JP2000287014A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption, to protect unspecified outputs and to prevent toner of the image forming device from being wasted. SOLUTION: Display of an operation section is put out similarly to the case with a full blackout mode of the operation section such as a preheat mode, when a function provided to a copying machine system is only a copy function and no storage of paper in a feed paper tray 3 is detected or a remaining amount of toner reaching a prescribed amount or below is detected. Furthermore, a prescribed display lamp is lighted on the operation section even in the case of the full blackout mode of the operation section, such as a preheat mode to reduce the power consumption and to protect unspecified outputs, when the copying machine system is provided with an on-line printer function and a facsimile function and no storage of paper in the feed paper tray 3 is detected or a remaining amount of toner reaching a prescribed amount or below is detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to reduction of power consumption, protection against unspecified output,
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of preventing wasteful disposal of toner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a facsimile, and a printer, a supply state (paper end,
As for the display for notifying the toner end, the display for notifying the supply state when the operation unit such as the night reception and the preheating mode is completely turned off is also turned off.

[0003]

However, in the case of an image forming apparatus having only a copy function, the operator always operates in front of the machine, so that the state of paper end, toner end, etc. can be checked. In an image forming apparatus equipped with an application function such as a facsimile or an online printer, a supply state is not known and an unspecified output is generated in a night reception mode or a preheating mode, which may cause trouble. .

Further, in an inexpensive copying machine in which a sensor for detecting the toner end does not have an expensive detecting means such as a toner density detecting sensor, only a rough toner end can be detected, and the toner still remains. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the print output is prohibited at the toner end.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption, protecting against unspecified output, and preventing wasteful disposal of toner. I do.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of being equipped with a copying function, an online printer function, and a facsimile function. Image forming means for forming, sheet feeding means for feeding the sheet to an image forming position of the image forming means, first detecting means for detecting whether or not the sheet is stored in the sheet feeding means, and sheet Second detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner for forming an image, third detecting means for detecting the function provided in the image forming apparatus, display means for displaying information to an operator, and time A first timer for counting the time, a second timer for counting the elapsed time since the image forming unit has performed the image forming operation, and controlling the above units to form an image by the image forming unit. Has not been performed for a predetermined period Or a control unit for turning off a predetermined display displayed on the display unit when the predetermined usage period is a low time zone, and the control unit has a function provided in the image forming apparatus. When the first detecting means detects that the paper is not stored in the paper feeding means, or when the second detecting means detects that there is no remaining toner, Whether image formation by the image forming means has not been performed for a predetermined period,
In the case where the preset usage rate is low,
When the display of the display unit is turned off, the image forming apparatus is provided with a facsimile function or an online printer function, and when the first detection unit detects that the paper is not stored in the paper supply unit. Or when the second detecting means detects that there is no remaining toner, the image forming operation by the image forming means has not been performed for a predetermined period, or the time period when the preset utilization rate is low. In this case, each of the above units is controlled so that the display unit displays only a predetermined display for notifying that there is no paper in the paper supply unit or that there is no remaining amount of toner.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reading unit for reading an image, an image forming unit for forming an image read by the reading unit on a predetermined sheet, and a remaining amount of toner used when forming an image on a sheet. Control means for detecting the remaining amount of toner, display means for displaying information, operation input means for inputting an operation setting of the image forming apparatus from an operator, and control means for controlling each of the above means. Means for detecting that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than a predetermined amount by the toner remaining amount detecting means, and displaying an image indicating that the amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount on the display means; When the setting input of the formation is input, the respective units are controlled so as to form the image by the image forming unit.

The above-mentioned image forming apparatus has a copying function, a facsimile function, and an online printer function. The control means detects that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount by the toner remaining amount detecting means. When the image data is received by the function or the online printer function, the image forming operation is not performed by the image forming unit, and the remaining toner amount detecting unit detects that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, When the display unit displays that the amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, an image forming setting input is input by the operation input unit, and when the image is read by the reading unit, the image forming unit It is characterized in that each of the above means is controlled so as to form the read image.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 8 show an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine system. As shown in FIG. 1, the copier system according to the present invention is a copier system including an automatic document feeder 1, an image forming apparatus 2, and a paper feed tray 3.

Further, the copying machine system shown in FIG.
It is possible to provide not only a copy function but also a plurality of application functions such as a facsimile and a printer.

A system configuration for providing a plurality of application functions will be described below.

In order to configure a multitask type system, each function of the automatic document feeder 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 described above is treated as a resource, and management for sharing one resource by a plurality of applications is performed. Need to do. This management is performed by the system control layer 5 shown in FIG.

The device control layer 6 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with mechanical inputs / outputs such as clutches, sensors, and motors for actually operating the apparatus based on logical instructions such as commands and control signals from the system control layer 5. Is driving and converting to input.

The application layer 4 is a layer in which a plurality of applications such as copy, printer, facsimile, and the like as extended functions coexist by functions provided from the system control layer 5.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a system hardware configuration. In the example of the system hardware configuration shown in FIG. 3, a CPU is provided for each application, and the system control layer 5 and the device control layer 6 are controlled by one CPU. However, a CPU is used for each application, system control, and each resource. A hardware configuration for transmitting commands from the system controller to each controller via a control signal line is also conceivable.

The document reading device 22 is connected to an automatic document feeder (not shown), and inputs document set sensor information, size detection sensor information for detecting the size of a document set on a document table, and the like. This size detection sensor is a reflection type sensor, and several are arranged on the document feeder of the automatic document feeder. When the document is set, the sensor size can be detected by a combination of ON / OFF of the sensor input. It is.

The image forming apparatus 2 has a laser scanning system having a rotation deflecting means (polygon motor), to which a start signal for instructing start of rotation is output. When the number reaches the rated speed, a lock signal notifying the fact is input. Printing on the recording paper is naturally limited to the state where the polygon motor is at the rated rotation. However, when all the printing operations are completed, the system controller switches off the start signal so that the polygon motor stops.

Although FIG. 3 shows an operation section control bus for controlling the operation section 21, it is of course conceivable to perform the operation by exchanging commands using the control signal lines described above.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the operation unit 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 21 of the present embodiment includes a “program registration / call key” 201 used for registering and calling a program mode, an “initial setting key” 202 used for performing initial setting, "FA" used for facsimile mode program assignment
X shortcut key group 203, "numeric keypad" 20 used for assignment of various settings and copy mode programs
4. The "application switching key" 205 used when switching to each application of copy, fax, and printer is used to transfer the operation unit display right to the application corresponding to the pressed key.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of the display displayed on the display screen 208 of the operation unit 21. FIG. FIG. 5 shows a copy basic screen for performing various copy settings, and FIG. 6 shows a “cover” display 20 shown in FIG.
9 shows a toner end confirmation screen displayed on the display screen 208 when 9 is selected. The “confirmation” display 210 displayed on the toner end confirmation screen will be described later.

In the present embodiment, when the only function provided in the copying machine system is the copying function, a display for informing the supply state (paper end, toner end, etc.) is displayed in the operation section completely unlit mode such as the preheating mode. Goes off as well as
When an application such as a facsimile or a printer is installed in the copier system, the purpose of the present invention is to display a display indicating the supply state on the display screen of the operation unit even in a mode in which the operation unit is completely turned off.

A processing flow according to the present embodiment for achieving the above object will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

When it is recognized that the copying machine system has transitioned to the operation section all-off mode such as the preheating and night reception mode (step S1 / YES), the operation section 21 is completely turned off (step S2). Next, the application installed in the copying machine system is confirmed (step S3). If the copier system is not equipped with the application function and is a single copy machine (step S3 / Y
ES), the state in which the operation unit is completely turned off is maintained. When the copier system has a plurality of application functions such as a facsimile, a printer, and the like (step S3 / NO),
The toner end (including the near end) is checked (step S4), the paper end state of each paper feed stage is checked (step S6), and when the supply end state is detected, the corresponding LED is turned on. A display indicating the supply end is displayed (steps S5 and S6).

As described above, when the copying machine system has only the copying function, a display indicating the supply state (paper end, toner end, etc.) is displayed in the same manner when the operation unit is completely turned off such as the preheating mode. When the application is turned off and a fax, printer, or other application is installed, the display that indicates the supply status (paper end, toner end, etc.) is displayed even in the mode in which the operation unit is completely turned off. When the application is installed, such as fax, printer, etc., when the application is installed, all operators around the copier are notified of the supply end and protection against unspecified output (paper end) , Early detection of toner end) can be expected.

Further, in the present embodiment, after a rough toner end state is recognized by the toner end detecting means,
On the display screen of the operation unit 21, the message "Toner supply is required,
Display such as "Do you want to perform print output as it is?" Is displayed, and the output can be performed even in the toner end state while outputting an image that the operator can understand.

A processing flow according to the present embodiment for achieving the above object will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

First, it is detected whether or not the copying machine system is performing a printing operation (step S10). If the print operation is being executed (step S10 / YE
S) It is checked whether or not the toner end state is detected by the mechanical toner end sensor (step S1).
1).

In this embodiment, a mechanical toner end sensor is used to detect toner end. Because the mechanical toner end sensor is inexpensive and has low accuracy,
Even after the toner end is mechanically detected, the toner remains. For this reason, the actual toner end is managed by a print sheet counter serving as a toner end pre-counter. This toner end pre-counter is a counter that is incremented by one for each sheet of paper conveyed.

If the toner end state is detected by the mechanical toner end sensor (step S11 / YE
S), it is checked whether the printing operation is performed after the “confirmation” display 210 is selected on the toner end confirmation screen shown in FIG. If the toner end state is not detected by the mechanical toner end sensor (step S11 / NO), the printing operation is terminated normally (step S23).

If the printing operation is not the printing operation after the "confirmation" display 210 is selected (step S12 / NO), it means that the toner end state has not yet been attained, so the toner end pre-counter is incremented by one. Then, the count value is compared with the number of toner end sheets (step S14).

When the count value of the toner end pre-counter exceeds the number of toner end sheets (step S14 /
YES), the print operation is temporarily interrupted, and the process shifts to the standby state (step S15). At this time, a toner end confirmation screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 21, and the printing operation is prohibited (step S16).

When the "confirmation" display 210 of the toner end confirmation display displayed on the operation unit 21 is selected while the copying machine system is in the standby state (step S17), the copying machine system changes the state to the copy enabled state. The process is shifted (step S18), and the operator is permitted to perform a printing operation up to a predetermined (changeable) limit of one job. At this time, it is checked whether or not the number of prints exceeds the limit number of one job (step S22). When the number of prints exceeds the limit of one job ((Step S2
2 / YES), the copying is interrupted, and a transition is made to the standby state (step S15).
1 is displayed on the display screen (step S16).

By repeating the above-described processing, printout can be performed as long as printing is acceptable to the operator (while toner remains).

If the copying machine system is not performing a printing operation (step S10 / NO), the count value of the toner end pre-counter is compared with the number of toner end sheets (step S19). If the count value exceeds the number of toner end sheets (step S19 / YES), it is checked whether the toner end confirmation screen shown in FIG. 6 is being displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 21 (step S2).
1).

If the toner end confirmation screen is not displayed (step S20 / YES), the standby state after the "confirmation" display 210 of the toner end confirmation screen is selected, so that an automatic reset, application switching, or the like is performed. Is monitored (step S21), and if any state transition occurs (step S21 / YES),
The toner end confirmation screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display screen of the operation unit (step S16). If the count value of the toner end pre-counter is smaller than the number of toner end sheets (step S19 / NO), or if the toner end confirmation screen is being displayed (step S20 / YES), the process exits.

According to the above-described processing, selection can be made on the toner end confirmation screen for each operator, so that erroneous copying can be reduced.

As described above, after the toner end is recognized by the copying machine system having an inexpensive configuration that can only recognize the rough toner end state, the message "Toner replenishment is required, but the print output is performed as it is. Is displayed, and while the operator is satisfied with the output of the image, it is possible to prevent the toner from being discarded by enabling the output even in the toner end state.

When a plurality of applications are provided in the copying machine system, the above-described operation can be selected for each application. For example, for the facsimile function, the point when toner end is detected (toner end pre-count> toner end number)
By disabling the output, the image can be compensated for an output by an unspecified operator such as a facsimile output.

Next, the terms used in the above description will be explained and defined.

[Image Reading Apparatus] An image reading apparatus used in a digital copying machine irradiates an original with a light source, converts reflected light into an electric signal by a “solid-state image forming device = CCD”, and outputs a necessary image. A device having a function of performing processing is used.

"Image Forming Apparatus" An "image forming apparatus" used in a digital copying machine forms an image image transmitted by an electric signal on plain paper, thermal paper, or the like by means of electrophotography, heat transfer, thermal transfer, ink jet, or the like. It is a device to do.

"Extended function" or "application (abbreviated as application)" A major feature of the digital copying machine is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is restored by the image forming apparatus. At this time, it is possible to apply the present invention to a field other than a copying machine by providing a means for changing and transmitting the electric signal read in various ways. In addition to the above-described FAX and printer, the application range of the scanner, the file system, and the like is very wide. These extensions are referred to as "applications".

"Video signal": an image electric signal converted by the above-mentioned "image reading device", an image electric signal inputted to the "image forming apparatus", and a signal for synchronizing with the image electric signal. Collectively referred to as "video signal".

In order to exchange "control signals", "commands" and "video signals" among "image reading apparatus", "image forming apparatus", and "application", it is necessary to transmit information between apparatuses. This means is referred to as "control signal" or "command" issuance.

"System", "System Control", "System Controller" In recent digital copying machines, not only one application but also a plurality of applications have been registered at the same time. A digital copier sharing one resource in this manner is referred to as a "system", and controllers for controlling the system are referred to as "system control" and "system controller".

"Resource" or "Resource" A functional unit unit shared by a plurality of applications is expressed as "resource" or "resource". The above-described system controller performs system control on a resource-by-resource basis. The resources managed by the copying machine system of the present embodiment are “image reading device”, “image forming device”, and “operation unit”.
There are “memory” and “peripheral device (DF = document feeder, sorter, etc.)”.

"Inset output" or "interleave" This is mainly used for explaining the operation at the time of image output. Normal image output does not execute other operations until a series of operations (= 1 job) having the same purpose is completed. For example, in a recent digital copying machine, functions are combined, and a combination of a copying machine + FAX or a printer or a combination of more than one is integrated. However, most of them output in function units (= job units), for example, to switch to printer output after the copy function ends. On the other hand, inserting another job output into the output of one job and outputting it is referred to as “interleave”. For example, during output of a copying machine, printer output is realized without stopping machine operation.

"Initial setting" To change the initial setting value of each function or set the operation conditions according to frequently used conditions. "Initial settings" include "system initial settings" for setting the functions of the copier system in general, "copy initial settings" for the copy mode functions only, and "fax initial settings" for the facsimile mode functions only. There is. For example, "system initial setting" includes "auto clear time setting" which returns to the state when the power is turned on when no operation is performed for a fixed time after a key operation, and "copy initial setting". To change the upper limit of the number of copies that can be set,
There is a "double-sided copy left binding width" in which the width of the left binding margin on the back side can be set for "single-sided duplex copying". When page printing is selected, the upper right, lower right,
In some cases, settings such as the place where a page is printed, such as the lower center, or the stamp size, the presence or absence of a watermark, etc. are made possible in this mode when stamp printing is selected.

“Priority application” / “priority startup application” The setting of the priority application is one of the setting items of the system initial setting. Alternatively, the setting item is for improving operability by shifting to the screen of the set application when the non-operation state for a certain period of time is continued.

The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0052]

As apparent from the above description, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the function provided in the image forming apparatus is only the copying function, and the sheet is stored in the sheet feeding means by the first detecting means. Whether the image forming unit has not formed an image for a predetermined period of time when the second detecting unit detects that there is no remaining toner or when the second detecting unit detects that there is no remaining toner amount.
In the case of a preset low usage rate time zone, the power consumption can be reduced by keeping the display on the display means in the off state. Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with a facsimile function or an online printer function. When the first detecting means detects that there is no paper stored in the paper feeding means, or when the second detecting means detects the remaining amount of toner. When it is detected that there is no paper, if the image forming operation by the image forming means has not been performed for a predetermined period of time, or if a predetermined period of time when the utilization rate is low, there is no paper in the paper feeding means on the display means. Or, by displaying a predetermined display notifying that there is no toner remaining, all operators around the image forming apparatus are notified that replenishment of consumables is necessary, and protection against unspecified output is performed. It can be performed.

Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the remaining toner amount detecting means detects that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, and displays on the display means that the toner amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. At this time, when an image formation setting input is input by the operation input unit, the image is formed by the image forming unit, so that the image is output even in the toner end state while the image that the operator can understand is output. It is possible to prevent wasteful disposal of toner.

Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the remaining toner amount is detected by the remaining toner amount detecting means to be equal to or less than the predetermined amount, and the image data is received by the facsimile function or the online printer function, By not performing the image forming operation by the image forming means, it is possible to prevent erroneous output by the facsimile function or the online printer function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an external appearance of an embodiment in which an image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system software configuration of the copying machine system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a system hardware configuration of the copier system.

FIG. 4 is an external view illustrating an external appearance of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example displayed on a display screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example displayed on a display screen of an operation unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the copying machine system.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the copying machine system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Automatic Document Feeder 2 Image Forming Device 3 Feed Tray 4 Application Layer 5 System Control Layer 6 Device Control Layer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 386 G03G 21/00 386 F term (Reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 AR03 CQ05 CQ34 HH11 HH13 HJ07 HK06 HK11 HK19 HN04 HN21 HR04 HT05 HT13 HV13 HV14 HV32 2H027 DA38 DA40 DA44 DC18 DD02 EC20 EE02 EE07 EF06 EF16 GB03 ZA07 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA13 AB20 AB22 AB23 AB30 AC32 AB38 AC46

Claims (3)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus capable of providing a copying function, an online printer function, and a facsimile function, comprising: an image forming means for forming an image on a predetermined sheet; Paper feeding means for feeding paper; first detecting means for detecting whether or not the paper is stored in the paper feeding means; and second detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of toner for forming an image on the paper.
Detecting means for detecting the function provided in the image forming apparatus.
Detection means, display means for displaying information to the operator, first time measurement means for measuring time, and second time measurement for measuring the time elapsed since the image forming means performed the image forming operation. Means for controlling each of the above means, and when the image formation by the image forming means has not been performed for a predetermined period of time, or when a predetermined time period of low utilization rate has been displayed on the display means, Control means for turning off the display of the image forming apparatus, wherein the control means has only a copying function provided in the image forming apparatus, and stores the paper in the paper feeding means by the first detecting means. When it is detected that there is no toner, or when the second detecting means detects that there is no remaining toner, the image forming means does not perform image formation for a predetermined period, Low rates In this case, the display of the display unit is turned off, the image forming apparatus is provided with a facsimile function or an online printer function, and the first detection unit does not store the paper in the paper supply unit. The image forming operation by the image forming unit has not been performed for a predetermined period of time when the second detecting unit detects that there is no remaining amount of toner, When the time period is low, the control unit controls the above-described units so that the display unit displays only a predetermined display notifying that there is no paper in the paper feeding unit or the toner remaining amount. Characteristic image forming apparatus. A reading unit for reading an image, an image forming unit for forming an image read by the reading unit on a predetermined sheet, and a toner remaining amount detecting a remaining amount of toner used when forming the image on the sheet. An amount input unit, a display unit for displaying information, an operation input unit for inputting an operation setting of the image forming apparatus from an operator, and a control unit for controlling each of the units, and the control unit includes: When the toner remaining amount detecting means detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and when the display means displays that the toner amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount,
An image forming apparatus, wherein, when an image formation setting input is input by the operation input unit, the above units are controlled so that an image is formed by the image forming unit. 3. The image forming apparatus has a copying function, a facsimile function, and an online printer function, and the control unit detects that the remaining toner amount is less than the predetermined amount by the remaining toner amount detecting unit. When image data is received by a facsimile function or an online printer function, the image forming operation is not performed by the image forming unit, and the toner remaining amount detecting unit determines that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. When detecting and displaying on the display means that the toner amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, when the image forming setting input is input by the operation input means and the image is read by the reading means, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the units is controlled so that the read image is formed by the forming unit.