JP2003050523A - Image forming device and recording paper processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device and a recording paper processor which make it possible to restart restoring operation without freezing ECONT of the image forming device even if a communication interruption signal is held continuously ON owing to system abnormality of the recording paper processor. SOLUTION: In the image forming device having an image formation part, where an image is formed on recording paper, and an image formation system equipped with a finisher, where recording paper sheets discharged from the image forming device are bundled or the like, the ECONT 19 of the image forming device sends and receives information to and from the finisher 23 through a three-wire type serial communication line and the finisher 23 raises an FBUSY signal when a serial communication with the ECONT 19 can no be received and raises an FCCRT signal when requesting a three-wire type serial communication of the ECONT 19.

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 for forming an image on a recording sheet, and a recording sheet for performing processing such as bundling, shifting, or stapling the recording sheets on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a processing device (finisher), in particular, an FBUSY signal and an FBUS signal in addition to a 3-wire serial communication line between an image forming device and a recording paper processing device.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a recording paper processing apparatus which are suitable when a CCRT signal is provided for communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, serial communication is generally used for communication between an image forming apparatus and a recording paper processing apparatus (finisher). A controller (ECONT: Engine Controlle) for controlling the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus.
r) CPU capability and CPU that controls the finisher
When comparing with the ability of the
Alternatively, the CPU capability of the image forming apparatus is superior.
Further, when communication is performed between the image forming apparatus and the finisher, direct communication between the CPUs that control the respective CPUs is not performed, but the communication-dedicated CPUs that are respectively incorporated in the image forming apparatus and the finisher and are equipped with a memory. However, they are communicating on an equal footing. In this case, between the conventional image forming apparatus and the finisher, there is no controller (ECONT) for controlling the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus other than the 3-wire serial communication line on the master side.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. That is, in recent years, the capability of the finisher has advanced, and a controller (ECONT) that controls the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus.
There is a phenomenon in which the ability of the CPU that controls the finisher far exceeds the ability of the CPU.
Therefore, there is a need to consider a new interface signal that is configured at low cost and matches the ECONT capability of the image forming apparatus. Image forming device ECONT
The three-wire serial communication, which is the master side, has an advantage that communication can be performed according to the processing capability of ECONT. However, it is necessary to create a function that cannot be supplemented by only the 3-wire serial signal with a new interface signal.

By the way, the speed of the three-wire serial signal is adversely affected by radiation noise and the ECO of the image forming apparatus.
Considering the ability of the CPU of NT, there is a problem that it cannot be performed at high speed. Further, when data communication is performed between the image forming apparatus and the finisher using the ECONT of the image forming apparatus as a master, when an error state or a failure state in the finisher or a temporary concentration of jobs occurs, the finisher side of the image forming apparatus does not operate. It is necessary to wait for a command by serial communication from ECONT or to give a command to ECONT of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when such a method is taken, on the contrary, the ECONT of the image forming apparatus is instructed by an instruction from the finisher.
The processing on the side may freeze. However, it is ECONT that controls the entire image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, and there is a problem that such a state must be avoided.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points. Even when the communication interruption signal is left unattended due to a system abnormality of the recording paper processing apparatus, the ECONT of the image forming apparatus does not freeze. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a recording paper processing apparatus capable of resuming restoration work.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording paper, to which a recording paper processing device for performing a predetermined processing is connected. An image forming apparatus having a copy unit, the image forming apparatus having a first control unit for controlling the image forming unit, the first control unit being provided between a second control unit for controlling the recording paper processing device. To send and receive information via the serial communication line,
When the second control means is in a state where it cannot accept serial communication with the first control means, the second control means receives the communication interruption signal activated by the second control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording paper, to which a recording paper processing device for performing a predetermined processing is connected. And has a first control means for controlling the image forming section, and the first control means communicates with a second control means for controlling the recording paper processing apparatus via a serial communication line. Information is transmitted and received by the second control means, and when the second control means requests serial communication from the first control means, a communication request signal started by the second control means is received. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on the recording paper, to which a recording paper processing device for performing a predetermined processing on the recording paper is connected. And has a first control means for controlling the image forming section, and the first control means communicates with a second control means for controlling the recording paper processing apparatus via a serial communication line. Information is transmitted and received, and the second control means receives a communication interruption signal started by the second control means when the second control means cannot accept serial communication with the first control means, and When the second control means requests the first control means for serial communication, the second control means receives the communication request signal started by the second control means.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 has a third control means for controlling the entire image forming apparatus, wherein the first control means is the communication interruption signal or the communication. It is characterized in that a status corresponding to the state of the request signal is transmitted to the third control means.

In order to achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 5, the first control means uses the serial communication line with the second control means when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time. It is characterized by restarting communication.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the first control means resets the recording paper processing device when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a predetermined time. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is that the first control means turns off the power supply of the recording paper processing device when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a predetermined time. Characterize.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the communication interruption signal and the communication request signal are input to an interrupt terminal provided in the first control means.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 9 is such that the first control means causes the recording paper processing device to generate an error that makes serial communication impossible with the image forming device, or One of the processes including the image forming / recording sheet conveyance control by the image forming unit based on the communication interruption signal started by the second control unit when a failure occurs or a concentration of jobs occurs The busy state of the recording paper processing apparatus is transmitted to the third control means that performs control including communication with the outside, image processing, and sending of a print image to the image forming section, while stopping or suspending or changing the copy. In the third control means, a part of the processing including the transmission of the print image to the image forming unit and the reception of the substitute image is partially stopped, interrupted or changed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the first control means is provided when an error occurs or a failure occurs in the recording paper processing device or the first control means. From the communication request signal started by the second control means when serial communication data is not transmitted from the second control means, the specified status request command is transmitted to the second control means. Then, based on the information obtained from the recording paper processing device based on the status request command, a part of the processing including the image forming / recording paper conveyance control by the image forming unit is partially stopped, interrupted or changed, and the third Sending a print image to the image forming unit in the control means of
It is characterized in that a part of processing including proxy reception is partially stopped, interrupted or changed.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 11 is a printer having an image forming function, a copying machine having an image reading function / image forming function, or an image reading function / image forming function / facsimile function. It is applicable to a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 12 is a recording paper processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on a recording paper discharged from an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on the recording paper. It has a second control means for controlling each part of the recording paper processing apparatus, and the second control means is in a state in which serial communication with the first control means for controlling the image forming section cannot be accepted. In this case, the communication interruption signal is raised.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 13 is a recording paper processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on a recording paper discharged from an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on the recording paper. And has a second control means for controlling each part of the recording paper processing apparatus, and the second control means communicates when requesting serial communication to the first control means for controlling the image forming section. The feature is that a request signal is activated.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 14 is a recording paper processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on a recording paper discharged from an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on the recording paper. It has a second control means for controlling each part of the recording paper processing apparatus, and the second control means is in a state in which serial communication with the first control means for controlling the image forming section cannot be accepted. In this case, a communication interruption signal is raised, and a communication request signal is raised when serial communication is requested to the first control means.

To achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 15, the status corresponding to the status of the communication interruption signal or the communication request signal controls the entire image forming apparatus from the first control means. It is characterized in that it is transmitted to the third control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 16 is such that when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time,
The first control means resumes communication with the second control means through the serial communication line.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 17 is such that when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time,
A reset is applied by the first control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 18 is such that when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time,
The power supply is turned off by the first control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 19 is characterized in that the communication interruption signal and the communication request signal are inputted to an interrupt terminal provided in the first control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 20 is characterized in that, when the second control means causes an error in which serial communication is impossible with the image forming apparatus in the recording paper processing apparatus, or It is characterized in that the communication interruption signal is raised when a failure occurs or when jobs are concentrated.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 21 is characterized in that, in the second control means, when an error occurs or a failure occurs in the recording paper processing device, or the first control means. When the serial communication data is not transmitted from the device at the specified timing, the communication request signal is raised.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 22 is a process of bundling the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus, a process of shifting the recording paper, a process of stapling the recording paper, or a recording process. The above-mentioned predetermined process including a process of sorting paper or a process of filing recording paper is performed.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, an outline of the present invention will be described before describing an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is
The present invention relates to a communication interface between an image forming apparatus and a recording paper processing apparatus, and a communication from the image forming apparatus to the recording paper processing apparatus is provided between the image forming apparatus and the recording paper processing apparatus in addition to a three-wire serial signal. This is provided with an FBUSY signal temporarily suspended on the side and an FCCRT signal for requesting an instruction or information transmission from the recording paper processing apparatus side to the image forming apparatus. As the recording paper processing device, in addition to a finisher that performs processing such as bundling, shifting, or stapling the recording papers, a sorter for sorting the recording papers,
The present invention is also applicable and effective to accessories such as a filing device for filing a plurality of recording sheets collectively and the like, which is connected to a sheet discharge system of an image forming apparatus. In addition, it is effective as a communication interface for an accessory having a particularly high-performance CPU. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, an FBUSY signal (ECONT), which is an output signal from the finisher to the image forming apparatus, is provided between the controller (ECONT) of the image forming apparatus and the recording paper processing apparatus (finisher). A communication interruption signal for temporarily interrupting communication from the finisher side) and an FCCRT signal (communication request signal for requesting an instruction or information transmission from the finisher side to ECONT). With the FBUSY signal and FCCRT signal, when an error or abnormality occurs in the finisher, or when a temporary concentration of jobs occurs, the finisher is driven according to the finisher state that cannot be compensated by the conventional 3-wire serial signal alone. To achieve communication.

FIG. 1 shows a controller (ECONT) and a controller (I) of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
P) is a block diagram showing the exchange of status with respect to the finisher regarding the FBUSY signal and the FCCRT signal. The image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit (scanner unit in FIG. 6) that reads an image from a document, and an image forming unit (developing system, transfer system, FIG. 6) that forms an image obtained by reading the document or communicating with the outside. Fixing system including a fixing heater unit), and a control system including IP and ECONT.

The control system of the image forming system including the image forming apparatus and the finisher includes a controller (IP) 9 for controlling the entire system other than the image forming section of the image forming apparatus and an image forming section of the image forming apparatus. A controller (ECONT) 19 for controlling and a finisher 23 for performing processing such as bundling, shifting, or stapling the recording sheets on which image formation is completed in the image forming apparatus. IP9 is IP / CPU (not shown)
Controlled by ECONT19, ECONT19 CPU27
(See FIG. 8) and each part of the finisher is controlled by the finisher CPU 902 (see FIG. 9).

The ECONT 19 is the C of the finisher 23.
3-wire serial communication is performed with the PU 902. ECO
NT19 sends status request command to finisher 2
3 to the CPU 902 ((1)), the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 sets the status to ECONT19.
Return to ((2)). Next, the CP of the finisher 23
The U902 raises the FBUSY signal when the finisher 23 is temporarily in a busy state due to, for example, concentration of jobs ((3)). As a result, an interrupt is input to ECONT 19, and ECONT 19 and finisher 2
3-wire serial communication with the third CPU 902 is interrupted. Next, the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 drops the FBUSY signal when the busy state of the finisher 23 is resolved ((4)). As a result, the three-wire serial communication between the ECONT 19 and the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 is restarted.

Next, the ECONT 19 sends a status request command to the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 ((5)), and the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 returns the status to the ECONT 19 ((6)). When a request item for the ECONT 19 is generated, the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 raises the FCCRT signal ((7)). As a result, the interrupt is input to the ECONT 19. Next, the ECONT 19 sends the prescribed status request command to the CPU 902 of the finisher 23.
To the CPU 9 of the finisher 23 ((8))
02 returns the status to ECONT 19 ((9)).

On the other hand, ECONT19 and IP9 are
Performs serial communication by using as a master, and exchanges commands and status. The ECONT 19 transmits the status corresponding to the FBUSY signal of the finisher 23 to the IP 9 based on the 3-wire serial communication with the CPU 902 of the finisher 23, and the FCC of the finisher 23.
The status corresponding to the RT signal is transmitted to IP9.

FIG. 2 shows an image when the controller (ECONT) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention detects an abnormal state of the finisher by the FBUSY signal, resets the power source of the finisher, and the finisher is in the abnormal state thereafter. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing how the controller (ECONT) of the forming apparatus turns off the power of the finisher.

ECONT 19 is the C of the finisher 23.
3-wire serial communication is performed with the PU 902. ECO
NT19 sends status request command to finisher 2
3 to the CPU 902 ((1)), the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 sets the status to ECONT19.
Return to ((2)). Next, the CP of the finisher 23
When the finisher 23 becomes busy due to the concentration of jobs and the system freezes, the U902 becomes FBUSY.
Raise the signal ((3)). This allows ECONT
An interrupt is input to 19, and the three-wire serial communication between the ECONT 19 and the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 is interrupted. The ECONT 19 starts counting by a timer when the 3-wire serial communication is interrupted, and when a certain period of time elapses (FBUSY signal timeout), stops the image forming operation by the image forming unit and resets the finisher 23 with a system. Alternatively, the power is turned off ((4)).

On the other hand, ECONT19 and IP9 are
Performs serial communication by using as a master, and exchanges commands and status. The ECONT 19 transmits the status corresponding to the FBUSY signal of the finisher 23 to the IP9 based on the three-wire serial communication with the CPU 902 of the finisher 23, and the FBU of the finisher 23.
The status corresponding to the SY signal timeout is transmitted to IP9. Based on the status corresponding to the FBUSY signal time-out, the IP9 suspends the output of the print video signal to the image forming unit, suspends or suspends or changes a part of the processing such as the proxy reception, and reads the original from the original by the image scanning unit. The process of accumulating image data in the image memory is started.

FIG. 3 shows an image when the controller (ECONT) of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention detects an abnormal state of the finisher by the FCCRT signal and resets the power source of the finisher, and the finisher is in the abnormal state thereafter. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing how the controller (ECONT) of the forming apparatus turns off the power of the finisher.

ECONT 19 is the C of the finisher 23.
3-wire serial communication is performed with the PU 902. ECO
NT19 sends status request command to finisher 2
3 to the CPU 902 ((1)), the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 sets the status to ECONT19.
Return to ((2)). Next, the CP of the finisher 23
The U902 raises the FCCRT signal when, for example, an emergency error occurs in the finisher 23 ((3)). As a result, the interrupt is input to the ECONT 19. Next, the ECONT 19 transmits a prescribed status request command to the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 ((4)), and the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 returns the prescribed status to the ECONT 19 ((5)).

On the other hand, ECONT19 and IP9 are
Performs serial communication by using as a master, and exchanges commands and status. The ECONT 19 transmits the status corresponding to the FCCRT signal of the finisher 23 to the IP 9 based on the 3-wire serial communication with the CPU 902 of the finisher 23, and the FCC of the finisher 23.
The status corresponding to the RT signal and detected by ECONT 19 is transmitted to IP 9. Based on the status corresponding to the FBUSY signal time-out, the IP9 suspends the output of the print video signal to the image forming unit, suspends or suspends or changes a part of the processing such as the proxy reception, and reads the original from the original by the image scanning unit. The process of accumulating image data in the image memory is started.

Here, a controller (IP) 9 that controls the entire system other than the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, a controller (ECONT) 19 that controls the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, The characteristics of control in the finisher 23 that performs processing such as bundling, shifting, or stapling the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus will be described.

The ECONT 19 is a CPU 902 of the finisher 23 (see FIG. 9) via a three-wire serial communication line.
Information to and from the CPU 9 of the finisher 23.
02 raises the FBUSY signal when the 3-wire serial communication with ECONT 19 cannot be accepted,
The FCCRT signal is raised when requesting the three-wire serial communication to the ECONT 19.

Further, the ECONT 19 indicates the status corresponding to the status of the FBUSY signal or the FCCRT signal.
Send to P9. In addition, ECONTT19 is FBUSY
If the signal does not drop for a certain period of time, CP of finisher 23
Resume communication with the U902 via a 3-wire serial communication line. Further, the ECONT 19 resets the finisher 23 when the FBUSY signal does not drop for a certain period of time. Further, the ECONT 19 turns off the power of the finisher 23 when the FBUSY signal does not drop for a certain period of time. In this case, the FBUSY signal and FCCRT signal are
It is input to the interrupt terminal provided in the CPU of the CONT 19.

Further, the CPU 902 of the finisher 23
When an error that disables serial communication with the image forming apparatus occurs in the finisher 23, a failure occurs, or the concentration of jobs occurs, the FBU
Based on the FBUSY signal, the ECONT 19 raises the SY signal, and based on the FBUSY signal, partially interrupts or interrupts or changes the processing including the image forming / recording sheet conveyance control, and communicates on the document reading network or line.・
The busy state of the finisher 23 is transmitted to the IP 9 which performs control including the print image transmission to the image processing / image forming unit, and I
A part of the process including the sending of the print image to the image forming unit and the substitute reception in P9 is partially stopped, interrupted, or changed.

Further, the CPU 902 of the finisher 23
Raises the FCCRT signal when an error occurs or a failure occurs in the finisher 23, or when serial communication data is not transmitted from the ECONT 19 at the specified timing, the ECONT
19 transmits a prescribed status request command to the CPU 902 of the finisher 23 based on the FCCRT signal, and the finisher 2 based on the status request command.
Based on the information acquired from 3, the process including the image forming / recording sheet conveyance control by the image forming unit is partially stopped, interrupted or changed, and the process including the print image transmission / reception to the image forming unit in IP9 is performed. Partly cancel or suspend or change.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of options connected to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 in the figure denotes a power supply (PSU) that supplies a voltage to the image forming apparatus and options. Reference numeral 2 denotes an automatic document feeder (ADF) for transporting a large number of documents set in the image forming apparatus one by one to a document reading position on a document table. Reference numeral 3 is a network control unit (NCU) for performing communication. 4 is
This is a BOOK unit for controlling document reading. Reference numeral 5 is a modular jack (MJ) for connecting to a line. Reference numeral 6 denotes a communication unit for performing simultaneous two-line communication of the option. Reference numeral 7 is a LUGIA for processing the image of the contact sensor. Reference numeral 8 is a contact sensor.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a controller (IP) for controlling the entire system (image forming apparatus and options) other than the image forming (recording) system, and the CP shown in FIGS.
U101 manages the control. Reference numeral 10 denotes a serial counter that stores the number of prints executed by the image forming apparatus (printer, copier, or multifunction machine). An operation unit 11 includes a display unit that displays the state of the image forming apparatus to the user and a key input unit that the user operates to determine the operation of the image forming apparatus. A PDL (Page Dessert) 12 is a so-called formatter that converts a character code received from an external device via a network into an image and converts the image into video data printable by the image forming apparatus.
cription Language) processing unit.

Reference numeral 13 is a hard disk for expanding and storing data received from an external device via the network. Reference numeral 14 denotes a NIC (Network Interface Card) for taking an interface with the network.
15 stores the information of the serial counter 10 outside,
The ECO-ID card has a storage medium for preventing the number of image forming apparatuses (printers, copying machines, or multifunction machines) from being unknown due to falsification. 16 is
An ASSIST unit for exchanging maintenance information of the image forming apparatus through a card or a public line. 1
7, a card for storing management information when the image forming apparatus is managed by a department of a company is attachable / detachable,
A card reader for reading management information from the card.

Reference numeral 18 is a scanner unit for reading an original image for forming an image on the photosensitive drum. 19 is
A controller (ECONT) for controlling an image forming (recording) system, which is the CPU shown in FIGS.
102 controls. Reference numeral 20 is a high-voltage unit that adheres toner to the photosensitive drum according to an image forming (recording) image and creates a high-voltage signal for transferring the toner onto recording paper. 21
Is a fixing heater unit for fixing the recording paper on which the toner is attached by heat and pressure. Incidentally, the developing system including the photosensitive drum, the transfer system, the fixing system and the like constitute an image forming section.
An inner paper discharge tray 22 is optionally mounted to sort the recording paper on which the image is formed (recorded).
Reference numeral 23 denotes a recording paper processing device (finisher) which can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 24 denotes an option feeder that is optionally installed in the image forming apparatus exclusively with the finisher 23. Reference numeral 25 is an NCU which is a network control unit for the second line.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration around the controller (IP) 9 that controls the entire image forming apparatus and system of options according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same components as those in FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Reference numerals 30 to 32 in the figure denote document length sensors for detecting the length of the document on the ADF 2. 33 is
It is a thermistor for detecting the temperature of a predetermined part of the ADF 2. Reference numeral 34 is a document transport motor for transporting the document set on the ADF 2. Reference numeral 35 denotes a stamp for stamping a FAX document that has been transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the external device. Reference numeral 36 is a cover sensor for detecting that the cover for setting the original of the ADF 2 is opened. Reference numeral 37 denotes a document edge sensor for detecting the edge of the document, which is arranged immediately before the document reading section.

Reference numeral 38 is a clutch for pulling the document to the reading position. 39 is an A for driving the ADF2
It is a DF driver. Reference numeral 40 is a motor driver for driving the document feeding motor 34. Reference numeral 41 is a sensor substrate on which various sensors 42 to 45 are mounted. 42 ~
A document width sensor 43 detects the width of the document. 44
Is a document sensor for detecting that the document is on the ADF 2. Reference numeral 45 is a document sensor 44 and a document edge sensor 3
7 is a sensor which is disposed between the sensors 7 to measure the timing of driving the document reading unit. Numerals 50 and 51 denote a pressure plate for pressing the original on the original plate or A for conveying the original.
It is a sensor for detecting a state in which the pressure plate or the ADF 2 is opened when the DF 2 is present.

Reference numeral 52 is a home position sensor for detecting that the CS (contact sensor) 8 is at the home position. Reference numeral 53 is a CS drive motor for driving the CS8. Reference numerals 54 to 57 are sensors for detecting the size of the document placed on the document table when it is detected by the states of the sensor 50 and the sensor 51 that the pressure plate or the ADF 2 is opened to some extent. 58
Is a motor driver for driving the CS drive motor 53. Reference numeral 59 is an EEPROM which is a storage element of the serial counter 10. Reference numeral 60 is an EEPROM which is a storage element of the ECO-ID card 15. 61 is I
This is a ROM for determining the operation of P9. 62, 63
Is an additional RAM for storing image signals and the like. 6
Reference numeral 4 is a speaker for emitting sound. 65 is EC
A differential amplifier for sending print video data to the ONT 19. Reference numeral 66 is a differential amplifier for receiving the print video data from the PDL processing unit 12.

FIG. 8 is a controller (ECO) for controlling the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the NT) 19 and its surrounding electrical components. In FIG. 8, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 803 in the drawing denotes a pre-registration sensor that detects that the recording paper is immediately in front of the photosensitive drum. Reference numeral 804 is a main motor for driving the entire image forming (recording) unit. Reference numeral 805 denotes a manual paper feeding solenoid for picking up the recording paper inserted from the manual paper feeding unit. 806 is a pre-cash sensor 80
This is a registration clutch for pulling in the paper with a certain degree of bending when the paper is hung on 3. 807 is
A fan motor that blows air to lower the temperature of a mechanism that generates heat inside the image forming apparatus.

Reference numeral 808 is a laser unit for irradiating the photosensitive drum with a laser beam. Reference numeral 809 denotes a beam detection sensor for detecting the synchronization timing of horizontal scanning of the laser. Reference numeral 810 is a scanner motor for scanning the laser. 811,
A paper size switch for detecting the size of the recording paper stored in the paper feed cassette inside the image forming apparatus.
Reference numeral 812 is a solenoid for picking up the recording paper stored in the paper feed cassette when the paper is fed. 814
Is a retry sensor that detects when the recording paper picked up from the paper feed cassette is not at a predetermined position and outputs a signal for retrying pickup of the recording paper to ECONT 19.

Reference numerals 815 and 816 are door sensors for detecting, when a front door for maintenance mounted on the image forming apparatus is opened. A cassette feeder 24 is optionally attached to the image forming apparatus. Two
Reference numeral 3 denotes a recording paper processing device (finisher) that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. An inner paper discharge tray 22 is optionally mounted on the image forming apparatus. A paper discharge sensor 820 detects that the recording paper has been discharged. 8
Reference numerals 21 and 822 denote thermistors for detecting the temperature of the fixing heater unit 21. Reference numeral 823 denotes a full-load detection sensor which is disposed on the downstream side of the recording paper discharge system and which is removed when the finisher 23 is attached to the image forming apparatus and which detects whether or not the recording paper is full. Reference numeral 824 is a sensor for detecting the presence of the recording paper in the manual paper feeding unit. Reference numeral 825 denotes a waste toner full load detection sensor that detects that the waste toner is full. 102 is ECONT
19 CPUs.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the finisher 23 which is detachable from the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 901 in the drawing denotes an interface unit that transmits and receives various signals between the finisher 23 and the image forming apparatus. A CPU 902 controls each part of the finisher. Reference numeral 903 denotes photosensors provided in the finisher 23 for performing various detections. A FET 904 is provided between the CPU 902 and each driver described later and between the interface unit 901.
(Field effect transistor), and the FOFF signal transmitted from the image forming apparatus is input via the interface unit 901. 905 is a fuse for limiting the current. A circuit breaker 906 limits the current.

Reference numeral 907 denotes a stack tray motor for operating a stack tray capable of stacking recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus and moving up and down. 90
A driver IC 8 drives the stack tray motor 907. Reference numeral 909 denotes a paper discharge motor that draws the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus to the finisher side and conveys the recording paper to the shift tray side. Reference numeral 910 is a driver IC that drives the paper discharge motor 909. 911 is a bundle processing motor for bundling the recording sheets. Reference numeral 912 is a driver IC that drives the bundle processing motor 911. 913
Is a pre-alignment motor for aligning the recording paper in front.
914 is a driver IC for driving the front matching motor 913.
Is. Reference numeral 915 is a post-alignment motor for bundling the recording sheets later. Reference numeral 916 is a motor driver IC that drives the rear alignment motor 915. Reference numeral 917 denotes a stapling unit for stapling the recording paper. 918 is
A driver IC that drives the staple unit 917.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described in detail with reference to. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart is executed by a controller (IP) 9 that controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus and the finisher, and a controller (ECONT) 19 that controls the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus based on a program.

First, in FIG. 4, the ECONT 19 is
When the interrupt by the FBUSY signal from the finisher 23 is detected (step S1), the status corresponding to the FBUSY signal is returned to the IP9 (step S2), and the time counting by the timer is started (step S3). Then E
The CONT 19 determines whether or not the value measured by the timer is equal to or greater than the set value (step S4). If the value measured by the timer is equal to or greater than the set value, the ECONT 19 stops the image forming operation by the image forming unit and notifies the IP 9 of the abnormal state by serial communication (step S5). In this case, IP9
Stores image data read from a document in an image memory. If the value measured by the timer is not greater than the set value, E
The CONT 19 determines whether or not the FBUSY signal of the finisher 23 has dropped (step S9).

When the FBUSY signal of the finisher 23 is dropped, the ECONT 19 is connected to the finisher 23.
The line serial communication is restarted (step S11), and when the FBUSY signal of the finisher 23 is not dropped, the process shifts to another process (step S10). ECONT19
Indicates the abnormal state by serial communication in step S5.
After notifying 9, the 3-wire serial communication for the recovery operation of the finisher 23 is restarted with the finisher 23 (step S6). Next, the ECONT 19 determines whether or not the finisher 23 has been restored (step S
7) If the finisher 23 is restored, the finisher 23 is powered off or the finisher 23 is reset (step S8), and the finisher 23
If is not recovered, the process shifts to another process (step S12).

Next, referring to FIG. 5, ECONT 19
When an interrupt by the FCCRT signal from the finisher 23 is detected (step S21), the status corresponding to the FCCRT signal is returned to the IP9 (step S2).
2) The prescribed status request command is sent to the finisher 23 (step S23). Next, ECON
At T19, it is determined whether the finisher 23 is in an abnormal state (step S24). If the finisher 23 is not in an abnormal state, the process shifts to another process (step S27).
If the finisher 23 is in an abnormal state, ECONT19
Stops the image forming operation by the image forming unit and notifies the IP9 of the abnormal state by serial communication (step S2).
5). In this case, the IP 9 stores the image data read from the original document in the image memory, and stops sending the print video signal to the image forming unit. After that, the process proceeds to the next process (step S26).

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the FBUSY signal for temporarily suspending the communication from the ECONT 19 of the image forming apparatus on the finisher 23 side is provided, and the ECONT 19 of the image forming apparatus is set to the master side. ,
Control is performed to temporarily suspend serial communication such as command transmission and status return request to the finisher 23. Further, the control for restarting the serial communication after a lapse of a certain time is performed instead of waiting for the processing on the ECONT 19 side of the image forming apparatus by hardware. As a result, even if the FBUSY signal is left standing by the system failure of the finisher 23 or the like, the ECON of the image forming apparatus is not activated.
Recovery work can be resumed without T19 freezing. Even if the serial communication is restarted, the finisher 23
If the operation is abnormal, the operation such as resetting the finisher 23 or turning off the power of the finisher 23 can be performed, and the worst state can be prevented.

On the other hand, when an FCCRT signal for requesting an instruction or information transmission from the finisher 23 side to the ECONT 19 of the image forming apparatus is provided and the finisher 23 has an error such as a recording paper jam or is suddenly broken. Alternatively, when information to be immediately transmitted to the ECONT 19 side of the image forming apparatus is generated due to concentration of jobs, a method of immediately sucking out the information of the finisher 23 from the ECONT 19 of the image forming apparatus by the FCCRT signal is adopted. As a result, it is possible to suspend, stop, or change a part of processing such as image formation on the photosensitive drum of the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus and recording paper conveyance control accompanying image formation. At the same time, by transmitting information to the IP 9 on the ECONT 19 side of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to suspend or cancel or change a part of the processing such as transmission of print data and proxy reception on the IP 9 side.

[Other Embodiments] Although the type of the image forming apparatus is not specified in the above embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus (printer) having an image forming function or the image reading apparatus. The invention can be applied to any of an image forming apparatus (copier) having a function and an image forming function, or an image forming apparatus (composite machine) having a plurality of functions such as an image reading function, an image forming function, and a facsimile function.

In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the image forming system of the image forming apparatus is the electrophotographic system. However, the present invention is not limited to the electrophotographic system, but may be an inkjet system, a thermal transfer system, a heat sensitive system, an electrostatic system or the like. It can be applied to various image forming methods.

In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the finisher, the inner paper discharge tray, and the option feeder are given as examples of the options detachably connected to the image forming apparatus, but the present invention has functions other than the above options. It can also be applied to other options.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A medium such as a storage medium that stores a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the medium in the medium such as the storage medium. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the executed program code.

In this case, the program code itself read from the medium such as the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the medium such as the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. It will be. As a medium such as a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-RO.
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card,
ROM or download via a network can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where a part or all of the processing of (1) is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from a medium such as a storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the instruction of the program code is given. Based on the above, a case where a CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is not included in the present invention. Needless to say.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A command is sent to the recording paper processing device by providing a communication interruption signal for temporarily interrupting the communication from the first control means of the image forming apparatus on the recording paper processing device side, and using the first control means of the image forming device as the master side. Control that temporarily suspends serial communication such as requests for status return. Further, the control for restarting the serial communication after a lapse of a fixed time is performed instead of making the processing on the side of the first control unit of the image forming apparatus wait by hardware. As a result, even if the communication interruption signal is left unattended due to a system abnormality of the recording paper processing apparatus, the first control unit of the image forming apparatus can restart the recovery operation without freezing. In addition, if the operation of the recording paper processing device is abnormal even after restarting the serial communication, the operation such as resetting the recording paper processing device or turning off the power supply of the recording paper processing device can be performed to prevent the worst condition. can do.

On the other hand, when the recording paper processing apparatus provides a communication request signal for requesting an instruction or information transmission to the first control means of the image forming apparatus, and the recording paper processing apparatus generates an error such as a recording paper jam, Alternatively, in the case of sudden failure, or when the information to be transmitted to the first control means side of the image forming apparatus is generated immediately due to the concentration of jobs, the communication request signal promptly notifies the first forming unit of the image forming apparatus. A method of sucking out information of the recording paper processing apparatus from one control means is adopted. As a result, it is possible to suspend, stop, or change a part of processing such as image formation in the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus and recording paper conveyance control accompanying image formation. At the same time, the first control means side of the image forming apparatus transmits information to the third control means for controlling the entire image forming apparatus, so that the third control means side stops transmission of print data and substitute reception. It is possible to suspend, stop, or change a part of processing such as.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an EC of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which ONT and IP exchange of the status with respect to the finisher regarding FBUSY signal and FCCRT signal.

FIG. 2 is an EC of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
When the ONT detects an abnormal condition of the finisher by the FBUSY signal and resets the power source of the finisher, and if the finisher is still in the abnormal condition thereafter, the ECO of the image forming apparatus is reset.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing how the NT turns off the power of the finisher.

FIG. 3 is an EC of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
When the ONT detects the abnormal condition of the finisher by the FCCRT signal and resets the power source of the finisher, and if the finisher is still in the abnormal condition thereafter, the ECO of the image forming apparatus is reset.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing how the NT turns off the power of the finisher.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of options connected to the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an IP of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration centered on FIG.

FIG. 8 is an EC of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure centering on ONT.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a finisher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

9 IP (third control means) 19 ECONT (first control means) 23 Finisher (Recording paper processing device) 27 ECONT CPU (first control means) 902 Finisher CPU (second control means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ04 AQ05                       AQ06 AS02 HH01 HJ10 HK08                       HK15 HK19 HV22 HV36 HV44                       HV45                 2H027 DA38 DC17 ED29 EE09 EE10                       EK03 HA19

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming section for forming an image on a recording sheet, to which a recording sheet processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on the recording sheet is connected; and a first controlling the image forming section. The first control means transmits and receives information to and from the second control means for controlling the recording paper processing device via a serial communication line, and the second control means An image forming apparatus, which receives a communication interruption signal activated by the second control means when the serial communication with the first control means cannot be accepted. 2. An image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on a recording sheet, to which a recording sheet processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on the recording sheet is connected, the first controlling unit controlling the image forming section. The first control means transmits and receives information to and from the second control means for controlling the recording paper processing device via a serial communication line, and the second control means An image forming apparatus, wherein a communication request signal started by the second control means is received when serial communication is requested to the first control means. 3. An image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on the recording sheet, to which a recording sheet processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on the recording sheet is connected, the first controlling unit controlling the image forming section. The first control means transmits and receives information to and from the second control means for controlling the recording paper processing device via a serial communication line, and the second control means When a state in which serial communication with the first control means cannot be accepted, a communication interruption signal started by the second control means is received, and the second control means becomes the first control means. An image forming apparatus, which receives a communication request signal started by the second control means when serial communication is requested. 4. A third control unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus is provided, wherein the first control unit sets a status corresponding to the state of the communication interruption signal or the communication request signal to the third control unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits the image to a control unit. 5. The first control means restarts communication with the second control means by the serial communication line when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 3 and 4. 6. The first control means resets the recording paper processing device when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time, and the first control means resets the recording paper processing device. Image forming device. 7. The first control means turns off the power supply of the recording paper processing device when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication interruption signal and the communication request signal are input to an interrupt terminal included in the first control unit. 9. The first control means, when an error in which serial communication cannot be performed with the image forming apparatus occurs in the recording sheet processing apparatus, a failure occurs, or a concentration of jobs occurs. On the basis of the communication interruption signal started by the second control means, a part of processing including image forming / recording sheet conveyance control by the image forming unit is partially stopped, interrupted or changed, and The busy state of the recording paper processing apparatus is transmitted to the third control unit that performs control including communication, image processing, and print image transmission to the image forming unit, and then the image forming unit in the third control unit is notified. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the processing including the print image transmission and the proxy reception of the above is partially suspended, interrupted, or changed. 10. The first control means transmits serial communication data from the first control means when an error occurs or a failure occurs in the recording paper processing device, or at a timing specified by the first control means. If not, based on the communication request signal started by the second control means, a prescribed status request command is transmitted to the second control means, and the recording paper processing device is based on the status request command. Based on the information obtained from the above, a part of the processing including the image forming / recording sheet conveyance control by the image forming unit is partially stopped, interrupted or changed, and
10. The image forming according to claim 1, wherein a part of processing including sending of a print image to the image forming unit and reception of proxy in the third control unit is partially stopped, interrupted or changed. apparatus. 11. A printer having an image forming function, a copying machine having an image reading function / image forming function, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as an image reading function / image forming function / facsimile function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 12. A recording sheet processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on a recording sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on the recording sheet, the second controlling the respective sections of the recording sheet processing apparatus. Control means of
The recording paper processing apparatus, wherein the second control means raises a communication interruption signal when serial communication with the first control means for controlling the image forming unit cannot be accepted. 13. A recording sheet processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on a recording sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on the recording sheet, the second controlling the respective sections of the recording sheet processing apparatus. Control means of
The recording paper processing apparatus, wherein the second control means raises a communication request signal when serial communication is requested to the first control means for controlling the image forming unit. 14. A recording paper processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on a recording paper discharged from an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording paper, the second paper controlling each unit of the recording paper processing apparatus. Control means of
The second control unit raises a communication interruption signal when serial communication with the first control unit that controls the image forming unit cannot be accepted, and performs serial communication with the first control unit. A recording paper processing device characterized by raising a communication request signal when a request is made. 15. A status corresponding to the status of the communication interruption signal or the communication request signal is transmitted from the first control means to a third control means for controlling the entire image forming apparatus. The recording paper processing apparatus according to claim 12, 16. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein the communication with the serial communication line with the second control means is restarted by the first control means when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time. 14. The recording paper processing apparatus according to any one of 14 and 15. 17. The recording paper processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first control means resets the communication interruption signal when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time. 18. The recording paper processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the power supply is turned off by the first control means when the communication interruption signal does not drop for a certain period of time. . 19. The recording paper processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the communication interruption signal and the communication request signal are input to an interrupt terminal provided in the first control means. . 20. The second control means, in the recording paper processing device, when an error that disables serial communication with the image forming device occurs, a failure occurs, or a concentration of jobs occurs. 20. The recording paper processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the communication interruption signal is activated. 21. The second control means transmits serial communication data from the first control means when an error occurs or a failure occurs in the recording paper processing device, or at a timing specified by the first control means. 21. The recording paper processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the communication request signal is activated when there is no such request. 22. A process of bundling the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus, a process of shifting the recording paper, a process of stapling the recording paper, a process of sorting the recording paper, or a process of filing the recording paper. 22. The recording paper processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined processing including is performed.