparatus. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit releases the return control when the paper processing device is returned to the image forming device. In an image forming apparatus in which a paper processing apparatus is connected to the downstream side,
It has a control unit that controls the image forming device.
The image forming apparatus can directly eject the paper by separating the paper processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus.
The control unit
When it is determined in the print job that the paper to be printed by the image forming apparatus is not supported by the paper processing apparatus and the printing job is a job that does not require the paper processing apparatus, the paper processing is performed. The print job is continued and the print job is continued on condition that the device is separated from the image forming device.
An image forming apparatus comprising performing return control for returning the separated paper processing apparatus to its original position when the print job is completed.

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