JP2004179788A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming system capable of reducing downtime due to maintenance and improving overall productivity of the entire system.
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus main body, and a folding device, a bookbinding device, and a finisher connected thereto. In this image forming system, when one job is completed among a plurality of jobs managed in the registered order, it is determined whether a processing module used in a job next to the job is operable. Then, it is determined whether or not the next job is executable. If it is determined that the next job is executable, the next job is executed, and it is determined that the next job is not executable. In this case, the next job determined not to be executable is skipped.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming system that includes a plurality of processing modules that perform different operations and that can perform maintenance of processing modules that are not used during execution of a job among the plurality of processing modules.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is connected to a post-processing device such as a finisher, and can perform various post-processings desired by a user, such as a bundle discharge process, a binding process, a folding process, and a bookbinding process. A system is provided. Here, in order to enable all post-processing required by the user, such as bundle discharge processing, binding processing, folding processing, and bookbinding processing, to be performed by one system, a plurality of post-processing apparatuses that perform each processing exclusively are used for image formation. This can be achieved by connecting the apparatus to a cascade.
[0003]
In such an image forming system, when a user performs a jam clearance process, or when a serviceman performs maintenance such as component replacement, adjustment, and cleaning, an operator such as a user or a serviceman can access the inside of the apparatus. A cover which can be opened and closed is provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus.
[0004]
In the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, after passing a predetermined number of sheets, it is necessary to periodically perform maintenance such as component replacement, adjustment, and cleaning, but in the above-described image forming system, all the sheets are the same. The paper path does not always pass through the paper path, and the paper path through which the paper passes may differ depending on the setting of the user. For example, in the case of the image forming apparatus, the sheet conveyance path is different between the single-sided mode and the double-sided mode, and in the case of the post-processing apparatus, the sheet conveyance path is different among the binding mode, the folding mode, and the bookbinding mode. Therefore, the number of sheets passed on the respective transport paths differs, and the maintenance timing differs depending on each device of the system and each transport path. Also, in the case of maintenance, for example, when replacing parts, even when the number of sheets passed is the same, the number of durable sheets of the parts themselves is different, so that the timing of maintenance differs depending on each device of the system and each transport path. Therefore, it is necessary to perform maintenance for each part of the system at each timing. However, in a system having a conventional configuration, when the corresponding cover is opened for maintenance, it is necessary to stop the entire system. As a result, the downtime of the system due to a part of maintenance increases the downtime, and as a result, lowers the overall productivity of the entire system.
[0005]
In order to avoid such a problem, in the case of a system in which post-processing devices are connected in cascade, in order to perform maintenance of the post-processing device without stopping the entire system, remove only the device to be maintained from the system, It can be moved. However, removing this device requires significant labor, time, and maintenance space, resulting in increased system downtime. Further, with the removal of the apparatus, it is necessary to perform the initialization operation again in order to recognize the connected post-processing apparatus by the control unit that controls the entire system.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-295410 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to cope with the above-mentioned problem, the operation and the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed at the same time as much as possible. Specifically, the device is configured to separate a portion where maintenance is performed from a portion used in the image forming apparatus, and to perform maintenance only on a portion not used for sheet conveyance or the like as an operation of the device, It is conceivable to perform such control.
[0008]
On the other hand, in recent image forming systems, setting of a plurality of jobs can be registered, and operations are often performed sequentially from jobs registered in advance. The same applies to execution of a job on a print server on a network.
[0009]
Therefore, even when the above-described device configuration / control is performed, a problem may occur. For example, if the door of an unused portion of a running job is opened and maintenance is being performed on that location, the job being executed is completed, and the next job that uses the location being maintained is started. It is thought that it is done. In this case, since the part used in the job is open, a normal operation cannot be performed, such as a jam in the next job. At the same time, the operator performing the maintenance cannot recognize the next job itself when starting the maintenance, and determines whether or not the next job uses the location, and whether the next job starts. Care must be taken as to whether or not the maintenance work is completed by this time, which places a heavy burden on the operator. Further, such a burden may cause a decrease in the degree of concentration on the work, and may increase the possibility of a resulting error.
[0010]
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system capable of reducing downtime due to maintenance and improving overall productivity of the entire system.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming system comprising a plurality of processing modules, and capable of performing maintenance of processing modules that are not used during execution of a job among the plurality of processing modules. Determining means for determining whether the next job is executable according to whether the processing module used in the next job is operable; and determining whether the next job is executable by the determining means. Control means for executing the next job if determined to be present, and skipping the next job determined not to be executable if the determination means determines that the next job is not executable; It is characterized by having.
[0012]
In the image forming system, an openable / closable cover for external access is provided for each of the processing modules, and a plurality of open / close detecting means for detecting each open / close of the cover is provided, The determination unit determines whether a processing module used in the next job is operable based on the detection results of the plurality of opening / closing detection units, and the next job can be executed according to the determination result. Or not.
[0013]
In the image forming system, the image forming system further includes a setting unit that sets a processing module that is being maintained among the plurality of processing modules, and the determination unit determines a process to be used in the next job based on the setting of the setting unit. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the module is operable, and it is determined whether or not the next job is executable according to the determination result.
[0014]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system including a plurality of processing modules, wherein the plurality of processing modules are capable of performing maintenance on processing modules that are not used during job execution. Any one of a first mode for skipping non-executable jobs and shifting to the next job, and a second mode for stopping the system without skipping non-executable jobs Selection means for selecting a job, a determination means for determining whether or not the processing module used in the job is operable or not, and a determination whether the job is executed by the determination means If it is determined that the job is executable, the job is executed. If the determination unit determines that the job is not executable, the job is executed by the selection unit. Control means for performing control in accordance with the selected mode, wherein when the first mode is selected, the control means skips the job determined to be unexecutable, and And when the second mode is selected, the system is stopped without skipping the job determined not to be executable.
[0015]
In the image forming system, an openable / closable cover for external access is provided for each of the processing modules, and a plurality of open / close detecting means for detecting each open / close of the cover is provided, The determination unit determines whether a processing module used in the next job is operable based on the detection results of the plurality of opening / closing detection units, and the next job can be executed according to the determination result. Or not.
[0016]
The upper image forming system, further comprising: a setting unit that sets a processing module that is being maintained among the plurality of processing modules in response to a user's input operation, wherein the determining unit is configured to set the processing module based on a setting of the setting unit. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not a processing module used in a job is operable, and it is determined whether or not the next job is executable in accordance with a result of the determination.
[0017]
In the above-described image forming system, the image forming system further includes a job cancel unit for canceling a desired job among the plurality of jobs managed in the registered order. The order of the jobs is advanced.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus main body 10, a folding apparatus 500, a bookbinding apparatus 600, and a finisher 700. The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes an image reader 200 that reads a document image. , A printer 300 and an operation display device 400.
[0021]
The image reader 200 has a document feeder 100 mounted thereon. The document feeder 100 feeds a document set upward on the document tray one sheet at a time in order from the first page to the left, flows on the platen glass 102 from the left through a curved path, passes through the reading position, The sheet is conveyed rightward, and then discharged toward an external discharge tray 112. When the document passes through the scanning reading position on the platen glass 102 from left to right, the document image is read by the scanner unit 104 held at a position corresponding to the scanning reading position. This reading method is a method generally referred to as “flowing original reading”. Specifically, when the document passes the flow reading position, the reading surface of the document is illuminated with the light of the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104, and the reflected light from the document is passed through the mirrors 105, 106, and 107 to the lens. It is led to 108. The light passing through the lens 108 forms an image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 109.
[0022]
By transporting the document so as to pass from the flow reading position from left to right in this manner, the document reading scan in which the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction is the main scanning direction and the transport direction is the sub-scanning direction is performed. Done. That is, when the original passes through the scanning reading position, the original is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction while reading the original image by the image sensor 109 line by line in the main scanning direction, so that the entire original image is read. The image that has been read is converted into image data by the image sensor 109 and output. The image data output from the image sensor 109 is input to the exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 as a video signal after being subjected to predetermined processing in an image signal control unit 202 described later.
[0023]
Also, the original can be read by conveying the original onto the platen glass 102 by the original feeding device 100 and stopping at a predetermined position, and in this state, scanning the scanner unit 104 from left to right. This reading method is a so-called fixed original reading method.
[0024]
When reading a document without using the document feeder 100, the user first lifts the document feeder 100, places the document on the platen glass 102, and scans the scanner unit 104 from left to right. To read the original. That is, when reading a document without using the document feeder 100, fixed document reading is performed.
[0025]
The exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 modulates and outputs a laser beam based on the input video signal, and irradiates the laser beam onto the photosensitive drum 111 while being scanned by the polygon mirror 110a. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the scanned laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 111. Here, the exposure controller 110 outputs a laser beam so that a correct image (an image that is not a mirror image) is formed at the time of fixed reading of a document.
[0026]
The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111 is visualized as a developer image by the developer supplied from the developing device 113. Further, paper is fed from each of the cassettes 114 and 115, the manual paper feeding unit 125, or the double-sided conveyance path 124 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, and the paper is fed between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116. Transported to The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred onto a sheet fed by the transfer unit 116.
[0027]
The sheet on which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 117, and the fixing unit 117 fixes the developer image on the sheet by heat-pressing the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is discharged from the printer 300 to the outside (folding device 500) via the flapper 121 and the discharge roller 118.
[0028]
Here, when the sheet is discharged with its image forming surface facing down (face down), the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is once guided into the reversing path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121, and the trailing edge of the sheet is discharged. After the sheet passes through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and discharged from the printer 300 by the discharge roller 118. Hereinafter, this paper discharge mode is referred to as reverse paper discharge. This reverse ejection is performed when forming an image read from the first page, such as when forming an image read using the document feeder 100 or when forming an image output from a computer. The sheet order after the ejection is the correct page order.
[0029]
Also, when a hard sheet such as an OHP sheet is fed from the manual feed unit 125 and an image is formed on the sheet, the image forming surface faces upward without leading the sheet to the reversing path 122 (face-up). ), The sheet is discharged by the discharge roller 118.
[0030]
Further, when double-sided recording in which image formation is performed on both sides of a sheet is set, the sheet is guided to a reversing path 122 by a switching operation of the flapper 121, and then is conveyed to a two-sided conveyance path 124, and is guided to the two-sided conveyance path 124. Control is performed to feed the cut sheet again between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116 at the timing described above.
[0031]
The sheet discharged from the printer 300 is sent to the folding device 500. The folding device 500 performs a process of folding a sheet into a Z shape. For example, when a folding process is designated for an A3 size or B4 size sheet, the folding device 400 performs the folding process. Otherwise, the paper discharged from the printer 300 passes through the folding device 500, The document is sent to the bookbinding device 600 and further to the finisher 700. The bookbinding apparatus 600 folds the sheet in half and performs a closing process. The finisher 700 performs various processes such as a binding process.
[0032]
Next, the configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming system of FIG.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, the controller has a CPU circuit unit 150. The CPU circuit unit 150 includes a CPU (not shown), a ROM 151, and a RAM 152, and each block 101 is controlled by a control program stored in the ROM 151. , 201, 202, 209, 301, 401, 501, 601, and 701 are generally controlled. The RAM 152 temporarily stores control data and is used as a work area for arithmetic processing associated with control.
[0034]
The document feeder control unit 101 controls the drive of the document feeder 100 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 150. The image reader control unit 201 performs drive control on the above-described scanner unit 104, image sensor 109, and the like, and transfers an analog image signal output from the image sensor 109 to the image signal control unit 202.
[0035]
After converting the analog image signal from the image sensor 109 into a digital signal, the image signal control unit 202 performs various processes, converts the digital signal into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the printer control unit 301. The digital image signal input from the computer 210 via the external I / F 209 is subjected to various processes, and the digital image signal is converted into a video signal and output to the printer control unit 301. The processing operation of the image signal control unit 202 is controlled by the CPU circuit unit 150. The printer control unit 301 drives the above-described exposure control unit 110 based on the input video signal.
[0036]
The operation display device control unit 401 exchanges information between the operation display device 400 (shown in FIG. 1) and the CPU circuit unit 150. Here, as will be described later, the operation display device 400 includes a plurality of keys for setting various functions related to image formation, a display unit for displaying information indicating a setting state, and the like. A key signal corresponding to operation of each key of the operation display device 400 is output to the CPU circuit unit 150 via the operation display device control unit 401. Further, the operation display device control unit 401 performs control to display corresponding information on the display unit of the operation display device 400 based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 150.
[0037]
The folding device control unit 501 is mounted on the folding device 500, and controls the driving of the entire folding device by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150.
[0038]
The bookbinding apparatus control unit 601 is mounted on the bookbinding apparatus 600, and controls driving of the entire bookbinding apparatus by exchanging information with the CPU circuit 150.
[0039]
The finisher control unit 701 is mounted on the finisher 700, and performs drive control of the entire finisher by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150. The details of this control will be described later.
[0040]
Next, configurations of the folding device 500, the bookbinding device 600, and the finisher 700 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the folding device 500, the bookbinding device 600, and the finisher 700 of FIG.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 3, the folding device 500 has a folding conveyance horizontal path 502 for introducing the paper discharged from the printer 300 and guiding the paper to the bookbinding device 600 side. A transport roller pair 503 and a transport roller pair 504 are provided on the folding transport horizontal path 502. A folding path selection flapper 510 is provided at the exit of the folding transport horizontal path 502 (on the bookbinding apparatus 600 side). The folding path selection flapper 510 performs a switching operation for guiding the sheet on the folding conveyance horizontal path 502 to the folding path 520 or the bookbinding apparatus 600 side.
[0042]
Here, when performing the folding process, the folding path selection flapper 510 is turned on, and the sheet is guided to the folding path 520. The sheet guided to the folding path 520 is guided to the folding path 522, and the leading end is transported to reach the first folding stopper 525. After that, the sheet is guided to the folding path 523 by the folding roller 521, and at the same time, a part that is 1/4 from the end is folded and conveyed until the end reaches the second folding stopper 526. Further, the sheet is guided to the folding path 524 by the folding roller 521, and at the same time, the sheet central portion is folded and folded into a Z shape. On the other hand, when the folding process is not performed, the folding path selection flapper 510 is turned off, and the sheet is directly sent from the printer 300 to the bookbinding apparatus 600 via the folding transport horizontal path 502.
[0043]
The bookbinding apparatus 600 has a bookbinding conveyance horizontal path 612 for introducing the sheet discharged through the folding apparatus 500 and guiding the sheet to the finisher 700 side. On the bookbinding transport horizontal path 612, transport roller pairs 602, 603, and 604 are provided. A bookbinding path selection flapper 610 is provided at the entrance of the bookbinding transport horizontal path 612 (on the folding device 500 side). The bookbinding path selection flapper 610 performs a switching operation for guiding the paper on the bookbinding conveyance horizontal path 612 to the bookbinding path 611 or the finisher 700 side.
[0044]
Here, when performing the bookbinding process, the bookbinding path selection flapper 610 is turned on, and the sheet is guided to the bookbinding path 611. The sheet guided to the bookbinding path 611 is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 605 until the leading end of the sheet comes into contact with the movable sheet positioning member 625. Two pairs of staplers 615 are provided at an intermediate position of the bookbinding path 611, and the stapler 615 is configured to close the center of the sheet bundle in cooperation with the anvil 616 opposed thereto.
[0045]
A folding roller pair 620 is provided downstream of the stapler 615. A projecting member 621 is provided at a position facing the folding roller pair 620. By projecting the protruding member 621 toward the sheet bundle stored in the bookbinding path 611, the sheet bundle is pushed out between the folding roller pair 620, and is folded by the folding roller pair 620. Is discharged.
[0046]
When folding the sheet bundle bound by the stapler 615, the positioning member 625 is lowered by a predetermined distance so that the staple position of the sheet bundle is at the center of the folding roller pair 620 after the stapling process is completed.
[0047]
On the other hand, when the bookbinding process is not performed, the bookbinding path selection flapper 610 is turned off, and the sheet is sent from the folding device 500 to the finisher 700 via the bookbinding transport horizontal path 612.
[0048]
The finisher 700 sequentially takes in the sheets discharged via the folding apparatus 500 and the bookbinding apparatus 600, aligns the plurality of taken-in sheets and binds them into one bundle, and staples the rear end of the bundled sheet bundle with staples. It performs post-processing of each sheet, such as processing, sorting, and non-sorting.
[0049]
The finisher 700 has an inlet roller pair 702 for guiding the paper discharged from the printer 300 via the folding device 500 and the bookbinding device 600 to the inside. The sheet conveyed by the pair of entrance rollers 702 is guided to the finisher path 711. Downstream of the finisher path 711, a switching flapper 710 is arranged. The switching flapper 710 is a flapper for leading to the non-sort path 712 or the sort path 713.
[0050]
When performing the non-sort processing, the switching flapper 710 is turned on, and the sheet is led to the non-sort path 712. Then, the sheet is discharged onto the sample tray 721 via a pair of transport rollers 706 and a pair of non-sort discharge rollers 703 provided on the non-sort path 712.
[0051]
On the other hand, when performing the stapling process or the sorting process, the switching flapper 710 is turned off, and the sheet is guided to the sort path 713. The sheets guided to the sort path 713 are stacked on the intermediate tray 730 via the sort discharge roller 704.
[0052]
The sheets stacked on the intermediate tray 630 are subjected to alignment processing, staple processing, and the like as necessary, and then are discharged onto the stack tray 722 by discharge rollers 705a and 705b. A stapler 720 is used for stapling processing for binding sheets stacked in a bundle on the intermediate tray 730. The operation of the stapler 720 will be described later. The stack tray 722 is configured to be able to run in the vertical direction by itself.
[0053]
Next, the configuration of the folding device control unit 501 that drives and controls the folding device 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the folding device control unit in FIG.
[0054]
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the folding device control unit 501 includes a CPU circuit unit 560 including a CPU 561, a ROM 562, a RAM 563, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 560 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 10 via the communication IC 564 to exchange data, and various types of data stored in the ROM 562 based on instructions from the CPU circuit unit 150. The drive of the folding device 500 is controlled by executing the program.
[0055]
When performing this drive control, detection signals from various path sensors S1, S2, and S3 for detecting a delay and a stagnant jam of a sheet being conveyed, and detection signals from the cover open / close detection sensors S4 and S5 are sent to the CPU circuit unit 560. The detection signal is captured. Drivers 565 and 566 are connected to the CPU circuit unit 560, and the driver 565 drives the motor M1 and the solenoid SL1 of the transport processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 560, and the driver 566 responds to a signal from the CPU circuit unit 560. Then, the motors M2 and M3 of the folding processing module are driven.
[0056]
Here, as the transport processing module, there is a horizontal path transport motor M1 which is a driving source of the transport roller pairs 503 and 504, and a solenoid SL1 which switches the path switching flapper 510. The folding processing module includes a folding motor M2 which is a driving source of the folding roller 521, and a folding path transport motor M3 which is a driving source of the transport rollers 527 and 528.
[0057]
The cover opening / closing detection sensor S4 is a sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover 551, which will be described later. When the cover 551 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the cover opening / closing detection sensor S4, the power of the driver 565 is turned off. Then, the driving of the transport processing module is forcibly stopped. At the same time, the power of the driver 566 is turned off, and the driving of the folding module is forcibly stopped.
[0058]
The cover open / close detection sensor S5 is a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a cover 552 described later. It is turned off, and the driving of the folding processing module is forcibly stopped.
[0059]
Further, a transport cover lock solenoid SL2 and a fold cover lock solenoid SL3 for restricting opening and closing of each cover 551, 552 are provided.
[0060]
Next, the configuration of the bookbinding device control unit 601 that controls the drive of the bookbinding device 600 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the bookbinding device control unit of FIG.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 5, the bookbinding device control unit 601 includes a CPU circuit unit 660 including a CPU 661, a ROM 662, a RAM 663, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 660 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 10 via the communication IC 664 to exchange data, and various types of data stored in the ROM 662 based on instructions from the CPU circuit unit 150. The drive of the bookbinding apparatus 600 is controlled by executing the program.
[0062]
When performing this drive control, detection signals from the various path sensors S1, S2, and S3 and detection signals from the cover open / close detection sensors S4, S5, and S6 are taken into the CPU circuit section 660. Drivers 665, 666, and 667 are connected to the CPU circuit unit 660. The driver 665 drives the motor M1 and the solenoid SL1 of the transport processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 660, and the driver 666 receives a signal from the CPU circuit unit 660. The motors M2, M3, and M5 of the bookbinding processing module are driven based on the signal, and the driver 667 drives the motor M4 of the stacking processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 660.
[0063]
Here, as the transport processing module, there is a horizontal path transport motor M1 which is a drive source of the transport roller pairs 602, 603, 604, and a solenoid SL1 which switches the path switching flapper 610. Further, the bookbinding processing module includes a folding motor M2 which is a driving source of the folding roller 620, a folding path transport motor M5 which is a driving source of the transport roller 605, and a positioning motor M3 which is a driving source of the sheet positioning member 625. Further, as a stacking processing module, there is a tray elevating motor M4 which is a driving source of the bookbinding discharge tray 630. Further, the cover opening / closing detection sensor S4 is a sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover 651 described later, the cover opening / closing detection sensor S5 is a sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover 652 described later, and the cover opening / closing detection sensor S6 is a cover opening / closing sensor S6 described later. 653 is a sensor for detecting opening / closing.
[0064]
The cover open / close detection sensor S4 is a sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover 651 described later. When the cover 651 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the cover open / close detection sensor S4, the power of the driver 665 is turned off. Then, at the same time as the driving of the transport processing module is forcibly stopped, the power of the drivers 666 and 667 is turned off, and all the driving of the bookbinding apparatus 600 is forcibly stopped.
[0065]
The cover opening / closing detection sensor S5 is a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a cover 652, which will be described later. When the cover 652 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the cover opening / closing detection sensor S5, the power of the driver 666 is turned off. Then, the driving of the bookbinding processing module is forcibly stopped.
[0066]
The cover opening / closing detection sensor S6 is a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a cover 653 described later. When the cover 653 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the cover opening / closing detection sensor S5, the power of the driver 667 is turned off. Then, the driving of the stack processing module is forcibly stopped.
[0067]
Further, a transport cover lock solenoid SL2, a fold cover lock solenoid SL3, and a take-out cover lock solenoid SL4 for restricting opening and closing of each cover 651, 652, 653 are provided.
[0068]
Next, the configuration of the finisher control unit 701 that controls the driving of the finisher 700 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the finisher control unit of FIG.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 6, the finisher control unit 701 has a CPU circuit unit 760 including a CPU 761, a ROM 762, a RAM 763, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 760 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 10 via the communication IC 764 to perform data exchange, and various types of data stored in the ROM 762 based on instructions from the CPU circuit unit 150. The drive of the finisher 700 is controlled by executing the program.
[0070]
When performing this drive control, detection signals from the various path sensors S1, S2, and S3 and detection signals from the cover open / close detection sensors S4, S5, and S6 are taken into the CPU circuit section 760. Drivers 765, 766, 767, and 768 are connected to the CPU circuit section 760. The driver 765 drives the motor M1 and the solenoid SL1 of the transport processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit section 760, and the driver 766 is connected to the CPU circuit section 760. The driver 767 drives the motors M3 and M5 of the sort sheet discharge processing module based on the signal from the CPU circuit section 760 based on the signal from the CPU 760, and the driver 767 drives the motor M3 and M5 based on the signal from the CPU circuit section 760. Drives the motor M4 of the loading module based on the signal from
[0071]
Here, as the transport processing module, there are a transport motor M1 which is a drive source of the entrance roller pair 702, and a solenoid SL1 which switches the path switching flapper 710. As the non-sort discharge processing module, there are a discharge roller M2 which is a driving source of the transport roller pair 706 and the non-sort discharge roller 703. The sort processing module includes a sort discharge motor M5 which is a drive source of the sort discharge roller 704, and a bundle transport motor M3 which is a drive source of the bundle discharge rollers 705a and 705b. As a stacking processing module, there is a tray elevating motor M4 which is a driving source of the stack tray 722. The transport motor M1, the non-sort discharge motor M2, and the sort discharge motor M5 are composed of stepping motors. By controlling an excitation pulse rate, a pair of rollers driven by each motor can be rotated at a constant speed or at a unique speed. Or you can. The bundle transport motor M3 is a DC motor.
[0072]
The cover open / close detection sensor S4 is a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a cover 751 described later. When the cover 751 is detected to be in an open state by a detection signal from the cover open / close detection sensor S4, the power of the driver 765 is turned off. Then, at the same time as the driving of the transport processing module is forcibly stopped, the power of the drivers 766, 767, and 768 is turned off, and all the driving of the finisher 700 is forcibly stopped.
[0073]
The cover opening / closing detection sensor S5 is a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a cover 752 described later. When the cover 752 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the cover opening / closing detection sensor S5, the power of the driver 766 is turned off. Then, only the driving of the non-sort processing module is forcibly stopped.
[0074]
The cover opening / closing detection sensor S6 is a sensor for detecting opening / closing of a cover 753 described below. When the cover 753 is detected to be in an open state by a detection signal from the cover opening / closing detection sensor S5, the power of the driver 767 is turned off. Then, only the driving of the sort processing module is forcibly stopped.
[0075]
Further, a transport cover lock solenoid SL2, a non-sort cover lock solenoid SL3, and a sort cover lock solenoid SL4 for restricting opening and closing of each cover 751, 752, 753 are provided.
[0076]
Next, a state in which the outer covers of the folding device 500, the bookbinding device 600, and the finisher 700 are opened and the corresponding module is taken out will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of the outer covers of the folding device 500, the bookbinding device 600, and the finisher 700. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams schematically illustrating a state in which the cover of the bookbinding device 600 is opened and the corresponding module is pulled out. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the covers of the folding device 500 and the finisher 700 are opened and the corresponding modules are pulled out.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 7, the folding device 500 includes a cover 551 that covers a horizontal path portion including the folding transport horizontal path 502 and a cover 552 that covers a folding processing unit including the folding path 520 and the folding roller 521. Is provided. The cover 551 and the cover 552 can be opened and closed independently of each other, and these are opened and closed at the time of a jam clearance or at the time of maintenance such as component replacement, cleaning, and adjustment. Opening and closing of each of the covers 551 and 552 is detected by the above-described cover opening and closing detection sensor. Each of the covers 551 and 552 is provided with an opening / closing lock mechanism (shown in FIG. 11) described later. Here, when the cover 552 is opened, the folding processing unit 540 can be pulled out of the machine as shown in FIG.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 7, the bookbinding apparatus 600 has a cover 651 covering a bookbinding horizontal path unit including a bookbinding horizontal transfer path 612, a cover 652 covering a bookbinding processing unit including a bookbinding path 611, and a cover 652. A cover 653 is provided. The cover 651 and the cover 652 can be opened and closed independently of each other, and these are opened and closed at the time of a jam clearance or at the time of maintenance such as component replacement, cleaning, and adjustment. Further, the cover 653 can be opened and closed independently of the cover 652, and is opened and closed when taking out the sheet bundle after the bookbinding process discharged onto the bookbinding discharge tray 630 outside the apparatus. Opening / closing of each of the covers 651, 652, 653 is detected by the cover open / close detection sensor described above. Each of the covers 651 and 652 is provided with an opening / closing lock mechanism (not shown) as described later.
[0079]
Here, when the cover 651 of the bookbinding apparatus 600 is opened, the bookbinding transport horizontal path 612, the binding path selection flapper 610, and the transport roller pairs 602, 603, and 604 can be accessed from outside the machine as shown in FIG. become. The bookbinding path 611 is divided into an upper part 611a provided in the bookbinding horizontal path part and a lower part 611b provided in the bookbinding processing part. The upper part 611a of the bookbinding path 611 can be accessed by opening the cover 651 of the bookbinding apparatus 600. become. When the cover 652 is opened, the modularized bookbinding processing unit 640 including the lower part 611b of the bookbinding path 611 can be pulled out along the slide rail 641 as shown in FIG. When the bookbinding processing unit 640 is pulled out, the lower part 611b of the bookbinding path 611 and the transport roller pair 605, stapler 615, folding roller 620, and the like disposed downstream thereof can be accessed.
[0080]
As shown in FIG. 7, the finisher 700 is provided with a cover 751 covering the finisher path 711, a cover 752 covering the non-sort path 712, and a cover 753 covering the staple processing unit including the stapler 720. Each of the covers 751, 752, and 753 can be opened and closed independently, and these can be opened and closed at the time of a jam clearance or at the time of maintenance such as component replacement, cleaning, and adjustment. Opening / closing of each cover 751, 752, 753 is detected by the above-mentioned cover open / close detection sensor. Each of the covers 751, 752, and 753 is provided with an opening / closing lock mechanism (not shown) as described later. Here, when the cover 753 is opened, the sort processing unit 740 can be pulled out of the machine as shown in FIG.
[0081]
Next, a lock mechanism of each cover 551, 552, 651, 652, 751, 752, 753 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 11A and 11B schematically show a lock mechanism of the cover 552 of the folding device 500. FIG. 11A shows a cover unlocked state, and FIG. 11B shows a cover locked state. The lock mechanism of each of the covers 551, 552, 651, 652, 751, 752, and 753 has the same configuration. Here, the cover 552 provided in the folding processing unit of the folding device 500 will be described as an example.
[0082]
As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the cover 552 of the folding device 500 is rotatably supported on a support of the folding device 500 by a hinge 555. The cover 552 is provided with an open / close detection sensor flag 553, and the optical path of the cover open / close detection sensor S5 is opened or closed by the open / close detection sensor flag 553 in accordance with the opening / closing of the cover 552. Thus, the open / closed state of the cover 552 is detected. The cover 552 is provided with a plate 554 having a keyhole into which a hook 557 described later is hooked.
[0083]
A fold cover lock solenoid SL3 for restricting opening and closing of the cover 552 is formed of an electromagnetic solenoid, and a hook 557 is connected to a tip of the solenoid. The hook 557 is held rotatably about a shaft 556 fixed to the device. The hook 557 is pulled by a tension spring 558 in a direction away from a plate 554 provided on the cover 552. When the fold cover lock solenoid SL3 operates, the hook 557 rotates in a direction to be inserted into the keyhole of the plate 554. At this time, if the cover 552 is closed, the hook 557 is hooked in the keyhole of the plate 554, the cover 552 is locked, and the cover 552 cannot be opened. When the folding cover lock solenoid SL3 is turned off, the hook 557 is disengaged from the keyhole by the tension spring 558, and the lock of the cover 552 is released.
[0084]
Next, the arrangement of the exterior cover of the printer 300 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an arrangement of an exterior cover provided on the printer 300 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 of FIG.
[0085]
As shown in FIG. 12, the printer 300 is provided with a cover 352 and a cover 353. The cover 352 is a cover for covering the photosensitive drum 111, the transfer unit 116, the fixing unit 117, the flapper 121, and a transport path for guiding paper to each. Here, the sheet is transported on the transport path when forming an image on one side or both sides. The cover 353 is a cover for covering the two-sided conveyance path 124. The cover 352 and the cover 353 can be opened and closed independently, and these are opened and closed at the time of jam clearance or at the time of maintenance such as component replacement, cleaning, adjustment, and the like. Opening / closing of each of the covers 352 and 353 is detected by a cover opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), similarly to the folding device 500, the bookbinding device 600, and the finisher 700. Each of the covers 352 and 353 is provided with an opening / closing lock mechanism (not shown) similar to that shown in FIG.
[0086]
Here, when the cover 353 is opened, the driver for driving the pair of conveying rollers disposed in the double-sided conveying path 124 is turned off, and the pair of conveying rollers is kept stopped. When the cover 352 is opened, all the driving units of the printer 300 including the driving unit such as the photosensitive drum 111 and the fixing unit 117 covered by the cover 352 and the driving unit covered by the cover 353 are stopped. Therefore, even if the cover 353 is opened for maintenance such as cleaning the rollers in the two-sided conveyance path 124, the image forming operation is not stopped.
[0087]
In this way, by dividing the cover for each conveyance path, it is possible to open and close the cover and perform maintenance of the corresponding processing module in a portion where the sheet is not conveyed even during the image forming operation. Even when maintenance is performed on individual processing modules at the timing, the time during which the system is stopped can be reduced.
[0088]
Each of the covers 551, 552, 651, 652, 751, 752, and 753 is provided with a status display LED for indicating an open / closed state. The arrangement of the status display LEDs will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement of status display LEDs provided on each of the covers 551, 552, 651, 652, 751, 752, and 753.
[0089]
Each of the covers 551 and 552 of the folding device 500 is provided with LEDs 555 and 556 for indicating the open / closed state. Each of the covers 651 and 652 of the bookbinding apparatus 600 is provided with LEDs 655 and 656 for indicating the open / closed state. The covers 751, 752, and 753 of the finisher 700 are provided with LEDs 755, 756, and 757 for indicating the open / closed state, respectively.
[0090]
Further, in the image forming apparatus main body 10, a status display LED 356 that indicates an open / closed state is provided on the cover 353 that covers the double-sided pass unit. However, the cover 352 that covers the image forming unit is always opened and closed during the image forming operation. Therefore, this cover 352 is not provided with a status display LED.
[0091]
The LED provided on each cover indicates whether maintenance is possible during job execution, that is, whether each cover can be opened and closed. When maintenance is possible, the LED is turned off. If maintenance is not possible, the LED is on.
[0092]
Alternatively, LEDs of different colors may be turned on when maintenance is possible and when maintenance is not possible.
[0093]
The display of the status display LED (lighting, extinguishment) is linked with the operation of the lock mechanism described above. When the LED is extinguished (when maintenance is possible), the lock of the cover by the lock mechanism is released, and the cover is unlocked. Can be opened and closed.
[0094]
Next, the operation display device 400 and the operation display device control unit 401 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the operation display device 400 in FIG. 1, FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the operation display device control unit 401 in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a main screen, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu selection screen displayed on the operation display device 400.
[0095]
As shown in FIG. 14, a start key 402 for starting the image forming operation, a stop key 403 for interrupting the image forming operation, and ten keys 404 to 412 and 414 for setting the number are provided as shown in FIG. , An ID key 413, a clear key 415, a reset key 416, a maintenance key 417, etc., and a buzzer 421 for beeping or the like is provided. In addition, a liquid crystal display unit 420 having a touch panel is arranged above the operation display device 400, and soft keys can be created on this screen.
[0096]
As shown in FIG. 15, the operation display device control unit 401 has a CPU circuit unit 460 including a CPU 461, a ROM 462, RAMs 463 and 464, and the like. The RAM 463 stores various data of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 420. The RAM 464 is used as a work area of the CPU 461 or the like. The liquid crystal display unit 420 includes a key input unit 465a using soft keys on a touch panel and a liquid crystal display unit 465b.
[0097]
The CPU circuit section 460 exchanges data by communicating with the CPU circuit section 150 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 10 side, and stores the data in the ROM 462 based on instructions from the CPU circuit section 150 and inputs of various keys 402 to 416 and 465a. The stored various programs are executed, and the screen data stored in the RAM 463 is output to the liquid crystal display unit 465b for display.
[0098]
The image forming system has various post-processing modes such as non-sort (group), sort, staple sort (binding mode), and bookbinding mode. Such setting of the processing mode is performed by an input operation from the operation display device 400. For example, when setting the sort as the post-processing mode, the user selects the “sorter” which is a soft key on the main screen shown in FIG. In response to the selection of the "sorter", a sorter type selection screen shown in FIG. 16B is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 420, and the processing mode is set using this selection screen.
[0099]
Next, an operation screen during maintenance of the image forming system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of an operation screen at the time of maintenance. FIG. 20 shows a state as to whether or not maintenance is possible for each module when the single-sided image forming mode is selected as the processing mode and the sort processing is selected. It is a figure showing an example of a screen.
[0100]
When performing maintenance, first, the maintenance key 417 of the operation display device 400 is pressed by the user. When the maintenance key 417 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 20, the operation display device control unit 401 determines whether each processing module (image forming apparatus main body 10, folding device 500, bookbinding device 600, finisher 700) can be maintained. A module status screen indicating the status of whether or not the module is displayed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 420. The module status screen of FIG. 20 displays whether maintenance is possible, that is, whether the cover that covers each processing module can be opened and closed. Here, the covers that are permitted to be opened are highlighted, and the covers that are prohibited to be opened are shaded.
[0101]
Specifically, a case where maintenance is performed on the folding device 500 during the sorting process in the single-sided image forming mode will be described as an example. In the printer 300, since the single-sided image forming mode is set, the sheet is not conveyed. The cover 353 of the processing module unit is highlighted and the cover 352 of the image forming unit is shaded. In the folding apparatus 500 and the bookbinding apparatus 600, the cover 551 covering the folding transport horizontal path 502 for transporting the image-formed sheet to the finisher 700 and the cover 651 covering the bookbinding transport horizontal path 612 are shaded. The covering cover 552 and the cover 652 covering the bookbinding processing unit 640 are highlighted. In the finisher 700, since sheets are discharged from the finisher path 711 to the intermediate tray 730 and the stack tray 722 via the sort path 713, the covers 751 and 753 are shaded and the cover 752 is highlighted.
[0102]
After confirming the modules that can be maintained from the display screen of FIG. 20, when the user presses the “OK” soft key displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 420 on this screen, the maintenance shown in FIG. A selection screen is displayed. On this maintenance selection screen, all modules requiring maintenance are displayed as a selection menu. When the user presses the corresponding screen position on the selection screen and selects a module to be maintained from the selectable modules (in this example, “folding device” is selected), the maintenance related to the module selected by the user is performed. An item menu selection screen (FIG. 17B) is displayed. When the user selects a maintenance item by pressing the corresponding screen position on the selection screen of FIG. 17B (selects “adjustment” in this example), a detailed selection screen of the maintenance item selected by the user ( FIG. 17C is displayed. On the selection screen of FIG. 17C, when the user presses the corresponding screen position and selects a maintenance item (in this example, “fold roller pressure contact force adjustment” is selected), the maintenance of the selected maintenance item is performed. A setting and execution screen (FIG. 17D) is displayed. When a set value is input on the execution screen of FIG. 17D and an “OK” key is pressed, a desired maintenance is executed and a maintenance execution screen (not shown) is displayed. In this example, the pressing force of the folding roller 620 is automatically adjusted.
[0103]
On the other hand, in the case of maintenance for which the user determines the end of maintenance such as cleaning or replacement, or an item that must be manually adjusted, “cleaning” or “component replacement” is selected on the screen of FIG. Later, a maintenance execution screen (not shown) is displayed. Then, when the maintenance is completed, the user presses a “completion” key on the maintenance execution screen. Thus, it is determined that the maintenance has been completed.
[0104]
Next, display processing of the operation screen during maintenance described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation screen display processing at the time of maintenance. The procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are executed by the CPU 461 according to the program stored in the ROM 462 of the operation display device control unit 460.
[0105]
As shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 461 monitors in step S2001 that the user presses the maintenance key (maintenance SW) 417 of the operation display device 400. Here, if it is determined that the maintenance key 417 has been pressed, the CPU 461 determines in step S2002 that a module status screen (shown in FIG. 20) for presenting to the user whether or not each module is in a maintenance enabled state. ) Is displayed. Then, in step S2003, the CPU 461 determines whether or not “return” has been selected on the module status screen. If it is determined that “return” has been selected, the CPU 461 determines in step S2008 that the main screen (see FIG. )). On the other hand, when determining that “return” has not been selected, the CPU 461 determines in step S2004 whether or not “OK” has been selected. Here, if it is determined that “OK” has not been selected, the CPU 461 returns to step S2003 again. If it is determined that “OK” has been selected, the CPU 461 returns to step S2005 to select a module for selecting a module. A selection screen (FIG. 17A) is displayed.
[0106]
Next, in step S2006, the CPU 461 determines whether or not “return” has been selected. If it is determined that “return” has been selected, the CPU 461 displays a main screen in step S2008. On the other hand, if it is determined that “return” has not been selected, the CPU 461 determines in step S2007 whether or not a module has been selected by the user on the module selection screen. Here, if a module has not been selected, the CPU 461 returns to step S2006 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has selected a module on the module selection screen (FIG. 17A), the CPU 461 proceeds to step S2101 in FIG.
[0107]
In step S2101, the CPU 461 displays a maintenance item menu (FIG. 17B) related to the module selected by the user in step S2007. Then, the CPU 461 determines whether or not “return” has been selected in step S2102. Here, if it is determined that “return” has been selected, the CPU 461 returns to step S2005 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that “return” has not been selected, the CPU 461 determines in step S2103 whether display of the adjustment item has been selected.
[0108]
If it is determined in step S2103 that the display of the adjustment item has not been selected, the CPU 461 determines in step S2104 whether the display of the cleaning item has been selected. Here, if it is determined that the display of the cleaning item has not been selected, the CPU 461 determines in step S2105 whether or not the display of the component replacement item has been selected, and has determined that the display of the component replacement item has not been selected. In this case, the process returns to step S2102 again.
[0109]
If it is determined in step S2103 that the display of the adjustment item is selected, in step S216, the CPU 461 displays an adjustment maintenance item menu (FIG. 17C) related to the module selected by the user. Proceed to S2109.
[0110]
If it is determined in step S2104 that the display of the cleaning item has been selected, in step S2107, the CPU 461 displays an item menu (not shown) of the cleaning maintenance related to the module selected by the user, and proceeds to step S2109. move on.
[0111]
If it is determined in step S2105 that the display of the component replacement item has been selected, the CPU 461 displays a component replacement maintenance item menu (not shown) related to the module selected by the user in step S2108. Proceed to S2109.
[0112]
In step S2109, CPU 461 determines whether “return” has been selected by the user or not. Here, if it is determined that “return” has been selected by the user, the CPU 461 returns to step S2101 again. On the other hand, if the CPU 461 determines that “return” has not been selected by the user, the CPU 461 determines in step S2110 whether or not an item has been selected on the maintenance item menu screen. If it is determined, the process returns to step S2109 again.
[0113]
If it is determined in step S2110 that the item is selected, the CPU 461 displays a maintenance execution and input setting screen (FIG. 17D) in step S2111. Then, in step S2112, CPU 461 determines whether or not “return” has been selected by the user. Here, if it is determined that “return” has been selected, the CPU 461 returns to step S2101 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that “return” has not been selected, the CPU 461 determines in step S2113 whether or not “OK” has been selected by the user, and if it has determined that “OK” has not been selected, The process returns to step S2112 again. If it is determined that “OK” has been selected, the CPU 461 executes maintenance and input for the selected maintenance item in step S2114. Then, the CPU 461 returns to the step S2101.
[0114]
Next, queue control related to scheduling in execution of a plurality of jobs performed by the present system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating job scheduling.
[0115]
In the present embodiment, it is possible to specify a mode such as single-sided / double-sided, stapling, and the number of copies to be created from the operation display unit 400, and operate the image forming system in accordance with the settings. Is called one “job”.
[0116]
In a recent image forming system, it is possible to input / designate a plurality of next jobs from the operation unit while executing one job, and these are stored in a memory in the system, and are used to terminate the previous job. Accordingly, jobs are sequentially executed to the next job. Also, by connecting the image forming system to a network, it is possible to perform print output from a computer or the like, and similar queuing of jobs is performed in a printer server. FIG. 21A is a conceptual diagram showing how the job is queued. Here, each queue (Cue) is the above-described job for forming an image, and specifying a job means that registration is performed at the last stage of the queue. The number of registered queues is represented by a variable Nc. For example, as shown in FIG. 21B, when a new job is designated with the number of registered queues: Nc = 2, the job is registered as Cue (3) next to Cue (2). , The number of registrations increases by one, and the number of registration queues Nc = 3. Then, the Cue (1) is executed / operated from the most upstream registered Cue (1), and when the Cue (1) is completed, the information is removed from the Cue (1), and the next Cue (2) is replaced with the Cue (2). Management of the queue (Cue) is performed so that the queue (Cue) is sequentially shifted, such as (1), Cue (3) to Cue (2), and so on.
[0117]
Next, control of the entire queue according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure of queue initialization processing at the time of power-on, FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure of entry processing of a new job into a queue, FIG. FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the queue removal process, and FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the job operability determination process. The procedures shown in FIGS. 22 to 27 are executed by the CPU circuit unit 150 in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 151.
[0118]
First, when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 22, in step S2201, the registration queue number Nc is cleared to zero.
[0119]
When a job is registered, as shown in FIG. 23, the number of registration queues is increased by 1 in step S2301, and information of a newly registered job is added to the last queue (Cue (Nc)) in step S2302. . In the job information, all information necessary for a series of operations / controls such as a mode for performing image formation such as single-sided / double-sided, stapling, folding, and the number of copies to be created are stored in job units. Further, an ID number is set for each job so that one job can be distinguished from another job, and this information is stored in the job information.
[0120]
Next, the actual operation of the image forming system will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27 together with the movement of the cue.
[0121]
In the overall job control, as shown in FIG. 24, in step S2401, it is determined whether or not there is a registered job (queue; hereinafter referred to as Cue). If there is no Cue, the process returns to step S2401. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2401 that there is a Cue, the variable i is cleared in step S2402, and the variable i is incremented by one in step S2403. In step S2404, it is determined whether job information is set in Cue indicated by the corresponding variable i. If no job information is set in the Cue, it is determined in step S2405 whether the system is in operation. If not, the process returns to step S2401.
[0122]
If it is determined in step S2405 that the system is operating, in step S2406, the entire system is stopped. Then, the process returns to step S2401.
[0123]
If it is determined in step S2404 that the job information is set in the Cue indicated by the corresponding variable i, in step S2407, a job operability determination process for determining whether or not the job can be performed I do. The details of the job operability determination process will be described later. Then, in step S2408, it is determined whether the corresponding Cue is operable based on the result of the job operability determination process. Here, if it is determined that the corresponding Cue is operable, in step S2409, the contents of the registered Cue are transferred to “execution job information” which is a memory for performing the actual operation, and in step S2410 In order to delete the contents of the Cue from the registered Cue, the Cue is removed from the Cue. This process is a process of deleting the content of the Cue of the set number “i”, and is not limited to the deletion of the information of Cue (1) registered at the top. The details will be described later.
[0124]
Next, in step S2411, an actual job (image forming operation) is started based on the contents of the execution job information, and in step S2412, the process waits for completion of the job. When the job is completed, the process returns to step S2401.
[0125]
If it is determined in step S2408 that the corresponding Cue is not executable and is “prohibited”, it is determined in step S2413 whether or not “i” is equal to or greater than the registered number Nc of Cue. If "" is not less than the number of registered Cue Nc, it is determined that there is no remaining Cue, and the process returns to step S2401. If it is within the number Nc-1), the process returns to the step S2403 in order to determine whether the process can be shifted to the next Cue.
[0126]
By performing such processing, even when a certain location is unusable due to maintenance or the like, a job using that location can be skipped and the process can be automatically shifted to the next job. As a result, maintenance can be performed without stopping the system, and overall productivity of the entire system can be improved. Further, since the above-described control is automatically performed by the system, the operator performing the maintenance is not required to determine whether or not the next job uses the maintenance location, and it is not necessary to finish the maintenance before the next job starts. Maintenance can be performed, and as a result, the quality of maintenance can be improved / time can be reduced.
[0127]
Next, the Cue removal processing in step S2410 will be described.
[0128]
In the Cue removal process, as shown in FIG. 25, first, in step S2501, the management variable j is cleared, and in the subsequent step S2502, the variable CueSif, which is the status used in this process, is cleared. Then, in step S2503, the variable j is incremented by one.
[0129]
Next, in step S2504, it is determined whether or not the variable CueSif is 1. If the variable CueShift is 1, the content of Cue (j) is changed to Cue (j-1) in step S2505 based on the value of the variable j. Then, the process proceeds to step S2506. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2504 that the variable CueSif is not 1, the process skips step S2505 and proceeds to step S2506.
[0130]
In step S2506, it is determined whether or not the argument “i” to this processing is equal to the variable j. If the argument “i” is equal to the variable j, 1 is substituted for the variable CueSif in step S2507. . Then, the process proceeds to step S2508. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2506 that the argument “i” is not equal to the variable j, the process skips step S2507 and proceeds to step S2508.
[0131]
In step S2508, it is determined whether the argument "i" is smaller than the total registration number Nc. If the argument "i" is smaller than the total registration number Nc, the process returns to step S2503. In other words, the Cue is not changed until “i” given as an argument to this processing is reached, and the variable CueShift = 1 at the “i” -th order. This is a process of shifting the subsequent Cue information one by one to the end. On the other hand, if the argument “i” is equal to or greater than the total registration number Nc, the variable CueSif is cleared in step S2509, and the process returns.
[0132]
The job operability determination process in step S2407 will be described in detail.
[0133]
In the job operability determination process, as shown in FIG. 26, first, in step S2701, the variable ENBL is initialized to 1. This variable indicates whether or not the Cue (i) job can be executed. In this initialization, 1 or “possible” is given as an initial value.
[0134]
Next, to check the operation mode of Cue (i), first, in step S2702, it is determined whether the operation mode of Cue (i) is the folding mode. If the operation mode of Cue (i) is the folding mode, it is determined in step S2703 whether the folding device 500 is under maintenance. This determination is made based on the detection signals of the cover open / close detection sensors S4 and S5 that detect the open / close of the covers 551 and 552 of the folding device 500. Here, when the detection signals of at least one of the cover open / close detection sensors S4 and S5 indicate that the covers 551 and 552 are open, it is determined that the folding device 500 is under maintenance. On the other hand, when the detection signals of the cover open / close detection sensors S4 and S5 indicate that the covers 551 and 552 are closed, it is determined that the folding device 500 is not under maintenance.
[0135]
If it is determined in step S2703 that the folding device 500 is under maintenance, in step S2704, the variable ENBL is set to 0, and the flow advances to step S2705.
[0136]
If it is determined in step S2702 that the operation mode of Cue (i) is not the folding mode, or if it is determined in step S2703 that the folding device 500 is not under maintenance, the process advances to step S2705.
[0137]
In step S2705, it is determined whether the operation mode of Cue (i) is the bookbinding mode. If the operation mode of Cue (i) is the bookbinding mode, it is determined in step S2706 whether the bookbinding apparatus 600 is under maintenance. Here, as a condition for enabling the bookbinding mode for Cue (i), the covers 651, 652, and 653 of the bookbinding apparatus 600 need to be in a closed state, and the paper after image formation is used. It is necessary that a transport path (folding horizontal transport path 502) to be sent to the bookbinding apparatus 600 via the folding apparatus 500 is secured, that is, the cover 551 of the folding apparatus 500 is closed. Therefore, in the determination in step S2706, the detection signal of the cover opening / closing detection sensor S4 of the folding device 500 indicates the closed state of the cover 551, and the detection signals of the cover opening / closing detection sensors S4, S5, S6 of the bookbinding device 600 correspond to the cover 651, When the closed state of 652, 653 is indicated, it is determined that the bookbinding apparatus 600 is operable, that is, is not under maintenance. On the other hand, when at least one of the covers 551, 651, 652, 652 indicates an open state, it is determined that the bookbinding apparatus 600 is under maintenance.
[0138]
If it is determined in step S2705 that the bookbinding apparatus 600 is under maintenance, in step S2707, the variable ENBL is set to 0, and the flow advances to step S2708.
[0139]
If it is determined in step S2705 that the operation mode of Cue (i) is not the bookbinding mode, or if it is determined in step S2706 that the bookbinding apparatus 600 is not under maintenance, the process advances to step S2708.
[0140]
In step S2708, it is determined whether the operation mode of Cue (i) is the upper tray discharge mode (non-sort mode). Here, if the operation mode of Cue (i) is the upper tray discharge mode, it is determined in step S2709 whether the transport function module and the non-sort function module of the finisher 700 are under maintenance. Here, as conditions for enabling the upper tray discharge mode (non-sort mode) for Cue (i), the covers 751 and 752 of the finisher 700 need to be in a closed state, and image formation is performed. A conveyance path (folding horizontal conveyance path 502 and bookbinding horizontal conveyance path 602) for sending the subsequent sheet to finisher 700 via folding apparatus 500 and bookbinding apparatus 600 is secured, that is, cover 551 of folding apparatus 500 and bookbinding apparatus. It is necessary that the cover 651 of 600 is in a closed state. Therefore, in the determination in step S2709, the detection signal of the cover open / close detection sensor S4 of the folding device 500 indicates the closed state of the cover 551, and the detection signal of the cover open / close detection sensor S4 of the bookbinding device 600 indicates the closed state of the cover 651. At the same time, when the detection signals of the cover open / close detection sensors S4 and S5 for detecting the open / close of the covers 751 and 752 of the finisher 700 indicate that the covers 751 and 752 are closed, the transport function module and the non-sort function module of the finisher 700 operate. It is possible, that is, it is determined that maintenance is not being performed. On the other hand, when at least one of the covers 551, 651, 751, 752 is open, it is determined that the transport function module and the non-sort function module of the finisher 700 are under maintenance.
[0141]
If it is determined in step S2709 that the transport function module and the non-sort function module are under maintenance, in step S2710, the variable ENBL is set to 0, and the flow advances to step S2711 in FIG.
[0142]
If it is determined in step S2708 that the operation mode of Cue (i) is not the upper tray discharge mode, or if it is determined in step S2709 that the non-sort function module is not under maintenance, the process advances to step S2711 in FIG.
[0143]
In step S2711, it is determined whether the operation mode of Cue (i) is the lower tray discharge mode (sort mode). Here, if the operation mode of Cue (i) is the lower tray discharge mode, it is determined in step S2712 whether the transport function module and the sort function module of the finisher 700 are under maintenance. Here, as conditions for enabling the lower tray discharge mode (sort mode) for Cue (i), the covers 751 and 753 of the finisher 700 need to be in a closed state, and after completion of image formation. A transport path (folding horizontal transport path 502 and bookbinding horizontal transport path 602) for feeding the sheet of paper to the finisher 700 via the folding apparatus 500 and the bookbinding apparatus 600 is secured, that is, the cover 551 of the folding apparatus 500 and the bookbinding apparatus 600. Is required to be closed. Therefore, in the determination in step S2712, the detection signal of the cover open / close detection sensor S4 of the folding device 500 indicates the closed state of the cover 551, and the detection signal of the cover open / close detection sensor S4 of the bookbinding device 600 indicates the closed state of the cover 651. At the same time, when the detection signals of the cover open / close detection sensors S4 and S5 for detecting the open / close of the covers 751 and 753 of the finisher 700 indicate that the covers 751 and 753 are closed, the transport function module and the sort function module of the finisher 700 operate. It is possible, that is, it is determined that maintenance is not being performed. On the other hand, when at least one of the covers 551, 651, 751, 753 is open, it is determined that the transport function module and the sort function module of the finisher 700 are under maintenance.
[0144]
If it is determined in step S2712 that the transport function module and the sort function module are under maintenance, in step S2713, the variable ENBL is set to 0, and the flow advances to step S2714.
[0145]
If it is determined in step S2711 that the operation mode of Cue (i) is not the lower tray discharge mode, or if it is determined in step S2712 that the transport function module and the sort function module are not under maintenance, the process advances to step S2714.
[0146]
In step S2714, it is determined whether or not the variable ENBL is 1. Here, if the variable ENBL is 1, it indicates that the corresponding job can be executed. In step S2715, Cue (i) is enabled, and if the variable ENBL is not 1, that is, 0, the corresponding job is executed. Cue (i) is prohibited in step S2716 because the job that cannot be executed is not executable. Then, the present process ends.
[0147]
In this process, whether each device is under maintenance is determined using the detection signal of the corresponding cover opening / closing detection sensor, but the internal memory set by a key input by the user or the like is used. The above determination may be made by using a variable of the above or another mechanical setting.
[0148]
(2nd Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the entire job control process of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the job canceling process of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is.
[0149]
In the present embodiment, when the Cue is migrated, the case where the Cue is not executable is skipped. However, in order to cope with a case where the order of the job is desired to be held for some reason, the job is set to the “waiting” state. Alternatively, the entire system can be stopped.
[0150]
For example, when the user knows the content of the registered Cue in advance and is working to complete the maintenance work before shifting to the unexecutable Cue, a sudden When the cancellation is performed, there is a case where the maintenance time is shortened unscheduledly, and the transition to the Cue which cannot be executed before the maintenance is completed is made. In this case, since the user does not recognize that “the maintenance work cannot be completed by the start of the job”, the system is stopped instead of automatically skipping the Cue when shifting to the unexecutable Cue. Accordingly, it may be better to make the user recognize that "the job has been canceled and the maintenance time has been shortened". Therefore, when the transition to the non-executable Cue is performed, the user can perform a wide range of operations regarding the system by allowing the user to select whether to automatically skip or temporarily stop the system without skipping. As a result, the operability is improved.
[0151]
This embodiment has the same configuration as the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Here, only the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be described. The following procedure (the procedure shown in FIGS. 28 and 29) is executed by the CPU circuit section 150 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 151.
[0152]
In the overall job control process of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, first, in step S2801, the presence or absence of a registered job (queue: hereinafter referred to as Cue) is monitored, and if there is no registered Cue, the process proceeds to step S2802. At step S2803, the variable i is incremented by one. Then, in step S2804, it is determined whether job information is set in Cue indicated by the corresponding variable i.
[0153]
If it is determined in step S2804 that the job information is not set in the Cue indicated by the corresponding variable i, it is determined in step S2805 whether the system is operating. Then, the process returns to step S2801.
[0154]
If it is determined in step S2805 that the system is operating, in step S2806, the entire system is stopped. Then, the process returns to step S2801.
[0155]
If it is determined in step S2804 that job information is set in Cue indicated by the corresponding variable i, in step S2807, a job operability determination process for determining whether or not the job can be performed I do. This job operability determination processing is as described in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S2808, based on the result of the job operability determination process, it is determined whether the corresponding Cue is operable. Here, if it is determined that the corresponding Cue is operable, the content of the registered Cue is transferred to “execution job information” which is a memory for performing the actual operation in step S2809, and in subsequent step S2810 In order to delete the contents of the Cue from the registered Cue, the Cue is removed from the Cue. This processing is as described in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0156]
Next, in step S2811, an actual job (image forming operation) is started based on the content of the execution job information, and in step S2812, the process waits for completion of the job. When the job is completed, the process returns to step S2801.
[0157]
If it is determined in step S2808 that the corresponding Cue is not executable and is “prohibited”, then in step S2813, the transition to the unexecutable Cue is “skip or not”. It is determined whether or not to skip Cue based on the selection result of “Stop without stopping”. Here, the above selection is performed by input from the operation display device 400. Alternatively, the selection may be performed using communication data or a setting SW inside the machine.
[0158]
If it is determined in step S2813 to skip Cue, in step S2814, it is determined whether or not the variable i is equal to or more than the number of registered Cue Nc. It is determined that there is no remaining Cue, and the process returns to step S2801. On the other hand, if the variable i is not equal to or greater than the number of registered Cue Nc, that is, if the variable i is within the (number of registered Nc-1) of Cue, the above step is performed to determine whether the process can be shifted to the next Cue. It returns to S2803.
[0159]
If it is determined in step S2813 that the transition to the unexecutable Cue should be stopped without skipping, the process advances to step S2805 to determine whether the system is operating. Here, since it is determined that the system is operating, the system is stopped in step S2806.
[0160]
Next, a job cancel process will be described.
[0161]
In the job cancel process, as shown in FIG. 29, in step S2601, the number of the job to be canceled is assigned to a variable job_ccl. Then, in step S2602, the variable i is initialized.
[0162]
Next, in step S2603, the variable i is incremented by 1, and in the following step S2604, it is determined whether or not the ID information (jobid) of the content of Cue indicated by the variable i is equal to the set number (job_ccl). . Here, if the ID information (jobid) is not equal to the set number (job_ccl), in step S2605, it is determined whether the variable i is smaller than the registration queue number Nc. If the variable i is smaller than the registration queue number Nc, the process returns to step S2603, and the variable i is incremented by one. If it is determined in step S2605 that the variable i is equal to or larger than the number Nc of registered queues, the process exits from this process.
[0163]
If it is determined in step S2604 that the ID information (jobid) of the content of Cue indicated by the variable i is equal to the set number (job_ccl), in step S2606, the variable i is substituted for the variable Cue_ccl, and the following step In step S2607, the variable Cue_ccl is passed to the Cue removal processing in order to delete the corresponding Cue information. Thereby, the information of Cue corresponding to the variable Cue_ccl is deleted. Then, the process exits.
[0164]
As described above, in the present embodiment, even when a certain location is unavailable due to maintenance or the like, it is possible to select whether to skip the job using the location or temporarily stop the system without skipping the job. Therefore, the user can perform a wide range of operations regarding the system, and as a result, operability can be improved.
[0165]
It is to be noted that an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or a CPU or a CPU) of the system or the apparatus. Needless to say, the present invention can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0166]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0167]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not a job to be executed can be executed according to whether or not a processing module used in the job to be executed is operable. Is determined, the job is executed, and if it is determined that the job is not executable, the job determined not to be executable is skipped. Overall overall productivity can be improved.
[0168]
Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the job is not executable, if the first mode is selected, the job determined not to be executable is skipped, and the next job following the job is skipped. And if the second mode is selected, the system is stopped without skipping the job determined not to be executable, so that the user can perform a wide range of operations on the system, and The operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a main configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a folding device 500, a bookbinding device 600, and a finisher 700 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a folding device control unit in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a bookbinding device control unit in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a finisher control unit in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an arrangement of exterior covers of a folding device 500, a bookbinding device 600, and a finisher 700.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a cover of the bookbinding apparatus 600 is opened and a corresponding module is pulled out.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a cover of the bookbinding apparatus 600 is opened and a corresponding module is pulled out.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a state where the covers of the folding device 500 and the finisher 700 are opened and the corresponding modules are pulled out.
11A and 11B are diagrams schematically illustrating a lock mechanism of a cover 552 of the folding device 500, wherein FIG. 11A illustrates a cover unlocked state, and FIG. 11B illustrates a cover locked state.
FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an arrangement of an exterior cover provided on a printer 300 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement of status display LEDs provided on each of covers 551, 552, 651, 652, 751, 752, and 753.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an outline configuration of the operation display device 400 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation display device control unit 401 of FIG. 2;
16A is a diagram illustrating an example of a main screen displayed on the operation display device 400. FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu selection screen displayed on the operation display device 400.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen during maintenance.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation screen display process during maintenance.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation screen display process during maintenance.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying a state as to whether or not maintenance is possible for each module when a single-sided image forming mode is selected as a processing mode and a sort process is selected.
FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating job scheduling.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a queue initialization process at power-on.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process of entering a new job into a queue.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a whole job control process.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a queue removal process.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a job operability determination process.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a job operability determination process.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of overall job control processing of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a job cancel process of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image Forming Apparatus Main Body
150 CPU circuit
151 ROM
152 RAM
300 printer
352, 353, 551, 552, 651, 652, 653, 751, 752, 753 cover
400 Operation display device
421 Warning buzzer
401 operation display device control unit
461 CPU
500 folding device
600 bookbinding device
700 Finisher

Claims (7)

An image forming system comprising a plurality of processing modules, among the plurality of processing modules, capable of performing maintenance of processing modules that are not used during job execution,
Determining means for determining whether or not the next job is executable according to whether or not the processing module used in the next job is operable;
If the determination unit determines that the next job is executable, the next job is executed.If the determination unit determines that the next job is not executable, it is determined that the next job is not executable. A control unit for skipping the next job determined. Each processing module is provided with an openable / closable cover for external access, and a plurality of open / close detecting means for detecting each open / close of the cover is provided.
The determination unit determines whether a processing module used in the next job is operable based on the detection results of the plurality of open / close detection units, and executes the next job according to the determination result. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used. Among the plurality of processing modules, a setting unit for setting a processing module that is under maintenance,
The determination unit determines whether a processing module used in the next job is operable based on the setting of the setting unit, and determines whether the next job is executable according to the determination result. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the image is formed. An image forming system comprising a plurality of processing modules, among the plurality of processing modules, capable of performing maintenance of processing modules that are not used during job execution,
One of a first mode for skipping non-executable jobs and shifting to the next job and a second mode for stopping the system without skipping non-executable jobs is selected. Means for selecting,
Determining means for determining whether or not the job is executable according to whether or not a processing module used in the job is operable;
If the determination unit determines that the job is executable, the job is executed.If the determination unit determines that the job is not executable, control is performed according to the mode selected by the selection unit. Control means to perform,
When the first mode is selected, the control unit skips the job determined to be unexecutable, shifts to the next job following the job, and selects the second mode. If the job is not executable, the system stops without skipping the job determined to be unexecutable. Each processing module is provided with an openable / closable cover for external access, and a plurality of open / close detecting means for detecting each open / close of the cover is provided.
The determination unit determines whether a processing module used in the next job is operable based on the detection results of the plurality of open / close detection units, and executes the next job according to the determination result. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein it is determined whether the image forming apparatus can perform the image forming. According to a user's input operation, among the plurality of processing modules, having a setting means for setting a processing module under maintenance,
The determination unit determines whether a processing module used in the job is operable based on the setting of the setting unit, and determines whether the next job is executable according to the determination result. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the determination is made. A job canceling unit for canceling a desired job among a plurality of jobs managed in the registered order; and for the plurality of jobs, the order of jobs after the canceled job is advanced. The image forming system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the image forming system comprises:

Images