Image formation device and image processing device

Abstract

To reduce a possibility of occurrence of failure in transport of a booklet.SOLUTION: An image formation device 100 includes: an operation unit 110 for selecting a first mode in which an image is formed on a booklet having a bound first side, a second side which is located adjacent to the first side and open, a third side which is located adjacent to the first side and open, and a fourth side which faces the first side and is open; a placement part 124 for placing a booklet; a printer unit 120 for forming an image on the booklet transported from the placement part 124; and a display 111. The display 111 displays, in a case where the first mode is selected by the operation unit 110, a message prompting a user to place the booklet on the placement part 124 so that a leading edge side in a transport direction of the booklet becomes the first side, the second side, or the third side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material by an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus generally prints an image using paper as a recording material defined by the Japanese Industrial Standards. The image forming apparatus can use a variety of different sizes and types of paper as the recording material. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that forms a booklet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-107564 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an image is formed on such a booklet as a recording material, there is a risk that problems may occur in the conveyance of the booklet depending on the direction in which the booklet is conveyed.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has as its main object to reduce the possibility of problems occurring in the transport of booklets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming an image on a booklet having a bound first edge, an open second edge adjacent to the first edge, an open third edge adjacent to the first edge, and an open fourth edge opposite the first edge, a loading means for loading the booklet, an image forming means for forming an image on the booklet transported from the loading means, and a display means, and is characterized in that when the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a message encouraging the user to load the booklet on the loading means so that the leading edge of the booklet in the transport direction when transporting it from the loading means to the image forming means is the first edge, the second edge, or the third edge. The information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device that is communicatively connected to an image forming device that has a loading means for loading booklets and an image forming means for forming an image on a booklet transported from the loading means, and is equipped with a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming an image on a booklet having a bound first edge, an open second edge adjacent to the first edge, an open third edge adjacent to the first edge, and an open fourth edge opposite the first edge, and is characterized in that when the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a message encouraging the user to place the booklet on the loading means so that the leading edge of the booklet in the transport direction when transporting it from the loading means to the image forming means is the first edge, the second edge, or the third edge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility of problems occurring in the transport of booklets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] 10 is a view showing an example of a paper type selection screen. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing processing up to the start of image formation. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen for a paper feed location. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 10(a) to 10(c) are explanatory diagrams of the state when a booklet is being transported. [Figure 11] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams illustrating examples of guidance screens. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams of how to bind the booklet. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming system 1X includes an image forming apparatus 100 that forms a toner image on a recording material S, a post-processing apparatus 200, and an operation unit 110 that has a display 111. Note that the image forming system 1X may also include other post-processing units such as a relay device or a finisher device.

[0011] The relay device is disposed between the image forming apparatus 100 and various front and rear processing units. The relay device reverses the recording material S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 and conveys it to the front and rear processing units, or temporarily stacks it before conveying it to the front and rear processing units. The finisher device performs post-processing such as punching to make holes in the recording material S and stapling to bundle and staple multiple sheets of recording material S, and discharges the bundle of recording materials S after post-processing to a discharge tray. In addition to these post-processing units, the image forming system 1X may also be provided with a recording material supplying device that stores a large amount of recording material S inside and feeds the stored recording materials S to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] (Image forming device) The image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment is a tandem-type full-color printer using an electrophotographic method. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may also be configured to form images using an electrostatic recording method. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit Pa that forms a yellow image, an image forming unit Pb that forms a magenta image, an image forming unit Pc that forms a cyan image, and an image forming unit Pd that forms a black image.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on a recording material S based on data relating to the toner image included in image data acquired from an external device 1000, such as a document reading device (not shown) or a personal computer communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The recording material S may be a sheet material made of paper such as ordinary plain paper, cardboard, rough paper, textured paper, or coated paper, or in this embodiment, a "booklet" made up of a plurality of sheets bound together.

[0014] The conveyance process of the recording material S will be described. The recording material S is stored and stacked in a cassette 10 or is stacked on a tray 17. The recording material S is fed from the cassette 10 or the tray 17 by a paper feed roller 13 in accordance with the timing of image formation. The tray 17 is provided so that it can be opened and closed by the user, for example. The recording material S fed by the paper feed roller 13 is conveyed to a registration roller 12 via a conveyance roller 18 arranged midway along a conveyance path 114. The registration roller 12 performs skew correction and timing correction on the recording material S before conveying it to a secondary transfer portion T2. ​​The secondary transfer portion T2 is a transfer nip formed by an inner secondary transfer roller 14 and an outer secondary transfer roller 11. The secondary transfer portion T2 transfers a toner image onto the recording material S by applying a secondary transfer voltage to the outer secondary transfer roller 11.

[0015] The image forming process in which a toner image is transported to the secondary transfer unit T2 at the same time as the process in which the recording material S is transported to the secondary transfer unit T2 will be described. The configuration of the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd will be described. The image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured in almost the same way except that the colors of the images (toner images) they form are different: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Here, the black image forming unit Pd will be described, and descriptions of the other image forming units Pa, Pb, and Pc will be omitted.

[0016] The image forming unit Pd mainly includes a developing unit 1d, a charging unit 2d, a photosensitive drum 3d, a photosensitive drum cleaner 4d, an exposure unit 5d, and a primary transfer roller 6d. The photosensitive drum 3d is a photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer on its surface and rotates around the drum axis. The charging unit 2d uniformly charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 3d. The exposure unit 5d forms an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 3d by irradiating it with a laser beam driven based on an image signal. The developing unit 1d develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3d using a developer to form a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3d.

[0017] The primary transfer roller 6d is disposed in a position facing the photosensitive drum 3d across the intermediate transfer belt 80. When a primary transfer voltage is applied, the primary transfer roller 6d transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3d onto the intermediate transfer belt 80. Residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 3d after transfer is collected by the photosensitive drum cleaner 4d.

[0018] Similarly, a yellow toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 3a of the image forming station Pa, and the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 80 by the primary transfer roller 6a. A magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 3b of the image forming station Pb, and the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 80 by the primary transfer roller 6b. A cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 3c of the image forming station Pc, and the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 80 by the primary transfer roller 6c.

[0019] The intermediate transfer belt 80 is an endless belt that is stretched around the inner secondary transfer roller 14 and tension rollers 15 and 16, and is driven in the direction of arrow R2. In this embodiment, the tension roller 16 also serves as a drive roller that drives the intermediate transfer belt 80. The image formation processes of the image forming units Pa to Pd are performed at such a timing that the transferred toner images of each color are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 80. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 80.

[0020] The intermediate transfer belt 80 rotates to transport the toner image to the secondary transfer portion T2. ​​The transport of the toner image to the secondary transfer portion T2 is synchronized with the timing at which the recording material S is transported to the secondary transfer portion T2. ​​This allows the toner image to be transferred to a predetermined position on the recording material S. Any residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 80 after transfer by the secondary transfer portion T2 is removed by a transfer cleaner 22.

[0021] Through the above-described conveying process and image forming process, a toner image is carried on the recording material S. The recording material S is conveyed from the secondary transfer unit T2 to the fixing unit 50. The fixing unit 50 applies heat and pressure to the recording material S bearing the toner image, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material S. To this end, the fixing unit 50 has a first roller incorporating a heat source and a second roller biased toward the first roller, and the recording material S is nipped and conveyed between the first roller and the second roller. During this process, the recording material S is heated by the heat source and pressurized by the second roller. As a result, the toner image carried by the recording material S is melted and mixed, and fixed to the recording material S as a full-color image.

[0022] The recording material S on which the image has been fixed is guided by a flapper 300 to either a conveying path 301 or a conveying path 305. The flapper 300 guides the recording material S to the conveying path 305 when the printed side is not turned over in single-sided printing or when printing on both sides is completed in double-sided printing. The recording material S guided to the conveying path 305 is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] When printing on the front side (first side) is completed in double-sided printing, or when the printed side is to be reversed in single-sided printing, the flapper 300 guides the recording material S to a conveying path 301. The recording material S is conveyed to a reversing unit 302 via the conveying path 301. The recording material S conveyed to the reversing unit 302 has its conveying direction reversed, and is guided by a flapper 303 to either the conveying path 301 or a double-sided conveying path 304. The conveying direction is reversed in the reversing unit 302, and the recording material S is conveyed to the conveying path 301 or the double-sided conveying path 304, whereby the printed side of the recording material S is reversed.

[0024] When the printing surface is to be reversed in single-sided printing, the flapper 303 guides the recording material S to a conveying path 301. The recording material S guided to the conveying path 301 is discharged from the conveying path 301 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 via a conveying path 305. When printing on the front side is completed in double-sided printing, the flapper 303 guides the recording material S to a double-sided conveying path 304. The recording material S guided to the double-sided conveying path 304 is conveyed to a secondary transfer unit T2. As a result, an image is printed on the back side (second side) of the recording material S.

[0025] The developer used in this embodiment is a two-component developer containing toner and a carrier. The toner contains a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent (wax). Known binder resins can be used. Examples of binder resins that can be used include vinyl copolymers such as styrene-(meth)acrylic copolymers, polyester resins, hybrid resins in which vinyl copolymer units and polyester units are chemically bonded, epoxy resins, and styrene-butadiene copolymers. Known colorants can be used for each of the colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0026] Examples of the release agent that can be used include aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes, oxides of aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes, and block copolymers thereof. Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes include low-molecular-weight polyethylene, low-molecular-weight olefin copolymer waxes, microcrystalline waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, and paraffin waxes. Examples of oxides of aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes include oxidized polyethylene waxes. Block copolymers include waxes whose main component is fatty acid ester, ester waxes, and partially or completely deoxidized fatty acid esters such as deoxidized carnauba wax. Examples of waxes whose main component is fatty acid ester include carnauba wax and Montan acid ester wax. Ester waxes are synthetic reaction products of higher fatty acids, such as behenyl behenate and behenyl stearate, with higher alcohols.

[0027] The operation of such an image forming apparatus 100 is controlled by a main control unit 101. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the main control unit 101. The main control unit 101 can communicate with a printer unit 120 and an operation unit 110. The printer unit 120 includes each unit used in the image forming process described above.

[0028] The main control unit 101 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, and an image processing unit 105. The CPU 102 controls the operation of the entire image forming system 1X by executing computer programs stored in the ROM 103. The RAM 104 provides a work area for the CPU 102 when executing processing. The image processing unit 105 performs predetermined image processing on image data obtained from the external device 1000, such as converting the image data into a format processable by the exposure devices 5a to 5d of the image forming units Pa to Pd, to generate image signals, which are then transmitted to the image forming units Pa to Pd.

[0029] The printer unit 120 includes a stacking unit 124, a conveying unit 123, a fixing unit 122, and an image forming unit P. The image forming unit P represents the image forming units Pa to Pd described above. The stacking unit 124 is a cassette 10 and a tray 17, and stores or stacks the recording material S. The conveying unit 123 feeds the recording material S from the stacking unit 124, conveys it to the secondary transfer unit T2 and the fixing unit 50, and discharges it outside the image forming system 1X. The conveying unit 123 includes a paper feed roller 13, a conveying roller 18, and a registration roller 12. The fixing unit 122 is the fixing unit 50 described above, and fixes the toner image on the recording material S. The image forming unit P forms toner images of each color as described above. The image forming unit P controls the driving of laser light output from the exposure units 5a to 5d based on an image signal acquired from the image processing unit 105.

[0030] In order to perform optimal print settings, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment requires that the paper type be set according to instructions from the user using the operation unit 110. The operation unit 110 is a user interface that has an input interface and a display 111 that is an output interface. The operation unit 110 is used, for example, to set the paper type of the recording material S used in image formation. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the operation unit 110.

[0031] The operation unit 110 of this embodiment has, as input interfaces, a setting key 1002, a power saving key 1003, a group of hard keys 1104, a reset key 1105, a stop key 1106, and a start key 1107. The operation unit 110 may also have, as an input interface, a touch panel provided on the display 111. The contents input via the input interface (for example, information necessary for creating job information such as the type of recording material S, the number of copies to be printed, and output attribute information) are transmitted to the CPU 102. Using the input interface, the user can input information.

[0032] The setting key 1002 is pressed to perform various settings such as paper type settings. The power-saving key 1003 is pressed to transition the image forming apparatus 100 to or from sleep mode. When the power-saving key 1003 is pressed in normal mode, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to sleep mode, and when the power-saving key 1003 is pressed in sleep mode, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to normal mode. The hard key group 1104 includes a numeric keypad, a clear key, and an authentication key. The reset key 1105 is pressed to reset various settings. The stop key 1106 is pressed to stop an ongoing operation. The start key 1107 is pressed to start a printing operation or to instruct the start of other functions. The start key 1107 is equipped with a two-color LED (light emitting diode) of green and red (not shown). The start key 1107 indicates that operation can be started when lit green, and indicates that operation cannot be started when lit red.

[0033] The various keys described above are hardware keys, but may also be realized as software keys displayed on the display 111. Also, the various keys may be realized as a combination of hardware keys and software keys.

[0034] The configuration of the post-process apparatus 200 in FIG. 1 will be described. The post-process apparatus 200 obtains the recording material S, on which an image has been printed, from the image forming apparatus 100 and cools the recording material S that has been heated by the fixing device 50. The post-process apparatus 200 includes a cooling mechanism 247 for cooling the recording material S, a conveying mechanism 241 for conveying the recording material S, and a control unit 330 for controlling the operation of the post-process apparatus 200. The post-process apparatus 200 cools the recording material S with the cooling mechanism 247 while conveying the recording material S with the conveying mechanism 241. The cooling mechanism 247 cools the recording material S, for example, by blowing air onto the recording material S. The cooled recording material S is discharged from the post-process apparatus 200. The control unit 330 controls the operation of the post-process apparatus 200 in accordance with instructions from the main control unit 101.

[0035] (Examples of other image forming devices) The image forming apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 prints an image on a recording material S while transporting the recording material S in a horizontal direction parallel to the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus 100. In other words, the transport path 114 along which the recording material S is transported is a horizontal path extending horizontally. Some image forming apparatuses print images on the recording material S while transporting it in a vertical direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus (vertical path). FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of such an image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus 201 is a tandem-intermediate transfer laser beam printer that utilizes an electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 201 forms and outputs a full-color or monochrome image on the recording material S, which is a recording medium, based on image data acquired from an external device 1000 (see FIG. 1) via a network or image data acquired from an image reading device 202 provided above.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 201 has components for forming an image inside a main body 201A, and is provided with an image reading device 202 and an operation unit 502 having a configuration similar to that of the operation unit 110 in Fig. 1 on the upper part of the main body 201A. Between the main body 201A and the image reading device 202 of the image forming apparatus 201, there is provided a discharge space D having a stacking section 223 to which the recording material S after image formation is discharged.

[0037] The image reading device 202 is a scanner that reads an image from a document and generates image data. The image reading device 202 is used, for example, when copying a document. The image reading device 202 of this embodiment is configured as a part of the image forming device 201. However, the image reading device 202 may also be configured as a separate device from the image forming device 201 and electrically connected to the image forming device 201.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 201 includes, in a main body 201A, an image forming mechanism 201B, an intermediate transfer unit 201C, a secondary transfer unit 201D, a fixing unit 201E, and a cassette paper feed unit 230. The main body 201 is also provided with a manual paper feed unit 235.

[0039] The cassette paper feed unit 230 feeds the recording material S from a paper feed cassette 231 that stores the recording material S. The cassette paper feed unit 230 includes a pickup roller 232 and a separation unit that includes a feed roller 233 and a retard roller 234 for separating the recording material S fed from the pickup roller 232. The recording material S is fed one sheet at a time from the paper feed cassette 231 by the pickup roller 232 and the separation unit. In this embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of cassette paper feed units 230 (four in this example) are provided will be described, but the number of cassette paper feed units 230 may be any number. The recording material S fed from the cassette paper feed unit 230 is conveyed to the registration rollers 240 via conveyance rollers 280 and 290.

[0040] In addition to the cassette paper feed unit 230, the recording material S can also be fed from a manual paper feed unit 235. The manual paper feed unit 235 is provided with a tray 236 on which the user manually places the recording material S. Similar to the cassette paper feed unit 230, the manual paper feed unit 235 is provided with a pickup roller and a separation unit, and feeds the recording material S one sheet at a time from the tray 236. The recording material S fed from the manual paper feed unit 235 is also conveyed to the registration rollers 240 via conveyance rollers 280 and 290.

[0041] The image forming mechanism 201B is a four-drum full-color system and includes a laser scanner 210 and four image forming units 211 for forming toner images of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Each image forming unit 211 includes a photosensitive drum 212, a charger 213, and a developing unit 214. A toner cartridge 215 is disposed above the image forming unit 211. The toner cartridge 215 supplies toner to the developing unit 214.

[0042] The intermediate transfer unit 201C includes an intermediate transfer belt 216 wound around a drive roller 216a and a tension roller 216b. Four primary transfer rollers 219 are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 216 and contact the intermediate transfer belt 216 at positions facing the respective photosensitive drums 212. The intermediate transfer belt 216 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a drive roller 216a driven by a drive unit (not shown).

[0043] The secondary transfer unit 201D includes a secondary transfer roller 217 disposed opposite the drive roller 216a with the intermediate transfer belt 216 interposed therebetween. The fuser 201E is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer roller 217 in the conveyance direction of the recording material S, and includes a pressure roller 220a and a heating roller 220b. A first discharge roller 225a, a second discharge roller 225b, and a duplex reversing unit 201F are disposed downstream of the fuser 201E in the conveyance direction of the recording material S. The duplex reversing unit 201F includes a reversing roller 222 that can rotate forward and backward, and a re-conveying path R that conveys the recording material S with an image formed on one side thereof to the image forming mechanism 201B.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 201 configured as described above operates as follows. The image forming apparatus 201 receives an instruction to start a print job, as well as image data from the image reading device 202 or the external device 1000, and forms an image on the recording material S according to the image data. Note that a print job refers to a series of operations that execute a conveying process and an image forming process based on a print signal that instructs image formation on the recording material S, from when printing of the image is completed until the recording material S is discharged onto the stacking unit 223. The image forming apparatus 201 receives an instruction to start the print job from the operation unit 502 or the external device 1000.

[0045] The image forming mechanism 201B uniformly charges the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 212 to a potential of a predetermined polarity using the chargers 213. The laser scanner 210 irradiates the uniformly charged surfaces of the photosensitive drums 212 with laser light modulated based on image data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the corresponding color (yellow, magenta, cyan, or black) is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 212.

[0046] The image forming mechanism 201B develops the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 212 by the developing devices 214. On each photosensitive drum 212, the electrostatic latent images are developed with toner of the corresponding color, thereby forming a toner image of the corresponding color. The toner images are sequentially transferred by primary transfer rollers 219 from the photosensitive drums 212 onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 216 in a superimposed state. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 216. The intermediate transfer belt 216 conveys the toner image to the secondary transfer unit 201D by rotating.

[0047] In parallel with this toner image formation operation, recording material S is conveyed one sheet at a time to registration rollers 240 by cassette paper feed unit 230 or manual paper feed unit 235. Registration rollers 240 correct skew of the conveyed recording material S. After skew correction, the recording material S is conveyed by registration rollers 240 to secondary transfer unit 201D in accordance with the timing at which the toner image carried by intermediate transfer belt 216 is conveyed to secondary transfer unit 201D. Secondary transfer unit 201D transfers the full-color toner image from intermediate transfer belt 216 onto recording material S by a secondary transfer bias applied to secondary transfer roller 217.

[0048] The recording material S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to a fixing device 201E. The fixing device 201E sandwiches and transports the recording material S in a roller nip formed by a pressure roller 220a and a heating roller 220b. When sandwiching and transporting the recording material S, the fixing device 201E heats the recording material S with the heating roller 220b, thereby melting and mixing the toner of each color on the recording material S. The fixing device 201E also pressurizes the recording material S with the pressure roller 220a, thereby fixing the melted and mixed toner to the recording material S. At this time, the adhesive force of the melted toner causes the recording material S to stick to the heating roller 220b.

[0049] The recording material S with the fixed image is discharged to the discharge space D by either the first discharge roller 225a or the second discharge roller 225b. The recording material S is stacked on a stacking section 223 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the discharge space D. When an image is to be formed on both sides of the recording material S, the recording material S with the image fixed on one side is transported to a re-conveyance path R by the reversing roller 222 and transported again to the image forming mechanism 201B, where an image is formed on the inverted side. The re-conveyance path R is configured to transport the recording material S to a transport path between the transport roller 290 and the registration roller 240.

[0050] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 201, the recording material S is transported along a transport path (vertical path) that extends in the vertical direction. During image formation, the recording material S is transported from the registration roller 240 to the fixing device 201E from the bottom to the top in the vertical direction, with the top side at the leading edge. When transported along the re-conveyance path R, the recording material S is transported from the top to the bottom in the vertical direction, with the bottom side at the leading edge.

[0051] The operation of the image forming apparatus 201 is controlled by a main control unit 101 similar to that shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the stacking unit 124 of the printer unit 120 includes a cassette paper feed unit 230 and a manual paper feed unit 235. The conveying unit 123 includes various rollers such as conveying rollers 280 and 290 and a registration roller 240. The fixing unit 122 includes a fixing device 201E. The image forming unit P includes an image forming unit 211.

[0052] The recording material S used for printing in the image forming apparatuses 100 and 201 described above can be a sheet of paper or a booklet made by binding multiple sheets of paper together. A booklet is a general term for books, booklets, notebooks, catalogs, pamphlets, and other publications bound together after printing using a binding material such as glue, thread, or fasteners. A booklet has, for example, an edge bound with the binding material, two open edges adjacent to the bound edge, and an open edge opposite the bound edge. A booklet is created through the following steps: (1) determining the number of pages, (2) imposing the pages, (3) creating a manuscript in page order, (4) selecting paper, (5) printing the manuscript, and (6) binding the manuscript into a booklet.

[0053] A booklet has a cover that serves to inform readers of the booklet's contents. Covers often include the title, the booklet's theme, an overall summary, or interesting content. Users who handle booklets often want to include individual designs or information on the cover. For example, there are cases where a commercially available notebook cover is distributed with an original design or text, or where individual information about the recipient (such as name or organization name) is included on the cover of a booklet or document.

[0054] In such cases, the cover manuscript must be changed at step (3) of the booklet creation method before the subsequent steps can be carried out. If original designs or individual information are handwritten on the cover, a considerable number of steps are required. If it were possible to print directly onto the cover of booklets that have already been printed and bound, the increased costs and steps required to print individual designs or individual information on the cover could be avoided, offering significant benefits to users.

[0055] However, when printing an image on the cover of a booklet, if the open edge (opening edge) of the booklet, which faces the bound edge (binding edge), is fed toward the leading edge in the conveying direction, the booklet may separate into multiple sheets along the conveying path and get caught on surrounding components. This may prevent the booklet from being conveyed, resulting in a jam. Furthermore, if the binding material of the booklet protrudes from the surface of the cover, it may scratch the intermediate transfer belt 80, 216 and the fixing unit 50, 201E, which are components that come into contact with the surface of the booklet.

[0056] These problems when printing an image on a booklet cover are caused by characteristics of the booklet, such as the fact that multiple sheets of paper are bound together or that there is a binding edge that binds the multiple sheets of paper together. These problems can be resolved by setting printing conditions such as the orientation of the booklet when it is fed, paper feeding conditions, and prohibited items. However, setting these printing conditions is difficult for a general user who is printing on a booklet for the first time.

[0057] Example 1 In this embodiment, the paper type is selected from a paper type selection screen. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the paper type selection screen. A selection screen 1201 is displayed on the display 111. When the user selects and presses "booklet" from the pull-down menu on the selection screen 1201, the background of the selected portion is displayed inverted. When the user then presses the confirm button 1203, the selection of "booklet" as the paper type is input to the main control unit 101. The CPU 102 then sets the type of recording material S to "booklet." Note that if the cancel button 1202 is pressed, the paper type setting is canceled.

[0058] ROM 103 stores setting information (image forming conditions) for image formation to suppress deterioration in conveyance and image quality corresponding to the "booklet" in advance. CPU 102 acquires the setting information for the "booklet" from ROM 103 and uses it for control of image formation by printer unit 120. This suppresses deterioration in conveyance and image quality when printing on the "booklet."

[0059] 6 is a flowchart showing the process up to the start of image formation when "booklet" is set as the paper type. Here, the process when using image forming apparatus 100 is described, but similar processes are also possible in the case of image forming apparatus 201.

[0060] When the user selects "booklet" from the paper type selection screen 1201 of Fig. 5 using the operation unit 110 and presses the confirm button 1203, the main control unit 101 sets the paper type to "booklet" (S101). The selection screen 1201 is displayed on the display 111 by the main control unit 101 when the user presses a button to start selecting the paper type or when the recording material S is placed on the stacking unit 124. When a booklet is set, this is called a first mode, and when a single sheet other than a booklet is set, this is called a second mode.

[0061] The main control unit 101 sets a paper feed location corresponding to the set paper type (S102). The paper feed location is set using a paper feed location setting screen displayed on the display 111. FIG. 7 is an example of the paper feed location setting screen. When the recording material S is paper, one of multiple paper feed locations can be set using the operation unit 110. In this embodiment, since "booklet" is set as the type of recording material S, only specific paper feed locations can be selected, and other paper feed locations cannot be selected (selection screen 1302). In FIG. 7, paper feed locations that cannot be selected are displayed grayed out and are not enabled even if pressed. When the enter button 1303 is pressed after selecting a paper feed location, the main control unit 101 sets the selected paper feed location.

[0062] A thick recording material S, such as a booklet, made of multiple sheets of paper, can be fed from a feed location with as few curves as possible to prevent a decrease in feed efficiency. The feed path for feeding the recording material S from cassette 10 extends vertically immediately after feeding and then extends horizontally. Therefore, there is a bent portion along the path to change the feed direction from vertical to horizontal. The feed path for feeding the recording material S from tray 17 extends horizontally and does not have a bent portion along the path. Therefore, the curvature of the feed path from tray 17 is smaller than the curvature of the feed path from cassette 10. For this reason, in this embodiment, only feed location No. 1, which indicates tray 17, can be selected as a specific feed location. In other words, tray 17 can feed booklet-shaped recording materials S, but cassette 10 cannot feed booklet-shaped recording materials S.

[0063] The main control unit 101 displays a guide screen, as shown in FIG. 8, on the display 111 as precautions for printing on the recording material S (S103). The guide 1401 is a message indicating precautions to take when placing the recording material S on the tray 17. In this embodiment, since the recording material S is a booklet, there is a possibility that a jam may occur during conveyance due to the presence of a binding edge where multiple sheets of paper are bound together, as described above. The display of the guide 1401 indicates the orientation of the binding edge when placing the booklet on the tray 17. This makes it possible to prevent jams from occurring. When the user presses the enter button 1402, the display on the display 111 returns to the setting screen of FIG. 7.

[0064] 9 is an explanatory diagram of the shape of a booklet. A booklet is made up of multiple sheets of paper stacked one on top of the other, bound on one side by a binding edge 90. Opposite the binding edge 90 is a completely open opening edge 91, which is the side along which the pages are turned when the booklet is opened. The side excluding the binding edge 90 and the opening edge 91 is referred to as an adjacent edge 92. In this embodiment, the cover, which is the surface on which images are formed, is a cover portion 95.

[0065] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the state of a booklet when it is being transported. Here, the state of transport when the orientation of the booklet placed on the tray 17 differs is shown. FIG. 10(a) shows the state of transport when the booklet is placed with the binding edge 90 at the leading edge in the paper passing direction. FIG. 10(b) shows the state of transport when the booklet is placed with the adjacent edge 92 at the leading edge in the paper passing direction. FIG. 10(c) shows the state of transport when the booklet is placed with the opening edge 91 at the leading edge in the paper passing direction.

[0066] The booklet is fed by the paper feed roller 13 and transported to the secondary transfer unit T2 by the transport roller 18. In the cases of FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the booklet is transported without jamming. In the case of FIG. 10(c), multiple sheets of paper separate from the booklet just before it enters the transport roller 18, and some of the sheets get caught on the transport roller 18, causing a jam.

[0067] 8 is a caution to prevent such jams from occurring. The guide 1401 informs the user that when placing a booklet on the tray 17, the bound edge 90 or adjacent edge 92 of the booklet should be at the leading edge in the paper feed direction, and that placing the booklet with the open edge 91 at the leading edge is prohibited. The display of the guide 1401 helps to prevent jams when transporting a booklet in the form of a bundle of multiple sheets of paper.

[0068] During single-sided printing, the main control unit 101 may display on the display 111 a guide screen for guiding the orientation of the recording material S when it is placed, as shown in Fig. 11. The guide screens (guide screen 1801) in Fig. 11(a) and (b) instruct the booklet to be placed on the tray 17 so that the binding edge or the adjacent edge is the leading edge in the conveyance direction, and also instruct the printing side. Here, the printing side is the front side (cover). 11(a) is a message urging the user to place the booklet with the front side facing up, with the bound edge of the booklet at the leading edge in the conveying direction. The image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on the recording material S while conveying it in the horizontal path. In this case, by placing the booklet on the tray 17 with the front side, which is the printing surface, facing up, the image is printed on the front side of the booklet. 11(b) is a message urging the user to place the booklet with the back side facing up, with the bound edge of the booklet at the leading edge in the conveyance direction. The image forming apparatus 201 prints an image on the recording material S while conveying it in a vertical path. In this case, by placing the booklet on the tray 236 with the front side, which is the printing surface, facing downward, an image is printed on the front side of the booklet.

[0069] When the enter button 1402, 1802 on the guide screen is pressed to display the setting screen of Fig. 7, the main control unit 101 determines whether or not other settings required for the printing operation have been made by the operation unit 110 (S104). For example, when the setting key 1301 on the setting screen of Fig. 7 is pressed, the main control unit 101 determines that other settings will be made.

[0070] When other settings are made (S104: Setting), the main control unit 101 displays a special setting screen dependent on "booklet" on the display 111 (S105). Here, the setting of single-sided / double-sided printing will be explained. In this embodiment, since "booklet" is set as the paper type, the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display 111. On this setting screen, the double-sided printing setting 1501 cannot be selected. Therefore, when the booklet is made of recording material S, double-sided printing is prohibited. On the setting screen of FIG. 12, image density can be set as another setting. By pressing the "Close" button 1502, the image density is set.

[0071] The reason why double-sided printing is prohibited when printing images on a booklet is as follows: When placing a booklet on tray 17, as explained in Figure 9, the binding edge 90 or adjacent edge 92 must be at the leading edge in the paper feed direction, and placing the booklet with the opening edge 91 at the leading edge is prohibited, thereby preventing jams during transport.

[0072] However, the recording material S on which an image is to be printed by double-sided printing is guided to a conveying path 301 by a flapper 300, and is switched back at an inverting unit 302 to invert the leading and trailing edges of the recording material S. The recording material S is then guided to a double-sided conveying path 304 by a flapper 303, and is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit T2 with the back side as the printing surface. Therefore, when double-sided printing is performed, that is, when an image is printed on the back cover of a booklet, the booklet is conveyed along the conveying path 114 with the opening edge 91 facing the leading edge, as shown in FIG. 10(c). For this reason, a jam may occur at any of the conveying rollers after passing through the inverting unit 302. The same applies to the image forming apparatus 201.

[0073] When the recording material S is set to be a booklet, it is possible to prevent transport problems by always setting the double-sided printing setting to a non-selected state so that double-sided printing is not set by mistake. Therefore, to prevent double-sided printing from being set by mistake, the double-sided printing setting 1501 does not allow double-sided printing to be selected. This makes it possible to prevent transport problems caused by the recording material S being transported to the transport path 30 for double-sided printing by mistake.

[0074] If no other settings are made (S104: Not Set), or after other settings are completed, the main control unit 101 starts the job by pressing the start key 1107 (S106). After starting the job, the main control unit 101 controls the printer unit 120 to print on the recording material S.

[0075] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which various settings related to printing are made by the user operating the operation unit 110. However, similar processing is also possible when the user operates the external device 1000. The external device 1000 is an information processing device equipped with an input device and a display. The external device 1000 has the functions of the main control unit 101 and, for example, a printer driver for using the image forming system 1X is installed in the external device 1000. The display of the external device 1000 displays screens for setting items set in the screens of FIGS. 5, 7, and 12 by the printer driver as the processing progresses. The guide screens of FIGS. 8 and 11 are also displayed on the display of the external device 1000. FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram of a setting screen displayed on the display of the external device 1000. This setting screen is a screen displayed during other settings (during the processing of S105). Even when settings are made by the external device 1000, booklet printing is possible.

[0076] Example 2 In the first embodiment, prevention of jamming when the recording material S is a booklet has been described. In the second embodiment, prevention of damage to the internal parts of the image forming apparatus 100 when the recording material S is a booklet will be described.

[0077] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of how to bind a booklet. In Figure 14(a), the binding edge 90 is fixed with glue (saddle stitching). In Figure 14(b), the binding edge 90 is saddle stitched with thread or a stapler. In Figure 14(c), the booklet is bound by flat stitching with a stapler.

[0078] As described in the first embodiment, the booklet bound in this manner can be placed on the tray 17 with the binding edge 90 or the adjacent edge 92 at the leading edge in the paper feed direction, thereby preventing jams during transport. However, a flat-stitched booklet as shown in FIG. 14(c) may damage components in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, such as the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 80 and the first and second rollers of the fuser 50. In the case of the image forming apparatus 201, a flat-stitched booklet may damage, for example, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 216 and the pressure roller 220a and the heating roller 220b of the fuser 201E.

[0079] For example, in the case of side stitching, a binding member such as a stapler is exposed from a cover portion 95 of the recording material S. At the secondary transfer portion T2, when the recording material S (booklet) is nipped between the inner secondary transfer roller 14 and the outer secondary transfer roller 11, the binding member is pressed against the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 80. As a result, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 80 is damaged by the binding member. At the fixing unit 50, when the recording material S is nipped and conveyed between the first roller and the second roller, the binding member damages the surface of the first roller.

[0080] 6, a process for starting image formation without damaging the internal components of the image forming apparatus 100 when booklet is set as the paper type will be described. Here, only the guide displayed in the guide display process of S103 is different, and the other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0081] The main control unit 101 displays a guide screen, as shown in FIG. 15, on the display 111 as precautions to be taken when printing on the recording material S (S103). A guide 1701 indicates precautions to be taken when placing the recording material S on the tray 17. In this embodiment, since the recording material S is a booklet, there is a possibility that damage may occur to components within the image forming apparatus 100 due to the presence of a binding edge that binds multiple sheets of paper together. The guide 1701 notifies the user that printing on a flat-stitched booklet is not possible. This makes it possible to prevent damage to components within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0082] When the user presses the enter button 1702, the display on the display 111 returns to the setting screen of Fig. 7. In the process of S103, after the enter button 1702 is pressed, the guide screen of Fig. 8 may be displayed to present the user with important points to note when placing a booklet on the tray 17. The user can instruct a printing operation by pressing the enter button 1402 on the guide 1401 of Fig. 8. The display order of the guide screen of Fig. 8 and the guide screen of Fig. 15 may be reversed.

[0083] By displaying such a guide screen, it becomes possible to avoid damage to parts inside the image forming apparatus 100, such as the intermediate transfer belt 80, when printing on the booklet.

[0084] As in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the user can operate the external device 1000 to make various settings related to printing. On the display of the external device 1000, a printer driver displays screens for setting items to be set on the screens of Fig. 5, Fig. 7, and Fig. 12 as the processing progresses. In addition, the guide screens of Fig. 8, Fig. 11, and Fig. 15 are also displayed on the display of the external device 1000. Even when settings are made by the external device 1000, it is possible to print onto a booklet.

[0085] (Third Example) As explained in the first embodiment, if the recording material S is a booklet, double-sided printing is not set. However, there is a demand for printing images on the front and back covers of the booklet. In this case, the booklet is ejected from the image forming apparatus 100, 201 after the image is printed on the first side, and then the printed side is turned over to the second side and fed again from the paper feed unit.

[0086] When performing double-sided printing on a booklet, the main control unit 101 may display an instruction screen shown in Fig. 16 on the display 111. This instruction screen is displayed on the display 111 when printing of an image on the first side (front side) starts or when the booklet, after printing of an image on the first side, is ejected from the image forming apparatus 100, 201. When the main control unit 101 detects that printing of the cover (first side) is complete and the booklet has been placed on the tray 17, it erases the instruction screen of Fig. 16 from the display 111 and performs printing on the back side (second side).

[0087] As described above, according to the first, second, and third embodiments, even when printing on a booklet for the first time, the user can check various settings and precautions in accordance with the content displayed on the display 111. Therefore, even when the recording material S is a booklet, the user can set the conditions for printing on the cover of the booklet while suppressing the occurrence of transport problems and damage to parts.

Claims

1. a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming an image on a booklet having a bound first side, an open second side adjacent to the first side, an open third side adjacent to the first side, and an open fourth side opposite the first side; loading means for loading booklets; an image forming means for forming an image on the booklet conveyed from the loading means; a display means; When the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a message prompting the user to place the booklet on the stacking means so that the leading edge of the booklet in the transport direction when the booklet is transported from the stacking means to the image forming means is the first side, the second side, or the third side. Image forming device.

2. a conveying path extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to a bottom surface of the image forming apparatus; a conveying unit configured to convey the booklet from the stacking unit to the image forming unit by conveying the booklet from the lower side to the upper side of the conveying path, When the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a message prompting the user to place the booklet on the stacking means with the printed surface of the booklet facing downwards.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. a conveying path extending horizontally on a bottom surface of the image forming apparatus; a conveying means for conveying the booklet from the stacking means to the image forming means via the conveying path, When the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a message prompting the user to place the booklet on the stacking means with the printed surface of the booklet facing up.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. a double-sided conveying path for inverting the recording material on which the image has been printed by the image forming means on a first side thereof and conveying the recording material again to the image forming means; a discharge means for discharging the recording material; a conveying means for conveying the recording material, When the first mode is selected by the selection means and double-sided printing is set, the conveying means causes the image forming means to print an image on the first side of the booklet, and then discharges the booklet to the discharge means without guiding the booklet to the double-sided conveying path.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. the display means displays a selection screen for selecting a type of recording material, the selection means selects the first mode when the booklet is selected from the selection screen.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The display means displays a message prohibiting the fourth side from being on the leading edge side in the transport direction when the booklet is placed on the stacking means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The display means displays a message indicating that printing of a booklet that is flat-bound using a binding member is not possible.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The loading means is a first stacking means capable of feeding the booklet; a second stacking means that is not capable of feeding the booklet; When the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a selection screen in which only the first loading means can be selected as the loading means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

9. further comprising a storage means for storing image forming conditions for the booklet; When the first mode is selected by the selection means, the image forming means forms an image on the booklet based on the image forming conditions stored in the storage means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

10. When the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a setting screen on which double-sided printing cannot be set.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

11. An information processing device communicably connected to an image forming device including a stacking means for stacking booklets and an image forming means for forming an image on the booklet conveyed from the stacking means, a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming an image on a booklet having a bound first side, an open second side adjacent to the first side, an open third side adjacent to the first side, and an open fourth side opposite the first side; a display means; When the first mode is selected by the selection means, the display means displays a message prompting the user to place the booklet on the stacking means so that the leading edge of the booklet in the transport direction when the booklet is transported from the stacking means to the image forming means is the first side, the second side, or the third side. Information processing device.

Images