JPH02305754A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid an accident of media sheet elimination during work by providing a means to calculate a residual quantity of media sheet based on a rotation time detected by a rotation time detecting means, and output information relating to the residual quantity of the media sheet. CONSTITUTION:Total time of pressure rotation for pressure development by a pressure roller 66 from replacement of a media cartridge is detected for every completion of an image forming process. Residual quantity of media sheet is calculated by a CPU 20 based on relation between the rotation time of the pressure roller 66 and consumption of the media sheet corresponding to the detected time. The calculated residual quantity of the media sheet is outputted as meaningful information for a user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Al Industrial Field of Application) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using a media sheet and an image receiving sheet, and particularly relates to a function of detecting the remaining amount of the media sheet.

(b) Conventional technology A light-receiving sheet (media sheet) coated with microcapsules containing a photocurable material and an image forming agent;
In an image forming method using an image receiving sheet coated with a developing material that reacts with the image forming agent to develop color, image formation is performed as follows.

When the original image is exposed to light on the media sheet, the microcapsules that are exposed to the light are hardened, so that a selectively hardened image is formed as a whole. When an image-receiving sheet is placed on top of the media sheet on which this selectively cured image is formed and pressure is applied, the uncured microcapsules are destroyed and the image forming agent inside flows out and reacts with the developing material on the image-receiving sheet to form a color. do.

In this way, image formation can be easily performed.

In this method, the media sheet is generally rolled into a cartridge and stored in a cartridge to prevent the microcapsules from being destroyed or exposed to external light and exposed to external forces. The media cartridge is designed to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

A required amount of media sheets are sequentially fed out from the installed media cartridge for each image formation, and are wound up on the winding shaft of the cartridge through exposure, development, and transfer steps. When the media sheets in the cartridge are used up, the cartridge is replaced.

On the other hand, the image receiving sheet is in the form of a cut sheet, and its length in the conveying direction varies depending on the copy size selected for each image formation. Further, there is a certain space where no image is formed between the trailing edge of the image formed in the image formation on the media sheet and the leading edge of the image in the next image formation. For this reason, the amount of media sheets used varies greatly, and unless the media cartridge has just been replaced, it is difficult for the user to know the remaining amount of media sheets that can be used to form images. When performing formation, it is important to accurately know the remaining amount of media sheets in order to proceed with the work.Therefore, one way to know the remaining amount of media sheets is to calculate it from the size of the image receiving sheet used. In the method of calculating the remaining amount from the size of -,
For example, when an image-receiving sheet that is different from the standard size is fed from a manual feed tray, or when an image-receiving sheet is fed from a manual feed tray that does not have a size detection device.
In addition to not being able to accurately detect the size of the image-receiving sheet, it also has the disadvantage that it is not possible to accurately detect the remaining amount in the event of a jam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can accurately and easily determine the remaining amount of media sheets without depending on the size of the image-receiving sheet and without providing any extra parts. d1 Means for Solving the Problems In this invention, a roll-shaped media sheet and an image-receiving sheet in the form of a sheet are overlapped, and a pressure roller rotates under pressure to perform pressure development, thereby forming a colored image on the image-receiving sheet. a rotation time detection means for detecting the total time during which the pressure roller rotates for pressure development after replacing the media sheet in an image forming apparatus that forms a media sheet for each image formation; and a rotation time detected by the rotation time detection means. A remaining amount calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of the media sheet based on the remaining amount of the media sheet, and a remaining amount information outputting means for outputting information regarding the remaining amount of the media sheet calculated by the remaining amount calculating means. .

+81 Effect In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, each time each image forming process is completed, the total time during which the pressure roller is rotated under pressure for pressure development after media cartridge replacement is detected, and based on the detected time, Then, the remaining amount of the media sheet is calculated from the relationship between the rotation time of the pressure roller and the consumption amount of the media sheet. Further, a method for calculating the remaining amount of the media sheet, which outputs the calculated remaining amount of the media sheet as information meaningful to the user, is as follows.

- During the image forming process, the pressure roller rotates under pressure only when pressure developing the imaged portion of the media sheet. In addition, the consumption amount of the media sheet in the image forming process - times is determined by the length of the image and the non-image forming area (constant path M) between the trailing edge of the image on the media sheet and the leading edge of the next image. It becomes peace. Here, -
The rotation time of the pressure roller in the image forming process is t7
, - If the distance from the leading edge of the image to the trailing edge is a1, and the constant distance between images is b, the consumption of the media sheet in the n-th image forming process is flln=a+b, and ktfi=j
A relationship of 2n (k is a constant) holds true. Similarly, if the total length of the media sheet is T and the total rotation time of the pressure roller until the media sheet 1 is used up, then kT=L.

The total rotation time T7 of the pressure roller after replacing the media cartridge and forming images on n sheets is T, = t, +t, 10t,
+...+1fi, and the amount of media sheets consumed up to that point, Lfi=/, +/, +/, +...
17, the relationship between total rotation time and consumption is k (t, 10t2+t3+...+1.l)=β,+12+β,+・
...in, kTn=L. The remaining amount of media sheet is LR=L L-=kT kT, l=k
(T-T,), that is, the remaining amount of the media sheet is detected by using the value of the total rotation time Tn of the pressure roller after forming n images.The detected remaining amount is the value for each image. The output is output by the forming device in a predetermined output method that is meaningful to the user.

(f) Embodiment FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A document table 2 is disposed on the top surface of the image forming apparatus main body 1, and an optical system 3 including a light source, a mirror, and a lens is disposed on the top of the main body 1. At the lower right portion of the main body 1, a paper feed section 4 is provided that supplies a selected image receiving sheet from a cassette that stores image receiving sheets of different sizes. The media cartridge 5 made of a light-shielding material is attached to a packet 55 provided slightly to the left of the center of the main body l.

The media sheet 51 is wound into a roll around the supply shaft 53 of the media cartridge 5 and housed in the housing 52. A tractor roller 6 is provided on the conveyance path from the outlet of the media sheet of the media cartridge 5 to the take-up shaft 54.
1 Exposure plate 62, guide roller 63, buffer roller 64
, pressure rollers 65,66 are arranged. A glossing device 7 is disposed below the mounting position of the media cartridge 5, and a paper ejection section 8 is disposed on the left side of the main body 1.

Next, the image forming operation will be explained.

An optical system 3 scans a document placed on a document table 2.

At this time, the buffer roller 64 is moved in the direction of arrow A to direct the reflected light from the document onto the media sheet (5) on the exposure plate 62.
1 and perform slit exposure. Exposure to light cures the microcapsules on the media sheet to form a selectively cured image.

When the exposure is completed, the winding shaft 54 is rotated, the buffer roller 64 is moved in the direction of arrow B, and the median 51 on which the selectively cured image has been formed is conveyed to the pressure developing section 6. On the other hand, an image receiving sheet (not shown) is fed into the pressure developing section 6 in synchronization with the leading edge of the selectively cured image on the media sheet.

The image receiving sheet is coated with a thermoplastic resin and a developing material that develops color by reacting with the image forming agent contained in microcapsules on the media sheet. The media sheet 51 passes between pressure rollers 65 and 66 while being overlapped with the image receiving sheet and is pressed. As a result, the uncured microcapsules on the media sheet 51 are destroyed, and the image forming agent flows out and reacts with the developing material on the image receiving sheet to develop color. The media sheet 5I on which pressure development has been completed is taken up on the take-up shaft 54 as a used sheet, while the image-receiving sheet is subjected to heat treatment in the glossing device 7 and then discharged to the discharge section.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are diagrams illustrating the pressure development process of the pressure roller of the image forming apparatus and the conveyance pattern of the media sheet at that time.

FIG. 5A shows the state at the end of exposure. In the exposure operation, the media sheet 51 is pulled out by moving the buffer roller 64 in the direction of arrow A with the media sheet fixed so as not to move and the media sheet supply shaft (not shown) left free. At this time, the image of the original is transferred to the exposure plate 62.
Slit exposure to the upper media sheet. The image on the media sheet is formed at a certain distance from the rear end Q2 of the previous image, and extends from the leading edge P1 to the rear end P2 at a distance a. The exposure scanning length is determined by the size of the image receiving sheet 51 and the magnification of image formation. In addition, 61 is a tractor roller,
63 is a guide roller, 65 and 66 are pressure rollers, and 54 is a winding shaft.

The same figure (B) represents the state when the pressure development process starts. The fixation of the media sheet is released, the rotation of the supply shaft 53 is locked, the take-up shaft 54 is rotated, and the buffer roller 64 is moved in the direction of arrow B. The media sheet is always conveyed under tension at the speed of the buffer roller 64. At this time, an image-receiving sheet (not shown) is fed from the paper feeding section and sent to the pressure roller in time with the leading edge of the image forming device of the media sheet.

The leading edge P1 of the image formed by exposure on the media sheet 51 and the leading edge of the image receiving sheet (not shown) are connected to the pressure roller 65.
66, the pressure rollers 65 and 66 become pressurized and begin to rotate at the pressure development speed, and the buffer rollers 64
Pressure development is started by moving at a speed of 1/2 or less of the pressure development speed. Buffalola home base 64°
When it moves to this point, the buffer roller is stopped and the media sheet is transported only by the pressure roller.

The same figure (C) shows the state when the pressure development process is completed. When the rear end of the image-receiving sheet (not shown) (at the same time as the rear end P2 of the image on the media sheet) passes the pressure roller, the pressure development process is completed and the pressure of the pressure roller is released.

Figure (D) shows a state in which the pressure of the pressure roller is released and the media sheet is rewound leaving a certain distance until the leading edge R1 of the next image.

As described above, the time 1fi during which the pressure roller presses and rotates in the n-th pressure development step is at times (B) and (C) in the above diagram, and is only when the portion of the media sheet on which the image is formed passes. However, before the pressure roller starts to rotate under pressure in the next pressure development process, the media sheet returns and advances to R1 while the pressure of the pressure roller is released. In the end, the amount of media sheets consumed in the same process is the sum lfi of the length a of the image forming area and the constant distance between the images. Therefore, kt,,=Aa (k
is a constant). This pressure development step is repeated to consume the media sheets one after another. As mentioned above, if the total length of the media sheet is T, the total rotation time of the pressure roller until the L1 media sheet is used up, then kT-L (k is a constant) holds, and after replacing the media cartridge and forming images on n sheets, If the rotation time of the pressure roller is T1, the remaining lt++ of the media sheet is Li
=k(T-T,). Therefore, the remaining amount of the media sheet can be calculated by counting the rotation time of the pressure roller from the time of replacing the media sheet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a part of the control section of the image forming apparatus.

The CPU 20 has a ROM 21. RAM22, EEPROM
23 are connected. On the other hand, the operation panel 25, main motor drive circuit 26, and control circuit 27 are connected via l1024.
is connected. The main motor drive circuit 26 is connected to the main motor 27, and the control circuit 27 includes a pressure roller 6.
A clutch 28 that transmits the rotation of the main motor to the cam 6, a clutch 29 that transmits the rotation of the main motor to the cam 39 when releasing the pressure of the pressure roller, a clutch 30 that reversely rotates the supply shaft 53, etc. are connected to the cam 6. There is. The operation panel 25 is provided with a print key 31, a numeric keypad 32, a display section 33, media sheet remaining amount display lamps 34 to 36, a media cartridge exchange lamp 37, and the like. The remaining capacity of the media sheet is 1/2 of the total length.
34 when it is above, 35 when it is less than 1/2 and 1/4 or more
．． CP where 36 lights up when it is less than 1/4 and more than 1/10
U20 controls the entire image forming apparatus, and the ROM 21 stores the above-mentioned relational expression Lm=k (T-T.

) in which a control program has been written in advance.
M22 is assigned a timer 22a for counting the rotation time of the pressure roller, a memory for storing the value of the timer, the remaining amount of media sheets at that time, and other working areas. The timer is cleared only when the media cartridge is replaced. The remaining amount of media sheets stored in the timer 22a and memory is EEFR when the power is turned off.
The data is saved in the OM 21 and transferred from the EEFROM to the timer 22a when the power is turned on. CP[J20 has media cartridge replacement lamp 3 when the media cartridge is installed.
7 via 11024, and
The total length of the media sheet is stored in the memory of the RAM 22 as the remaining amount.

In addition, for each image forming process, the remaining amount of the media sheet is generated from the relational expression < L, = k (T-T, , ) stored in the ROM 21 based on the value of the timer 22a (rotation time of the pressure roller). , memorize each time. Furthermore, CP
U20 constantly monitors and determines the remaining amount of media sheets,
Depending on the remaining amount, the media sheet remaining amount display lamp 34~
36, and when the remaining amount of the media sheet reaches 1/20L, the media sheet replacement lamp 3 is turned on.
7 lighting signal is output via 11024.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the operation of calculating the remaining amount of media sheets and displaying the remaining amount of the image forming apparatus. When the media cartridge is replaced with a new one (nl), the media cartridge replacement lamp 37 is turned off (n2). The value of the total length of the media sheet is read from the data previously stored in the ROM and stored in the memory as the remaining amount of the media sheet (n3). At the same time, reset timer T (n4)
. The image forming process starts and progresses, and the pressure roller begins to rotate in the pressure development step (n5). At this time, the timer T is started (n6). When the pressure developing process is completed and the pressure roller stops rotating (n?), the timer also stops (n8).

Read the value of the timer (n9), and calculate the remaining amount Li using the above formula.
is calculated (n10) and stored in the memory. Next, the remaining MLa of the media sheet is determined, and when it is determined that it is 1/2 or more of the total length of the unused media sheet (nll), the media sheet remaining amount display lamp 34 is turned on (n12), 1/2
If it is determined that the amount is less than 1/4 (n 13), the media sheet remaining amount indicator lamp 35 is turned on (n 14),
If it is determined that it is less than 4 and 1/10 or more (n15), the media sheet remaining amount display lamp 36 is turned on. When the remaining amount of media sheet is determined to be less than 1/21 of the total length (n17), the media cartridge replacement lamp is lit (n18)
).

In the above configuration, n5 to n8 are rotation time detection means, n9,
IO corresponds to the remaining amount calculation means, and n1l-nta corresponds to the remaining amount information display means.

In the above embodiment, the remaining amount information is displayed as a percentage of the total length of the media sheet, but other information may also be displayed, such as displaying the information as it is in units of length, or how many images can be formed on the standard size of the paper (for example, Any output method may be used as long as the information is related to the remaining amount of media sheets, such as displaying 100 A4 sheets, etc., or displaying with audio, etc.

(g) Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, the rotation time of the pressure roller is detected, and the remaining media sheet is The amount can be calculated accurately. Furthermore, the calculated remaining amount information can be displayed in an output method that is easy for the user to understand. Based on this, the user can easily plan the number of images to be formed and avoid the situation where media sheets run out during work.Therefore, it gives the user a sense of security and significantly increases the added value of the device. .

Furthermore, since the timing used for sequence control is utilized, it can be realized simply by combining a timer and an EEF ROM without requiring any external parts, and no special costs are required.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of operations for calculating the remaining amount of media sheets and displaying the remaining amount in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a part of the control section of the image forming apparatus. Figure 3 (A), (B), (C), (D)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a pressure developing process of the pressure roller of the same image forming apparatus and a pattern of conveyance of a media sheet at that time. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus. 5-media cartridge, 51-media sheet, 64-buffer roller, 6-pressure developing section, 65.66-pressure roller.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus in which a roll-shaped media sheet and a cut-sheet-shaped image-receiving sheet are overlapped and a pressure roller rotates under pressure to perform pressure development and form a colored image on the image-receiving sheet, the media sheet rotation time detection means for detecting the total time during which the pressure roller rotates for pressure development after replacing the media sheet for each image formation; and detecting the remaining amount of the media sheet based on the rotation time detected by the rotation time detection means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a remaining amount calculation means for calculating the remaining amount of the media sheet; and a remaining amount information output means for outputting information regarding the remaining amount of the media sheet calculated by the remaining amount calculation means.