Image forming system

Abstract

To reduce waste of an object as compared with a case where an image transferred for adjusting image quality is fixed to the object.SOLUTION: Provided is an image forming system which includes: a transport part which transports an object; a transfer part which transfers an image to the object conveyed by the transport part; a fixing part which fixes the image transferred by the transfer part to the object; and a processor which controls the fixing part into a state where the image can be fixed in a first mode and also controls the fixing part into a state where the image cannot be fixed in a second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In recent years, images are sometimes printed on metal, glass, tiles, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "objects"). These objects vary in thickness and shape. For this reason, it is necessary to perform work for checking image quality and adjusting settings. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent No. 3292954 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Incidentally, in existing image forming systems, a transferred image is fixed to an object even when image quality is adjusted. However, the unit price of metal, glass, tiles, and the like is higher than that of paper. For this reason, discarding objects used for image quality adjustment imposes a large cost burden.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce waste of objects compared to a case where a transferred image is fixed to the object for image quality adjustment. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming system comprising: a conveying section that conveys an object; a transfer section that transfers an image to the object conveyed by the conveying section; a fixing section that fixes the image transferred by the transfer section onto the object; and a processor that controls the fixing section to a state enabling image fixing in a first mode, and controls the fixing section to a state in which an image is not fixed in a second mode the law of nature,In the second mode, the processor stops the fixing unit from generating light to fix the image onto the object. 、 It is an image forming system. 。 [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1 、 This ensures that unintended images are not fixed. 。 [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus assumed in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the transfer section. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of the fixing unit. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of the processing unit. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the adjustment process. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the operation of the fixing unit when fixing an image. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the operation of the fixing unit when the image is not fixed. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by a processor. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the schematic configuration of the fixing unit used in the image forming apparatus assumed in Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the schematic configuration of the fixing unit used in the image forming apparatus assumed in Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment 1> <Image forming apparatus> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 assumed in Embodiment 1. The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an image forming system. In the present embodiment, an object to be printed is referred to as a medium 500. The material of the medium 500 is, for example, metal, glass, tile, ceramics, wood, or the like, and the dimensions are standardized. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment sequentially forms images on the surfaces of media 500 having the same material and shape. FIG. 1 shows a case where the medium 500 has a flat plate shape.

[0010] In the present embodiment, the length in the Z-axis direction in the drawings is referred to as "height" or "thickness", and conveyance of the medium 500 in the Z-axis direction is referred to as "elevation". The plane defined by the X axis and Y axis in the drawings is horizontal with respect to the floor surface. In the present embodiment, conveyance of the medium 500 in the X-axis direction is referred to as "conveyance in the horizontal direction".

[0011] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured of three casings 10A, 10B, and 10C. However, the apparatus may have a single casing in terms of appearance. A transfer unit 100 and a processing unit 400 are provided in the casing 10A. A fixing unit 200 is provided in the casing 10B. The medium 500 is loaded and unloaded in the casing 10C. For this reason, an opening (not shown) is provided on an upper surface of the casing 10C. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a conveyance unit 300 that traverses the three casings 10A, 10B, and 10C. The conveyance unit 300 is an example of a conveyance unit.

[0012] The transfer unit 100 is a unit that transfers an image formed of toner or powder particles onto the medium 500. That is, the transfer unit 100 in the present embodiment forms an image by an electrophotographic method. The fixing unit 200 is a unit that heats the toner or the like transferred by the transfer unit 100 to fix the toner or the like onto the surface of the medium 500. In the present embodiment, a non-contact heating method is employed. In the present embodiment, the surface of the medium 500 and the toner or the like are simultaneously heated by a heat source.

[0013] <Configuration of Transfer Unit 100> Figure 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the transfer unit 100. The transfer unit 100 is a unit that forms an image with charged particles, generates an electric field, and transfers the image onto a medium 500. The transfer unit 100 includes a developing device 110, a primary transfer roll 120, and an intermediate transfer belt 131. The intermediate transfer belt 131 is cyclically conveyed while being stretched around drive rolls 132, 133 and a backup roll 140. In addition, the transfer unit 100 is provided with a cleaning device 150 that removes particles adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 131.

[0014] The developing device 110 is a unit that forms an electrostatic latent image of an image on a photoconductor, and causes charged particles to adhere to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor to develop the image. The developing device 110 shown in Figure 2 corresponds to four colors including yellow, magenta, and cyan, with the addition of black. In Figure 2, Y, M, C, and K indicating the corresponding colors are added to the units corresponding to the respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. However, when there is no need to distinguish between the respective colors, the description is provided without adding Y, M, C, and K.

[0015] The primary transfer roll 120 is used for transferring the image formed by the developing device 110 onto the intermediate transfer belt 131. The transfer performed by this primary transfer roll 120 is referred to as "primary transfer". The primary transfer roll 120 is disposed at a position facing the developing device 110 with the intermediate transfer belt 131 interposed therebetween, and brings the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 into contact with the developing device 110. The primary transfer roll 120 is provided for each of the developing devices 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K. In Figure 2, the primary transfer rolls 120 corresponding to the respective colors are described as 120Y, 120M, 120C, and 120K.

[0016] In the case of Figure 2, the intermediate transfer belt 131 is moved in the direction of the arrow (that is, counterclockwise). The movement of the intermediate transfer belt 131 is performed by one or both of the drive rolls 132 and 133, for example. In the case of Figure 2, the image formed by the developing device 110 is transferred to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131. That is, the intermediate transfer belt 131 holds the formed image. Hereafter, the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 will be referred to as the "transfer surface". In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the intermediate transfer belt 131 passes through the developing devices 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K in sequence, forming a multicolor image in which yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are layered on the transfer surface from bottom to top.

[0017] The backup roll 140 is a roller that brings the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 into contact with the medium 500, thereby transferring the image to the surface of the medium 500. This transfer by the backup roll 140 is called "secondary transfer". During secondary transfer, a predetermined voltage is applied to the backup roll 140. The application of this voltage generates an electric field (hereinafter referred to as the "transfer electric field") between the backup roll 140 and the medium 500, and the image formed by the charged particles is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500. Thus, in order to transfer an image from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500, current must flow from the backup roll 140 through the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500.

[0018] If the medium 500 is a conductor such as metal, the medium 500 itself conducts electric current, and the image is transferred to the surface of the medium 500 due to the generation of a transfer electric field. On the other hand, if the medium 500 is an insulator, the image will not be transferred to the surface of the medium 500 as is. Therefore, if the medium 500 is an insulator, a layer of conductive material (hereinafter referred to as the "conductive layer") is formed in advance, at least in the area where the image is to be formed, to secure a path for the current to flow. This makes it possible to transfer images even to insulators.

[0019] Here, we will briefly explain the procedure for transferring the image using the intermediate transfer belt 131. First, images of each color are sequentially transferred to the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 as it passes through the developing units 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K. As a result, a multi-color image is held on the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131. As the intermediate transfer belt 131 rotates further, the multicolor image held on the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 reaches a position where it comes into contact with the medium 500 (hereinafter referred to as the "transfer position"). In this state, when a voltage is applied to the backup roll 140 and a transfer field is generated, the image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500.

[0020] The cleaning device 150 is a unit that removes particles remaining on the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 after it has passed the transfer position. The cleaning device 150 is installed between the transfer position in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt 131 and the developing device 110Y. In other words, it is installed downstream of the transfer position and upstream of the developing device 110Y. The removal of particles by the cleaning device 150 prepares the area for the next cycle, meaning that a new image can be transferred to the transfer surface.

[0021] <Configuration of the transport unit 300> Next, we will describe an example configuration of the transport unit 300 that transports the medium 500. As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment is used to form images on media 500 of various thicknesses. For this reason, it is necessary to adjust the height of the mounting surface on the transport section 300 side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the transport unit 300 is provided with a mechanism for transporting the medium 500 horizontally, as well as a mechanism for raising and lowering the medium 500 vertically.

[0022] In the case of Figure 2, the transport section 300 (see Figure 1) consists of a transport rail 310 that defines the transport path for the medium 500, and a mounting base 320 that moves along the transport rail 310. The mounting base 320 has legs 321 that move along the transport rail 310 and a base 322 for mounting the medium 500. Of these, the legs 321 are provided with a mechanism for raising and lowering the base 322 in the vertical direction. In this sense, the legs 321 are an example of a transport section and a lifting section. However, in a broader sense, the legs 321 and the base 322 are referred to as the transport section.

[0023] The base portion 322 can be used to either directly attach the medium 500 or to attach the jig 323. The jig 323 is a component used to hold the medium 500 and is used by attaching it to the mounting surface of the base portion 322. Therefore, the jig 323 can be easily attached to and detached from the mounting surface of the base portion 322. The transport rail 310 is installed by passing through the inside of the three housings 10A to 10C. One end of the transport rail 310 is positioned in the housing 10C, which is both the starting and ending position of the transport. The other end of the transport rail 310 is positioned in the housing 10A, where the transfer section 100 is provided.

[0024] The mounting base 320, on which the medium 500 is attached, is transported from one end, housing 10C, to the other end, housing 10A. During this transport, an adjustment operation is also performed to match the height of the top of the medium 500 to the height of the intermediate transfer belt 131. The end of the transport rail 310 on the housing 10A side is a predetermined distance away from the transfer position. This distance is the minimum distance required to accelerate the stationary mounting base 320 to the target speed. In reality, since the speed of the mounting base 320 needs to be maintained at the target speed, not only the distance for acceleration but also the distance to confirm movement at the target speed is required. The target speed is the transport speed of the intermediate transfer belt 131.

[0025] The mounting base 320, which begins moving from the end on the housing 10A side, passes through the transfer section 100 and is then transported to the fixing section 200. In the fixing section 200, the image transferred to the medium 500 is fixed. After fixing is complete, the mounting base 320 is transported to the housing 10C. The medium 500 on which the image has been formed is then removed through an opening provided in the housing 10C.

[0026] The mechanism for moving the mounting base 320 along the transport rail 310 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be configured to self-propel by providing a motor or other drive device on the legs 321, or a motor or other drive device for pulling the legs 321 may be provided on the transport rail 310 side. Furthermore, the mechanism for raising and lowering the base 322 is not particularly limited. For example, the leg portion 321 may be provided with a rack and pinion and a motor to raise and lower the base 322. Alternatively, the leg portion 321 may be provided with a gear or other mechanism that is linked to the height of the base 322, allowing the height of the base 322 to be adjusted manually.

[0027] When adjusting the height using a motor or other drive device, the user may use information on the height of the mounting surface, information on the thickness of the medium 500 entered by the user, or sensor output. The sensor output includes information such as the height relative to the reference height, and the pressure and strain acting on the leg portion 321 when the medium 500 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 131.

[0028] The base portion 322 may be equipped with grooves, protrusions, fasteners, etc., used for positioning the medium 500 and the jig 323. These are just examples of structures and mechanisms for positioning, and they may be combined and provided on the base portion 322. For example, if a fastener is provided on the base portion 322, the jig 323 can be fixedly attached to the mounting surface regardless of the shape of the jig 323. By integrating the jig 323 with the base portion 322 using the fastener, misalignment of the image transfer is reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, the base portion 322 is mounted so as to be able to rise and fall relative to the leg portion 321 in response to pressure from above. The configuration that enables the base portion 322 to rise and fall is achieved, for example, by placing rubber, springs, or other elastic materials at the joint between the base portion 322 and the leg portion 321. By adopting this type of configuration, the impact when the medium 500 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 131 of the transfer portion 100 is mitigated.

[0030] The jig 323 is a device that can be attached to the base portion 322 as needed. The jig 323 has a shape, structure, and mechanism that corresponds to the structure and mechanism of the mounting surface side of the base portion 322. For example, holes for inserting screws into screw holes on the mounting surface, holes for inserting pins provided on the mounting surface, and positioning protrusions or grooves are formed on the lower surface or sides of the jig 323. The upper surface of the jig 323 is provided with a shape, structure, and mechanism suitable for holding the medium 500 to be mounted. The jig 323 may be prepared for each medium 500 to be mounted, or a jig 323 capable of accommodating multiple shapes and sizes may be prepared.

[0031] <Configuration of the fixing unit 200> Next, the configuration of the fixing unit 200 will be explained. In this embodiment, the fixing unit 200 passes through both the medium 500 before the image is transferred and the medium 500 after the image has been transferred. Furthermore, the fixing unit 200 in this embodiment includes not only an operating mode for fixing the transferred image onto the medium 500 (hereinafter referred to as the "fixing mode"), but also an operating mode for passing the transferred image through the medium 500 without fixing it (hereinafter referred to as the "non-fixing mode").

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the configuration of the fixing unit 200. Figure 3 shows the case where the openings 201 and 202, which are the entrances and exits of the housing 10B, are in the open state. The opening 201 is opened when inserting or removing the medium 500 from the housing 10A, and closed when fixing the transferred image onto the medium 500. The opening 202 is opened when inserting or removing the medium 500 from the housing 10C, and closed when fixing the transferred image onto the medium 500.

[0033] In Figure 3, a retractable shutter 220 is installed as an opening / closing member in opening 201. Similarly, a retractable shutter 230 is installed as an opening / closing member in opening 202. In Figure 3, since openings 201 and 202 are in the open state, both retractable shutters 220 and 230 are rolled up. However, to close them, the ends of shutters 220 and 230 are extended to near the transport rail 310. When the medium 500 is loaded into the fixing unit 200 to fix the image, only the shutter 220 on the side of opening 201 is opened, while the shutter 230 on the opposite side of opening 202 remains closed. This reduces the temperature drop of the fixing unit 200. On the other hand, when unloading the medium 500 with the image fixed, only the shutter 230 on the side of opening 202 may be opened, while the shutter 220 on the opposite side of opening 201 may remain closed or may be opened.

[0034] In this embodiment, the fixing unit 200 (see Figure 1) employs a non-contact heating method. Therefore, it is possible to fix images to media 500 of various thicknesses and shapes. In Figure 3, the heat source 210 is attached to the ceiling of the fixing section 200. However, the heat source 210 is not limited to the ceiling; it may also be attached to the wall, or to both the ceiling and the wall. For the heat source 210, for example, a halogen lamp, a ceramic heater, or an infrared lamp can be used. In this embodiment, the particles melt due to heating and are fixed to the surface of the medium 500.

[0035] In Figure 3, a retractable shutter 240 is installed between the heat source 210 and the space through which the medium 500 passes (hereinafter also referred to as the "heating chamber"). Figure 3 shows the state in which the retractable shutter 240 is extended, i.e., the state in which the heat source 210 is separated from the heating chamber. The shutter 240 is made of a material with thermal insulation properties. In the case of Figure 3, a temperature sensor 250 is provided in the heating chamber. The room temperature measured by the temperature sensor 250 is output to the processing unit 400 (see Figure 1).

[0036] If the room temperature in the heating chamber is higher than the temperature at which the image can be fixed (hereinafter referred to as the "reference value"), the transferred image will be fixed to the medium 500. On the other hand, if the room temperature is lower than the reference value, the transferred image will not be fixed to the medium 500. The reference value is affected by the type of transferred particles and the thermal conductivity of the medium 500, among other factors. In addition to room temperature, the time spent in the heating chamber is also taken into consideration when determining image fixation.

[0037] <Configuration of Processing Unit 400> In this embodiment, the processing unit 400 (see Figure 1) is provided in the housing 10A (see Figure 1) where the transfer unit 100 (see Figure 1) is located. Alternatively, the processing unit 400 may be located in the housing 10B where the fixing unit 200 (see Figure 1) is located, or in the housing 10C which has an opening for inserting and removing the medium 500. Furthermore, the processing unit 400 may be externally attached to the housings 10A, 10B, and 10C of the image forming apparatus 10, or it may be configured to communicate over a network.

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates an example configuration of the processing unit 400. The processing unit 400 includes a processor 410, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 420 in which the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and other data are stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 430 used as the work area of ​​the processor 410, an auxiliary storage device 440, a user interface 450, a communication interface 460, and an I / O interface 470. The processor 410 is connected to other devices via buses and other signal lines 480.

[0039] The processor 410 is a device that performs various functions through program execution. The processor 410, ROM 420, and RAM 430 function as a computer. The auxiliary storage device 440 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor storage. Programs and various types of data are stored in the auxiliary storage device 440. Here, "program" is used as a general term encompassing the OS (Operating System), firmware, and application programs.

[0040] In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 440 is built into the enclosure 10A, but it may be externally connected to the enclosure 10A via the I / O interface 470, or it may be a portable memory that can be attached to and detached from the enclosure 10A. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 440 may reside on the network to which the communication interface 460 is connected. The user interface 450 includes a touch panel used for displaying images for operation and receiving input, operation buttons, a speaker, and the like. The touch panel consists of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (=Electro Luminescence) display, or other display, and a capacitive sensor that detects changes in capacitance.

[0041] The communication interface 460 is an interface for communicating with terminals on the network. The communication interface 460 supports various communication standards. These communication standards include, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and mobile communication systems. The I / O interface 470 is an interface for communicating with the transfer unit 100 (see Figure 1), the fixing unit 200 (see Figure 1), and the transport unit 300 (see Figure 1).

[0042] <Adjustment operation> As mentioned above, the thickness and shape of the media 500 vary. Therefore, an adjustment operation is performed before continuously forming images on multiple media 500 of the same thickness and shape. Specifically, an adjustment is performed to match the height of the top of the media 500 to the height of the transfer position on the intermediate transfer belt 131.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the adjustment process. During height calibration P1, the medium 500, which is brought in through the opening of the housing 10C, is attached to the mounting surface of the mounting base 320. In the example shown in Figure 5, a jig 323 is attached to the upper surface of the base portion 322, and the medium 500 is attached to the upper surface of the jig 323.

[0044] When the medium 500 is attached to the jig 323, height calibration P1 is started. When height calibration P1 starts, the legs 321 are lowered from their initial position. This lowering is performed to prevent the top of the medium 500 from contacting the bottom end of the intermediate transfer belt 131 when the mounting base 320 is moved horizontally to the intermediate transfer belt 131. The amount of lowering is predetermined. For example, the mounting base 320 is moved to the lowest end of the range of motion of the legs 321. Hereinafter, the height of the mounting base 320 after lowering will be referred to as the "transport height".

[0045] Once the mounting base 320 is lowered to the transport height, horizontal transport of the mounting base 320 begins. At this point, the mounting base 320 passes through the fixing section 200 and is transported to a position opposite the intermediate transfer belt 131. Upon reaching the target location, the horizontal transport of the mounting base 320 is temporarily stopped. At this position, the leg portion 321 rises and detects the height at which the top of the medium 500 and the lower end of the intermediate transfer belt 131 come into contact (hereinafter also referred to as the "transfer execution height"). This detection operation is the height calibration P1. The medium 500, positioned at the transfer execution height, is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 131 with a force suitable for transfer.

[0046] The transfer execution height is stored as the height of the leg portion 321 in the RAM 430 (see Figure 4) and auxiliary storage device 440 (see Figure 4) of the processing unit 400. Once the height calibration P1 is complete, the legs 321 descend again to the transport height, releasing contact between the medium 500 and the intermediate transfer belt 131. In Figure 5, this lifting and lowering motion is represented by arrow a. Once the mounting base 320 is lowered to the transport height, it is transported to the preparation position for transfer. In Figure 5, this transport operation is represented by arrow b.

[0047] When the mounting base 320 arrives at the preparation position, its horizontal transport is temporarily stopped. At this position, the leg portion 321 rises, positioning the top of the medium 500 at the transfer execution height. This positioning operation is the transfer preparation operation P2. This positioning operation is represented by arrow a. When the mounting base 320 is positioned at the transfer execution height, the transfer operation P3 is started.

[0048] When the transfer operation P3 begins, the mounting base 320 is transported horizontally in conjunction with the formation of the image on the intermediate transfer belt 131. In Figure 5, this transport operation is represented by arrow c. The image that has been initially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 131 is located at the lowest point of the intermediate transfer belt 131 when the medium 500 is transported to the transfer position. Therefore, as the medium 500 is transported horizontally, the entire image is transferred to the medium 500.

[0049] <Fusing Mode> Figure 6 illustrates the operation of the fixing unit 200 when fixing an image. Figure 6 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the medium 500 is stationary in the heating chamber. However, the medium 500 may continue to move at a low speed in the direction of the housing 10C. In the fixing unit 200, the image is fixed to the surface of the medium 500 by heating the room temperature of the heating chamber to a value above the standard value. For this reason, the ends of shutters 220 and 230 are lowered to the vicinity of the transport rail 310. As a result, openings 201 and 202 are closed, and the room temperature of the heating chamber becomes above the standard value suitable for fixing.

[0050] <Non-fixed mode> Figure 7 illustrates the operation of the fixing unit 200 when the image is not fixed. Figure 7 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 6. For example, when forming an image on a new medium 500, the image quality may be checked by a so-called test print. However, since the unit price of the medium 500 assumed in this embodiment is relatively high, a test print is provided in which the image is transferred to the medium 500, but the transferred image is not fixed to the medium 500. In other words, a non-fixing mode is provided.

[0051] Therefore, in the non-fixing mode shown in Figure 7, shutters 220 and 230 are wound up, and both openings 201 and 202 are open. Since both openings 201 and 202 are open, outside air flows into the heating chamber, and hot air flows out in its place. This lowers the room temperature. In the case of Figure 7, shutter 240 is pulled out, separating the heat source 210 from the heating chamber. Therefore, the room temperature in the heating chamber tends to fall below the standard value. In the case of a test print, the room temperature is lowered below the standard value by controlling the openings 201 and 202 to be open before transferring the image to the medium 500. In this state, the transport unit 300 allows the medium 500 to pass through without stopping it at the fixing unit 200. As a result, the transferred toner and other materials do not become fixed to the surface of the medium 500. Consequently, after checking the image quality of the medium 500 removed from the housing 10C, the transferred toner and other materials can be removed, making the medium 500 reusable.

[0052] <Control operation> Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation performed by processor 410 (see Figure 4). In the figure, the symbol S represents a step. The processor 410 that launched the program determines whether the user has instructed the user to enter non-fixed mode (Step 1). The "non-fixing mode" can sometimes be interpreted as literally "printing without fixing the image," or it can be interpreted as "test print." However, even if the wording is "test print," if the printing involves image fixing, it will be treated as "fixing mode."

[0053] If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the processor 410 sets the operating mode to non-fixing mode (step 2). When set to non-fixing mode, the processor 410 maintains the open state of the openings 201 and 202 of the fixing unit 200 even after starting the height calibration P1. It also pulls out the shutter 240 and stops heating the heating chamber by the heat source 210.

[0054] Next, the processor 410 transfers the image to the medium 500 (step 3). Subsequently, the processor 410 determines whether the temperature of the fuser unit 200 is above a reference value (step 4). The temperature here is the room temperature of the heating chamber measured by the temperature sensor 250 (see Figure 3).

[0055] If a positive result is obtained in step 4, the processor 410 temporarily suspends the feeding of the image-transferred medium into the fixing unit 200 (step 5). After this, the processor 410 returns to the determination in step 4. As long as a positive result is obtained in step 4, the processor 410 repeats the processes in steps 4 and 5.

[0056] If the temperature of the fixing unit 200 falls below the reference value, a negative result is obtained in step 4. If a negative result is obtained in step 4, the processor 410 transports the medium on which the image has been transferred to the discharge position without stopping it in the fixing unit 200 (step 6). In this case, in addition to the temperature of the fixing unit 200 being below the reference value, the medium 500 passes through the fixing unit 200 without stopping, so even if an image has been transferred to the surface of the medium 500, it will not be fixed.

[0057] If a negative result is obtained in step 1, the processor 410 determines whether or not the user instructed a change in the medium 500 (step 7). Even if the user has specified a fixing mode, if the thickness or shape of the media 500 has been instructed to be changed, height calibration and other adjustments are likely to be necessary. Therefore, in this embodiment, if a positive result is obtained in step 7, the processor 410 sets the operating mode to non-fixed mode (step 2). Steps 3 to 6 are then executed.

[0058] In contrast, if a negative result is obtained in step 7, the processor 410 sets the operating mode to the fixing mode (step 8). Next, the processor 410 transfers the image to the medium 500 (step 9). Subsequently, the processor 410 loads the medium onto which the image has been transferred into the fixing unit 200 and heats it (step 10). Since this is the fixing mode, the temperature of the heating chamber is above the reference value. As a result, the image is fixed to the surface of the medium 500. Subsequently, the processor 410 transports the image-fixed medium 500 to the ejection position (step 11).

[0059] <Embodiment 2> This embodiment describes the case where an infrared laser or ultraviolet laser is used to fix the image. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the fixing unit 200A used in the image forming apparatus 10 assumed in Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 3. The fixing unit 200A shown in Figure 9 is equipped with a laser light source 210A that emits laser light to melt the particles transferred to the medium 500.

[0060] When using the laser light source 210A, the surface of the medium 500 is heated locally, so shutters 220, 230, and 240 are not provided. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 250 is also unnecessary. In the second embodiment, during the fixing mode, the laser light source 210A generates laser light, locally heating the surface of the medium 500 that has been fed into the fixing unit 200A. The image is fixed to the surface of the medium 500 by melting the toner and other materials due to the heating. On the other hand, in non-fixing mode, the generation of laser light from the laser light source 210A is stopped. Therefore, even if the medium 500 on which the image has been transferred passes through the fixing unit 200A, the image is not fixed to the medium 500.

[0061] <Embodiment 3> This embodiment describes the case in which an image is fixed by contact with the medium 500. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the fixing unit 200B used in the image forming apparatus 10 assumed in Embodiment 3. Figure 10 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts in Figure 9. The fixing unit 200B shown in Figure 10 is equipped with a fixing roller 210B that applies pressure and heat to melt the toner or the like transferred to the medium 500.

[0062] Mode M1 is a diagram illustrating the position of the fixing roller 210B in fixing mode. In fixing mode, the fixing roller 210B is lowered to a height that contacts the surface of the horizontally moving medium 500. Mode M2 ​​is a diagram illustrating the position of the fixing roller 210B in non-fixing mode. In non-fixing mode, the fixing roller 210B is raised to a height where it does not come into contact with the surface of the horizontally moving medium 500. In other words, the fixing roller 210B is retracted from the transport path.

[0063] <Other Embodiments> (1) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is clear from the claims that embodiments with various modifications or improvements made to those described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0064] (2) In the above-described embodiment, a plate-shaped article was assumed as the medium 500, but the medium 500 may be a sphere, cylinder, frustum or other three-dimensional shape as long as its thickness and shape are standardized.

[0065] (3) In the embodiments described above, metal, glass, tiles, etc. were given as examples of the material of the medium 500, but cloth, paper, plastic, etc. may also be used.

[0066] (4) In the above-described embodiment, an opening is provided on the top surface of the housing 10C, and the medium 500 is attached to and removed from the mounting base 320 through the opening, but the opening may also be formed on the side surface of the housing 10C.

[0067] (5) In the above-described embodiment, a shutter 240 is placed between the heat source 210 of the fixing unit 200 and the space through which the medium 500 passes, but a configuration without a shutter 240 is also possible. In addition, the heat source 210 may be turned off in non-fixing mode.

[0068] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the openings 201 and 202 are controlled to be open in the non-fixed mode, but heat may be actively discharged from the heating chamber using a blower fan or exhaust fan.

[0069] (7) In the above-described embodiment, retractable shutters 220, 230, and 240 are used, but openable doors or sliding doors may also be used.

[0070] (8) In the above-described embodiment, retractable shutters 220, 230, and 240 are used, but curtains with heat insulation properties may also be used.

[0071] (9) In the above-described embodiment, retractable shutters 220, 230, and 240 are used, but air outlets that generate airflow along the openings 201 and 202 may be provided. That is, an air curtain may be placed at the openings 201 and 202. Alternatively, the air curtain may be provided between the heat source 210 and the heating chamber.

[0072] (10) In the above-described embodiment, a temperature sensor 250 is placed in the heating chamber, but a configuration without a temperature sensor 250 may also be adopted. In this case, since the temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 250 cannot be used, the operating mode is controlled according to user operation, etc.

[0073] (11) In the above-described embodiment, an electrophotographic method was used to record the image, but an inkjet method that ejects ink droplets onto the surface of the medium 500 may also be used. In this case, an ink head is an example of the transfer unit 100. When an ink head is used in the transfer unit 100, height calibration is performed to avoid collision between the medium 500 and the ink head.

[0074] (12) In the above-described embodiment, a transport unit 300 is used to move the mounting base 320 along the transport rail 310, but a belt conveyor may be used to transport the medium 500. In order to form images on medium 500 of various thicknesses and shapes, the belt conveyor may be combined with a lifting mechanism that can move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0075] (13) In the above-described embodiment, the mounting position of the medium 500 to the mounting base 320 and the removal position of the medium 500 from the mounting base 320 are located on the same side with respect to the transfer unit 100. However, the mounting position of the medium 500 to the mounting base 320 and the removal position of the medium 500 from the mounting base 320 may be located on either side of the transfer unit 100. In this case, the transfer and fixing of the image are performed while the mounting base 320 moves in one direction.

[0076] (14) In the above-described embodiment, the transfer unit 100 and the fixing unit 200 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, but they may also be arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0077] (15) The processor in the embodiments described above refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes not only general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) but also specialized processors (e.g., GPUs (=Graphical Processing Units), ASICs (=Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (=Field Programmable Gate Arrays), programmable logic devices, etc.). Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the embodiments described above may be performed by a single processor alone, or by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order in which each operation is executed by the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the embodiments described above, but may be changed individually.

[0078] <Note> (((1))) An image forming system comprising: a transport unit for transporting an object; a transfer unit for transferring an image to the object transported by the transport unit; a fixing unit for fixing the image transferred by the transfer unit to the object; and a processor that, in the first mode, controls the fixing unit to a state in which image fixing is possible, and in the second mode, controls the fixing unit to a state in which image fixing is not possible. (((2))) The image forming system according to (((1))), wherein, in the second mode, the processor stops the movement of the object on which the image has been transferred to the fixing unit until the temperature of the fixing unit falls below a reference value. (((3))) The image forming system according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the processor, in the second mode, stops the generation of light for fixing an image onto the object in the fixing unit. (((4))) The image forming system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein the processor, in the second mode, moves the fixing unit, which fixes the image transferred by contact with the object, away from the transport path of the object. (((5))) The image forming system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein the processor transitions to the second mode when it receives a change in the object through the operation unit.

[0079] According to the image forming system described in (((1))), even in the image quality adjustment mode, the amount of waste of the object can be reduced compared to when the transferred image is fixed to the object. According to the image forming system described in (((2))), it is possible to reliably avoid the formation of unintended images. According to the image forming system described in (((3))), it is possible to reliably avoid the formation of unintended images. According to the image forming system described in (((4))), it is possible to reliably avoid the formation of unintended images. According to the image forming system described in (((5))), it is possible to eliminate the need for the operator to specify the adjustment mode. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10…Image forming apparatus, 10A, 10B, 10C…Housing, 100…Transfer section, 110…Developing apparatus, 120…Primary transfer roll, 131…Intermediate transfer belt, 132…Drive roll, 140…Backup roll, 150…Cleaning apparatus, 200, 200A, 200B…Fixing section, 201, 202…Aperture, 210…Heat source, 210A…Laser light source, 210B…Fixing roller, 220, 230, 2 40...Shutter, 250...Temperature sensor, 300...Transport unit, 310...Transport rail, 320...Mounting base, 321...Legs, 322...Base, 323...Jig, 400...Processing unit, 410...Processor, 420...ROM, 430...RAM, 440...Auxiliary storage device, 450...User interface, 460...Communication interface, 470...I / O interface, 480...Signal line, 500...Media

Claims

[Claim 1] A transport unit that transports the object, A transfer unit that transfers an image to an object being transported by the transport unit, A fixing unit that fixes the image transferred by the transfer unit onto an object, In the first mode, the fixing unit is controlled to a state in which the image can be fixed, and in the second mode, the fixing unit is controlled to a state in which the image cannot be fixed, and This is an image forming system having, In the second mode, the processor stops the fixing unit from generating light to fix the image onto the object. Image forming system.

Images