Image formation system

Abstract

To provide an image formation system including a plurality of gripping bodies, capable of associating a medium on which an image is formed with a gripping body gripping the medium .SOLUTION: The image formation system is provided with a rotating chain 51 including a plurality of gripping bodies 56, and comprises: a chain gripper 50 transporting a recording medium P gripped by the gripping body 56 in conjunction with the rotation of the chain 51; an image formation part 20 forming an image on the recording medium P transported by the chain gripper 50; and a CPU 19A. In an association mode, the CPU 19A causes the image formation part 20 to start image formation on the recording medium P gripped by specific gripping bodies 56 of the plurality of gripping bodies 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device comprising: a substantially cylindrical body having a recess; a sheet member wrapped around the body and having a metal layer and an outer layer in contact with the body; a first attachment member provided on the metal layer at one end of the sheet member and removably attached to one side of the recess; a second attachment member provided on an end of the metal layer at the other end of the sheet member and removably attached to the other side of the recess; a body member equipped with a tensioning screw that pulls the second attachment member in the depth direction of the recess to apply tension to the metal layer, a positioning pin provided on the second attachment member, and a positioning hole into which the positioning pin formed at the end of the metal layer fits; and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium transported by the body member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-031856 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an image forming system having a plurality of grippers that enables association of a medium on which an image is formed with a gripper that grips the medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming system of the first aspect includes a conveying device that conveys a medium held by the grippers as the rotating member rotates, the conveying device forming an image on the medium conveyed by the conveying device, and a processor, and in an association mode, the processor causes the forming device to start image formation from the medium held by a specific one of the multiple grippers.

[0006] The image forming system of the second aspect is the image forming system described in the first aspect, further comprising a display unit, and the processor causes the display unit to display, in association with each other, an image formed on the medium transported by each of the plurality of grippers and identification information identifying each of the grippers.

[0007] In a third aspect of the image forming system, in the image forming system described in the first or second aspect, the processor causes identification information identifying each of the multiple grippers to be attached to each of the media on which the forming device forms an image, and causes each of the multiple grippers associated with the identification information to transport the medium to which the identification information has been attached.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the image forming system, in the image forming system described in the second or third aspect, when the processor receives an instruction to exclude a specified gripper, the processor transports the medium using other grippers excluding the specified gripper.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the image forming system, in the image forming system described in the second or third aspect, when the processor receives an instruction to replace a specific gripper, it stops the orbiting member at a position where the specific gripper can be replaced.

[0010] The image forming system of a sixth aspect is the image forming system of the first aspect, further comprising a measuring device that is arranged downstream of the conveying device on the medium conveying path and measures the medium on which an image is formed, and the processor identifies a defective gripper based on association information between the multiple grippers and the medium and the measurement results of the measuring device.

[0011] The image forming system of the seventh aspect is the image forming system described in the sixth aspect, further comprising a display unit, and when the processor identifies a gripper having the defect, the processor causes the display unit to display identification information of the gripper having the defect.

[0012] An image forming system of an eighth aspect is an image forming system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, in which, when the processor identifies a gripper that has a defect, the processor transports the medium using the other grippers excluding the gripper that has the defect.

[0013] In the image forming system of the ninth aspect, in the image forming system described in the sixth or seventh aspect, when the processor recognizes a gripper having a defect, it stops the orbiting member at a position where the defective gripper can be replaced. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the image forming system of the first aspect, in an image forming system including a conveying device having a plurality of grippers, a medium on which an image is formed can be associated with a gripper that grips the medium.

[0015] According to the image forming system of the second aspect, the image and the identification information displayed on the display unit allow the user to associate the medium with the gripper.

[0016] According to the image forming system of the third aspect, the image and the identification information formed on the medium allow the user to associate the medium with the gripper.

[0017] According to the image forming system of the fourth aspect, when the image forming system receives an instruction to exclude the designated object, the image forming system can continue forming the image.

[0018] According to the image forming system of the fifth aspect, when an instruction to replace a specific gripper is received, it is easier to replace the specified gripper compared to a case in which the rotating member is stopped without determining the stopping position of the gripper.

[0019] According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect, a defective gripper can be automatically identified.

[0020] According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect, when a defective gripper is identified, the user can be made aware of the defect in the gripper displayed on the display unit.

[0021] According to the image forming system of the eighth aspect, even when a defective gripper is recognized, image formation can be continued.

[0022] According to the image forming system of the ninth aspect, when a defective gripper is identified, the operation of replacing the defective gripper is easier than in a case where the rotating member is stopped without determining the stopping position of the gripper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image forming unit and a conveying unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a chain gripper according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an association procedure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a recording medium formed in an association procedure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a defect handling procedure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an association procedure according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating screens displayed on a display unit in an association procedure according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an association procedure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a defect response procedure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference symbols. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios. In addition, when it is necessary to distinguish one side from the other in the vertical direction, the width direction, and the depth direction of the device, the upper side will be described as the +H side, the lower side as the -H side, the right side as the +W side, the left side as the -W side, the back side as the -D side, and the front side as the +D side when viewing the image forming apparatus 10 from the front.

[0025] In the following description, a user refers to a person who uses an image forming device to create printed matter, and a worker refers to a person who repairs the image forming device. There is no limit to the number of users and workers, and each may play a different role.

[0026] [First embodiment] (Image forming device) The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an example of an image forming system of the present disclosure, and is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on a recording medium P, which is an example of a medium. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage section 12, a first supply section 14, a second supply section 15, an image forming section 20, which is an example of a forming device of the present disclosure, a discharge section 16, a branch section 17, and a discharged section 18. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes an imaging device 92, which is an example of a measuring device of the present disclosure, a control section 19 that controls each section, a chain gripper 50, which is an example of a conveying device of the present disclosure, and a fixing section 40 that fixes the toner image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a first conveying section 50a and a second conveying section 50b.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 10 further includes a housing 10a that houses each unit. The housing 10a houses the image forming unit 20. The housing 10a also houses a first supply unit 14, a second supply unit 15, a discharge unit 16, and a branch unit 17. Details of the housing 10a will be described later. The recording medium P according to this embodiment is, for example, a sheet member such as paper.

[0028] (Housing) The housing 10a has a rectangular parallelepiped frame and walls covering each surface of the frame. The walls of the housing 10a facing the width direction and depth direction of the device are called side walls. The wall covering the -H side surface of the housing 10a is called a bottom wall.

[0029] The housing 10a has a plurality of legs (not shown) on the bottom frame that can be expanded or contracted to any desired height in the vertical direction of the device. The housing 10a has a function of being able to adjust the position in the vertical direction of the device by expanding or contracting each leg in the vertical direction of the device.

[0030] (Storage section) The storage section 12 has a function of storing the recording medium P. The image forming apparatus 10 is provided with four storage sections 12. The recording medium P is selectively sent out from the four storage sections 12. In this embodiment, two storage sections 12 are arranged in the housing 10a in a state where they are lined up in the vertical direction of the apparatus. The other two storage sections 12 are arranged in the housing 10a in a state where they are lined up in the width direction of the apparatus.

[0031] (1st supply section) The first supply section 14 has the function of transporting the recording medium P stored in the storage section 12 of the housing 10a using multiple transport rolls (not shown) arranged in the housing 10a, and supplying it to the image forming section 20 of the housing 10a.

[0032] (2nd supply section) The second supply section 15 has a function of transporting the recording medium P stored in the storage section 12 of the housing 10a using the housing 10a and a plurality of transport rolls (not shown) arranged in the housing 10a, and merging with the first supply section 14 to supply the recording medium P toward the image forming section 20 in the housing 10a. The second supply section 15 merges with the first supply section 14 so as to pass between a branch section 17 (described later) and the storage section 12 in the vertical direction of the device.

[0033] (Image forming section) The image forming unit 20 is disposed within the housing 10a, and has a function of forming an image on the recording medium P by an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 20 includes a photoconductor unit 23 that forms a toner image, and a transfer device 30 that transfers the toner image formed by the photoconductor unit 23 onto the recording medium P.

[0034] The first transport section 50a and the second transport section 50b each include a plurality of transport rolls (not shown). The first transport section 50a is connected to the first supply section 14, and transports the recording medium P supplied from the supply section 14 to the housing 10a in a direction along the device width direction (horizontal direction) toward the receiving position D1 of the chain gripper 50. The second transport section 50b is connected to the discharge section 16, and transports the recording medium P, on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing section 40, in a direction along the device width direction (horizontal direction) toward the discharge section 16 of the housing 10a.

[0035] A plurality of photoconductor units 23 are provided so as to form a toner image for each color. In this embodiment, photoconductor units 23 for a total of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), are provided. Y, M, C, and K shown in FIG. 1 indicate components corresponding to the above-mentioned respective colors. When there is no particular distinction between the colors (Y, M, C, and K), the letters at the end of the names are omitted.

[0036] [Photoconductor unit] The photoconductor units 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23K (23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23K) are basically configured in the same manner, except for the toner used.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the photoconductor units 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23K are arranged along the inclined portion of a transfer belt 31 (details of which will be described later) of a transfer device 30.

[0038] 2, the photoconductor unit 23 includes a photoconductor drum 24 that rotates in the direction of the arrow A02 in the figure, and a charger 26 that charges the photoconductor drum 24. The photoconductor unit 23 further includes an exposure device 28 that exposes the photoconductor drum 21 charged by the charger 26 to light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 29 that develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image.

[0039] [Transfer device] The transfer device 30 has a function of primarily transferring the toner images of the photoconductor drums 24 of each color in a superimposed manner onto an intermediate transfer body, and then secondarily transferring the superimposed toner images onto a recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the transfer device 30 includes a transfer belt 31 as an intermediate transfer body, a plurality of rolls 32, a primary transfer roll 34, a secondary transfer roll 33, and a transfer body 36.

[0040] The transfer belt 31 is endless and wound around a plurality of rolls 32 so as to assume a substantially inverted triangular posture. The transfer belt 31 rotates in the direction of the arrow X when at least one of the plurality of rolls 32 is driven to rotate.

[0041] The primary transfer roll 34 is a roll-shaped member disposed on the opposite side of the photoconductor drum 24 of each color across the transfer belt 31. The primary transfer roll 34 has a function of transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 24 onto the transfer belt 31 at a primary transfer position T between the photoconductor drum 24 and the primary transfer roll 34.

[0042] The secondary transfer roll 33 is a roll-shaped member disposed between the -W side roll 32 and the -H side roll 32 among the rolls 32 around which the transfer belt 31 is wound in a substantially inverted triangular shape, on the inside of the transfer belt 31, so as to contact the transfer belt 31. The transfer body 36 is a roll-shaped member extending in the device depth direction, disposed on the opposite side of the transfer belt 31 from the secondary transfer roll 33. The secondary transfer roll 33 and the transfer body 36 have the function of transferring the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 31 to the recording medium P at a secondary transfer position NT between the transfer belt 31 and the transfer body 36.

[0043] [Chain gripper] 3, the chain gripper 50 includes a pair of chains 51, a gripping body 56 that holds the leading end of the recording medium P, and sprockets 52, 53, and 54. The chain 51 is an example of a rotating member. A plurality of gripping bodies 56 are provided at intervals in the rotating direction of the chain 51.

[0044] The pair of chains 51 are arranged at a distance from each other in the device depth direction, and the chains 51 are formed in an endless shape. The pair of chains 51 are arranged at both ends of the transfer body 36 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and are wound around a pair of sprockets 52 whose axial direction is the longitudinal direction. The pair of chains 51 are also arranged at both ends of the pressure roll 42 (described below) in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and are wound around a pair of sprockets 53 whose axial direction is the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the pair of chains 51 are wound around a pair of sprockets 54 arranged at a distance from each other in the device depth direction, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0045] The sprockets 53 arranged on both sides of the pressure roll 42 in the longitudinal direction are arranged on the -W side and +H side with respect to the sprockets 52 arranged on both sides of the transfer body 36 in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] When viewed from the depth direction of the device, the pair of sprockets 54 are disposed below the sprockets 52 and 53, on the -W side of the sprocket 52 and on the +W side of the sprocket 53. Between the pair of sprockets 54, transport rolls (not shown) are disposed which are coaxial with the pair of sprockets 54.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, six grippers 56 are provided, including a first gripper 56A to a sixth gripper 56F. The first gripper 56A to the sixth gripper 56F are attached in order in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 2. The first gripper 56A to the sixth gripper 56F are each grasped by the control unit 19, which will be described later, in the circumferential direction of each of the chain grippers 50. The control unit 19 may grasp the circumferential direction position in any manner. As an example, a method is adopted in which the first gripper 56A is provided with a mark that can be read by a sensor (not shown), and the sensor recognizes the circumferential position of the first gripper 56A by reading the mark. In the following description, when the first gripper 56A to the sixth gripper 56F are not particularly distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as grippers 56. The first gripping body 56A to the sixth gripping body 56F are spaced apart from one another at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0048] The gripper 56 extends in the depth direction of the device and is provided with a plurality of grippers 57, and both ends of the gripper 56 in the depth direction of the device are attached to the pair of chains 51, respectively.

[0049] The grippers 57 are attached to the gripping body 56 at predetermined intervals along the device depth direction. The grippers 57 have a function of holding the leading edge of the recording medium P. Specifically, the gripper 57 has a claw 57a. The gripping body 56 is also formed with a contact portion 58 with which the claw 57a comes into contact.

[0050] Gripper 57 is configured to hold recording medium P by pinching the tip of recording medium P between claw 57a and contact portion 58. In addition, gripper 57 has claw 57a pressed against contact portion 58 by a spring or the like, and claw 57a is moved toward and away from contact portion 58 by the action of a cam or the like.

[0051] In this configuration, when a rotational force is transmitted to any one of the multiple sprockets 52, 53, 54 shown in FIG. 2, the pair of chains 51 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure, moving from the sprocket 52 side to the sprocket 53 side.

[0052] Furthermore, when the grippers 56 attached to the pair of chains 51 reach the receiving position D1 at the lower end of the sprocket 54, the grippers 57 of the grippers 56 pinch the leading end of the recording medium P conveyed along the first supply section 14 and the first conveying section 50a to hold and receive the recording medium P. Then, the chain 51 revolving in the direction of the arrow C conveys the recording medium P held by the grippers 56 to the secondary transfer position NT, thereby transferring the toner image onto the recording medium P. Furthermore, the revolving chain 51 conveys the recording medium P from the secondary transfer position NT to the fixing section 40, thereby fixing the toner image onto the recording medium P. At the sending position D2 where the leading end of the recording medium P has passed the fixing section 40, the grippers 56 release the holding of the leading end of the recording medium P, and the chain gripper 50 sends the recording medium P to the second conveying section 50b and the discharge section 16.

[0053] [Fixing section] As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing unit 40 is disposed downstream of the transfer body 36 in the transport direction of the recording medium P.

[0054] The fixing section 40 includes a heating roll 44 that comes into contact with the conveyed recording medium P to heat the recording medium P, and a pressure roll 42 that presses the recording medium P against the heating roll 44 .

[0055] The heating roll 44 is a roll-shaped member that contacts the upward surface of the recording medium P being conveyed and is arranged to extend in the device depth direction with its axial direction being the device depth direction. Axles extending in the device depth direction are formed on both ends of the heating roll 44 in the device depth direction, and support members are provided to support the axles. The heating roll 44 is heated by a driven roll having a heater (not shown).

[0056] The pressure roll 42 is a roll-shaped member that is arranged on the opposite side of the heating roll 44 across the recording medium P being transported, contacting the downward facing surface of the recording medium P being transported, and extending in the device depth direction with its axial direction being the device depth direction.

[0057] In this configuration, the pressure roll 42 presses the recording medium P toward the heating roll 44. Furthermore, the pressure roll 42 rotates by a rotational force transmitted from a driving member (not shown). The heating roll 44 rotates following the rotation of the pressure roll 42. Furthermore, the heating roll 44 and the pressure roll 42 sandwich and transport the recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred, whereby the toner image is heated and fixed to the recording medium P.

[0058] (Discharge section) The discharge section 16 has a function of discharging the recording medium P, which has had the toner image fixed by the fixing section 40 and has been transported, from a discharge port provided on the side of the housing 10a. In this embodiment, the recording medium P, which has had the toner image fixed by the fixing section 40 and has been transported, is delivered to an extended discharge section 16a provided in the housing 10a and is discharged to a discharged section 18 provided outside the housing 10a.

[0059] (Branch) The branching section 17 is provided by branching off from the discharge section 16 of the housing 10a, and has a function of switching the leading end and trailing end of the recording medium P transported to the branching section 17 to join the first supply section 14. Specifically, the branching section 17 has a function of changing the transport direction of the recording medium P transported from the discharge section 16 to the branching section 17, to a direction opposite to the transport direction of the discharge section 16 downstream of the fixing section 40.

[0060] The branching section 17 is disposed above the storage section 12 in the housing 10a. The recording medium P that is transported to the branching section 17 and joins the first supply section 14 has its leading end and trailing end swapped, and is transported to the secondary transfer position NT in a state in which the front and back of the recording medium P are inverted from before being transported to the branching section 17. In other words, the recording medium P that is transported to the branching section 17, joins the first supply section 14, and is transported to the secondary transfer position NT has a toner image transferred to a surface (rear surface) different from the surface (front surface) on which the toner image was formed before being transported to the branching section 17.

[0061] (Imaging device) The imaging device 92 is provided at the branching section 17, and is a so-called in-line sensor that images the recording medium P that has been conveyed after the toner image has been fixed by the fixing section 40. The imaging device 92 is configured to include a plurality of measurement sensors, and transmits image data of the captured recording medium P to the control section 19 as a measurement result.

[0062] (Control unit) 4, the control unit 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 19A, which is an example of a processor, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 19B used as a temporary work area for the CPU 19A. The control unit also includes a non-volatile memory 19C that stores a control program for causing the control unit 19 to function, and an input / output interface (I / O) 19E. The CPU 19A, RAM 19B, non-volatile memory 19C, and I / O 19E are each connected via a bus 19D.

[0063] In this way, a dedicated processor and memory for executing each process are assigned to the control unit 19. The CPU 19A reads a control program from the non-volatile memory 19C and executes the overall control of the image forming apparatus 10 that the control unit 19 is responsible for.

[0064] The non-volatile memory 19C is an example of a storage device that maintains stored information even if the power supplied to each is cut off, and is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. In addition, the non-volatile memory 19C stores an association mode, which will be described later, and a program for causing the CPU 19A to execute the association mode.

[0065] In addition, a communication unit 64, an input unit 62, a display unit 60, and an image forming unit 20 are connected to the I / O 19E.

[0066] The communication unit 64 is connected to a communication line and has a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device (not shown) connected to the same communication line. The communication unit 64 performs data communication with the external device according to instructions from the CPU 19A in the control unit 19.

[0067] The input unit 62 is a device that receives instructions from a user and notifies the CPU 19A of the control unit 19 of the received instructions, and may be implemented by, for example, a button, a touch panel, or a pointing device as shown in FIG.

[0068] The display unit 60 is an example of a display device that displays information processed by the image forming apparatus 10, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 60 displays information according to an instruction from the CPU 19A in the control unit 19.

[0069] Note that each component connected to the I / O 19E is an example, and components are connected according to the functions of the image forming apparatus 10. Note that the components represent execution units that execute processes under the control of processors such as the CPU 19A and the RAM 19B.

[0070] Incidentally, the gripper 56 may have defects such as uneven force of the grippers 57 gripping the recording medium P, or the timing of a particular gripper 57 gripping the recording medium P differing from that of the other grippers 57. If such a defect occurs in the gripper 56, the recording medium P is gripped in a bent state by the gripper 56 at the receiving position D1, and the toner image formed by the image forming unit 20 is transferred to the recording medium P at a position shifted from the expected position. The recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred in a shifted state is then transported to the fixing unit 40, where the toner image is fixed in a distorted state.

[0071] In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the user operates the control unit 19 to cause the CPU 19A to load a program stored in the non-volatile memory 19C, thereby executing the association mode described below. In the following description, the Nth recording medium P refers to the Nth recording medium P among the multiple recording media P removed from the storage unit 12.

[0072] (Association mode) First, the operation performed by the CPU 19A of the control unit 19 in the association mode according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 as appropriate. In the association mode, the CPU 19A executes an association procedure and a defect handling procedure. In the association mode, recording media P that is greater than the number of grippers 56 (six in this embodiment) are prepared in advance in the storage unit 12. Then, the CPU 19A executes the flow shown in Fig. 5.

[0073] The toner image according to this embodiment is an image including characters and character strings in addition to symbols and pictures. In this embodiment, the Nth image is a toner image on which a number corresponding to the value of N is formed. In this embodiment, the number corresponding to the variable N is transferred as a toner image onto the Nth recording medium P.

[0074] In this embodiment, the Nth image has identification information 70 shown in Fig. 6 added to a corner. In this embodiment, as an example, this identification information 70 is a number that distinguishes the first gripping body 56A to the sixth gripping body 56F. As an example, the number "1" in the identification information 70 corresponds to the first gripping body 56A, and the number "2" corresponds to the second gripping body 56B. Similarly, the numbers "3" to "6" correspond to the third gripping body 56C to the sixth gripping body 56F, respectively.

[0075] First, in step S102, the CPU 19A causes the first gripper 56A to grip the first recording medium P. The CPU 19A also prepares variables N and L in the RAM 19B. Both the variables N and L are integer type variables. The CPU 19A also assigns 1 to the variables N and L to initialize the variable N. The CPU 19A then proceeds to step S104.

[0076] Next, in step S102, CPU 19A causes first gripper 56A to grip the first recording medium P. In other words, CPU 19A causes image forming unit 20 to start image formation from the recording medium P gripped by a specific gripper 56 among the multiple grippers 56. Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S104.

[0077] Next, in step S104, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form an Nth image including the identification information 70 corresponding to the value of the variable N. Then, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to transfer the Nth image including the identification information 70 to the recording medium P corresponding to the value of the variable N at the time of step S104. For example, when the variable N is 1, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form a first image and transfer the first image to the first recording medium P, and when the variable N is 2, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form a second image and transfer the second image to the second recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 6, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form a sixth image and transfer it to the sixth recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 7, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form a seventh image and transfer it to the seventh recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 8, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form an eighth image and transfer it to the eighth recording medium P.

[0078] The identification information 70 is a number corresponding to the value of the variable L at the time of step S104. That is, when the variable L is 1, the number "1" is included as the identification information 70 in the Nth image, and when the variable L is 2, the number "2" is included as the identification information 70 in the Nth image. Here, since the Nth recording medium P is conveyed to the Lth gripper 56 as described above, the number corresponding to the variable L identifies each of the multiple grippers 56 in this embodiment. In other words, the CPU 19A causes each of the multiple grippers 56 associated with the identification information 70 to convey the recording medium P to which the identification information 70 is attached. Then, the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 40 on the recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred, and the recording medium P is discharged through the discharge unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the CPU 19A proceeds to step S106.

[0079] Next, in step S106, the CPU 19A compares the value of N with a predetermined value. If the value of N is smaller than the predetermined value, a negative determination is made in step S106, and the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the value of N is larger than the predetermined value, an affirmative determination is made in step S106, and the series of flows ends.

[0080] Next, in step S108, CPU 19A increments variable N (increases the value of variable N by 1). Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S110.

[0081] Next, in step S110, CPU 19A assigns to variable L the value obtained by repeatedly subtracting 6 from the value of variable N until the value becomes less than 7. For example, when variable N is 1, 1 is assigned to variable L, and when variable N is 6, 6 is assigned to variable L. Also, when variable N is 8, 2, which is the value obtained by subtracting 6 from 8, is assigned to variable L. Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S112.

[0082] Next, in step S112, the CPU 19A causes the gripper 56 corresponding to the value of the variable L to grip the Nth recording medium P transported from the storage unit 12. For example, when the variable N is 2, the CPU 19A causes the second gripper 56B to grip the second recording medium P. Also, for example, when the variable N is 6, the CPU 19A causes the sixth gripper 56F to grip the sixth recording medium P. Also, for example, when the variable N is 7, the CPU 19A causes the first gripper 56A to grip the seventh recording medium P, and when the variable N is 8, the second gripper 56B to grip the eighth recording medium P. Then, the CPU 19A proceeds to step S104.

[0083] Then, when the above flow is completed, the user compares the Nth images formed on the first to Nth recording media P discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 6, and checks the distortion of the Nth image formed on the recording media P. Note that the leader (symbol "...") in FIG. 6 indicates omission. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the toner images of "2", "8", and "14" (the second image, the eighth image, and the fourteenth image) are fixed as distorted toner images, so the user determines that the second gripper 56B that conveyed the recording media P is defective. In this way, when the user determines that any of the grippers 56 is defective based on the image fixed on the recording media P and the identification information 70, the user identifies the gripper 56 in which the defect occurred by checking the identification information 70 attached to the image.

[0084] Here, when the user identifies the gripper 56 that transported the recording medium P having a distorted image, the user causes the CPU 19A to execute the following defect handling procedure as shown in FIG.

[0085] (Procedure for handling defects) First, in step S202, the CPU 19A accepts input of the number of the defective gripper 56. In the above example, since the user has determined that the second gripper 56B is defective, the user inputs "2", which is the number of the gripper 56, to the input unit 62. Then, the CPU 19A accepts that the second gripper 56B is defective. Then, the CPU 19A proceeds to step S204.

[0086] Next, in step S204, CPU 19A causes display unit 60 to display the number of defective gripper 56, and makes users of image forming apparatus 10, including the user who input the number of gripper 56, and the operator aware of the defect in gripper 56. Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S206.

[0087] Next, in step S206, CPU 19A determines whether to continue printing. More specifically, CPU 19A determines whether to accept a print job for forming another image. This determination may be based on a predetermined setting, or may be received by inputting an instruction from the user. If CPU 19A determines negative in step S206, it proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if CPU 19A determines positive in step S206, it proceeds to step S212.

[0088] When the CPU 19A proceeds to step S208, it accepts an instruction to replace the defective gripper 56. When an instruction to replace the defective gripper 56 is received, the CPU 19A makes an affirmative determination and proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, when an instruction to replace the defective gripper 56 is not received (including a case where an instruction not to replace is received), the CPU 19A makes a negative determination and ends the series of flows.

[0089] Then, when the CPU 19A proceeds to step S210, the CPU 19A prohibits the reception of a print job for forming another image. Also, in step S210, the CPU 19A stops the conveying unit 50a at a position where the defective gripper 56 is replaced. More specifically, the CPU 19A rotates the chain 51 of the conveying unit 50a so that the operator can replace the defective second gripper 56B received in step S202, and prompts the operator to replace the second gripper 56B. In other words, the CPU 19A receives an instruction to replace the designated second gripper 56B in step S210. Then, when the CPU 19A receives an instruction to replace the designated second gripper 56B, the CPU 19A stops the chain 51 at a position where the specific gripper 56 can be replaced. Then, the CPU 19A ends a series of flows.

[0090] On the other hand, when the CPU 19A proceeds to step S212, it permits the reception of a print job for forming another image. Also, in step S212, the CPU 19A executes a print job for forming another image by conveying the recording medium P using the grippers 56 other than the gripper 56 with the defect in the conveying section 50a. In the above example, the CPU 19A executes a print job by conveying the recording medium P using the other five grippers 56 excluding the second gripper 56B. In other words, the CPU 19A accepts an instruction to exclude the specified second gripper 56B in step S212. Then, when the CPU 19A accepts a subsequent print job, it conveys the recording medium P using the other grippers 56 excluding the second gripper 56B for which the instruction to exclude was accepted. Then, the CPU 19A ends the series of flows.

[0091] In this embodiment, the CPU 19A may display a message or the like on the display unit 60 in step S204, step S210, or step S212, encouraging the user to replace the defective gripper 56.

[0092] According to the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0093] (Action and Effects) In the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, in the association mode, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to start image formation from the first recording medium P gripped by the first gripper 56A among the multiple grippers 56. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, which includes the chain gripper 50 having the multiple grippers 56, the recording medium P on which an image is formed can be associated with the gripper 56 gripping the recording medium P.

[0094] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the CPU 19A assigns identification information 70 for identifying each of the multiple grippers 56 to each of the recording media P on which the image forming unit 20 forms an image. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, each of the multiple grippers 56 associated with the identification information 70 transports the recording media P to which the identification information 70 has been assigned. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the user can associate the recording media P with the grippers 56 (identify the gripper 56 with a defect) using the image formed on the recording media P and the identification information 70.

[0095] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, when the CPU 19A receives an instruction to exclude the designated gripper 56, the CPU 19A conveys the recording medium P using the grippers 56 other than the designated gripper 56. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, even when the image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction to exclude the designated gripper 56, the image forming apparatus 10 can accept a print job and continue forming an image.

[0096] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the CPU 19A receives an instruction to replace a specific gripper 56, the CPU 19A stops the chain 51 at a position that enables replacement of the specific gripper 56. This makes it easier to replace the specified gripper 56 in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, compared to a case in which the chain 51 is stopped without determining the stop position of the gripper 56 when an instruction to replace a specific gripper 56 is received.

[0097] Next, a first modified example of the present embodiment will be described with appropriate reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first modified example is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0098] First Variation (Association mode) In the association mode according to this modification, the CPU 19A executes the flow shown in Fig. 8. Note that, in this modification, the toner image is formed without including the identification information 70, unlike the first embodiment.

[0099] First, in step S302, the CPU 19A causes the first gripper 56A to grip the first recording medium P. The CPU 19A also prepares variables N and L in the RAM 19B. Note that the variables N and L are both integer type variables. The CPU 19A then assigns 1 to the variables N and L to initialize the variable N. The CPU 19A then proceeds to step S304.

[0100] Next, in step S304, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form an Nth image corresponding to the value of the variable N. Then, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to transfer the Nth image to the recording medium P corresponding to the value of the variable N at the time of step S304. For example, when the variable N is 1, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a first image and transfer the first image to the first recording medium P, and when the variable N is 2, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a second image and transfer the second image to the second recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 6, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a sixth image and transfer it to the sixth recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 7, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a seventh image and transfer it to the seventh recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 8, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form an eighth image and transfer it to the eighth recording medium P.

[0101] In this embodiment, the recording medium P onto which the Nth image has been transferred has the toner image fixed by the fixing unit 40, and is discharged through the discharge unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the CPU proceeds to step S306.

[0102] Next, in step S306, CPU 19A further captures an image of the Nth recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed using imaging device 92, and stores the captured image data in RAM 19B. CPU 19A also stores in RAM 19B the relationship with gripper 56 that transported Nth recording medium P. CPU 19A then proceeds to step S308.

[0103] Next, in step S308, the CPU 19A compares the value of N with a predetermined value. If the value of N is smaller than the predetermined value, a negative decision is made in step S306, and the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if the value of N is larger than the predetermined value, an affirmative decision is made in step S308, and the process proceeds to step S316.

[0104] Next, in step S310, CPU 19A increments variable N (increases the value of variable N by 1). Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S312.

[0105] Next, in step S312, CPU 19A assigns to variable L the value obtained by repeatedly subtracting 6 from the value of variable N until the value becomes less than 7. For example, when variable N is 1, 1 is assigned to variable L, and when variable N is 6, 6 is assigned to variable L. Also, when variable N is 8, 2, which is the value obtained by subtracting 6 from 8, is assigned to variable L. Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S314.

[0106] Next, in step S314, the CPU 19A causes the gripper 56 corresponding to the value of the variable L to grip the Nth recording medium P transported from the storage unit 12. For example, when the variable N is 2, the CPU 19A causes the second gripper 56B to grip the second recording medium P. Also, for example, when the variable N is 6, the CPU 19A causes the sixth gripper 56F to grip the sixth recording medium P. Also, for example, when the variable N is 7, the CPU 19A causes the first gripper 56A to grip the seventh recording medium P, and when the variable N is 8, the second gripper 56B to grip the eighth recording medium P. Then, the CPU 19A proceeds to step S304.

[0107] Then, in step S316, the CPU 19A causes the display unit 60 to display the correspondence between the N types of images from the first image to the Nth image stored in the RAM 19B as shown in Fig. 6 and the gripper 56 that transported the recording medium P on which the images are formed. Then, the CPU 19A ends the association procedure.

[0108] 9, in this modification, the toner image fixed on the recording medium P and the gripper 56 that transported the recording medium P are displayed on the display unit 60. Among the displays on the display unit 60, the display showing the gripper 56 that transported the recording medium P is the identification information 72 according to this modification. In other words, the CPU 19A causes the display unit 60 to display, in association with the image fixed on the recording medium P transported by each of the multiple grippers 56, and the identification information 72 that identifies each of the grippers 56. Note that the leader (symbol "...") in FIG. 9 indicates an omission.

[0109] Here, the user checks the distortion of the Nth image of the recording medium P while comparing the imaging data of the recording medium P and the identification information 72 displayed on the display unit 60. More specifically, the user checks whether the toner image is distorted by comparing the imaging data of the recording medium P with the image displayed on the display unit 60 as shown in FIG. 9. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the toner images of "2", "8", and "14" (the second image, the eighth image, and the fourteenth image) are fixed as distorted toner images, so the user determines that the second gripper 56B that conveyed the recording medium P is defective. In this way, the user identifies the gripper 56 in which the defect occurred by checking the toner image displayed on the display unit 60 and the identification information 72.

[0110] The defect handling procedure in this modification is the same as that in the first embodiment. According to this modification, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0111] (Action and Effects) Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 19A causes the display unit 60 to display, in association with each other, an image formed on the recording medium P conveyed by each of the multiple grippers 56 and identification information 72 for identifying each of the grippers 56. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the user can associate the recording medium P with the grippers 56 using the image and identification information 72 displayed on the display unit 60. That is, when any of the multiple grippers 56 is a defective gripper 56, the user can specify the defective gripper 56.

[0112] Other Modifications In the above description, the second gripper 56B is defective, and as shown in FIG. 6, the images of the second, eighth, and fourteenth sheets are distorted. Here, in the above description, the user identifies the defective gripper 56 by checking the toner image and the identification information 70, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the user may determine that there is image distortion on every sixth sheet from the second sheet based on the toner images of the second, eighth, and fourteenth sheets of recording medium P that have been discharged, and determine that the second gripper 56B is defective.

[0113] In the description of the first embodiment, a serial number starting from 1 is attached to the toner image as the identification information 70, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, since the identification information 70 is sufficient as long as it allows the user to recognize which recording medium P has been transported by each of the multiple grippers 56, the identification information 70 is not limited to numbers and may be symbols, etc.

[0114] In addition, in the description of the first modified example, the toner image is formed without including the identification information 70, but the technology according to this modified example is not limited to this. That is, even in the first modified example, a toner image including the identification information 70 may be formed on the recording medium P. In other words, the display unit 60 may be configured to display both the identification information 70 and the identification information 72.

[0115] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with appropriate reference to Figures 10 and 11. Note that the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0116] [Second embodiment] (Association mode) First, the operation performed by the CPU 19A of the control unit 19 in the association mode will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11 as appropriate. In the association mode of this embodiment, the CPU 19A executes an association procedure and a defect handling procedure, similar to the association mode of the first embodiment. In the association mode, a number of recording media P greater than the number of grippers 56 (six in this embodiment) are prepared in advance in the storage unit 12. Then, the CPU 19A executes the flow shown in Fig. 10. Note that in this modified example, the toner image is formed without including the identification information 70, unlike the first embodiment.

[0117] First, the CPU 19A causes the first gripper 56A to grip the first recording medium P. The CPU 19A also prepares variables N and L in the RAM 19B in step S402. Note that the variables N and L are both integer type variables. The CPU 19A then assigns 1 to the variables N and L to initialize the variable N. The CPU 19A then proceeds to step S404.

[0118] Next, in step S404, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to form a toner image corresponding to the value of the variable N. Then, the CPU 19A causes the image forming unit 20 to transfer the toner image to the recording medium P corresponding to the value of the variable N at the time of step S404. For example, when the variable N is 1, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a first image and transfer the first image to the first recording medium P, and when the variable N is 2, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a second image and transfer the second image to the second recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 6, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a sixth image and transfer it to the sixth recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 7, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form a seventh image and transfer it to the seventh recording medium P. For example, when the variable N is 8, the CPU 19A causes the CPU 19A to form an eighth image and transfer it to the eighth recording medium P.

[0119] Next, in step S406, the CPU 19A causes the imaging device 92 to capture an image of the recording medium P on which the toner image corresponding to the value of the variable N has been generated, and stores the captured image of the recording medium P in the RAM 19B. In this embodiment, data such as that shown in FIG. 6 is sequentially stored in the RAM 19B. In addition, the recording medium P captured by the imaging device 92 is discharged from the discharge unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the CPU 19A proceeds to step S408.

[0120] Next, in step S408, the CPU 19A compares the value of N with a predetermined value. If the value of N is smaller than the predetermined value, a negative determination is made in step S408, and the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the value of N is larger than the predetermined value, an affirmative determination is made in step S408, and the process proceeds to step S416.

[0121] Next, in step S410, CPU 19A increments variable N (increases the value of variable N by 1). Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S412.

[0122] Next, in step S412, CPU 19A assigns to variable L the value obtained by repeatedly subtracting 6 from the value of variable N until the value becomes less than 7. For example, when variable N is 1, 1 is assigned to variable L, and when variable N is 6, 6 is assigned to variable L. Also, when variable N is 8, 2, which is the value obtained by subtracting 6 from 8, is assigned to variable L. Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S414.

[0123] Next, in step S414, the CPU 19A causes the gripper 56 corresponding to the value of the variable L to grip the Nth recording medium P transported from the storage unit 12. For example, when the variable N is 2, the CPU 19A causes the second gripper 56B to grip the second recording medium P. Also, for example, when the variable N is 6, the CPU 19A causes the sixth gripper 56F to grip the sixth recording medium P. Also, for example, when the variable N is 7, the CPU 19A causes the first gripper 56A to grip the seventh recording medium P, and when the variable N is 8, the second gripper 56B to grip the eighth recording medium P. Then, the CPU 19A proceeds to step S404.

[0124] Then, in step S416, the CPU 19A compares the N types of image data from the first sheet to the Nth sheet captured by the imaging device 92 stored in the RAM 19B to determine whether or not the gripper 56 is defective. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, if the toner images of the second recording medium P, the eighth recording medium P, and the fourteenth recording medium P are fixed in a distorted state, the CPU 19A determines that the second gripper 56B that conveyed the recording medium P is defective. In this way, when the CPU 19A determines that the toner image captured by the imaging device 92 is distorted, it identifies the gripper 56 that has caused the defect by checking the gripper 56 that conveyed the recording medium P on which the image is formed. In addition, the CPU 19A stores information that the gripper 56 has caused the defect in the RAM 19B.

[0125] Next, the CPU 19A according to the present embodiment executes the next failure handling procedure as shown in FIG.

[0126] (Procedure for handling defects) First, in step S502, the CPU 19A checks whether or not there is a defective gripper 56. More specifically, the information of the gripper 56 identified as defective is checked in the RAM 19B. Then, if the CPU 19A determines that the defective gripper 56 is stored in the RAM 19B, it makes an affirmative determination in step S502 and proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if the CPU 19A determines that the defective gripper 56 is not stored in the RAM 19B, it makes a negative determination in step S502 and ends the flow.

[0127] Next, in step S504, CPU 19A causes the display unit 60 to display the number of the defective gripper 57. In the above example, CPU 19A determines that the second gripper 56B is defective, and therefore displays "2", which is the number of gripper 56, on the display unit 60. In other words, when CPU 19A identifies a defective gripper 56, CPU 19A causes the display unit 60 to display the identification information 72 of the defective gripper 56. Then, CPU 19A proceeds to step S506.

[0128] Next, in step S506, CPU 19A determines whether to continue printing. More specifically, CPU 19A determines whether to accept a print job for forming another image. This determination may be based on a predetermined setting, or may be received by inputting an instruction from the user. If CPU 19A determines negative in step S506, it proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if CPU 19A determines positive in step S506, it proceeds to step S512.

[0129] When the CPU 19A proceeds to step S508, it accepts an instruction to replace the defective gripper 56. When an instruction to replace the defective gripper 56 is received, the CPU 19A makes an affirmative determination and proceeds to step S510. On the other hand, when an instruction to replace the defective gripper 56 is not received (including a case where an instruction not to replace is received), the CPU 19A makes a negative determination and ends the series of flows.

[0130] Then, when the CPU 19A proceeds to step S510, it prohibits the acceptance of print jobs for forming other images. Also, in step S510, the CPU 19A stops the conveying unit 50a at a position where the defective gripper 56 is replaced. More specifically, the CPU 19A rotates the chain 51 of the conveying unit 50a so that the operator can replace the defective second gripper 56B received in step S502. In other words, when the CPU 19A recognizes a defective gripper 56, it stops the chain 51 at a position where the defective gripper 56 can be replaced. Then, the CPU 19A ends a series of flows.

[0131] On the other hand, when the CPU 19A proceeds to step S512, it permits the reception of a print job for forming another image. Also, in step S512, the CPU 19A executes a print job for forming another image by causing the conveying unit 50a to convey the recording medium P using the grippers 56 other than the gripper 56 having a defect. In the above example, the CPU 19A executes a print job by conveying the recording medium P using the other five grippers 56 excluding the second gripper 56B. In other words, when the CPU 19A identifies a gripper 56 having a defect, it causes the other grippers 56 excluding the gripper 56 having a defect to convey the recording medium P. Then, the CPU 19A ends the series of flows.

[0132] In this embodiment, the CPU 19A may display a message or the like on the display unit 60 in step S504, step S510, or step S512, encouraging the user to replace the defective gripper 56.

[0133] According to the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0134] (Action and Effects) Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the CPU 19A identifies a defective gripper 56 based on the association information between the multiple grippers 56 and the recording medium P and the measurement results of the measuring device. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment to automatically identify a defective gripper 56.

[0135] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a defective gripper 56 is identified, the CPU 19A causes the display unit 60 to display the identification information 72 of the defective gripper 56. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment to make the user aware of the defect in the gripper 56 displayed on the display unit 60 when a defective gripper 56 is identified.

[0136] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, when the CPU 19A identifies a defective gripper 56, the CPU 19A conveys the recording medium P using the other grippers 56 excluding the defective gripper 56. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, even when a defective gripper 56 is recognized, the image forming apparatus 10 can continue forming an image.

[0137] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the CPU 19A recognizes a defective gripper 56, it stops the chain 51 at a position that enables replacement of the defective gripper 56. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a defective gripper 56 is identified, the replacement work of the defective gripper 56 is easier than when the chain 51 is stopped without determining the stopping position of the gripper 56.

[0138] Other Modifications In the above description, when the CPU 19A identifies a defective gripper 56 in step S504, the CPU 19A displays the defective gripper 56 on the display unit 60. However, the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 19A may proceed to step S506 without displaying the defective gripper 56 on the display unit 60.

[0139] [Other embodiments] In the above description, the CPU 19A applies different toner images to the recording medium P, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, all of the grippers 56 may convey the same toner image. Even in this case, the user can determine that one of the grippers 56 is defective by checking that the toner image is distorted for every gripper 56, starting from the Nth recording medium P where the defect first occurred, among the discharged recording media P.

[0140] In the above description, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the imaging device 92, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in a mode in which a user performs association in the association mode according to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 may be configured not to include the imaging device 92.

[0141] In the above description, the image forming unit 20 forms a toner image on a recording medium P such as paper in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 19A, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, as in the above description, the image forming apparatus may use any image forming method as long as the image forming apparatus uses multiple grippers 56 to transport the recording medium P. For example, the image forming method may be any of an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, and an offset printing method.

[0142] In these modified examples as well, the same functions and effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0143] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings. However, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] Furthermore, preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0145] (((1))) a conveying device including a plurality of grippers provided on a rotating member, the grippers conveying the medium as the rotating member rotates; a forming device for forming an image on the medium conveyed by the conveying device; A processor; Equipped with The processor, in an association mode, starts image formation by the forming device from a medium held by a specific one of the plurality of grippers. Image forming system.

[0146] (((2))) Further comprising a display unit, The processor causes the display unit to display, in association with an image formed on the medium transported by each of the plurality of grippers, and identification information for identifying each of the grippers. The image forming system according to (((1))).

[0147] (((3))) The processor causes identification information for identifying each of the plurality of grippers to be attached to each of the media on which the image is formed by the forming device, and causes each of the plurality of grippers associated with the identification information to transport the medium to which the identification information has been attached. 1. An image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other.

[0148] (((4))) When the processor receives an instruction to exclude the designated gripper, the processor causes the medium to be transported using other grippers excluding the designated gripper. The image forming system according to (((2))) or (((3))).

[0149] (((5))) When the processor receives an instruction to replace the specific gripper, the processor stops the rotating member at a position where the specific gripper can be replaced. The image forming system according to (((2))) or (((3))).

[0150] (((6))) a measuring device disposed downstream of the conveying device in a conveying path of the medium, the measuring device measuring the medium on which an image is formed, The processor identifies the defective gripper based on association information between the plurality of grippers and the medium and the measurement result of the measurement device. 13. An image forming system according to any one of ((1))) to (((5))).

[0151] (((7))) Further comprising a display unit, When the processor identifies the gripper having the defect, it causes the display unit to display identification information of the gripper having the defect. The image forming system according to (((6))).

[0152] (((8))) When the processor identifies the gripper having the defect, the processor causes the medium to be transported using the other grippers excluding the gripper having the defect. An image forming system according to (((6))) or (((7))).

[0153] (((9))) When the processor recognizes the defective gripper, the processor stops the rotating member at a position where the defective gripper can be replaced. An image forming system according to (((6))) or (((7))).

[0154] According to the image forming system (((1))), in an image forming system including a conveying device having a plurality of grippers, it is possible to associate the medium on which an image is formed with the gripper that grips the medium. According to the image forming system of (((2))), the image and identification information displayed on the display unit can allow the user to associate the medium with the gripper. According to the image forming system of (((3))), the image and identification information formed on the medium can allow the user to associate the medium with the holder. According to the image forming system of (((4))), when an instruction to exclude a specified object is received, the image forming system can continue forming an image. According to the image forming system of (((5))), when an instruction to replace a specific gripper is received, it is easier to replace the specified gripper compared to a case in which the rotating member is stopped without determining the stopping position of the gripper. According to the image forming system of (((6))), defective grippers can be automatically identified. According to the image forming system of (((7))), when a defective gripper is identified, the user can be made aware of the defect in the gripper displayed on the display unit. According to the image forming system of (((8))), even if a defective gripper is recognized, image formation can be continued. According to the image forming system of (((9))), when a defective gripper is identified, the operation of replacing the defective gripper is easier than in a case where the rotating member is stopped without determining the stopping position of the gripper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 10 Image forming device (an example of an image forming system) 10a Housing 12 Storage section 14 1st supply section 15 2nd supply section 16 Discharge section 16a Extended discharge section 17 Branch 18 Ejected part 19 Control section 19A CPU (an example of a processor) 19B RAM 19C Non-volatile memory 19D Bus 19E I / O 20 Image forming unit (an example of a forming device) 21 Photoconductor drum 22 Formation part 23 Photoconductor unit 24 Photoconductor drum 26 Charger 28 Exposure Equipment 29 Developing device 30 Transcription device 31 Transfer belt 32 rolls 33 Secondary transfer roll 34 Primary transfer roll 36 Transcript 40 Fixing section 42 Pressure roll 44 Heating Roll 50 Chain gripper (an example of a conveying device) 50a First conveying section 50b Second conveying section 51 Chain (an example of a rotating component) 52 Sprocket 53 Sprocket 54 Sprocket 56 Grip body 56A~56F 1st gripper ~ 6th gripper 57 Gripper 57a Claw 58 Contact part 60 Display 62 Input section 64 Communications Department 70 Identification Information 72 Identification information 92 Imaging Device P Recording medium (example of a medium)

Claims

1. a conveying device including a plurality of grippers provided on a rotating member, the grippers conveying the medium as the rotating member rotates; a forming device for forming an image on the medium conveyed by the conveying device; A processor; Equipped with The processor, in an association mode, starts image formation by the forming device from a medium held by a specific one of the plurality of grippers. Image forming system.

2. Further comprising a display unit, The processor causes the display unit to display, in association with an image formed on the medium transported by each of the plurality of grippers, and identification information for identifying each of the grippers. The imaging system of claim 1 .

3. The processor causes identification information for identifying each of the plurality of grippers to be attached to each of the media on which the image is formed by the forming device, and causes each of the plurality of grippers associated with the identification information to transport the medium to which the identification information has been attached. The imaging system of claim 1 .

4. When the processor receives an instruction to exclude the designated gripper, the processor causes the medium to be transported using other grippers excluding the designated gripper.

4. The image forming system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. When the processor receives an instruction to replace the specific gripper, the processor stops the rotating member at a position where the specific gripper can be replaced.

4. The image forming system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. a measuring device disposed downstream of the conveying device in a conveying path of the medium, the measuring device measuring the medium on which an image is formed, The processor identifies the defective gripper based on association information between the plurality of grippers and the medium and the measurement result of the measurement device. The imaging system of claim 1 .

7. Further comprising a display unit, When the processor identifies the gripper having the defect, it causes the display unit to display identification information of the gripper having the defect. The image forming system according to claim 6 .

8. When the processor identifies the gripper having the defect, the processor causes the medium to be transported using the other grippers excluding the gripper having the defect.

8. The image forming system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. When the processor recognizes the defective gripper, the processor stops the rotating member at a position where the defective gripper can be replaced.

8. The image forming system according to claim 6 or 7.

Images