JP7287200B2 - image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a post-processing device is known that performs various post-processing on paper on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus main body. As such a post-processing device, for example, a combination of information on the long side or short side of the paper and on which of the left, right, top, and bottom sides of the paper is used is used as a reference for the image to be formed on the paper. A technique is known in which a post-processing side of a bundle is designated, and the staple position of one end on the designated post-processing side is designated by combination information of left/right distinction and top/bottom distinction. (See Patent Document 1, for example). In addition, for example, when punching paper, by controlling the image formation of the paper according to the type of punch processing machine and the presence or absence of a reversing device, punching can be performed at a desired position, and the page can be stacked at the time of stacking. A system that discharges sheets in order is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-094561 A JP 2010-188607 A

However, in the post-processing devices described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is possible to perform post-processing only on the front end or the rear end in the paper feeding direction, and the post-processing side is the paper feeding direction. If it is not located at the leading or trailing edge of the image, the image must be printed rotated. For this reason, for example, when the post-processed output is discharged onto a predetermined carriage and the output is handed over to the post-process together with the predetermined carriage, the output is oriented differently from its original orientation. When the printed matter is discharged onto a predetermined carriage, it is troublesome to correct the orientation of the printed matter once placed on the predetermined carriage. In addition, when the printed matter is ejected in a direction different from the originally imagined image orientation, the printed matter cannot be visually checked smoothly.

Therefore, in a post-processing apparatus capable of setting a post-processing position, post-processing can be performed at an appropriate position without changing the orientation of the image of the printed matter by setting the post-processing position. I have to. In such a post-processing device, setting the post-processing position, etc. from scratch every time printing is performed takes time and effort. By reading a profile suitable for the printing each time printing with post-processing is performed, the post-processing can be easily set.

However, even if a profile suitable for printing is loaded, for example, the job may be transported to the post-processing device due to the face-up/down ejection specification, the configuration of the post-processing device, or the difference in the output tray. There is a risk that the direction in which the paper passes will change, and that the user will not be able to perform post-processing as intended. Therefore, there is a problem that if the post-processing cannot be performed as intended by the user, the post-processing settings must be redone, which is troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately changing setting contents of post-processing according to contents of a print job or the like.

In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 comprises:
an image forming unit that forms an image on paper;
a post-processing unit that performs post-processing based on preset post-processing settings for the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit;
The orientation of the image based on the transport direction on the paper when the paper is actually transported in the post-processing section, and the orientation of the image based on the transport direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings. a control unit for causing the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing by reversing the post-processing position in the post-processing unit in the conveying direction when they do not match;
characterized by comprising

The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
In the post-processing setting, a paper passing surface for conveying paper in the post-processing unit can be set based on a user operation,
The control unit sets the orientation of the image with reference to the conveying direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings based on the paper passing surface of the paper set in the post-processing settings.
It is characterized by

The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit controls the orientation of the image with reference to the conveying direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings based on the information about the orientation of the paper to be ejected to the paper ejection tray, which is included in the print job related to the image forming conditions. is characterized by setting

The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Equipped with a switchback path that switches back the paper,
When the print type included in the print job related to the image forming conditions is single-sided printing, the control unit performs While setting the orientation of the image based on the assumed transport direction on the paper, if the print type is double-sided printing, it is based on the orientation of the paper when it is switched back and discharged in the switchback path. to set the orientation of the image based on the transport direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings,
It is characterized by

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When a print job related to image forming conditions is set to rotate an image by 180 degrees and form the image on paper, the control unit further shifts the post-processing position by 180 degrees in the post-processing unit. It is characterized in that it is rotated to cause the post-processing section to perform post-processing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately change the setting contents of the post-processing according to the contents of the print job or the like.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the control structure of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment; FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of cutting setting information update processing; 9 is a flowchart showing an example of assumed sheet feeding direction setting processing; (a) shows that the paper is passed face up as intended by the user and the cutting position is appropriate. (c) is a diagram showing a state in which the cutting position is reversed from the state of (b) in the face-down unintended state of the user. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a profile creation screen; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of assumed paper feeding direction setting processing; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of assumed paper feeding direction setting processing; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of cutting setting information update processing; (a) is a diagram showing the cutting position when the 180-degree rotation mode is OFF, and (b) is a diagram showing the cutting position when the 180-degree rotation mode is ON.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus main body 100, a relay unit RU, a post-processing device 200, and a finisher FS. .

The image forming apparatus main body 100 forms a color image by electrophotography based on image data obtained by reading an image from a document or image data received from an external device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus main body 100 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, and an image forming control unit 16. , a storage unit 17 , a controller IF (Interface) 18 , and an image processing unit 19 .

The operation unit 11 includes a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 12 and various operation buttons such as numeric buttons and a start button, and outputs operation signals based on user operations to the image formation control unit 16 . do.

The display unit 12 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various screens according to instructions of display signals input from the image formation control unit 16 .

The document reading unit 13 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder), a scanner, and the like, and outputs image data obtained by reading an image of a document to the image formation control section 16 .

The image forming section 14 forms an image on a sheet supplied from the paper feeding section 15 based on the image data that has undergone image processing by the image processing section 19 .
The image forming unit 14 includes photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K, an intermediate transfer belt 142, and a secondary transfer roller, which correspond to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). 143, a fixing section 144, a density sensor 145, a reversing section 146, and the like.

After being uniformly charged, the photosensitive drum 141Y is scanned and exposed by a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, yellow toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 141Y, and development is performed.
The photoreceptor drums 141M, 141C, and 141K are also the same as the photoreceptor drum 141Y, except that the colors handled are different, so the description is omitted.

The toner images of respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K are sequentially transferred onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 142 (primary transfer). That is, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 142 by superimposing toner images of four colors.
The color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 142 are collectively transferred onto the paper by the secondary transfer roller 143 (secondary transfer).

The fixing unit 144 includes a heating roller that heats the sheet onto which the color toner image has been transferred and a pressure roller that presses the sheet, and fixes the color toner image to the sheet by heating and pressing.

The reversing section 146 has a reversing path (switchback path) for reversing the front and back of the sheet on which the fixing process has been performed by the fixing section 144 and conveying the sheet to the secondary transfer roller 143 . In the image forming apparatus 1, the reversing unit 146 reverses the front and back of the paper when images are formed on both sides of the paper. The paper is conveyed to the relay unit RU without being reversed.

The paper feed section 15 includes paper feed trays T11 to T13, and supplies paper to the image forming section . Each of the paper feed trays T11 to T13 accommodates paper of a paper type and size predetermined for each paper feed tray.

The image forming control section 16 is configured with a CPU, a ROM, and a memory.
The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, and centrally controls the operation of each section of the image forming apparatus main body 100 according to the programs. Further, the CPU instructs the post-processing device 200 to perform predetermined post-processing when post-processing is to be performed on the output paper.
The ROM is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs, parameters and files necessary for executing the programs, and the like.
The memory is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and temporarily stores programs and various data such as image data related to various image processing.

The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs and image data. The storage unit 17 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a readable and writable manner by the image formation control unit 16 .

The controller IF 18 receives image data input from an external device.

The image processing unit 19 performs necessary image processing on the image data stored in the storage unit 17, the image data obtained by reading an image from a document by the document reading unit 13, and the image data input from an external device, thereby obtaining an image. The processed image data is transmitted to the image forming section 14 . Image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, and the like. Gradation processing converts the gradation value of each pixel of the image data into a gradation value corrected so that the density characteristics of the image formed on the paper match the target density characteristics. Halftone processing includes error diffusion processing, screen processing using systematic dithering, and the like. The color conversion process is a process of converting each RGB tone value into each CMYK tone value.

The relay unit RU is installed between the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the post-processing device 200 and has a function of synchronizing with the conveying speed of the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 100 .

The post-processing device 200 is a device that performs post-processing as necessary on the paper output from the relay unit RU. Post-processing includes, for example, slitter processing, dob slitter processing, CD cutting processing, crease processing, FD/CD perforating processing, and the like. Post-processing is not essential, and post-processing device 200 executes it only when instructed by image forming apparatus main body 100 . If there is no post-processing, the post-processing device 200 directly transports the transported sheet to the finisher FS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the post-processing device 200 includes a conveying section 210, post-processing modules M1 to M4, a purge tray T1 for discharging sheets to be purged from the post-processing device 200, and the post-processing device 200. It comprises a card tray T2 for ejecting paper cut to the size of business cards/cards, and a post-processing control section 220. FIG.

The transport unit 210 transports the paper transported from the relay unit RU to the post-processing modules M1 to M4, and transports the paper post-processed by the post-processing modules M1 to M4 to various trays (purge tray T1, card tray T2) or Transport to finisher FS.

The transport unit 210 includes a straight transport path 211 having a curve correction function for correcting the curve of the paper transported to the post-processing module M1, and a CD direction (paper width direction) by detouring the long paper transported to the post-processing module M1. a long unit 212 having a CD aligning function for aligning, a reverse paper ejection path 213 for inverting the paper (up to a standard size) after post-processing by the post-processing modules M1 to M4 and ejecting it to the finisher FS, A dual-purpose path 214 that serves both as a paper discharge path for discharging paper to the purge tray T1 and a reversing path for reversing the paper (paper up to a standard size), and a reversal for reversing the long paper after post-processing by the post-processing modules M1 to M4. and a long unit 215 as a path.

The post-processing modules M1 to M4 perform post-processing on the conveyed paper. The post-processing modules M1 to M4 perform post-processing while a part of the paper is accommodated in the space path (the reverse paper discharge path 213, the shared path 214, or the long unit 215).

The post-processing control section 220 is configured with a CPU, a ROM, and a memory.
The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM, and centrally controls the operation of each section of the post-processing device 200 according to the programs. For example, the CPU communicates information with the image forming control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus main body 100, and causes the post-processing modules M1 to M4 to perform post-processing based on preset profiles (post-processing settings).

The finisher FS has a function of stapling, folding, punching, and the like on the paper after image formation.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing cutting setting information update processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 . This cutting setting information update process is a process that is executed when an instruction to start printing, which performs cutting as post-processing after printing, is performed via the operation unit 11 or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image formation control unit 16 first reads and acquires cutting setting information (profile) regarding cutting performed after printing from the storage unit 17 or the like (step S1).

Next, the image formation control unit 16 performs an assumed paper feeding direction setting process for setting the orientation of the image based on the paper transport direction assumed in the cutting settings (post-processing settings) (step S2). The details of the assumed sheet feeding direction setting process will be described later.

Next, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not the paper feeding direction of the paper actually conveyed to the cutting units (post-processing modules M1 to M4) matches the assumed paper feeding direction set in step S2. (Step S3).

If it is determined in step S3 that the direction in which the paper is actually conveyed to the cutting unit matches the assumed direction in which the paper passes (step S3; YES), the image formation control unit 16 changes the cutting settings acquired in step S1. The information is reflected and printing is started (step S5), and the cutting setting information update process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the direction in which the paper is actually conveyed to the cutting section does not match the assumed direction of paper passage (step S3; NO), the image formation control unit 16 performs the paper passage direction cutting. By the number (N) of setting positions, the leading edge-based sheet passing direction cutting set position Y _i is reversed to the trailing edge-based sheet passing direction cutting set position (P−Y _i ) with respect to the sheet passing direction. Processing is performed to update the cutting setting information acquired in step S1 (step S4). For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the assumed paper feeding direction set in step S2 is face-up, whereas the paper is actually conveyed to the cutting section as shown in FIG. 5(b). When the sheet feeding direction is facedown, as shown in FIG. 5C, the sheet feeding direction cutting set positions _Y1 and _Y2 are reversed from the leading edge reference to the trailing edge reference.

Next, the image forming control unit 16 starts printing reflecting the cutting setting information updated in step S4 (step S5), and ends the cutting setting information update process.

Next, the assumed sheet passing direction setting process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing assumed paper feeding direction setting processing.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not the paper passing surface (assumed paper passing surface) specified in the cutting settings is face up (step S11). Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the cutting setting is performed by inputting data regarding each item provided on the profile creation screen SC. This profile creation screen SC is provided with a check box CB for specifying the assumed paper passing surface (face up or face down) when conveying the paper in the post-processing modules M1 to M4. By checking one of the check boxes CB, it is possible to specify the assumed paper passing surface. The profile creation screen SC is also provided with a creation completion button B1 for instructing completion of input of data on each item, and a cancel button B2 for canceling the input of data on each item. there is When the creation completion button B1 is pressed, the cutting position and the like set in the cutting settings are displayed in the thumbnail image IM modeled after the paper displayed in the upper left part of the profile creation screen SC. .

In step S11, if it is determined that the paper feeding surface specified in the cutting setting is face up (step S11; YES), the image formation control unit 16 sets the assumed paper feeding direction to face up (step S12). , the process returns to the cutting setting information update process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the sheet feeding surface specified in the cutting setting is not face up (step S11; NO), the image formation control unit 16 sets the assumed sheet feeding direction to face down (step S13), the process returns to the cutting setting information update process.

As described above, the image formation control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment controls the orientation of the image based on the conveying direction on the sheet when the sheet is actually conveyed in the post-processing modules M1 to M4. , and the orientation of the image based on the transport direction on the paper assumed in the cutting settings (post-processing settings) does not match, the position for cutting (post-processing) in the post-processing modules M1 to M4 is changed to the transport direction (Paper passing direction) is reversed (reversed) to cause the post-processing modules M1 to M4 to perform cutting.
Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, according to the specification of face-up/down discharge in a print job, the configuration of the post-processing device, and the difference in the discharge tray, the cutting settings are assumed to be different. If paper is transported in a direction different from that of the paper that is being fed, the cutting position can be changed as appropriate. become able to.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in the cutting setting, the paper passing surface (assumed paper passing surface) when conveying the paper in the post-processing modules M1 to M4 can be set based on the user operation. In the paper feeding direction setting process, the image forming control unit 16 sets the orientation of the image based on the paper feeding direction assumed in the cutting settings based on the paper feeding side of the paper set in the cutting settings. Therefore, the assumed paper feeding direction setting process can be preferably performed.

Note that in the assumed paper feeding direction setting process (see FIG. 4) of the above embodiment, an image is generated based on the paper feeding direction assumed in the cutting settings based on the paper feeding side set in the cutting settings. (assumed sheet passing direction) is set, the assumed sheet passing direction may be set by the assumed sheet passing direction setting process in the control procedure shown in FIGS.

In the assumed paper feeding direction setting process shown in FIG. 7, first, the image formation control unit 16 acquires print setting information (step S21).

Next, based on the print setting information obtained in step S21, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not the paper discharge direction (the direction in which the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray) specified in the print settings is face up. is determined (step S22).

If it is determined in step S22 that the paper ejection direction specified in the print settings is face up (step S22; YES), the image formation control unit 16 sets the assumed paper feeding direction to face up (step S23). ), and returns to the cutting setting information update process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the paper discharge direction specified in the print settings is not face up (step S22; NO), the image formation control unit 16 sets the assumed paper feed direction to face down ( Step S24), the process returns to the cutting setting information update process.

In the assumed paper feeding direction setting process shown in FIG. 8, first, the image formation control unit 16 acquires print setting information (step S31).

Next, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not the print job is single-sided printing based on the print setting information acquired in step S21 (step S32).

If it is determined in step S32 that the print job is single-sided printing (step S32; YES), the image formation control unit 16 sets the assumed paper feed direction to face up (step S33), and performs cutting setting information update processing. back to
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the print job is not single-sided printing (step S32; NO), the image formation control unit 16 sets the assumed paper feed direction to face down (step S34), and cuts the cutting setting information. Return to update process.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, in the cutting setting information update process (see FIG. 3), the cutting setting position is reversed only for the paper passing direction (conveyance direction). If the image is to be rotated 180 degrees for printing purposes, it is necessary to reverse the cutting position not only in the paper feeding direction but also in the paper feeding cross direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction. Cutting setting information update processing in consideration of the case where an image is rotated 180 degrees and printed will be described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, the image formation control unit 16 reads and acquires the print setting information and the cutting setting information from the storage unit 17 or the like (step S41).

Next, based on the print setting information acquired in step S41, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not the print job is set to rotate the image by 180 degrees for printing (step S42).

If it is determined in step S42 that the print job is set to rotate the image by 180 degrees for printing (step S42; YES), the image formation control unit 16 rotates the image by 180 degrees for printing. The 180-degree rotation mode to be performed is shifted to the ON state (step S43).

Next, the image forming control _unit 16 changes the sheet passing direction cutting set position Yi from the leading edge reference to the trailing edge reference by the number (N _Y ) of the sheet passing direction cutting set positions. The paper direction cutting setting position (P _Y −Y _i ) is reversed, and the cutting setting information acquired in step S1 is updated (step S44). Subsequently, the image forming control unit 16 shifts the sheet passing direction cutting set position X _i from the sheet passing direction right side reference to the sheet passing direction left side reference by the number (N _X ) of the sheet passing direction cutting set positions. (P _X -X _i ), and the cutting setting information acquired in step S1 is updated (step S45). Then, the image formation control unit 16 advances the process to step S47. Note that the processes of steps S47 to S50 are the same as the processes of steps 2 to S5 of the above-described cutting setting information update process (see FIG. 3), so description thereof will be omitted.

If it is determined in step S42 that the print job does not set the image to be printed by rotating it 180 degrees (step S42; NO), the image formation control unit 16 turns off the 180-degree rotation mode. state (step S46). Then, the image forming control unit 16 advances the process to step S47 without updating the cutting setting information, that is, without inverting the sheet passing direction cutting set position _Yi and the sheet passing direction cross direction cutting set position _Xi . .

For example, when the 180-degree rotation mode is off, as _shown in _FIG . It's becoming Also, the sheet passing direction cross direction cutting set position _X1 is set on the right side basis in the sheet passing direction. On the other hand, when the 180-degree rotation mode is ON, as shown in FIG. 10B, the sheet feeding direction cutting set positions _Y1 and _Y2 are reversed from the leading edge reference to the trailing edge reference. It has become so. Also, the set cross-direction cutting position _X1 is reversed from the right-hand reference in the paper-passing direction to the left-hand reference in the paper passing direction.

As described above, according to the cutting setting information update process, it is possible to handle the 180-degree rotation mode in which an image is rotated 180 degrees for printing, so that cutting cannot be performed as intended by the user. Problems such as this can be resolved more favorably.

As described above, the present invention has been specifically described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the cutting setting information update process has been described with reference to cutting, which is post-processing. , folding, etc.).

Further, in the above embodiment, the procedure for setting the assumed paper feeding direction has been described by taking the assumed paper feeding direction setting process shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8 as an example. These are not limited.

1 image forming apparatus 100 image forming apparatus main body 11 operation section 12 display section 13 document reading unit 14 image forming section 146 reversing section (switchback path)
15 paper feeding unit 16 image forming control unit (control unit)
17 storage unit 18 controller IF
19 Image processing unit 200 Post-processing device 210 Conveying unit 211 Straight conveying path 212 Long unit 213 Reversing paper discharge path 214 Shared path 215 Long unit 220 Post-processing control units M1 to M4 Post-processing modules (post-processing units)
T1 Purge tray T2 Card tray RU Relay unit FS Finisher

Claims (5)

an image forming unit that forms an image on paper;
a post-processing unit that performs post-processing based on preset post-processing settings for the sheet conveyed from the image forming unit;
The orientation of the image based on the transport direction on the paper when the paper is actually transported in the post-processing section, and the orientation of the image based on the transport direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings. a control unit for causing the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing by reversing the post-processing position in the post-processing unit in the conveying direction when they do not match;
An image forming apparatus comprising: In the post-processing setting, a paper passing surface for conveying paper in the post-processing unit can be set based on a user operation,
The control unit sets the orientation of the image with reference to the conveying direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings based on the paper passing surface of the paper set in the post-processing settings.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit controls the orientation of the image with reference to the conveying direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings based on the information about the orientation of the paper to be ejected to the paper ejection tray, which is included in the print job related to the image forming conditions. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein . Equipped with a switchback path that switches back the paper,
When the print type included in the print job related to the image forming conditions is single-sided printing, the control unit performs While setting the orientation of the image based on the assumed transport direction on the paper, if the print type is double-sided printing, it is based on the orientation of the paper when it is switched back and discharged in the switchback path. to set the orientation of the image based on the transport direction on the paper assumed in the post-processing settings,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When a print job related to image forming conditions is set to rotate an image by 180 degrees and form the image on paper, the control unit further shifts the post-processing position by 180 degrees in the post-processing unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is rotated to cause the post-processing section to perform the post-processing.

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