Image formation device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device that can preliminarily detect a kind of sheet stored in a sheet feed tray.SOLUTION: An image formation device 10 has: a conveyance unit 16; an image formation unit 17; a fixation unit 18; a detection unit 19; and a control unit 11. The conveyance unit 16 is configured to convey sheets stored in sheet feed trays 151 to 153 and 241 to 243 along a conveyance path 161. The image formation unit 17 is configured to form images on the sheet, and the fixation unit 18 is configured to fix the image on the sheet. The detection unit 19 is arranged in the conveyance path 161, and is configured to detect a kind of sheet. The control unit 11 is configured to, prior to an execution of an image formation mode serving a mode causing the image formation unit 17 to form the image and causing the fixation unit 18 to fix the image, execute a sheet kind detection mode serving a mode causing the detection unit 19 to detect the kind of sheet to be conveyed by the conveyance unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known image forming devices equipped with a sensor that automatically detects the type of paper used for printing. Such image forming devices can set appropriate printing conditions and perform printing based on the type of paper detected by the sensor.

[0003] In relation to the above, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that uses a sensor to determine the paper type during print preparation operations, and changes printing conditions such as the image formation speed and fixing temperature based on the determined paper type. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-14695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, the paper type determination operation is performed during print preparation operations that are initiated upon receiving a print start command. Therefore, the image forming device has the problem that it cannot start the paper type determination operation unless, for example, a print job is submitted. Furthermore, if the user cannot confirm the paper type in advance, when switching between multiple types of paper during printing, the image forming device must present and confirm the paper type to the user each time the paper type is switched, which can result in a problem of reduced productivity of the image forming device.

[0006] Furthermore, in the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, printing conditions in a print preparation operation are set based on the paper type predicted to be most likely to be set in the paper feed tray. If the predicted paper type differs from the paper type determined by the paper type determination operation, the printing conditions are switched. As a result, the image forming device cannot resume image formation until the printing conditions have been switched once they have been set. This also poses the problem of increased standby time for the image forming device.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image forming apparatus that can detect in advance the type of paper contained in a paper feed tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0009] (1) An image forming apparatus having a conveying unit that conveys paper stored in a paper feed tray along a conveying path, an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper conveyed by the conveying unit, a fixing unit that fixes the image formed by the image forming unit to the paper, a detection unit that is arranged on the conveying path and detects the type of the paper, and a control unit that executes a paper type detection mode in which the detection unit detects the type of the paper conveyed by the conveying unit before executing an image formation mode in which the image forming unit forms the image and the image is fixed by the fixing unit.

[0010] (2) The image forming apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the control unit controls the image forming unit so as not to form the image on the paper being transported by the transport unit while the paper type detection mode is being executed.

[0011] (3) An image forming apparatus as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the control unit determines to execute the paper type detection mode when the paper feed tray is loaded into the device body, and causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the loaded paper feed tray.

[0012] (4) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the control unit determines to execute the paper type detection mode when the paper feed tray is loaded into a paper feed device connected to the apparatus and having the paper feed tray, and causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the loaded paper feed tray.

[0013] (5) An image forming device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the control unit, when there is a paper feed tray containing paper whose type has not been detected and the image forming mode is not being executed, determines to execute the paper type detection mode and causes the detection unit to detect the type of the paper whose type has not been detected.

[0014] (6) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the control unit determines to execute the paper type detection mode when the paper type detection mode is selected on a first operation screen, which is an operation screen for allowing a user to select the paper type detection mode.

[0015] (7) The image forming device described in (6) above, wherein when a paper feed tray is further selected on a second operation screen, which is an operation screen for allowing the user to select the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the selected paper feed tray in the paper type detection mode.

[0016] (8) The image forming device described in (7) above, wherein when multiple paper feed trays are selected on the second operation screen, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the selected paper feed tray in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are selected in the paper type detection mode.

[0017] (9) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein when the control unit executes the paper type detection mode while accepting a print job, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray to be used in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job.

[0018] (10) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the control unit, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, causes the conveying unit, which is located within the detection range of the detection unit, to convey the paper at a conveying speed according to the paper type detection mode.

[0019] (11) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a third operation screen, which is an operation screen for allowing the user to confirm the type of paper detected by the detection unit.

[0020] (12) The image forming apparatus described in (11) above, wherein the control unit adopts the changed paper type when the paper type is changed on the third operation screen, and adopts the confirmed paper type when the paper type is confirmed on the third operation screen.

[0021] (13) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the control unit controls the fixing temperature of the fixing unit based on the type of the paper.

[0022] (14) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein the control unit is capable of further executing the paper type detection mode while a print job is being executed, and when it determines that the paper type detection mode should be executed while the print job is being executed, it interrupts the print job being executed and executes the paper type detection mode.

[0023] (15) The image forming apparatus according to (14), wherein the control unit, when interrupting the print job in progress and executing the paper type detection mode, causes the fixing unit to maintain the fixing temperature before the interruption. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, the image forming device executes the paper type detection mode before executing the image formation mode. This allows the image forming device to detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray in advance in order to set printing conditions according to the detected paper type. Therefore, the image forming device can start detecting the paper type even without submitting a print job, and also shortens the standby time of the image forming device due to switching of printing conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a detection unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen showing a detection result. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen that accepts a user's selection. [Figure 6A] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6B] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of convenience and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a paper feeder 20. The paper feeder 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 on the upstream side of the paper transport direction.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation panel 14, a paper feed unit 15, a conveyance unit 16, an image forming unit 17, a fixing unit 18, and a detection unit 19. Each component is interconnected via a bus for exchanging signals.

[0030] The control unit 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the above-mentioned components and executes various arithmetic processing in accordance with a program.

[0031] The storage unit 12 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data in advance, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores programs and data as a working area, a hard disk that stores various programs and data, etc.

[0032] Communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with other devices. Communication unit 13 transmits and receives various data and various signals to and from, for example, paper feeder 20. Communication unit 13 also transmits and receives various data to and from a user's PC (Personal Computer), mobile terminal, etc. via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0033] The operation panel 14 includes, for example, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, etc., and functions as a display unit that displays various information and as an operation reception unit that receives various operations from the user. The operation panel 14 may, for example, display an operation screen as the display unit and receive operations from the user on the operation screen as the operation reception unit. Note that the display unit and the operation reception unit may be configured separately.

[0034] Paper feed unit 15 includes paper feed trays 151 to 153 that store paper sheets used for printing, and feeds the paper sheets stored in each paper feed tray one by one. However, the number of paper feed trays included in paper feed unit 15 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0035] Conveyance unit 16 includes a conveyance path 161, a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 162, and a drive motor (not shown) that drives conveyance roller pairs 162, and conveys the paper fed by paper feed unit 15 along conveyance path 161.

[0036] The image forming unit 17 forms an image on the paper conveyed by the conveying unit 16 using a known imaging process such as electrophotography.

[0037] The fixing unit 18 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller that are heated by a heater, and applies heat and pressure to the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 17, thereby fixing the image to the paper. The power supply to the heater is controlled so that the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 18, measured by a temperature sensor, becomes a predetermined control temperature.

[0038] The detection unit 19 is a sensor disposed on the transport path 161 and detects the type of paper transported within the detection range of the detection unit 19. For example, one detection unit 19 may be disposed on the transport path 161 downstream of the junction of the paper fed from the paper feed trays 151 to 153 and the paper fed from the paper feed device 20. Alternatively, one detection unit 19 may be disposed near each paper feed tray. The types of paper detected by the detection unit 19 include the paper type, paper thickness, basis weight, smoothness, etc. The detailed configuration of the detection unit 19 will be described later.

[0039] Next, sheet feeding device 20 includes control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, sheet feeding unit 24, and conveying unit 25. Each component is connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals. Note that control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, and conveying unit 25 of sheet feeding device 20 have the same functions as the respective components of image forming apparatus 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] The paper feed unit 24 includes paper feed trays 241 to 243 that store paper sheets used for printing, and feeds the paper sheets stored in each paper feed tray one by one. However, the number of paper feed trays included in the paper feed unit 24 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0041] Note that the image forming system 1 may include devices other than the image forming apparatus 10 and the paper feeder 20. For example, the image forming system 1 may further include a post-processing device downstream of the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 does not necessarily need to include the paper feeder 20 externally.

[0042] Furthermore, image forming apparatus 10 and sheet feeding apparatus 20 may include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the components described above. For example, sheet feeding apparatus 20 may further include a detection unit. The detection unit of sheet feeding apparatus 20 may detect the type of paper stored in sheet feeding trays 241-243, instead of detection unit 19 of image forming apparatus 10.

[0043] Next, the detailed configuration of the detection unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a detection unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0045] 2, the detection unit 19 includes a paper thickness sensor 191, a basis weight sensor 192, and a smoothness sensor 193. These sensors are arranged on the conveying path 161.

[0046] The paper thickness sensor 191 is a sensor that detects the thickness of the paper. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the paper thickness sensor 191 is attached to the transport roller 162a included in the transport unit 16, and detects the paper thickness based on the amount of displacement of the transport roller 162a when the paper passes through.

[0047] Basis weight sensor 192 is a sensor that detects the basis weight of a sheet of paper. Basis weight sensor 192 includes, for example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, which are arranged on both sides of the sheet of paper passing along transport path 161. Basis weight sensor 192 detects the basis weight of the sheet of paper based on the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit, transmitted through the sheet of paper, and received by the light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit may include, for example, an LED or the like.

[0048] Smoothness sensor 193 is a sensor that detects the smoothness of paper. Smoothness sensor 193 includes, for example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, which are arranged on the same side of the paper passing along transport path 161. Smoothness sensor 193 detects the smoothness of the paper based on light that is emitted by the light-emitting unit, reflected by the paper, and received by the light-receiving unit.

[0049] The types, number, and positions of sensors included in detection unit 19 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. For example, detection unit 19 does not have to include at least one of paper thickness sensor 191, basis weight sensor 192, and smoothness sensor 193. Detection unit 19 may also include other types of sensors that detect glossiness, etc. Furthermore, the method by which each sensor acquires paper information is not limited to the example described above.

[0050] In the image forming system 1 configured as described above, the image forming device 10 switches between two modes: an image formation mode and a paper type detection mode. The image formation mode is a mode in which an image is formed by the image forming unit 17 and the image is fixed by the fixing unit 18. The paper type detection mode is a mode in which the detection unit 19 detects the type of paper contained in at least one of the paper feed trays 151-153 and 241-243 and transported by the transport unit 16.

[0051] It should be noted that while the image forming mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 performs print preparation operations such as starting the rotation of the photosensitive drum of the image forming unit 17 and starting the warm-up of the fixing unit 18. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a paper type detection mode before executing the image forming mode in order to detect the type of paper stored in advance and smoothly set appropriate printing conditions when using that paper for printing.

[0052] Furthermore, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may control the image forming unit 17 so as not to form an image on the paper being transported by the transport unit 16. Furthermore, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may control the fixing unit 18 so as not to apply heat and pressure to the paper being transported by the transport unit 16. In other words, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may not supply power to the image forming unit 17 and the fixing unit 18.

[0053] (First embodiment) The processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The processing of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled so as to detect in advance the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray.

[0054] 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The algorithm shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3 is stored as a program in the storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 and is executed by the control unit 11.

[0055] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to execute the paper type detection mode (step S101).

[0056] For example, when at least one of the paper feed trays 151 to 153 is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 (main body), the control unit 11 determines to execute the paper type detection mode. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine to execute the paper type detection mode when at least one of the paper feed trays 241 to 243 is loaded in the paper feed device 20 (main body) and the control unit 11 receives a notification from the control unit 21 that the paper feed tray has been loaded in the paper feed device 20. When a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed device 20, it is highly likely that new paper has been set in that paper feed tray. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 determines to execute the paper type detection mode to confirm the type of the newly set paper.

[0057] When it is determined that the paper type detection mode is to be executed (step S101: YES), the control unit 11 identifies the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected, that is, the paper whose type is to be detected (step S102).

[0058] For example, in step S101, when the control unit 11 determines that a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed device 20 and that the paper type detection mode is to be executed, the control unit 11 identifies the loaded paper feed tray as the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected. Also, when multiple paper feed trays are loaded consecutively, the control unit 11 may identify the multiple paper feed trays as the paper feed trays that contain the paper to be detected.

[0059] Furthermore, control unit 11 may also identify a paper feed tray other than the paper feed tray loaded in step S101 as the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected. For example, when paper feed tray 151 is loaded in image forming apparatus 10, if the type of paper stored in paper feed tray 152 has not been detected in the past, control unit 11 may identify both paper feed trays 151 and 152 as the paper feed trays that contain the paper to be detected.

[0060] Next, control unit 11 causes paper feed unit 15 to feed the paper stored in the paper feed tray identified in step S102, and causes conveyance unit 16 to convey the paper (step S103). Then, control unit 11 causes detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper being conveyed by conveyance unit 16 (step S104). That is, control unit 11 executes the paper type detection mode by executing the processes of steps S103 and S104 for the paper stored in the paper feed tray identified in step S102. Note that the paper whose type has been detected continues to be conveyed by conveyance unit 16 and is discharged outside image forming apparatus 10.

[0061] In steps S103 and S104, control unit 11 may control each component of image forming apparatus 10 to operate at a speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode. Control unit 11 may, for example, cause conveyance unit 16 to convey paper at a preset conveyance speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode. Here, the "conveyance speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode" may, for example, be the maximum conveyance speed at which detection unit 19 can detect the type of paper (i.e., at which detection accuracy of detection unit 19 can be ensured). Control unit 11 may also cause conveyance units 16 located within the detection range of detection unit 19 (see FIG. 2) to convey paper at the conveyance speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode, and cause conveyance units 16 located outside the detection range of detection unit 19 to convey paper at the maximum speed.

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the types of paper sheets contained in all of the paper feed trays identified in step S102 have been detected (step S105).

[0063] If it is determined that the types of paper sheets contained in all the identified paper feed trays have not been detected (step S105: NO), the control unit 11 returns to the process of step S103. Then, the control unit 11 repeats the processes of steps S103 to S105 until the processes of steps S103 and S104 are executed for the paper sheets contained in all the paper feed trays identified in step S102.

[0064] If it is determined that the types of paper stored in all identified paper feed trays have been detected (step S105: YES), control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S106. Then, control unit 11 associates the paper type detected by detection unit 19 in step S104 with the paper feed tray in which the paper was stored, and displays the detection result on operation panel 14 (step S106). That is, control unit 11 displays an operation screen (third operation screen) on operation panel 14 that allows the user to confirm the paper type detected by detection unit 19. Note that control unit 11 may also display the detection result on an operation panel that functions as a display unit in the user's PC, mobile terminal, or the like, via communication unit 13. Hereinafter, operation panel 14 and the operation panels of the user's PC, mobile terminal, or the like will be collectively referred to as "operation panel 14, etc."

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen showing the detection result.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 11 causes the operation panel 14 or the like to display at least one of the paper types detected by the detection unit 19 in step S104 (i.e., at least one of the paper thickness, basis weight, smoothness, etc.) as the detection result. The detection result may be displayed as a rank evaluation as shown in Fig. 4, rather than an actual detection value. For example, as the detection result of paper thickness, rank 1 is 52 to 59 g / m 2 , Rank 2 is 60-90g / m 2 , Rank 3 is 91-120g / m 2 may be shown.

[0067] Furthermore, when a paper type that has not been detected before is detected, the control unit 11 may display a list of past detection history on the operation panel 14 or the like. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, a paper thickness with a rank evaluation of 1, a basis weight with a rank evaluation of 2, and a smoothness with a rank evaluation of 3 has been detected as the type of paper stored in "Tray 1" corresponding to paper feed tray 151. When a paper type that includes such a combination of paper thickness, basis weight, and smoothness has not been detected before, the control unit 11 may display a list of past detection history on the operation panel 14 or the like, as shown in FIG. 4. The detection history may be displayed in association with the paper feed tray in which the detected paper was stored.

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the user has changed the paper type displayed on the operation panel 14 or the like in step S106 (step S107). The control unit 11 determines that the user has changed the paper type, for example, by receiving a user operation to change the paper type via the operation panel 14 or the like.

[0069] The control unit 11 may determine that the user has changed the paper type by accepting the user's operation of directly changing the numerical value indicating the paper type rank evaluation and pressing the change button on the operation screen shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine that the user has changed the paper type by accepting the user's operation of selecting the correct paper type from a list of paper type detection history and pressing the change button.

[0070] If it is determined that the user has changed the paper type (step S107: YES), the control unit 11 adopts the paper type changed in step S107 as the paper type associated with the paper feed tray (step S108).

[0071] If it is determined that the user has not changed the paper type (step S107: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the user has confirmed the paper type displayed on the operation panel 14 or the like in step S106 (step S109). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether the user has confirmed the paper type at least once, even if the user does not change the paper type. For example, the control unit 11 determines that the user has confirmed the paper type by receiving a user operation to confirm the paper type via the operation panel 14 or the like. The control unit 11 may also determine that the user has confirmed the paper type by receiving a user operation to press the OK button on the operation screen shown in FIG. 4, for example.

[0072] If it is determined that the user has neither changed nor confirmed the paper type (step S109: NO), the control unit 11 returns to the process of step S107. Then, the control unit 11 repeats the processes of steps S107 and S109 until the user changes the paper type or confirms it.

[0073] If it is determined that the user has confirmed the paper type (step S109: YES), the control unit 11 adopts the paper type confirmed in step S109 as the paper type associated with the paper feed tray (step S110).

[0074] Next, control unit 11 stores the paper type selected in step S108 or S110 in storage unit 12 (step S111). Note that if control unit 11 immediately executes the image formation mode after step S110 and uses the detected paper type for printing, it may immediately set printing conditions according to the detected paper type instead of storing the paper type in storage unit 12. That is, control unit 11 may control, for example, the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum of image forming unit 17, the fixing temperature of fixing unit 18, etc., based on the selected paper type.

[0075] On the other hand, in step S101, when it is determined that the paper type detection mode is not to be executed (step S101: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not to execute the image formation mode (step S112).

[0076] If it is determined that the image formation mode should be executed (step S112: YES), control unit 11 executes the image formation mode (step S113). When control unit 11 has previously executed the processes of steps S101 to S111 and is to use paper whose type has already been detected for printing, control unit 11 may execute the image formation mode after setting printing conditions according to the paper type stored in storage unit 12 in step S110. That is, control unit 11 controls, for example, the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum of image forming unit 17 and the fixing temperature of fixing unit 18 as printing conditions based on the paper type stored in storage unit 12, and then executes the image formation mode.

[0077] If it is determined that the image formation mode is not to be executed (step S112: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0078] As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the paper type detection mode before executing the image formation mode. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray in advance in order to set printing conditions according to the detected paper type. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can start detecting the paper type even without a print job being submitted, and can also reduce the standby time of the image forming apparatus 10 caused by switching printing conditions. In particular, because the image forming apparatus 10 can detect the type of paper to be used in advance, it is possible to avoid the hassle of presenting and confirming the type of paper to be used to the user each time the paper is switched, and a decrease in the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 can be avoided.

[0079] Furthermore, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 does not form an image on the paper being transported. As a result, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 does not need to supply power to the image forming unit 17, thereby reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, the user can have the image forming apparatus 10 reuse the paper that has been detected as its type and ejected outside the image forming apparatus 10 by resetting the paper in the paper feed tray.

[0080] Furthermore, when a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 10 detects the type of paper contained in the loaded paper feed tray. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to automatically start detecting the type of paper newly set in the paper feed tray without increasing the user's effort.

[0081] Furthermore, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 causes the conveying unit 16, which is located within the detection range of the detection unit 19, to convey the paper at a conveying speed according to the paper type detection mode. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to improve the detection accuracy of the detection unit 19.

[0082] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 displays the detected paper type, thereby allowing the user to confirm the detected paper type.

[0083] Furthermore, after displaying the detected paper type, image forming apparatus 10 adopts the paper type confirmed or changed by the user. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to allow the user to adjust the paper type even if the paper type detected by detection unit 19 is incorrect.

[0084] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 controls the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 18 based on the type of paper. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to set an appropriate fixing temperature from the beginning of printing, thereby reducing the waiting time caused by switching the fixing temperature.

[0085] Although an example of the processing of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this. Various modifications and improvements such as those described below are possible.

[0086] It has been described that in step S101, the image forming apparatus 10 determines to execute the paper type detection mode, for example, when a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed apparatus 20. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0087] For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 has a paper feed tray that stores paper whose type has not been detected and the image forming mode is not being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may determine to execute the paper type detection mode in step S101. Note that "when the image forming mode is not being executed" means, for example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in a standby state.

[0088] Then, image forming apparatus 10 may identify the paper feed tray in step S102. After that, image forming apparatus 10 may cause detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray, the type of which has not yet been detected, in the paper type detection mode executed in steps S103 and S104. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to execute the paper type detection mode at an appropriate timing, even when a paper feed tray is not loaded in image forming apparatus 10 or paper feed device 20. Therefore, even if a paper feed tray is loaded while image forming apparatus 10 is powered off and image forming apparatus 10 is unable to execute the paper type detection mode immediately after loading, image forming apparatus 10 can execute the paper type detection mode after power is turned on.

[0089] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 may display an operation screen for prompting the user to select a paper type detection mode, for example, before step S101.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen that accepts a user's selection.

[0091] 5A, the image forming apparatus 10 may display an operation screen (first operation screen) on the operation panel 14 or the like, which allows the user to select either the "image formation mode" or the "paper type detection mode" as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10. Then, when the paper type detection mode is selected on the operation screen (i.e., when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a user operation to select the paper type detection mode), the image forming apparatus 10 may determine in step S101 that the paper type detection mode will be executed. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the paper type detection mode in response to a user request.

[0092] Furthermore, when displaying an operation screen for allowing the user to select a paper type detection mode, image forming apparatus 10 may further display an operation screen (second operation screen) for allowing the user to select a paper feed tray that contains paper to be detected, as shown in B and C of FIG. 5. Then, when a paper feed tray is selected on the operation screen, image forming apparatus 10 may identify the selected paper feed tray in step S102. Thereafter, image forming apparatus 10 may cause detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper contained in the identified paper feed tray in steps S103 and S104. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to detect the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray intentionally selected by the user.

[0093] 5B and 5C, image forming apparatus 10 may allow the user to select multiple paper feed trays on an operation screen that allows the user to select a paper feed tray. When multiple paper feed trays are selected on the operation screen, image forming apparatus 10 may identify the selected paper feed trays in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays were selected in step S102. Thereafter, image forming apparatus 10 may cause detection unit 19 to detect the types of paper stored in the identified paper feed trays in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays were identified in steps S103 and S104.

[0094] For example, assume that on the operation screen shown in B of Fig. 5, the user selects the paper feed trays in the order of "Tray 1" corresponding to paper feed tray 151 of image forming apparatus 10 and then "Tray 2" corresponding to paper feed tray 152. In this case, image forming apparatus 10 may detect the type of paper stored in paper feed tray 151, and then may detect the type of paper stored in paper feed tray 152. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to preferentially detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray preferentially selected by the user.

[0095] Furthermore, when executing the paper type detection mode while accepting a print job, image forming apparatus 10 may identify the paper feed tray to be used in step S102 in the order in which multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job. Then, image forming apparatus 10 may cause detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper contained in the identified paper feed tray in the order in which the paper feed trays are identified in steps S103 and S104. For example, assume that image forming apparatus 10 accepts print jobs, Job 1 and Job 2, in this order, and Job 1 specifies paper feed tray 151 and Job 2 specifies paper feed tray 152. In this state, if paper feed trays 151 and 152 are loaded in image forming apparatus 10, image forming apparatus 10 may detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 151 and then detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 152. Alternatively, in the above state, when paper feed tray 151 and paper feed tray 152 are selected on the operation screen, image forming apparatus 10 may detect the type of paper stored in paper feed tray 151, and then detect the type of paper stored in paper feed tray 152. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to preferentially detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray that is preferentially used in the print job.

[0096] Note that when image forming apparatus 10 is accepting a print job and multiple paper feed trays are selected on the operation screen, it may prioritize either the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job or the order in which the multiple paper feed trays were selected. That is, image forming apparatus 10 may detect the types of paper stored in the paper feed trays in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job, or may detect the types of paper stored in the paper feed trays in the order in which the paper feed trays were selected. Alternatively, image forming apparatus 10 may always prioritize the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job when accepting a print job, and may consider the order in which the paper feed trays were selected only when it is not accepting a print job.

[0097] Also, it has been explained that the image forming apparatus 10 detects the types of paper contained in all paper feed trays identified in step S102, then displays the detection results and determines whether the user has changed or confirmed the paper type. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 10 may display the detection results each time it detects the type of paper contained in one paper feed tray, and determine whether the user has changed or confirmed the paper type.

[0098] (Second embodiment) Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to be able to execute a paper type detection mode while a print job is being executed.

[0099] In the second embodiment, for example, when paper feed tray 152 is loaded into image forming apparatus 10 while a print job is being executed using paper stored in paper feed tray 151, image forming apparatus 10 executes the paper type detection mode. Alternatively, image forming apparatus 10 may execute the paper type detection mode when it receives a user operation to select the paper type detection mode on an operation screen such as that shown in A of Fig. 5 during the execution of a print job. In other words, if a user wants to check the type of paper stored in a paper feed tray that will be used in a later print job, the user can cause image forming apparatus 10 to execute the paper type detection mode even while the print job is being executed.

[0100] 6A and 6B are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The processing in steps S204 to S213 shown in Fig. 6A and 6B is the same as the processing in steps S102 to S111 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the control unit 11 first determines whether a print job is being executed (step S201).

[0102] If it is determined that a print job is being executed (step S201: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether to execute the paper type detection mode (step S202). For example, the control unit 11 may determine to execute the paper type detection mode when an unused paper feed tray is loaded into the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed device 20 while a print job is being executed.

[0103] If it is determined that the paper type detection mode should be executed (step S202: YES), the control unit 11 interrupts the print job being executed (step S203). Then, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S204. Subsequently, the control unit 11 executes the processes of steps S204 to S213, and then resumes the print job interrupted in step S203 (step S214). Thereafter, the control unit 11 ends the process. Note that even when the control unit 11 interrupts the print job being executed in step S203, the control unit 11 may cause the fixing unit 18 to maintain the fixing temperature before the interruption.

[0104] If it is determined that a print job is not being executed (step S201: NO), or if it is determined that the paper type detection mode is not to be executed (step S202: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0105] As described above, when the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment determines to execute the paper type detection mode during the execution of a print job, it interrupts the print job and executes the paper type detection mode. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the paper type detection mode as needed, even while a print job is in progress, and to detect in advance the type of paper stored in a paper feed tray to be used in a subsequent print job, for example. Furthermore, because the image forming apparatus 10 can detect in advance the type of paper to be used in a subsequent print job, it is possible to avoid the hassle of presenting and confirming the type of paper to be used to the user each time the paper is switched, thereby avoiding a decrease in productivity of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0106] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 10 interrupts a print job in progress to execute the paper type detection mode, it causes the fixing unit 18 to maintain the fixing temperature before the interruption. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to shorten the warm-up time of the fixing unit 18 when the interrupted print job is resumed.

[0107] The processes of the first and second embodiments may be used in combination. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 may execute the paper type detection mode before executing the image formation mode, and may also be able to execute the paper type detection mode while executing a print job.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 has been described as a single device. However, the above embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be configured as a separate information processing device that executes various determination processes and a device that executes image formation processes. In this case, the information processing device and the device that executes image formation processes are connected via a bus.

[0109] Furthermore, the processing in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment may include steps other than those shown in the above flowchart, or may not include some of the above steps. The order of the steps is not limited to that of the above embodiment. Furthermore, each step may be combined with other steps and executed as a single step, may be included in other steps, or may be divided into multiple steps and executed.

[0110] The means and methods for performing various processes in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may also be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the image forming apparatus 10 as a function of the apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Image forming system; 10 Image forming device, 11, 21 Control section, 12, 22 memory section, 13, 23 Communications Department, 14 Operation panel, 15, 24 Paper feed section, 151~153, 241~243 paper trays, 16, 25 conveying section, 161 conveying route, 162 conveying roller, 17 Image forming unit, 18 Fixing section, 19 detection unit, 191 Paper thickness sensor, 192 basis weight sensor, 193 Smoothness sensor, 20 Paper feeder.

Claims

[Claim 1] a conveying unit that conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray along a conveying path; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper conveyed by the conveying unit; a detection unit disposed on the transport path and detecting the type of the paper; a control unit that executes an image forming mode in which the image forming unit forms the image on the paper, and a paper type detection mode that is a mode different from the image forming mode and in which the detection unit detects the type of the paper transported by the transport unit, When the paper type detection mode is executed, the control unit controls the image forming unit not to form the image on the paper being conveyed, The control unit displays a detection history of the detection unit on an operation screen of the image forming apparatus.

Images