Printing system, method of controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To enable static elimination processing by a static eliminator even when sheets printed on one side are discharged face down.SOLUTION: A printing system is provided, comprising a printing device for printing images on sheets and a static eliminator for applying static elimination processing to sheets having images printed by the printing device, where the system also comprises flipping means for flipping sheets that have gone through static elimination processing by the static eliminator, and control means for providing control to discharge sheets flipped by the flipping means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a control method for a printing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When an image is formed on the printing device, the printing paper becomes statically charged. A static eliminator is a device that performs a static elimination process to remove static electricity from the printing paper. A static eliminator applies a voltage to a transport roller (hereafter referred to as the "static elimination roller"), giving the printing paper an opposite charge to the charge on the printing paper, thereby eliminating the static electricity. The charge applied to the static elimination roller is positive, and in order to eliminate the static electricity, the negatively charged printing surface of the printing paper is brought into contact with the static elimination roller. When the static elimination roller is brought into contact with the top of the printing paper, the printing paper needs to be transported to the static elimination device with the printing surface facing up. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-112748 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a printing system including a static eliminator as described above, when static elimination processing is performed by the static eliminator, it is necessary to control the conveyance of the print paper so that the print paper is conveyed to the static eliminator in a face-up state. If a post-processing device is provided downstream of the static eliminator, the orientation of the print paper to be processed by the post-processing device is further specified. In the device described in Patent Document 1, for print paper designated to be creasing by the creasing device, the printing process and print paper reversal process are controlled depending on whether the print paper to be processed by the post-processing device is face-down or face-up. However, in Patent Document 1, when there is no creasing setting and the print paper is fed face-down into the post-processing device, the paper is reversed by the main body, so it cannot be fed face-up into the static elimination device. In other words, when the paper is discharged in a face-down state to a device downstream of the static eliminator, there is a problem in that the static eliminator cannot perform static elimination processing. The present invention aims to provide a mechanism for inverting a sheet that has been subjected to a static elimination process by a static elimination device, and discharging the inverted sheet so that the sheet can be discharged in a face-down state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention includes the following configurations in order to solve the above problems. The printing system has a printing device that prints an image on a sheet, and a static elimination device that performs a static elimination process on the sheet on which the image has been printed by the printing device, and is characterized by having an inversion means that inverts the sheet after the static elimination process has been performed by the static elimination device, and a control means that controls the sheet inverted by the inversion means to be discharged. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the sheet that has been subjected to static electricity removal processing by the static electricity removal device is turned over and the turned over sheet is discharged, so that the sheet can be discharged in a face-down state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Overall diagram of the printing system hardware configuration [Diagram 2] Block diagram showing the system configuration of the printing system [Diagram 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of an image forming apparatus [Diagram 5] A schematic diagram showing how a static elimination process is performed in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] Example of function list screen of image forming device [Figure 7] Copy function screen example [Figure 8] Example of the setting screen for setting the paper output destination [Figure 9A] Example of a setting screen for setting up a static eliminator [Figure 9B] Example of a setting screen for setting up a static eliminator [Figure 10] Example of the setting screen for configuring the finisher configuration for paper ejection [Figure 11] Flowchart for determining the static elimination settings and the reversal control of the reversal mechanism [Figure 12] Diagram showing an example of paper transport [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a process flow for determining a static elimination setting and a reversal control of a reversal mechanism according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of paper transport in another embodiment; [Figure 17] 13 is an example of a print continuation confirmation screen according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] Processing flow when performing print processing control according to another embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following preferred embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. [Embodiment 1] Overall configuration of the printing system (Overall composition) 1 is an overall diagram of the hardware configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. The printing system includes an image forming apparatus 101 and a PC 102. A plurality of devices having different functions are connected to the image forming apparatus 101. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing apparatus 104, a static eliminator 105, a large-capacity stacker 106, and a multipurpose stacker 107. The PC 102 can communicate with the image forming device via a network 103 such as a LAN. The PC 102 transmits jobs for executing print and copy functions to a printing device 104 using a printer driver or the like. The network 103 may be a wired network or a wireless network. In the case of a wireless network, the PC 102 may take the form of a portable terminal.

[0009] Next, each device included in the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. (Printing device) The printing device 104 forms an image using toner on a paper (sheet) conveyed from a paper feed unit at the bottom of the printing device 104. The configuration and operating principle of this printing device 104 are as follows. A light beam such as a laser beam modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror such as a polygon mirror and irradiated as a scanning light onto a photosensitive drum. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a paper attached to a transfer drum. A full-color image is formed on the paper by sequentially executing this series of image formation processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. The paper on the transfer drum on which the full-color image has been formed is conveyed to a fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller, and melts the toner on the paper on which the toner image has been transferred by heat and pressure, thereby fixing it to the paper. (static eliminator) The static eliminator 105 is a device that has a function of eliminating static electricity charged on the paper. (Large capacity stacker) The large-capacity stacker 106, which is an example of a finisher (sheet processing device), is a stacker capable of stacking a large amount of paper. (Multipurpose stacker) The multipurpose stacker 107, which is an example of a finisher (sheet processing device), is a stacker capable of stacking long sheets of paper. The multipurpose stacker 107 can be easily disconnected from the image processing device, and can be easily transported with sheets loaded therein. Furthermore, the multipurpose stacker 107 has a function of electrically raising and lowering the paper discharge table. 1 is configured such that only the PC 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which only the PC 102 is connected. In other words, the image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller may be connected to be able to communicate with each other via an internal LAN and a video cable, and the external controller may be connected to be able to communicate with the PC 102 via an external LAN. In this case, a print instruction is issued from the PC 102 to the external controller.

[0010] Printing system configuration FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 102. As shown in FIG. (Printing device) First, a description will be given of the configuration of the printing device 104 of the image forming apparatus 101. The printing device 104 is composed of a communication I / F 207, a HDD 208, a CPU 209, a memory 210, a LAN I / F 211, an operation unit 212, and a display 213. The printing device 104 further includes an original exposure unit 214, a laser exposure unit 215, an image creation unit 216, a fixing unit 217, and a paper feed unit 218. Each of the components is connected via a system bus 219. The communication I / F 207 is connected to the static eliminator 105 and the large-capacity stacker 106 via a communication cable 232, and performs communication for controlling each of the devices. Since the multipurpose stacker 107 does not have a communication I / F, it does not perform communication for controlling the printer 104, etc. The HDD 208 is a storage device in which programs and data are stored. The CPU 209 comprehensively controls image processing and printing based on programs and the like stored in the HDD 208 . The memory 210 stores programs and image data required when the CPU 209 performs various processes, and operates as a work area. The LAN I / F 211 is connected to the external LAN 103 and communicates with the PC 101 and the like. An operation unit 212 receives various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display 213 displays setting information of the image processing apparatus, the processing status of a print job, and the like. The document exposure unit 214 performs a process of reading a document when using the copy function or the scan function. The document data is read by shining an exposure lamp onto a sheet of paper placed by a user and capturing an image with a CCD camera. The laser exposure unit 215 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light in order to transfer a toner image. In the laser exposure unit 215, primary charging is first performed to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, the photosensitive drum is irradiated with laser light by a laser driver while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated area, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The image forming unit 216 is a device for transferring toner onto paper, and is composed of a developing unit, a transfer unit, a toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum onto paper. In the developing unit, negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to create a visible image. In the transfer unit, a positive potential is applied to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the transfer belt, and a secondary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the secondary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt onto paper. The fixing unit 217 is a device for melting and fixing the toner on the paper to the paper by heat and pressure, and is composed of a heater, a fixing belt, a pressure belt, and the like. A paper feed unit 218 is a device for feeding paper, and the paper feeding and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors.

[0011] (static eliminator) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the static elimination device 105. The static elimination device 105 is composed of a communication I / F 220, a CPU 221, a memory 222, and a static elimination control unit 223, and each of the components is connected via a system bus 233. The communication I / F 220 is connected to the printing device 104 via a communication cable 232, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 221 performs various controls required for static elimination in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 222 and instructions from a print control unit 305 (to be described later) of the printing apparatus 104 . The memory 222 is a storage device in which the control program is stored. The charge removal control unit 223 controls the charge application controller based on instructions from the CPU 221 . (Large capacity stacker) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 106, which is a finisher. The large-capacity stacker 106 is made up of a communication I / F 224, a CPU 225, a memory 226, and a paper discharge control unit 227. Each of the components is connected via a system bus 234. The communication I / F 224 is connected to the printing device 104 via a communication cable 232, and performs communication necessary for control. A CPU 225 performs various controls required for paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in a memory 226 and instructions from a print control unit 305 of the printing apparatus 104 (described later). The memory 226 is a storage device in which the control program is stored. Based on an instruction from the CPU 225, the paper discharge control unit 227 controls the transport of the transported paper to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent multipurpose stacker 107.

[0012] (Multipurpose stacker) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the multipurpose stacker 107, which is a finisher. The multipurpose stacker 107 is made up of a CPU 229, a memory 230, and an operation unit 231, and these components are connected via a system bus 235. The CPU 229 performs various controls such as lifting and lowering the paper discharge tray in accordance with input from an operation unit 231 and a control program stored in a memory 230 . The memory 230 is a storage device in which the control program is stored. An operation unit 231 receives various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. (PC) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the PC 102. The PC 102 is composed of a CPU 201, a memory 202, a HDD 203, a keyboard 204, a display 205, and a LAN I / F 206, which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and executes print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data required when the CPU 201 performs various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing processing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operating instructions for the PC 102 . On the display 205, information such as applications executed by the PC 102 is displayed by video signals of still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 and performs communication such as printing instructions. In the above description, the memory 202, memory 210, memory 222, memory 226, and memory 230 may each be a storage device for holding data and programs. For example, they may be replaced with a volatile RAM, a non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0013] Printer CPU configuration 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104. A static elimination setting unit 301 sets whether or not to perform static elimination processing by the static eliminator 105 and sets the strength of static elimination control. The static electricity removal setting unit 301 performs setting based on the contents received on a setting screen shown in Fig. 9A(a)-(b) and 9B(c) (hereinafter Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are collectively referred to as "Fig. 9") described later. The finisher configuration setting unit 302 sets the face orientation of paper when a finisher such as the multipurpose stacker 107 receives the paper. The finisher configuration setting unit 302 performs setting based on the contents received on a setting screen shown in Fig. 10 described later. An inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determines whether or not to invert paper in the printing device 104 and the large-capacity stacker 106, and whether or not to perform static discharge processing by the static discharge device 105. The inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 makes the determination based on the contents accepted on the setting screens shown in Figs. 7 and 8 (described later), the settings made by the static discharge setting unit 301, and the settings acquired by the finisher configuration setting unit 302. The transport control unit 304 controls the transport path of the paper for the printing device 104 in accordance with the determination by the inversion / static removal determination unit 303 . Based on the determination result of the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303, the print control unit 305 controls the inversion and static elimination processing in the paper inversion path of the subsequent device, and the print processing.

[0014] Structure of image forming device FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the image forming apparatus 101. Printing device 104 forms images to be printed on paper. The paper feed decks 401 and 402 can store various types of paper. Each of the paper feed decks 401 and 402 can separate only the topmost sheet of paper stored therein and transport it to a paper transport path 403. The developing stations 404 to 407 form toner images using color toners of 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, which rotates clockwise in the drawing, and the toner image is transferred to a paper transported from the paper transport path 403 at a secondary transfer position 409. A display 213 displays the printing status of the image forming apparatus 101 and information for settings. The fixing unit 411 is a fixing unit for fixing the toner image to the paper, and is equipped with a pressure roller and a heating roller, and the toner is melted and pressed by the paper passing between these rollers, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 411 is transported to the paper transport path 415 via the paper transport path 412. If further melting and lamination is required for fixing depending on the type of paper, after passing through the fixing unit 411, the paper is transported to the second fixing unit 413 using the upper paper transport path, where additional melting and lamination are performed, and then transported to 415 via paper transport path 414. If the discharge side of the paper is specified to be face down, the paper is conveyed to a paper inversion path 416, inverted by the paper inversion path 416, and conveyed to 415 in a face down orientation. In the case of double-sided printing, the paper is transported to a paper inversion path 416, inverted by the paper inversion path 416, and then transported to a double-sided transport path 417, where the image on the second side is transferred to a secondary transfer position 409. In double-sided printing, in order to improve printing productivity, the paper on which the image on the second side has been formed is not inverted by the paper inversion path 416.

[0015] (static eliminator) The static eliminator 105 has a function of removing static electricity charged on the paper. The static eliminator 105 has a static elimination roller 417 that eliminates static electricity by contact, an ionizer 419 that eliminates static electricity by non-contact, and a voltage application controller that applies voltage to each of them. The paper that has passed through the printing device 104 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the static elimination roller 417 and its paired roller, and is roughly eliminated by the static elimination roller 417. The paper that has been conveyed to the paper conveying path 418 has the remaining charge adjusted by the ionizer 419, and is then conveyed to the paper conveying path 420. The static elimination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. (Large capacity stacker) The large-capacity stacker 106 is a stacker capable of stacking a large amount of paper. The large-capacity stacker 106 has a stack tray 429 as a tray for stacking paper. Paper that has passed through the static eliminator 105 is input to the large-capacity stacker 106 through a paper transport path 427. The paper travels from the paper transport path 427 to a paper transport path 428, and is stacked on the stack tray 429 while being flipped. The stack tray 429 is composed of a lift tray 430 and an eject tray 410. The large-capacity stacker 106 further has an escape tray 423 as a paper discharge tray. When paper is discharged to the escape tray 423, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 427 to the escape tray 423 through a paper transport path 424. When paper is transported to a device downstream of the large-capacity stacker 106, the paper is transported through a paper transport path 425. A paper inversion path 426 is for inverting the paper, and is used when the paper is inverted according to the determination result of the inversion / static removal determination unit 303 described later. In this embodiment, the paper inversion path 426 is provided in the large-capacity stacker, but a device dedicated to paper inversion may be provided downstream of the static eliminator. (Multipurpose stacker) The multipurpose stacker 107 is a stacker capable of stacking long paper sheets. The multipurpose stacker 107 has a stacking table 431 as a table for stacking paper sheets. Paper sheets that have passed through the large-capacity stacker 106 are discharged onto the stacking table 431. The multipurpose stacker 107 is configured to receive and stack paper sheets with the surface facing down.

[0016] [Explanation of static electricity removal process] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the static elimination device 105 performing static elimination processing on a sheet of paper on which printing processing has been executed in the printing device 104. As shown in FIG. A sheet of paper 501 is transported to a secondary transfer position 409, where toner is placed on the sheet of paper. The toner 503 is negatively charged, and the sheet of paper 502 on which the toner is placed passes through a fixing unit 411 and a second fixing unit 413 and is fixed. The fixed sheet of paper is transported to the charge removal device 105 in a state where the print surface 505 side is negatively charged. The charge removal roller 417 of the charge removal device 105 is positively charged, and the charge removal roller 417 contacts the print surface of the negatively charged sheet of paper 504 to give it a positive charge, thereby eliminating the charging state. At this time, it is assumed that the negative charge that was not completely removed by the charge removal process by the charge removal roller 417, or the oppositely charged positive charge, remains on the sheet of paper 506 after passing through the charge removal roller 417. The sheet of paper 506 that has passed through the charge removal roller is transported to an ionizer 419. The ionizer 419 is a device that applies a voltage to an electrode needle contained within the device to generate a corona discharge, and uses the ions thus generated to eliminate the charge. The paper 507 conveyed to the ionizer 419 has the charge eliminated by the ions. In this way, the static elimination roller 417 performs rough static elimination, and the ionizer 419 adjusts the remaining charge, so that the paper 508 discharged from the static eliminator 105 after static elimination processing is in a static eliminator-free state. In the case of double-sided printing, the static electricity is removed from the second side, which is the final printed side. As described above, in order for the static eliminator 105 to eliminate the static charge on the paper, the paper needs to be conveyed to the static eliminator 105 in a face-up orientation with the printed side facing upwards. Conversely, if the paper is conveyed to the static eliminator 105 face-down with the printed side facing downwards, the paper is given a positive charge by the static elimination roller 417 to the positively charged, unprinted side, and the charging state of the paper worsens. An example of the deterioration of the electrostatic charge state of the paper occurs when single-sided printing and face-down paper ejection are specified. When single-sided printing and face-down paper ejection are specified, the paper is inverted in the paper inversion path 416 of the printing device 104. The paper is then transported face-down to the static elimination device 105, and the electrostatic charge state deteriorates due to the charge applied by the static elimination roller.

[0017] [Display screen] 6 to 10 are examples of display screens that are displayed on the display 213 of the printing device 104, and are displayed based on instructions from the CPU 209 of the printing device 104.

[0018] (Home screen) Fig. 6 is an example of a home screen displaying a list of functions, which is displayed on the display 213 of the printing device 104 when the printing device 104 is started up. Buttons corresponding to multiple functions of the image forming device are displayed. Six buttons are displayed in the function button display area, but by pressing the arrow keys at the bottom, it is possible to scroll horizontally to display buttons that are not displayed. A [Copy] button 601 is a button for displaying a setting screen for the copy function.

[0019] (Copy function screen) Fig. 7 is an example of a screen for the copy function, which is displayed when the [Copy] button 601 in Fig. 6 is pressed. When a [Finishing] button 701 is pressed, a screen for setting finishing and paper discharge, such as shift sorting and staple sorting, is displayed. When the [Double-Sided] button 702 is pressed, a screen for setting the print format, such as double-sided or single-sided, is displayed. When an [Other Functions] button 703 is pressed, a screen for setting various other application modes is displayed. A [START] button 704 is a start button for starting a job, such as starting copying. A [Stop] button 705 is a stop button used to stop a job being processed. Button 706 is a button for accepting input of numerical values ​​such as the number of copies. An area 707 indicates the number of copies to be printed. The number of copies can be set using a button 706.

[0020] (Paper output selection screen) Fig. 8 shows an example of a screen for selecting a paper discharge destination, which is displayed when the [Finishing] button 701 in Fig. 7 is pressed. When the [Multipurpose stacker] button 801 is pressed, the multipurpose 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 [Multipurpose stacker] button 801 and the [Large capacity stacker] button 802 are cancelled. When the [Back] button 804 is pressed, the screen returns to the copy function screen of FIG. When the [OK] button 805 is pressed, the selection of the [Multipurpose stacker] button 801 and the [Large capacity stacker] button 802 is confirmed.

[0021] (Selection screen for other features) Fig. 9(a) is an example of a screen that displays a list of various functions in the application mode when the [Other functions] button 703 is pressed. A [Static Neutralization] button 901 displays a screen for setting the static eliminator 105 . When the [Close] button 902 is pressed, the screen returns to the copy function screen of FIG. (Static charge removal setting screen) Fig. 9(b) is an example of a setting screen for setting whether or not to perform static elimination processing by the static eliminator 105. Fig. 9(b) is displayed when the [Static Elimination] button 901 in Fig. 9(a) is pressed. When the "Discharge" button 911 is pressed, a setting is made so that the discharge process by the discharge device 105 will be performed. When the "No static elimination" button 912 is pressed, the static elimination process by the static eliminator 105 is set not to be performed. When the [Cancel Setting] button 913 is pressed, the selection of the [Eliminate Static Electricity] button 911 and the [Do Not Eliminate Static Electricity] button 912 are cancelled. When the [Back] button 914 is pressed, the screen returns to the screen in FIG. 9(a) where the various functions of the application mode are listed. When the [OK] button 915 is pressed, the selection of the [Static Charge Elimination] button 911 and the [Not Static Charge Elimination] button 912 is confirmed. (Static elimination strength setting screen) Fig. 9(c) is an example of a screen for setting the strength of static elimination control. Fig. 9(c) is displayed when the [OK] button 915 is pressed after the [Static Elimination] button 911 in Fig. 9(b) is pressed, and the setting for static elimination by the static eliminator 105 is confirmed. An area 921 is a setting section for setting the strength of the static elimination control of the static eliminator 105. The strength of static elimination is displayed, and the strength of static elimination can be increased or decreased by pressing the "+" or "-" button. When the [Back] button 922 is pressed, the screen returns to the screen in FIG. 9B for setting whether or not to perform static elimination. When an [OK] button 923 is pressed, the intensity of the static elimination control set in the area 921 is confirmed.

[0022] (Finisher setting screen) 10 is an example of a setting screen displayed when setting the paper discharge side in the finisher configuration setting unit 302. As shown in FIG 10, the user can set the paper face orientation when the paper is loaded on the multipurpose stacker 107 by using a [Face up] button 1001 and a [Face down] button 1002. When the [Face Up] button 1001 is pressed, the paper is set to be stacked in the multipurpose stacker 107 face up. When the [Face Down] button 1002 is pressed, the paper is set to be loaded in the multipurpose stacker 107 face down. When either 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 completed. When the [Cancel] button 1003 is pressed, the setting of the [Face Up] button 1001 or the [Face Down] button 1002 is cancelled. In the following, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the multipurpose stacker 107 will load paper in a face-down orientation, so button 1002 is pressed, and then button 1004 is pressed to set the multipurpose stacker 107 to load paper in a face-down orientation.

[0023] (Processing of inversion / static elimination judgment section) 11 is a flowchart explaining the flow in which the inversion / static removal determination unit 303 determines whether or not to invert the paper in the printing device 104, whether or not to perform static removal processing in the static removal device 105, and whether or not to invert the paper in the large capacity stacker 106. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 209 of the printing device 104 expanding a program stored in the HDD into the memory 120 and executing it. This process is started when a print job is input to the image processing device 101. In this embodiment, the devices that can invert the paper are the printing device 104 having a paper inversion path 416 and the large capacity stacker 106 having a paper inversion path 426. In S1101, the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 determines whether or not the static elimination process of the static elimination device 105 has been set to be performed. This determination is made based on the content received on the static elimination setting screen of Fig. 9(b). If it is determined that the static elimination process has been specified to be performed (Yes in S1101), the CPU 209 advances the process to S1102. If it is determined that the static elimination process has not been specified to be performed (No in S1101), the CPU 209 advances the process to S1107. In S1102, the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determines whether single-sided printing has been specified. This determination is made based on the content accepted on the setting screen shown in Fig. 7. If it is determined that single-sided printing has been specified (Yes in S1102), the CPU 209 proceeds to S1103. If it is determined that single-sided printing has not been specified and double-sided printing has been specified (No in S1102), the CPU 209 proceeds to S1106. In S1103, the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determines whether the discharge side of the paper is face-down. This determination is made based on the contents received on the discharge destination setting screen in Fig. 8 and the finisher configuration setting screen in Fig. 10. The inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 acquires the discharge destination from the contents received on the discharge destination setting screen in Fig. 8, and further acquires the discharge side of the finisher set by the finisher configuration setting unit 302. Here, if it is determined that the discharge side of the paper is face-down (Yes in S1103), the CPU 209 proceeds to S1104. If it is determined that the discharge side is face-up and not face-down (No in S1103), the CPU 209 proceeds to S1105.

[0024] (Static elimination on; Single-sided; Face down) S1104 is the result of the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determining whether or not to invert the paper in the printing device 104, whether or not to perform static discharge processing in the static discharge device 105, and whether or not to invert the paper in the large-capacity stacker . Since the setting is such that the discharge process is to be performed, the paper needs to be conveyed to the discharge device 105 in a face-up orientation. Therefore, the inversion / discharge determination unit 303 determines that the discharge side of the paper is specified to be face-down, but that the paper will not be reversed at the paper inversion path 416 of the printing device 104. Since the setting is such that the discharge process is to be performed at the discharge device 105, the inversion / discharge determination unit 303 determines that the paper will be reversed. Furthermore, in order to change the orientation of the paper after the discharge process to face-down, the paper needs to be reversed after the discharge process by the discharge device 105. Therefore, the inversion / discharge determination unit 303 determines that the paper will be reversed at the paper inversion path 426 of the large-capacity stacker 106. After making the determination, the process ends. (Static elimination on; Single-sided; Face up) S1105 is the result of the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determining whether or not to invert the paper in the printing device 104, whether or not to perform static discharge processing in the static discharge device 105, and whether or not to invert the paper in the large-capacity stacker . Since the setting is such that the static elimination process is performed, the paper needs to be conveyed to the static elimination device 105 in a face-up orientation. Also, since the discharge side of the paper is specified as face-up, there is no need to invert the paper in the paper inversion path 416 of the printing device 104. Therefore, the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper will not be inverted in the paper inversion path 416 of the printing device 104. Since the setting is such that the static elimination process is performed for the static elimination device 105, the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the static elimination process will be performed in the static elimination device 105. After passing through the static elimination device 105, the paper has the specified face-up orientation, so there is no need to invert the paper. Therefore, the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper will not be inverted in the paper inversion path 426 of the large-capacity stacker 106. After making the determination, the process ends.

[0025] (Double-sided printing) S1106 is the result of the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determining whether or not to invert the paper in the printing device 104, whether or not to perform static discharge processing in the static discharge device 105, and whether or not to invert the paper in the large-capacity stacker . In the case of double-sided printing, the CPU 209 of the printing device 104 controls the printing order of the first and second sides to realize the set discharge side. Therefore, the paper is conveyed to the static elimination device 105 in the set direction of the discharge side. At this time, the final printed side coincides with the printed side 505 in FIG. 5, and the direction is such that the static elimination process can be performed normally. Therefore, the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the paper is not inverted in the paper inversion path 416 of the printing device 104. The inversion instructed as unnecessary here refers to the inversion after the image formation of the second side, and does not refer to the inversion in the paper inversion path 416 executed to form the image of the second side after the image formation of the first side. Since the static elimination device 105 is set to perform static elimination, the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 determines that the static elimination process is to be performed in the static elimination device 105. After passing through the static elimination device 105, the direction of the paper is set as set by the CPU 209 of the printing device 104 controlling the printing order of the first and second sides, so inversion is not necessary. Therefore, the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determines that inversion is not to be performed on the large-capacity stacker paper inversion path 426. After making the determination, this process ends. (Normal printing) In S1107, the inversion / discharge determination unit 303 does not determine whether or not to perform inversion in the printing apparatus 104 or the large-capacity stacker 106. In S1107, a normal printing instruction is issued to the CPU 209. After the instruction is issued, this process ends.

[0026] Based on the above-mentioned determination result of the inversion / static charge removal determination unit 303, the print control unit 305 issues instructions to each device for paper inversion and static charge removal processing, and controls the print processing. Furthermore, before issuing the determination result in S1104, the inversion / static charge removal determination unit 303 may determine whether or not the image forming apparatus 101 includes a large-capacity stacker 106. This determination is made based on the result of an inquiry made by the CPU 209 to the CPU of each apparatus. If the image forming apparatus 101 includes a large-capacity stacker 106, the process proceeds to S1104. If the image forming apparatus 101 does not include a large-capacity stacker 106, it is determined that the printing apparatus 104 will invert the paper and that the static charge removal device 105 will not remove static charge. Before issuing the determination result in S1105 or S1106, the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 may determine whether or not the image forming apparatus 101 includes a large-capacity stacker 106. If the image forming apparatus 101 does not include a large-capacity stacker 106, the determination as to whether or not to invert the paper in the large-capacity stacker 106 is not performed. As described above, by considering a device having an inversion mechanism that inverts the paper depending on the set ejection side, it is possible to perform electrostatic discharge processing by the electrostatic discharge device 105 for any combination of single-sided / double-sided printing and ejection side, including face-down ejection.

[0027] (Example of paper transport) A specific example of the orientation of the paper and the transport path is shown in Fig. 12. The orientation of the print surface of the paper and the transport path are realized based on the result of the determination in S1104 by the inversion / static charge removal determination unit 303. The black triangle indicates the print surface. When the discharge side of the paper 1201 is specified to be face-down, the paper is normally inverted in the paper inversion path 416, but due to a determination by the inversion / static charge removal determination unit 303, the paper is not inverted by the paper inversion path 416 of the printing device 104. The paper on which an image has been formed is transported face-up to the static charge removal device 105. The paper that has been subjected to static charge removal processing by the static charge removal device 105 is inverted by the inversion path 426 of the large-capacity stacker 106 and becomes face-down like paper 1202. The paper is transported face-down to the multipurpose stacker 107 and is discharged face-down like paper 1203.

[0028] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 101 includes a device having an inversion mechanism, and a determination is made as to whether or not to invert the image forming apparatus 101 and whether or not to perform static elimination so that paper is discharged on the paper discharge surface set by the user and static elimination processing is performed by the static elimination device 105. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 101 does not include a stacker device with an inversion mechanism, and a determination is made as to whether or not to invert the paper in the stacker device of the image forming apparatus 101 and whether or not to remove static electricity, with priority given to ejecting the paper on the ejection side set by the user.

[0029] (Structure of Image Forming Apparatus) 13 is a structural cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 101 according to embodiment 2. The same parts as in FIG. 4 will be omitted for explanation. The paper that has passed through the static eliminator 105 and is transported to the paper transport path 420 is discharged onto a stacking table 431 of the multipurpose stacker 107 .

[0030] 14 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 in the second embodiment. The same parts as in FIG. 3 will be omitted for explanation. The configuration acquisition unit 1401 acquires information about the configuration, such as whether or not a device in the image forming apparatus 101 that can communicate via the communication cable 232 has a reversing mechanism. The configuration acquisition unit 1401 acquires information from the CPU of each device, such as the CPU 221.

[0031] (Processing of inversion / static elimination judgment section) 15 is a flowchart for explaining a flow in which the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determines whether or not to invert the paper in the printing device 104, whether or not to perform static discharge processing in the static discharge device 105, and whether or not to invert the paper in the large-capacity stacker 106. Descriptions of steps given the same step numbers as in FIG. 11 will be omitted. If it is determined in S1103 that the discharge side is face-up rather than face-down, the CPU 209 advances the process to S1501. In S1501, the inversion / static removal determination unit 303 determines whether there is a device (e.g., a stacker device) having a reversing mechanism downstream of the static removal device 105. This determination is made based on device information acquired by the configuration acquisition unit 1401. If there is a device having a reversing path downstream of the static removal device 105 (Yes in S1501), the process proceeds to S1104, and if there is no device having a reversing path downstream of the static removal device 105 (No in S1501), the process proceeds to S1502. S1502 is the result of the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 determining whether or not to invert the paper in the printing device 104, whether or not to perform static discharge processing in the static discharge device 105, and whether or not to invert the paper in the large-capacity stacker . Since the setting is made to perform static elimination, the paper needs to be conveyed to the static eliminator 105 in a face-up orientation, but there is no device having a reversing path downstream of the static eliminator 105. Also, since there is no device having a reversing mechanism downstream of the static eliminator 105, the paper cannot be reversed after static elimination in the static eliminator 105. Therefore, in order to prioritize realizing the paper discharge side set by the user, the paper is turned face-down in the printing device 104. Therefore, the reversing / static elimination determination unit 303 determines to perform reversal in the paper reversing path 416 of the printing device 104. Although the setting is made to perform static elimination in the static eliminator 105, if static elimination is performed on paper that has been fed in a face-down orientation, the charged state of the paper will deteriorate. Therefore, the reversing / static elimination determination unit 303 determines not to perform static elimination in the static eliminator 105. Finally, since the large-capacity stacker is not included in the image forming apparatus 101, the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 does not determine whether or not to invert the paper in the large-capacity stacker 106. After making a determination, this process ends.

[0032] As described above, in the second embodiment, the printing device 104 does not include an inversion mechanism, and priority is given to paper discharge on the discharge surface set by the user. Even if the discharge process is set to be performed, the printer 104 is controlled not to perform the discharge process so as not to worsen the charged state of the paper. 16 shows a specific example of the orientation of the print surface of the paper and the transport path realized by the determination result of the inversion / static charge removal determination unit 303 in S1502. When the discharge side is specified as face-down, the paper is inverted in the paper inversion path 416. Therefore, the paper 1601 is inverted in the paper inversion path 416 and is transported to the static eliminator 105 face-down like the paper 1602. The paper transported to the static eliminator 105 passes through the static eliminator 105 without being subjected to static elimination processing, and is transported to the multipurpose stacker 107 face-down like the paper 1603 and discharged.

[0033] [Embodiment 3] In the second embodiment, when the discharge side set by the user and the static elimination process cannot be performed simultaneously, priority is given to discharging the paper on the discharge side set by the user, and a determination is made not to perform static elimination. Based on this determination, the print control unit 305 performs printing of the designated number of copies (multiple copies) of the print job that has been instructed to be executed. At this time, it is assumed that the printed paper will be in a charged state because static elimination process has not been performed. In the third embodiment, priority is given to ejecting the paper on the ejection surface set by the user, and in printing when it is determined not to perform static elimination processing (S1502), the printing process is stopped once after printing the first copy. Then, a screen is displayed asking the user whether or not to continue printing, making it possible to confirm the user's intention of whether to continue printing.

[0034] (Print continuation confirmation screen) Fig. 17 is an example of a screen that prompts the user to check the charge status of a printed material printed with the static elimination setting turned off and to select whether or not to continue printing. Fig. 17 is displayed when the inversion / static elimination determination unit 303 makes the determination in S1502, the print control unit 305 prints the first copy based on the determination result, and the printed material is ejected. When the [Cancel Printing] button 1701 is pressed, it is set to cancel the job. When the [Continue Printing] button 1702 is pressed, it is set to continue printing the job.

[0035] (Print control process) 18 is a flowchart showing how the print control unit 305 controls printing when the determination result of the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 is S1502. This flowchart is executed by the print control unit 305 when the determination of the inversion / static discharge determination unit 303 shown in FIG. In S1801, the print control unit 305 determines whether the determination result of the inversion / discharge determination unit 303 is S1502. If the determination result is S1502 (Yes in S1801), the CPU 209 advances the process to S1802, and if the determination result is other than S1502 (No in S1801), the CPU 209 advances the process to S1808. In S1802, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 to print the first copy. After the instruction is issued, the process proceeds to S1803. In S1803, the print control unit 305 determines whether the number of copies to be printed for the job instructed to be executed is two or more. This determination is made based on the content accepted on the copy function screen of Fig. 7. If the number of copies set in the area 707 in Fig. 7 is two or more (Yes in S1803), the CPU 209 advances the process to S1804, and if the number of copies is one (No in S1803), this process ends. In S1804, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 to display the print continuation confirmation screen of Fig. 17 on the display 213 of the printing apparatus 104. When the screen is displayed, the CPU 209 advances the process to S1805. In S1805, the print control unit 305 determines whether an instruction to continue printing has been received. This determination is made based on the content accepted on the continue printing confirmation screen shown in Fig. 17. If the user presses the [Continue Printing] button 1702, the CPU 209 advances the process to S1806. If the user presses the [Cancel Printing] button 1701, the CPU 209 advances the process to S1807. In 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 process ends. In S1807, the print control unit 305 instructs the CPU 209 of the printing apparatus 104 to cancel printing. After issuing the instruction, this process ends. In 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 process ends. As described above, in the third embodiment, if the discharge surface is prioritized and the static elimination process is not performed, the printing process is stopped once after the first copy is printed. Then, the user is prompted to check the static charge status of the output and is asked to set whether to print the remaining copies, allowing the user to understand the static charge conditions before printing.

[0036] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) a printing device for printing an image on a sheet; a static elimination device that performs a static elimination process on a sheet on which an image has been printed by the printing device; and a reversing means that reverses the front and back of the sheet on which the static elimination process has been performed by the static elimination device. and control means for controlling the sheet inverted by the inverting means to be discharged. (Configuration 2) 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing device has another reversing means for reversing the front and back of the sheet. (Configuration 3) The printing system according to configuration 2, characterized in that when the setting is for single-sided printing, performing the static electricity removal process, and discharging the sheet face-down, if it is determined based on the information that the inversion means is not present, the printing system controls to invert the sheet on which the image is printed by the other inversion means, and discharge the sheet without performing the static electricity removal process. (Configuration 4) A printing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the setting is for performing the static elimination process in single-sided printing and discharging the sheet face-down, the static elimination process is performed on the sheet on which an image is printed, and the sheet is reversed by the inversion means before being discharged. (Configuration 5) A printing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that, when double-sided printing is performed and the setting is made to perform the static electricity removal process, the control means controls the sheet having an image printed on its second side to be subjected to the static electricity removal process and to be discharged. (Configuration 6) 6. The printing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires information about the reversing unit from a sheet processing apparatus different from the printing apparatus. (Configuration 7) A printing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a display means for displaying a message prompting the user to continue or cancel the printing process after the first copy is printed when multiple copies are printed. (Method 1) a printing step of printing an image onto the sheet; a charge removing step of removing electricity from the sheet on which the image is printed in the printing step; a reversing step of reversing the sheet on which the static electricity has been removed by the static electricity removing step; A control step of controlling the sheet inverted in the inverting step so as to be discharged. A method for controlling a printing system comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the printing system control method according to the first method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 102 PC 104 Printing device 105 Static eliminator 106 Large Capacity Stacker 107 Multipurpose Stacker

Claims

1. a printing device for printing an image on a sheet; a static elimination device that performs static elimination processing on a sheet on which an image is printed by the printing device; a reversing means for reversing the sheet on which the static electricity has been removed by the static electricity removing device; and control means for controlling the sheet inverted by the inverting means to be discharged.

2. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said printing apparatus further comprises an inverting means for inverting a sheet.

3. The printing system according to claim 2, characterized in that when the setting is for single-sided printing, performing the de-electrification process, and discharging the sheet face-down, if it is determined based on the information that the inversion means is not present, the printing system is controlled so that the sheet on which the image is printed is inverted by the other inversion means and discharged without performing the de-electrification process.

4. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the neutralization process is performed during single-sided printing and the sheet is set to be discharged face-down, a neutralization process is performed on a sheet on which an image is printed, and the sheet is reversed by the inversion means before being discharged.

5. A printing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the discharge processing is set to be performed during double-sided printing, the control means controls the sheet having an image printed on its second side to be subjected to the discharge processing and then ejects the sheet.

6. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires information about the reversing unit from a sheet processing apparatus different from the printing apparatus.

7. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a message prompting a user to instruct whether to continue or cancel the printing process after the first copy is printed when multiple copies are printed.

8. a printing step of printing an image onto the sheet; a charge removing step of removing electricity from the sheet on which the image is printed in the printing step; a reversing step of reversing the sheet on which the static electricity has been removed by the static electricity removing step; A control step of controlling the sheet inverted in the inverting step so as to be discharged. A method for controlling a printing system comprising:

9. A program for causing a computer to execute the printing system control method according to claim 8.

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