JP5228960B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

  In Patent Document 1, when printing a black-and-white document, the paper conveying belt adjacent to the color image forming unit is separated from the color image forming unit, and an image is formed only by the black image forming unit. Discloses an image forming apparatus that performs color printing in a state where the paper transport belt is always in contact with a color image forming unit, and performs printing by switching the separation / contact according to a document in an automatic switching mode. ing. In this image forming apparatus, in the automatic switching mode, the printer driver on the host computer determines whether the document to be printed is black-and-white printing or color printing in units of N pages, and the determination result is sent to the printer engine via the printer controller. The printer engine performs the separation / contact switching according to the result.

  In Patent Document 2, a toner image formed in all of a plurality of image forming units is transferred to an intermediate transfer member, and also transferred from the intermediate transfer member to a recording material to form an image on the recording material. In the image forming apparatus having the mode and the second mode in which the toner image formed in a part of the image forming unit is transferred to the intermediate transfer member and transferred from the intermediate transfer member to the recording material, the first mode and the second mode Is switched during the continuous operation, and when the transition from the first mode to the second mode is performed, after all the pressure bonding by the primary transfer pressure bonding means provided in each of the image forming units is once released, An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which a primary transfer pressure bonding unit of an image forming unit in which image formation is performed is operated to shift to a second mode.

JP 2001-270193 A JP 2004-341399 A

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and program capable of reducing the frequency of switching between an operation state in which an achromatic image can be formed on a recording medium and an operation state in which a color image can be formed on a recording medium. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes a conveying means for conveying a recording medium, a first operation state in which an achromatic image can be formed, and a second in which a color image can be formed. Setting means for setting one of the operating states, selecting means for selecting one of the first operating state and the second operating state as a priority operating state, and the operating state set by the setting means And an image forming unit that forms an image according to the set operation state on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit based on image information, and the image forming unit applies the image forming unit to the recording medium. When the image formation is normally completed, and when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, and when the image formation by the image forming unit is interrupted, and If the constant has been operating state different from the priority operation state switching means for switching the set operating state to the priority operation state selected by said selection means, resuming the formation of images by replenishment of consumables The image forming unit is set to a state in which at least one of a state in which image formation is possible and a state in which image formation can be resumed by removing the recording medium stopped on the transport unit is a state that can be restored by a user operation formation of an image by the, when interrupted by the ready recovery by the operation of the user, and if the set operating state is different from the priority operation state, and interrupted automatically restored state capable If and when the set operating state is different from the priority operation state, said switching means to said priority operating state of the set operating state And it includes a switch stop means stops the switching, the.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, any one of a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium, a first operation state in which an achromatic image can be formed, and a second operation state in which a color image can be formed. A setting means for setting an operation state, a selection means for selecting one of the first operation state and the second operation state as a priority operation state, and an operation according to the operation state set by the setting means, An image forming unit that forms an image according to the set operation state on the recording medium transported by the transport unit based on image information, and the image forming unit normally forms an image on the recording medium. Switching to switch the set operation state to the priority operation state selected by the selection means when the operation is completed and the set operation state is different from the priority operation state And at least one of a state in which image formation can be resumed by replenishment of consumables and a state in which image formation can be resumed by removing the recording medium stopped on the transport unit. Comprises switching stop means for stopping the switching by the switching means from the set operation state to the priority operation state.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the switching unit is set when the image forming unit has successfully completed the image formation on the recording medium. When the image forming unit interrupts the image formation by the image forming unit and when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, and by the image forming unit. When the image formation is terminated by the user halfway, and the set operation state is different from the priority operation state , the set operation state is changed to the priority operation state selected by the selection unit. It is to be switched.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 4 makes it possible to form a color image by conveying means for conveying a recording medium, a first operation state in which an achromatic image can be formed, and a color image. Setting means for setting one of the second operation states, selection means for selecting one of the first operation state and the second operation state as a priority operation state, and setting by the setting means An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that operates according to an operation state, and that forms an image according to the set operation state on a recording medium transported by the transport unit based on image information; When the computer has successfully completed the image formation on the recording medium by the image forming means and the set operation state is different from the priority operation state And when the image formation was interrupted by the image forming means, and when the set operating state is different from the priority operation state, the to the set operating state selected by said selection means At least a switching unit that switches to a priority operation state, a state in which image formation can be resumed by replenishment of consumables, and a state in which image formation can be resumed by removing the recording medium stopped on the transport unit the one state as a state that can return the generated by performing a user operation, image formation by the image forming means, when restored by the operation of the user is interrupted in a state capable, and the set operating conditions the When it is different from the priority operation state, or when it is interrupted in a state where it can be automatically restored, and the set operation state is different from the priority operation state Expediently, a program to function as a switch stop means stops the switching by said switching means to said priority operating state of the set operating state.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as the switching unit and the switching stop unit in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects. .

According to the first, second, fourth, and fifth aspects of the present invention, the frequency of switching between an operation state in which an achromatic image can be formed on a recording medium and an operation state in which a color image can be formed on a recording medium is set. It has an excellent effect that it can be reduced.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, it is possible to more reliably switch to the priority operation state when the image formation is completed by the user's operation as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. It has the effect.

1 is a cutaway side view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an electric system of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing of an image forming program according to an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12Y that forms an image on the recording paper P using yellow (Y) toner, and an image on the recording paper P using magenta (M) toner. An image forming unit 12M for forming, an image forming unit 12C for forming an image on recording paper P using cyan (C) toner, and an image forming unit for forming an image on recording paper P using black (K) toner It has 12K. In the following description, when distinguishing corresponding colors, description is given with any of Y, M, C, K corresponding to the end of the reference, and when not distinguishing corresponding colors, Y, M, C, and K are omitted.

  The image forming unit 12 is provided with a photoconductive drum 18, and the photoconductive drum 18 has a rotation shaft and is electrostatically attached to the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A in a state of rotating around the rotation shaft in the arrow R direction. After the latent image is formed, the electrostatic latent image is developed to form a toner image.

  A charger 20 is provided below the photosensitive drum 18. The charger 20 contacts the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A of the photosensitive drum 18, thereby charging the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A with a superimposed voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage.

  An LPH (LED Print Head) 22 is provided downstream of the contact position of the photosensitive drum 18 with the charger 20 in the rotation direction. The LPH 22 has a plurality of LEDs as light emitting elements arranged in the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 18, and receives light beams from the respective LEDs based on image information. By irradiating the surface 18A, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the light receiving surface 18A.

  Further, a developing device 24 is provided downstream of the LPH 22 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 18. The developing device 24 includes a developing roller 24 </ b> A that is disposed such that the distance from the light receiving surface 18 </ b> A of the photosensitive drum 18 is a predetermined distance. The developing device 24 stores toner corresponding to the color developed by each image forming unit 12 inside, and the toner stored inside by the rotation of the developing roller 24A is received by the light receiving surface 18A of the photosensitive drum 18. The toner is electrically attached to the electrostatic latent image formed on the light receiving surface 18A, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the light receiving surface 18A is developed to form a toner image. .

  On the other hand, a cleaner 26 is provided upstream of the charger 20 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 18. After the toner image is transferred from the light receiving surface 18A of the photosensitive drum 18 to an intermediate transfer belt 30 described later, the cleaner 26 rubs the light receiving surface 18A and collects residual toner remaining on the light receiving surface 18A.

  An intermediate transfer belt 30 to which an image to be recorded on the recording paper P is transferred is provided at the top of the photosensitive drum 18 provided in each image forming unit 12 so as to contact the light receiving surface 18A. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is wound around a plurality of rollers 30A, and is rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 opposite to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 18 by the plurality of rollers 30A. As a result, the toner images of Y, M, C, and K formed on the light receiving surface 18A of the photosensitive drum 18 are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 so as to overlap with each other, thereby forming a color image. Is done.

  Further, a paper feeding unit 32 is provided below the image forming unit 12 in FIG.

  The paper feed unit 32 is provided with a feed roller 31, and the feed roller 31 rotates to take out the recording paper P one by one from the paper feed unit 32 and send it out of the paper feed unit 32. The recording paper P delivered from the delivery roller 31 is transported by the transport unit 34 from the intermediate transfer belt 30 to a transfer position where the toner image is transferred.

  A transfer section 36 is provided at the transfer position. The transfer unit 36 holds the recording paper P conveyed by the conveying unit 34 between the rotating intermediate transfer belt 30 and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 on the recording paper P. Transcript.

  A fixing unit 38 is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper P by the conveyance unit 34 from the arrangement position of the transfer unit 36.

  The fixing unit 38 is provided with a heating roll 38A and a pressure roll 38B, and the heating roll 38A is heated to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range by a heating source disposed inside. ing. The fixing unit 38 fixes the toner image transferred by the intermediate transfer belt 30 onto the recording paper P by heating and pressurizing the recording paper P conveyed by the heating roll 38A and the pressure roll 38B.

  The recording paper P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 38 is transported by the transport unit 34 and discharged to the paper discharge unit 40.

  FIG. 2 shows a main configuration of the electrical system of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 70 that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72 as a storage medium in which various programs, various parameters, various table information, and the like are stored in advance. Random Access Memory (RAM) 74 as a storage medium used as a work area when the CPU 70 executes various programs, image information received by an external interface 82 to be described later, and an HDD (storage medium for storing various information) Hard Disk Drive) 76, an operation panel 78 provided with a display unit for displaying operation buttons and numeric keys for inputting various operation instructions, various messages, and the like.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is a control target used for processing (hereinafter referred to as “image forming processing”) for forming an image on the recording paper P such as the image forming unit 12, the transport unit 34, and the fixing unit 38. Information including image information indicating an image to be formed on the recording paper P with the terminal device 81 connected to the image forming control unit 80 connected to and controlled by the external terminal device 81 And an external interface 82 for transmitting and receiving an image formation execution signal for executing an image formation process based on the image information.

  The CPU 70, ROM 72, RAM 74, HDD 76, operation panel 78, image formation control unit 80, and external interface 82 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 84. Accordingly, the CPU 70 accesses the ROM 72, the RAM 74, and the HDD 76, grasps the operation state on the operation panel 78, displays various messages, controls the operation of the image forming control unit 80, and the terminal device 81 via the external interface 82. Various types of information can be transmitted and received.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the image forming unit 12 is referred to as an achromatic image on the recording paper P (hereinafter referred to as “monochrome image”). ) And a color image formation mode in which a color image can be formed on the recording paper P.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in the black and white image forming mode, the photosensitive drum 18 of the image forming unit 12K is charged and the photosensitive drum 18 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 30, while the image is formed. By stopping charging of the photosensitive drums 18 of the forming units 12Y, 12M, and 12C and not contacting the photosensitive drum 18 with the intermediate transfer belt 30, an image can be formed by the image forming unit 12K. On the other hand, in the color image forming mode, the photosensitive drums 18 of the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are charged, the photosensitive drum 18 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 30, and the image forming units 12Y, 12Y, An image can be formed by 12M, 12C, and 12K.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment operates either in the monochrome image forming mode or the color image forming mode by the user via the operation panel 78 or the terminal device 81 every time an image forming process is performed. A state is set, and image forming processing is performed according to the set operation state.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, either the monochrome image forming mode or the color image forming mode is selected as the priority mode by the user via the operation panel 78 or the terminal device 81. The priority mode is a state of the image forming apparatus 10 when the image forming process is not performed. For example, when the image formed by the image forming apparatus 10 includes a large number of black and white images, the user sets the black and white image forming mode as the priority mode. When the image formed by the image forming apparatus 10 has many color images, the color image forming mode is selected as the priority mode, thereby reducing the number of times of switching between the black and white image forming mode and the color image forming mode. The time required for the forming process is suppressed.

  Note that in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when image formation is interrupted in a state that can be restored by a user operation, and when the set operation state is different from the priority mode, and automatically If the operation is interrupted in a state where it can be restored, and if the set operation state is different from the priority mode, switching of the set operation state to the priority mode is stopped.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 3 is executed by the CPU 70 when an instruction to execute an image forming process for forming the image indicated by the image information as either a monochrome image or a color image is input by the user via the terminal device 81. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the image forming program to be executed, and the program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 72 in advance.

  First, in step 100, a priority mode is selected. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the operation state selected by the user via the terminal device 81 is selected as the priority mode together with the execution instruction of the image forming process. Note that the priority mode may be selected and set in advance instead of the input of the execution instruction for the image forming process.

  In the next step 102, the operation state of the image forming unit 12 is set. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a user inputs a monochrome image formation instruction through the terminal device 81 together with an image formation processing execution instruction, the monochrome image formation mode is set. When a forming instruction is input, the color image forming mode is set.

  In the next step 104, image formation on the recording paper P in the operation state set in step 102 is started.

  In the next step 106, it is determined whether or not the image formation by the image forming unit 12 has been interrupted. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 124. Transition.

  In step 108, the switching setting is performed by setting a switching flag indicating that the operation state of the image forming unit 12 is switched.

  In the next step 110, it is determined whether or not the interrupted image formation is in a recoverable state. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 112. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 128. Transition.

  Note that the returnable state according to the present embodiment is a state where a return can be made by a user operation, and a state where the return can be automatically performed.

  The user can perform the return operation by operating the consumables such as the toner and the recording paper P, and resuming the image formation by replenishing the consumables. There is a state in which the recording paper P being stopped (so-called paper jam) and the formation of the image can be resumed by removing the stopped recording paper P, but it goes without saying.

  Further, in the state where the automatic return can be performed, since the temperature of the heating roll 38A of the fixing unit 38 is not within a predetermined range, the image formation is interrupted, and the heating source of the heating roll 38A has. The temperature of the heating roller 38A is raised or lowered to bring the temperature of the heating roll 38A within the predetermined range, so that the image formation is automatically restored. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Nor.

  In the next step 112, since the interrupted image formation can be restored, the switching flag is reset to cancel the switching setting, that is, to cancel the switching.

  In the next step 114, it is determined whether or not an image formation end instruction has been input by the user via the operation panel 78 or the terminal device 81. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 116 and the switching flag is set. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 118.

  In step 118, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 10 minutes as an example) has elapsed since the time when image formation was interrupted. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 116. While the process proceeds to set the switching flag, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 120.

  In step 120, it is determined whether or not the cause of the interruption of the image formation has been resolved. If the determination is affirmative, it is determined that the image formation once determined to be recoverable cannot be recovered, and the process proceeds to step 122. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 114.

  In step 122, the interrupted image formation is resumed.

  In the next step 124, it is determined whether or not the image formation indicated by the image information has been completed normally. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 126. If the determination is negative, step 106 is performed. Return to.

  In the next step 126, switching setting is performed by setting a switching flag.

  In the next step 128, it is determined whether or not the set operation state matches the selected priority mode. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 130. If the determination is negative, The process proceeds to determination step 132.

  In step 130, the switching setting is canceled by resetting the switching flag, and the program ends.

  In step 132, since the switching flag is set, after the operation state of the image forming unit 12 is switched to the priority mode, the process proceeds to step 134 to reset the switching flag, thereby canceling the switching setting. Exit the program.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using the said embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such modifications or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention. Not exclusively. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations of a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration in which these some constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the interrupted image formation can be restored is described as being in a state where it can be restored by a user operation and in a state where it can be automatically restored. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and image formation is interrupted by power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 being stopped due to a power failure or a power switch operation by the user, and then a predetermined time (for example, 1 It is good also as a form which can be set in the state which can start supply of electric power within minutes.

  More specifically, when the image formation is interrupted by stopping the power supply to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 stops in the operation state in which the image is formed, and the above When the supply of power is resumed within a predetermined time, the image formation is resumed without switching to the priority mode even when the set operation state is different from the priority mode. On the other hand, when the power supply is resumed after the predetermined time is exceeded, the image forming is not resumed, and the priority mode is selected when the operation state when the image formation is stopped is different from the priority mode. Switch to.

  In addition, the configuration (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the image forming apparatus 10 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and unnecessary portions are deleted or new portions are within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, you can add.

  The processing flow of the image forming program described in the above embodiment (see FIG. 3) is also an example, and unnecessary steps are deleted or new steps are added without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, the processing order can be changed.

  The image system program according to the above embodiment and the color image reading unit transfer program according to the above embodiment are stored in advance in the HDD 76 in addition to the form stored in the ROM 72 in advance. The present invention can be applied to a form provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a form distributed via wired or wireless communication means, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Image forming part (image forming means)
34 Conveying section (conveying means)
70 CPU (switching means, switching canceling means)
78 Operation panel (setting means, selection means)
P Recording paper (recording medium)

Claims (5)

Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
Setting means for setting any one of a first operation state capable of forming an achromatic image and a second operation state capable of forming a color image;
Selecting means for selecting any one of the first operation state and the second operation state as a priority operation state;
An image forming unit that operates according to the operation state set by the setting unit, and that forms an image according to the set operation state on a recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit based on image information;
When image formation on the recording medium by the image forming unit is normally completed, and when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, and image formation by the image forming unit is interrupted in the middle And when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, switching means for switching the set operation state to the priority operation state selected by the selection unit;
Restoration by user operation of at least one of a state in which image formation can be resumed by replenishing consumables and a state in which image formation can be resumed by removing the recording medium retained on the transport unit a state capable of forming an image by the image forming means, when restored by the operation of the user is interrupted in a state as possible, and if the set operating state is different from the priority operation state, and automatic And when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, the switching means switches the set operation state to the priority operation state. Switching canceling means to cancel,
An image forming apparatus.   Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
  Setting means for setting any one of a first operation state capable of forming an achromatic image and a second operation state capable of forming a color image;
  Selecting means for selecting any one of the first operation state and the second operation state as a priority operation state;
  An image forming unit that operates according to the operation state set by the setting unit, and that forms an image according to the set operation state on a recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit based on image information;
  When the image forming unit has successfully formed an image on the recording medium and the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, the set operation state is selected by the selection unit. Switching means for switching to the preferential operation state,
  In the case of at least one of a state in which image formation can be resumed by replenishment of consumables and a state in which image formation can be resumed by removing the recording medium retained on the transport unit, A switching canceling means for canceling switching by the switching means to the priority operating state of the set operating state;
  An image forming apparatus. The switching unit is configured to form an image by the image forming unit when the image forming unit has successfully completed the image formation on the recording medium and the set operation state is different from the priority operation state. Is interrupted in the middle, and the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, and the image formation by the image forming means is terminated by the user halfway, and the set operation The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the state is different from the priority operation state , the set operation state is switched to the priority operation state selected by the selection unit. A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium; a setting unit that sets any one of a first operation state in which an achromatic image can be formed; and a second operation state in which a color image can be formed; A selection unit that selects one of the first operation state and the second operation state as a priority operation state; the operation unit that operates according to the operation state set by the setting unit; and the operation state that is set based on image information And an image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to the image on the recording medium being conveyed by the conveying unit,
Computer
When image formation on the recording medium by the image forming unit is normally completed, and when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, and image formation by the image forming unit is interrupted in the middle And when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, switching means for switching the set operation state to the priority operation state selected by the selection unit;
Restoration by user operation of at least one of a state in which image formation can be resumed by replenishing consumables and a state in which image formation can be resumed by removing the recording medium retained on the transport unit a state capable of forming an image by the image forming means, when restored by the operation of the user is interrupted in a state as possible, and if the set operating state is different from the priority operation state, and automatic And when the set operation state is different from the priority operation state, the switching means switches the set operation state to the priority operation state. Switching canceling means to cancel,
Program to make it function.   A program for causing a computer to function as the switching unit and the switching cancellation unit in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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