JPH0222077A - Thermal printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To properly select printing operation after the next paper considering printing paper or a developing mode by providing a mode control means for changing over the developing mode when toner color change-over key input is detected at the time of an image formation stand-by state to release the stand-by state to continue image forming operation. CONSTITUTION:When the toner color change-over key on the operation panel of a printer is operated by an operator, the change-over of a developing mode is executed by a mode control means 71. A mode executing the development by toner not in an empty state is set by said change-over. Thereafter, a stand-by state is released and the image forming operation to the paper after the next paper is continued. As mentioned above, proper selection considering the use of printing paper, a developing mode or the like can be performed with respect to whether printing operation after the next paper should be executed by chang ing over a developing color or stopped until the supply of toner by a mode control means (CPU) 71.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a thermal printer that realizes a developing operation in a designated color corresponding to each region of an image in a single image forming process.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, it has a plurality of developing means and can perform development operations in multiple colors (all development operations in colors specified for each divided area).
2. Description of the Related Art Thermal printers have been proposed or provided which are realized through a single image forming process (for example, a process consisting of charging, exposure, development, and transfer). Note that "achieved with a single image forming process" does not mean performing multiple image forming processes on the same paper surface as in composite image forming, but with only a single image forming process. This refers to obtaining a reproduced image consisting of multiple colors.

In such a thermal printer, development modes include, for example, black mode, color mode, summar mode,
Simul black mode, simultaneous color mode, etc. are set.

The black mode is a mode in which the entire image area is developed with black toner, regardless of the development color specified by the image information. On the other hand, color mode is a mode in which the entire image area is similarly developed with color toner (for example, "red").

Further, the simul mode is a mode in which an area designated as a blank area out of all image areas is developed with black toner, and an area designated as a color area is developed with color toner.

In addition, the Saiful Black mode develops the area designated as a black area with black toner, and
This mode leaves the remaining area blank. Further, the simultaneous color mode is a mode in which an area designated as a color area is developed with color toner, and the remaining area is left blank.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

In a thermal printer, the toner is empty (
If an empty state of toner required in the set development mode is detected, should the printing operation for the next paper be continued even if the development color is changed, or should it be stopped until toner is replenished? becomes a problem.

Previously, the mode was "change the development color and continue", or
Select one of the "modes that suspend until toner replenishment".
It is set in the machine in advance to deal with any problems.

However, it is not necessarily a good idea to preset the machine to one of the two modes described above.

For example, when a "test question" is sent to the printer as image data, the image data includes data specifying the color to be developed in "black" for the question part and "red" for the answer part. Assume that it is included.

When a simul mode button is added to such image data, the simul mode is set on the printer, and an image forming operation is executed, a print is obtained in which the problem part is set in "black" and the answer part is set in "red". This is for example aimed at teachers.

Furthermore, when a full black mode data is added and an image forming operation is performed under this mode, a print is obtained in which the question section is printed in "black" and the answer section is blank. This is, for example, aimed at students.

Therefore, as can be seen from the above, when toner empty is detected, whether to continue printing after the next paper even if the developing color is changed, or whether to stop until toner replenishment depends on the use of the printing paper. There are cases where it is necessary to make a decision in consideration of the development mode, etc., and it is not necessarily a good idea to set it in advance.

The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] The present invention has a plurality of developing means storing toners of various colors,
A thermal printer that realizes a developing operation in a specified color corresponding to each area of an image in a single image forming process, and detects the empty state of toner stored in each developing means. a detection means; a standby control means for placing the start of an image forming operation on the next sheet in a standby state if a development mode that requires toner in the empty state is set when the empty state is detected; If the toner color switching key that commands toner color switching and the toner color switching key are detected while the start of image forming operation is in the standby state, empty toner is required. Switch to development mode without
A thermal printer comprising: mode control means for canceling the standby state.

According to this configuration, if an empty state of the necessary toner is detected under the development mode currently being set,
First, the image forming operation for the next sheet is started in a standby state.

Next, when the operator operates a toner color switching key on the operation panel of the printer, the development mode is switched. By this switching, a mode is set in which development is performed using toner that is not in an empty state.

Thereafter, the standby state is released, and the image forming operation for the next and subsequent sheets continues.

In this way, it is possible to make an appropriate selection in consideration of the use of the printing paper, the development mode, etc., as to whether to continue the printing operation after the next paper by changing the developing color or to stop it until toner replenishment.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be explained in detail below.

(Explanation of structure a) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the vicinity of a developing unit of the printer.

The illustrated printer writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1 using a laser beam output from a laser device 11, develops the electrostatic latent image with toner in a developing device 4 or 5, and then prints the image on a sheet of paper. After the image is transferred onto the image and fixed by the fixing device 30, it is discharged onto the tray 34.

The laser device 11 is a device that outputs a laser beam that is turned ON10FF depending on image information. As shown in FIG.
O), the surface of the photoreceptor tram 1 is scanned in the main scanning direction (the axial direction of the photoreceptor drum 1; a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper), and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is written.

On the other hand, around the photoreceptor drum 1, which is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow, there is an erase lamp 2 for erasing charges on the surface, a charger 3 for charging the surface, and a toner to transfer the electrostatic latent image. A first developing device 4 for developing, a second developing device 5, a transfer charger 8 for transferring the toner image onto paper, a separation charger 9 for separating the paper from the photosensitive drum 1, and a blade. Method cleaning device 1
0 is placed. Note that the first developing device 4 stores black toner, and the second developing device 5 stores color toner.

In addition, the paper capacity for storing print paper is 20.22 cents.
is located on the left side of the printer main body in the figure. Paper is pulled out from the cassette 2o by a paper feed roller 21 and a pair of transport rollers 24, and from the cassette 22 by a paper feed roller 23, and transported to a pair of timing rollers 26. Note that paper is fed from one of the selected cassettes.

The fed paper is timed at a predetermined timing by a pair of timing rollers 26, and then sent between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer charger 8, where a toner image is transferred.

After the transfer, the paper is separated from the photoreceptor drum 1 by the separation charger 9 and transferred to the fixing device 3 by the conveyor belt 29.
0, and is subjected to a fixing process by thermocompression bonding.

Thereafter, the paper is discharged onto the tray 34 by the discharge roller pair 31.

Next, the timing of development will be explained with reference to FIG.

The developing means includes a first developing device (black) 4 and a second developing device (
color) 5.

The toner on the surface of the developing sleeve of the first developing device 4 is
The point transferred onto the photosensitive drum 1 is indicated as "xl" in the figure, and the developing point of the second developing device 5 is indicated as "X2".
each is represented.

Expressing these two development points with reference to the exposure position χ0, Xl is the angle 011 time T1, x2 is the angle 0
21 hours T2, respectively. In addition, r
"Time TI (or T2)" refers to the time required for an arbitrary point on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 rotating at a predetermined speed to reach the development point XI (or X2) from the exposure position XO. This corresponds to the initial set value of timer counters T1 and T2, which will be described later.

(Description of Control Circuit) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the printer according to the embodiment.

In the figure, a portion 73 surrounded by a broken line indicates a printer engine,
71 represents a host combicoater, and 72 represents a controller. Note that the CPU 74 operates on the developing device 4.
This is a CPU that controls switching drive, etc. of 5.

Print data (image data and developer control data) is transmitted from the host computer 71 to the controller 72 via the bus.

The controller 72 processes the received image data to create bitmap data and sends it to the printer engine 73 via the bus.

Further, the controller 72 transmits status information such as developer control to the CPU 74 via the bus.

On the other hand, the bitmap data transmitted from the controller 72 is output to the laser driver 75 and also input to the line discrimination circuit 76 .

The output signal of the line discrimination circuit 76 is the last line discrimination circuit 76.
It is input to the line counter 77 along with the output signal of 8,
The output signal of the line counter 77 is input to the CPU 74. Note that the last file rank 78 is connected to the CPU 7 via the bus.
4, and a signal from a rask sensor 79 is input to the CPU 74 via a lotus.

Further, the CPU 74 outputs drive control signals to the driver 4' of the first developing device 4, the dry driver 51 of the second developing device 5, and the black toner empty signal from the first developing device 4, the black toner empty signal from the first developing device 4, and the drive control signal to the second developing device 5. The color toner empty signal from the developing device 5 is manually input.

Further, the CPU 74 is connected to the operation panel 80 of the printer, and inputs signals from various operation keys.
Outputs drive signals to various display elements.

(Description of Operation Panel) FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the printer according to the embodiment.

In the figure, from the left side, a status display 3a for displaying the status of the printer, two display LEDs 1a and 2a for displaying the font cartridge in use,
Display LED 4a for displaying the print ready state, display LED 5a for displaying the print busy state, display LED 6a for displaying the paper jam state, display LED 7a for displaying the paper empty state, display for displaying the empty state. LED 3a, display LED 9a for displaying the recovered toner full state, toner switch 12a for selecting either the first or second developer, two display LEDs 10a and 11a for displaying the selected developer (black or color). , a cassette selection key 168 for selecting a paper cassette, and three display LEs for displaying the selected paper cassette (or selection mode).
D13a, 14a, 15a, others, cancel key 1
7a etc. are arranged.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the order of mode transitions when modes related to developed colors are sequentially set by the toner switch.

First, when the power is turned on, "black mode" is set as the initial state, and the black display LED is lit.

Next, when the toner switch is turned on for the first time, the mode becomes "color mode" and the "color display LEDJ is turned on."

Below, the setting of "simul mode" by turning on the toner switch for the second time, "black display LED and color display L"
Turn on the EDJ, set the "simul blank mode" by turning on the toner switch for the third time, and turn on the [black display LED].
"J" lights up, "color display LED DJ flashes," setting of "simul color mode" is set by turning on the toner switch for the fourth time, "color display LED lights up, "black display LED flashes, and "color display LED DJ turns on" by turning on the toner switch for the fifth time. A return to the "initial state" is performed. Note that the subsequent transition order repeats the above.

(Explanation of processing in CPU) Below, according to the processing of CPU 74 and controller 72,
The operation of the device of this embodiment will be explained.

<CPU 74> (1) Main Routine FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main routine of processing by the CPU 74.

For example, the CPU 74 starts processing by turning on the power, and first executes initial settings.
A repeating loop process of ~S21 is executed.

That is, in steps S3 and S5, input/output processing is executed.

It also calls LED on/off data setting processing (S7), toner SW processing (S9), and toner empty control processing (S11).

Furthermore, upon receiving a print request from the controller 72 (S l 3 ; YES), the print mode setting process is called (315), and on the condition that the toner is not empty (317; No), the sequence process of the actual print operation is executed. Call (S19).

Further, in step S21, the execution time of one routine is managed, and the process returns to step S3 to repeat the process.

(2) LED ON/OFF data setting process FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the LED ON/OFF data setting process subroutine.

This process is a process for turning on and off the LED display element corresponding to the set mode.

In other words, when the color mode is set (3101; Y
ES), the color display LED 11a is turned on, and the black display LED 10a is turned off (Si20).

Also, when the simul mode is set (S105
; YES), the color display LED 11a and the blank display LED IQa are turned on (S107).

On the other hand, when the simultaneous black mode is set (S
109 ; YES), the color display LED 11a is turned on and off, and the black display LED IQa is turned on (S
111).

Conversely, when simulcolor mode is set (S
113 ; YES), the color display LEDIIa is turned on and the black display LEDIQa is set to a blinking state (S1
15).

Note that if none of the color mode, simul mode, simul black mode, or simul color mode is set, the black mode is set, so black is displayed, EDlOa is lit, and color display LED 11a is turned off. (S117).

(3) Toner switch processing FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are flowcharts showing the toner switch processing subroutine.

This process is a process of setting a mode in response to the manual operation of the toner switch 12a.

Note that this process is performed during printing operation (S 201 ; YE
S) is not executed and returns to the main routine.

In step 5203, the toner empty flag is determined. The toner empty flag is a flag that is set in response to the detection of the empty state of either the black developer 4 or the color developer 5 (S323; see FIG. 9).

If the toner empty flag is set (S2
03; YES) prohibits mode switching by a signal from the host CPU 71 (S205). As a result, priority is given to manual mode using the operation panel.

On the other hand, if the toner empty flag is not set (3203; No) and neither the simultaneous black mode nor the simultaneous color mode is set (S207; No), the CPU 71
(S20)
9).

In step 5211, the manual power of the toner switch 12a is determined.

Detection of input of toner switch 12a R (S211; YE
If the blank toner empty flag is set in S) (S213; YES), the color mode is forcibly set (S217). Also, the host CPU
Prohibits mode switching by signals from 71 (S
221).

Similarly, when the toner switch is detected manually (S211; Y
If the color toner enable flag is set (S215; YES), the black mode is forcibly set (S219). Also, host CP
Prohibits mode switching by signals from U71 (
S221).

On the other hand, when the toner switch input is detected (S211; YES
), if neither the black toner empty flag nor the color toner empty flag is set (S213.NO, S215; No), the currently set mode is determined and the set mode is set. Accordingly, processing for sequentially switching the mode is executed. Note that the switching is performed in the order shown in FIG.

That is, if the black mode is set at that point (3223; YES), the mode is switched to the color mode (S225), and mode switching is permitted by a signal from the host CPU 71 (S227).

Similarly, if the color mode is set (3229
;YES), switch the mode to simul mode (
S231), and mode switching by a signal from the host CPU 71 is permitted (S227).

On the other hand, if simul mode is set (3233;
If YES), the mode is switched to simultaneous black mode (S235), and mode switching by a signal from the host CPU 71 is prohibited (S237>).

Also, if the full blank mode is set (
S239; YES) switches the mode to simulcolor mode (S241), and prohibits mode switching by a signal from the CPU 71 (S237).

Also, if simulcolor mode is set (3
243; YES) switches the mode to blank mode (S245) and permits mode switching by a signal from the host CPU 71 (S247).

As described above (S223 to S5247), the process of sequentially rotating and switching the mode is executed in response to the toner switch input.

(4)) Toner empty control processing FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the toner empty control processing subroutine.

This process is a process executed in response to detection of an empty state of toner.

Note that this process is not executed during the print operation (3301 YES), but returns to the main routine.

In step 5303, it is determined whether an empty state of black toner has been detected.

When black toner empty state is detected (8303;
YES), the mode that uses the black developer (
black mode, full black mode, simultaneous mode) is set (S305; YES), the black empty flag is sent (S307
).

On the other hand, when the empty state of black toner is detected, if the mode using the black developer is not set (S305; NO), that is, if the color mode or the simultaneous color mode is set. , reset the black empty flag (S309).

Similar processing is performed for detecting the empty state of color toner (3311 to 5317).

Also, if either the blank empty flag or the color empty flag is sent (S3
19; YES) turns on the LED element 8a indicating toner empty (5321) and sets the toner empty flag (8323).

On the other hand, if neither the blank empty flag nor the empty empty flag is marked (3319
;NO), the LED element 8a indicating toner empty is turned off (5325), and the toner empty flag is reset (S327).

As described above, processing corresponding to the detection of the empty state of toner is executed.

(5) Print mode setting process FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the print mode setting process subroutine.

This process is executed in response to a print request command from the host CPU 71 (S13; see FIG. 6).

In step 5401, it is determined whether a developing device to be used is specified. Note that the specification is performed by a command from the host CPU 71 or by manual keystrokes from the printer's operation panel.

If the developer to be used is specified (S401; Y
ES) determines the type of the specified developing device (
3403).

If a black developer is specified (3403; YE
S) selects the first developing device 4 as the initial developing device (S)
405).

On the other hand, if a blank developer is not specified (340
3; No), the second developing device 5 is selected as the initial developing device (S407).

In step 5409, simul mode (simul mode, simul blank mode, simul color mode)
It is determined whether or not it is set, and if it is set, reading of the simultaneous print area data is executed (S411).

In step 3413, it is determined whether mote switching by a command from the host CPU 71 is prohibited. Note that the prohibition is performed at step 5205.5221.5.
237 (the above is shown in Figure 8).

If prohibited (3413; YES), 541
The process jumps from steps 5 to 5421 and returns to the main routine. That is, the developing operation in this case is continued by the initial developing device.

On the other hand, if mode switching by commands from the host CPU 71 is not prohibited (8413; No),
Proceeding to step 5415, it is determined whether a mode is specified by the data from the post CPU 71, and if it is specified, the mode is switched to the specified mode (S417
).

Also, if there is no mode specified by the host CPU 71 (
S415; No) C. The process advances to step 5419, and it is determined whether a developing device to be used is specified. As a result, if the developing device to be used is specified (S419; Y
ES), depending on the specification, in blank mode or
Color mode is set (S421).

The print mode setting process is executed as described above.

(6) Sequence processing FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the sequence processing subroutine.

This process is executed in response to a print request command from the host CPU 71 and on the condition that the toner empty state is not detected (S13, S17; see FIG. 6).

This process is a process that controls the actual printing operation, and includes roller processing (S501), laser (exposure) processing (S50
3), other processing (S505), and developer processing (S505)
507).

Roller processing (S501) is a process for executing drive control of paper feeding and discharging means such as paper feeding rollers, and is well known.
Explanation will be omitted.

Other processes (S505) include driving the fixing roller,
This process performs temperature adjustment and other controls necessary for execution of printing operations. Since this process is also well known, the explanation will be omitted.

Laser (exposure) processing (3503), and developer processing (
S507) will be described later.

"Laser (Exposure) Processing" FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a laser (exposure) processing subroutine.

Through this process, counting of the area counter, which serves as a reference for the cyful area sensor (data that indicates the position of the boundary line between the blank area and the color area during simulmode), starts from the laser exposure start time.

That is, in a state where the laser has not yet turned to ○N (S601;
No), when the host CPU 71 commands laser exposure (3603; YES), the laser is set to ○NL (5605
), and also resets the area counter (S607).
. This causes the area counter to start counting.

In step 5609, the area counter value is incremented by one. In other words, the processing by the CPU 74 is
Each time one loop of the main routine is completed, the value of the area counter is incremented by one.

On the other hand, the timer counters TI and T2 are decremented by 1 each time the CPU 74 completes one loop (S613.5617), and the decrement continues until the timer counter value becomes O (S611; YES,
S615; YES) is repeatedly executed.

Note that the timer counters T1 and T2 are as described below.
The boundary line between the blank area and the color area is the exposure position XO (
(see FIG. 2) (more precisely, at the exposure timing of the boundary between the blank area and the color area), subtraction is started. Further, the timer counter T1 times up when the boundary line reaches the developing point X1 of the first developing device 4,
The timer counter T2 is initially set so as to time up when the boundary line reaches the developing point x2 of the second developing device 5.

<Developer processing> FIGS. 13(a) to 13(C) are flowcharts showing the developer processing subroutine.

This process is a process for switching the developing device and the like.

Steps 5703 to 5713 execute developer settings when the simul mode is not in a broad sense (= a concept that includes simul blank mode and simul color mode; the same principle applies hereinafter), that is, when the mode is black mode or color mode. This step is to

First, if it is not the simul mode in a broad sense (S701; N
In o), if the first developing device is specified (S7
03 ; YES) turns off the second developing device (S711
) and turns on the first developing device (S713).

Conversely, if the first developing device is not specified (S703;
If No), the first developer is turned off (5707) and the second developer is turned on (3709).

If it is determined in step 5701 that the mode is in the broad simul mode, the process proceeds to step 8715 and subsequent steps.

In step 5715, it is determined whether the initial developing device settings have been completed.

If the settings have been completed, steps 8717 to 572
7 and proceed to step 5729.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5715 that the initial developer settings are not completed, steps 3717 to 57
After executing the process No. 27 (initial developer setting process), the process advances to step 5729.

In the initial developer setting process, first, as the initial developer,
Determine whether black developer 4 is specified (
S717).

As a result, if black developer 4 is specified (S
7'l7; YES), the process advances to step 5719, and it is determined whether the development mode is the simul color mode.

If the mode is simulcolor mode (S719;
YES) turns off the first developer 4 and the second developer 5.
(S727). Conversely, if the mode is not the simul color mode (S719・No), the first developing device 4 is turned off.
NL, the second developing device 5 is turned off (S721).

If it is determined in step 5717 that black developer 4 is not designated as the initial developer (S717
;No), the process advances to step 8723, and it is determined whether the development mode is the simultaneous black mode.

If the mode is Saiful Black mode (S723
;YES), the first developing device 4 and the second developing device 5 are turned off.
FF is performed (S727). Conversely, if the mode is not the full blank mode (S723; No), the second developing device 5 is turned ON and the first developing device 4 is turned OFF (S725).

After performing the initial developer setting process in this way,
Proceed to step 5729.

In step 5729, it is determined whether the simultaneous area data (data giving the boundary between the black area and the color area) specified by the host CPU 71 matches the count value of the area counter. It is determined whether the line has reached the exposure position XO (more precisely, whether it is the exposure timing of the image data corresponding to the boundary line position).

If the simultaneous area data and the count value of the area counter match (ST29; YES), set timer counters T1 and T2 (3733, 5735),
Start subtraction counting of both counters (S613, 56
17), and also turn on the timer set flag (S
737).

In step 5729, if the simultaneous area data and the count value of the area counter do not match (SV40; No
) proceeds to step 8731 and determines the timer set flag.

If the timer set flag is OFF (S731; No)
Since this is a case where the exposure timing of the boundary data between the black area and the color area has not yet been reached, the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, in step 5731, the timer set flag is ON.
If it is determined that this is the case, then the exposure using the image data of the boundary line portion has already been performed, and the electrostatic latent image written by the exposure has passed through the exposure position XO.
Processing of steps 8739 to 8767 is executed.

Steps 5743 to 5753 are processes executed when the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the boundary line portion reaches the development point X1 of the first developer 4 (○N10 FF process of the first developer 4).
It is.

That is, when the timer counter T1 times up (3
739; YES) resets the timer counter T1 to the initial state (3743). Furthermore, the first developing device 4 is
If it is N (S745; YES), the first developing device 4
is set to 0FFL (S753), while the first developing device 4 is turned off.
If so (S745; No), the first developing device 4 is turned on (S751) on the condition that the mode is not the simulcolor mode (S747; No).

Steps 8755 to 5767 are processes executed when the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the boundary line portion reaches the development point χ2 of the second developing device 5 (ON10 FF processing of the second developing device 5).
It is.

That is, when the timer counter T2 times up (S
741; YES) resets the timer counter T2 to the initial state (S755). Furthermore, the second developing device 5 is
If it is NO (S757; YES), the second developing device 5 is set to 0FFL (S767);
F (S757; No), the mode is not simultaneous black mode (S759.No).
), the second developing device 5 is turned on (3761).

After that, the timer set flag is reset (S765
).

As described above, control such as switching between the two developing units is executed.

Controller 72> (1) Main Routine FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the controller 72.

The controller 72 performs data input processing from the host CPU 71 (S51), expansion processing into bit data based on image data in the manually generated data (S53), and host processing (S51).
Processing for instructing various printer modes from the CPU (S5
5), host) Print request from CPU 71 (S 57
; YES) is executed in response to the printer startup process (S59; this subroutine process
The controller 72 enters a mode in which it outputs a pit signal.

(2) Printer status instruction processing FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the printer status instruction processing. In this flowchart, only processing related to the development mode, which is the gist of the present invention, will be described in detail.

First, it is determined whether or not the CPU 71 has instructed the selection of a developing device (S801).

A developer is specified, and the designation is black developer 4.
If it is specified (S803; YES), the CPU 74 is instructed to use the black developer 4 (5805),
On the other hand, if the black developing device 4 is not specified (S803;
No>, instructs to use color developing device 5 (S805)
.

Also, if broad simul mode is not specified (S8
09; No) instructs the CPU 74 to enter the normal print mode (S825).

On the other hand, if broad simul mode is specified (380
9; YES) sets the specified simul mode to CPU7.
4. That is, if the simul black mode is specified (S811; YES), the simul black mode is specified 3813), and if the simul color mode is specified (S815; YES), the simul color mode is specified 5817). If the narrow-sense simul mode is designated, the narrow-sense simul mode is instructed (S819).

After that, in response to the simultaneous area designation (S821,
YES), instructs the CPU 74 to send the full print area data (3823).

Also, in response to commands specifying other modes sent from the host CPU 71 (S827; YES)
, instructs the CPU 74 of the printer to select various motes (S829).

In the manner described above, the mode instruction process for the CPU 74 of the printer is executed.

Although the above embodiment describes the case where there are two developing devices, the present invention is applicable to any simul blink having two or more developing devices.

Further, although the above embodiment shows a case where the development color is switched once, the number of switching and the division of the area are arbitrary.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention has a thermal system which has a plurality of developing means storing toners of many different colors, and which realizes a developing operation in a specified color in association with each area of an image in a single image forming process. The printer includes a toner empty detection means, and a standby control means for setting an image forming standby state if a necessary development mode for the toner is set when the empty toner is detected;
The thermal printer has a toner color switching key, and a mode control means for switching the development mode to cancel the standby state and continue the image forming operation if human power of the toner color switching key is detected during the image forming standby state. .

As described in the embodiment, according to the present invention, when toner empty is detected, the start of the image forming operation for the next sheet is put on standby, and when the toner color switching key is operated by the operator, The development mode is switched. Further, by this switching, a mode is set in which development is performed using toner that is not in an empty state, the standby state is canceled, and image forming operations are continued for the next paper and subsequent papers.

In other words, whether the printing operation after the next paper should be continued even if the developing color is changed or should be stopped until toner replenishment is determined.
Operator selection is possible. Therefore, an appropriate selection can be made in consideration of the use of the printing paper, the development mode, etc.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the vicinity of a developing unit of the printer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the printer, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the printer. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the mode transition order when developing color modes are sequentially set by the toner switch. 6 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the processing of the CPU 74, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the LED on/off data setting processing subroutine, FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are flowcharts showing the toner switch processing subroutine, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the toner empty control processing subroutine, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the print mode setting processing subroutine, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the sequence processing subroutine, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the sequence processing subroutine.
13 is a flowchart showing a laser (exposure) processing subroutine, FIGS. 13(a), 13(b), and 13c are flowcharts showing a developing device processing subroutine, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing by the controller 72, and FIG. The figure is a flowchart of various printer status instruction subroutines. 1... Photosensitive drum 11... Laser device 4... First developer 5... Second developer XO... Exposure position 7
2...Controller 74...CPU

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A thermal printer that has a plurality of developing means that store toners of different colors, and that realizes a developing operation in a specified color in association with each area of an image in a single image creation process. a detection means for detecting an empty state of toner stored in each developing means, and a developing mode that requires toner in the empty state when the empty state is detected; , a standby control means for placing the start of the image forming operation on the next sheet in a standby state; a toner color switching key for instructing switching of the toner color; If the input of the toner color switching key is detected, the system switches to a development mode that does not require empty toner, and
A thermal printer comprising: mode control means for canceling the standby state.