JP2004101667A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that makes it possible to provide a waste-toner box replacement service before the apparatus stops, by detecting as an alarm a sign of an amount beyond the permissible amount of a waste-toner box before the waste-toner box becomes full and the use of the image forming apparatus is inhibited. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus includes a communication part that transmits/receives data to/from an external part, a storage vessel for storing waste toner scraped from a photoreceptor, and a counter 1 which counts sheets subjected to image formation. The apparatus also includes a waste-toner replacement error detection means which, when the counter reaches a specified value 2, determines that the waste toner vessel needs to be replaced, and outputs an error signal, thereby inhibiting an image forming operation after the output of the error signal. The apparatus further includes a waste-toner replacement alarm detection means which, when the counter 1 reaches a specified value 1, determines that time to replace the waste-toner vessel is close in time, and outputs an alarm signal, thereby continuing the image forming operation after the output of the alarm signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a data processing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a copying apparatus is generally connected to a host computer installed at a central center via a network, and when an abnormality occurs in the copying apparatus, the center is generally notified automatically.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional method, when an error occurs in the copying apparatus, even if the image forming apparatus sends error information, no countermeasures are taken until the service person goes to the user from the center, and in the worst case, Has a problem that the image forming apparatus cannot be used. For example, a waste toner box containing waste toner is a replacement part. If the amount exceeds an allowable amount, an abnormality is caused in the apparatus by the waste toner. Therefore, an error is output and an image forming apparatus is output until a service person goes to a user. Is prohibited. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to detect, as an alarm, a sign that exceeds a permissible amount of a waste toner box before the apparatus provided in the image forming apparatus, particularly, a waste toner box becomes full and the image forming apparatus is prohibited from being used. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of performing a waste toner BOX replacement service before stopping the image forming apparatus by notifying the center of the image forming apparatus.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication unit for exchanging data with the outside, a storage container for storing waste toner scraped from a photoconductor, and a sheet on which an image is formed. A counter 1 for counting the number of sheets, when the counter reaches a specified value 2, determines that the waste toner container needs to be replaced, outputs an error, and prohibits the subsequent image forming operation. A toner replacement error detecting means, and when the counter 1 reaches a specified value 1, judges that the replacement time of the waste toner container is near and outputs an alarm to continue the subsequent image forming operation. It is characterized by having an alarm detecting means.
[0005]
The invention according to claim 2 is a communication unit for exchanging data with the outside, a storage container for storing waste toner scraped off from the photoconductor, a laser irradiation device for irradiating a laser to the photosensitive drum, A counter 2 for counting the time of laser irradiation by the laser irradiation device, and when the counter 2 reaches a specified value 4, it is determined that the waste toner container needs to be replaced and an error is output; A waste toner replacement error detecting means for prohibiting a subsequent image forming operation; and when the counter 2 reaches a specified value 3, it is determined that the time for replacement of the waste toner container is near and an alarm is output. It has a waste toner replacement alarm detecting means for continuing the image forming operation.
[0006]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, a transfer mode for developing the toner in an area irradiated with the laser by the laser irradiation apparatus and transferring the toner to a sheet, and developing the toner in the area irradiated with the laser by the irradiation apparatus. A black band forming mode that does not transfer to paper; and a switching unit for using any one of the transfer mode and the black band forming unit. The counter 2 is used when the black band forming unit is used. It is characterized in that the rate of counting up is large.
[0007]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the counter 1 and the counter according to the first to third aspects, further comprising a waste toner detector capable of detecting that a predetermined amount or more of waste toner is stored in the storage container. Numeral 2 is a counter which counts up after the waste toner detector detects a predetermined amount or more of waste toner.
[0008]
Further, the invention according to claim 5, wherein a communication unit for exchanging data with the outside, a storage container for storing the waste toner scraped off from the photoreceptor, and a weight of the storage container containing the waste toner are specified values. And a weight detecting device capable of detecting whether or not the waste toner container has reached the prescribed value 6. When the weight of the container containing waste toner reaches the prescribed value 5, the waste toner container A waste toner replacement error detecting means for outputting an error when it is determined that replacement of the waste toner is necessary and prohibiting the subsequent image forming operation; When the time has reached, the waste toner container is judged to be about to be replaced soon, an alarm is output, and a waste toner replacement alarm detecting means for continuing the subsequent image forming operation is provided.
[0009]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, in the weight detection device, the toner container is supported by an elastic component whose expansion amount changes according to an applied force, and the expandable component is moved to a predetermined position. An expansion / contraction detection sensor for detecting whether or not expansion / contraction has been provided is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the expansion / contraction detection sensor has reached a position converted into the specified values 5 and 6.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Example)
Hereinafter, a copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments.
[0011]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the copying apparatus according to the embodiment.
[0012]
100 is a copying apparatus main body, 800 is copy control means for controlling a copy operation, 900 is communication control means (model board) for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external communication line, and 908 is an external communication line. A public line 999 is a host computer system which is an external device provided at a management office for managing the copying apparatus.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the communication control means (modem board) 900. Reference numeral 901 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) for controlling communication; 903, a memory (RAM) for temporarily storing communication data; 905, which modulates digital communication data to be loaded on a public line 908; A modem (modem) demodulates data transmitted by the public line 908 into digital communication data, and 906 denotes a network control unit (NCU).
[0014]
Under the control of the copy control unit 800 and the communication control unit 900 having the above-described configurations, the copy operation of the copy apparatus 100, data storage, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 are performed.
[0015]
Next, control means 800 and 900 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control means 800 and 900 of the present embodiment. In the figure, a control unit 800 controls the copying operation of the copying apparatus main body 100. The control unit 900 controls communication with an external communication line.
[0016]
Reference numeral 801 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) for controlling the entire copying apparatus. Reference numeral 802 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ROM) that stores a control procedure (control program) for the copying apparatus main body 100. The CPU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802.
[0017]
Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as a RAM) which is a main storage device used as storage for input data and as a work storage area, and stores a telephone number and the like necessary for starting communication with the external device 999. It also comprises storage means. Reference numeral 804 denotes an input / output IC (hereinafter, referred to as an I / O) that outputs a control signal of the CPU 801 to a load of the main motor 113 and the like and inputs a signal from a sensor or the like of the fixing device and sends the signal to the CPU 801. The CPU 801 receives inputs from various keys on an operation panel, which will be described later, via a bus and an appropriate I / O (not shown), and sends out the information to display necessary information on a display on the panel.
[0018]
A communication control unit 900 that controls communication with the external communication line 908 controls communication with the CPU 901. A storage device (ROM) 902 stores communication control, connection procedure programs, and the like. The copy control means 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 is connected by a transfer means constituted by RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907, and transmitted from the control means 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the RS-232C interface 907. When the data transfer is performed, the transfer data is temporarily stored in a RAM 903 serving as a dedicated communication data storage unit provided in the communication control unit 900, and the network control is performed by the CPU 901 after the data transfer from the control unit 800 of the copier main body is completed. A unit (hereinafter abbreviated as NCU) unit 906 is controlled to make a communication line connection with an external device, and after the line connection, data is transferred to the outside through modem 905 and NCU unit 906.
[0019]
When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily stored in the RAM 903, and the copying device is controlled via the RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907 in response to a request from the copying control means 800 of the copying device main body. Data is transferred to the control device 800 of the main body 100. Reference numeral 909 denotes a rotary switch for setting a telephone number of a communication destination, an own ID number, a password, and the like.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a copying apparatus. The configuration and operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0021]
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a document feeder 1000, an image reader 200, a printer 300, a folding unit 400, and a finisher 500.
[0022]
The above-described configuration will be described in detail together with the operation. The document feeding apparatus 1000 conveys the set documents one by one sequentially from the top page on the platen glass 102 from left to right through a curved path, and thereafter, Is discharged to the paper discharge tray 112. At this time, the scanner unit 104 is held at a predetermined position, and the document is read by passing the document from left to right on the scanner unit 104. When the document passes, the light of the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104 is irradiated on the document, and the reflected light from the document is guided to the image sensor 109 via the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108. Note that the original can be read by moving the scanner unit 104 from left to right after the original is conveyed onto the platen glass 102 by the original feeding device 1000 and stopped.
[0023]
The image of the document read by the image sensor 109 is subjected to image processing and sent to the exposure control unit 110. Exposure control section 110 outputs laser light according to the image signal. The laser beam 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 toner of the developing device 113, and the toner on the photosensitive drum 111 is a sheet fed from any one of the cassettes 114 and 115, the manual sheet feeding unit 125, and the duplex conveying path 124. Is transferred by the transfer unit 116.
[0024]
At this time, if the developing unit 113 and the fixing unit 117 are operated at a high temperature, the image quality is adversely affected. Therefore, during the image formation, the developing fan 130 and the fixing fan 131 are blown by rotating the motor with a motor to suppress the temperature rise. ing.
[0025]
The sheet to which the toner has been transferred is subjected to developer fixing processing in a fixing unit 117. The sheet that has passed the fixing unit 117 is once guided to a path 122 by the flapper 121, and after the trailing end 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 developer is discharged from the printer 300 by the discharge roller 118 with the surface onto which the developer has been transferred facing downward (face down).
[0026]
At this time, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 111 is scraped off by the cleaning device 140, passes through the pipe 142, and is stored in the waste toner BOX 141.
[0027]
When forming an image on a hard sheet such as an OHP sheet from the manual sheet feeding unit 125, the surface on which the toner has been transferred is discharged from the discharge roller 118 in an upward state (face-up) without leading to the path 122. When forming an image on both sides of the sheet, the sheet is guided straight from the fixing unit 117 to the discharge roller 118, and the sheet is switched back immediately after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 121. Lead to 124.
[0028]
The sheet discharged from the discharge roller 118 is sent to the folding device 400. The folding device 400 performs a process of folding a sheet into a Z shape. When a folding process is designated for an A3 size or B4 size sheet, 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, an inserter 1900 is provided on the finisher 500, and feeds a cover, a slip sheet, and the like to the finisher main body 500.
[0029]
Next, the operation panel (operation unit) will be described. FIG. 5 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100.
[0030]
An asterisk (*) key 601 is used when the operator (user) is in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame. A cursor key 627 is used to select a setting item in the setting mode. Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key, which is used to confirm the setting contents in the setting mode.
[0031]
An all reset key 606 is pressed when returning to the standard mode, and is also pressed when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode.
[0032]
A copy start key (copy start key) 605 is pressed to start copying.
[0033]
A clear / stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stopper key during copy recording. This 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.
[0034]
A numeric keypad 603 is pressed when setting the number of copies. Also used when setting the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 can register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, recording in four modes M1 to M4 can be performed.
[0035]
Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. An AE key 613 is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density in accordance with the density of the original, or to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual (manual).
[0036]
A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 114, the lower paper lifter 115, and the multi-hander 125. When a document is placed on the document feeder 1000, APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected with the copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.
[0037]
Reference numeral 610 denotes an equal-size key, which is pressed when making a copy of the same size (original size). An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the size of the specified transfer sheet.
[0038]
A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make double-sided copying from a single-sided original, double-sided copying from a double-sided original, or single-sided copying 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 to copy a photo document. A multiple key 623 is pressed to create (combine) an image from two documents on the same side of a transfer sheet.
[0039]
Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases a frame of a standard size document. At this time, the size of the document is set by the asterisk key 601. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is pressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the size of a copy sheet.
[0040]
A cover mode setting key 629 is used to create a front cover and a back cover and to insert a slip sheet. Reference numeral 630 denotes a continuous page copy key, which is used to continuously copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread.
[0041]
A discharge method selection key 614 selects a staple sort, sort, or group discharge method. When the finisher 500 is connected, the staple sort mode, the sort mode, and the group mode for the recording paper are selected or selected. The mode can be released.
[0042]
Reference numeral 633 denotes a guide key, which is used to describe functions corresponding to various keys when displaying the message display 701.
[0043]
Reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information relating to copying and communication, and displays characters and figures in 96 × 129 dots. For example, the number of copies set with the numeric keypad 603, the copy magnification set with the fixed-size scaling keys 608 and 609, the same-size key 610, the zoom keys 617 and 618, the paper size selected with the copy paper selection key 607, the state of the copying apparatus main body 100 , A guide message indicating an operation procedure, and other various mode setting contents.
[0044]
An AE display 704 is turned on when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the AE key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up when in a preheating state. When the original feeder 1000 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is set to one, the density AE mode, the automatic paper selection, the same magnification, and the one-sided original to one-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, the same size, and the setting of one-sided original to one-sided copy. The difference between when the document feeder 1000 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set in the document feeder 1000.
[0045]
Next, communication with an external device will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a routine for controlling communication as a part of the program stored in the ROM 902 of the communication control means 900.
[0046]
This routine is entered from step S601, and it is checked in step S602 whether there is a reception request from an external line or the copying machine main body. If there is no request, the process proceeds to step S606. If there is a reception request, it is determined in step S603 whether the request is from the external device or the copy control means. If the request is from the copy control means, the process proceeds to step S604. If it is requested, the flow advances to step S605 to receive the data from each of them and store them in the RAM 903 as communication data storage means.
[0047]
Next, in step S606, it is checked whether there is a transmission request to an external line. If not, the process proceeds to step S608. If there is a request, 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. I do. Next, in step S608, it is checked whether or not transfer to the copy control means is possible. If the transfer is not possible, the process exits from this step S610. If transfer is possible, the process proceeds to step S609 to transfer the data stored in the RAM 903 to the copy control means 800. This routine exits from step S610.
[0048]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a routine for controlling communication as a part of the program stored in the ROM 802 of the copy control means 800 of the copying apparatus main body. This routine is entered from step S701, and in step S702, the subject control unit 800 checks whether data reception from the communication control unit 900 can be received. If it is impossible, the process exits this routine from step S707. If it is possible to receive, the process proceeds to step S703 to check whether there is a reception request from the communication control unit 900. If there is no request, the process proceeds to step S707. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S704 to receive the transferred data. Next, in step S705, it is checked whether transmission to the communication control unit 900 is possible. If not possible, the process proceeds to step S707. If transmission is possible, transmission is performed to the communication control unit 900 in step S706. Through.
[0049]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a communication control routine of an external device of a communication partner. This routine is entered from step S801, and the communication line 908 is connected in step S802. Next, in step S803, a check is made to the communication control means 900 of the copying apparatus to determine whether transmission is possible. If it is impossible, the process proceeds to step S805. If it is possible, data is transmitted in step S804. Then, in step S805, the connection of the communication line is disconnected, and the routine exits from step S806.
[0050]
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show 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 apparatus and the communication control means. The communication control means becomes the master side and sends a command to the copying apparatus. The copying apparatus transmits a response corresponding to the received command to the communication control unit.
[0051]
FIG. 10 shows a format of a command and a response between the copying apparatus and the communication control unit. This communication is performed in a serial system, and the command is composed of a plurality of bytes in a binary format, and is composed of ID, Length, Data, and Sum. The ID indicates the type of the command. Length indicates the number of bytes of the command. Data is used when further information is added to each type of command specified by the ID. Sum is a checksum for confirming 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.
[0052]
FIG. 11 shows examples of commands and responses between the copying apparatus and the communication control means. The "copying machine ROM version request command" has an ID defined as 01, in which the communication control means requests the copying apparatus for the ROM version by designating the type of ROM, and obtains ROM version data as a response. The "copier memory read command" has an ID defined as 02, in which the communication control means requests a memory read by designating an address to the copier, and acquires memory data as a response. The "copying machine display data command" has an ID defined as 03 and requests the communication control means to specify display data to the copying apparatus and display it on the operation panel, and obtain a response as a response.
[0053]
Here, the copying apparatus identifies the type of the received command by the ID. If the ID is 03, it is determined that the data is display data. If the ID is other than 03, it is determined that the data is not display data. If the data is determined to be display data, the content is transmitted to the operation panel and displayed.
[0054]
FIGS. 12, 13 and 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. The communication control means transmits a response corresponding to the received command to the external device.
[0055]
FIG. 13 shows a format of a command and a response between the external device and the communication control means. This communication is performed in a serial system via a modem and a public line, and the command is composed of a plurality of bytes in ASCII format, and is composed of ID, Data, Sum, and CR. The ID indicates the type of the command. Data is used when further information is added to each type of command specified by the ID. Sum is a checksum for confirming whether the content of the command is incorrect during communication. This checksum uses a value obtained by converting the lower 1 byte value of the value obtained by adding ID to Data into ASCII. CR is a delimiter and indicates the end of the command.
[0056]
FIG. 14 shows examples of commands and responses between the external device and the communication control means. The "copying machine ROM version request command" has an ID defined as 81, in which the external device requests the ROM version by designating the type of ROM to the communication control means and acquires ROM version data as a response. The "copier memory read command" has an ID defined as 82, in which an external device requests a memory read by designating an address to the communication control means, and acquires memory data as a response. The “copying machine display data command” has an ID defined as 83 and requests an external device to designate display data to the communication control means and display it on the operation panel, and obtain a response as a response.
[0057]
According to the above-described sequence, the host computer can transmit data to be displayed on the display panel of the operation unit to the image forming apparatus by the "copier display data command".
[0058]
Similarly, commands between the copying apparatus and the communication control means and between the external apparatus and the communication control means include a "copying machine error state acquisition command" for acquiring an abnormal state of the copying apparatus, and information storing an alarm of the copying apparatus. "Copier alarm history acquisition command" for acquiring the alarm history.
[0059]
FIG. 18A is a block diagram of the waste toner error / alarm detection according to the first and fourth aspects. This is based on the idea that the total number of sheets passed is proportional to the amount of waste toner stored in the waste toner box. In this figure, an error and an alarm can be detected only by the sheet passing counter according to the first aspect, and by a combination of the sheet passing counter and the waste toner detecting sensor in the fourth aspect. Although the waste toner amount based on the number of passed sheets is an estimated value, the reason for providing the waste toner detection sensor in claim 4 is that in order to reduce the error of the estimated value, a certain amount is determined from a point where the sensor is determined by turning on the sensor. This is for performing estimation based on the number of sheets.
[0060]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of error / alarm detection by the number of passed sheets and the waste toner sensor. This is a state in which an image forming operation has been started by a job start or the like in S1201. The detection of the error / alarm is performed at the timing when the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged out of the image forming apparatus (S1202). At this time, if ON of the waste toner sensor is detected (S1203), since the waste toner BOX contains a predetermined amount or more of waste toner, the counter is counted up by one (S1204). When the counter value reaches the specified value 2 (2000 sheets in this embodiment) (S1205), it is determined that the waste toner BOX is at the storage limit and an error is notified to the communication unit (S1210), and the subsequent image forming operation is performed. Is prohibited (S1211). When the counter value reaches a specified value 1 (0 sheets in the embodiment), it is determined that the storage limit of the waste toner BOX is near, an alarm is notified to the communication unit (S1207), and the subsequent image forming operation is continued. (S1208). If there is no waste toner sensor, the process proceeds to S1204 without performing the determination in S1203. In this case, the specified value is larger by ((amount of waste toner until the waste toner sensor is turned on / amount of waste toner per sheet)) than when the waste toner sensor is provided. These prescribed values need to be set appropriately depending on the size of the waste toner bottle and the position of the waste toner sensor.
[0061]
FIG. 18B is a block diagram of the waste toner error / alarm detection according to the second, third and fourth aspects. This is based on the idea that the laser lighting time is proportional to the amount of waste toner contained in the waste toner BOX. This is because the toner scattered from the developing device adheres to the area where the laser is turned on, and the toner not transferred to the paper is scraped off by a drum cleaner or the like and stored in the waste toner BOX. In addition, as a mode of image formation, a development transfer mode in which a photosensitive drum is irradiated with a laser based on image data to form an image on paper, and a laser is turned on in all sections in the main scanning direction to attach toner in a belt shape to the photosensitive drum. There is a black belt forming mode in which all the paper is scraped off by a drum cleaner without being transferred onto the paper. In these modes, the amount discharged as waste toner differs by about 10 times even if the laser lighting time is the same, so that the accuracy of the estimated value of the stored waste toner amount can be improved by performing the classification. .
[0062]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of error / alarm detection based on the laser lighting time and the mode. In step S1101, the image forming operation is started by a job start or the like. The timing for detecting the error / alarm is the timing for turning off the laser (S1105). Here, a different value for each mode is added to the counter every time a predetermined time elapses (S1103) until the laser is turned off after the laser is turned on to perform image formation (S1102). In the embodiment, when the mode is the black belt forming mode, 10 is added to the counter (S1113), and when the mode is the normal development transfer mode, 1 is added to the counter (S1114). This operation is performed every 100 milliseconds until the laser is turned off. When the counter reaches the specified value 4 (500000 in the embodiment) (S1106), it is determined that the waste toner BOX is at the storage limit and an error is notified to the communication unit. (S1111), and the subsequent image forming operation is prohibited (S1112). When the counter value reaches the specified value 3 (4980000 in the embodiment) (S1107), it is determined that the storage limit of the waste toner BOX is near and an alarm is notified to the communication unit (S1108), and the subsequent image forming operation is performed. It continues (S1109). Also in this case, the accuracy of detecting an error and an alarm can be improved by combining the toner detection sensor according to the fourth aspect.
[0063]
FIG. 18C is a block diagram of the waste toner error / alarm detection according to the fifth and sixth aspects. This is based on the idea that the mass of the waste toner is proportional to the volume of the waste toner stored in the BOX. In order to carry out this method, it is necessary to measure the weight of the BOX including the waste toner. By providing a sensor for detecting the amount, waste toner error / alarm detection can be accurately performed. FIG. 19A shows a method of performing this method using two sensors. In this figure, the waste toner BOX is supported by a spring-like component, and a blocking component for turning the sensor ON or OFF is attached to the bottom surface of the waste toner BOX. The left drawing of FIG. 7A shows that the error detection sensor and the alarm detection sensor are mounted at positions where the waste toner box is turned off when the waste toner box is empty. Further, when the waste toner is accumulated in the waste toner box, the spring is compressed, and the shut-off component is lowered. At this time, when the weight of the waste toner contained in the waste toner box reaches the alarm detection specified value 5 (4.5 kg in the embodiment) in the center diagram of FIG. It is shown that it is attached to the position where it is turned ON. Further, in the figure on the right side of (A), when the weight of the waste toner contained in the waste toner BOX reaches a specified value 6 (5.5 kg in the embodiment) for error detection, the shut-off component turns on the error detection sensor. Indicates that it is attached to the position. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing this series of flows. In the embodiment, the timing of error / alarm detection is determined at the timing when the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged out of the apparatus. Note that the error detection sensor in S1303 and the alarm detection sensor in S1304 are mounted at the heights where errors and alarms are to be detected, respectively. Also, as shown in FIG. 19B, the distance between the alarm detection sensor and the error detection sensor is set to the length of the sensor cutoff part, and a flag for holding that the sensor is turned on is used. Indicates that the mass error alarm of the waste toner can be detected by one sensor.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, not only the error information of the waste toner BOX in the image forming apparatus but also the alarm information is notified to the host computer, so that the waste toner BOX becomes full and the use of the image forming apparatus is prohibited. Before the maintenance, maintenance and inspection and replacement work by a service person can be performed, and downtime of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication unit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device according to the 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 (embodiment) of the communication control means.
FIG. 7 is a transfer control flowchart (embodiment) of the copy control means.
FIG. 8 is a communication control flowchart of the external device.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a communication protocol between the copying apparatus and communication control means.
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 illustrating an example of a command of a copying apparatus-communication control unit.
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 the external device-communication means.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a command example of an external device-communication control unit.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart (example) of detecting a waste toner error and an alarm based on the number of sheets passed.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart (example) of detecting a waste toner error and an alarm based on a laser lighting time.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart (embodiment) of detecting a waste toner error and an alarm by detecting the weight.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating detection of a waste toner error and an alarm.
FIG. 19 is a detailed diagram of detection of a waste toner error and alarm by weight detection.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image forming apparatus
1000 Document Feeder
200 image reader
300 printer
400 folding section
500 Finisher

Claims (6)

A communication unit that exchanges data with the outside;
A storage container for storing waste toner scraped off from the photoconductor,
A counter 1 for counting the number of sheets on which an image has been formed;
A waste toner replacement error detecting unit that determines that the waste toner container needs to be replaced when the counter reaches a prescribed value of 2, and outputs an error, and inhibits subsequent image forming operations;
When the counter 1 reaches a specified value 1, the waste toner container is judged to be about to be replaced soon and an alarm is output, and a waste toner replacement alarm detecting means for continuing the subsequent image forming operation is provided. Characteristic image forming apparatus. A communication unit that exchanges data with the outside;
A storage container for storing waste toner scraped off from the photoconductor,
A laser irradiation device for irradiating the photosensitive drum with a laser,
The laser irradiation device has a counter 2 that counts the time of laser irradiation,
When the counter 2 reaches a specified value 4, it is determined that the waste toner container needs to be replaced, an error is output, and a waste toner replacement error detecting unit for prohibiting the subsequent image forming operation;
When the counter 2 reaches the specified value 3, it is determined that the replacement time of the waste toner container is near, and an alarm is output to output a waste toner replacement alarm detecting means for continuing the subsequent image forming operation. Characteristic image forming apparatus. In claim 2,
A transfer mode for developing toner on an area irradiated with laser by the laser irradiation apparatus and transferring the developed toner to paper;
The image forming apparatus further includes a black band forming mode in which toner is developed in a region irradiated with the laser by the irradiation device but is not transferred to paper, and a switching unit for using any of the transfer mode and the black band forming unit. An image forming apparatus wherein the rate of counting up the counter 2 is higher when the band forming means is used. The waste toner detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a waste toner detector capable of detecting that a predetermined amount or more of waste toner is stored in the storage container,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counter 1 and the counter 2 are counters that count up after the waste toner detector detects a predetermined amount or more of waste toner. A communication unit that exchanges data with the outside;
A storage container for storing waste toner scraped off from the photoconductor,
A weight detection device capable of detecting whether the weight of the storage container containing waste toner has reached a specified value 5 and a specified value 6,
When the weight of the container including the waste toner reaches the specified value 5 by the weight detection device, it is determined that the waste toner container needs to be replaced, an error is output, and the subsequent image forming operation is performed. Means for detecting a waste toner replacement error to be prohibited;
When the weight of the container containing the waste toner reaches the specified value 6 by the weight detection device, it is determined that the time to replace the waste toner container is near and an alarm is output, and the subsequent image forming operation is performed. An image forming apparatus comprising continuous waste toner replacement alarm detecting means. In claim 5,
The weight detection device includes an expansion / contraction sensor that supports the toner container with an expansion / contraction component whose expansion / contraction amount changes according to an applied force, and detects whether the expandable / contractible component has expanded / contracted to a predetermined position. An image forming apparatus for determining whether or not the expansion / contraction sensor has reached a position converted to the specified values 5 and 6;

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