Printing system, control method of printing system, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a printing system, a control method of the printing system, and a storage medium. A printing system includes: a printing apparatus configured to print an image on a first side of a conveyed sheet; a static electricity eliminating device configured to perform static electricity eliminating processing on a first surface of the sheet on which the image is printed by the printing device; and an inversion unit that does not invert the sheet subjected to static elimination processing by the static elimination apparatus in a case where it is designated that the sheet to be discharged is discharged in a face-to-face manner with the first face facing upward, and that does not invert the sheet subjected to static elimination processing by the static elimination apparatus in a case where it is designated that the sheet to be discharged is discharged in a face-to-face manner with the first face facing downward. Reversing the sheet subjected to the static electricity elimination processing by the static electricity elimination device; and a control unit for controlling to discharge the sheet reversed by the reversing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a printing system, a control method of the printing system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] When an image is formed in a printing device, the print sheet becomes charged with static electricity. There is a static electricity elimination device that performs a static electricity elimination process to eliminate static electricity from the print sheet. The static electricity elimination device applies a voltage to a conveying roller (hereinafter, referred to as a "static electricity elimination roller") to apply a charge opposite to the charge on the print sheet to the print sheet, thereby neutralizing the static electricity. The charge applied to the static electricity elimination roller is a positive charge. Therefore, in order to neutralize the static electricity, the static electricity elimination roller is brought into contact with the negatively charged printing surface of the print sheet. In order to bring the static electricity elimination roller into contact with the print sheet from above, the print sheet needs to be conveyed to the static electricity elimination device with the printing surface facing upward.

[0003] The printing system including the static elimination device as described above controls the conveyance of the printed sheets so that their printed faces facing upward are conveyed to the static elimination device so that the static elimination device performs static elimination processing. In addition, the printing system equipped with a post-processing device downstream of the static elimination device specifies the orientation of the printed sheets to be processed by the post-processing device.

[0004] The system discussed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-112748 controls the printing process and the reversing process of the printed sheet to be embossed by the creasing device and to be subjected to the process by the post-processing device based on whether the printed sheet is facing up or facing down. However, according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-112748, in order to convey the printed sheet facing down to the post-processing device not configured with the creasing device, the printed sheet is reversed in the main body, which does not allow the printed sheet facing up to be conveyed to the static elimination device.

[0005] In other words, when a print sheet facing downward is discharged to a device downstream of the static eliminating device, the static eliminating device cannot perform static eliminating processing on the print sheet. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes the following configurations.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printing system includes: a printing device configured to print an image on a first side of a conveyed sheet; a static elimination device configured to perform static elimination processing on the first side of the sheet on which the image is printed by the printing device; a reversing unit that does not reverse the sheet that has been subjected to static elimination processing by the static elimination device when the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face up with the first side facing up, and reverses the sheet that has been subjected to static elimination processing by the static elimination device when the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face down with the first side facing down; and a control unit that is used to control the discharge of the sheet reversed by the reversing unit.

[0008] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall hardware configuration of the printing system.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the printing system.

[0011] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the image forming apparatus.

[0013] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing how the image forming apparatus performs static elimination processing.

[0014] Figure 6 An example of a function list screen of the image forming apparatus is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 An example of a copy function screen is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 An example of a setting screen for setting a paper discharge destination is shown.

[0017] Figure 9A-A and Figure 9A-B This is an example of a setting screen for setting the static elimination device.

[0018] Fig. 9B This is an example of a setting screen for setting the static elimination device.

[0019] Fig.10 : is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a finisher configuration at the time of paper discharge.

[0020] Fig.111 is a flowchart of a process for determining static elimination settings and reverse rotation control of a reverse rotation mechanism.

[0021] Fig.12 is a diagram showing an example of paper conveyance.

[0022] Fig.13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure of an image forming apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Fig.14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Fig.15 is a flowchart of a process for determining static elimination settings and reversal control of a reversing mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating an example of paper conveyance according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Fig.17 is an example of a print continuation confirmation screen according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Fig.18 is a flowchart of a process for controlling a printing process according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following exemplary embodiments do not limit the present invention within the scope of the claims.

[0029] -Overall structure of the printing system

[0030] (Overall structure)

[0031] Figure 1 1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of a printing system according to the first exemplary embodiment. The printing system includes an image forming apparatus 101 and a personal computer (PC) 102. A plurality of devices having different functions are connected to the image forming apparatus 101. In the present exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing device 104, an electrostatic elimination device 105, a large-capacity stacker 106, and a multi-purpose stacker 107.

[0032] The PC 102 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 101 via a network 103 such as a local area network (LAN).

[0033] The PC 102 sends a job for executing a print function and a copy function to the printing device 104 using a printer driver or the like. The network 103 may be a wired network or a wireless network. On the wireless network, the PC 102 may take the form of a portable terminal.

[0034] Next, each device included in the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0035] (Printing Device)

[0036] The printing device 104 forms an image on a paper (sheet) conveyed from a paper supply unit located at the lower part of the printing device 104 using a toner. The configuration and operating principle of the printing device 104 are as follows. Light such as laser light modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror such as a polygon mirror and projected onto a photosensitive drum as a scanning light. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by laser light and developed with a toner, and the toner image is transferred to a paper attached to a transfer drum. This series of steps of image forming processing is sequentially performed with a yellow (Y) toner, a magenta (M) toner, a cyan (C) toner, and a black (K) toner to form a full-color image on the paper. The paper with the full-color image on the transfer drum is conveyed to a fixing unit. The fixing unit includes a roller, a belt, etc., and includes a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller. The fixing unit melts the toner as a transfer toner image on the paper by heat and pressure to fix the toner to the paper.

[0037] (Static elimination equipment)

[0038] The static electricity eliminating device 105 is a device having a function of eliminating static electricity on paper.

[0039] (Large Capacity Stacker)

[0040] The large-capacity stacker 106 , which is an example of a finisher (sheet processing apparatus), is a stacker capable of stacking a large number of sheets.

[0041] (Multi-purpose stacker)

[0042] The multipurpose stacker 107 as an example of a finisher (sheet processing apparatus) is a stacker capable of stacking wide sheets of paper. The multipurpose stacker 107 can be easily disconnected from the image processing apparatus and can be easily carried with the sheets of paper stacked therein.

[0043] The multi-purpose stacker 107 also has a function of electrically raising and lowering the paper delivery table.

[0044] exist Figure 1In the image processing system described in , the PC 102 is connected solely to the image forming apparatus 101. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the PC 102 is connected solely to the image forming apparatus 101. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller may be communicably connected via an internal LAN and a video cable, and the external controller may be communicably connected to the PC 102 via an external LAN.

[0045] In this case, a print instruction is issued from the PC 102 to the external controller.

[0046] -System configuration of printing system

[0047] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 102 .

[0048] (Printing Device)

[0049] First, the configuration of the printing device 104 in the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The printing device 104 includes a communication interface (I / F) 207, a hard disk device (HDD) 208, a central processing unit (CPU) 209, a memory 210, a LAN I / F 211, an operation unit 212, and a display 213. The printing device 104 also includes a document exposure unit 214, a laser exposure unit 215, an image forming unit 216, a fixing unit 217, and a paper supply unit 218. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 219.

[0050] The communication I / F 207 is connected to the static eliminating device 105 and the large-volume stacker 106 via the communication cable 232, and performs communication for controlling each device. The multi-purpose stacker 107 does not include a communication I / F, and therefore does not perform communication for controlling the printing device 104 and the like.

[0051] The HDD 208 is a storage device that stores programs and data.

[0052] The CPU 209 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on a program or the like stored in the HDD 208 .

[0053] The memory 210 stores programs and image data for the CPU 209 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area.

[0054] The LAN I / F 211 is connected to the external LAN 103 and communicates with the PC 102 and the like.

[0055] The operation unit 212 receives various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user.

[0056] The display 213 displays setting information about the image processing apparatus, a processing status of a print job, and the like.

[0057] The document exposure unit 214 performs a process of reading a document when the copy function or the scanning function is used. The document data is read by irradiating a sheet placed by a user with an exposure lamp and capturing an image with a charge coupled device (CCD) camera.

[0058] The laser exposure unit 215 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light so as to transfer the toner image. In the laser exposure unit 215, first, primary charging is performed to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygonal mirror, the photosensitive drum is irradiated with laser light by a laser driver. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated portion, forming an electrostatic latent image.

[0059] The image forming unit 216 is a device for transferring toner onto paper. The image forming unit 216 includes a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a toner supply unit, and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum onto paper. In the developing unit, the negatively charged toner from the developing roller adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to create a visible image. In the transfer unit, a primary transfer is performed to apply a positive potential to the primary transfer roller, thereby transferring the toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum to the transfer belt. Then a secondary transfer is performed to apply a positive potential to the secondary external transfer roller to transfer the toner from the transfer belt to the paper.

[0060] The fixing unit 217 is a device for melting and fixing the toner on the paper by heat and pressure, and includes a heater, a fixing belt, and a pressure belt.

[0061] The paper supply unit 218 is a device for supplying paper, and controls paper supply and conveying operations through rollers and various sensors.

[0062] (Static elimination equipment)

[0063] Next, the configuration of the static eliminating device 105 is described. The static eliminating device 105 includes a communication I / F 220, a CPU 221, a memory 222, and a static eliminating control unit 223, which are connected via a system bus 233. The communication I / F 220 is connected to the printing device 104 via a communication cable 232 to perform communication for control.

[0064] The CPU 221 performs various controls for static elimination according to a control program stored in the memory 222 and instructions from a print control unit 305 (described below) of the printing apparatus 104 .

[0065] The memory 222 is a storage device that stores a control program.

[0066] The static elimination control unit 223 controls the charge application controller in response to an instruction from the CPU 221 .

[0067] (Large Capacity Stacker)

[0068] Next, the configuration of the large-volume stacker 106 as a finisher will be described. The large-volume stacker 106 includes a communication I / F 224, a CPU 225, a memory 226, and a paper discharge control unit 227. These components are connected via a system bus 234.

[0069] The communication I / F 224 is connected to the printing apparatus 104 via a communication cable 232 to perform communication for control.

[0070] The CPU 225 performs various controls for paper discharge according to a control program stored in the memory 226 and instructions from a print control unit 305 of the printing apparatus 104 described below.

[0071] The memory 226 is a storage device that stores a control program.

[0072] The paper discharge control unit 227 controls the conveyance of paper to the stack tray, the escape tray, and the subsequent multi-purpose stacker 107 based on an instruction from the CPU 225 .

[0073] (Multi-purpose stacker)

[0074] Next, the configuration of the multi-purpose stacker 107 as a finisher will be described. The multi-purpose stacker 107 includes a CPU 229 , a memory 230 , and an operation unit 231 , and these components are connected via a system bus 235 .

[0075] The CPU 229 performs various controls for raising and lowering the paper discharge tray according to input from the operation unit 231 and the control program stored in the memory 230 .

[0076] The memory 230 is a storage device that stores a control program.

[0077] The operation unit 231 receives various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user.

[0078] (PC)

[0079] Next, description will be given of the configuration of the PC 102. The PC 102 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, an HDD 203, a keyboard 204, a display 205, and a LAN I / F 206, which are connected via a system bus.

[0080] The CPU 201 creates print data and issues a print instruction based on a document processing program or the like stored in the HDD 203. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus.

[0081] The memory 202 stores programs and data for the CPU 201 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area.

[0082] The HDD 203 stores programs and data used for operations such as printing.

[0083] The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions of the PC 102 .

[0084] On the display 205 , information related to the application executed by the PC 102 and the like are displayed together with video signals of still images and moving images.

[0085] A LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 to perform communication of a print instruction or the like.

[0086] In the above description, it is sufficient that each of the memory 202, the memory 210, the memory 222, the memory 226, and the memory 230 is a storage device for holding data and programs. The memory 202, the memory 210, the memory 222, the memory 226, and the memory 230 may be replaced with a volatile RAM, a nonvolatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, or a USB memory.

[0087] -CPU structure of printing equipment

[0088] Figure 3 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104. The static elimination setting unit 301 sets whether to perform static elimination processing by the static elimination apparatus 105, and sets the intensity of static elimination control.

[0089] The static elimination setting unit 301 is based on the following Figure 9A-A , Figure 9A-B and Fig. 9B The settings are performed by accepting inputs on the settings screen shown in (hereinafter, Figure 9A-A , Figure 9A-B and Fig. 9B 9). When a finisher such as the multipurpose stacker 107 receives a sheet, the finisher configuration setting unit 302 sets the face orientation of the sheet. The finisher configuration setting unit 302 sets the face orientation of the sheet based on the following description. Fig.10 The settings are performed based on the input(s) received on the settings screen shown.

[0090] The reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines whether the paper is reversed in the printing device 104 and the large-volume stacker 106, and whether the static elimination process is performed by the static elimination device 105. ... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The determination is made based on the input(s) received on the setting screen shown in , the settings made by the static elimination setting unit 301 , and the settings acquired by the finisher configuration setting unit 302 .

[0091] The transport control unit 304 controls the transport path of paper in the printing apparatus 104 according to the determination of the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 .

[0092] The print control unit 305 controls the reversal and static elimination processing in the paper reversal path of the subsequent device and the print processing based on the determination result of the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 .

[0093] -Structure of image forming apparatus

[0094] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 101 .

[0095] The printing device 104 forms an image to be printed on paper.

[0096] Various types of paper can be stored in the paper supply tables 401 and 402. Each of the paper supply tables 401 and 402 can separate only the uppermost paper stored therein and convey the paper to the paper conveying path 403. The developing stations 404 to 407 form toner images using color toners Y, M, C, and K, respectively, to form a color image. The toner image formed here is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 408 that rotates clockwise during image formation, so that the toner image is transferred to the paper conveyed from the paper conveying path 403 at a secondary transfer position 409.

[0097] The display 213 displays information on the printing status and settings of the image forming apparatus 101 .

[0098] The fixing unit 411 is a fixing unit for fixing the toner image to the paper, and includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. When the paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and squeezed, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. The paper passing through the fixing unit 411 is conveyed to the paper conveying path 415 through the paper conveying path 412.

[0099] If the paper is to be additionally subjected to melting and pressurizing treatment for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper is conveyed to the second fixing unit 413 using the above paper conveying path after passing through the fixing unit 411, where the paper is subjected to additional melting and pressurizing treatment and then conveyed to the paper conveying path 415 through the paper conveying path 414.

[0100] If a setting for ejecting paper face-down is specified, the paper is conveyed to the paper reversing path 416 , and after being reversed in the paper reversing path 416 , the paper face-down is conveyed to the paper conveying path 415 .

[0101] In duplex printing, the paper is conveyed to the paper reversing path 416, reversed in the paper reversing path 416, and then conveyed to the duplex conveying path 490, where the image is then transferred to the second side at the secondary transfer position 409. In order to achieve higher printing productivity in duplex printing, the paper having the image formed on the second side is not reversed in the paper reversing path 416.

[0102] (Static elimination equipment)

[0103] The static electricity elimination device 105 has a function of eliminating static electricity on a paper. The static electricity elimination device 105 includes a static electricity elimination roller 417 that eliminates static electricity in contact with the paper, an ion generator 419 that eliminates static electricity that is not in contact with the paper, and a voltage application controller that applies voltage to the static electricity elimination roller 417 and the ion generator 419. The paper passing through the printing device 104 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the static electricity elimination roller 417 and its paired rollers, at which time its static electricity is roughly eliminated by the static electricity elimination roller 417. When the paper is conveyed on the paper conveying path 418, the paper has a residual charge adjusted by the ion generator 419, and is then conveyed to the paper conveying path 420. Reference will be made to Figure 5 The static elimination process is described in detail.

[0104] (Large Capacity Stacker)

[0105] The large-capacity stacker 106 is a stacker capable of stacking a large number of sheets of paper. The large-capacity stacker 106 includes a stacking tray 429 as a tray for stacking sheets of paper. The sheets of paper that have passed through the static elimination device 105 are input to the large-capacity stacker 106 through a paper conveying path 427. The sheets of paper pass through a paper conveying path 428 from the paper conveying path 427 and are stacked on the stacking tray 429 while being reversed. The stacking tray 429 includes a lifting tray 430 and a discharge tray 410. The large-capacity stacker 106 also includes an exit tray 423 as a paper discharge tray.

[0106] When the paper is discharged to the exit tray 423, the paper is conveyed from the paper conveying path 427 to the exit tray 423 through the paper conveying path 424. When the paper is conveyed to a device downstream of the large-capacity stacker 106, the paper is conveyed through the paper conveying path 425. The paper reversing path 426 is used to reverse the paper based on the determination result of the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 described later.

[0107] In the present exemplary embodiment, the paper reversing path 426 is provided in the large-capacity stacker 106. A device dedicated to paper reversing may be provided downstream of the static eliminating device 105.

[0108] (Multi-purpose stacker)

[0109] The multipurpose stacker 107 is a stacker capable of stacking wide sheets of paper. The multipurpose stacker 107 includes a stacking table 431 as a table for stacking sheets of paper. The sheets of paper passing through the large-capacity stacker 106 are discharged to the stacking table 431. The multipurpose stacker 107 receives and stacks the sheets of paper facing downward.

[0110] [Description of static electricity elimination treatment]

[0111] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram showing how the static eliminating device 105 performs static eliminating processing on a sheet that has undergone printing processing by the printing device 104 .

[0112] The paper 501 is conveyed to the secondary transfer position 409, where the toner is placed on the paper 501. The toner 503 is negatively charged, and the paper 502 on which the toner is placed passes through the fixing unit 411 and the second fixing unit 413, so that the toner is fixed. The toner-fixed paper 501 is conveyed to the static elimination device 105 with the printing surface 505 negatively charged. The static elimination roller 417 of the static elimination device 105 is positively charged, and the static elimination roller 417 contacts the printing surface 505 of the negatively charged paper 504 to apply positive charge, thereby clearing the charged state. At this time, it is considered that the negative charge or the opposite positive charge that is not eliminated by the static elimination process of the static elimination roller 417 after passing through the static elimination roller 417 remains on the paper 506. The paper 506 that passes through the static elimination roller 417 is conveyed to the ion generator 419. The ion generator 419 is a device that applies voltage to an electrode needle included in the ion generator 419 to generate corona discharge, and uses ions generated by the corona discharge to remove the charged state. The paper 507 conveyed to the ion generator 419 has the charge eliminated by the ions. In this way, the static elimination roller 417 performs rough static elimination, and the ion generator 419 adjusts the residual charge so that the paper 508 discharged from the static elimination device 105 after the static elimination process is in a static-free state.

[0113] In double-sided printing, when the second side, which is the final printing side, is subjected to static elimination processing, the paper 508 is in a static-free state.

[0114] As described above, in order for the static eliminator 105 to eliminate the static charge on the paper, the paper is conveyed to the static eliminator 105 with its printed side facing upward. If the paper is conveyed to the static eliminator 105 with its printed side facing downward, the static eliminator roller 417 will apply positive charge to the positively charged side of the paper or its unprinted side, deteriorating the charged state of the paper.

[0115] As an example, under the setting specified for single-sided printing with face-down paper discharge, the charged state of the paper deteriorates. In the case where single-sided printing with face-down paper discharge is specified, the paper is reversed in the paper reversing path 416 of the printing device 104. Then, the face-down paper is conveyed to the static eliminator 105, where the charge applied by the static eliminator roller 417 deteriorates the charged state.

[0116] [Show screen]

[0117] Next, screens for making various settings will be described. Figures 6 to 10 An example of a display screen on the display 213 of the printing apparatus 104 displayed in response to an instruction from the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 is shown.

[0118] (Main screen)

[0119] Figure 6 An example of a home screen displaying a function list is shown. When the printing device 104 is started, the display 213 of the printing device 104 displays Figure 6 The main screen in .

[0120] Buttons corresponding to a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 101 are displayed. Six buttons are displayed in the display area of ​​the function buttons. Pressing the arrow key at the bottom can display hidden buttons by horizontal scrolling. The [Copy] button 601 is a button for displaying a setting screen for the copy function.

[0121] (Copy function screen)

[0122] Figure 7 Shows an example of the copy function screen. When you press Figure 6 When you press the [Copy] button 601 in the Figure 7When the [Sort] button 701 is pressed, a screen for setting sorting and paper ejection such as shift sorting and binding sorting is displayed. When the [Double-Sided] button 702 is pressed, a screen for setting a printing mode such as double-sided printing or single-sided printing is displayed. When the [Other Functions] button 703 is pressed, a screen for setting various other application modes is displayed. The [Start] button 704 is used to start a job such as starting a copy job. The [Stop] button 705 is used to stop a job being executed.

[0123] Button 706 is used to accept input of a numerical value such as the number of copies.

[0124] Area 707 indicates the number of copies to be printed. Button 706 can be used to set the number of copies.

[0125] (Paper delivery destination selection screen)

[0126] Figure 8 Shows an example of a screen for selecting a paper delivery destination. Figure 7 When you click the [Organize] button 701 in the Figure 8 When the [Multi-purpose stacker] button 801 is pressed, the multi-purpose stacker 107 is set as the discharge destination. When the [Large-capacity stacker] button 802 is pressed, the large-capacity stacker 106 is set as the discharge destination. When the [Cancel setting] button 803 is pressed, the selection of the [Multi-purpose stacker] button 801 or the [Large-capacity stacker] button 802 is cleared. When the [Return] button 804 is pressed, the screen returns to Figure 7 When the [OK] button 805 is pressed, the selection of the [Multi-purpose Stacker] button 801 or the [Large Capacity Stacker] button 802 is confirmed.

[0127] (Other function selection screen)

[0128] Figure 9A-A An example of a screen showing a list of various functions in the application mode is shown. When the [Other Functions] button 703 is pressed, the Figure 9A-A Pressing the [Static Elimination] button 901 displays a screen for setting the static elimination device 105. When the [Close] button 902 is pressed, the screen returns to Figure 7 The Copy function screen appears.

[0129] (Static elimination setting screen)

[0130] Figure 9A-B This shows an example of a setting screen for setting whether or not to perform static elimination processing by the static elimination device 105. Figure 9A-A When you press the [Static Elimination] button 901 in the Figure 9A-BWhen [Static Elimination] button 911 is pressed, the setting for the static elimination process to be performed by the static elimination device 105 is made. When [No Static Elimination] button 912 is pressed, the setting for not performing the static elimination process by the static elimination device 105 is made. When [Cancel Setting] button 913 is pressed, the selection of [Static Elimination] button 911 or [No Static Elimination] button 912 is cleared. When [Return] button 914 is pressed, the screen returns to Figure 9A-A , in which a list of various functions in the application mode is displayed. When the [OK] button 915 is pressed, the selection of the [static elimination] button 911 or the [no static elimination] button 912 is confirmed.

[0131] (Static elimination intensity setting screen)

[0132] Fig. 9B Shows an example of a screen for setting the intensity of static elimination control. Figure 9A-B When the [Static Elimination] button 911 is pressed and the [OK] button 915 is pressed, and the setting for the static elimination by the static elimination device 105 is confirmed, the display Fig. 9B The screen in .

[0133] Area 921 is a setting area for setting the intensity of the static elimination control of the static elimination device 105. The intensity of static elimination can be increased or decreased by the "+" or "-" button. When the [Back] button 922 is pressed, the screen returns to Figure 9A-B When the [OK] button 923 is pressed, the intensity of the static elimination control set in the area 921 is confirmed.

[0134] (Finisher settings screen)

[0135] Fig.10 302 is an example of a setting screen displayed when setting the discharge surface of paper in the finisher configuration setting unit 302. Fig.10 As shown, when the paper is stacked on the multi-purpose stacker 107, the user can set the face orientation of the paper by using the [Face Up] button 1001 and the [Face Down] button 1002. When the [Face Up] button 1001 is pressed, the paper is set to be stacked face up in the multi-purpose stacker 107. When the [Face Down] button 1002 is pressed, the paper is set to be stacked face down in the multi-purpose stacker 107. When the [Face Up] button 1001 or the [Face Down] button 1002 is pressed and then the [OK] button 1004 is pressed, the setting of the finisher configuration is ended. When the [Cancel] button 1003 is pressed, the setting of the [Face Up] button 1001 or the [Face Down] button 1002 is cleared.

[0136] In the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the multi-purpose stacker 107 has the paper stacked face down. Therefore, when the button 1002 is pressed and then the button 1004 is pressed, the multi-purpose stacker 107 is set to have the paper stacked face down.

[0137] (Processing of Reversal / Static Elimination Determination Unit)

[0138] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart of a process in which the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines whether to reverse a sheet of paper in the printing apparatus 104, whether to perform static elimination processing in the static elimination apparatus 105, and whether to reverse a sheet of paper in the large-capacity stacker 106. The process in the flowchart is performed by the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 loading a program stored in the HDD into the memory 120 and executing the program. This process is started when a print job is input to the image processing apparatus. In the present exemplary embodiment, the apparatus capable of reversing a sheet of paper is the printing apparatus 104 equipped with the sheet reversal path 416 and the large-capacity stacker 106 equipped with the sheet reversal path 426.

[0139] In step S1101, the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 determines whether to set the static elimination process to be performed by the static elimination device 105. Figure 9A-B This determination is made based on the input(s) accepted on the static elimination setting screen in . If it is determined that the setting for executing static elimination processing is specified ("Yes" in step S1101), the process proceeds to step S1102. If it is determined that the setting for executing static elimination processing is not specified ("No" in step S1101), the process proceeds to step S1107.

[0140] In step S1102, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines whether single-sided printing is specified. Figure 7 This determination is made based on the input(s) accepted on the setting screen shown. If it is determined that single-sided printing is designated (YES in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1103.

[0141] If it is determined that one-sided printing is not specified but two-sided printing is specified (NO in step S1102 ), the processing proceeds to step S1106 .

[0142] In step S1103, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines whether the paper is to be discharged face down. Figure 8 The discharge destination setting screen in Fig.10 The reverse / static elimination determination unit 303 performs this determination based on the input received on the finisher configuration setting screen in the Figure 8The processing proceeds to step S1104. If it is determined that the paper is to be discharged face down ("Yes" in step S1103), the processing proceeds to step S1104. If it is determined that the paper is not to be discharged face down but to be discharged face up ("No" in step S1103), the processing proceeds to step S1105.

[0143] (Static Elimination on, single-sided and face down)

[0144] Step S1104 represents the result of determination by the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 as to whether the paper is reversed in the printing apparatus 104 , whether static elimination processing is performed by the static elimination apparatus 105 , and whether the paper is reversed in the large-volume stacker 106 .

[0145] Since the setting for executing the static elimination process is made, the paper will be delivered face up to the static elimination device 105. Therefore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper will be discharged face down, but the paper will not be reversed in the paper reversal path 416 of the printing device 104. Since the setting for executing the static elimination process by the static elimination device 105 is made, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the static elimination process is to be performed. In addition, in order to make the paper face down after the static elimination process of the static elimination device 105, the paper is reversed after the static elimination process. Therefore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper will be reversed in the paper reversal path 426 of the large-capacity stacker 106. After making the determination, the process ends.

[0146] (Static Elimination on, single-sided and face up)

[0147] Step S1105 represents the result of determination by the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 as to whether to reverse the paper in the printing apparatus 104 , whether to perform static elimination processing by the static elimination apparatus 105 , and whether to reverse the paper in the large-volume stacker 106 .

[0148] Since the setting for executing the static elimination process is made, the paper is conveyed face up to the static elimination device 105. In addition, since the setting for ejecting the paper face up is specified, the paper is not reversed in the paper reversing path 416 of the printing device 104. Therefore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper is not reversed in the paper reversing path 416 of the printing device 104. Since the setting for executing the static elimination process by the static elimination device 105 is made, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the static elimination process is performed in the static elimination device 105. After the paper passes through the static elimination device 105, the paper is placed face up with the specified face up, so there is no need to reverse the paper. Then, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper is not reversed in the paper reversing path 426 of the large-capacity stacker 106. After making the determination, the processing ends.

[0149] (Double-sided printing)

[0150] Step S1106 represents the determination result of the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 as to whether the paper is reversed in the printing apparatus 104 , whether static elimination processing is performed in the static elimination apparatus 105 , and whether the paper is reversed in the large-volume stacker 106 .

[0151] In double-sided printing, the CPU 209 of the printing device 104 controls the printing order on the first and second sides of the paper to meet the discharge side setting. Therefore, the paper with the set discharge side is conveyed to the static elimination device 105. At this time, the final printed side is Figure 5 , so that the static elimination process can be performed normally. Therefore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper is not reversed in the paper reversal path 416 of the printing device 104. Here, the designation as unnecessary reversal refers to the reversal after the image on the second side is formed, rather than the reversal in the paper reversal path 416 in order to form an image on the second side after the image on the first side is formed. Since the setting for the static elimination process to be performed by the static elimination device 105 is made, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the static elimination process is performed by the static elimination device 105. After passing through the static elimination device 105, the surface orientation of the paper is set under the control of the order of printing the first side and the second side by the CPU 209 of the printing device 104, so that reversal is not required. Therefore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper is not reversed in the paper reversal path 426 of the large-capacity stacker 106. After making the determination, the process ends.

[0152] (Normal printing)

[0153] In step S1107, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 does not determine whether reversal is performed in the printing apparatus 104 or the large-volume stacker 106. In step S1107, a normal print instruction is issued to the CPU 209. After issuing the instruction, the process ends.

[0154] The print control unit 305 issues a paper reversal instruction and a static elimination instruction to the corresponding device based on the above-described determination result of the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 , and controls the print process.

[0155] Furthermore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 may determine whether the image forming apparatus 101 includes the large-volume stacker 106 before making the determination in step S1104. This determination is made based on the result of the inquiry made by the CPU 209 to the CPU of the corresponding device. If the image forming apparatus 101 includes the large-volume stacker 106, the process proceeds to step S1104. If the image forming apparatus 101 does not include the large-volume stacker 106, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper will be reversed in the printing apparatus 104 and will not be statically eliminated by the static elimination device 105.

[0156] The reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 may determine whether the image forming apparatus 101 includes the large-capacity stacker 106 before making the determination in step S1105 or step S1106. If the image forming apparatus 101 does not include the large-capacity stacker 106, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 does not determine whether to reverse the paper in the large-capacity stacker 106.

[0157] As described above, considering a device including a reversing mechanism that reverses a sheet having a set discharge surface, the static elimination device 105 can perform static elimination processing using any combination of single-sided / double-sided printing and discharge surfaces (including face-down discharge).

[0158] (Example of paper feeding)

[0159] A specific example of the face orientation and the conveying path of the paper will be illustrated. Fig.12 The surface orientation and the conveyance path of the print surface of the paper realized based on the determination result in step S1104 by the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 are shown. The black triangle indicates the print surface.

[0160] When the setting of ejecting the paper 1201 face-down is specified, the paper 1201 is normally inverted in the paper reversing path 416. However, due to the determination of the reversing / static elimination determination unit 303, the paper 1201 is not inverted in the paper reversing path 416 of the printing device 104. The paper 1201 on which the image is formed is conveyed to the static elimination device 105 in a manner that the paper 1201 faces upward. The paper that has been subjected to the static elimination process of the static elimination device 105 is inverted in the reversing path 426 of the large-capacity stacker 106 and is inverted face-down. Fig.12 The paper 1202 shown is face-down and is fed to the multi-purpose stacker 107 and is used as Fig.12 The illustrated paper 1203 is ejected.

[0161] In the first exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 101 includes a device having a reversing mechanism, and determines whether to reverse the paper in the image forming apparatus 101 and whether to perform static elimination so that the discharge surface is discharged with the paper set by the user and static elimination is performed by the static elimination device 105.

[0162] In the second exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 101 does not include a stacking device having a reversing mechanism, and determines whether to reverse paper in the stacking device of the image forming apparatus 101 and whether to perform static elimination, giving priority to the discharge of paper whose discharge surface is set by the user.

[0163] (Structure of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0164] Fig.13 is a structural cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 101 according to a second exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 Description of the parts that are the same as those shown in the figure.

[0165] The paper that has passed through the static eliminating device 105 and has been conveyed to the paper conveying path 420 is discharged onto the stacking table 431 of the multi-purpose stacker 107 .

[0166] Fig.14 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 according to the second exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 Description of the parts that are the same as those shown in the figure.

[0167] The configuration acquisition unit 1401 acquires information about the configuration, such as whether a device in the image forming apparatus 101 that can communicate via the communication cable 232 includes a reversing mechanism. The configuration acquisition unit 1401 acquires information from the CPU of each device (such as the CPU 221).

[0168] (Processing of Reversal / Static Elimination Determination Unit)

[0169] Fig.15 104, whether to perform static elimination processing in the static elimination device 105, and whether to reverse the paper in the large-capacity stacker 106. Fig.11 The step number in the description is the same as the step number.

[0170] If it is determined in step S1103 that the paper is not discharged face-up but face-down, the process proceeds to step S1501.

[0171] In step S1501, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines whether there is a device (e.g., a stacking device) equipped with a reversal mechanism downstream of the static elimination device 105. This determination is made based on the device information acquired by the configuration acquisition unit 1401. In the case where there is a device equipped with a reversal path downstream of the static elimination device 105 ("Yes" in step S1501), the process proceeds to step S1104, and in the case where there is no device equipped with a reversal path downstream of the static elimination device 105 ("No" in step S1501), the process proceeds to step S1502.

[0172] Step S1502 represents the result of determination by the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 as to whether the paper is reversed in the printing apparatus 104 , whether static elimination processing is performed in the static elimination apparatus 105 , and whether the paper is reversed in the large-volume stacker 106 .

[0173] Since the setting for performing the static elimination process is made, the paper is conveyed face up to the static elimination device 105. However, there is no device including a reversing path downstream of the static elimination device 105. In addition, since there is no device including a reversing mechanism downstream of the static elimination device 105, the paper cannot be reversed after the static elimination process is performed in the static elimination device 105. Therefore, in order to give priority to the discharge surface of the paper set by the user, the paper is turned face down in the printing device 104. Therefore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper is to be reversed in the paper reversal path 416 of the printing device 104. Although the setting for performing the static elimination process in the static elimination device 105 is made, the static elimination process performed on the face down paper may deteriorate the charged state of the paper. Therefore, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the static elimination process in the static elimination device 105 is not performed. Finally, since the large-capacity stacker 106 is not included in the image forming apparatus 101, the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 does not determine whether to reverse the paper in the large-capacity stacker 106. After making the determination, the processing ends.

[0174] As described above, in the second exemplary embodiment, the printing apparatus 104 does not include a reversing mechanism, and priority is given to the discharge of paper whose discharge surface is set by the user. Even if the setting for performing static elimination processing is made, the printing apparatus 104 is controlled not to perform static elimination processing to prevent the charged state of paper from deteriorating.

[0175] A specific example of the face orientation and conveyance of paper will be described. Fig.16 The face orientation of the print face of the paper and the conveyance path realized based on the determination result of the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 in step S1502 are shown.

[0176] When the paper is discharged face-down, the paper is reversed in the paper reversing path 416 .

[0177] Therefore, the paper 1601 is reversed in the paper reversing path 416, and as Fig.16 The paper 1602 shown is conveyed face down to the static elimination device 105. The paper conveyed to the static elimination device 105 passes through the static elimination device 105 without being subjected to static elimination processing, and serves as Fig.16 The illustrated paper 1603 is conveyed face down to the multi-purpose stacker 107 and is ejected.

[0178] A third exemplary embodiment will be described. In the second exemplary embodiment, if the conditions of the discharge surface set by the user and the static elimination process cannot be satisfied at the same time, in the case where priority is given to the discharge of the paper whose discharge surface is set by the user, it is determined that the static elimination process is not performed. The print control unit 305 performs print processing on the print job for which the execution instruction is issued with a specified number of copies (a plurality of copies) based on the determination. At this time, it is assumed that the printed paper is in a charged state because the static elimination process is not performed.

[0179] In the third exemplary embodiment, in the case where priority is given to the discharge of the paper whose discharge surface is set by the user, in the printing process (step S1502) in which it is determined that the static elimination process is not to be performed, the printing process is stopped immediately after the first copy is printed. Then, a screen is displayed to ask the user whether to continue printing, thereby confirming the user's intention as to whether to continue printing.

[0180] (Printing continuation confirmation screen)

[0181] Fig.17 is an example of a screen prompting the user to check the charging state of the printed material generated when the static elimination setting is turned off and select whether to continue printing. Fig.17, and then the print control unit 305 prints the first copy based on the determination result, and then discharges the printed material. When the [Stop Printing] button 1701 is pressed, the job is set to be cleared. When the [Continue Printing] button 1702 is pressed, the job is set to continue.

[0182] (Print Control Processing)

[0183] Fig.18 1502 is a flowchart of a process of controlling printing performed by the print control unit 305 when the determination result of the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 is the same as the determination result in step S1502. Fig.15 When the determination by the illustrated inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 ends, the print control unit 305 executes the processing in the flowchart.

[0184] In step S1801, the print control unit 305 determines whether the determination result of the reversal / static elimination determination unit 303 is the same as the determination result in step S1502. If the determination result is the same as the determination result in step S1502 ("Yes" in step S1801), the process proceeds to step S1802. If the determination result is different from the determination result in step S1502 ("No" in step S1801), the process proceeds to step S1808.

[0185] In step S1802, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 to print the first copy. After issuing the instruction, the process advances to step S1803.

[0186] In step S1803, the print control unit 305 determines whether the number of copies to be printed in the job for which the execution instruction is issued is two or more. Figure 7 This confirmation is made by accepting input on the copy function screen in Figure 7 If the number of copies set in area 707 in is two or more (YES in step S1803), the process proceeds to step S1804. If the number of copies is one (NO in step S1803), the process ends.

[0187] In step S1804, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 to display the Fig.17 When this screen is displayed, the process proceeds to step S1805.

[0188] In step S1805, the print control unit 305 determines whether an instruction to continue printing has been received. Fig.17This determination is made based on the input accepted on the print continuation confirmation screen shown. If the user presses the [Continue Printing] button 1702, the process proceeds to step S1806. If the user presses the [Cancel Printing] button 1701, the process proceeds to step S1807.

[0189] In step S1806, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 to print the remaining number of copies. After issuing the instruction, this processing ends.

[0190] In step S1807, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 to stop printing. After issuing the instruction, this processing ends.

[0191] In step S1808, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 to print the designated number of copies. After issuing the instruction, this processing ends.

[0192] As described above, in the third exemplary embodiment, when the static elimination process is not performed with priority placed on the discharge surface, the printing process is stopped immediately after the first copy is printed. Then, the user is prompted to check the charging state of the output and set whether to print the remaining copies. This allows the user to grasp the charging state before printing.

[0193] Other embodiments

[0194] The (multiple) embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented as follows: a computer of a system or device, the system or device reads and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments, and / or the system or device includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments; and a method performed by a computer of the system or device, for example, reading and executing computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments, and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above (multiple) embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), one or more of a flash memory device and a memory card, etc.

[0195] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0196] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing system, comprising: a printing device configured to print an image on a first side of a conveyed sheet; a static elimination device configured to perform static elimination processing on a first side of a sheet on which an image is printed by the printing device; a reversing unit that does not reverse the sheet subjected to the static elimination process by the static elimination device when the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face-up with the first side facing up, and reverses the sheet subjected to the static elimination process by the static elimination device when the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face-down with the first side facing down; A control unit is configured to control the sheet reversed by the reversing unit to be discharged.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: When single-sided printing is set and face-up discharge is specified, the reversing unit does not reverse the sheet that has been subjected to electrostatic elimination processing by the electrostatic elimination device, and when single-sided printing is set and face-down discharge of the sheet to be discharged with the first side facing down is specified, the reversing unit reverses the sheet that has been subjected to electrostatic elimination processing by the electrostatic elimination device.

3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: When double-sided printing is set, the printing device prints an image on a first side and a second side different from the first side of a sheet, the static eliminating device also performs static eliminating processing on the second side, and the control unit controls to discharge the sheet subjected to static eliminating processing.

4. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The printing apparatus further includes another reversing unit configured to reverse the sheet.

5. The printing system according to claim 4, further comprising: A determination unit is used to determine whether the reversing unit exists downstream of the static eliminating device. wherein, in a case where the determination unit determines that the reversing unit does not exist downstream of the static eliminating device, the other reversing unit reverses the sheet on which the image is printed by the printing device.

6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein: When the determination unit determines that the reversing unit does not exist downstream of the static eliminating device, the other reversing unit reverses the sheet on which the image is printed by the printing device, and the static eliminating device does not perform static eliminating processing on the sheet reversed in the printing device.

7. The printing system according to claim 6, further comprising: A display unit is used to display in the case of printing a plurality of copies to receive a user instruction as to whether to continue or stop the printing process after printing the first copy.

8. A method for controlling a printing system, comprising: printing an image on a first side of the conveyed sheet; Performing a static elimination process on a first side of the sheet on which an image is printed by the printing device; When the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face-up with the first side facing up, the sheet that has been subjected to the static elimination process is not reversed, and when the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face-down with the first side facing down, the sheet that has been subjected to the static elimination process is reversed; as well as Control is performed to discharge the sheet reversed in the reversal.

9. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a printing system, the control method comprising: printing an image on a first side of the conveyed sheet; Performing a static elimination process on a first side of the sheet on which an image is printed by the printing device; When the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face-up with the first side facing up, the sheet that has been subjected to the static elimination process is not reversed, and when the sheet to be discharged is specified to be discharged face-down with the first side facing down, the sheet that has been subjected to the static elimination process is reversed; as well as Control is performed to discharge the sheet reversed in the reversal.

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