Image forming apparatus and image forming method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and the like that enable a user to accurately grasp an adjustment state of a pressure contact force in a pressure contact part.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprising a toner image former that forms a toner image based on image information on a sheet, a fixer that includes at least a pair of rollers and fix the toner image formed on the sheet in a pressure contact portion formed by the pair of rollers, an adjuster that adjusts a pressure contact force in the pressure contact portion according to a sheet type, and a controller that controls execution of a job related to image formation via the fixer, when the sheet type set for execution of the job is different from the sheet type of the fed sheet, the hardware processor notifies a user to prompt the user to check the sheet type of the fed sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming devices that use electrophotography, such as printers and multifunction devices, fix the toner image by sandwiching the paper on which the toner image has been formed in the pressure contact part (also called the nip part) of the fixing unit.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus in which the nip pressure of the fixing nip portion can be manually changed, and the nip pressure is changed according to the type of paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-86116 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an image forming apparatus and the like that allows a user to accurately grasp the adjustment state of the pressure contact force in the pressure contact portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image based on image information on paper, a fixing unit that includes at least a pair of rollers and fixes the toner image formed on the paper at a pressure contact portion formed by the pair of rollers, an adjustment unit that adjusts the pressure contact force at the pressure contact portion depending on the paper type, and a control unit that controls the execution of a job related to image formation via the fixing unit, and is characterized in that the control unit notifies the user to check the paper type of the fed paper if the paper type set for the execution of the job differs from the paper type of the fed paper.

[0007] In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image based on image information on paper, a fixing unit that includes at least a pair of rollers and fixes the toner image formed on the paper at a pressure contact portion formed by the pair of rollers, an adjustment unit that adjusts the pressure contact force at the pressure contact portion depending on the paper type, and a control unit that controls the execution of a job related to image formation via the fixing unit, and is characterized in that when the control unit notifies the user to adjust the pressure contact force by the adjustment unit, it limits the display of a selection button that accepts a selection instruction to erase the notification until a predetermined condition is met.

[0008] In addition, the image forming method disclosed herein is an image forming method that forms a toner image based on image information on paper and fixes the toner image formed on the paper at a pressure contact portion formed by a pair of rollers, and is characterized in that the pressure contact force at the pressure contact portion is adjusted according to the paper type, and if the paper type set for executing a job differs from the paper type of the fed paper, a notification is sent to the user urging them to check the paper type of the fed paper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and the like that allows a user to accurately grasp the adjustment state of the pressure contact force in the pressure contact portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an adjustment unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a table illustrating operating lever positions according to paper types. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating guidance for clearing a paper jam. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, a multifunction peripheral capable of performing jobs such as copying, faxing, and emailing in a single housing will be described as one form of an image forming apparatus. This disclosure describes a fixing unit configuration that includes at least a pair of rollers consisting of a pressure roller and a heat roller, and fixes a toner image by sandwiching a sheet of paper on which a toner image has been formed in a pressure contact portion formed by the pair of rollers. However, it is also possible to configure the pressure contact portion via a pad member via a fixing belt instead of a heat roller. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical content of the description set forth in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0012] In image forming devices that have a mechanism for manually pressing and releasing the pressure of the roller pair that makes up the fixing unit, but do not have a function for automatically detecting when the pressure has been released, when an event occurs that requires a pressure release operation, such as when printing using a paper type that is thicker than regular paper, such as an envelope, or when clearing a paper jam, a notification screen may be displayed to the user requesting the user to perform the pressure release operation.

[0013] For example, Fig. 15 shows an example of paper jam removal guidance that is displayed when a paper jam occurs. Note that Fig. 15 shows guidance for removing a paper jam that occurred when a print job using plain paper is executed, and the explanation will be given assuming that the operating lever for manually operating the pressure contact and pressure release is in the adjustment position (upward) for plain paper.

[0014] 15(a) is a diagram illustrating the operating direction of the operating lever to release the pressure contact state of the pressure contact part. The guidance at this time is "Please lower the operating levers on both ends at the same time. Please remove the jammed paper."

[0015] 15(b) is a diagram explaining the direction to remove jammed paper. The guidance at this time is "Please proceed slowly in the direction of the arrow to avoid tearing the paper. Make sure there are no pieces of paper remaining."

[0016] Figure 15(c) is a diagram explaining the operating direction of the operating lever to return the pressure contact state of the pressure contact part to the original state after the paper has been removed. The guidance at this time is "Please return both end operating levers to their original positions at the same time."

[0017] FIG. 15(d) shows an example of a notification screen that prompts the user to adjust the operating lever to the appropriate position based on the paper setting for the interrupted print job after the guidance shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) has ended (when the cover member of the device is closed and the paper jam has been cleared). In this disclosure, a notification screen displaying such a notification is referred to as an operating position confirmation notification screen. For example, if the paper setting for the interrupted print job is plain paper, a notification screen is displayed prompting the user to adjust the operating lever to the "upward" position to place the pressure contact portion in a pressure-contact state (FIG. 15(d)). On the other hand, if the paper setting for the interrupted print job is envelope, which is a paper type thicker than plain paper, a notification screen is displayed prompting the user to adjust the operating lever to the "downward" position to release the pressure contact portion from the pressure-contact state (not shown). The operating position confirmation notification screen may be displayed only when the guidance shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) displays information related to the operation of the operating lever. Whether or not the operation position confirmation notification screen is displayed can be switched by the system settings of the image forming apparatus.

[0018] After checking the notification content on the displayed operation position confirmation notification screen, the user can resume the interrupted print job by selecting the OK button.

[0019] However, whether or not the notification content is displayed is determined based on the paper settings that have been set in advance as a print job. Therefore, if the paper type of the paper actually fed into the paper feed tray or the like differs from the paper settings that have been set in advance, poor image quality or paper jams may occur even if the user operates the printer according to the work content displayed on the operation position confirmation notification screen.

[0020] In the present disclosure, the following embodiments provide an image forming apparatus and the like that allow a user to accurately grasp the adjustment state of the pressure contact force in the pressure contact portion.

[0021] [1 First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, if the paper type set for executing a job differs from the paper type of the paper actually fed, a notification is sent to the user urging them to check the paper type of the fed paper.

[0022] [1.1 Overall structure] 1 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to a first embodiment. The multifunction peripheral 100 is composed of a main body 10 that houses various components related to image formation, such as a developing device, and an image input unit 23 that is provided above the main body 10 and is capable of generating image information based on a scanned document. The multifunction peripheral 100 is an image forming device that is capable of outputting the image information generated by the image input unit 23 as a printed matter.

[0023] Inside the main body 10, a toner image forming unit 21 and a fixing unit 31 are provided along a paper transport path S (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the drawing) that starts at a paper feed tray 80 and ends at a paper discharge tray 90.

[0024] The paper feed tray 80 is configured as a box-shaped member that can store stacks of paper, and is detachably attached to the bottom of the multifunction device 100. A pickup roller 81 is provided at the top of the paper feed tray 80 to pick up the stored paper one sheet at a time from the top and feed it to the paper transport path S.

[0025] The paper discharge tray 90 is formed by utilizing the outer casing of the main body 10, and collects printed paper sheets with the printed surface facing downward.

[0026] Paper transport path S is made up of multiple transport rollers 11a-11d, a registration roller 12, a transport path switching means (not shown), and the like. Transport rollers 11a-11d are small rollers that facilitate and assist transport of paper, and pinch and transport paper as they rotate. Registration roller 12 corrects skew of paper on paper transport path S, and transports the paper to transfer unit 6 (secondary transfer roller 65) in a timed manner so that the leading edge of the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum aligns with the leading edge of the paper.

[0027] For example, in the case of single-sided printing in the forward direction relative to paper transport path S, paper fed from paper feed tray 80 is transported through transport roller 11a, registration roller 12, transfer unit 6 (secondary transfer roller 65), and fixing unit 31, and is then discharged to paper output tray 90 by transport roller 11b. In contrast, in the case of double-sided printing, which includes transport in the reverse direction relative to paper transport path S, when the leading edge of the paper reaches transport roller 11b, a transport path switching unit (not shown) switches the transport path, and then transport roller 11b rotates in the reverse direction, guiding the paper to paper transport path S formed by transport rollers 11c and 11d. After passing transport roller 11d, the paper is transported to transfer unit 6 with the printing side inverted. After the toner image has been transferred to the reverse side of the original printing side in transfer unit 6, the paper passes through fixing unit 31 and is then discharged to paper output tray 90 by transport roller 11b.

[0028] The toner image forming unit 21, which is arranged along the paper transport path S, includes an exposure unit 1, photosensitive drums 3 (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk) as image carriers, cleaning units 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4Bk), developing units 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5Bk) as developing devices, a transfer unit 6, and charging units 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7Bk). The image information handled by the multifunction peripheral 100 corresponds to a color image using the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). Therefore, the photosensitive drums 3 (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk), cleaning units 4, developing units 5, and charging units 7 are arranged to form four types of electrostatic latent images, one for each color. The photosensitive drums 3 (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3Bk), cleaning units 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4Bk), developing units 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5Bk), and charging units 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7Bk) can have the same configuration for each toner color. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, they will be simply referred to as the photosensitive drums 3, cleaning units 4, developing units 5, and charging units 7.

[0029] The exposure unit 1 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 to light in accordance with image information input from an external source or image information generated by reading an original document using the image input unit 23, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 in accordance with the image information. This exposure unit 1 can be configured, for example, as an LED unit having a light-emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode) element and a lens array, or as a laser scanning unit having a laser emitter and a reflecting mirror. The exposure unit 1 is positioned so that irradiation light based on the image information (indicated by the dashed-dotted line in the figure) forms an image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3. The exposure unit 1 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 3, which is charged to, for example, -600 V, thereby charging the exposed portion (electrostatic latent image portion) to a charging voltage of -150 V.

[0030] The photosensitive drum 3 is an image carrier that forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information of each toner color. The photosensitive drum 3 can be formed, for example, as a cylindrical image carrier with a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a conductive support. The photosensitive drum 3 is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the conductive support by a driving force supplied from a driving source (e.g., a motor) not shown. The photosensitive layer can be made of a material that exhibits conductivity when exposed to light, such as amorphous silicon, selenium, selenium alloy, cadmium sulfide, zinc oxide, or an organic optical semiconductor. Note that an endless photosensitive belt can also be used as the image carrier instead of the photosensitive drum.

[0031] The cleaning unit 4 is a cleaning unit that collects post-transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and transfer. The cleaning unit 4 includes a cleaning blade 41 that faces the photosensitive drum 3. The cleaning blade 41 collects the post-transfer residual toner by scraping it off the surface of the photosensitive drum 3.

[0032] The developing unit 5 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on each photosensitive drum 3 with toner of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk), to form a toner image. The developing unit 5 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 into a toner image using toner of each color supplied from toner cartridges 500 (500(Y), 500(M), 500(C), 500(Bk)) mounted above the toner image forming unit 21.

[0033] The transfer unit 6 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 onto paper. The transfer unit 6 includes an endless intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, a primary transfer roller 64, a secondary transfer roller 65, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 66.

[0034] The intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched over an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, which rotates due to the driving force supplied from a drive source (not shown), and an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, which is driven to rotate by the driving force of the intermediate transfer belt 61. Primary transfer rollers 64 are provided at positions facing each photosensitive drum 3 across the intermediate transfer belt 61. A primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer rollers 64 to transfer the toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 primarily transfers the toner images corresponding to each toner color sequentially while driving from the photosensitive drum (3Y) corresponding to yellow to the photosensitive drum (3Bk).

[0035] The secondary transfer roller 65 is provided so as to be in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 via the intermediate transfer belt 61. A secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 65 to secondarily transfer the toner image that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 61 onto the paper transported along the paper transport path S.

[0036] The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 66 is a cleaning unit that collects residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 66 includes a belt cleaning blade 661 that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 61 with a predetermined pressure. The belt cleaning blade 661 collects the residual toner by scraping it off the intermediate transfer belt 61.

[0037] The charging unit 7 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. As the charging unit 7, for example, a corona discharge device, a brush-type charging device, a roller-type charging device, an ion generating device, or the like can be used.

[0038] Fixing unit 31 includes heat roller 311 and pressure roller 312. Fixing unit 31 is located downstream of the paper transport path from the secondary transfer position formed by secondary transfer roller 65 and intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62. Heat roller 311 has a built-in heating element (not shown), such as a ceramic heater, and the temperature is controlled so that the pressure contact portion formed by heat roller 311 and pressure roller 312 reaches a predetermined fixing temperature. When a paper sheet with a transferred toner image is sandwiched and transported through the pressure contact portion formed by heat roller 311 and pressure roller 312, which are maintained at the predetermined fixing temperature, heat and pressure are applied, and the toner image on the paper sheet is thermally fixed.

[0039] The fixing section 31 according to the present disclosure is configured so that the user can adjust the pressure at the pressure contact section formed by the heat roller 311 and the pressure roller 312 to either a first pressure contact force or a second pressure contact force that is weaker than the first pressure contact force by operating the adjustment section 33 described later.

[0040] Here, the configuration of adjustment unit 33 according to the present disclosure will be described. Adjustment unit 33 adjusts the pressure contact force at the pressure contact portion formed by heat roller 311 and pressure roller 312 to either a first pressure contact force or a second pressure contact force that is weaker than the first pressure contact force. Figure 2 is a diagram that schematically illustrates the arrangement (contact) relationship between heat roller 311 and pressure roller 312. Heat roller 311 and pressure roller 312 constitute a pair of rollers, and the surfaces of the rollers contact each other with a predetermined pressure contact force to form pressure contact portion 313.

[0041] The adjustment unit 33 includes, as adjustment members, adjustment mechanisms 331R and 331L that change the inter-axial distance d between the shaft 311x of the heat roller 311 and the shaft 312x of the pressure roller 312, and operation levers 332R and 332L. The adjustment mechanisms 331R and 331L are equipped with an inter-axial distance adjustment mechanism (not shown) that is made up of, for example, a spring or other elastic member, a cam, or a linkage, and are provided on both the left and right ends of the shaft 312x of the pressure roller 312. Operation levers 332R and 332L are connected to the adjustment mechanisms 331R and 331L, respectively. The operation levers 332R and 332L are configured to be rotatable about a rotation base point (not shown) when operated vertically by the user. Adjustment unit 33 according to the present disclosure adjusts the axial distance d between heat roller 311 and pressure roller 312 to either d1 (contact position P1) or d2 (contact position P2) through user operation of operation lever units 332R, 332L. In the present disclosure, the pressure force of pressure contact unit 313 at contact position P1 is referred to as the first pressure force, and the pressure force of pressure contact unit 313 at contact position P2 is referred to as the second pressure force. The second pressure force at contact position P2 is weaker than the first pressure force because the axial distance d2 is longer than the axial distance d1 at contact position P1. In the following description, the lever position of the operating lever portions 332R, 332L at contact position P1 (first pressure force) may be referred to as the pressure position (simply upward), and the lever position of the operating lever portions 332R, 332L at contact position P2 (second pressure force) may be referred to as the pressure release position (simply downward). Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between left and right, the operating lever portions 332R, 332L may be simply referred to as operating lever portion 332.

[0042] In this disclosure, the operating lever portion 332 is exemplified as one form of the adjustment mechanism of the adjustment portion 33, but the adjustment portion 33 can also be configured to electrically switch the inter-axis distance d using an operation button or the like.

[0043] 3 is a diagram summarizing the relationship between the paper type, the pressure contact force at the pressure contact unit, and the operating lever position in a print job according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, if the print job uses the paper type "plain paper," the pressure contact force is "first pressure contact force_fixing pressure contact," and the operating lever position is "pressure contact position (upward)." On the other hand, if the print job uses the paper type "envelope," the pressure contact force is "second pressure contact force_fixing pressure release," and the operating lever position is "pressure release position (downward)."

[0044] Although FIG. 3 illustrates examples of paper types such as "plain paper" and "envelopes," paper types may also be defined as "first thickness" or "second thickness" depending on the thickness of the paper. In this case, paper belonging to the "first thickness" is "plain paper," and an example of paper belonging to the "second thickness" is "envelopes." In this case, paper belonging to the "second thickness" may be, for example, postcards, business cards, cardboard, etc.

[0045] 1 again, image input unit 23 provided above main body 10 includes document table 231 made of a transparent material such as transparent glass. Document pressing cover 232 that can be opened and closed via a hinge (not shown) or the like is provided above document table 231. Document feed tray 233 is attached to the top of document pressing cover 232, and automatic document feeder 235 that transports documents set in document feed tray 233 to document reading unit 234 is provided inside document feed tray 233.

[0046] The document reading unit 234 includes a light source, multiple reflecting mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor having a light receiving element, and the like. The document reading unit 234 focuses light emitted from the light source and reflected from the reading surface of the document onto the imaging lens using multiple reflecting mirrors. The reflected light focused by the imaging lens forms an image on the light receiving element of the line sensor. The line sensor detects the luminance and chromaticity of the reflected light that forms an image on the light receiving element, and generates image data (image information) based on the image of the reading surface of the document. Note that the line sensor may be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or the like.

[0047] [1.2 Functional Configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the multifunction device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that the description of the configuration already described in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 will be omitted. The multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 50, an operation unit 51, a display unit 53, a communication unit 55, a toner image forming unit 21, an image input unit 23, a fixing unit 31, an adjustment unit 33, and a storage unit 57.

[0048] The control unit 50 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100. The control unit 50 can be configured with one or more processing devices (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SoC (System on Chip), etc.). The control unit 50 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 57.

[0049] The operation unit 51 is an input device that accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation unit 51 can be configured with various input devices, such as operation keys such as hard keys or software keys, and buttons. The operation unit 51 can also be configured as a touch panel that allows input via a display unit 53, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. When the operation unit 51 is configured as a touch panel, it can acquire coordinate information, pressure-sensitive information, and the like on the touch panel. In this case, the input method for the touch panel can be a common method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0050] The display unit 53 is a display device that displays various information to the user. The display unit 53 can be configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display.

[0051] The communication unit 55 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices (not shown) via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, a FAX line, etc. The communication unit 55 may also include an interface related to a (short-range) wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), or wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0052] In addition to the configuration described in FIG. 1, the image input unit 23 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image information stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or image information transmitted from an external device (not shown).

[0053] The storage unit 57 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100. The storage unit 57 can be configured with storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0054] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 57 stores a control program 571, a job control program 573, and a message display determination program 575, and reserves a message storage area 577 and a setting information storage area 579.

[0055] The control program 571 is a program that is read by the control unit 50 when performing overall control of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 50 that reads the control program 571 controls the driving of hardware such as the operation unit 51, the display unit 53, the communication unit 55, the toner image forming unit 21, the image input unit 23, the fixing unit 31, and the adjustment unit 33.

[0056] The job control program 573 is a program that the control unit 50 reads when executing each job such as printing, copying, faxing, or sending an e-mail. After reading the job control program 573, the control unit 50 transitions to a job mode (print mode, copy mode, fax mode, or e-mail sending mode) for executing each job and executes the job. When executing a job, the control unit 50 displays, as necessary, a job execution screen that accepts setting values ​​and function selections required for job execution from the user and a notification screen that notifies the user of messages on the touch panel configured as the operation unit 51 (display unit 53). The control unit 50 can execute a job based on the setting values ​​and functions accepted via the job execution screen.

[0057] The message display determination program 575 is a program that the control unit 50 reads when determining whether a print job will be executed through the fixing unit 31 adjusted to the first contact pressure or the second contact pressure. Furthermore, the control unit 50 that reads the message display determination program 575 notifies the user of a notification (operation position confirmation notification) urging the user to operate the operation lever unit 332 based on the determination result. Furthermore, when the paper type set for executing the print job differs from the paper type of the paper actually fed into the paper feed tray, the control unit 50 that reads the message display determination program 575 notifies the user of a notification (paper type confirmation notification) urging the user to confirm the paper type of the fed paper. In this case, the control unit 50 can determine the paper type by comparing the paper type detection result obtained by an optical or mechanical detection unit (not shown) with the paper type set for executing the print job.

[0058] The message storage area 577 is a storage area that stores at least notification (message) information notified by the control unit 50 that reads the message display determination program 575.

[0059] The setting information storage area 579 is a storage area for storing various setting values, functions, etc. received via the job execution screen. For example, when the job to be executed is a print job, the setting information storage area 579 stores, as setting values, the paper type, designation information for the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be printed, etc.

[0060] [1.3 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 5. The processing described in Fig. 5 is executed by the control unit 50 of the multifunction device 100 by reading out the control program 571, job control program 573, message display determination program 575, etc.

[0061] Incidentally, even if a print job is executed with "plain paper" set as the paper type, if the paper type of the paper actually fed is "envelope," a paper jam will occur because the operation lever position (downward) is not appropriate for printing envelopes. Even if the user operates operation lever unit 332 according to the notification on the operation position confirmation notification screen after clearing the paper jam, the print job setting applies "plain paper," and the user is prompted to set operation lever unit 332 upward, resulting in another paper jam. In consideration of this situation, the flowchart in FIG. 5 describes a mode in which paper type determination is performed when a paper jam occurs again, but it is of course also possible to perform paper type determination when a paper jam occurs for the first time.

[0062] When processing starts, the control unit 50 receives input of setting values ​​for the execution of the print job, such as the paper type, via the job execution screen, and then determines whether an instruction to execute the print job has been received (step S10). If it is determined that an instruction to execute the print job has been received, the control unit 50 executes the print job (step S10; Yes → step S12). If it is determined that an instruction to execute the print job has not been received, the control unit 50 waits until an instruction to execute the print job is received (step S10; No).

[0063] When executing a print job, the control unit 50 determines whether a paper jam has occurred (step S14). If it is determined that a paper jam has not occurred, the control unit 50 ends the process (step S14; No→End).

[0064] If it is determined that a paper jam has occurred, the control unit 50 determines whether the paper jam has been cleared by the user in accordance with the paper jam clearing guidance illustrated in Fig. 15 (step S14; Yes -> step S16). If it is determined that the paper jam has been cleared, the control unit 50 re-executes the print job (step S16; Yes -> step S18). If it is determined that the paper jam has not been cleared, the control unit 50 waits until the paper jam is cleared (step S16; No).

[0065] After re-executing the print job, the control unit 50 determines whether a paper jam has occurred again (step S20). If it is determined that a paper jam has occurred again, the control unit 50 determines the paper type by comparing the paper type of the paper fed to the paper feed tray with the paper type related to the execution of the print job accepted in step S10 (step S20; Yes → step S22). Note that if it is determined that a paper jam has not occurred again, the control unit 50 ends the process (step S20; No → End).

[0066] If the control unit 50 determines as a result of the paper type determination that the paper type of the paper fed into the paper feed tray is different from the paper type used to execute the print job, the control unit 50 displays a notification screen (paper type confirmation notification screen) that prompts the user to check the paper type of the fed paper (step S24; Yes → step S26). On the other hand, if the control unit 50 determines that the paper type of the paper fed into the paper feed tray is the same as the paper type used to execute the print job, the control unit 50 ends the process (step S24; No → End). In this case, since it can be determined that the recurrence of the paper jam is not due to a paper type mismatch, the control unit 50 may be configured to notify the user of other causes (for example, the jammed paper not being completely removed).

[0067] After displaying the paper type confirmation notification, the control unit 50 determines whether the paper type of the fed paper matches the paper type used to execute the print job (step S30). If the paper type of the fed paper matches the paper type used to execute the print job, the control unit 50 re-executes the print job and ends the process (step S30; Yes → End). On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper type of the fed paper does not match the paper type used to execute the print job, the control unit 50 continues to display the paper type confirmation notification screen (step S30; No → Step S26).

[0068] [1.4 Example of operation] Next, a description will be given of an example of operation according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the system setting screen W100 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] The system settings screen W100 includes a system settings area R100. The system settings area R100 has a settings area R1001 that accepts settings related to the display of the paper type confirmation notification. If the user wishes to display the paper type confirmation notification screen, the user can display the paper type confirmation notification screen by checking the "Display if paper type differs" checkbox.

[0070] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a job execution screen W10 that accepts an instruction to execute a print job. The job execution screen W10 can be displayed based on a call instruction via a home screen (not shown), for example. The job execution screen W10 related to a print job includes a setting value display area R10, a function selection area R12, a job status display area R14, and a start button B10.

[0071] The setting value display area R10 is a display area that displays setting items related to the execution of a print job and their setting values. Fig. 7 shows an example of setting values ​​displayed in the setting value display area R10, including "color mode," "original," "paper selection R101," "double-sided copy," "magnification," "copy density," and "sort / group." The setting values ​​displayed in the setting value display area R10 can be changed by the user as needed.

[0072] The function selection area R12 is a display area that displays function selection keys that accept the selection of configurable functions when executing a print job. Fig. 7 shows an example of function selection keys that display "Send with Print key," "Recent Job key," "Program Call key," "Auto Temporary Save key," "Filing key," and "Simple key" that accepts screen transition to the simple execution screen.

[0073] The job status display area R14 is a display area that displays the execution status of a job while the job is being executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the job status display area R14 can display additional information related to the execution of the job (such as tray information "Tray 1" used to feed plain paper).

[0074] The start button B10 is a button for receiving an instruction to execute a job. When the start button B10 is selected by the user, the control unit 50 starts executing the print job.

[0075] 7 shows an example of a job execution screen W10 in which the user has selected "plain paper" as the paper type via the paper selection R101 in the setting value display area R10. If the control unit 50 determines in step S20 of FIG. 5 that a paper jam has occurred again, it compares the paper type set by the user via the paper selection R101 with the paper type actually fed to the paper feed tray (e.g., "tray 1") to determine whether or not to display a paper type confirmation notification.

[0076] For example, Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the paper type confirmation notification screen M10 that the control unit 50 displays when the paper actually fed into "Tray 1" is a paper type other than regular paper (such as an envelope).

[0077] The paper type confirmation notification screen M10 includes a notification prompting the user to check the paper type of the paper fed into the paper tray "Tray 1" (please make sure the paper type being fed is plain paper), and an OK button B12.

[0078] By checking the paper type of the paper fed into the paper feed tray "Tray 1" based on the notification content on the paper type confirmation notification screen M10, the user can understand the difference between the paper type of the paper fed into the paper feed tray by themselves or someone else and the paper type of the paper set as the print job.

[0079] The OK button B12 is a button that accepts a confirmation instruction from the user who has confirmed the notification content on the paper type confirmation notification screen M10. When paper that matches the paper type set for the print job is fed into the paper feed tray and the OK button B12 is selected, the control unit 50 resumes the print job for the fed paper.

[0080] As described above, according to the first embodiment, if the paper type set for executing a job differs from the paper type of the paper actually fed, a notification screen can be displayed prompting the user to check the paper type of the fed paper, so that the user can easily understand the difference between the paper type of the paper fed into the paper tray by themselves or another person and the paper type of the paper set as the print job.

[0081] [2 Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, when a sheet of paper of a paper type such as an envelope is placed in a paper feed tray such as a manual feed tray, the user is prompted to confirm the operation position of the operating lever section 332 that is appropriate for the paper type.

[0082] [2.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that the second embodiment may include an optical or mechanical detection unit (not shown) capable of detecting the paper type as needed.

[0083] [2.2 Processing flow] The flow of processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. The processing described in Fig. 9 is executed by the control unit 50 of the multifunction device 100 by reading out the control program 571, the job control program 573, the message display determination program 575, etc.

[0084] The control unit 50 determines whether or not paper is placed on a paper feed tray, for example, a manual feed tray (step S40). If it is determined that paper is placed on the manual feed tray, the control unit 50 branches the process depending on whether or not a paper type detection function is implemented (step S40; Yes → step S42).

[0085] If the control unit 50 is equipped with a paper type detection function, the control unit 50 determines the paper type of the paper placed on the manual feed tray using the paper type detection function. Then, based on the determined paper type, the control unit 50 displays a notification screen (operation lever position confirmation notification screen) that prompts the user to check whether the operation lever unit 332 is in an operation position suitable for the paper type, and ends the process (step S42; Yes → step S44).

[0086] On the other hand, if the paper type detection function is not implemented, the control unit 50 displays a manual feed tray setting screen (not shown) (step S42; No → step S46). Next, the control unit 50 identifies the paper type of the paper placed on the manual feed tray based on the paper type setting accepted by the user via the manual feed tray setting screen (step S48).

[0087] When the paper type of the paper placed on the manual feed tray is identified, the control unit 50 ends the display of the manual feed tray setting screen, and displays an operation lever position confirmation notification screen that prompts the user to check whether the operation lever unit 332 is positioned in an operation position appropriate for the paper type identified in step S48, and then ends the processing (step S50 → step S44).

[0088] Incidentally, if it is determined that no paper is placed on the manual feed tray, the control unit 50 ends the process (step S40; No).

[0089] [2.3 Example of operation] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the operation lever position confirmation notification screen M12 according to the second embodiment. When the paper type of the paper placed on the manual feed tray is an envelope, the operation lever position confirmation notification screen M12 includes a notification that prompts the user to check whether the operation lever section 332 is in the operation position (facing downward) appropriate for the paper type of the envelope (when using an envelope, open the cover on the right side and make sure that the levers circled on the left and right are facing downward), and an OK button B14.

[0090] By checking the operating position of the operating lever section 332 based on the notification content on the operating lever position confirmation notification screen M12, the user can determine whether the pressure contact state at the pressure contact section is set to an appropriate operating position according to the paper type.

[0091] The OK button B14 is a button that accepts a confirmation instruction from the user who has confirmed the notification content on the operation lever position confirmation notification screen M12. When the selection instruction of the OK button B14 is accepted, the control unit 50 can display a job execution screen for executing a print job using paper (envelopes) placed on the manual feed tray, for example, and accept an instruction to execute the print job.

[0092] In the second embodiment, a manual feed tray was described as an example of a paper feed tray related to the notification on the operation lever position confirmation notification screen M12, but the paper feed tray is not limited to a manual feed tray, and may be an automatic paper feed tray that automatically feeds paper placed on it into the multifunction device 100.

[0093] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when paper of a paper type such as an envelope is placed in a paper feed tray such as a manual feed tray, the user can easily confirm the operating position of the operating lever section that is appropriate for that paper type, and as a result, a printed matter can be obtained in which the fixing process has been performed with settings according to the paper type.

[0094] [3 Third embodiment] For example, as illustrated in Figure 15(d), if the paper setting for the print job is plain paper, a notification screen (operation position confirmation notification screen) is displayed to the user urging them to adjust the operation position of the operation lever section 332 to the appropriate position ('upward').

[0095] In this case, if the user does not perform the appropriate operation, the operating lever section 332 will not be located in the appropriate operating position. However, even if the user does not perform the operation in accordance with the notification content, if the user selects the selection button (OK button) that accepts the selection instruction to delete the notification screen, the print job will be executed.

[0096] In the third embodiment, when a notification is sent to the user urging them to operate the operating lever to a position appropriate for the paper type, the display of the selection button that accepts a selection instruction to delete the notification is restricted until a specified condition is met, thereby making it possible to continuously notify the user of the notification content.

[0097] [3.1 Functional Configuration] 11 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction device 200 according to the third embodiment. The functional configuration of the multifunction device 200 according to the third embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0098] The timer 59 is a timing member that measures the elapsed time from the start of displaying the operation position confirmation notification screen. The cover opening / closing detection sensor 61 is an optical or mechanical detection member that detects the opening and closing operation of a cover member provided on the housing of the multifunction device 200.

[0099] [3.2 Processing flow] The flow of processing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 12. The processing described in Fig. 12 is executed by the control unit 50 of the multifunction device 200 by reading out the control program 571, the job control program 573, the message display determination program 575, etc.

[0100] When the user adjusts the pressure contact force using the operation lever, the control unit 50 displays an operation position confirmation notification screen (step S60 → step S62). At this time, the OK button for accepting a confirmation instruction from the user and an instruction to delete the operation position confirmation notification screen is not displayed.

[0101] The control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of displaying the operation position confirmation notification screen using the timer 59 (step S64). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of displaying the operation position confirmation notification screen, the control unit 50 displays an OK button on the operation position confirmation notification screen and ends the process (step S64; Yes → step S66).

[0102] If it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of displaying the operation position confirmation notification screen, the control unit 50 determines whether the cover member is closed or not based on the detection result from the cover opening / closing detection sensor 61 (step S64; No → step S68).

[0103] If it is determined that the cover member is closed, the control unit 50 displays an OK button on the operation position confirmation notification screen and ends the process (step S68; Yes → step S66). On the other hand, if it is determined that the cover member is not closed, the control unit 50 returns the process to step S64 (step S68; No → step S64).

[0104] [3.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation from when the user adjusts the contact pressure using the operation lever part 332 until the OK button is displayed.

[0105] Fig. 13(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a job execution screen W12 that accepts instructions to execute a print job, and is the same as the job execution screen W10 illustrated in Fig. 7. The job execution screen W12 illustrated in Fig. 13(a) shows that the paper selection R101 in the setting value display area R10 has been changed from "plain paper" to "envelope."

[0106] 13(b) shows an example of the configuration of the operation position confirmation notification screen M14 that is displayed in response to a change in paper type in the paper selection R101. The user can confirm the operation position of the operating lever section 332 corresponding to the paper type by checking the notification content on the operation position confirmation notification screen M14. At this time, the operation position confirmation notification screen M14 does not display a selection button (OK button B16) that accepts a selection instruction to delete the notification screen.

[0107] 13(c) shows an example of the configuration of the operation position confirmation notification screen M16 in which an OK button B16 is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of display of the operation position confirmation notification screen M14 or when the cover member is closed. By displaying the OK button B16 on the operation position confirmation notification screen M16, the user can select the OK button B16, and after checking the notification content, can input an instruction to delete the operation position confirmation notification screen M14 (M16). Note that the operation position confirmation notification screen M14 may be configured to be automatically deleted when the cover member is closed.

[0108] As illustrated in the operation position confirmation notification screen M18 of FIG. 14, the OK button B16 can be displayed in an inactive state when the operation position confirmation notification screen M18 is first displayed, and can be made active and selectable by the user after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of display or when the cover member is closed.

[0109] In this embodiment, even when multiple jobs are registered, the paper type is checked at the end of each job, and if the paper type is switched between envelopes and other types of paper, printing is stopped and the operation position confirmation notification screen M14 (M16) is displayed. Furthermore, regardless of the job type (copy, print, fax printing, etc.), if the paper type is switched between envelopes and other types of paper, the notification screen may be displayed. Furthermore, even if the power is turned off or the printer is switched to power saving mode between the previous print and the current print, the notification screen may be displayed if the paper type is switched between envelopes and other types of paper.

[0110] In this embodiment, it is also possible to set whether or not to display the operation position confirmation notification screen M14 (M16) via the system setting screen W100 illustrated in Fig. 6. In this case, for example, a "fixing pressure release lever position confirmation message display setting" may be provided, and options such as "display when switching between envelope and non-envelope printing" may be displayed selectably using a check box or the like.

[0111] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a notification is sent to the user urging the user to operate the operating lever to a position appropriate for the paper type, the display of the selection button that accepts a selection instruction to delete the notification is restricted until a specified condition is met, thereby enabling the user to be continuously notified of the notification content.

[0112] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0114] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0115] Here, the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded in the information processing device may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer, thereby realizing not only the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, but also the functions of the present disclosure, which are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0116] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present disclosure.

[0117] Additionally, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, such as an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to realize the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a conventional processor, a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on such technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 21 Toner image forming unit 23 Image input unit 31 Fixing section 33 Adjustment part 50 control section 51 Operation section 53 Display section 55 Communications Department 57 Memory section 59 Timer 61 Cover open / close detection sensor 571 Control Program 573 Job Control Program 575 Message display determination program 577 Message Storage 579 Setting information storage area

Claims

1. a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on a sheet based on image information; a fixing unit including at least a pair of rollers, which fixes the toner image formed on the paper at a pressure contact portion formed by the pair of rollers; an adjustment unit that adjusts the pressure contact force of the pressure contact unit according to the type of paper; a control unit that controls execution of a job related to image formation via the fixing unit, The control unit An image forming apparatus characterized in that, if the paper type set for executing the job differs from the paper type of the fed paper, a notification is sent to the user urging them to check the paper type of the fed paper.

2. The control unit 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification is given to the user when the paper jam occurs again during execution of the job that has been resumed after the paper jam has been cleared.

3. The adjustment unit an adjusting member that adjusts the pressure contact force to either a first pressure contact force or a second pressure contact force that is weaker than the first pressure contact force; The control unit 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification that prompts the user to confirm whether the adjustment position of the adjustment member is at the first pressure contact force or the second pressure contact force, depending on the paper type of the paper fed into the paper feed tray.

4. The control unit 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the paper is of a paper type having a thickness greater than that of plain paper, the image forming apparatus notifies the user to check whether the adjustment position of the adjustment member is at the adjustment position related to the second pressure contact force.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the paper is an envelope.

6. a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on a sheet based on image information; a fixing unit including at least a pair of rollers, which fixes the toner image formed on the paper at a pressure contact portion formed by the pair of rollers; an adjustment unit that adjusts the pressure contact force of the pressure contact unit according to the type of paper; a control unit that controls execution of a job related to image formation via the fixing unit, The control unit An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when a notification is sent to a user urging the adjustment unit to adjust the pressure contact force, the display of a selection button that accepts a selection instruction to delete the notification is restricted until a predetermined condition is met.

7. The control unit 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is an elapsed time from the start of the notification, and the selection button is displayed after the predetermined elapsed time has elapsed.

8. a detection unit that detects an opening and closing operation of a cover member that covers the adjustment unit; The control unit 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the detection result by the detection unit is set as the predetermined condition, and the selection button is displayed when the cover member is closed.

9. forming a toner image on a sheet based on image information; An image forming method in which a toner image formed on a sheet of paper is fixed at a pressure contact portion formed by a pair of rollers, adjusting the pressure contact force at the pressure contact portion according to the paper type; An image forming method characterized in that, when the paper type set for executing a job differs from the paper type of the fed paper, a notification is sent to the user urging them to check the paper type of the fed paper.

Images