JP2016143038A - Image formation system and method for controlling image formation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress a settings alternation and a work waiting time in image formation where settings are different within a job.SOLUTION: Provided is an image formation system comprising an image formation unit, a plurality of ejection loading units, an insertion unit for inserting paper loaded in a plurality of insertion loading units, and a control unit, in which, when settings are different within a job, separation is made between a preceding execution group and a succeeding execution group according to a difference in the setting, and paper on which an image is formed in the first half of the preceding execution group is ejected separately from one of the plurality of ejection loading units, while paper on which an image is formed in the second half of the preceding execution group is ejected separately from the other of the plurality of ejection loading units. Image formation of the succeeding execution group starts at a time when the paper on which an image is formed in the first half of the preceding execution group and ejected from the one of the ejection loading units is loaded in one of the insertion loading units. The paper on which an image is formed in the first half of the preceding execution group and loaded in one of the insertion loading units and the paper on which an image is formed in the second half of the preceding execution group and loaded in the other of the insertion loading units are inserted at a prescribed midway position for the paper conveyed by image formation of the succeeding execution group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming control method. In particular, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image formation control method capable of efficiently executing a job when a plurality of image formations having different image formation conditions coexist in the job.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been used in the commercial printing field. In this case, a wide variety of conditions are required for the printed material for image formation output. For example, sheets of different thicknesses may be used in a single booklet.
In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a toner image transferred onto a sheet is fixed by heat and pressure to be stabilized. In this case, when thick paper is used, the amount of heat taken away by the paper itself is greater than when thin paper is used.

  As a result, when image formation is performed using thick paper, it is necessary to raise the fixing temperature. On the other hand, when image formation is performed by returning to the plain paper from the state where the thick paper is used, it is necessary to lower the fixing temperature. In recent image forming apparatuses, the heat capacity of the fixing apparatus has been increased in order to perform image formation in a stable state at high speed. That is, since the temperature hardly changes, a certain time is required when the fixing temperature is raised or lowered.

Assume a case in which all plain paper is used as paper and a booklet of 6 copies / copy is created. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the work time for image formation is time Ta. The same applies even if all the sheets are thick.
On the other hand, in the case of a job in which plain paper and thick paper are mixedly used as a paper and two copies of 6 pages / copy are created, time Tchange is required to change the fixing temperature as shown in FIG. Accordingly, when one copy of a booklet is created in the order of thick paper, plain paper, plain paper, thick paper, plain paper, plain paper, the fixing temperature is changed three times per copy. In addition, since the leading and trailing parts of the sheets are different, the fixing temperature can be changed even when the parts are separated. Therefore, the image forming operation time is a time Tb that is significantly longer than the previous time Ta.

In order to reduce the waiting time for changing the fixing temperature as described above, only thick paper is imaged, this thick paper is transferred to the insertion section, then only plain paper is formed, and the thick paper is inserted halfway when the plain paper is discharged. , There is a technique.
This is shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. First, only the thick paper is preceded by the image forming unit 150 to form an image and stack it on the stacking unit 301 (FIGS. 9A and 10A). When the thick paper image formation is completed, the thick paper loaded on the stacking section 310 is moved to the insertion section 210 (FIGS. 9B and 10C, FIGS. 10B and 10C). At this time, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is switched from the temperature of the thick paper to the temperature of the plain paper. At the time when the cardboard on which the image is formed in advance is transferred to the insertion unit 210, image formation on plain paper is executed (FIGS. 9D and 10D). Then, when the plain paper on which the image is formed is discharged, the thick paper is inserted into a necessary place by the insertion unit 210 (FIGS. 9E and 10E). By doing so, the image forming operation time becomes a time Tc slightly shorter than the previous time Tb.

  However, even if the above-described image formation for each fixing temperature (advanced cardboard image formation, subsequent plain paper image formation) is executed, the subsequent image formation must be performed after the preceding image formation is completed. Can't start. Further, it is inevitable that a loss corresponding to the time for the user to move a stack of cardboards on which images have been formed in advance from the stacking unit to the insertion unit will occur. For this reason, the effect of time reduction may be small depending on conditions.

  In addition, regarding the switching of the discharge tray and the discharge port in the discharge of the image forming apparatus, proposals related to the following patent documents have been made.

JP 2014-84193 A JP 2004-238187 A JP 2014-144627 A

  The above-described Patent Document 1 is control for reprinting, and sorting is switched depending on whether or not reprinting is performed. Then, the paper with additional printing is returned from the stacking tray on the discharge side to the paper feed tray. Therefore, no consideration is given to shortening the waiting time in image formation under different conditions such as the fixing temperature described above.

In the above-described Patent Document 2, the sheet discharge tray is switched when an image is formed on a sheet different from the immediately preceding sheet. Therefore, no consideration is given to shortening the waiting time in image formation under different conditions such as the fixing temperature described above.
In the above Patent Document 3, when a paper that cannot be discharged to a designated discharge port is included in a job, the discharge port is switched. Therefore, no consideration is given to shortening the waiting time in image formation under different conditions such as the fixing temperature described above.

  An object of the present invention is to realize an image forming system and an image forming control method capable of minimizing setting change and work waiting time when image formation with different settings exists in a job. Objective.

That is, the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.
(1) An image forming system reflecting one aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data, and a plurality of discharges that stack the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. A stacking unit, an insertion unit for inserting sheets stacked on a plurality of insertion stacking units in the middle of the sheet that is formed and conveyed by the image forming unit, and control of image formation, discharge, and insertion with respect to the sheet A control unit configured to perform the image formation first and the subsequent image formation according to the difference in setting when there is image formation with different settings in the job. Dividing into the subsequent execution group, the sheet on which the image is formed in the first half of the preceding execution group is distributed to one of the plurality of discharge stacking units and discharged, and the sheet on which the image is formed in the second half of the preceding execution group Said plurality of discharges The sheet is controlled so as to be distributed to the other one of the loading sections and discharged, and the sheet formed on the first half of the preceding execution group and discharged first on one of the discharge stacking sections is stacked on one of the insertion stacking sections. Control is performed to start image formation of the succeeding execution group at the time, and the sheet is image-formed in the first half of the preceding execution group stacked on one of the insertion stacking units and stacked on the other of the insertion stacking unit. Further, the insertion unit is controlled so that the sheet of the image formed in the second half of the preceding execution group is inserted into a predetermined position in the middle of the sheet conveyed by the image formation of the subsequent execution group.

  An image forming control method reflecting one aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data, and a plurality of discharges that stack the sheet formed by the image forming unit. A stacking unit, an insertion unit for inserting sheets stacked on a plurality of insertion stacking units in the middle of the sheet that is formed and conveyed by the image forming unit, and control of image formation, discharge, and insertion with respect to the sheet An image forming control method for controlling an image forming system, wherein when image formation with different settings exists in a job, the preceding execution is executed according to the difference in the settings A group that is divided into a group and a subsequent execution group that performs image formation later, and the sheets on which images are formed in the first half of the preceding execution group are distributed to one of the plurality of discharge stacking units and discharged, and the second half of the preceding execution group so The sheet on which the image is formed is controlled to be distributed and discharged to the other of the plurality of discharge stacking units, and the sheet on which an image is formed in the first half of the preceding execution group and discharged first to one of the discharge stacking units Is controlled so as to start image formation of the subsequent execution group when it is stacked on one of the insertion stacking units, and the image is formed on the first half of the preceding execution group stacked on one of the insertion stacking units. The sheet formed on the second half of the preceding execution group loaded on the other of the sheet and the insertion stacking unit is inserted into a predetermined position in the middle of the sheet conveyed by the image formation of the subsequent execution group. The insertion part is controlled.

(2) In the above (1), when the control unit distributes the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units, the control unit sets different sheets in the same unit to different discharge stacking units. Control so that it is not divided.
(3) In the above (1) to (2), an operation display unit that receives an operation and displays a status is provided, and the control unit sets the sheet on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group as the first half and the second half. The display for inquiring the ratio to be distributed to the plurality of discharge stacking sections is performed on the operation display section, and the ratio is determined based on an instruction input from the operation display section.

(4) In the above (1) to (3), when the control unit sorts and discharges the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, A distribution ratio is determined based on the alignment capability of each of the plurality of discharge stacking units.
(5) In the above (4), the control unit has a low matching capability when the sheets formed by the preceding execution group are distributed to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half. The discharge stacking unit is determined so that the ratio is smaller than that of the discharge stacking unit having a high matching capability.

  (6) In the above (1) to (5), when the control unit sorts and discharges the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, In the case where the distances to the insertion portions are different in each of the plurality of discharge stacking portions, the order in which sorting is performed so that the discharge stacking portions close to the insertion portions are discharged first is determined.

(7) In the above (1) to (6), a display unit for displaying a state is provided, and the control unit displays information on the insertion stacking unit to which the sheet discharged to the discharge stacking unit is to be transferred. Control to display on the display unit.
(8) In the above (1) to (7), a lock mechanism for locking insertion / extraction or opening / closing of each of the insertion stacking units is provided, and the control unit should transfer the paper discharged to the discharge stacking unit Control is performed so that the insertion stacking unit other than the insertion stacking unit is locked by the lock mechanism.

  (1) In the image forming system and the image forming control method in which one aspect of the present invention is reflected, when there is image formation with different settings in a job, the preceding image formation is executed according to the difference in the settings. The execution group is divided into a subsequent execution group that performs image formation later, and the paper on which the image is formed in the first half of the preceding execution group is sorted and discharged to one of the plurality of discharge stacking units, and the image is formed in the second half of the preceding execution group Paper is distributed to the other of the plurality of discharge stacking sections and discharged, and the image formed in the first half of the preceding execution group and discharged first to one of the discharge stacking sections is fed to one of the insertion stacking sections. Control is performed so that image formation of the subsequent execution group is started at the time of stacking, and the image formed on the first half of the preceding execution group stacked on one of the insertion stacking units and the preceding stacked on the other of the insertion stacking units. Image shape in the second half of the execution group Has been paper, it controls the insertion portion to be inserted into a predetermined position in the middle of the sheet conveyed by the image forming subsequent execution groups.

  Here, in order to control so that the image formation of the subsequent execution group can be started when the paper image formed in the first half of the preceding execution group and discharged first on one of the discharge stacking sections is stacked on one of the insertion stacking sections. The image formation of the succeeding execution group can be started before the latter half of the preceding execution group is placed on the insertion portion.

In addition, since the sheets of the preceding execution group are divided into the first half and the second half, it is possible to transfer the sheets to the insertion stacking unit in a short time. Therefore, when there are image formations with different settings in the job, it is possible to minimize setting changes and work waiting time.
(2) In the above (1), in order to control so that the sheets included in the same part are not separated into different discharge stacking units when distributing the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to a plurality of discharge stacking units. Insertion from the insertion stacking unit can be executed in a stable state.

  (3) In the above (1) to (2), an operation display unit for receiving an operation and displaying a status is provided, and sheets formed with an image in the preceding execution group are arranged in a plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half. Since the display for inquiring the distribution ratio is displayed on the operation display unit and the ratio is determined based on the instruction input from the operation display unit, it is possible to execute image formation with insertion in a state according to the user's intention.

  (4) In the above (1) to (3), when the sheets on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group are distributed to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, the respective alignments of the plurality of discharge stacking units are aligned. Since the distribution ratio is determined based on the capability, image formation can be executed with insertion of a stable state without providing extra time for alignment.

  (5) In the above (4), when the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group is distributed to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, the discharge stacking unit having a low matching capability is Since the ratio is determined so as to be smaller than that of the high discharge stacking portion, it is possible to execute image formation with insertion in a stable state without providing extra time for alignment.

  (6) In the above (1) to (5), when the paper on which an image is formed in the preceding execution group is sorted and discharged to the plurality of discharge stacking sections in the first half and the second half, they are inserted in each of the plurality of discharge stacking sections. When the distance to the printing unit is different, the first half of the preceding execution group is transferred to the loading and stacking unit in a short time in order to determine the order in which the discharge stacking unit close to the insertion unit is discharged first. It becomes possible. Therefore, when there are image formations with different settings in the job, it is possible to minimize setting changes and work waiting time.

(7) In the above (1) to (6), a display unit for displaying the status is provided, and control is performed so that information on the insertion stacking unit to which the sheet discharged to the discharge stacking unit is to be transferred is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, it is possible to perform image formation that is safe and reliable and that is accompanied by insertion in a short time.
(8) In the above (1) to (7), each insertion stacking unit is provided with a lock mechanism for locking insertion / extraction or opening / closing, and other insertions other than the insertion stacking unit to which the sheet discharged to the discharge stacking unit should be transferred Since the loading unit is controlled to be locked by the lock mechanism, image formation with insertion can be executed safely and reliably.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is description which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is description which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is description which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional operation | movement.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, in the image forming apparatus or the image forming system, when there is image formation with different settings in the job, it is possible to minimize setting change and waiting time for work. An embodiment of a system and an image formation control method will be described in detail.
[Configuration of image forming system]
Here, a configuration example of the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

1 and 2, the image forming system 1 includes a paper feeding device 50, an image forming device 100, an insertion device 200, a discharge device 300, and a discharge device 400.
The sheet feeding device 50 includes a sheet feeding control unit 51, a communication unit 52, and a sheet feeding unit 55. The paper feed control unit 51 performs various controls related to paper feed. The communication unit 52 communicates with the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. The paper feeding unit 55 is configured by a large capacity paper feeding unit, and supplies paper to the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, an operation display unit 103, a storage unit 104, a paper feeding unit 105, a conveyance unit 107, a document reading unit 110, and a read signal processing unit 120. The image data storage unit 130, the image processing unit 140, the image forming unit 150, and the fixing unit 160 are configured.

  Here, the control unit 101 controls each unit in the image forming apparatus 100. The communication unit 102 communicates with other connected devices. The operation display unit 103 receives an operation input by the user and displays the status of the image forming apparatus 100. The storage unit 104 stores various settings. The paper feed unit 105 feeds the paper stored in the paper feed tray. The transport unit 107 transports paper in the apparatus. The document reading unit 110 reads an image of a document with an image sensor. The read signal processing unit 120 processes a read signal obtained by the image sensor. The image data storage unit 130 stores various data such as job data before RIP and image data after RIP. The image processing unit 140 executes various image processes necessary for image formation. The image forming unit 150 forms an image on a sheet based on an image forming command and image data. The fixing unit 160 stabilizes an image formed by toner formed on a sheet with heat and pressure.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 150 includes an image carrier on which a toner image is formed, a charging unit that charges the image carrier at a predetermined potential, and image data on the charged image carrier. An exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image by performing appropriate exposure, a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and an intermediate transfer member on which the toner images on the image carriers of the respective colors are combined And a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer member to a sheet. Although the image forming unit 150 that forms a color image is shown here, an image forming unit for only one color may be used.

  The insertion device 200 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, and an insertion unit 210. Here, the control unit 201 controls each unit of the insertion device 200 based on an instruction from the control unit 101. The communication unit 202 communicates with the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 102. The insertion unit 210 inserts sheets stacked on a plurality of insertion stacking units (insertion stacking unit 210 a and insertion stacking unit 210 b) into sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. The insertion device 200 may be configured to include a plurality of insertion stacking units in the intermediate processing device.

  The discharge device 300 includes a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a discharge stacking unit 310, and a discharge unit 390. Here, the control unit 301 controls each unit of the discharge device 300 based on an instruction from the control unit 101. The communication unit 302 communicates with the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 102. The discharge stacking unit 310 holds discharged sheets in a stacked state. The discharge unit 390 holds the discharged paper on the paper discharge tray.

  The discharge device 400 includes a control unit 401, a communication unit 402, a discharge stacking unit 410, and a discharge unit 490. Here, the control unit 401 controls each unit of the discharge device 400 based on an instruction from the control unit 101. The communication unit 402 communicates with the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 102. The discharge stacking unit 410 holds discharged sheets in a stacked state. The discharge unit 490 holds the discharged paper on the paper discharge tray.

  Note that the discharge device 300 and the discharge device 400 may be configured to include a plurality of discharge stacking units with one discharge device. Further, the discharge device 300 and the discharge device 400 may be configured to include a discharge stacking unit and a discharge unit in the post-processing device. Further, the insertion device 200, the discharge device 300, and the discharge device 400 may be configured to include a plurality of insertion stacking units and a plurality of discharge stacking units with a single device. Further, the image forming system 1 may have a configuration in which various intermediate processing apparatuses and post-processing apparatuses (not shown) are connected.

[Operation example of image forming system]
Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings and the explanatory diagrams of FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings.
Here, the operation of the image forming system 1 is an image forming control method. This image formation control method is realized by the control unit 101 executing an image formation control program.

The control unit 101 receives a job execution instruction from an external device via the communication unit 102 or the operation display unit 103 (step S101 in FIG. 3).
The control unit 101 determines whether or not the execution-instructed job includes setting condition switching in the middle of the job (step S102 in FIG. 3). Here, the switching of the setting conditions includes switching of the fixing temperature, switching of the charging voltage, switching of the developing bias, switching of color / monochrome, switching of the process ship side, etc. This corresponds to a paper that is not completed within the paper interval time in forming. Therefore, it does not include those that complete switching instantly.

  If switching of setting conditions is not included in the middle of the job (NO in step S102 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 executes image formation for the job to the last part / last page as usual ( Steps S104 and S105 in FIG. 3 complete the processing (END in FIG. 3).

When switching of setting conditions is included in the middle of a job (YES in step S102 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 determines an execution order, a paper discharge position, and an insertion position as follows.
First, it is assumed that the job is to create N copies of a booklet of X pages per copy. Here, the control unit 101 sets x = 0 as an initial value for a variable x representing a page in one copy (step S106 in the figure) and increments by one page (step S107 in FIG. 3). Then, the setting conditions designated for page x in the job are read (step S108 in FIG. 3).

Here, regarding the set condition, it is assumed that condition 1 and condition 2 exist in each part. For example, it is assumed that condition 1 is a normal fixing temperature for plain paper (155 ° C. to 170 ° C.), and condition 2 is a high fixing temperature for thick paper (180 ° C. to 190 ° C.).
The control unit 101 determines the assignment of the page corresponding to the condition 2 as the preceding execution group (step S110 in FIG. 3) and the page corresponding to the condition 1 as the subsequent execution group (step S111 in FIG. 3).

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, a sheet of a page corresponding to condition 2 is first formed as a preceding execution group, and is used as an insertion sheet for the subsequent execution group. For this reason, it is desirable to assign the condition that there are many pages in the job as condition 1 and the condition that there are few pages in the job as condition 2.

Allocation of the preceding execution group and the subsequent execution group based on the above setting conditions is performed for all pages in one copy by incrementing x (steps S112 to S107 in FIG. 3).
For example, a specific example of a job for creating two 6-page / copy booklets shown in FIG. 4 will be described. Here, it is assumed that there are 2 pages of cardboard per copy and 4 pages of plain paper per copy. In this case, the preceding execution group is 4 pages ((2 pages / part) × 2 parts). Further, the subsequent execution group is 8 pages ((4 pages / part) × 2 parts).

In addition, the control unit 101 determines a ratio z for distributing the former execution group to the former half and the latter half of the image formation of the preceding execution group (step S113 in FIG. 3).
Here, the control is performed so that the discharge stacking unit is different for the first half image formation and the second half image formation of the preceding execution group. For example, the discharge stacking unit 310 is assigned to the first half image formation of the preceding execution group, and the discharge stacking unit 410 is assigned to the second half image formation of the preceding execution group.

  In addition, the first and second image formations of the preceding execution group are assigned so that the insertion stacking portions at the time of insertion are different. For example, the insertion stacking unit 210a is assigned to image formation in the first half of the preceding execution group, and the insertion stacking unit 210b is assigned to image formation in the second half of the preceding execution group.

  The control unit 101 displays on the operation display unit 103 an inquiry about the ratio z for allocating the first half and the second half of image formation of the preceding execution group, and determines the ratio z based on a numerical value input from the user to the operation display unit 103. be able to. When the value that can be taken as the ratio z is limited, it is preferable that the control unit 101 displays the value that can be taken as z as an option on the operation display unit 103 and allows the user to select it.

  In addition, the control unit 101 can determine the ratio z in accordance with the matching ability of the discharge stacking unit allocated in the first half and the second half of image formation of the preceding execution group. In this case, the ratio z is determined within a range that does not exceed the matching capability of each discharge stacking unit. That is, each discharge stacking unit 310 is assigned according to the alignment capability of the discharge stacking unit 310 assigned in the first half of image formation of the preceding execution group and the alignment capability of the discharge stacking unit 410 assigned in the second half of image formation of the preceding execution group. , 410 is within a range that does not exceed the matching capability, the ratio z is determined by the control unit 101. For example, when sorting and discharging to a plurality of discharge stacking units 310 and 410, the discharge stacking unit having a low matching capability is determined to have a smaller ratio than the discharge stacking unit having a high matching capability.

  In addition, when the control unit 101 distributes and discharges the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, the distance to the insertion unit is different in each of the plurality of discharge stacking units. Then, the order in which sorting is performed so that the discharge stacking unit close to the insertion unit is discharged first is determined. In the example of FIG. 2, when the control unit 101 sorts and discharges the paper on which an image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units 310 and 410 in the first half and the second half, it is inserted in each of the plurality of discharge stacking units. Since the distance to the section 210 is different, the order of sorting is determined so that the first half of the sheet for the preceding execution is discharged to the discharge stacking section 310 close to the insertion section 210.

  Here, the variable indicating the part of the booklet included in the job to be executed is set to y, and the control unit 101 sets the initial value of y to 0 (step S114 in FIG. 3) and increments y (in FIG. 3). Step S115), y and z × N are compared in magnitude (step S116 in FIG. 3). z is the above-described ratio, and N is the number of booklets created by the job.

  If y is equal to or smaller than z × N (YES in step S116 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 distributes the sheets of the preceding execution group included in the part y to the first half (step S117 in FIG. 3). ). If y exceeds z × N (NO in step S116 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 distributes the paper of the preceding execution group included in the part y to the second half (step S118 in FIG. 3). ).

  In the specific example of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the distribution ratio z = 0.5 and N = 2. If y = 1 in the first copy, y ≦ (z × N) = 0.5 × 2 = 1 is satisfied, so that the two thick paper sheets in the first copy are distributed to the first half. If y = 2 in the second copy, y ≦ (z × N) = 0.5 × 2 = 1 is not satisfied, so the two thick paper sheets in the second copy are distributed in the second half.

  As described above, after the image formation is assigned to the preceding execution group and the subsequent execution group, and the preceding execution group is assigned to the first half and the second half according to the ratio z, the control unit 101 sets the setting conditions such as the fixing temperature. Is set to Condition 2, image formation of the preceding execution group is started (step S120 in FIG. 3).

  Here, the control unit 101 controls each unit so that the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to different discharge stacking units in the first half image formation of the preceding execution group and the second half image formation of the preceding execution group (FIG. 3). Middle step S121). For example, in the first half image formation of the preceding execution group, each part is controlled so as to discharge the sheet on which the image has been formed to the discharge stacking unit 310 (FIG. 5 (a1), FIG. 6 (a1)). In image formation, each unit is controlled so that the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge stacking unit 410 (FIG. 5 (a2), FIG. 6 (a2)).

  When image formation in the first half of the preceding execution group and loading on the discharge stacking unit 310 are completed (YES in step S122 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 causes the discharge stacking unit 310 to perform image formation in the first half of the preceding execution group. Control is performed so that the position of the insertion stacking unit 210a, which is the destination of the loaded paper, and how to insert the paper into the insertion stacking unit 210a are displayed on the operation display unit 103 (step S123 in FIG. 3).

  In parallel with this, the control unit 101 releases the lock of the insertion stacking unit 210a, which is the transfer destination of the paper placed on the discharge stacking unit 310 by the first half image formation of the preceding execution group (in FIG. 3). Step S124). It should be noted that other insertion stacking portions 210b that are not used at this time are kept in a locked state.

  When the user transfers the sheet formed by the first half image formation of the preceding execution group from the discharge stacking unit 310 to the insertion stacking unit 210a by the display and unlocking of the operation display unit 103 (FIG. 5 (b1), FIG. 6 (b1)). This transfer is detected by a sensor or the like of the insertion stacking unit 210a (YES in step S125 in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 (c1), FIG. 6 (c1)). In addition to detection by a sensor or the like, it may be input that the user has completed placement on the display of the operation display unit indicating the transfer destination described above.

  In this manner, when a sheet of the first half of the preceding execution group is formed on the insertion stacking unit 210a, the control unit 101 sets a flag that image formation of the subsequent execution group can be started. That is, the control unit 101 sets the setting condition such as the fixing temperature to the condition 2 when image formation in the latter half of the preceding execution group is completed, and starts image formation assigned as the subsequent execution group (in FIG. 3). Step S126, FIG. 5 (d), FIG. 6 (d)).

In the image formation of the subsequent execution group, the image formation is performed in a state where the timing for inserting the paper of the preceding execution group is left (a broken line portion in FIG. 6D).
Further, at the time when the latter half image formation of the preceding execution group and the stacking on the discharge stacking unit 410 are completed, the control unit 101 transfers the paper placed on the discharge stacking unit 410 by the latter half image formation of the preceding execution group. The operation display unit 103 is controlled to display the position of the previous insertion stacking unit 210b and how to put paper into the insertion stacking unit 210b. In parallel with this, the control unit 101 releases the lock of the insertion stacking unit 210b, which is the transfer destination of the sheet placed on the discharge stacking unit 410 by the second half image formation of the preceding execution group (in FIG. 3). Step S127). At this time, the insertion stacking unit 210a is kept in a locked state. By such display and unlocking of the operation display unit 103, the user transfers the sheet formed by the latter half of the preceding execution group from the discharge stacking unit 410 to the insertion stacking unit 210b (FIGS. 5B2 to 5C2). FIG. 6 (b2) to (c2)).

  Then, the control unit 101 inserts the sheet of the preceding execution group from the insertion unit 210 in accordance with the timing of the sheet on which the image is formed and discharged in the subsequent execution group (step S128 in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 (e1), (E2), FIG. 6 (e1), (e2)). By this insertion, the sheets on which the images are formed are arranged in the order specified by the job. The paper discharged in this way is discharged to a discharge unit 390 or a discharge unit 490 designated in advance. Note that the image formation of the subsequent execution group and the insertion of the paper of the preceding execution group are repeated until all pages of all the parts designated by the job are completed (steps S128 to S129 in FIG. 3).

[Effect obtained by the embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, the image of the subsequent execution group is formed at the time when the sheet that has been image-formed in the first half of the preceding execution group and discharged to one of the discharge stacking sections is transferred (stacked) to one of the insertion stacking sections. The formation has begun. For this reason, when the image formed in the first half of the preceding execution group before the image formation of the preceding execution group is completed and discharged to one of the discharge stacking units is transferred (stacked) to one of the insertion stacking units, Control is performed so that image formation of the subsequent execution group can be started.

  In other words, at the timing when image formation in the second half of the preceding execution group is executed, the sheet on which the image has been formed in the first half of the preceding execution group can be transferred to the insertion unit. As a result, image formation of the subsequent execution group can be started before the second half of the sheet of the previous execution group is placed on the insertion portion.

  In addition, since the sheets of the preceding execution group are divided into the first half and the second half, it is possible to transfer the sheets to the insertion stacking unit in a short time. Therefore, when there are image formations with different settings in the job, it is possible to minimize setting changes and work waiting time. This effect is also apparent when comparing FIG. 9 for explaining the conventional state and FIG. 6 for showing the state when the present embodiment is executed under the same conditions.

(2) In the above (1), when distributing the paper on which an image is formed in the preceding execution group to a plurality of discharge stacking units, in order to prevent the sheets included in the same unit from being separated into different discharge stacking units. I have control. For this reason, the insertion from the insertion stacking unit can be executed in a stable state.
(3) In the above (1) to (2), the operation display unit 103 is displayed on the operation display unit 103 to inquire about the ratio of distributing the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half. Since the ratio is determined based on the instruction input from the unit 103, it is possible to execute image formation with insertion in a state according to the user's intention.

  (4) In the above (1) to (3), when the sheets on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group are distributed to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, the respective alignments of the plurality of discharge stacking units are aligned. Based on the ability, the distribution ratio can be determined. In this way, it is possible to perform image formation with insertion in a stable state without providing extra time for alignment.

  (5) In the above (4), when the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group is distributed to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, the discharge stacking unit having a low matching capability is The ratio can be determined to be smaller than that of a high discharge stacking unit. In this way, it is possible to perform image formation with insertion in a stable state without providing extra time for alignment.

  (6) In the above (1) to (5), when the paper on which an image is formed in the preceding execution group is sorted and discharged to the plurality of discharge stacking sections in the first half and the second half, they are inserted in each of the plurality of discharge stacking sections. When the distances to the parts are different, it is possible to determine the order in which sorting is performed so that the discharge stacking part close to the insertion part is discharged first. In this way, the first half of the preceding execution group can be transferred to the insertion stacking unit in a short time. Therefore, when there are image formations with different settings in the job, it is possible to minimize setting changes and work waiting time.

(7) In the above (1) to (6), it is possible to control the operation display unit 103 to display information on the insertion stacking unit to which the sheet discharged to the discharge stacking unit is to be transferred. In this way, it is possible to execute image formation that is safe and reliable and that is accompanied by insertion in a short time.
(8) In the above (1) to (7), each insertion stacking unit is provided with a lock mechanism for locking insertion / extraction or opening / closing, and other insertions other than the insertion stacking unit to which the sheet discharged to the discharge stacking unit should be transferred It is possible to control the loading unit to be locked by a lock mechanism. In this way, it is possible to execute image formation with insertion safely and reliably.

[Other Embodiments]
In the description of the above embodiment, specific numerical values such as the number of pages, the number of copies of a booklet, and the ratio are examples for explaining. Therefore, various modifications are possible within the scope of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 102 Communication part 103 Operation display part 104 Storage part 105 Paper feeding part 107 Conveyance part 110 Original reading part 120 Reading signal processing part 130 Image data storage part 140 Image processing part 150 Image forming part 160 Fixing part 190 Output reading Part 200 insertion device 300 discharge device 400 discharge device

Claims (9)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data;
A plurality of discharge stacking sections for stacking the sheets of images formed by the image forming section;
An insertion unit that inserts sheets stacked on a plurality of insertion stacking units in the middle of the sheet that is imaged and conveyed by the image forming unit;
A control unit for controlling image formation, discharge and insertion on the paper;
With
The controller is
When there is image formation with different settings in the job, it is divided into a preceding execution group that executes image formation first and a subsequent execution group that executes image formation later according to the difference in the setting,
The sheets formed in the first half of the preceding execution group are distributed to one of the plurality of discharge stacking sections and discharged, and the sheets formed in the second half of the preceding execution group are discharged in the plurality of discharge stacking sections. Control to sort and discharge to the other,
Image formation of the succeeding execution group is started when the sheet that has been imaged in the first half of the preceding execution group and discharged first in one of the discharge stacking sections is stacked on one of the insertion stacking sections. Control
The paper imaged in the first half of the preceding execution group stacked on one side of the insertion stacking unit and the paper imaged in the second half of the preceding execution group stacked on the other side of the insertion stacking unit, Controlling the insertion unit so as to be inserted into a predetermined position in the middle of the sheet conveyed by image formation of the subsequent execution group;
An image forming system. The control unit performs control so that sheets included in the same unit are not separated into different discharge stacking units when the sheets of images formed in the preceding execution group are distributed to the plurality of discharge stacking units;
The image forming system according to claim 1. It has an operation display unit that accepts operations and displays status,
The control unit displays on the operation display unit an inquiry about a ratio of distributing the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, and is input from the operation display unit Determining the ratio based on instructions;
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1-2. When the control unit distributes and discharges the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, based on the alignment capability of each of the plurality of discharge stacking units, Decide the distribution ratio,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. When the control unit distributes and discharges the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half, the discharge stacking unit having a low alignment capability has a high alignment capability. Determining the ratio to be smaller than the discharge stacking unit;
The image forming system according to claim 4. When the control unit distributes the paper on which the image is formed in the preceding execution group to the plurality of discharge stacking units in the first half and the second half and discharges the paper, the distance to the insertion unit in each of the plurality of discharge stacking units Is different, determine the order of sorting to discharge first to the discharge stacking unit near the insertion unit,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. It has a display unit that displays the status,
The control unit controls the display unit to display information about the insertion stacking unit to which the paper discharged to the discharge stacking unit is to be transferred;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. A lock mechanism for locking insertion / extraction or opening / closing for each of the insertion stacking portions,
The control unit controls to lock the insertion stacking unit other than the insertion stacking unit to which the paper discharged to the discharge stacking unit is to be transferred by the lock mechanism;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data;
A plurality of discharge stacking sections for stacking the sheets of images formed by the image forming section;
An insertion unit that inserts sheets stacked on a plurality of insertion stacking units in the middle of the sheet that is imaged and conveyed by the image forming unit;
A control unit for controlling image formation, discharge and insertion on the paper;
An image formation control method for controlling an image formation system comprising:
When there is image formation with different settings in the job, it is divided into a preceding execution group that executes image formation first and a subsequent execution group that executes image formation later according to the difference in the setting,
The sheets formed in the first half of the preceding execution group are distributed to one of the plurality of discharge stacking sections and discharged, and the sheets formed in the second half of the preceding execution group are discharged in the plurality of discharge stacking sections. Control to sort and discharge to the other,
Image formation of the succeeding execution group is started when the sheet that has been imaged in the first half of the preceding execution group and discharged first in one of the discharge stacking sections is stacked on one of the insertion stacking sections. Control
The paper imaged in the first half of the preceding execution group stacked on one side of the insertion stacking unit and the paper imaged in the second half of the preceding execution group stacked on the other side of the insertion stacking unit, Controlling the insertion unit so as to be inserted into a predetermined position in the middle of the sheet conveyed by image formation of the subsequent execution group;
An image formation control method characterized by the above.