JP7409060B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on roll paper, the roll paper is always present in the fixing section in principle. The fixing section heats the roll paper to fix the toner image, so the temperature becomes high. Therefore, if the roll paper is stopped while the temperature of the fixing section is high, the roll paper may be damaged by the heat.

Therefore, if the temperature of the fixing unit is high after printing is completed, it is necessary to transport the roll paper to absorb the heat from the fixing roller, and then stop transporting the roll paper after the temperature of the fuser unit has decreased. there were.

For example, conventional image forming apparatuses continue transporting the roll paper after printing is completed and the fixing heater is turned off in order to cool the fixing unit to a temperature that will not damage the roll paper. Thereby, the image forming apparatus causes the roll paper to absorb the heat of the fixing roller, and when the temperature of the fixing section drops to a predetermined temperature, the fixing section is separated. In addition, the image forming apparatus is controlled to reduce the amount of roll paper that absorbs heat by slowing down the conveyance speed of the roll paper, and to wait until the temperature reaches a point where the heat does not affect the roll paper. Hereinafter, such control will be referred to as a transport cooling mode.

Here, as a related image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a control section, and the control section controls, for example, switching between a pressing state and a separating state of a fixing section, and the conveyance speed of a roll paper. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP2016-90787A

In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, after printing, the roll paper is conveyed at a first conveyance speed with the fixing section in a pressure-bonded state, and the fixing section is separated at a predetermined timing and the roll paper is conveyed at a first conveyance speed. The roll paper is transported at a low second transport speed. Then, the image forming apparatus stops transporting the roll paper when the temperature of the fixing section becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

In this manner, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 lowers the temperature of the fixing section to a safe temperature at which the roll paper set in the fixing section will not be deformed or damaged. Thereby, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 can avoid deformation and damage of the roll paper.

However, in order to remove the roll paper, the user needs to wait until the temperature of the fixing unit has cooled to a safe level.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to remove the roll paper at an optimal timing without the user having to wait unnecessarily.

That is, the above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following configuration.

(1) An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not execute the transport cooling mode when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the end of the print job ,
The case where the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job is the case where replacement or removal of the roll paper is scheduled or predicted after the end of the print job.
Image forming device.

( 2 ) The case where the roll paper is scheduled or predicted to be replaced is the case where there is a request to take out the roll paper by a user operation.
The image forming apparatus according to ( 1 ).

( 3 ) The control unit is
enabling a first setting unit capable of accepting a request to take out the roll paper a predetermined time before the end of the print job;
The image forming apparatus according to ( 2 ).

( 4 ) further comprising a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the transport cooling mode is not executed;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 3 ).

( 5 ) The control unit:
a second setting unit that can be set in advance before execution of the job so as not to execute the transport cooling mode at the end of the print job;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 4 ).

( 6 ) further comprising a cutting detection section that detects cutting of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the conveyance cooling mode is not executed at the end of a print job and the cutting detection unit detects cutting of the roll paper, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing unit;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 5 ).

( 7 ) Winding up the roll paper located at the fixing section by a paper feeding device provided upstream in the transport direction of the roll paper or by a winding device provided downstream of the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to ( 6 ).

( 8 ) further comprising a cutting section that cuts the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job and the roll paper is cut by the cutting unit, the roll paper located at the fixing unit is wound up by the paper transport unit;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 7 ).

( 9 ) further comprising a paper detection unit that detects roll paper in the transport path,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detecting section continues to detect the roll paper on the transport path until a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is activated. execute,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to ( 8 ).
(10) An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the end of the print job;
a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the roll paper;
The control unit includes:
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the transport cooling mode is not executed;
Image forming device.
(11) An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the end of the print job;
A cutting detection unit that detects cutting of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the conveyance cooling mode is not executed at the end of a print job and the cutting detection unit detects cutting of the roll paper, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing unit;
Image forming device.
(12) An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the end of the print job;
a paper detection unit that detects roll paper in the transport path,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detecting section continues to detect the roll paper on the transport path until a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is activated. execute,
Image forming device.

(13) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;Run
The case where the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job is the case where replacement or removal of the roll paper is scheduled or predicted after the end of the print job.
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus.
(14) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed;
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus.
(15) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
If the conveyance cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job and the cut of the roll paper is detected by the cut detection section, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing section;
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus.
(16) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detection unit continues to detect the roll paper in the transport path until a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is not executed. steps to take and
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus.

( 17 ) An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after a print job is finished, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not execute the transport cooling mode when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job ends ;
The case where the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job is the case where replacement or removal of the roll paper is scheduled or predicted after the end of the print job.
Image forming system.

(18) An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the transport cooling mode is not executed;
Image forming system.
(19) An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
A cutting detection unit that detects cutting of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job and the cutting detection section detects cutting of the roll paper, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing section;
Image forming system.
(20) An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
a paper detection unit that detects roll paper in the transport path,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detection section continues to detect the roll paper on the transport path until a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is activated. execute,
Image forming system.
( 21 ) winding up the roll paper located at the fixing section by a paper feeding device provided upstream in the transport direction of the roll paper or by a winding device provided downstream of the image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to any one of (17) to (20) .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system that allow a user to remove a roll paper at an optimal timing without having to wait unnecessarily. can.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus in the image forming system. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an image forming operation executed by an image forming apparatus of an image forming system. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an image forming operation executed by an image forming apparatus of an image forming system. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 12 is a timing chart showing a process in which the control unit simultaneously turns off the heating roller, the pressure roller, the paper conveyance unit, and the cooling fan in step 015. 12 is a timing chart showing a process in which the control unit performs transport cooling control using a heating roller, a pressure roller, a paper transport unit, and a cooling fan in step 021. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a cutting position at which a cutting section of an image forming apparatus of an image forming system cuts a roll paper. 12 is a timing chart showing a process of restarting the conveyance speed of the paper conveyance unit at a low speed and naturally cooling the paper when the winding operation of the roll paper is not started even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. 7 is a timing chart showing a process of performing forced cooling when the winding operation of the roll paper is not started even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail. The embodiment described below is an example for realizing the present invention, and should be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. The invention is not limited to this embodiment. Moreover, a part of each embodiment described later may be combined as appropriate. Note that the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

<This embodiment>
[Overall schematic configuration of image forming apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 is a system that uses roll paper (continuous paper) P as a recording medium and forms an image on this roll paper P.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a paper feeding device 1, an image forming device 3, and a winding device 5 connected from the upstream side along the conveyance direction of the roll paper P.

The paper feeding device 1 includes a paper feeding adjustment section 2. Paper feeding device 1 feeds roll paper P to image forming device 3 via paper feeding adjustment section 2 . Inside the housing of the paper feeding device 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a roll paper P formed in a roll shape is wound around a support shaft 10 and rotatably held. In the paper feed device 1, the roll paper P wound around the support shaft 10 is conveyed to the paper feed adjustment section 2 at a constant speed via a plurality of rollers.

Note that the roll paper P does not necessarily have to be held in a roll shape, and may be a continuous paper that is held folded.

The paper feed adjustment section 2 transports the roll paper P transported from the support shaft 10 of the paper feeding device 1 to the image forming apparatus 3. The paper feed adjustment unit 2 adjusts the roll paper as shown in FIG. P is held slack.

The image forming device 3 has a function of forming an image on the roll paper P. The image forming device 3 is installed downstream of the paper feeding device 1 and upstream of the winding device 5 in the transport direction of the roll paper P.

The winding device 5 includes a winding adjustment section 4. The winding device 5 winds up the roll paper P1 conveyed from the image forming apparatus 3 via the winding adjustment section 4.

The winding adjustment section 4 transports the roll paper P2 transported from the image forming apparatus 3 to the winding device 5. The winding adjustment unit 4 adjusts the roll paper as shown in FIG. P1 is held slack.

The winding device 5 is provided with a cutting portion 51 on the top surface of the winding device 5 . The cutting unit 51 includes, for example, a cutting blade that is elongated in the width direction of the roll paper P1, and cuts the roll paper P1 at a predetermined position.

Inside the housing of the winding device 5, as shown in FIG. 1, the roll paper P1 is wound around the support shaft 50 and held in a roll shape. In the winding device 5, the roll paper P1 conveyed from the winding adjustment section 4 is exposed on the upper surface of the winding device 5 and cut by the cutting section 51, and then enters the inside of the winding device 5 again. Then, it is wound around the support shaft 50 at a constant speed.

Further, the winding device 5 is installed apart from the image forming device 3. Therefore, the roll paper P is carried out from the outlet 38 of the image forming apparatus 3 and exposed to the outside. Then, the roll paper P2 is conveyed with its lower surface supported by a support plate 42 provided in the winding adjustment section 4, and is transported from the loading port 41 provided in the winding adjustment section 4 to the winding adjustment section 4. It is carried inside.

Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 in the image forming system 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a paper transport section 31, an image forming section 32, a fixing section 33, a control section 6, a display section 61, an operation section 62, a storage section 63, It includes cutting sections 34 and 341, a cutting detection section 35, a paper sensor 36, and a cooling fan 37.

The paper conveyance section 31 conveys the roll paper P set on the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 3. The paper transport section 31 transports the roll paper P transported from the paper feed adjustment section 2 to the image forming section 32 using, for example, a plurality of rollers, and also transports the roll paper P2 that has passed through the image forming section 32 and the fixing section 33. is transported to the winding adjustment section 4.

The image forming section 32 forms a toner image on the roll paper P. The image forming unit 32 forms a toner image using an electrophotographic process and transfers it onto the roll paper P, thereby forming a toner image (color image) in which layers of each color are superimposed.

The fixing section 33 includes a heating roller 331 and a pressure roller 332. The heating roller 331 and the pressure roller 332 constitute a pair of rollers. The fixing unit 33 heats the roll paper P using a heating roller 331 to fix the toner image. Thereby, the fixing unit 33 fixes the toner image transferred onto the roll paper P.

The heating roller 331 is heated to a predetermined temperature by a fixing heater serving as a heat source. The pressure roller 332 is pressed against or separated from the heating roller 331 at a predetermined timing under the control of the control unit 6 .

The roll paper P on which the toner image has been transferred passes through a nip portion between a heating roller 331 and a pressure roller 332, where heat and pressure are applied, and the toner image is melted and fixed. A temperature sensor is provided near the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 332. The temperature sensor measures the temperature near the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 332 as the temperature of the fixing section 33 .

The control unit 6 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, a RAM (Random Access Memory) not shown, and the like. The CPU of the control unit 6 reads various programs stored in the storage unit 63, expands them to the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs. For example, the control section 6 controls each section constituting the image forming apparatus 3 to cool the fixing section to a temperature at which the roll paper is not damaged, after printing is completed and the fixing heater is turned off. Continue conveying the roll paper. As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 allows the roll paper to absorb the heat of the fixing roller, and when the temperature of the fixing section drops to a predetermined temperature, controls the fixing section to be separated (conveyance cooling mode, hereinafter referred to as normal mode). ) is executed.

Here, the "normal mode" is a mode set as a default. Specifically, the control unit 6 is set when the transport mode of the roll paper P is "normal mode" as the default, and the control unit 6 is set so that the same roll paper is continuously used for the roll paper P after the end of the print job. , when performing the same or different print jobs, the paper transport section 31 transports the roll paper P without operating the image forming section 32 and the fixing section 33. In this case, for example, after a certain print job is finished, the control unit 6 executes a print job of the same electronic data as the same print job again, or executes a print job of different electronic data as another print job. . Furthermore, when executing a print job of the same electronic data again, the control unit 6 may execute the print job as another print job.

Furthermore, executing the same print job or another print job on the same roll paper P means that the image forming apparatus 3 is continuously used for the print job, and the transport cooling mode is executed. In other words, when the image forming apparatus 3 is continuously used for the same roll paper P, the control unit 6 stops heating the fixing unit 33 while nipping the roll paper P, and stops the roll paper P from being heated. Execute the transport cooling mode for transport. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 3 is continuously used for the same roll paper P, not only the print processing by subsequent print jobs (the same print job and other print jobs) but also the image processing by the print queue are performed. Also included is the use of a forming device 3.

On the other hand, if the control unit 6 is not in the "normal mode" and the same print job or other print job is not executed on the same roll paper P, the control unit 6 controls the image forming apparatus 3 not to be continuously used for print jobs. This means that transport cooling mode is not executed. That is, the control unit 6 does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus 3 is not continuously used for the roll paper P after the print job is finished. In this case, the case where the image forming apparatus 3 is not used for the roll paper P corresponds to the case where the roll paper P is scheduled or expected to be replaced or removed after the print job is completed.

The storage unit 63 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor nonvolatile memory, or the like. The storage unit 63 stores various programs including a system program and a processing program executed by the control unit 6, and data necessary for executing these programs. For example, the storage unit 63 stores setting information necessary for executing an image forming operation. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 63 stores the transport mode of the roll paper P in the image forming operation set by the user using the setting screen of the display unit 61, and the like.

The display section 61 includes a display screen as a setting section, and displays various information on the screen. The operation unit 62 accepts input of various instructions from the user. The operation unit 62 serves as a setting unit and accepts input when changing the setting of the conveyance mode of the roll paper P in the image forming operation, for example.

The cutting sections 34 and 341 cut the roll paper P. The cutting units 34 and 341 cut the roll paper P at cut positions 1001 and 1002, which will be described later in FIG. 9, for example.

The cutting detection section 35 detects cutting of the roll paper P. The cutting detection unit 35 detects, for example, that the roll paper P is cut by the cutting unit 34 at a cut position 1001 (see FIG. 9).

A paper sensor (paper detection unit) 36 detects roll paper P on the conveyance path.

The cooling fan 37 is a fan that cools the fixing section 33.

In this embodiment, the control unit 6 controls the entire image forming system 100 as shown in FIG. 2, but the paper feed device 1 and the winding device 5 each control the The configuration may include a section.

Further, the image forming apparatus 3 may be, for example, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, etc. in addition to the image forming function.

Note that the remaining amount sensor (remaining amount detection section) 11 included in the paper feeding device 1 will be described later using the flowchart of FIG.

[Schematic operation of image forming apparatus]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 in the image forming system 100 in this embodiment will be explained. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the procedure of image forming operations executed by the image forming apparatus 3 of the image forming system 100. Note that, as a premise of the image forming operation, a transport cooling mode (normal mode) for the roll paper P is set in advance.

First, upon receiving a print job, the control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 3 analyzes the print job and starts printing (step S001).

The control unit 6 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed before the end of the print job (step S003), and waits until a predetermined time before the end of the print job (No in step S003). At a predetermined time before the end of the print job (Yes in step S003), the control unit 6 performs a setting to enable the setting of a request to take out the roll paper P (step S005).

In this case, the control section 6 enables the first setting section a predetermined time before the end of the print job. Note that the predetermined time can be, for example, 5 minutes before the end of the print job.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen 71 displayed on the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a selection screen for an operation to stop conveyance of the roll paper P at the end of a print job. As an example of the first setting section, a case will be described in which the display screen 71 is provided with an item (roll paper removal request) 715 that can be set so as not to execute the transport cooling mode.

In FIG. 5, on the display screen 71, an item 711 indicates that printing can be performed continuously other than the current print job. Further, as other items, items 715 of job, replenishment/disposal member, paper, print stop switching setting, and roll paper removal request are displayed.

For example, in the item 715 indicating a request to take out roll paper, a request to take out the roll paper P can be set, and in the area 712, a button 713 and a button 714 are provided. The button 713 is a button for setting not to take out the roll paper P, and the button 714 is a button for taking out the roll paper P.

In step S005, the control unit 6 pops up the item 715 constituting the first setting unit on the display screen 71 five minutes before the end of the print job (predetermined time) (step S005). Thereby, the control unit 6 can make the user more aware of the user's selection of the roll paper removal request. In item 715, the control unit 6 can receive a roll take-out request, and performs processing according to the received contents.

The control unit 6 determines whether the print job is finished (step S007), and waits until the print job is finished (No in step S007). When the print job ends (Yes in step S007), the control unit 6 determines whether there is a request to take out the roll paper P (step S009). Specifically, the control unit 6 determines whether the button 714 is turned on in the item 715 indicating a roll paper removal request shown in FIG.

If the button 714 in FIG. 5 is selected (Yes in step S009), the control unit 6 proceeds to step S015 in FIG. 5 via connector A. On the other hand, if the button 713 is selected (No in step S009), the process advances to step S011.

In this way, the control unit 6 has an item 715 that can be set so that the transport cooling mode is not executed even when a print job is continued after the print job being executed ends.

Next, in step S011, the control unit 6 determines whether or not there is a stop setting for each job, and if there is a stop setting for each job (Yes in step S011), the control unit 6 The process advances to step S015 of step 4.

Here, in step S011, the control unit 6 includes a second setting unit that can preset conditions for not executing the transport cooling mode every time a print job ends. The second setting section will be explained using FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, an item 721 indicating a condition for stopping the transport cooling mode at the end of a print job is displayed.

In the item 721 indicating conditions for stopping the transport cooling mode, buttons 722 and 723 are displayed as examples of conditions for not executing the transport cooling mode at the end of a print job. The button 722 is a button that instructs to stop the transport cooling mode every time one job is completed. Some users may take out or replace the roll paper P for each job, and in such cases, the user can press the button in advance to avoid having to perform the roll removal request operation shown in FIG. In step 722, an instruction is given to stop the transport cooling mode. Thereby, the user waiting near the image forming apparatus 3 can immediately move on to removing or replacing the roll paper P as soon as the respective job is completed. Further, the button 723 is a button for instructing to stop the transport cooling mode when the remaining amount of paper is small.

In step S011 described above, the control section 6 determines whether or not the button 722 constituting the second setting section is selected, and as described above, when the button 722 is selected and the stop setting for each job is set. If there is one (Yes in step S011), the transport cooling mode is stopped (step S015).

On the other hand, if there is no setting to stop every job (No in step S011), in step S017, the control unit 6 determines whether or not there is a setting to stop the remaining amount of paper (roll paper P). If there is a setting to stop the remaining amount (Yes in step S017), the process proceeds to step S019 in FIG. 4 via connector C. On the other hand, if there is no setting to stop the remaining amount of paper (No in step S017), the control unit 6 proceeds to step S021 in FIG. 4 via connector B.

In this case, in step S017, if the button 723 is selected in the item 721 in FIG. 6, the control unit 6 determines that there is a setting to stop the remaining amount of paper (Yes in step S017). Then, the control unit 6 determines whether the remaining amount of printing paper is small (step S019), and if the remaining amount of printing paper is small (Yes in step S019), it stops the transport cooling mode (step S015). ).

In this way, the control unit 6 can control the remaining amount of the roll paper P detected by the remaining amount sensor (remaining amount detection unit) 12 to the desired value even if the printing job is continued after the print job is finished. If the amount is less than a fixed amount, the transport cooling mode is not executed.

That is, in step S019, the control unit 6 determines whether the remaining amount of the roll paper P is less than or equal to the threshold value, and if the remaining amount of the roll paper P is less than or equal to the threshold value (Yes in step S019), the control unit 6 proceeds to step S015. move on. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of roll paper P is larger than the threshold (No in step S019), the control unit 6 proceeds to step S021.

Here, the threshold value may be, for example, the remaining length of the roll paper P measured from the usage amount of the roll paper P printed by the remaining amount sensor 11 (see FIG. 2) of the paper feeding device 1, Alternatively, the distance between the remaining amount sensor 11 and the support shaft 10 may be used.

In step S015, the control unit 6 stops the paper transport unit 31 without executing the transport cooling mode. That is, the control unit 6 stops the paper transport unit 31 without cooling the fixing unit 33 with the cooling fan 37.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a process in which the control unit 6 controls the heating roller 331, the pressure roller 332, the paper conveying unit 31, and the cooling fan 37 to be turned off simultaneously in step 015.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 6 controls the fixing heater of the heating roller 331 from ON to OFF at the timing (time t1) of step S015, and the pressure roller 332 controls the fixing heater of the heating roller 331. control from the crimped state to the separated state. Further, at time t1, the control unit 6 changes the transport speed of the roll paper P of the paper transport unit 31 from "High" to "OFF". That is, the control unit 6 stops the conveyance of the roll paper P performed by the paper conveyance unit 31. Further, the control unit 6 controls the operation of the cooling fan 37 from "ON" to "OFF" at time t1.

In this way, the control unit 6 stops the transport cooling mode of the image forming apparatus 3. Thereby, the user can take out the roll paper P at an optimal timing without having to wait unnecessarily.

Returning to FIG. 4, the explanation will be continued. On the other hand, in step S021, after the fixing unit 33 performs fixing and the cooling fan 37 performs cooling, the control unit 6 reduces the transport speed of the paper transport unit 31, and then stops the paper transport unit 31 (step S021). . In this case, the control unit 6 turns off the fixing heater of the heating roller 331 of the fixing unit 33, cools the fixing unit 33 with the cooling fan 37, and stops the paper transport unit 31.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a process in which the control unit 6 performs transport cooling control using the heating roller 331, the pressure roller 332, the paper transport unit 31, and the cooling fan 37 in step 021.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 6 controls the fixing heater of the heating roller 331 from ON to OFF at the timing (time t1) of step S021. In this case, the pressure roller 332 maintains a state of pressure contact with the heating roller 331 and allows the paper transport section 31 to continue transporting the paper, thereby causing the roll paper P to absorb the heat of the heating roller 331. At the same time, the control section 6 cools the heating roller 331 of the fixing section 33 using the cooling fan 37 .

When the temperature of the heating roller 331 of the fixing unit 33 drops to a predetermined temperature, that is, when time t2 changes from time t1, the control unit 6 separates the pressure roller 332 from the pressed state against the heating roller 331. The transport speed of the paper transport unit 31 is controlled from "High" to "Low". Then, the control unit 6 controls the cooling fan 37 from "ON" to "OFF".

In this case, the control unit 6 causes the paper transport unit 31 to transport the paper at a low speed because stopping the paper transport by the paper transport unit 31 may damage the roll paper P. Further, when the control unit 6 rotates the cooling fan 37 with the pressure roller 332 separated from the heating roller 331, hot air flows into the image forming unit 32, so the cooling fan 37 is stopped. Then wait until the temperature naturally drops.

The control unit 6 controls the conveyance speed of the paper conveyance unit 31 from “Low” to “OFF” when the temperature decreases to a level that does not damage the roll paper P (that is, when time t3 changes from time t2). and stops paper transport. When the control unit 6 stops the paper transport by the paper transport unit 31 at time t3, this process ends.

The image forming system 100 also includes a cutting detection section 35. The cutting detection unit 35 detects cutting of the roll paper P (step S023). That is, after stopping the paper conveying section 31 in step S015, the control section 6 determines whether cutting of the roll paper P is completed (step S023).

Returning to FIG. 4, the explanation will be continued. If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job and the roll paper P is cut by the cutting unit 34 (Yes in step S023), the control unit 6 causes the paper transport unit 31 to cut the roll paper located at the fixing unit 33. P is wound up (step S025).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a cutting position at which the cutting unit 34 of the image forming apparatus 3 of the image forming system 100 cuts the roll paper P.

As shown in FIG. 9, the roll paper P is cut at a cut position 1001, for example, when the cutting section 34 is provided on the paper feed side of the image forming apparatus 3. Furthermore, when the cutting section 341 is provided on the winding side of the image forming apparatus 3, it is cut at the cutting position 1002.

For example, at the end of a print job, if the next job uses a different paper type, it is necessary to replace both the roll papers P and P1 in the paper feeder 1 and the winder 5. Therefore, the roll papers P and P1 are cut at cut positions 1001 and 1002.

Generally, the paper feeder 1 cannot wind the roll paper P in the opposite direction to the paper feed direction, so the paper feeder 1 cuts the roll paper P at the cut position 1001, and the winder 5 cuts the roll paper P in the direction opposite to the paper feeding direction. Wind up P1. Note that if the paper feeding device 1 has a mechanism for winding in a direction opposite to the paper feeding direction, the paper may be cut at the cut position 1002 and the paper feeding device 1 may wind the paper.

Furthermore, when a print job ends, if the next print job uses the same roll paper P, only the roll paper P1 in the winding device 5 needs to be replaced. After taking out the roll paper P1 from the winding device 5, the roll paper P2 is cut at a cutting position 1002 in order to facilitate resetting the leading edge of the roll paper.

In this case, the roll paper P will remain in the fixing section 33, but if the paper feed device 1 has a reverse winding function, the paper feed device 1 will wind up the roll paper P, and the fixing section 33 will be left with the roll paper P. No roll paper P remains in 33.

In this way, when the roll papers P and P2 are cut by the cutting parts 34 and 341 (Yes in step S023), the control part 6 causes the paper transport part 31 to wind up the roll paper P located in the fixing part 33 ( Step S025), it becomes possible to immediately replace the roll papers P and P1 in the paper feeding device 1 and the winding device 5. In this case, the control unit 6 ends this process.

Returning to FIG. 4, the explanation will be continued. On the other hand, if the cutting detection section 35 detects that the roll paper P has not been cut by the cutting section 34 (No in step S023), the control section 6 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S027). ). When the cutting detection unit 35 detects that the roll paper P has not been cut even after the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S027), the control unit 6 executes the transport cooling mode (step S021).

In this case, the control unit 6 does not execute the transport cooling mode at the end of the print job, and continues to transport the roll paper P on the transport path using the paper sensor (paper detection unit) 36 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the end of the print job. If detected, the transport cooling mode is executed (step S021).

In this case, the control unit 6 can execute two types of transport cooling modes different from those shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a process of restarting the conveying speed of the paper conveying section 31 at a low speed and naturally cooling it when the winding operation of the roll paper P has not started even after a predetermined period of time has passed (Yes in step S027). This is a timing chart.

For example, in FIG. 7, the control unit 6 turns off all of the fixing heater of the heating roller 331, the pressure roller 332, the conveying speed of the paper conveying unit 31, and the cooling fan 37. In FIG. 10, when time t11 is reached after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from time t1, the conveyance speed of paper conveyance section 31 is restarted at a low speed.

That is, if the winding operation of the roll paper P is not started even after a predetermined period of time (for example, from time t1 to t11) has elapsed, and the fixing temperature that must be cooled is low, the control unit 6 controls the paper transport unit 31. The conveyance speed is restarted at a low speed to allow the fixing section 33 to cool naturally.

On the other hand, FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a forced cooling process when the winding operation of the roll paper P is not started even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

For example, in FIG. 10, the control unit 6 turns on only the paper transport unit 31 to transport the roll paper P at a low transport speed and naturally cool it. In FIG. 11, when time t12 comes after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from time t1, the pressure roller 332 is brought into the pressing state, and the paper conveying section 31 is restarted at high speed. Furthermore, the cooling fan 37 is also turned on and restarted.

Thereafter, when time t13 is reached after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from time t12, the control unit 6 sets the pressure roller 332 in a separated state, and also sets the conveyance speed of the paper conveyance unit 31 to a low speed, "Low", Furthermore, the cooling fan 37 is turned off.

Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from time t13 to time t14, the control section 6 sets the paper conveyance section 31 from "Low" indicating a low conveyance speed to "OFF" indicating stop.

That is, in the case of the transport cooling mode shown in FIG. 11, if the winding operation of the roll paper P is not started even after a predetermined period of time (for example, from time t1 to t12) has elapsed, the pressure roller 332 is brought into the pressing state again. Then, the paper transport section 31 transports the paper at a high speed, and the cooling fan 37 is turned on to perform forced cooling. Thereafter, the control unit 6 separates the pressure roller 332, lowers the conveyance speed of the paper conveyance unit 31, and turns off the cooling fan 37 to allow natural cooling.

In this way, if the winding operation of the roll paper P is not started even after a predetermined period of time (for example, from time t1 to t12) has elapsed, and the fixing temperature that must be cooled is high, the control unit 6 controls the fixing unit 33 is forced to cool down.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 3 of the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment includes the paper conveying section 31, the image forming section 32, the fixing section 33, and the control section 6. When the image forming apparatus 3 continues to be used for the roll paper P after the end of the print job, the control unit 6 stops the heating of the fixing unit 33 with the roll paper P nipped, and stops the roll paper P from being heated. If the image forming apparatus 3 is not used for the roll paper P continuously after the printing job is completed, the transport cooling mode is not executed.

Thereby, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment can remove the roll paper P at an optimal timing without the user having to wait unnecessarily.

100 Image forming system 1 Paper feeding device 3 Image forming device 5 Winding device 2 Paper feeding adjustment section 10 Support shaft 4 Winding adjustment section P, P1, P2 Roll paper 51 Cutting section 50 Support shaft 38 Output port 42 Support plate 6 Control Section 61 Display section 62 Operation section 63 Storage section 34, 341 Cutting section 35 Cutting detection section 36 Paper sensor (paper detection section)
37 Cooling fan

Claims (21)

An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not execute the transport cooling mode when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the end of the print job ,
The case where the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job is the case where replacement or removal of the roll paper is scheduled or predicted after the end of the print job.
Image forming device. The case where the roll paper is scheduled or predicted to be replaced is the case where there is a request to take out the roll paper by a user operation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit includes:
enabling a first setting unit capable of accepting a request to take out the roll paper a predetermined time before the end of the print job;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 . further comprising a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the transport cooling mode is not executed ;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The control unit includes:
a second setting unit that can be set in advance before execution of the job so as not to execute the transport cooling mode at the end of the print job;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . further comprising a cutting detection unit that detects cutting of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the conveyance cooling mode is not executed at the end of a print job and the cutting detection unit detects cutting of the roll paper, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing unit;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . Winding up the roll paper located at the fixing unit by a paper feeding device provided upstream in the transport direction of the roll paper or by a winding device provided downstream with respect to the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 . further comprising a cutting section that cuts the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job and the roll paper is cut by the cutting unit, the roll paper located at the fixing unit is wound up by the paper transport unit;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . further comprising a paper detection unit that detects roll paper in the transport path,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detecting section continues to detect the roll paper on the transport path until a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is activated. execute ,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the end of the print job;
a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the roll paper;
The control unit includes:
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the transport cooling mode is not executed;
Image forming device. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the end of the print job;
A cutting detection unit that detects cutting of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the conveyance cooling mode is not executed at the end of a print job and the cutting detection unit detects cutting of the roll paper, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing unit;
Image forming device. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and a control unit that does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job;
a paper detection unit that detects roll paper in the transport path,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detection section continues to detect the roll paper on the transport path until a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is activated. execute,
Image forming device. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job ;
The case where the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job is the case where replacement or removal of the roll paper is scheduled or predicted after the end of the print job.
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed;
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
If the conveyance cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job and the cut of the roll paper is detected by the cut detection section, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing section;
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on roll paper, the method comprising:
a step in which the paper transport unit transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit forming a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit heating the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after the end of a print job, a transport cooling mode in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. and not allowing the transport cooling mode to be executed if the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job is finished;
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detection unit continues to detect the roll paper in the transport path until a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is not executed. steps to take and
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after a print job is finished, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not execute the transport cooling mode when the image forming apparatus is not continuously used for the roll paper after the print job ends ;
The case where the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the end of the print job is the case where replacement or removal of the roll paper is scheduled or predicted after the end of the print job.
Image forming system. An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after a print job is finished, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the print job is finished;
a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the remaining amount of the roll paper detected by the remaining amount detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the transport cooling mode is not executed;
Image forming system. An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after a print job is finished, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the print job is finished;
A cutting detection unit that detects cutting of the roll paper,
The control unit includes:
If the conveyance cooling mode is not executed at the end of a print job and the cutting detection unit detects cutting of the roll paper, winding up the roll paper located at the fixing unit;
Image forming system. An image forming system capable of forming an image on roll paper,
a paper feed device that supplies roll paper to a conveyance path;
a paper transport unit that transports the roll paper set on the transport path;
an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the roll paper;
a fixing unit that heats the roll paper to fix the toner image;
When the image forming apparatus continues to be used for the roll paper after a print job is finished, a transport cooling mode is set in which heating of the fixing section is stopped and the roll paper is transported while the roll paper is nipped. a control unit that executes the transport cooling mode and does not cause the transport cooling mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus is not used for the roll paper continuously after the print job is finished;
a paper detection unit that detects roll paper in the transport path,
The control unit includes:
If the transport cooling mode is not executed at the end of the print job, and the paper detecting section continues to detect the roll paper on the transport path until a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the print job, the transport cooling mode is activated. execute,
Image forming system. Winding up the roll paper located at the fixing unit by a paper feeding device provided upstream in the conveyance direction of the roll paper or by a winding device provided downstream with respect to the image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to any one of claims 17 to 20 .

Images