JPH02143871A - Controlling system of image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To print at high speed by supplying a paper in advance to an image writing position while an image data converting process is executed. CONSTITUTION:When an image data converting process is completely finished, a controller 100 immediately sends a command of a writing element to a sequence driver section SD 101. When the SD 101 receives the command, it confirms whether or not a paper is transferred to a resist position. If the paper has not come to the resist position, the SD 101 waits for the paper to come. After the paper reaches the resist position, the SD 101 prints out continuously. The image writing controlling signal (electrostatic charger, transfer charger, charge removing lamp) is turned OFF within a predetermined time after the image for one page is completely written. The SD 101 always checks the status of the printer system during the power supply, and it sends the data to the controller 100 in an asynchronous manner with the data transfer from the controller when it detects any change.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Technical field in the fIE industry) The present invention relates to the feed timing of a recording medium, the 0N10FF timing of a charger, etc., and the feeding and conveyance path of a recording medium in an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer. This invention relates to a control method related to the selection of.

(Prior Art) A laser printer, which is an example of a printer system, has multiple paper feed paths in multiple stages so that it can handle many different paper sizes as recording media at once, and can handle a large amount of printing at once. People are starting to have it. Therefore, in such multifunctional large printers, the distance from the paper feed port to the image writing position varies depending on each paper feed port, and the distance is becoming longer.

Conventionally, in such laser printers, when an image writing request is generated from the host system (computer, word processor, etc.), the image processing device first converts the image information into data for laser modulation, and when the processing is completed, the next sequence It was sending the print start signal and converted laser modulation data to the driver section.

However, with this control method, the paper is fed after the image processing device finishes converting the image information, and the paper does not actually start forming the converted laser modulation data as a latent image on the photoreceptor drum. Furthermore, the paper must be fed to the writing start timing adjustment position, and the time from when the paper is fed until the actual writing control is performed is wasted, and it cannot be said that this is an efficient control in terms of printing speed.

Further, in a laser printer, a drum-shaped photoreceptor is used as the photoreceptor for forming am.

The charger, etc. was turned on at the same time as the paper feed started from the paper feed section, and remained ○FFL until the paper was completely ejected and the conveyance motor completely stopped. Alternatively, the switch was turned ON at the same time as paper feed from the paper feed unit started, and turned OFF after the write control was completed.

In this case as well, if the feed was to be continued, it was left on.

In this type of control system, the charger, etc. is turned on even when it is not actually related to write control (before the start of image writing, after the end of transfer), which results in the generation of unnecessary ozone, and the charger, etc. Moreover, ozone shortens the life of the photoreceptor drum, which is an expensive replacement part, and has a negative effect on images.

Also, as mentioned above, various printer systems.

In image forming systems such as multi-functional copying systems and facsimile systems, one device can handle multiple recording media sources so that it can handle multiple sizes of recording media at once, and can handle large volumes of printing. It has come to have a paper route and a conveyance route.

In such devices, the user can select the paper feed slot and [1i paper slot] by operating the handler from the outside, and the selection switch for the paper feed slot and paper output slot is a single switch. By pressing several times, you can freely select any paper feed port or paper output port. Alternatively, any paper feed port and paper discharge port can be freely selected from the host system connected to the image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, when a print job is executed by selecting one of the plurality of paper feed paths and transport paths from the operation unit or the host system, the printer 1-1 can be printed using only the paper feed path and the ejection path while executing a print job. If a failure occurs that makes operation impossible (fatal jam, motor error, or other fatal error that requires calling a service person), select another paper feed path or transport path. Even if the print job could be continued, the control was down and the print job was not accepted.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) As described above, in a multi-functional large image forming apparatus that has multiple paper feeding paths and paper ejection paths for recording media (paper) in multiple stages, actual writing is performed after the paper is fed. Inefficient control was being performed in such a way that time until control was performed was wasted.

Further, even when the 0N10FF of the charger etc. is not actually related to write control, it is kept ON.

On the other hand, there are cases where the printing operation becomes impossible due to a failure in only some of the paper feeding and transport paths.

Even if the print job could be continued by using other paper feeding and transport routes, the control is turned down and the print job is not accepted.

Thus, conventional controls have been overall inefficient and uneconomical.

The invention described in claim (1) of the present invention performs efficient control regarding printing speed. The purpose of the charger and the like is to operate only during actual writing to prevent unnecessary ozone generation and to extend the service life.

Further, the invention according to claim (2) provides a normal path that is driven independently even if a failure occurs in any of the plurality of recording medium feeding paths and transport paths.

The purpose is to enable efficient printing without stopping the printing operation.

(Structure and operation) In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim (1) of the present invention has a plurality of paper feeding paths for recording media in multiple stages, and the recording medium fed from the paper feeding path is In an image forming device that records and forms image information obtained from an image processing device, a sequence driver unit that controls a series of image operations is
In response to a recording medium feed request signal from the image processing device, the recording medium is fed to a position where image writing timing and recording medium feed timing are synchronized and then stopped, and writing control is performed by the image writing request signal from the image processing device. At the same time as starting, restart the recording medium.

and the charger or the like is operated in synchronization with the image write request signal, and is stopped if the write request signal for the next recording medium is not generated within a predetermined time from the start of the write control during the image write control, It is characterized by forming an image.

The present invention enables the paper feed command and the image write command to be processed separately between the controller and the sequence driver section, and while the controller is performing the image data conversion process, the paper is first fed to the image writing position. By printing on paper, high-speed printing became possible.

In addition, when a single image write request command is received for the paper that has been fed to the registration position by the paper feed command, the charger etc. is activated immediately, and when the image writing for one page is completed, within a predetermined time. This prevents unnecessary ozone generation and extends the lifespan of the charger, etc.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim (2) of the present invention has a plurality of paper feeding paths for the recording medium in multiple stages,
In an image forming apparatus that records image information obtained from an image processing apparatus on a recording medium fed through the paper feeding path, a sequence driver unit that controls a series of image operations includes:
Obtain information on the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to feed and transport paper from the paper feed path 9wi transport path of the recording medium, and notify the image processing device, and detect any failure other than the paper feed path or transport path where the failure has occurred. is characterized in that the path of the recording medium is controlled.

According to the present invention, when a failure occurs among a plurality of paper feeding paths and transport paths for a recording medium, the content is communicated to the controller, another normal paper feeding path and transport path is selected, and the print control sequence is controlled. To enable efficient execution of print jobs by preventing downtime.

(Example) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a laser printer in which the method of the present invention is implemented, in which the printer has three stages of paper feeding paths.

This laser printer main body 1 has a host system (computer,
Image data sent from the word processor, etc.) 117 is converted into laser modulation data, paper feed path, conveyance path, and print mode (single-sided mode.

an image processing device 100 (hereinafter referred to as a controller) that converts into a selection signal for selecting a duplex mode, etc.);
Print operation is controlled by print request signal.
Sequence driver unit 101 (hereinafter referred to as SD) that rolls
(referred to as ``printer system''), an operation display section 111 for displaying the status of the printer system, and the like.

When a print request is issued from the host system 117,
First, the controller 100 sends selection signals for the paper feed path, conveyance path, print mode, etc. to the 5DIOL. After transmitting the paper feed request signal to the SD, the process of converting the image information to data for laser modulation is started, and at the same time as the process is completed, the image write request signal is transmitted to the SD.

When the SD receives the paper feed request signal from the controller, it drives either of the paper feed rollers 2, 3.4 at a predetermined timing to feed the overprint paper cassette 5. Paper feeding starts from the selected one of the lower paper feed cassette 6 or the bulk paper feed tray 7, and the paper feed rollers 8, 9 . A paper is fed as a transfer member by one of the steps 1 and 2, and is temporarily stopped when it hits the registration rollers 11. (This position is hereinafter referred to as a registration position.) Next, when the SD receives an image writing request signal from the controller, it rotates the photosensitive drum 12 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Then, a laser beam modulated according to the image data is irradiated by the laser writing unit 14 while main scanning in the direction of the drum axis to form a latent image.

The latent image is developed with toner from a developing unit 15, and transferred onto paper fed by registration rollers 11 at a predetermined timing by a transfer charger 16 disposed in a transfer section.

The transferred paper is peeled off from the photoreceptor drum 12, conveyed to the fixing device 18 by the conveyor belt 17, heated and fixed by a fixing device D 1g, and then sent to the paper discharge section by the sending roller 19.

At this time, the paper path is selected depending on the rotational position of the paper path changing claw 20, 21, 22, and the upper paper ejection tray 23A and lower paper ejection tray 23B of the bulk paper ejection unit 23 are selected.
, or to the rear paper ejection tray 24.

Normally, one of the trays in the bulk paper ejection unit 23 is selected and the printed paper is ejected face down, but in special cases, such as when using stiff paper such as envelopes or postcards. The rear paper ejection tray 24 is selected.

However, when the rear paper ejection tray 24 rotates around the shaft 24A and is not in a state where the rear paper ejection roller 25 can eject paper, the rear paper ejection tray 24 cannot be selected.

When double-sided image formation is selected, the paper printed on one side is sent to the duplex unit 28 in the table 27 by the lower conveyance roller 26.

The sheet is first fed into the reversing conveyance path 28A of the reversing section, then reversed in the conveying direction and conveyed to the standby conveyance path 28B, where it stands by, and is fed into the laser printer main body 1 by the paper feed roller 29 at a predetermined timing. The paper is then printed on the other side in the same manner as described above, and then the paper is ejected to one of the paper ejection trays.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the laser printer shown in FIG. 1. In the figure, 100 is an image processing device (controller) that processes images sent from a host system 117 such as a computer or word processor.

It processes selection information such as paper feed, paper ejection route, print mode, etc. and transmits it to the sequence driver unit (SD) lot. The sequence driver unit 101 is the image processing device 100
The paper feed path, paper ejection path, and print mode are actually selected using various selection signals sent from the printer, and the printing operation is performed using laser modulation data. 102 is a paper feeding and transporting process unit.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a paper discharge unit, 104 a power supply unit for each unit, and 105 a heater fan which also serves as ozone discharge.

In addition, the laser printer main body 1 is an optional device.
A mass paper feed unit 1071, a duplex unit 108, a control section 109 for both units, a mailbox device 11o (consisting of a mailbox control section 110A and a mailbox unit 110B), such as an envelope that is ejected from the rear paper ejection tray 24, It has an operation display section 111 having an operation display panel 111A and a large-volume paper discharge unit 116.

The image processing device 100. Sequence driver section (S
D) 101. Large μ paper feed 2 duplex unit control unit 1o9° Production display panel IIIA of the operation display unit 111 and mailbox control unit 110A of the mailbox device 1.10
teeth.

A control circuit (CPU) is provided on each process control block. And the bag 5! 2100 and 101,
Devices 100 and 111A, devices 101 and 109. device 10
1 and 11OA are connected by serial communication lines 112 to 115, respectively, and communication is performed according to a predetermined protocol.

As a means of serial communication between the above devices, optical-electrical conversion, electrical-
Optical communication may be performed using an optical fiber cable and a connector integrally formed with a built-in optical conversion element.

Next, the controller 100 connects the SD
101, various commands are sent to the 5DIOL, replies are received, and print commands from the host system are executed. (Umbrella 1) Furthermore, the 5DIOI constantly checks the status information of the printer system while the power is on, and if any change occurs, it transmits information to the controller 100 asynchronously with the transmission from the controller. (*2) Below, regarding the communication protocol between the controller 100 and 5DIOI,
This will be briefly explained using a specific example. As mentioned above ($1), the controller 100 sends a command to the 5D 101, but this command is a command to request status information of the printer system (what kind of system configuration does the printer have, what is the problem with the printer system, etc.)? If so, what kind of failure is occurring? Are there any jams or paper left? What is the currently selected paper feed path and paper output path? What is the print mode? or 1st prize)
and execution command (paper feed path.

Paper output path, print mode selection, paper feed request, image writing request, system reset.

etc.).

These commands are 1-byte or 2-byte HEX
The code is sent to 5DIOI. On the other hand, 5DI
When the OI receives a command, it sends a 1-byte HEX code as a reply to the controller.

Example 1: Command "F F" (OCHEX)...Paper feed request command to feed paper from the currently selected paper feed port and stop it at the registration position.

Reply 0OHEX......The command was received successfully.

10HEX......The command has been accepted, but will be executed after the currently occurring failure is resolved.

20HEX......The command will not be accepted and will not be executed because the currently occurring failure is fatal.

Example 2: Command 1'VT'' (OnllEX)... Image write request command to write an image on the paper at the registration position.

Reply 0OHEX......The command was received successfully.

20) (EX......The command will not be accepted and will not be executed because the currently occurring failure is fatal.

This is determined in advance as a protocol as described above. When a recommand is sent from the controller 100 according to this protocol, the 5DIOL sends back a correct reply.

As described in (*2) above, the 5DIOI transmits a change in the state of the printer system (event report) to the controller 100 asynchronously with the above command.

This is a 1-byte HEX code, but the most significant bit is set to 1 to distinguish it from the reply mentioned above. Conversely, if the most significant bit of a reply is always set to 0, the controller I00 will not misidentify a reply as an event report.

The present invention will be specifically explained below by taking the above-mentioned laser printer as an example.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment according to claim (1) of the system of the present invention.

First, when a print request is issued from the host system 117 (1), the controller 100 sends a selection command for paper feed, paper ejection, print mode, etc. to 5otot (2). When the selection commands are received, if the commands are valid, they are executed normally and a reply is sent to the controller indicating that the commands have been successfully accepted (3).

When the controller 100 receives the reply (4),
After transmitting a paper feed request command to the 5DIOL (5), the process of converting the image information into data for laser modulation is started (6).

When the 5DIOI receives the paper feed request command (7), it first responds to it by reading the paper size sensor from the paper size detection plate that indicates the paper size of the paper feed port selected by the paper feed port selection command. Paper size information to be sent to CPU
Read from the internal memory of the CPU and import it into the internal buffer of the CPU (3A).

5DIOI feeds the paper from the paper feed port selected (8) and temporarily stops it at the registration position (9).

On the other hand, the controller 100 immediately sends an image write request command to the SD upon completion of the image information conversion process (10). 5DIOI receives this command (
11) Check whether the paper is being conveyed to the registration position by checking the output of the sensor at the registration position 9) If the paper is already waiting at the registration position, restart the process and print the image data. If the paper has not yet reached the registration position, printing operations are performed continuously after reaching the registration position.

Conventionally, between the controller 100 and the 5DIOI, the paper feed operation and the image write operation were processed continuously with one command, but the present invention processes the paper feed command and the image write command separately as described above. This makes it possible to realize high-speed printing by first feeding the paper to the image writing position while the controller 100 is performing image data conversion processing. This type of control method can be said to be a very efficient control method for multifunctional large printer systems that have multiple paper feed ports and the distance from the paper feed section to the image writing position is different and long. When the 5D101 receives a one-image write request command for the paper being fed to the registration position by the paper feed command, it immediately turns on the charger, transfer charger, static elimination lamp, etc.
L, (12), Start image writing control (13)
.

These image writing control signals (electrostatic charger).

The transfer charger, the discharge lamp) are turned off within a certain period of time after the writing of both images for one page is completed (15). The time period during which the image writing control signal is kept ON is determined as follows based on the paper size information that has been loaded into the internal buffer of the CPU in advance.

ON time [Tl] = (paper size ÷ linear speed of transport motor) 10 constant 61 (Constant C1 is set to be slightly longer than the gap between papers when the printer maintains maximum speed.
) Also, if you perform Pudding 1 ~ continuously (14)
.

If an image writing request for the next paper is received within a predetermined time after starting image writing control for the first sheet,
Electrostatic charger, transfer charger.

The static elimination lamp is turned on continuously to enable continuous image writing control. At this time, what is the predetermined time after starting write control?

Continuous writeable time [T2] = T1 constant number C2.

However, even when continuous printing is being performed, the paper on which image writing is to be performed next is in the middle of being fed, and the paper reaches the registration position within [T2] time from the start of writing control for the paper currently undergoing writing control. If not, control it to turn it off (
15).

Conventionally, in the 5DIOL, the charging charger, transfer charger, static elimination lamp, etc. were turned on at the same time as the paper feed started, and were not turned off until the paper was completely ejected and the conveyance motor was completely stopped. Alternatively, at the same time as paper feed starts from the paper feed section, ONL
It was turned off after the write control was completed. In this case as well, if the feed was to be continued, it was left on.

In this method, the charger is turned on even when it is not actually related to write control (before the start of image writing, after the end of transfer), which generates unnecessary ozone and shortens the life of the charger. Furthermore, ozone has the disadvantage that it shortens the life of the photosensitive drum, which is an expensive replacement part, and has an adverse effect on one image.

In the present invention, when image writing for one page is completed as described above, the charger is turned off.
The generation of unnecessary ozone is prevented, thereby extending the life of the photoreceptor drum, and the total energization time of the charger is shortened, thereby making it possible to extend the life of the photoreceptor drum.

Next, the invention described in claim 311 (2) of the method of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 4 shows the laser printer shown in FIG. 1, in which each unit (paper feed section, conveyance section, paper ejection section) is configured to meet various user requests and uses.

etc.) are modularized for easy installation and removal, and the standard equipment and optional equipment W can be freely replaced, allowing a variety of system configurations.

For example, in FIG. 2(A), when paper is fed to the laser printer main body 1 from the upper and disembark paper cassettes 5 and 6 and is ejected to the rear paper ejection tray 24 or the bulk paper ejection unit 23 (FIG. 2 116), the same Figure (B) is the same figure (A) as the duplex unit 10g.
When double-sided printing is performed by adding
116) in Figure 2, (D) in the same figure (C
) when 10g of the duplex unit is added to (E) in the same figure.
The sorter 1 is used instead of the bulk paper discharge unit 23 in the same figure (C).
20 is replaced, CF) in the same figure is a case in which the sorter 118 is replaced in place of the bulk paper discharge unit 23 in the same @(D).

When the system configuration shown in Figure 4 above is adopted, the 5D in the laser printer shown in the functional block diagram of Figure 2
After turning on the power, the IOI first uses the communication lines 114 and 115 with each optional device to request transmission of the identification number information of the optional device in order to know what kind of system configuration the printer itself has. . In response, the optional device responds to 5DI01 with its own identification number information determined in advance. The 5DIOI determines the system configuration of the printer itself from the sent identification number information. At this time, if there is no response within a certain period of time, it is determined that the optional device is not connected.

Next, 5DIOI is the status information of the printer itself (whether a fatal failure has occurred, the opening/closing status of the covers of each part, the status of the paper feed path, the status of the paper output path, whether there is !5c paper, etc.) If there is no error, start the warm-up operation. Once the warm-up operation is completed, print commands from the controller 100 can be accepted.

The controller 100 connects the 5 DIOLs via the communication line 112.
In accordance with the communication protocol agreed upon in advance.

It sends various commands to the 5DIO1, receives replies, and executes print commands from the host system 117. (Umbrella 3) In addition, the 5DIOL checks the status information of the printer system when the power is on, and if any change occurs, it transmits information to the controller 100 asynchronously with the transmission from the controller. (Book 4) Below, regarding the communication protocol between the controller 100 and 5DIOI,
This will be briefly explained using a specific example.

As mentioned in (*3) above, the controller 100 has five
A command is sent to D101, but this command is a printer system status information request command (what kind of system configuration does the printer have, whether or not a failure has occurred in the printer system, and if so, what is the printer system status information request command)? Are there any obstructions such as paper jams or leftover paper?
What is the currently selected paper feed path, paper ejection path, print mode, etc.) and execution commands (paper feed path, paper ejection path, print mode selection, execution of print operation, etc.)
System reset, etc.)

These commands are 1-byte or 2-byte HEX
The code is sent to 5DIOL. On the other hand, 5DI
When the OL receives the command, it sends a 1-byte HEX code as a reply to the controller 100.

Example 1: Command “i” (69HEX): A command to send information indicating where the currently selected paper feeding path is.

Reply 0IHEX...The upper paper feed cassette is currently selected.

02HEX...The upper paper feed cassette is currently selected.

03HEX......The mass paper feed tray is currently selected.

This is determined in advance as a protocol as described above. When II i'' is sent from the controller according to this protocol, the SD corrects it and sends back a reply (01, 02 or 03HEX).

As described in (-4) above, the 5DLOI transmits a change in the state of the printer system (event report) to the controller asynchronously with the above command. This is a 1-byte HEX code, but the most significant bit is set to 1 to distinguish it from the reply mentioned above. On the other hand, the reply is
If the most significant bit is always set to O, the controller will not misidentify a reply as an event report.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the printer system shown in FIG.

First, when the controller 100 receives a print request from the host system or the user (1), the controller converts the image data into data for laser modulation. A selection signal such as the following is transmitted (3). 5DIOI
Executes each selection signal.

If the execution is successful, it is sent as a reply to the controller (4). After confirming that the specified selection has been performed, the controller sends a print request signal along with laser modulation data to the SD/OI (
5).

As an example of a command for selecting a paper feed route, a paper ejection route, a print mode, etc. exchanged between the controller and the SD, the protocol for the command related to paper feed route selection is as follows.

Example 1: Command tai" (49HEX)...Paper feed route selection request command. (2-byte command that requires an argument according to each paper feed route) 7-Guymen) 81HEX... ...Select the top paper cassette.

82HEX......Selects the upper paper feed tray 683HEX...Selects the bulk paper feed tray.

Reply 0IHEX...Top paper cassette was selected 602HEX...Top paper cassette was selected.

03HEX......The large paper feed tray was selected.

The selection commands above allow you to select the paper feed path, paper ejection path, print mode, etc. from the controller.
Command D.

As a first example, as a paper feed section as shown in Fig. 4(C),
It is assumed that the large-volume paper feed tray 7 shown in the figure and the upper paper ejection tray 23A in Fig. 1 are selected as the paper ejection section to execute a single-sided print job. In response to the print request signal from the controller 100, the 5D 101 activates the paper feed roller 4 of the bulk paper feed tray 7 to start feeding paper, and moves the paper feed roller 10.29 to the writing timing adjustment position (
feed to the registration position) and stop once.

Thereafter, the feeding of the paper is resumed by the registration roller 11 at a predetermined timing, the image data is transferred and fixed, and the paper is normally delivered to the upper paper discharge tray 23A. For example, if a fatal failure occurs in the motor driving the paper feed roller 10.29 while executing such a print job, the paper feed roller cannot be driven and therefore the paper cannot be transported to the registration position. do. 5DIOI is.

Immediately interrupts the print job execution and sends the details of the failure to the controller as an event report (6
).

As a second example, as a paper feed section as shown in Fig. 4(D),
It is assumed that a double-sided print job (duplex unit 108) is executed by selecting the large-volume paper feed tray 7 shown in the figure and the upper paper discharge tray 23A shown in FIG. 1 as the paper discharge section. Based on the print request signal from the controller 100, 5DIO
L activates the paper feed roller 4 of the bulk paper feed tray 7 to start feeding the paper, and the paper is fed to the write timing adjustment position (registration position) by the paper feed roller 10.29, and then stopped once.

Thereafter, the paper is restarted to be fed by the registration rollers 11 at a predetermined timing, and the image data is transferred and fixed onto the surface of the paper. The paper whose surface has been printed is fed into the paper reversing section by changing the rotational position of the path changing claw 20.21. The reversed paper is conveyed by the conveyance rollers 30, 31, 32, then conveyed again to the registration position by the paper feed roller 29, and then stopped.

Thereafter, the feeding of the paper is restarted by the registration roller 11 at a predetermined timing, the image data on the back side is transferred and fixed, and the paper is normally ejected to the upper paper ejection tray 23A. During execution of such a print job, for example, a fatal failure occurs in the motor driving the transport rollers 31, 32, and the transport rollers cannot be driven, so the paper is reversed and transported to the paper feed roller 29. Suppose you can no longer do it. The SD 101 immediately interrupts execution of the print job and sends the details of the failure to the controller as an event report (6). Then operate the fault display section 1
11 and is also transmitted from the controller 1-roller to the host system 117 (6A).

In the conventional control method, the 5DIOI is the controller 100
After sending the details of the failure as an event report (6
), commands from the controller were not accepted at all until the fault was recovered, and control of the print controller sequence was down (7).

Therefore, the controller displays a serviceman call request on the operation display unit 111 to notify the user or the host system, and sends it to the host system 117.
), the user had to give up printing jobs until the service technician completed the repair (
9).

However, as in the first example above, if a failure occurs in the paper feed path to the registration position that is independent of other paper feed paths, in other words, the paper feed roller 8 that transports the paper to the registration position 9 and 10.29 are each driven by separate motors.

Furthermore, since the path along which paper is actually conveyed is separated from other paths, it can be said to be an independent paper feeding path. If there is no abnormality in the other paper feed paths, it is functionally possible to continue the print job by selecting another paper feed path (see FIGS. 4A to 4F).

Therefore, in the present invention, if a failure occurs that makes it impossible to feed paper in another paper feed path, the content of the problem is communicated to the controller, and another paper feed path is selected to enable the print job to be executed. Make sure that the print control sequence control does not go down as it does.

Further, as in the second example, if a fatal failure occurs in the transport path used only during double-sided printing, it is functionally possible to execute a single-sided print job by selecting the single-sided print mode.

Therefore, in the present invention, if a failure occurs that makes transport impossible in the transport path used for double-sided printing, which is independent of the transport path for single-sided printing, the content of the problem is communicated to the controller and another print mode is selected. For example, to prevent the print control sequence from going down so that the print job can be executed.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, the invention described in claim (1) of the present invention provides a controller 100 and a sequence driver section 101.
The paper feed operation and image writing operation between the made possible. In particular, this is an efficient control method for a multifunctional large printer system that has multiple paper feed ports, has different distances from the paper feed section to the image writing position, and is long distance.

In addition, the present invention turns off the Ft rHW charger, etc. when writing of one page's worth of fgA is completed, thereby preventing unnecessary ozone generation.
The lifespan of replacement parts such as chargers can be maintained for a long time.

In the invention described in claim (2) of the present invention, the sequence driver section obtains various information from a large number of paper feeding paths and conveyance paths and independently determines the occurrence of a fatal failure in the paper feeding and conveyance paths. However, even if you are waiting for repair by a service person, you can select another normal route to repair it, so you can do it without bringing down the entire system as in the past. therefore.

An efficient printer system can be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a laser printer in which the present invention is implemented, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the laser printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. A flowchart of this embodiment, FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a combination of the feeding and paper ejecting units of FIG. 1, and FIG.
The figure is a flowchart of an embodiment according to claim (2) of the system of the present invention. 1...Laser printer body, 2-4...Paper feed roller, 5...Shipping paper cassette, 112-115
...Serial communication line, 117...Host system,
118... Sorta.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A series of image operations in an image forming apparatus that has a plurality of paper feed paths for recording media in multiple stages and records image information obtained from an image processing device on the recording medium fed through the paper feed paths. The sequence driver section that controls
In response to a recording medium feed request signal from the image processing device, the recording medium is fed to a position where image writing timing and recording medium feed timing are synchronized and then stopped, and writing control is performed by the image writing request signal from the image processing device. At the same time, the recording medium is restarted, and the charger and the like are operated in synchronization with the image write request signal, and during the image write control, a write request to the next recording medium is issued within a predetermined time from the start of the write control. A control method for an image forming apparatus characterized by stopping the image forming apparatus and forming an image when a signal is not generated. (2) A series of image operations in an image forming apparatus that has a plurality of paper feeding paths for recording media in multiple stages and records image information obtained from an image processing device on the recording medium fed through the paper feeding paths. The sequence driver section that controls
Obtains information on the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to feed or transport the recording medium from the paper feed path or transport path, and notifies the image processing device of the failure. 1. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the path of a recording medium is controlled by selecting the following.