JP6524792B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming system using continuous paper such as roll paper as a recording medium has been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As the continuous paper, for example, a label printable sheet is provided. In the image forming system, the continuous sheet is fed from the sheet feeding device to the image forming apparatus, a predetermined image is printed on the continuous sheet by the image forming device, and a fixing process is performed, and then the continuous sheet is wound by the sheet discharging device The image forming process is performed according to a series of processes.

JP, 2015-55859, A

  However, when the image forming system described in Patent Document 1 described above is used, there are the following problems. That is, when the continuous sheet is fed, the burrs of the edge may damage the fixing roller and the fixing belt. Further, in the case of using a label sheet as the continuous sheet, the glue which has run out from the end of the label during the fixing process may be attached to the fixing roller or the fixing belt.

  In such a case, for example, if a continuous sheet wider than the width of the continuous sheet used previously by the replacement of the continuous sheet is used, damage such as a fixing roller or the like caused on the continuous sheet before replacement is There is a problem that the glue which has run out from the end gets on the image as image noise when printing the continuous paper after replacement.

  When performing maintenance on the fixing unit, replace it with a new fixing roller or fixing unit equipped with a fixing belt, but if you use continuous paper with a width narrower than the maximum width group at the first stage, When the width of the continuous paper after replacement is wider than the width of the initial continuous paper, a scratch or glue caused by the continuous paper used in the initial stage may be applied as an image noise to the continuous paper after replacement There is.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing generation of noise in a printed image in an image forming process using continuous paper. It is to do.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper, a fixing unit that performs fixing processing on the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and an image forming apparatus main body. Storage unit for storing a first width in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the continuous sheet conveyance direction, and a continuous sheet different from the continuous sheet is loaded in the image forming apparatus main body Acquiring a second width of the continuous sheet in the second direction, and comparing the first width of the continuous sheet stored in the storage unit with the acquired second width of the continuous sheet And the printing is permitted when the second width is less than the first width, and the continuous loaded in the image forming apparatus main body when the second width exceeds the first width. And a control unit that controls the notification unit to check the paper.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, an image forming unit for forming an image on continuous paper, and a fixing process for the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and for the image forming apparatus main body When the fixing unit configured to be replaceable and the fixing unit mounted to the image forming apparatus main body are new, and are orthogonal to the first direction of the conveyance direction of the continuous paper loaded to the image forming apparatus main body Printing is permitted when the second width in the second direction is the maximum width of the reference roll paper, and the fixing unit mounted on the image forming apparatus main body is new and the image forming apparatus main body The notification unit is configured to confirm the continuous paper loaded in the image forming apparatus main body when the second width in the second direction of the loaded continuous paper is less than the maximum width of the reference roll paper. System And a control unit for, a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent image noise caused by scratches and glue on the fixing roller and the fixing belt from being applied to the image printed on the continuous paper after replacement.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing an example of functional composition of an image formation system. It is a figure for demonstrating the width | variety requested | required of the roll paper after replacement | exchange. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming system at the time of print processing. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the image forming system at the time of the printing process which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the image forming system at the time of the printing process which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the image forming system at the time of the printing process which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming system in the case of confirming the loading condition of roll paper. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming system when checking the remaining amount of roll paper. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the image forming system at the time of the printing process which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Also, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation, and may differ from the actual proportions.

First Embodiment
[Configuration Example of Image Forming System 100]
FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 forms an image on continuous paper such as roll paper P, and includes a sheet feeding device 200, an image forming apparatus 300, and a sheet discharging device 400.

  The paper feeding device 200 is disposed upstream of the image forming apparatus 300 in the paper conveyance direction D (first direction), and includes a mounting unit 210 and a first detection unit 290. The mounting unit 210 includes an axis and the like, and can attach the wound roll paper P to the axis so as to be insertable and removable. The roll paper P is, for example, capable of label printing, and is configured of a mount and a printing surface attached via a seal member. The paper feeding device 200 feeds the roll paper P to the image forming apparatus 300 via a plurality of conveyance rollers based on a job start instruction. The continuous paper need not necessarily be held in a roll, and may be folded. Also, a plurality of long continuous paper may be used.

  The first detection unit 290 detects whether or not the roll paper P is loaded in the paper feeding device 200, and a width direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction D of the roll paper P loaded in the paper feeding device 200. The end (width size) of (the second direction) is detected. For the first detection unit 290, a reflective sensor, a transmissive sensor, a line sensor, or the like can be used. Further, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the roll paper P and a sensor for detecting the width of the roll paper P may be separately provided.

  The image forming apparatus 300 is a tandem type color electrophotographic copying machine, and includes a sheet feeding and conveying unit 310, an image forming unit 320, a fixing unit 330, a sheet discharging and conveying unit 340, an operation display unit 360, and a second detection unit 390. have.

  The sheet feeding / conveying unit 310 includes, for example, a plurality of conveying rollers, and a drive motor that rotationally drives these. The sheet feeding / conveying unit 310 conveys the roll paper P from the sheet feeding device 200 to the image forming unit 320 by rotating the plurality of conveying rollers by driving of the drive motor.

  The image forming unit 320 includes a yellow image forming unit 322 Y, a magenta image forming unit 322 M, a cyan image forming unit 322 C, a black image forming unit 322 K, an intermediate transfer belt 324, and a secondary transfer unit 326. have. Although the image forming units 322Y, 322M, 322C, and 322K for the respective colors have a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a photosensitive drum, and the like, since known techniques can be employed, the detailed description will be made. Is omitted. The toner images of the respective colors formed by the image forming units 322Y, 322M, 322C and 322K are superimposed and transferred to the image forming position of the intermediate transfer belt 324. In the secondary transfer unit 326, the toner image of each color of the intermediate transfer belt 324 is transferred onto the roll paper P conveyed by the paper feed conveyance unit 310.

  The fixing unit 330 includes, for example, a fixing roller, a pressure roller, a fixing belt, and the like, and is configured to be replaceable (insertable and removable) with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 302. The fixing unit 330 fixes the toner image on the surface of the roll paper P by heating and pressing the roll paper P to which the toner image has been transferred by the secondary transfer unit 326.

  The second detection unit 390 detects whether or not the roll paper P is loaded to the image forming apparatus 300, or the end (width size) of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming apparatus 300 in the width direction ) To detect. For the second detection unit 390, a reflective sensor, a transmissive sensor, a line sensor, or the like can be used. Further, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the roll paper P and a sensor for detecting the width of the roll paper P may be separately provided.

  The sheet discharge conveyance unit 340 includes, for example, a plurality of conveyance rollers, and a drive motor that rotationally drives these. The paper discharge conveyance unit 340 conveys the roll paper P fixed by the fixing unit 330 to the paper discharge device 400 in the subsequent stage by rotating the plurality of conveyance rollers by driving of the drive motor.

  The operation display unit 360 has a touch panel in which a display unit and an input unit are combined, and an operation key including a start key and an enter key provided on the periphery of the touch panel. The operation display unit 360 displays an operation screen or the like, a warning screen or the like recommending replacement with the roll paper P having a narrow width, or an image forming condition input by the touch operation on the operation screen or the like or the operation of the operation key. It accepts various information such as The operation display unit 360 constitutes an example of a notification unit.

  The paper discharge device 400 is disposed downstream of the image forming apparatus 300 in the paper conveyance direction D, and includes a winding unit 410 and a third detection unit 490. The winding unit 410 includes, for example, an axis, and winds the roll paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 around the axis. The third detection unit 490 detects whether or not the roll paper P is loaded up to the paper discharge device 400, or the end (width size in the width direction of the roll paper P loaded in the paper discharge device 400). ) To detect. For the third detection unit 490, a reflective sensor, a transmissive sensor, a line sensor, or the like can be used. Alternatively, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the roll paper P and a sensor for detecting the width size of the roll paper P may be separately provided.

  In order to absorb, for example, the difference between the conveyance speed of the roll paper P in the paper supply apparatus 200 and the conveyance speed of the roll paper P in the image forming apparatus 300 between the paper supply apparatus 200 and the image forming apparatus 300. An adjustment device (buffer) may be provided. Similarly, the difference between the conveying speed of roll paper P in image forming apparatus 300 and the conveying speed of roll paper P in sheet discharging apparatus 400 is absorbed between image forming apparatus 300 and sheet discharging apparatus 400. An adjustment device may be provided. In addition, a processing device may be provided between the image forming apparatus 300 and the paper discharge apparatus 400 to cut out a label, laminate, or the like on the roll paper P on which the image is printed.

[Example of Block Configuration of Image Forming System 100]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming system 100 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 100 includes a control unit 50 for controlling the operation of the entire system. The control unit 50 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 52, a read only memory (ROM) 54, and a random access memory (RAM) 56. The CPU 52 controls each unit of the image forming system 100 by executing software (program) read out from the ROM 54, and relates to processing for printing according to the width, loading status, remaining amount, etc. of the roll paper P. To realize the function.

  The control unit 50 includes an operation display unit 360, an image forming unit 320, a fixing unit 330, a storage unit 380, a first detection unit 290, a second detection unit 390, and a third detection unit 490. And are connected respectively.

  The operation display unit 360 displays a warning screen or the like urging replacement of the roll paper P based on an instruction from the control unit 50, or supplies input information accepted on the warning screen or the like to the control unit 50. The image forming unit 320 prints a predetermined image on the roll paper P based on the image data supplied from the control unit 50. The fixing unit 330 fixes the toner image on the roll paper P by heating to a predetermined temperature based on an instruction from the control unit 50.

  The storage unit 380 is configured of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and the like. In the storage unit 380, for example, when the roll paper P is replaced, the width information of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 at the end before the replacement, the specification roll paper (reference roll paper) P Maximum width information etc. are stored. The width information of the roll paper P can also be stored in association with the solid number of the fixing unit 330 used (mounted) when the roll paper P is loaded.

  The first detection unit 290 detects whether or not the roll paper P is loaded in the paper feeding device 200 and supplies a detection signal to the control unit 50, or the roll paper P loaded in the paper feeding device 200. And detects the end portion (width size) of the sensor and supplies a detection signal to the control unit 50.

  The second detection unit 390 detects whether the roll paper P is loaded in the image forming apparatus 300 and supplies a detection signal to the control unit 50, or the roll paper P loaded in the image forming apparatus 300. And detects the end portion (width size) of the sensor and supplies a detection signal to the control unit 50.

  The third detection unit 490 detects whether the roll paper P is loaded in the paper discharge device 400 and supplies a detection signal to the control unit 50, or the roll paper P loaded in the paper discharge device 400. And detects the end portion (width size) of the sensor and supplies a detection signal to the control unit 50.

[On the Width of Roll Paper P When Replacing]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the width of the roll paper P required when replacing the roll paper P. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the length in the width direction of the fixing roller 332 of the fixing unit 330 is set to a width W1. In addition, the width (final use width) of the roll paper P (hereinafter referred to as final roll paper P) loaded in the image forming system 100 before the current roll paper P is replaced is the width W2 (first width), An end position of the roll paper P in the width direction is referred to as a position P1.

  In this example, when replacing the roll paper P, the width W3 (second width) of the roll paper P after replacement (hereinafter referred to as loading roll paper P) is an image noise due to the final roll paper P before replacement. In order to prevent this, the width is smaller than the width W2 of the final roll paper P. Specifically, the end positions P1 and P1 on both sides of the old roll paper P are referred to in order to reliably avoid the influence of scratches and glue on the fixing roller 332 due to the edge of the final roll paper P before replacement. It is width W4 (the 3rd width) which narrowed width W 2 only by range alpha as inside, and it can express with "width W2-2 alpha." That is, the “width W 2-2 α” of the roll paper P is the target value of the width required for the roll paper P when replacing.

  Further, in this example, the width W3 of the loaded loaded roll paper P after replacement is preferably equal to or less than the “width W2-2α”, but even if it is less than the width W2 of the final rolled sheet P before replacement, the loaded roll paper If the width of P is too narrow, the fixing unit 330 and the roll paper P can not be used efficiently. Therefore, a certain limit is provided so that the width of the roll paper P does not become too narrow. Specifically, a range β smaller than the range α is set, and a range of −β and + β are respectively provided on the inner side and the outer side with respect to the end positions P2 and P2 of the width W3 of the loaded roll paper P after replacement. In this case, “width W3 ± β” which is the width of the loaded roll paper P is made to coincide (overlap) with the target value “width W2-2α”. The set range β may be one of -β and + β.

[Operation Example of Image Forming System 100]
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 in the case where the printing process is performed in consideration of the replacement of the roll paper P.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in step S100, the control unit 50 reads from the table of the storage unit 380 the width of the last roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 before replacing it with a new roll paper P and acquires it. Do.

  In step S110, a new roll paper (loading roll paper) P is loaded into the image forming system 100. At this time, the width of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 may be input by the user operating the operation display unit 360.

  In step S <b> 120, the first detection unit 290 detects an end of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 in the width direction. The control unit 50 acquires the width of the roll paper P from the end information of the roll paper P detected by the first detection unit 290. The width of the roll paper P may be detected by the second detection unit 390 or the third detection unit 490, or an average value of two or more detection units may be used.

  In step S130, the control unit 50 compares the width of the final roll paper P with the width of the loaded roll paper P. Specifically, the control unit 50 compares “width W 2 −2α” as a target value set based on the width of the final roll paper P with “width W 3 ± β of the loaded roll paper P ( See Figure 3).

  When the “width W3 ± β” of the loaded roll paper P overlaps with “width W2-2α” based on the final roll paper P, the control unit 50 determines that the width W3 of the loaded roll paper P is the final roll paper Since it is less than the width W2 of P and is within the range of the target value (target), the process proceeds to step S160. At step S160, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the loaded roll paper P.

  Further, in step S130, when the “width W2-2α” based on the final roll paper P is larger than the “width W3 ± β” of the loading roll paper P in step S130, the width W3 of the loading roll paper P is the final roll. Although the width is smaller than the width W2 based on the paper P, it falls below the target value (target range). In this case, the process proceeds to step S140.

  If printing is performed in this state in step S140, the roll paper P wider than the width of the loaded roll paper P can not be used in subsequent jobs, so that the roll satisfying the above-described target value A warning screen recommending replacement of paper P is displayed on the operation display unit 360. Further, at this time, the control unit 50 is a selection button for selecting whether to permit printing in a state in which the loaded roll paper P is not replaced or to discontinue printing in a state in which the loaded roll paper P is not replaced. Is displayed on the warning screen.

  In step S150, when the selection button indicating permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S160. At step S160, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the loaded roll paper P. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 returns to step S110. In this case, the user loads the roll paper P having a width different from that of the loaded roll paper P, for example, the above-described target value, into the image forming system 100, and the above-described process is repeated.

  Further, in step S130, when the “width W2-2α” based on the final roll paper P is smaller than the “width W3 ± β” of the loading roll paper P in step S130, the width W3 of the loading roll paper P is the final roll. Although this is less than the width W2 of the paper P, it may exceed the target value (target range) or the width W3 of the loaded roll paper P may become equal to or more than the width W2 of the final roll paper P. The process proceeds to step S170.

  Since the control unit 50 executes printing in this state in step S170, there is a high possibility that loading noise may be generated on the loaded roll paper P due to scratches or glue on the fixing roller etc. caused by the end of the final roll paper P. A warning screen is displayed on the operation display unit 360 which recommends replacement so as to use the roll paper P satisfying the target value. The control unit 50 also displays a warning button for selecting whether to permit printing without replacing the loaded roll paper P or to discontinue printing without replacing the loaded roll paper P. Display on.

  In step S150, when the selection button indicating permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S160. At step S160, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the loaded roll paper P. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 returns to step S110. In this case, the user loads the roll paper P having a width different from that of the loaded roll paper P, for example, the above-described target value, into the image forming system 100, and the above-described process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the width of the loaded roll paper P falls below or exceeds the target value based on the final roll paper P, the width of the roll paper P becomes the target value A warning (notification) is issued to the user to confirm the width of the roll paper P. As a result, the roll paper P having the width of the target value is loaded, so that image noise caused by scratches or glue on the fixing roller by the final roll paper P is surely placed on the loading roll paper P. It can prevent.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the range of “width W3 ± β” of the loaded roll paper P overlaps with “width W2-2α” based on the final roll paper P, that is, matches the target width Thus, it is possible to prevent the width of the loaded roll paper P from becoming too narrow or exceeding the width of the final roll paper P, and the like. As a result, the fixing unit 330 can be used efficiently, and the life of the fixing unit 330 can be extended.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, the replacement instruction of the roll paper P is performed in consideration of the replacement of the fixing unit 330. The other configuration and the like of the image forming system 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are given to the common components, and the detailed description will be omitted.

[Operation Example of Image Forming System 100]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 in the case of executing the printing process in consideration of the replacement of the fixing unit 330.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step S200, the control unit 50 detects the fixing unit 330 attached to the image forming apparatus main body 302. For example, the presence or absence of the fixing unit 330 can be determined based on the detection result of the fixing unit 330 by a sensor provided in the image forming apparatus main body 302.

  In step S210, the control unit 50 determines whether the fixing unit 330 attached to the image forming apparatus main body 302 is new. In the present embodiment, the new fixing unit 330 includes a new fixing unit and a unit whose maintenance has been performed. Whether or not the fixing unit 330 is new can be determined, for example, based on whether or not the fuse is blown. Further, the presence or absence of replacement due to maintenance can be determined based on whether or not the counter reset is zero reset.

  For example, when the fuse of the fixing unit 330 is broken or the counter reset is not reset to zero, the control unit 50 determines that the mounted fixing unit 330 is old, and proceeds to step S250. At step S250, the control unit 50 performs a printing process on the roll paper P currently loaded.

  On the other hand, when the fuse of the fixing unit 330 is not broken or the counter reset is zero reset, for example, the control unit 50 determines that the mounted fixing unit 330 is new, and proceeds to step S220.

  In step S220, when the mounting of the fixing unit 330 is completed, a new roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100. At this time, the width of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 may be input by the user operating the operation display unit 360.

  In step S230, the first detection unit 290 detects an end in the width direction of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100. The control unit 50 obtains the width of the roll paper P from the end information of the roll paper P detected by the first detection unit 290. The width of the roll paper P may be detected by the second detection unit 390 or the third detection unit 490, or an average value of two or more detection units may be used.

  In step S240, the control unit 50 compares the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 detected by the first detection unit 290 with the maximum width of the preset specification roll paper. . In this example, the maximum width of the specification roll paper means, for example, the roll paper of the maximum width of the roll paper P used in the image forming system 100. Further, the maximum width of the specification roll paper may be a group consisting of a certain range (width) including the maximum width. Information on the maximum width of the specification roll sheet can be stored, for example, in a memory such as the storage unit 380.

  The control unit 50 determines that the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 is the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance, or is equal to the maximum width (belongs to a group) If yes, the process proceeds to step S250. In step S250, the control unit 50 executes (continues) the printing process on the loaded roll paper P because the possibility of problems such as image noise occurring in the subsequent printing process is low.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 is smaller than the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance or does not belong to a group, Go to S260.

  If, at step S260, the control unit 50 uses the roll paper P having a narrow width at the present stage, the control unit 50 uses a roll paper wider than the width of the currently mounted roll paper P in the subsequent printing process. The operation display unit 360 displays a warning screen indicating that it is impossible to This is because the fixing unit 330 can be used more efficiently if the roll paper P having a narrower width is used stepwise, and problems such as image noise caused by scratches and glue on the fixing unit 330 can be surely made. It is because it can prevent. Further, at this time, the control unit 50 is a selection button for selecting whether to permit printing in a state in which the current roll paper P is not replaced or to discontinue printing in a state in which the current roll paper P is not replaced. Is displayed on the warning screen.

  In step S270, when the selection button indicating permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S250. At step S250, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the current roll paper P. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 returns to step S220. In this case, the roll paper P having a width different from that of the current roll paper P, for example, the maximum width, is loaded into the image forming system 100 by the user.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the fixing unit 330 to be attached is new and the width of the currently loaded roll paper P is not the maximum width, the maximum width Warn the user to load the roll paper P. As a result, the roll paper P having the largest width is loaded, so that the fixing unit 330 can be efficiently used, and problems such as image noise caused by scratches and glue of the fixing unit 330 can be surely made. It can prevent.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, printing is performed in consideration of the replacement of the roll paper P and the replacement of the fixing unit 330. The other configuration and the like of the image forming system 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are given to the common components, and the detailed description will be omitted.

[Operation Example of Image Forming System 100]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 in the case where the printing process is performed in consideration of the replacement of the fixing unit 330 and the replacement of the roll paper P. Note that the third embodiment is a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, so detailed description of the common processing will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step S <b> 300, the control unit 50 detects the fixing unit 330 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 302.

  In step S310, the control unit 50 determines whether the fixing unit 330 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 302 is new. For example, when the fuse of the fixing unit 330 is not blown or the counter reset is reset to zero, the control unit 50 determines that the mounted fixing unit 330 is new, and proceeds to step S320.

  In step S320, when the mounting of the fixing unit 330 is completed, the roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100. At this time, the width of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 may be input by the user operating the operation display unit 360.

  In step S330, the first detection unit 290 detects an end of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 in the width direction. The control unit 50 obtains the width of the loaded roll paper P from the end information of the roll paper P detected by the first detection unit 290.

  In step S340, the control unit 50 compares the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 detected by the first detection unit 290 with the maximum width of the preset specification roll paper. .

  If the control unit 50 determines that the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 is the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance or is equal to the maximum width, step S350. Go to In step S350, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the loaded roll paper P because the possibility of problems such as image noise occurring in the subsequent printing process is low.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 is smaller than the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S360.

  If, at step S360, the control unit 50 uses the roll paper P having a narrow width at this stage, the control unit 50 uses a roll paper wider than the width of the currently mounted roll paper P in the subsequent printing process. The operation display unit 360 displays a warning screen indicating that it is impossible to Further, at this time, the control unit 50 is a selection button for selecting whether to permit printing in a state in which the current roll paper P is not replaced or to discontinue printing in a state in which the current roll paper P is not replaced. Is displayed on the warning screen.

  In step S370, when the selection button indicating permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S350. In step S350, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the current roll paper P. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 returns to step S320. In this case, the user loads the image forming system 100 with a roll paper P having a width different from that of the current roll paper P, for example, the maximum width.

  On the other hand, when the fuse of fuser 330 is broken or the counter reset is not reset to zero, for example, at step S310, control unit 50 determines that attached fuser 330 is old and proceeds to step S380. .

  In step S380, the control unit 50 reads out and acquires the width of the last roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100 before changing to a new roll paper P from the table of the storage unit 380. When the final roll paper P is loaded, it is assumed that the fixing unit 330 loaded this time is used.

  In step S390, a new roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100. In step S400, the first detection unit 290 detects the end in the width direction of the roll paper P loaded in the image forming system 100. The control unit 50 obtains the width of the roll paper P from the end information of the roll paper P detected by the first detection unit 290.

  In step S410, the control unit 50 compares the width of the final roll paper P with the width of the loaded roll paper P. Specifically, the control unit 50 compares the “width W 2 −2α” based on the final roll paper P with the “width W 3 ± β” of the loaded roll paper P (see FIG. 3).

  When the “width W3 ± β” of the loaded roll paper P overlaps with “width W2-2α” based on the final roll paper P, the control unit 50 determines that the width W3 of the loaded roll paper P is the final roll paper Since it is smaller than the width W2 of P and within the range of the target value (target), the process proceeds to step S350. In step S350, since the control unit 50 is unlikely to generate image noise and the like on the loaded roll paper P due to scratches and glue of the fixing roller etc. due to the end of the final roll paper P, the loaded roll paper P is low. Execute print processing for.

  Further, in step S410, when the “width W2-2α” based on the final roll paper P is larger than the “width W3 ± β” of the loading roll paper P in step S410, the width W3 of the loading roll paper P is the final roll. Although the width is smaller than the width W2 of the paper P, it falls below the target value (target range). In this case, the process proceeds to step S420.

  If printing is performed in this state in step S420, the roll paper P wider than the width of the loaded roll paper P can not be used in the subsequent jobs, so that the roll that satisfies the above-described target value A warning screen for recommending replacement of the paper P is displayed on the operation display unit 360. Further, at this time, the control unit 50 is a selection button for selecting whether to permit printing in a state in which the loaded roll paper P is not replaced or to discontinue printing in a state in which the loaded roll paper P is not replaced. Is displayed on the warning screen.

  In step S430, when the selection button indicating permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S350. In step S350, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the loaded roll paper P. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 returns to step S390. In this case, a roll paper P having a width different from the loaded roll paper P, for example, the target value, is loaded by the user into the image forming system 100, and the above-described process is repeatedly performed.

  Further, in step S410, when the “width W2-2α” based on the final roll paper P is smaller than the “width W3 ± β” of the loading roll paper P in step S410, the width W3 of the loading roll paper P is the final roll. Although this is less than the width W2 of the paper P, it may exceed the target value (target range) or the width W3 of the loaded roll paper P may become equal to or more than the width W2 of the final roll paper P. The process proceeds to step S440.

  Since the control unit 50 executes printing in this state in step S440, there is a high possibility that loading noise may be generated on the loaded roll paper P due to scratches or glue on the fixing roller etc. caused by the end of the final roll paper P. The operation display unit 360 displays a warning screen to the effect that replacement is recommended to use the roll paper P satisfying the target value. The control unit 50 also displays a warning button for selecting whether to permit printing without replacing the loaded roll paper P or to discontinue printing without replacing the loaded roll paper P. Display on.

  In step S430, when the selection button indicating permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S350. In step S350, the control unit 50 executes the printing process on the loaded roll paper P. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 returns to step S390. In this case, the user loads the roll paper P having a width different from that of the loaded roll paper P, for example, the target value, into the image forming system 100, and the above-described process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same function and effect as those of the first and second embodiments described above can be obtained. When the replaced fixing unit 330 is old, printing is performed in consideration of scratches and glue caused by the previous use of the roll paper P. Therefore, image noise and the like caused by the scratches and glue of the fixing unit 330 You can definitely prevent the problem.

Fourth Embodiment
In the fourth embodiment, the change instruction of the roll paper P is performed in consideration of the loading condition of the roll paper P and the remaining amount of the roll paper P. The other configuration and the like of the image forming system 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are given to the common components, and the detailed description will be omitted.

[Operation Example of Image Forming System 100]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 when printing is performed based on the replacement of the fixing unit 330, the loading status of roll paper, and the remaining amount of roll paper P. The detailed description of the processing common to the second embodiment is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in step S500, the control unit 50 detects the fixing unit 330 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 302.

  In step S510, the control unit 50 determines whether the fixing unit 330 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 302 is new. For example, when the fuse of the fixing unit 330 is broken or the counter reset is not reset to zero, the control unit 50 determines that the mounted fixing unit 330 is old, and proceeds to step S530. In step S530, the control unit 50 performs a printing process on the loaded roll paper P.

  On the other hand, when the fuse of the fixing unit 330 is not blown or the counter reset is reset to zero, for example, the control unit 50 determines that the mounted fixing unit 330 is new, and proceeds to step S520.

  In step S520, the control unit 50 checks the loading condition and remaining amount of the roll paper P, and performs processing for prompting replacement of the roll paper P according to the situation. FIG. 8 shows a subroutine of step S520. As shown in FIG. 8, in step S600, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the roll paper P is detected by the first detection unit 290 of the paper feeding device 200. That is, it is determined whether or not the roll paper P is loaded in the sheet feeding device 200. If the control unit 50 determines that the roll paper P is not detected by the first detection unit 290, the process proceeds to step S610.

  In step S610, since the roll paper P is not yet loaded in the paper feeding device 200, the control unit 50 displays on the operation display unit 360 a warning screen that recommends loading the roll paper P with the maximum width into the image forming system 100. Display. This is because, at this stage, the loading operation of the roll paper P is not in progress, and therefore the burden on the user does not increase even if the roll paper P is replaced. In addition, image noise can be reliably prevented in the subsequent printing.

  In step S <b> 620, the roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100 by the user based on the warning screen displayed on the operation display unit 360. If the width of the roll paper P intended to be loaded by the user is not the maximum width, the roll paper P with the maximum width is loaded into the image forming system 100 by the user. When the user prepares the roll paper P having the maximum width, the roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100 as it is. When the roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100, the process proceeds to step S530 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the roll paper P is detected by the first detection unit 290, in step S630, the control unit 50 determines whether the roll paper P is detected by the second detection unit 390 of the image forming apparatus 300. . When the roll paper P is not detected by the second detection unit 390, that is, when the roll paper P is not loaded up to the second detection unit 390 of the image forming apparatus 300, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S640.

  In step S640, the control unit 50 compares the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the paper feeding device 200 detected by the first detection unit 290 with the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance. . If the control unit 50 determines that the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 is the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance or is equal to the maximum width, the subsequent printing is performed. Since the possibility of problems such as image noise occurring in the process is low, the process advances to step S530 shown in FIG. 7 to execute print processing.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the width of the roll paper P currently loaded in the image forming system 100 is not the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S610. In step S610, the control unit 50 causes the operation display unit 360 to display a warning screen that recommends loading the roll paper P having the maximum width into the image forming system 100. This is because the roll paper P has been loaded at least up to the paper feeding device 200, and the removal work of the roll paper P occurs, but if it is replaced with the roll paper P having the maximum width, the image noise generated in the subsequent printing process It is because the merit is large when it considers.

  In step S <b> 620, the roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100 based on the warning screen displayed on the operation display unit 360. In this case, the loading operation of the roll paper P with the maximum width is performed by the user.

  On the other hand, when the roll paper P is detected by the second detection unit 390 in step S630, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S650. In step S650, the control unit 50 determines whether the roll paper P is detected by the third detection unit 490 of the paper discharge device 400. When the roll paper P is not detected by the third detection unit 490, that is, when the roll paper P is not loaded up to the third detection unit 490 of the paper discharge device 400, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S660.

  In step S660, the control unit 50 compares the width of the currently loaded roll paper P with the maximum width of the preset specification roll paper. If the control unit 50 determines that the width of the currently loaded roll paper P is the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance or is equal to the maximum width, image noise and the like in the subsequent printing process Is unlikely to occur, the process advances to step S530 shown in FIG. 7 to execute print processing.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines in step S660 that the width of the currently loaded roll paper P is not the maximum width of the preset specification roll paper, the remaining amount of the roll paper P shown in FIG. The process proceeds to step S 670 for confirming Also, in the case where the roll paper P is detected by the third detection unit 490 in step S650, the process also proceeds to step S670.

  FIG. 9 shows a subroutine for confirming the remaining amount of roll paper P in step S670 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S700, the control unit 50 reads the remaining amount of roll paper P. The remaining amount of the roll paper P can be calculated by using parameters such as, for example, the diameter of the wound roll paper P, the diameter of the shaft (core), the total length of the roll paper P, and the thickness of the roll paper P. Note that the method of calculating the remaining amount of roll paper P is not limited to the method described above, and other known methods can also be adopted.

  In step S710, the control unit 50 determines whether the remaining amount of roll paper P is equal to or less than a preset threshold (reference remaining amount). The threshold can be set arbitrarily by the user, and is set to, for example, a fraction of the total length of the roll paper P.

  If the control unit 50 determines that the remaining amount of the roll paper P is equal to or less than a preset threshold, the control unit 50 executes the printing process as it is without displaying a warning screen which recommends replacement of the roll paper P. This is because, since the remaining amount of the roll paper P is small, the influence of the image noise can be minimized even if printing is performed. Also, in this case, the burden on the user who replaces the roll paper P is greater.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the remaining amount of the roll paper P exceeds the preset threshold, the process proceeds to step S720, and the roll paper P having the maximum width (recommended size) is loaded into the image forming system 100. Is displayed on the operation display unit 360. This is because the remaining amount of the roll paper P is large, and image noise continues to occur in the subsequent printing, and the disadvantage becomes larger than the operation load when replacing the roll paper P. At this time, the control unit 50 warns a selection button for selecting whether to permit printing without replacing the current roll paper P or to discontinue printing without replacing the current roll paper P. Display on screen.

  In step S730, when the selection button indicating permission for printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S530 illustrated in FIG. 7 and executes the printing process. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S740. In step S740, the roll paper P having a width different from that of the current roll paper P, for example, the maximum width, is loaded into the image forming system 100 by the user.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, for example, when loading of the roll paper P is hardly advanced, an instruction to load the roll paper P of the maximum width size is given, so that the image noise And the like can be reliably prevented. On the other hand, when the loading of the roll paper P is in progress or is completed, no instruction is given to recommend replacing the roll paper P, so some image noise may occur, but the user's workload is increased. You can receive the merit of being able to reduce it.

  Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, for example, when the remaining amount of loaded roll paper P is small, there is no instruction to recommend replacement of the roll paper P, so some image noise is generated. However, it is possible to receive the advantage of being able to reduce the load of the user for loading the roll paper P. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the loaded roll paper P is large, an instruction to replace the roll paper P is given in consideration of the influence of the image noise which continues to occur thereafter, so that the generation of the image noise is ensured. It can prevent.

Fifth Embodiment
In the fifth embodiment, after determining whether or not the loaded roll paper P has the maximum width, the roll paper P replacement instruction is performed in consideration of the remaining amount of the roll paper P. The other configuration and the like of the image forming system 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are given to the common components, and the detailed description will be omitted.

[Operation Example of Image Forming System 100]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 when both the width of the roll paper P and the remaining amount of the loaded roll paper P are taken into consideration. The detailed description of the processing common to the processing described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9 will be omitted. In the following description, it is assumed that the new fixing unit 330 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 302.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in step S800, a new roll paper P is loaded into the image forming system 100.

  In step S810, the first detection unit 290 detects an end portion of the loaded roll paper P in the width direction. The control unit 50 obtains the width of the roll paper P from the end information of the roll paper P detected by the first detection unit 290.

  In step S820, the control unit 50 compares the width of the currently loaded roll paper P detected by the first detection unit 290 with the maximum width of the preset specification roll paper. If the control unit 50 determines that the width of the currently loaded roll paper P is the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance or is equal to the maximum width, the process proceeds to step S830. In step S 830, the control unit 50 executes the printing process because the possibility of problems such as image noise occurring in the subsequent printing process is low.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines in step S820 that the width of the currently loaded roll paper P is not the maximum width of the specification roll paper set in advance, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S840. In step S840, the control unit 50 reads the remaining amount of roll paper P.

  In step S850, the control unit 50 determines whether the remaining amount of roll paper P is equal to or less than a preset threshold (reference remaining amount). If the control unit 50 determines that the remaining amount of the roll paper P is equal to or less than a preset threshold, the control unit 50 executes the printing process as it is without displaying a warning screen which recommends replacement of the roll paper P. This is because, since the remaining amount of the roll paper P is small, the influence of the image noise can be minimized even if printing is performed. Also, in this case, the burden on the user who replaces the roll paper P is greater.

  On the other hand, when control unit 50 determines in step S850 that the remaining amount of roll paper P exceeds a preset threshold, it proceeds to step S860. In step S860, the control unit 50 causes the operation display unit 360 to display a warning screen that recommends loading the roll paper P having the maximum width (recommended size) into the image forming system 100. This is because the remaining amount of the roll paper P is large, and image noise continues to occur in the subsequent printing, and the disadvantage becomes larger than the operation load when replacing the roll paper P. Further, at this time, the control unit 50 warns a selection button for selecting whether to permit printing in a state in which the current roll paper P is not replaced or to discontinue printing in a state in which the roll paper P is not replaced. Display on screen.

  In step S870, when the selection button indicating permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S830 and executes printing processing. On the other hand, when the selection button indicating non-permission of printing is selected on the warning screen, the control unit 50 returns to step S800. In this case, the user loads the roll paper P having a width different from that of the current roll paper P, for example, the maximum width, into the image forming system 100, and the above-described processing is repeatedly performed.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment and the like can be obtained, and image noise and the like caused by scratches and glue of the fixing unit 330 can be obtained. You can definitely prevent the problem.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the execution order of the operations and steps in the system and apparatus disclosed in the present specification can be realized in any order, as long as the output of the previous process is not used in the later process. For example, in the embodiment described above, an example in which label paper is used as continuous paper has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to the case where continuous paper other than label paper is used. it can. Further, in the embodiment described above, the warning of the replacement of the roll paper P is given on the screen of the operation display unit 360, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a voice output unit may be provided as a notification unit, and the user may be warned that the roll paper P should be replaced using voice or the like.

50 control unit 100 image forming system 290 first detection unit 300 image forming apparatus 302 image forming apparatus main body 320 image forming unit 330 fixing unit 360 operation display unit (notification unit)
380 Storage P Roll paper (continuous paper)

Claims (5)

An image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper;
A fixing unit that performs a fixing process on the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
A storage unit configured to store a first width in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction of conveyance directions of continuous paper loaded in the image forming apparatus main body;
When a continuous sheet different from the continuous sheet is loaded in the image forming apparatus main body, the second width of the continuous sheet in the second direction is acquired, and the continuous sheet stored in the storage unit The first width is compared with the acquired second width of the continuous paper, and printing is permitted if the second width is less than the first width, and the second width is the same as the first width. A control unit that controls a notification unit to check the continuous paper loaded in the image forming apparatus main body when the first width is exceeded;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit sets a target width less than the first width as a third width, and provides a predetermined range on at least one of the inner side and the outer side with respect to the end of the second width. In the case where the second width including the range overlaps the third width, printing is permitted, and the second width including the range does not overlap the third width on the image forming apparatus main body The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is controlled to confirm the loaded continuous paper. An image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper;
A fixing unit configured to perform fixing processing on the continuous sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and to be replaceable with respect to an image forming apparatus main body;
When the fixing unit mounted on the image forming apparatus main body is new, and the second in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the conveyance direction of the continuous paper loaded on the image forming apparatus main body Printing is permitted when the width of the reference roll sheet is the maximum width of the reference roll sheet, and the fixing section mounted on the image forming apparatus main body is new when the continuous section is loaded on the image forming apparatus main body A control unit that controls a notification unit to check the continuous paper loaded in the image forming apparatus main body when the second width in the second direction of the second direction is not the maximum width of the reference roll paper;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes contents to be notified according to a loading condition of the continuous paper loaded in the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes the content to be notified according to the remaining amount of the continuous paper.

Images