Image forming system

Abstract

The system is designed to allow users to quickly begin the process of clearing jams that occur in the jam detection area corresponding to the heater section, without causing them any frustration. [Solution] If the image forming apparatus 100 has a jam detection target location among a plurality of jam detection target locations, and the jam detection target location where the jam occurred includes a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, the drying apparatus 300 moves the heater unit 312 from the first position to the second position, and in preparation for releasing the jam that occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, the display operation device 150 displays "Preparing to release jam" indicating that the heater unit 312 is moving to the second position, and when the preparation to release jam is complete, the display operation device 150 displays jam occurrence status information including all jam detection target locations where the jam occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, and particularly to an image forming system including a drying device for drying ink ejected onto a sheet.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming system including a drying device for drying a conveyed sheet with a heater is known (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, etc.).

[0003] The electrophotographic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an electrophotographic apparatus that feeds a supply sheet to a photoreceptor position at a timing with a pair of registration rollers, transfers an image on the photoreceptor, and records it on the sheet. A heater is attached to the registration rollers, a greenhouse temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature and humidity state is provided, and control means for controlling the heater based on the detection result of the sensor is provided. Thereby, it is possible to always keep the moisture content of the supply sheet at an appropriate amount without causing a difference in the moisture content of the supply sheet after heat drying depending on the temperature and humidity state before use, and to prevent the occurrence of transfer defects and jams.

[0004] Further, the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a printing unit that prints on a sheet using ink, and a drying unit that dries the sheet on which ink is applied and conveyed in the printing unit. The drying unit circulates hot air heated by a heater inside the housing and blows the hot air onto the sheet. The housing is provided with an opening capable of adjusting the amount of gas movement between the inside and outside of the housing. When the conveyance of the sheet in the drying unit stops, the output of the heater is reduced and the amount of gas movement of the opening is controlled to increase. Thereby, when the conveyance of the sheet stops due to the occurrence of a jam or the like in the drying unit during sheet conveyance, the operator can perform a recovery operation quickly and accurately, and the maintenance workability is excellent.

[0005] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes a function for applying ink to paper to form an image and a drying apparatus, the drying apparatus being used to dry the ink-coated paper that is brought in through the input port by heating it with a heat source and then discharged from the output port, the drying apparatus having a first shutter that closes the input port when the paper jams, a second shutter that closes the output port when the paper jams, a third shutter that cuts off the heat source when the paper jams, a first lock that prevents the first shutter that is in the closed state from moving in the opening direction, and a second lock that prevents the second shutter that is in the closed state from moving in the opening direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-208778 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-224932 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-128050 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, if the above-mentioned conventional technology is applied to an image forming system in which there are multiple jam detection points where jams (paper jams) may occur, and when a jam occurs at a jam detection point corresponding to the heater, the heater is moved from the first position (printing position) to the second position (jam release position), then when a jam occurs at a jam detection point corresponding to the heater, the user may be kept waiting without knowing that a jam has occurred at the jam detection point corresponding to the heater until the heater moves from the first position to the second position, which could lead to user distrust.

[0008] The present invention aims to enable users to quickly begin the jam removal process after the jam removal preparation is complete, without causing distrust to the user due to the waiting time required until the jam removal preparation is complete when jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater section of the drying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An image forming system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink onto the sheet, a drying apparatus for drying the ink ejected onto the sheet by the image forming apparatus, and a display device, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises a first housing, a first transport unit disposed within the first housing for transporting the sheet, an image forming unit disposed within the first housing opposite the first transport unit for ejecting the ink onto the sheet, and a first control unit, and the drying apparatus comprises a second housing and disposed within the second housing, The image forming apparatus and the drying apparatus comprises a second transport unit for transporting the sheet, a heater unit disposed within the second housing and having a heat source for heating the ink discharged onto the sheet, a moving mechanism unit disposed within the second housing for moving the heater unit between a first position near the second transport unit and facing the second transport unit and a second position further away from the second transport unit than the first position, a cover unit for covering the heater unit, and a second control unit, and the display device comprises a display unit and a third control unit, and the image forming apparatus and the drying apparatus transport the sheet Multiple sensors are provided at multiple sensor placement locations along the transport path corresponding to multiple jam detection target locations on the path, and the sensors are provided to detect jam occurring at the jam detection target locations, the multiple jam detection target locations include the jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater section, and the first control unit of the image forming apparatus determines, based on the sensing results of each of the sensors, that there is a jam detection target location where jam has occurred among the multiple jam detection target locations, and that the jam detection target location where jam has occurred includes the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater section, then issues a movement instruction to the second control unit of the drying apparatus to move the heater section from the first position to the second position, and in preparation for releasing the jam that has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater section, notifies the third control unit of the display device of jam release preparation information indicating that the heater section is moving from the first position to the second position, and notifies the third control unit of the display device of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence state including all of the jam detection target locations where jam has occurred, and the second control unit of the drying apparatus,Based on the movement instruction, the heater unit is moved from the first position to the second position by the movement mechanism. The third control unit of the display device displays on the display unit that jam release preparation is underway based on the jam release preparation information. When the heater unit has finished moving to the second position, the display unit turns off the "jam release preparation" display. Based on the jam occurrence status information, the display unit displays jam occurrence location information, including all of the jam detection target locations where jam has occurred. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when a jam occurs at a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit, the display unit shows that the heater unit is moving from a first position to a second position in preparation for clearing the jam at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit. This allows the user to know that a jam has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit and that preparations for clearing the jam are underway, preventing the user from becoming distrustful due to the waiting time required until the jam clearing preparations are complete. Furthermore, once the heater unit has finished moving to the second position, the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit is displayed on the display unit, allowing the user to quickly begin the jam clearing process at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit after the heater unit has moved to the second position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows the external appearance of an image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general internal configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the connection relationships between the control units of each device in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram of the jam removal process performed in the image forming system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5]It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of jam occurrence location information displayed on the display unit of the display operation device 150 in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a sequence diagram of a jam release process performed in the image forming system according to the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] ≪First Embodiment≫ Hereinafter, the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First, the system configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the internal configuration of the image forming system 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of the control units of the respective devices in FIGS. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the front side (front side) of the image forming system 100 is defined as the front side (front side) of the paper in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the left and right directions will be described based on the direction when the image forming system 100 is viewed from the front side.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a display operation apparatus 150, a paper feeding apparatus 200, a drying apparatus 300, and a post-processing apparatus 400.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 100 and the paper feeding apparatus 200 are provided with an image forming apparatus side connector (not shown) and a paper feeding apparatus side connector (not shown) for electrically connecting the image forming apparatus 100 and the paper feeding apparatus 200, and an image forming apparatus side mounting mechanism (not shown) and a paper feeding apparatus side mounting mechanism (not shown) for detachably mounting the paper feeding apparatus 200 to the image forming apparatus 100. When the paper feeding apparatus 200 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 by the image forming apparatus side mounting mechanism and the paper feeding apparatus side mounting mechanism, the image forming apparatus side connector and the paper feeding apparatus side connector are fitted, and the image forming apparatus 100 and the paper feeding apparatus 200 are electrically connected.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 and the drying apparatus 300 are provided with an image forming apparatus side connector (not shown) and a drying apparatus side connector (not shown) for electrically connecting the image forming apparatus 100 and the drying apparatus 300, and an image forming apparatus side mounting mechanism (not shown) and a drying apparatus side mounting mechanism (not shown) for detachably mounting the drying apparatus 300 to the image forming apparatus 100. When the drying apparatus 300 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 by the image forming apparatus side mounting mechanism and the drying apparatus side mounting mechanism, the image forming apparatus side connector and the drying apparatus side connector are fitted, and the image forming apparatus 100 and the drying apparatus 300 are electrically connected.

[0017] The drying apparatus 300 and the post-processing apparatus 400 are provided with a drying apparatus-side connector (not shown) and a post-processing apparatus-side connector (not shown) for electrically connecting the drying apparatus 300 and the post-processing apparatus 400, and are provided with a drying apparatus-side mounting mechanism (not shown) and a post-processing apparatus-side mounting mechanism (not shown) for detachably attaching the post-processing apparatus 400 to the drying apparatus 300. When the post-processing apparatus 400 is attached to the drying apparatus 300 using the drying apparatus-side mounting mechanism and the post-processing apparatus-side mounting mechanism, the drying apparatus-side connector and the post-processing apparatus-side connector are mated together, and the drying apparatus 300 and the post-processing apparatus 400 are electrically connected.

[0018] For example, the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 400 are electrically connected via the drying apparatus 300.

[0019] First, let's describe the paper feed device 200. The paper feed device 200 supplies the sheet S to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0020] The paper feeder 200 comprises a rectangular prism-shaped housing 201, paper feed cassettes 202 and 203 each containing sheets, a cover 204 provided on the front of the housing 201, and open / close detection sensors 202A, 203A, and 204A (see Figure 3) corresponding to the paper feed cassettes 202 and 203 and the cover 204, respectively. A sheet discharge port 201A is provided on the left side wall of the housing 201. The open / close detection sensors 202A, 203A, and 204A can be sensors of known mechanisms, such as sensors constructed by a mechanical switch mechanism.

[0021] The paper feed device 200 includes a paper feed roller 210 within its housing 201 for feeding sheets S from a paper feed cassette 202, and multiple transport rollers 211 at various locations for transporting the sheets S fed from the paper feed cassette 202 by the paper feed roller 210 to the downstream side of the transport path. The paper feed device 200 also includes a paper feed roller 210 within its housing 201 for feeding sheets S from a paper feed cassette 203, and multiple transport rollers 211 at various locations for transporting the sheets S fed from the paper feed cassette 203 to the downstream side of the transport path. Some of the transport rollers 211 serve as both transport rollers for transporting sheets S fed from the paper feed cassette 202 to the downstream side of the transport path and transport rollers for transporting sheets S fed from the paper feed cassette 203 to the downstream side of the transport path.

[0022] Furthermore, the paper feed device 200 is equipped with jam detection sensors 212 that detect jams occurring at jam detection targets, which are provided at multiple locations (hereinafter referred to as "sensor placement locations") along the transport path that transports the sheet S within the housing 201, corresponding to multiple locations (hereinafter referred to as "jam detection target locations") of the transport path. The jam detection sensor 212 is, for example, an optical sensor. When the jam detection sensor 212 is facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 212 receives reflected light of a first intensity level reflected with the sheet S's inherent reflectivity. When the jam detection sensor 212 is not facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 212 receives reflected light of a second intensity level reflected with a reflectivity different from that of the sheet S. If the jam detection sensor 212 continuously receives reflected light of a first intensity level for a predetermined period of time or longer, the jam detection sensor 212 detects the occurrence of jam at the jam detection target location corresponding to the jam detection sensor 212.

[0023] Furthermore, the paper feeder 200 includes a control unit 220 within the housing 201. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 220 includes a processor 221 and a storage device 222. The processor 221 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The storage device 222 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The processor 221 functions as a control unit 221A through operation by the processor according to the control program stored in the storage device 222. However, the control unit 221A can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation according to the control program by the processor. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0024] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 is an inkjet recording apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink onto the sheet.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 100 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped housing 101, covers 102 and 103, and open / close detection sensors 102A and 103A (see Figure 3) corresponding to covers 102 and 103, respectively. A sheet S discharge port 101A is provided on the left wall of the housing 101, and a sheet S paper feed port 101B is provided on the right wall of the housing 101. The open / close detection sensors 102A and 103A can be sensors of known mechanisms, such as sensors constructed by a mechanical switch mechanism.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a transport unit 111 within the housing 101 that adsorbs the sheet S and transports it to the downstream side of the transport path.

[0027] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 112 positioned above the transport unit 111 within the housing 101, facing the transport unit 111, and ejecting ink onto the sheet S. The imaging unit 112 includes, for example, four head units. Each head unit includes one or more inkjet heads, for example, three inkjet heads arranged in a staggered pattern, and ejects ink under the control of a control unit 121A, which will be described later. Each of the four head units is connected to an ink container filled with yellow, black, cyan, and magenta ink.

[0028] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a registration roller 113 upstream of the sheet S transport path from the imaging unit 112 inside the housing 101. The registration roller 113 is a transport roller that corrects the tilt of the sheet S when it is fed to the imaging unit 112 (head unit).

[0029] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with multiple transport rollers 114 within the housing 101 for transporting the sheet S downstream of the transport path.

[0030] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with jam detection sensors 115 located at multiple locations (sensor placement locations) along the transport path that transports the sheet S within the housing 101, corresponding to multiple locations (jam detection target locations) of the transport path, and which detect jam that occurs at the jam detection target locations. The jam detection sensor 115 is, for example, an optical sensor. When the jam detection sensor 115 is facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 115 receives reflected light of a first intensity level reflected with the sheet S's inherent reflectivity. When the jam detection sensor 115 is not facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 115 receives reflected light of a second intensity level reflected with a reflectivity different from that of the sheet S. If the jam detection sensor 115 continuously receives reflected light of the first intensity level for a predetermined time or longer, the jam detection sensor 115 detects the occurrence of jam at the jam detection target location corresponding to the jam detection sensor 115.

[0031] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 120 within the housing 101. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 120 includes a processor 121 and a storage device 122. The processor 121 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The storage device 122 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The processor 121 functions as a control unit 121A through operation by the processor 121 according to a control program stored in the storage device 122. The control unit 121A controls each part of the image forming apparatus 100 in response to operations detected by the operation unit 153 of the display operation device 150. However, the control unit 121A can also be configured by hardware circuits instead of operating according to a control program by the processor. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0032] Next, the display operation device 150 will be described. The display operation device 150 comprises a control unit 151 (see Figure 3), a display unit 152 such as a display panel (see Figure 3), and an operation unit 153 such as a touch panel and keypad stacked on the display panel (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 151 comprises a processor 155 and a storage device 156. The processor 155 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The storage device 156 comprises RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The processor 155 functions as a control unit 155A through operation by the processor 155 according to the control program stored in the storage device 156. The control unit 155A performs control such as displaying the operation menu and status of the image forming apparatus 100 on the display unit 152. However, the control unit 155A can also be configured using hardware circuits, rather than operating according to a control program by a processor. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0033] Next, the drying device 300 will be described. The drying device 300 heats and dries the ink that has been dispensed onto the sheet.

[0034] The drying apparatus 300 comprises a rectangular prism-shaped housing 301, covers 302 and 303, and open / close detection sensors 302A and 303A (see Figure 3) corresponding to covers 302 and 303, respectively. A sheet S discharge port 301A is provided on the left wall of the housing 301, and a sheet S paper feed port 301B is provided on the right wall of the housing 301. The open / close detection sensors 302A and 303A can be sensors of known mechanisms, such as sensors constructed by a mechanical switch mechanism.

[0035] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 has locking parts 304 and 305 (see Figure 3) corresponding to the covers 302 and 303, respectively, which lock the corresponding covers in a closed position. When the locking parts 304 and 305 lock the covers 302 and 303 in a closed position, the user cannot open the covers 302 and 303. When the covers 302 and 303 are not locked in a closed position, the user can freely open and close the covers 302 and 303.

[0036] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 includes a transport unit 311 within the housing 301 that adsorbs the sheet S and transports it to the downstream side of the transport path.

[0037] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 includes a heater unit 312 above the transport unit 311 inside the housing 301, which has a heat source for heating the ink discharged onto the sheet. The heater unit 312 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped housing with an open bottom and a heat source inside the housing. There are multiple heat sources, each in the shape of a rod with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction, arranged at equal intervals in the transport direction, and fixed at both front and rear ends to the housing. The heat sources include halogen heaters, carbon heaters, infrared LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and ceramic heaters.

[0038] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 includes a moving mechanism 313 in the housing 301 that moves the heater unit 312 between a first position near the transport unit 311 and facing the transport unit 311, and a second position further away from the transport unit 311 than the first position. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 313 moves the heater unit 312 in the vertical direction. The first position is the position of the heater unit 312 when the image forming apparatus 100 heats and dries the ink ejected onto the sheet S, and will be referred to as the "printing position" below as appropriate. The second position is the position of the heater unit 312 when releasing a jam that has occurred at the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312, and will be referred to as the "jam release position" below as appropriate. For example, the moving mechanism 313 includes a first belt attached to one end of the heater unit 312 and a second belt attached to the other end, a first roller for winding or unwinding the first belt and a second roller for winding or unwinding the second belt, a first drive motor for rotating the first roller in the forward or reverse direction and a second drive motor for rotating the second roller in the forward or reverse direction. By winding the first and second belts, the heater unit 312 is moved from a first position (printing position) to a second position (jam release position), and by unwinding the first and second belts, the heater unit 312 is moved from a second position (jam release position) to a first position (printing position). The structure of the moving mechanism 313 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of moving the heater unit 312 between the first position (printing position) and the second position (jam release position).

[0039] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 is equipped with multiple conveying rollers 314 within the housing 301 for conveying the sheet S to the downstream side of the conveying path.

[0040] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 is equipped with jam detection sensors 315 located at multiple locations (sensor placement locations) along the transport path that transports the sheet S within the housing 301, corresponding to multiple locations (jam detection target locations) of the transport path, and which detect jam generated at the jam detection target locations. The multiple jam detection target locations include jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit 312, and the multiple jam detection sensors 315 include jam detection sensors 315 located at jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit 312 that detect jam generated at those jam detection target locations. In the following, a jam detection sensor 315 located at a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 that detects jam generated at that jam detection target location will be referred to as "jam detection sensor 315A" as appropriate. The jam detection sensor 315 is, for example, an optical sensor. When the jam detection sensor 315 is facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 315 receives reflected light of a first intensity level reflected with the sheet S's inherent reflectivity. When the jam detection sensor 315 is not facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 315 receives reflected light of a second intensity level reflected with a different reflectivity than the sheet S. If the jam detection sensor 315 continuously receives reflected light of the first intensity level for a predetermined time or longer, the jam detection sensor 315 detects the occurrence of jam at the jam detection target location corresponding to the jam detection sensor 315.

[0041] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 is equipped with a temperature sensor 316 (see Figure 3) that senses the temperature near the heater unit 312.

[0042] Furthermore, the drying apparatus 300 includes a control unit 320 within the housing 301. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 320 includes a processor 321 and a storage device 322. The processor 321 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The storage device 322 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The processor 321 functions as a control unit 321A through operation by the processor according to the control program stored in the storage device 322. However, the control unit 321A can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation according to the control program by the processor 321. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0043] Next, the post-processing device 400 will be described. The post-processing device 400 performs post-processing on the sheet, such as perforating, stapling, and folding.

[0044] The post-processing device 400 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped housing 401, covers 402 and 403, and open / close detection sensors 402A and 403A (see Figure 3) corresponding to covers 402 and 403, respectively. A sheet S discharge port 401A is provided on the left wall of the housing 401, and a sheet S feed port 401B is provided on the right wall of the housing 401. The open / close detection sensors 402A and 403A can be sensors of known mechanisms, such as sensors constructed by a mechanical switch mechanism.

[0045] Furthermore, the post-processing device 400 is equipped with multiple conveying rollers 411 within the housing 401 for conveying the sheet S to the downstream side of the conveying path.

[0046] Furthermore, the post-processing device 400 is equipped with jam detection sensors 412 located at multiple locations (sensor placement locations) along the transport path that transports the sheet S within the housing 401, corresponding to multiple locations (jam detection target locations) of the transport path, and which detect jam generated at the jam detection target locations. The jam detection sensor 412 is, for example, an optical sensor. When the jam detection sensor 412 is facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 412 receives reflected light of a first intensity level reflected with the sheet S's inherent reflectivity. When the jam detection sensor 412 is not facing the sheet S, the jam detection sensor 412 receives reflected light of a second intensity level reflected with a reflectivity different from that of the sheet S. If the jam detection sensor 412 continuously receives reflected light of the first intensity level for a predetermined time or longer, the jam detection sensor 412 detects the occurrence of jam at the jam detection target location corresponding to the jam detection sensor 412.

[0047] Furthermore, the post-processing unit 400 includes a control unit 420 within the housing 401. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 420 includes a processor 421 and a storage device 422. The processor 421 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The storage device 422 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The processor 421 functions as a control unit 421A through operation by the processor according to the control program stored in the storage device 422. However, the control unit 421A can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation according to the control program by the processor 421. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0048] Based on the sensing results of each jam detection sensor, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines that there is a jam detection target location where jam has occurred among the multiple jam detection target locations, and that the jam detection target location where jam has occurred includes a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312. In this case, it issues a movement instruction to the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 to move the heater unit 312 from the first position to the second position. In preparation for clearing the jam that has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, it notifies the third control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam clearing preparation information indicating that the heater unit 312 is moving from the first position to the second position, and also notifies the third control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence status including all jam detection target locations where jam has occurred. Based on the movement instruction, the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 moves the heater unit 312 from the first position to the second position using the movement mechanism 313. The control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 causes the display unit 152 to display that jam release preparation is underway based on the jam release preparation information. When the heater unit 312 has finished moving to the second position, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 causes the display unit 152 to turn off the jam release preparation display and displays jam location information, including all jam detection target locations where jams have occurred, on the display unit 152 based on the jam occurrence status information.

[0049] Although control units 121A, 155A, and 321A are shown as separate components, the functions of control units 121A, 155A, and 321A may be implemented in a single control unit.

[0050] Next, the jamming process in the image forming system 1 shown in Figure 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figures 4 to 7 are sequence diagrams of the jamming process in the image forming system 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0051] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 accepts a print job and starts printing (step S1), instructs the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 to turn on the heat source of the heater unit 312, and instructs it to lock the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 of the heater unit 312 (step S2). The control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 turns on the heat source of the heater unit 312, and if the lock that closes the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 is released, locks the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 in the closed position using the locking parts 304 and 305 (step S3).

[0052] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115 provided by the image forming apparatus 100, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 212 provided by the paper feeder 200 via the control unit 221A of the paper feeder 200, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 315 (including sensor 315A) provided by the drying apparatus 300 via the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300, and acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 412 provided by the post-processing apparatus 400 via the control unit 421A of the post-processing apparatus 400 and the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300. Then, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines, based on the sensing results obtained from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115, 212, 315 (including 315A), and 412, whether or not there is a jam-detection target location where jam has occurred among the multiple jam-detection target locations (these multiple jam-detection target locations include multiple jam-detection target locations in the image forming apparatus 100, multiple jam-detection target locations in the paper feed device 200, multiple jam-detection target locations in the drying device 300, and multiple jam-detection target locations in the post-processing device 400) (step S4). If the determination process in step S4 determines that there is no jam-detection target location where jam has occurred among the multiple jam-detection target locations (no jam has been detected) (S4: NO), the process returns to step S4.

[0053] If, in the determination process of step S4, it is determined that there is a jam detection target location where jam has occurred among the multiple jam detection target locations (i.e., jam has been detected) (S4: YES), the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the jam detection target location where jam has occurred includes a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 (i.e., whether or not there is a sheet in the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312) (step S5).

[0054] The sequence when a jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is (1-1), (1-2), and (1-3), and the sequence when no jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is (2-1), (2-2), and (2-3).

[0055] The sequence of events from (1-1), (1-2), (1-3) onward when a jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is as follows:

[0056] If, in the determination process of step S5, it is determined that the jam detection target location where a jam has occurred includes a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 (S5: YES), the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 instructs the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 to move the heater unit 312 from the first position (printing position) to the second position (jam release position) (step S6). The control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 turns off the heat source of the heater unit 312, and when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 316 falls below a predetermined temperature, it causes the moving mechanism 313 to start moving the heater unit 312 from the first position (printing position) to the second position (jam release position) (step S7).

[0057] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam release preparation information indicating that the heater unit 312 is moving from a first position (printing position) to a second position (jam release position) in preparation for releasing jams that have occurred at jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit 312 in the drying apparatus 300, and also notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence status including all jam detection target locations where jams have occurred (step S8).

[0058] The control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 receives notification of information that the drying device is preparing to release the jam and displays "Preparing to release jam" on the display unit 152 (step S9).

[0059] When the movement of the heater unit 312 to the second position (jam release position) by the moving mechanism 313 is completed (step S10), the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 causes the locking parts 304 and 305 to release the locks that close the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 (step S11), and notifies the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 of jam release position movement completion information indicating that the movement of the heater unit 312 to the second position (jam release position) is complete (step S12). Upon receiving the jam release position movement completion information, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam release preparation completion information indicating that preparations for releasing the jam that has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 are complete (step S13).

[0060] Based on the received jam release preparation complete information, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 causes the display unit 152 to turn off the "Jam release preparation in progress" display (step S14). The sequence is connected by (3-1), (3-2), and (3-3).

[0061] The sequence from (2-1), (2-2), (2-3) onward when no jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is as follows.

[0062] In the determination process of step S5, if it is determined that the jam detection target location where a jam has occurred does not include the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 (S5: NO), the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence status including all jam detection target locations where a jam has occurred (step S15). The sequence is connected by (3-1), (3-2), and (3-3).

[0063] The sequence from (3-1), (3-2), (3-3) onwards is as follows:

[0064] The control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 displays "jam occurrence location information" including all jam detection target locations where jam has occurred, on the display unit 152 based on the jam occurrence status information (step S16). An example of the display of "jam occurrence location information" on the display unit 152 is shown in Figure 8. In the "jam occurrence location information" displayed on the display unit 152 as shown in Figure 8, the locations corresponding to multiple jam detection target locations are indicated, for example, by squares, with jam detection target locations where jam has occurred being displayed as black squares and jam detection target locations where jam has not occurred being displayed as white squares.

[0065] The user looks at the "Jam Location Information" displayed on the display unit 152, opens the cover corresponding to each jam detection location where jam has occurred to clear the jam, and then closes the cover. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 102A and 103A provided by the image forming apparatus 100, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 202A, 203A, and 204A provided by the paper feed device 200 via the control unit 221A of the paper feed device 200, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 302A and 303A provided by the drying device 300 via the control unit 321A of the drying device 300, and acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 402A and 403A provided by the post-processing device 400 via the control unit 421A of the post-processing device 400 and the control unit 321A of the drying device 300. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 detects when an open paper feed cassette or cover has closed, based on the sensing results obtained from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 102A, 103A, 202A, 203A, 204A, 302A, 303A, 402A, and 403A. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115 provided by the image forming apparatus 100, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 212 provided by the paper feed device 200 via the control unit 221A of the paper feed device 200, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 315 (including sensor 315A) provided by the drying device 300 via the control unit 321A of the drying device 300, and acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 412 provided by the post-processing device 400 via the control unit 421A of the post-processing device 400 and the control unit 321A of the drying device 300. Based on the sensing results acquired from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115, 212, 315 (including 315A), and 412, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether all of the jams that occurred have been cleared.

[0066] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines that all jams that occurred have been cleared (step S17).

[0067] While the user is clearing the jam, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors and notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of the jam occurrence status information. The control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 then updates the display unit 152 with the "jam occurrence location information".

[0068] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 instructs the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 to move the heater unit 312 from the second position (jam release position) to the first position (printing position) (step S18). If the locks that close the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 are released, the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 locks the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 in the closed position using the locking parts 304 and 305, moves the heater unit 312 from the second position (jam release position) to the first position (printing position) using the moving mechanism 313, and turns on the heat source of the heater unit 312 (step S19).

[0069] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam release status information indicating that all jams that occurred have been released (step S20).

[0070] Based on the received jam release status information, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 causes the display unit 152 to erase the "jam location information" display (step S21).

[0071] Image forming system 1 resumes printing.

[0072] According to the first embodiment described above, when a jam occurs at a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, the display unit 152 displays that the heater unit 312 is preparing to clear the jam that has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, indicating that the heater unit 312 is moving from the first position (printing position) to the second position (jam clearing position). As a result, the user can be aware that a jam has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 and that preparations for clearing the jam are underway, thus reducing the user's frustration. Furthermore, once the heater unit 312 has finished moving to the second position (jam clearing position), the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is displayed on the display unit 152. As a result, the user can quickly begin the jam clearing process at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 after the heater unit 312 has moved to the second position (jam clearing position).

[0073] ≪Second Embodiment≫ Hereinafter, an image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment and the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment differ in the processing content when jam is detected somewhere among the jam detection target locations, and the jam detection target location where jam is detected includes a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater part of the heater unit.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of the image forming system 1 causes the display unit 152 to display that jam release preparation is underway based on jam release preparation information. When the heater unit 312 has finished moving to the second position, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 causes the display unit 152 to turn off the display that jam release preparation is underway and displays jam location information, including all jam detection target locations where jams have occurred, on the display unit 152 based on jam occurrence status information.

[0075] On the other hand, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment displays first jam occurrence location information on the display unit 152, which includes all jam detection target locations from among a plurality of jam detection target locations where jams have occurred, excluding the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, based on the jam occurrence status information. When the jams are cleared at all jam detection target locations except the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, if the heater unit 312 has not yet finished moving to the second position, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 displays on the display unit 152 that preparations are underway to clear the jam, based on the jam clearing preparations information. When the heater unit 312 has finished moving to the second position, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 turns off the display on the display unit 152 that preparations are underway to clear the jam, and displays second jam occurrence location information on the display unit 152, which includes only the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit.

[0076] The jam release process in the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Figures 9 to 14 are sequence diagrams of the jam release process in the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0077] In the image forming system 1 of the second embodiment, the same processes from step S1 to step S5 to step S55 as in the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment are performed. The sequence when a jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is (1-1), (1-2), and (1-3), and the sequence when no jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is (2-1), (2-2), and (2-3).

[0078] In the image forming system 1 of the second embodiment, the same processes from step S6 to step S8 as in the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment are performed, from step S56 to step S58.

[0079] Based on the jam occurrence status information, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 displays "jam occurrence location information" on the display unit 152, which includes all jam detection locations among the multiple jam detection locations where jam has occurred, excluding the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312 (step S59).

[0080] The user will clear the jam by looking at the "jam location information" displayed on the display unit 152. In this case, there are two possibilities: either the heater unit 312 moves to the second position (jam disclosure position) before the user clears the jams at all jam detection locations except those corresponding to the heater unit 312, or the heater unit 312 moves to the second position (jam disclosure position) after the user has cleared the jams at all jam detection locations except those corresponding to the heater unit 312. In the latter case, the sequence is (3-1), (3-2), (3-3), and in the former case, the sequence is (4-1), (4-2), (4-3).

[0081] The sequence from (3-1), (3-2), (3-3) onward is as follows when the user has cleared the jams at all jam detection points except for the jam detection point corresponding to the heater unit 312, and the heater unit 312 has completed moving to the second position (jam disclosure position).

[0082] The user looks at the "Jam Location Information" displayed on the display unit 152, opens the cover corresponding to each jam detection target location except for the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 where the jam has occurred, to clear the jam, and then closes the cover. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 102A and 103A provided by the image forming apparatus 100, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 202A, 203A and 204A provided by the paper feed device 200 via the control unit 221A of the paper feed device 200, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 302A and 303A provided by the drying device 300 via the control unit 321A of the drying device 300, and acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 402A and 403A provided by the post-processing device 400 via the control unit 421A of the post-processing device 400 and the control unit 321A of the drying device 300. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 detects when an open paper feed cassette or cover has closed, based on the sensing results obtained from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 102A, 103A, 202A, 203A, 204A, 302A, 303A, 402A, and 403A. Then, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115 provided by the image forming apparatus 100, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 212 provided by the paper feeder 200 via the control unit 221A of the paper feeder 200, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 315 (including sensor 315A) provided by the drying apparatus 300 via the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300, and acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 412 provided by the post-processing apparatus 400 via the control unit 421A of the post-processing apparatus 400 and the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the jam has been cleared at all jam detection locations except for the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312, based on the sensing results obtained from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115, 212, 315 (including 315A), and 412.

[0083] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the jam has been cleared at all jam detection targets except for the jam detection target target corresponding to the heater unit 312 (step S60).

[0084] Furthermore, while the user is clearing jams except for the jams in the jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit 312, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors and notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of the jam occurrence status information. The control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 then updates the display unit 152 with "jam occurrence location information" that includes all jam detection target locations, excluding the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, from among the multiple jam detection target locations where jams have occurred.

[0085] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence status, which includes all jam detection target locations where jam has occurred (step S61). The jam occurrence status information in the process of step S61 includes only the jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit 312 as jam detection target locations where jam has occurred.

[0086] Based on the jam occurrence status information, which includes only the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 as a jam detection target location where jam has occurred, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150, before receiving notification of the jam release preparation complete information, has the display unit 152 turn off the "jam occurrence status information" display (step S62) and, based on the jam release preparation information, has the display unit 152 display "Jam release preparation in progress" to indicate that jam release is in progress (step S63).

[0087] After the user has cleared all jams that have occurred at jam detection targets other than those corresponding to the heater unit 312, the movement of the heater unit 312 to the second position (jam clearing position) by the movement mechanism 313 is completed (step S64). At this point, the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 causes the locking parts 304 and 305 to release the locks that close the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 (step S65), and notifies the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 of jam clearing position movement completion information indicating that the movement of the heater unit 312 to the second position (jam clearing position) is complete (step S66). Upon receiving the jam clearing position movement completion information, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam clearing preparation completion information indicating that preparations for clearing jams that have occurred at jam detection targets corresponding to the heater unit 312 are complete (step S67).

[0088] Based on the received jam release preparation complete information, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 causes the display unit 152 to turn off the "Jam release preparation in progress" display (step S68).

[0089] Based on the jam occurrence status information, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 displays "jam occurrence location information" on the display unit 152, which includes all jam detection locations where jams have occurred, but at this point, only the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312 has jams (step S69). The sequence is connected by (5-1), (5-2), and (5-3).

[0090] The sequence from (4-1), (4-2), (4-3) onward is as follows if the user completes the movement of the heater unit 312 to the second position (jam disclosure position) before clearing the jam at all jam detection locations except for the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312.

[0091] Before the user has cleared all jams that have occurred at jam detection targets other than those corresponding to the heater unit 312, the movement mechanism 313 has finished moving the heater unit 312 to the second position (jam clearing position) (step S70). At this point, the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300 causes the locking parts 304 and 305 to release the locks that close the covers (heater unit covers) 302 and 303 (step S71), and notifies the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 of jam clearing position movement completion information indicating that the heater unit 312 has finished moving to the second position (jam clearing position) (step S72). Upon receiving the jam clearing position movement completion information, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam clearing preparation completion information indicating that preparations for clearing the jams that have occurred at the jam detection targets corresponding to the heater unit 312 are complete (step S73).

[0092] The user looks at the "Jam Location Information" displayed on the display unit 152, opens the cover corresponding to each jam detection target location except for the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 where the jam has occurred, to clear the jam, and then closes the cover. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 102A and 103A provided by the image forming apparatus 100, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 202A, 203A and 204A provided by the paper feed device 200 via the control unit 221A of the paper feed device 200, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 302A and 303A provided by the drying device 300 via the control unit 321A of the drying device 300, and acquires sensing results from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 402A and 403A provided by the post-processing device 400 via the control unit 421A of the post-processing device 400 and the control unit 321A of the drying device 300. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 detects when an open paper feed cassette or cover has closed, based on the sensing results obtained from each of the multiple open / close detection sensors 102A, 103A, 202A, 203A, 204A, 302A, 303A, 402A, and 403A. Then, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115 provided by the image forming apparatus 100, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 212 provided by the paper feeder 200 via the control unit 221A of the paper feeder 200, acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 315 (including sensor 315A) provided by the drying apparatus 300 via the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300, and acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 412 provided by the post-processing apparatus 400 via the control unit 421A of the post-processing apparatus 400 and the control unit 321A of the drying apparatus 300. The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the jam has been cleared at all jam detection locations except for the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312, based on the sensing results obtained from each of the multiple jam detection sensors 115, 212, 315 (including 315A), and 412.

[0093] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the jam has been cleared at all jam detection targets except for the jam detection target target corresponding to the heater unit 312 (step S74).

[0094] Furthermore, while the user is clearing jams except for the jams in the jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit 312, the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires sensing results from each of the multiple jam detection sensors and notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of the jam occurrence status information. The control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 then updates the display unit 152 with "jam occurrence location information" that includes all jam detection target locations, excluding the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, from among the multiple jam detection target locations where jams have occurred.

[0095] The control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence status, which includes all jam detection target locations where jam has occurred (step S75). The jam occurrence status information in step S75 includes only the jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit 312 as jam detection target locations where jam has occurred.

[0096] Based on the jam occurrence status information, which includes only the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 as the jam detection target location where jam has occurred, the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150, after receiving notification of the jam release preparation completion information, displays "Jam occurrence location information" on the display unit 152, which includes all jam detection target locations where jam has occurred, and at this point only the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, without displaying "Jam release preparation in progress".

[0097] The sequence from (2-1), (2-2), (2-3) onward when no jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is as follows.

[0098] If, in the determination process of step S55, it is determined that the jam detection target location where jam has occurred does not include a jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 (S55: NO), the control unit 121A of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence status including all jam detection target locations where jam has occurred (step S77).

[0099] The control unit 155A of the display operation device 150 displays "jam occurrence location information" including all jam detection target locations where jam has occurred, on the display unit 152 based on the jam occurrence status information (step S78). The sequence is connected by (5-1), (5-2), and (5-3).

[0100] In (5-1), (5-2), (5-3) and onward, the image forming system 1 of the second embodiment performs the same processes from step S79 to step S83 as the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment, from step S17 to step S21.

[0101] According to the second embodiment described above, when a jam occurs at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312, the display unit 152 displays that the heater unit 312 is moving from the first position (printing position) to the second position (jam release position) in preparation for releasing the jam that occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312. As a result, the user can be aware that a jam has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 and that preparations for releasing the jam are underway, thereby reducing the user's frustration. Furthermore, once the heater unit 312 has finished moving to the second position (jam release position), the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 is displayed on the display unit 152. As a result, the user can quickly begin the jam release work at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit 312 after the heater unit 312 has moved to the second position (jam release position).

[0102] Furthermore, before the heater unit 312 finishes moving to its second position (jam release position), the display unit 152 displays "jam occurrence status information" which includes all jam detection locations where jams have occurred, excluding the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312. Therefore, the user can begin the jam release work for jams other than those that occurred at the jam detection location corresponding to the heater unit 312, even before the heater unit 312 finishes moving to its second position (jam release position).

[0103] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments and various modifications are possible. For example, if the number of jam formation locations is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the jam removal process of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment is used, and if the number of jam formation locations exceeds a predetermined number, the jam removal process of the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment is used. Furthermore, if jam occurs only in the drying apparatus, the jam removal process of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment is used, and if jam occurs in apparatus other than the drying apparatus, the jam removal process of the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment is used. In this way, the system may switch between the two removal processes depending on the jam formation situation. Also, the configuration and process shown in the first embodiment using Figures 1 to 8, the configuration and process shown in the second embodiment using Figures 9 to 14, and the configuration and process shown by the above modifications are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these configurations and processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Image forming system 100 Image forming apparatus 115 Jam detection sensor 121A Control Unit 150 Display device 152 Display section 155A Control Unit 300 Drying equipment 315, 315A Jam detection sensor 316 Temperature Sensor 321A Control Unit

Claims

1. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink onto the sheet; a drying apparatus that dries the ink ejected onto the sheet by the image forming apparatus; and a display device, The image forming apparatus is The first enclosure and A first transport unit is arranged inside the first housing and transports the sheet, An image-making unit is positioned within the first housing opposite the first transport unit and ejects the ink onto the sheet, First control unit, Equipped with, The drying apparatus is The second cabinet and A second transport unit is located inside the second housing and transports the sheet, A heater unit is disposed within the second housing and has a heat source for heating the ink dispensed onto the sheet, A moving mechanism is provided which is arranged within the second housing and moves the heater unit between a first position near the second transport unit and facing the second transport unit, and a second position further away from the second transport unit than the first position. A cover portion that covers the heater portion, The second control unit and Equipped with, The aforementioned display device is Display unit and Third control unit, Equipped with, The image forming apparatus and the drying apparatus are provided with sensors that detect jam generated at multiple jam detection target locations along the transport path for transporting the sheet, corresponding to multiple jam detection target locations along the transport path. The plurality of jam detection targets include the jam detection targets corresponding to the heater section, The first control unit of the image forming apparatus is Based on the sensing results of each of the aforementioned sensors, if it is determined that there is a jam detection target location where jam has occurred among the multiple jam detection target locations, and that the jam detection target location where jam has occurred includes the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater section, A movement instruction is given to the second control unit of the drying apparatus to move the heater unit from the first position to the second position. As preparation for clearing the jam that has occurred at the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit, the third control unit of the display device is notified of jam clearing preparation information indicating that the heater unit is moving from the first position to the second position, and the third control unit of the display device is notified of jam occurrence status information indicating the jam occurrence state, including all of the jam detection target locations where jam has occurred. The second control unit of the drying apparatus moves the heater unit from the first position to the second position to the moving mechanism unit based on the movement instruction. The third control unit of the display device is Based on the jam release preparation information, the display unit will indicate that jam release preparation is underway. When the heater unit has finished moving to the second position, the display unit will turn off the indicator that preparations are underway to release the jam. Based on the jam occurrence status information, the display unit displays jam occurrence location information including all of the jam detection target locations where jam has occurred. Image forming system.

2. The drying apparatus includes a locking mechanism for locking the cover in a closed position. When the heater unit has finished moving to the second position, the second control unit causes the lock unit to release the lock that holds the cover unit in the closed position. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The drying apparatus is equipped with a temperature sensor that senses the temperature near the heater section. When the second control unit receives the movement instruction from the first control unit, and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor falls below a predetermined temperature, it causes the movement mechanism to start moving the heater unit from the first position to the second position. The image forming system according to claim 1.

4. The third control unit of the display device is Based on the jam release preparation information, the display unit will show that jam release is being prepared, and when the heater unit has finished moving to the second position, the display unit will turn off the "jam release preparation" indicator, and instead of displaying jam location information, including all of the jam detection target locations where jam has occurred, based on the jam occurrence status information, the display unit will be changed to display jam occurrence location information. Based on the jam generation status information, the display unit displays first jam generation location information that includes all of the jam detection target locations among the plurality of jam detection target locations where jam is occurring, excluding the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater unit. When jams are cleared at all jam detection targets except for the jam detection target locations corresponding to the heater unit, if the heater unit has not yet moved to the second position, the display unit will display that it is preparing to clear the jam based on the jam clearing preparation information. When the heater unit has finished moving to the second position, the display unit will turn off the indicator that preparations are underway to release the jam. The display unit is used to display information on a second jam occurrence location, which includes only the jam detection target location corresponding to the heater section. Image forming system.

Images