JP2003255785A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing down time by performing the component replacing service of a cooling apparatus, etc., before stopping. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with: a communication part for delivering and receiving data with outside; a cooling apparatus arranged within the image forming apparatus; a driving control means for driving or stopping the cooling apparatus; a driving detection means for detecting the driving state of the cooling apparatus; and an alarm detection means which comprises a counter for counting time from the start of driving control of the cooling apparatus by the driving control means, determines that the failure of the cooling apparatus is close when the counter value when a desired driving state is detected by the driving detecting means is not smaller than a regulated value, and alarms to the communication part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

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.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a copying machine is connected to a host computer installed in a central center via a network, and when an abnormality occurs in the copying machine, the center is automatically notified.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, even if the image forming apparatus transmits error information when an abnormality occurs in the copying machine, the service man waits until the service person goes to the user's destination. , No measures were taken to deal with the anomalous problem. Further, during that time, there is a problem that the image forming apparatus cannot be used.

In addition, when a plurality of copying machines frequently generate anomalies due to the life of parts or the like, a service person will be sent to the user every time an error occurs, which is efficient in terms of labor and cost. Can not be said to be an effective method.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing downtime by providing a service for replacing parts such as a cooling device before stopping. To provide.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a communication unit for exchanging data with the outside, a cooling device arranged in an image forming apparatus, and the cooling device. A drive control means for driving or stopping, a drive detection means for detecting a drive state of the cooling device, and a counter for counting the time from the start of drive control of the cooling device by the drive control means, Alarm detection means for determining that the cooling device is near failure when the counter value at the time when the desired drive state is detected by the drive detection means is equal to or greater than the specified value 1 and notifying the communication unit of an alarm. The image forming apparatus is configured with the above.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the copying apparatus. In FIG. 4, 100 is the copying apparatus main body, 800 is copying control means for controlling copying operations, and 900 is data transmission / reception with an external communication line. 908 is a communication control means (modem board) for performing the above, 908 is a public line which is an external communication line, and 999 is a host computer system which is an external device placed in a management department or the like for managing the copying device.

FIG. 2 shows a communication control means (modem board) 90.
It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of 0.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 901 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for controlling communication, and 90.
3 is a memory for temporarily storing communication data (RA
M) and 905 are modulators / demodulators (modems) that modulate digital communication data to be placed on the public line 908 and demodulate the data sent by the public line 908 into digital communication data, and 906 is a network control unit. (NCU).

Under the control of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 having the above construction, the copying operation of the copying apparatus 100, data storage, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 are carried out.

Next, the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900. The copy control unit 800 controls the operation of the copying apparatus main body 100, and the communication control unit 900.
Controls communication with an external communication line.

Reference numeral 801 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) which controls the entire copying apparatus, and 802 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) which stores a control procedure (control program) of the copying apparatus main body 100. The CPU 801 controls each constituent device connected via the bus in accordance with the control procedure stored in the ROM 802.

Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) which is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data, a storage area for work, etc., and has a telephone number necessary for starting communication with an external device 999. Etc. are memorized. 804 is a CP for a load such as the main motor 113
An input / output IC (hereinafter, I) that sends the control signal output of the U801 and the signal input from the sensor of the fixing device to the CPU 801.
/ O). The CPU 801 accepts inputs from various keys on the operation panel described later via a bus and an appropriate I / O (not shown), and further displays necessary information on the display on the panel.

The communication control means 900 for controlling communication with the external communication line 908 controls communication by the CPU 901. A storage device (ROM) 902 stores communication control, connection procedure programs, and the like. Then, it is connected to the copy control means 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the transfer means constituted by the RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907.

When data is transferred from the copy control means 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the RS-232C interface 907, the transfer data is provided in the communication control means 900 and is a dedicated communication data storage means R.
The data is temporarily stored in the AM 903, and after the data transfer from the copy control means 800 is completed, the CPU 901 controls the network control unit (hereinafter, referred to as NCU) unit 906 to establish a communication line connection with an external device, and after the line connection, to the modem 905. Data is transferred to an external device through the NCU unit 906.

When data is transferred from an external device, the transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903,
Data is transferred to the copy control means 800 of the copy machine main body 100 via the RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907 in response to a request from the copy control means 800 of the copy machine main body. Reference numeral 909 denotes a rotary switch for setting a telephone number of a communication destination, a self-ID number, a password and the like.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of the copying apparatus. The configuration and operation of the copying apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a document feeder 1000, an image reader 200, and a printer 3.
00, a folding processing unit 400, and a finisher 500.

The document feeder 1000 conveys the set documents one by one from the top page in order from left to right on the platen glass 102 via a curved path, and then to a sheet ejection tray 112. Discharge. At this time, the scanner unit 104 is held in a predetermined position,
The document is read by passing the document on the scanner unit 104 from left to right. When a document passes, the light of the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104 is applied to the document, and the reflected light from the document is reflected by the mirror 105,
The image is guided to the image sensor 109 via the lenses 106 and 107 and the lens 108. It should be noted that after the document is fed onto the platen glass 102 by the document feeder 1000, the document is stopped and
The original can also be read by moving the scanner unit 104 from left to right.

The image of the original read by the image sensor 109 is subjected to image processing and sent to the exposure controller 110. The exposure controller 110 outputs laser light according to the image signal. This laser light is applied to the photosensitive drum 111, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 111. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111 is developed by the developing device 113, and the developer on the photosensitive drum 111 is stored in the cassettes 114 and 1.
The transfer unit 116 transfers the sheet to the sheet fed from any one of the 15, manual sheet feeding unit 125, and double-sided conveyance path 124.

At this time, the developing unit 113 and the fixing unit 117
Since the image quality is adversely affected when operated at a high temperature, the developing fan 130 and the fixing fan 131 are rotated by a motor to blow air during image formation to suppress the temperature rise.

The sheet on which the developer is transferred is fixed to the fixing unit 11
At 7, the developer is fixed. The sheet that has passed the fixing unit 117 is temporarily guided to the path 122 by the flapper 121, and after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and guided to the discharge roller 118 by the flapper 121. As a result, the discharge roller 118 is placed with the surface on which the developer is transferred facing downward (face down).
Is discharged from the printer 300.

When an image is to be formed on a hard sheet such as an OHP sheet from the manual paper feeding unit 125, the path 122 is used.
The surface on which the developer is transferred is ejected from the ejection roller 118 in an upward state (face-up) without being guided to. When images are formed on both sides of the sheet, the sheet is guided straight from the fixing unit 117 to the discharge roller 118,
Immediately after the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and guided by the flapper 121 to the double-sided conveyance path 124.

The sheet discharged from the discharge roller 118 is sent to the folding device 400. Folding device 400
Performs a process of folding the sheet into a Z shape. When the sheet is an A3 size sheet or a B4 size sheet and the folding process is designated, the folding device 400 performs the folding process, and the other sheets are sent to the finisher main body 500 as they are. The finisher main body 500 performs bookbinding processing, binding processing, processing such as punching, and the like. In addition, the finisher 500
An inserter 1900 is provided on the top to feed a cover sheet, a slip sheet, etc. to the finisher main body 500.

Next, the operation panel (operation unit) will be described.

FIG. 5 is an external view showing an example of the operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100.

Reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key,
This is used when the operator (user) uses the setting mode for setting the binding margin amount, setting the size of the document frame erasing, and the like. A cursor key 627 is used to select a setting item in the setting mode. An OK key 628 is used to confirm the setting contents in the setting mode.

An all reset key 606 is pressed when returning to the standard mode, and also when returning from the auto shutoff state to the standard mode, the auto reset key 606 is pressed.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a copy start key (copy start key), which is pressed to start copying. A clear / stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stopper key during copy recording. The clear / stop key 604 is pressed to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. Then, after the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 is a ten-key pad which is pressed to set the number of copies. Also used when setting the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register a mode that is frequently used.
Here, recording in four modes M1 to M4 can be performed.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 are copy density keys, which are pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. An AE key 613 is pressed when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the density of the original, or when the AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and the density adjustment is switched to manual (manual).

Reference numeral 607 denotes a copy paper selection key, which is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 114, the lower paper lifter 115, and the multi-hand 125. When a document is placed on the document feeder 1000, APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected by the copy sheet selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed when making a copy at the same size (actual size). 6
Reference numeral 16 denotes an automatic scaling key, which is pressed to automatically specify reduction / enlargement of the image of the document in accordance with the designated transfer paper size.

Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo original. A multiple key 623 is pressed when creating (combining) images from the two originals on the same surface of the transfer paper.

Reference numeral 620 denotes an original frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases the frame of a standard size original document, and at that time, the original size is set by the asterisk key 601. 62
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the original in accordance with the copy paper size. Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is used when the front and back covers are created and the slip sheet is inserted. Reference numeral 630 denotes a page continuous shooting key, which is used when the left and right sides of a two-page spread book are continuously copied.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a sheet discharge method selection key for selecting a staple sort, sort, group discharge method. When the finisher 500 is connected, the staple sort mode, sort mode, and group mode for recording sheets are selected. Alternatively, the selection mode can be canceled.

Reference numeral 633 is a guide key, which is used when displaying the message display 701 about the functions corresponding to various keys.

An LCD (liquid crystal) type message display 701 displays information relating to copying and communication, and displays characters and graphics with 96 × 129 dots. For example, the number of copies set with the ten key 603, the fixed size scaling keys 608 and 609, the same size key 610, the zoom key 61
Copy magnification and copy paper selection key 6 set with 7,618
The paper size selected in 07, a message indicating the state of the copying apparatus main body 100, a guide message indicating the operating procedure,
Displays other mode settings. An AE display 704 is turned on when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the AE key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheat indicator, which lights up in the preheat state.

When the document feeder 1000 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is one, the density AE mode, automatic paper selection, normal magnification, single-sided copy to single-sided copy are set. In the standard mode when the document feeder 1000 is not used, the number of copies is one, the density manual mode is set, and the setting is set to single-sided copying from single-sided originals. Document feeder 100
The difference between 0 when used and when not used is determined by whether or not a document is set in the document feeder 1000.

Next, communication with an external device will be described.

FIG. 6 shows the ROM 902 of the communication control means 900.
6 is a flowchart of a routine for controlling communication as a part of the program stored in.

This routine is entered from S601, and it is checked in step S602 whether there is a reception request from the external line or the copying machine main body. If there is no request, step S606
If there is a reception request, it is judged in step S603 whether the request is from an external device or the copy control means 800. If the request is from the copy control means 800, step S604.
If it is a request from an external device, the process proceeds to step S605, the data from each is received, and stored in the RAM 903 serving as communication data storage means.

Next, in step S606, it is checked whether or not there is a transmission request to the external line. If not, step S60
If there is a request to 8, the process proceeds to step S607, the external line is connected, and the data stored in the RAM 903 is transmitted to the external device.

Next, in step S608, the copy control means 8
It is checked whether or not the transfer to 00 is possible. If the transfer is not possible, the routine exits from step S610. If the transfer is possible, the process proceeds to step S609, and the RAM 90 is transferred to the copy control means 800.
The data stored in 3 is transferred, and the routine exits from step S610.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a routine for controlling communication, which is a part of the program stored in the ROM 802 of the copy control means 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100.

This routine is entered from S701, and the copy control means 800 controls the communication control means 900 in step S702.
It checks whether it is ready to receive data from. If reception is not possible, this routine is exited from step S707, and if reception is possible, step S703.
Then, it is checked whether there is a reception request from the communication control means 900. If there is no reception request, the process proceeds to step S707, and if there is a request, the process proceeds to step S704 to receive the data to be transferred.

Next, in step S705, it is checked whether transmission to the communication control means 900 is possible. If not possible, the process proceeds to step S707, and if transmission is possible, step S70.
In step S7, the communication control means 900 is transmitted.
The routine exits from 07.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the outline of the communication control routine in the external device of the communication partner.

This routine is entered from S801, and the communication line 908 is connected in step S802. Next, in step S803, it is checked with respect to the communication control means 900 whether or not transmission is possible. If not possible, the process proceeds to step S805, and if possible, data is transmitted at step S804. Then, in step S805, the communication line is disconnected, and the routine exits from step S806.

9 to 11 show the details of the communication protocol between the copying apparatus and the communication control means. FIG. 9 shows the timing of data communication between the copying machine and the communication control means. The communication control means 900 becomes the master side and sends the command to the copying apparatus. The copying apparatus sends a response corresponding to the received command to the communication control means 900.

FIG. 10 shows the format of commands and responses between the copying machine and the communication control means. This communication is performed in a serial system, and the command is a binary format and consists of ID, Length, Data, and Su consisting of multiple bytes.
It is composed of m. The ID indicates the type of command. Length indicates the number of bytes of the command. Data is used when additional information is added to each type of command specified by the ID. Su
m is a checksum, which is used to confirm whether the content of the command is incorrect during communication. This checksum uses the lower 1-byte value of the value obtained by adding ID to Data.

FIG. 11 shows an example of commands and responses between the copying machine and the communication control means. In the “copy machine ROM version request command”, the ID is defined as 01, and the communication control means 900 requests the ROM version by designating the type of ROM to the copying apparatus, and the RO as a response.
The M version data is acquired.

In the "copy machine memory read command", I
D is defined as 02, the communication control means 900 requests the memory read by designating an address to the copying apparatus, and acquires memory data as a response.

In the "copy machine display data command", the ID
Is defined as 03, and the communication control unit 900 requests the copying apparatus to specify display data and display it on the operation panel, and acquires a response as a response.

The copying apparatus sets the type of the received command to I.
Identify by D. If the ID is 03, it is determined that it is display data, and if it is other than 03, it is determined that it is not display data. If it is determined to be display data, the content is transmitted to the operation panel and displayed.

12 to 14 show details of the communication protocol between the external device (host computer) and the communication control means.

FIG. 12 shows the timing of data communication between the external device and the communication control means. The external device becomes the master side and sends a command to the communication control means 900. The communication control means 900 sends a response corresponding to the received command to the external device.

FIG. 13 shows a command and response format between the external device and the communication control means. This communication is done in serial via modem and public line,
The command is in ASCII format and consists of multiple bytes.
It is composed of Data, Sum, and CR. The ID indicates the type of command. Data is used when additional information is added to each type of command specified by the ID. Sum is a checksum and is used to confirm whether the content of the command is incorrect during communication. This checksum uses a value obtained by adding ID to Data and converting the lower 1-byte value to ASCII. CR is a delimiter and indicates the end of the command.

FIG. 14 shows an example of commands and responses between the external device and the communication control means. In the "copy machine ROM version request command", the ID is defined as 81, the external device requests the ROM version by designating the type of ROM to the communication control means 900, and the RO is sent as a response.
The M version data is acquired.

In the "copy machine memory read command", I
D is defined as 82, and an external device specifies an address to the communication control means 900 to request a memory read, and acquires memory data as a response.

In the "copy machine display data command", the ID
Is defined as 83, and the external device requests the communication control means 900 to specify display data and display it on the operation panel, and acquires a response as a response.

According to the sequence described above, the host computer can transmit the data to be displayed on the display panel of the operation unit to the image forming apparatus by the "copy machine display data command".

Similarly, the commands between the copying machine and the communication control means and between the external equipment and the communication control means include a "copying machine error status acquisition command" for acquiring an abnormal status of the copying machine and an alarm of the copying machine. There is a "copier alarm history acquisition command" for acquiring the alarm history which is the stored information.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of fan motor control.

Reference numeral 1300 denotes a CPU, and the developing device 1
13, it is determined whether or not to cool the fixing unit 117 and the like, and a control signal is output to the fan motor drive control device 1301. Fan motor drive controller 1301
Drives the fan motor when the CPU 1300 outputs a HIGH-level control signal, and stops the fan motor when outputting a LOW-level control signal.

By driving the fan motor drive controller,
The cooling fan 1304 attached to the motor shaft rotates and blows air to the developing device 113, the fixing unit 117, and the like to cool them. 1302 is a fan motor drive detector,
A HIGH level signal is output to the CPU when the rotation of the cooling fan 1304 is rotating at a predetermined rotation speed or more, and a LOW level signal is output when the cooling fan 1304 is rotating below the predetermined rotation speed or is stopped. Is output.

A counter 1303 capable of counting up and resetting is incorporated in the CPU 1300. The counter 1303 is
00 may be provided outside. CPU 1300
Measures the time from the output of the control signal for controlling the drive or stop to the fan motor drive control device 1301 until the output signal level of the fan motor drive detector changes by the counter 1303, and the cooling fan 1304 operates normally. It is possible to determine whether or not it is operating.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for alarm detection and error detection in the cooling drive control. In this flowchart, the CPU 1300 indicates that the developing unit 113 and the fixing unit 1
The control of the drive of the cooling fan 1304 from the determination of the cooling process start for 17 etc. to the determination of the cooling process stop will be described.

In step S1001, the job is started by pressing the copy start key or the like and the driving of the cooling fan 1304 is requested. Next, the CPU 1300
The counter 1303 is reset (S1002), and a drive control signal is output to the fan motor drive control device 1301 (S1003). It is determined whether or not the drive rotation speed of the cooling fan 1304 driven based on the drive control signal has reached a predetermined rotation speed (S1004). The determination of whether or not the driving rotation speed of the cooling fan 1304 has reached a predetermined rotation speed is performed as follows.

When the rotation speed of the cooling fan 1304 reaches a predetermined rotation speed, the fan motor drive detector 1302
Outputs a lock signal as a HIGH level to the CPU 1300. Based on the output, the CPU 1300 determines the rotation state of the cooling fan 1304 (lock detection).

When there is no lock signal (when the lock signal is LO
In the case of the W level), the cooling fan 1304 is regarded as not rotating or is rotating at a rotation speed that does not reach the predetermined rotation speed, and the counter 1303 is incremented (S).
1009), and it is determined whether the counter 1303 exceeds the specified value 2 (S1010). The fan motor drive detector 1302 detects lock at a constant cycle. Here, assuming that the lock detection in S1004 is performed in a cycle of 10 ms, the specified value 2 in S1010 is set to a value corresponding to 5 seconds in the lock detection cycle (that is, the counter comparison value is 500). There is.

If the value of the counter 1303 does not exceed the specified value 2 in S1010, the process returns to S1004.
If the value of the counter 1303 exceeds the specified value 2,
It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the driving of the cooling fan 1304 and an error is output. When it is determined that the driving of the cooling fan 1304 is abnormal, the image forming operation of the copying apparatus main body 100 is prohibited (S1011). Further, the communication control means 900 is notified that an error has occurred (S
1012). Then, in order to prevent malfunction of the copying apparatus main body 100 due to abnormal driving of the cooling fan 1304, the copying apparatus main body 100 is stopped (S101).
3).

When the lock is detected in S1004, it is determined that the cooling fan 1304 is normally rotating (driving), and the process proceeds to S1005. In S1005, the counter 13
It is determined whether the value of 03 is larger than the specified value 1 (value smaller than the specified value 2). From the result of this determination, it is possible to determine the time during which the cooling fan 1304 is not rotating normally.

When the value of the counter 1303 is larger than the specified value 1, the communication control means 900 is notified of an alarm (notice of abnormality) that the driving failure of the cooling fan 1304 is approaching (S1008). Here, the specified value 1 in S1005 is a value corresponding to 2.5 seconds (the counter comparison value is 25
0) is set. This value is set to a value that is longer than the rising time from a stopped state that a normal fan motor requires and smaller than a specified value 2 that is determined to be an abnormal drive of the cooling fan 1304. The reason for setting the stipulated value 1 is to prevent an alarm from being detected when the fan motor rises, and to detect an alarm before the device stops as an error.

When the value of the counter 1303 is smaller than the specified value 1 in S1005 and when the alarm is detected and the communication control means 900 is notified in S1008, the counter 1303 is reset (S1006). By resetting the counter 1303, it is possible to continue the detection of alarms and errors even after the fan motor has started up. Counter 130
After resetting CPU 3, CPU 1303 causes cooling fan 130
It is determined whether or not there is an instruction to stop driving 4 (S10)
07). If there is no stop command in S1007, S1004
Return to. If there is a stop command in S1007, the cooling fan 1
The driving of 304 is stopped (S1014). That is, the alarm fan and the error detection process are performed by the cooling fan 1304.
It will be repeated until the driving of is stopped.

FIG. 16 shows C when the copy job is completed.
It is a flow chart of cooling device stop control in case PU1300 requested stop of cooling fan 1304 (S1114 = S1101).

First, the CPU 1300 has the counter 130.
3 is reset (S1102), and the stop signal of the drive control signal is output to the fan motor drive control device 1301 (S1103). Next, it is determined whether the driving rotation speed of the cooling fan 1304 has become less than a predetermined rotation speed (S1104). The determination as to whether the driving rotation speed of the cooling fan 1304 has become less than a predetermined rotation speed is performed as follows.

When the rotation speed of the cooling fan 1304 becomes less than the predetermined rotation speed, the fan motor drive detector 13
02 outputs a lock signal HIGH to the CPU 1300.
Do not output as a level, LOW which is a non-lock signal
Output level. By the lock signal output, CP
The U1300 determines whether the cooling fan 1304 is in a stopped state (lock detection).

On the other hand, when there is a lock signal (when the lock signal is at the HIGH level), it is considered that the cooling fan 1304 is not stopped and the counter 1303 is incremented (S1109), and the counter 1303 is set to the specified value 2.
It is determined whether or not (S1110). The fan motor drive detector 1302 detects lock at a constant cycle. For example, the lock detection in S1104 is 1
If the cycle is 0 ms, the specified value 2 in S1110 is set to a value corresponding to 5 seconds (counter comparison value is 500) in the cycle for performing lock detection.

If the value of the counter 1303 does not exceed the specified value 2 in S1110, the process returns to S1104. If the value of the counter 1303 exceeds the specified value 2, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the driving of the cooling fan 1304 and an error is output. If it is determined that the driving of the cooling fan 1304 is abnormal, the image forming operation of the copying apparatus main body 100 is prohibited (S1111). It also notifies the communication control means 900 that an error has occurred (S1).
112). Then, the copying apparatus main body 100 is stopped (S1113).

If the lock is not detected in S1104, it is determined that the cooling fan 1304 is shifting to the stopped state, and the process proceeds to S1105. In S1105, it is determined whether the value of the counter 1303 is larger than the specified value 1. From the result of this determination, it is possible to determine the time during which the cooling fan 1304 is not rotating normally.

When the value of the counter 1303 is larger than the specified value 1, the communication control means 900 is notified of an alarm (abnormality notice) because the driving failure of the cooling fan 1304 is near. Here, the specified value 1 in S1105 is a value corresponding to 2.5 seconds (the counter comparison value is 25
0) is set.

When the value of the counter 1303 is smaller than the specified value 1 in S1105 or when the alarm is detected and the communication control means 900 is notified in S1108, the counter 1303 is reset (S1106). By resetting the counter 1303, the cooling fan 130
Cooling fan 1 due to malfunction of motor even after 4 stops
The rotation of 304 can be monitored. Counter 130
After resetting CPU 3, CPU 1303 causes cooling fan 130
It is determined whether or not there is a driving command of 4 (S110).
7). If there is no drive command in S1107, the process returns to S1104. In S1107, if there is a drive command, the cooling fan 13
The driving of 04 is started (S1114). That is, the alarm and error detection processing is repeated until the driving of the cooling fan 1304 is started.

In the present invention, the specified values of the error detection and the alarm detection of the cooling fan drive control and the specified values of the error detection and the alarm detection in the stop control are shown. This is due to the start-up and stop characteristics of the fan motor. ,
Other values may be used depending on the characteristics of the motor.

[0086]

As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, not only error (abnormality) information of the cooling device in the image forming apparatus but also alarm (abnormality notice) information is notified to the host computer. Therefore, it is possible to have a service person perform maintenance inspection and replacement work before the image forming apparatus becomes unusable due to an error in the cooling fan, and downtime of the image forming apparatus is shortened. be able to.

Further, since it is possible to grasp the failure sign of a plurality of cooling fans, it is not necessary for the service person to visit the user every time an error occurs, and an efficient maintenance and inspection service can be performed in terms of labor and cost. It is possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of communication means.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an external view of an operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a communication control flowchart of communication control means.

FIG. 7 is a transfer control flowchart of copy control means.

FIG. 8 is a communication control flowchart of an external device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a communication protocol between a copying apparatus and a communication control unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a format of a command and a response in the copying apparatus-communication means.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a command example of a copying apparatus-communication control means.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a communication protocol between an external device and communication control means.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a format of a command and a response in an external device-communication means.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a command example of an external device-communication control means.

FIG. 15 is a drive control alarm / error detection flowchart.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of stop control alarm and error detection.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of fan motor control.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Copying machine body 111 photosensitive drum 124 Double-sided transport path 200 image reader 300 printer 400 folding unit 500 finisher 600 operation panel 800 Copy control means 801 CPU 900 communication control means 1000 Document feeder

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) B41J 29/46 H04N 1/00 106C G03G 21/20 G03G 21/00 534 H04N 1/00 106 B41J 29/00 PF term (reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 AR03 AS02 HV02 HV26 HV35 2H027 DA32 DA38 DE04 DE07 EJ15 EK01 EK03 GA30 HA01 HA12 HB01 HB16 JA11 JB16 JB22 5C062 AA05 AB38 AB41 AC31 AC58 AE15 AF06 AF15 BA00

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A communication unit for exchanging data with the outside, a cooling device arranged in the image forming apparatus, drive control means for driving or stopping the cooling device, and driving of the cooling device. A drive detection unit that detects a state, and a counter that counts the time from the start of drive control of the cooling device by the drive control unit, at the time when a desired drive state is detected by the drive detection unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: an alarm detecting unit that determines that the cooling device is near a failure when the counter value is equal to or greater than a prescribed value and notifies the communication unit of an alarm. 2. When the drive control means starts the drive control of the cooling device and the drive detection means does not detect a desired drive state even if the counter value becomes larger than a specified value 2, It is further provided with error detection means for judging that the cooling device is out of order, notifying the communication unit of an error and prohibiting the subsequent image forming operation, and the specified value 1 is smaller than the specified value 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. 3. The time period in which the cooling device converts the counter value into a specified value 3 after the drive control means starts drive control and before the drive detection means detects a desired drive state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specified value 1 is larger than the specified value 3, and the specified value is 1. 4. The cooling device is a fan motor, the drive control means is a binary signal for driving or stopping the cooling fan motor, and the drive detecting means is a predetermined rotation speed of the fan motor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a rotation detector that outputs a detection signal only when the image forming apparatus reaches the position.