JP2004238125A - Image reading apparatus, its control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus or the like that automatically cleans a separation paper supply part or conveying part of an automatic document feeder and can automatically determine the service life and inform it. <P>SOLUTION: In an ADF device of an image forming apparatus having the ADF, a cleaning member is formed output-settably with respect to the separation paper supply part or conveying part, dirty degree of the separation paper supply part or conveying part is detected, the cleaning member is brought into contact with an object to be cleaned of the separation paper supply part or conveying part to clean it timely. Data of dirty degrees before and after the cleaning allows replacement prediction notification of the separation paper supply part or conveying part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading device provided with an automatic document feeder.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as an ADF) provided in an image forming apparatus includes a separation belt or the like that feeds and separates originals one by one from a bundle of originals on an original stacking tray from the uppermost sheet. A transport unit including a separate paper feed unit and a transport belt that transports the separated document to an exposure position on the platen glass is provided.
[0003]
As the frequency of use of the device increases and the deterioration progresses, the friction coefficient decreases due to the contamination of the surface of the separation belt / roller and the feed roller of the separation / feed unit, and the conveyance jam due to the feed slip and the separation return force are reduced. Double feed of paper occurs due to the drop. Further, it is known that a noticeable stain on the conveyor belt, which serves to convey and press the original to the platen glass, appears on the copy image surface through the paper of the original, causing a problem of a show-through phenomenon.
[0004]
After the occurrence of the above-mentioned trouble or the like, the user reports to the service person to have the user perform a repair operation. As a maintenance for the separation paper feed unit, the serviceman impregnates the paper with alcohol / cleaning agent, inserts the paper into the separation paper feed unit nip, and idles the separation paper feed unit belt / separation paper feed roller. Perform cleaning. Still, when the friction coefficient does not return and the separation performance does not return, the separation / feeding unit belt / separation / feeding roller is replaced because of the life, replacement for each unit, adjustment to narrow the separation gap, and the like are performed.
[0005]
In the case of maintenance of the conveyor belt, the work of wiping the conveyor belt with a cloth material containing water, alcohol / cleaning agent, etc. is performed manually. Are often replaced for life reasons.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the user is prohibited from using the ADF device from the occurrence of the above-described problem to the conventional image forming device until the serviceman visits and repairs the device. Downtime of the apparatus has occurred, and the operating rate of the apparatus has been reduced.
[0007]
In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides an image reading apparatus and the like that can automatically clean the separation sheet feeding unit and the transporting unit of the ADF device, and can automatically determine and notify the life thereof. The purpose is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, a separation sheet feeding section for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance section for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding section to a reading position are provided. An image reading device having an automatic document reading device having an automatic document reading device and an image reading device for reading an image of a document conveyed to the reading position. The automatic document reading device is provided with an automatic cleaning unit configured to be capable of contacting, and a detection unit that detects a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit. Control means for controlling a cleaning means so as to control the cleaning member so as to come into contact with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding section and / or the transport section is provided.
[0009]
In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding section for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance section for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding section to a reading position; An image reading device that includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document conveyed to a reading position; an automatic cleaning unit configured to allow a cleaning member to protrude and retract from the separation sheet feeding unit or the conveyance unit; A branching unit configured to selectively contact the cleaning member with an object to be cleaned in the unit or the transport unit, and a detecting unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit. Provided in the reading device, controlling the automatic cleaning unit and the branching unit based on the detection result of the detection unit, and causes a cleaning member to appear and retract in the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit, Characterized by comprising control means for controlling to selectively contact the sweep object.
[0010]
According to a control method of an image reading apparatus of the present invention, an automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position And an image reading device for reading an image of the document conveyed to the reading position, wherein a cleaning member can be brought into contact with the separation sheet feeding unit and / or an object to be cleaned in the conveyance unit. The automatic document reading device is provided with an automatic cleaning unit and a detecting unit that detects a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit, and the automatic cleaning unit is configured to perform the automatic cleaning unit based on a detection result of the detecting unit. And performing a control step of controlling the cleaning member so that the cleaning member comes into contact with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit.
[0011]
According to a control method of an image reading apparatus of the present invention, an automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position And an image reading device provided with image reading means for reading an image of a document conveyed to the reading position, wherein an automatic cleaning means configured to allow a cleaning member to appear in and out of the separation sheet feeding section or the conveyance section; A branching unit configured to selectively contact the cleaning member with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit or the conveyance unit, and a detection unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit. It is provided in the automatic document reading apparatus, and controls the automatic cleaning unit and the branching unit based on the detection result of the detection unit to clean the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit. It was infested with wood, and executes a control step for controlling to selectively contact the cleaning object.
[0012]
According to a control program of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; Image reading means for reading an image of a document conveyed to a position, wherein the automatic document reading device is configured to be capable of bringing a cleaning member into contact with a cleaning object in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit. A control program for executing a control method of the image reading apparatus, comprising: a detection unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit. A control step of controlling the automatic cleaning means based on the cleaning member so that the cleaning member comes into contact with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit. It is characterized in.
[0013]
According to a control program of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; Image reading means for reading an image of a document conveyed to a position, wherein the automatic document reading apparatus comprises: an automatic cleaning means configured to allow a cleaning member to protrude and retract from the separation sheet feeding section or the conveyance section; A branch unit configured to selectively contact the cleaning member with a paper unit or an object to be cleaned in the transport unit; and a detection unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit. A control program for executing a control method of the image reading apparatus, wherein the control section controls the automatic cleaning section and the branching section based on a detection result of the detection section, and Or is retractable cleaning member to said transport section, and having a control step of controlling to selectively contact the cleaning object.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
[Configuration of ADF device]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an ADF device mounted on an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a state in which a separation sheet feeding unit of an ADF device 600 is being cleaned by a cleaning member 1. ing.
[0016]
Reference numeral 600 in the figure denotes an ADF apparatus main body, which feeds the placed originals one by one or two consecutively to a predetermined position on the platen glass surface 402. 1 is a cleaning member, 2 is a separation belt, 3 is a separation feed roller, 4 is a pickup roller that moves up and down, 5 is a winding core of the cleaning member 1, 6 is a drive shaft of the cleaning member 1, and 7 is a driving shaft of the cleaning member 1. A position detection sensor, 8 is a surface dirt detection sensor of the separation belt 2, 9 is a surface dirt detection sensor of the document conveying belt 14, 10 is a stopper for abutting the leading end of the document, 11 is a branch flapper of the cleaning member 1, and 13 is a document placing tray. , 16 are registration rollers, 17 is a document discharge roller, 18 is a document discharge tray, and 19 is a separation sensor.
[0017]
In the above configuration, the pickup roller 4 and the separation / conveyance roller 3 are rotated by a separation / feeding motor (not shown) to copy one document from the top of the document bundle S (see FIG. 2) on the document stacking tray 13. Feed and separate from the top sheet at a time. Further, the registration roller 16 and the transport belt 14 rotate the separated document by a transport belt motor (not shown) to the exposure position (sheet path c) on the platen glass 402 via the sheet path a and the sheet path b. Transport. After the exposure, the original passes through a sheet path d and is discharged and stacked on a discharge tray 18 by a discharge roller 17.
[0018]
When reading a double-sided document, the conveyance rollers 25 and 26 are driven by a conveyance belt motor to convey the document on the platen glass 402 from the sheet path c to the sheet path e. The document conveyed to the sheet path e is again registered by the registration roller 16 and then returned to the platen glass 402 with its front and back reversed. When the document is returned to the platen glass 402, the leading end of the paper is stopped at the exposure position, the main body exposure unit performs an exposure operation, and captures an image. Thereafter, the document is discharged onto the discharge tray 18.
[0019]
The document stacking tray 13 is provided with a document side regulating plate 26. By contacting the document side regulating plate 26 with the document, the document is prevented from being skewed when the document is fed and conveyed, and is linked to the document side regulating plate 26. A volume (not shown) is connected, and a document width size is detected by detecting a voltage value corresponding to a thrust position of the document side regulating plate 26. Further, the length of the document in the document transport direction is detected while the document passes the registration sensor 27 during document transport.
[0020]
From the two detection results, the size of the conveyed document is determined and sent to the CPU 200 of the main body control unit (see FIG. 3) as document size data. The document is discharged by rotating the discharge roller 17 under the synchronous control with the conveyance belt motor. The paper discharge roller 17 is driven and rotated by driving a paper discharge motor (not shown) composed of a DC motor. An encoder having a slit and a photo interrupter for detecting the slit are provided on the shaft of the motor, and the speed is detected and controlled by detecting the frequency of a clock signal output from the photo interrupter. .
[0021]
[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus equipped with the ADF apparatus 600 illustrated in FIG.
[0022]
The image forming apparatus 100 performs copying / printing / faxing of a document with a designated number. A scanner 404 in the figure includes a lamp 403, a scanning mirror 405, and the like. The scanner 404 reciprocates in a predetermined direction with respect to the document placed on the platen glass surface 402 by the ADF device 600, and reflected light from the document is generated. The light passes through the lens 408 via the scanning mirrors 405 to 407, is condensed, forms an image on the image sensor unit 409, and is read into the controller unit.
[0023]
Reference numeral 410 denotes an exposure control unit which modulates the read image or an image sent from a personal computer as a printer based on image data processed by the controller unit, and applies a modulated light beam to the photosensitive member. 411. A developing device 412 visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 411 with a developer (toner) of a predetermined color. A deck 414 and a multi-tray 415 are transfer paper stacking units that store and transfer fixed-size / unfixed-size transfer paper, and the transfer paper is fed to the position of a registration roller by driving a paper feed roller, and temporarily stopped. The skew is corrected by forming a loop, and the sheet is restarted at the timing when the leading edge of the image formed on the photoconductor 411 is aligned with the leading edge of the image, and the leading edge registration of the paper and the image is performed.
[0024]
A transfer separation charger 416 transfers a toner image developed on the photoconductor 411 to transfer paper, and then separates the transfer paper from the photoconductor 411. A fixing unit 417 fixes the toner image on the transfer paper sent via the transport belt 14. Reference numeral 418 denotes a paper discharge roller, which conveys the transfer paper on which image formation has been completed to the finisher 500 of the post-processing apparatus. The transfer paper conveyed in the finisher 500 is stacked and discharged on the non-sort tray 501 of the finisher 500 in the non-staple mode by selecting the stapling mode or the non-staple mode. Reference numeral 419 denotes a deflection flapper, which switches the transfer direction of the transfer sheet after fixing to the finisher 500 and the internal transfer path 420, and the transfer sheet switched to the internal transfer path 420 is fed into a multiplex / double-side image forming process. The communication control device 101 holds data for managing / determining the operation of the image forming apparatus, and also has a function of managing the number of copies, transmission / reception history information, and the like.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electric circuit of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a CPU. A RAM 201 is used as a working area of the CPU 201 and a storage area for control data. 202 is a ROM for storing a control program, 203 and 204 are I / O (1) and I / O (2) for performing sensor check and motor drive, and 205 is for communicating with the communication control device 101. I / O (3) for performing the following.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a software configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 100.
[0027]
In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes a real-time monitor for managing a plurality of tasks simultaneously. Reference numeral 301 denotes a paper transport task, which is a task for controlling one sheet of paper from feeding to discharging. A sequence control task 302 is a task for managing the entire image forming apparatus 100. A communication task 303 is a task for communicating with the communication control apparatus 101.
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a system including the image forming apparatus 100.
[0029]
In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a communication control device connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for transmitting and receiving data; 102, a public line as a communication line; 103, a modem for enabling transmission and reception of digital data through a public line; Is a host computer of a management device for storing data obtained from the image forming apparatus 100 and performing arithmetic processing.
[0030]
[Cleaning operation of separation paper feed unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning operation flow of the separation sheet feeding unit in the ADF device 600. The above-described control method can be realized by storing a program according to the flowchart in, for example, the ROM 202 in the image forming apparatus 100 and operating the program.
[0031]
Periodically (for a certain number of passed documents), the variation between paper feeds is monitored, and the number of paper feed retries of the ADF apparatus in which the paper gap becomes larger than a certain set value of the paper feed does not increase. It is checked whether a phenomenon that the paper length, which is a precursor of the double feed, is long (double feeding) has occurred (step S1). If the number of sheets passed is too long to reach the maintenance time earlier than the maintenance interval (step S2), or if there is no use at all and the case where dust or dirt accumulates (step S3), YES is determined. In this case, dirt on the surface of the separation belt 2 is measured by the surface detection sensor 8 of the separation belt 2, and the measured value is stored (step S4).
[0032]
A comparison is made as to whether the measured value exceeds a certain threshold (step S5), and if not, a notification is made to the host computer 104 (step S6). If it exceeds, the cleaning drive shaft 6 is driven by a predetermined pulse by a stepping motor (not shown) (step S7), and the end 5a of the cleaning member 1 is brought into the nip between the separation belt 2 and the separation paper feed roller 3 of the separation / paper supply section. Sent.
[0033]
Thereafter, the separation belt 2 and the separation paper feed roller 3 of the separation paper feed unit rotate, and the end 5a of the cleaning member 1 is caught in the nip, and the cleaning member 1 reaches the separation sensor 19 (step S8). The conveying motor for the member 1 is locked, and the surface of the cleaning member 1 is cleaned by idling the separation belt 2 and the separation paper feed roller 3 while the cleaning member 1 is stopped (step S9).
[0034]
Next, measurement is again performed by the surface contamination detection sensor 8 for the separation belt 2 (step S10). If the measured value after cleaning still exceeds the threshold value (step S11), cleaning measurement is performed until the cumulative number, which is a settable parameter, becomes, for example, three times. That is, in the present embodiment, the cleaning operation is performed by the idle rotation of the separation belt 2 up to three times in the cleaning operation (steps S12 and S13). When the measured value falls within the threshold, the measured value before and after the cleaning is notified to the host computer 104 (step S14).
[0035]
If the separation belt 2 still exceeds a certain dirt threshold even after cleaning three times, the cleaning member 1 is returned to the home position by determining that the cleaning effect of the cleaning member 1 is lost (step S15). The recommendation for cutting the cleaning member 1 is displayed on the display unit (step S16), and the operation for cutting is started. This is a manual example, and it may be fully automated.
[0036]
As an example of manual operation, a message “Please cut the cleaning member 1” (approximately 30 mm at the tip) is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus 100, the user holds the lever, and pulls the cutter member 27 toward the user. Cut the member with. After the cutting, the user inputs the end of cleaning member cutting from the display unit (step S17), and returns to step S7. When the cleaning operation is performed on a new portion of the cleaning member 1 and the dirt on the separation belt 2 does not change, the host computer 104 is notified that the unit of the separation and conveyance unit is to be replaced, and the multi-feed or sheet feeding is performed. Ask for a service request before a jam problem occurs. If it is determined in step S8 that the end 5a of the cleaning member 1 has not reached the separation sensor 19, the cleaning member 1 is temporarily returned to the home position and a retry is performed. If it still does not arrive, the host computer 104 is notified of the termination of this work (step S18).
[0037]
In the present embodiment, an example in which a cutter is provided for cutting the cleaning member 1 has been described. However, in the case of the cleaning member 1 in which a perforation or a notch portion is provided in the cleaning member 1, a user directly holds the cleaning member 1 by hand. It may be configured to be torn and cut.
[0038]
[Cleaning Operation of Document Conveyor Belt 14]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document transport belt 14 installed in the ADF device 600 is being cleaned. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning operation flow of the document transport belt 14 in the ADF device 600. . By storing a program according to this flowchart in, for example, the ROM 202 in the image forming apparatus 100 and operating the program, the above-described control method can be realized.
[0039]
When the transport belt 14 of the ADF device 600 becomes dirty, the transport belt 14 is cleaned with a logic similar to that in the case of the separation sheet feeding unit.
[0040]
First, the transport belt 14 is monitored at a certain number of paper passing counters or at regular intervals in terms of time. More specifically, whether the sheet interval or variation during conveyance has not exceeded the setting (step S21), whether the sheet passing count has exceeded the maintenance interval value (step S22), and whether the sheet has not been passed is one time. It is determined whether the month has passed (step S23). If any of the steps is YES, the surface contamination of the conveyor belt 14 is measured by the surface contamination detection sensor 9 of the conveyor belt 14, and the measured value is stored. (Step S24).
[0041]
A comparison is made as to whether the measured value exceeds a certain threshold (step S25), and if not, a notification is made to the host computer 104 (step S26). If it exceeds, the branch flapper 11 of the cleaning member 1 is raised upward (step S27), the cleaning member drive clutch (not shown) is turned on, and the cleaning drive shaft 6 is rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined pulse by a stepping motor (not shown). By turning (step S28), the tip 5a of the cleaning member 1 waiting at the home position is sent out. As a result, the cleaning member 1 is sent to the upper surface of the conveyor belt 14.
[0042]
Then, it stops when the tip 5a of the cleaning member 1 reaches the position of the surface contamination detection sensor 9 of the conveyor belt 14 (Step S29). The cleaning member drive motor is set in a brake-operated state, and in a state where the back surface of the cleaning member 1 is in contact with the document conveying belt 14, the document leading end abutting stopper 10 (the contact lower surface of the stopper 10 is increased in friction coefficient by embossing or the like). Is pressed down, and the pressure is applied on the cleaning member 1 (when the cleaning member 1 is not provided, the document leading end stopper 10 does not contact the transport belt 14). Then, by rotating the document conveying belt 14 counterclockwise for a certain period of time, dirt on the surface of the document conveying belt 14 is wiped off by the lower surface of the cleaning member 1 (step S30).
[0043]
Next, the contamination on the surface of the conveyor belt 14 is measured again by the detection sensor 9 (step S31). If the threshold value is still exceeded after cleaning (step S32), cleaning measurement is performed until the cumulative number, which is a settable parameter, becomes, for example, three times. That is, in this embodiment, the cleaning operation is performed by the idle rotation of the transport belt 14 up to three times in the cleaning operation (steps S33 and S34). When the measured value falls within the threshold, the measured value before and after the cleaning is notified to the host computer 104 (step S35).
[0044]
If the separation belt 2 still exceeds a certain threshold of dirt even after cleaning three times, the cleaning member 1 is returned to the home position by determining that the cleaning effect of the cleaning member 1 is lost (step S36). The recommendation for cutting the cleaning member 1 is displayed on the display unit (step S37), and the operation for cutting is started. Here, the same cutting operation as in the case of the separation sheet feeding unit is performed.
[0045]
After cutting, the user inputs the end of cleaning member cutting from the display unit (step S38), and returns to step S27. Then, the cleaning operation is performed with a new portion of the cleaning member 1. If the dirt on the separation belt 2 does not change, the host computer 104 is notified that the unit of the transport unit is to be replaced.
[0046]
That is, in step S37, the life of the cleaning member 1 is predicted from the difference data (recovery amount data) of the stain detection amount before and after the cleaning, and cut recommendation is performed. From the difference data, the replacement time of the conveyor belt 14 is notified to the host computer 104 and a warning is displayed on the CRT. If the cleaning operation is not completed even after repeating the cleaning operation three times, for example, the transport belt 14 is replaced.
[0047]
If it is determined in step S29 that the end 5a of the cleaning member 1 does not reach the detection sensor 9, the cleaning member 1 is temporarily returned to the home position and retried. If it still does not arrive, the host computer 104 is notified of the termination of this work (step S39).
[0048]
In addition, the separation unit including the separation belt 2 and the separation sheet feed roller 3 and the conveyance unit including the conveyance belt 14 and the like should be cleaned at an interval where the front and back sides of the cleaning member 1 are used for equal number of times of cleaning. Desirable things need not be explained in order to save resources.
[0049]
Further, in the present embodiment, the surface contamination detection sensor 9 is used to detect the contamination of the conveyor belt 14, but instead of this detection sensor 9, the lamp 403 of the scanner 404 shown in FIG. The image sensor unit 409 may be used after being rotated. In this case, the degree of contamination of the belt 14 formed on the image sensor unit 409 is calculated in the image storage unit in black and white density, and the above operation is performed when the density exceeds a predetermined threshold.
[0050]
[Communication with host computer 104]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission task of the image forming apparatus 100.
[0051]
When transmitting data to the host computer 104, this task is started. First, a call is made to the host computer 104 (step S41). Thereafter, it is checked whether or not the connection has been made normally (step S42). If the connection fails, retry is performed up to five times (steps S43, S44, S45). If the connection is normally made, a password check is performed (step S46). If the check is OK, the contents of the recording table are transmitted to the host computer 104 (step S48). After the data transmission is completed, a line disconnection process is performed, and the task ends (step S49).
[0052]
[Process of Host Computer 104]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the host computer 104.
[0053]
Usually, the host computer 104 waits for an incoming signal from the modem (step S51). If there is an incoming call, a password check is performed (steps S52, S53, S54), and recording data before and after cleaning (see step S14 or step S35) is received from the image forming apparatus 100 (step S55). When the reception is completed, the line is disconnected (step S56), and a warning of replacement of the separation / feeding unit / transport belt 14 or cut / replacement of the cleaning member 1 is displayed on the display to notify the serviceman or operator (step S57). ).
[0054]
[Relationship between transport belt cleaning and dirt detection amount]
FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the cleaning of the transport belt and the detected amount of dirt. The transport axis is taken as an example, the horizontal axis is the number of documents used by the ADF device (the size is equivalently converted and counted), and the vertical axis is the vertical axis. The figure shows the amount of contamination detected on the surface of the separation belt 2 (concentration integrated value).
[0055]
After a certain pass count is reached, cleaning is performed for the first time, then cleaning is performed, and the same operation is performed again. Next, a second pass and a third pass are similarly performed because a certain pass count is reached. It gradually approaches the threshold value 2 for the occurrence of a defect. Since the threshold value 1 (for notice) has been reached before the fourth cleaning, the host computer 104 is warned that the transfer belt 14 is almost replaced. Here, a failure occurrence date that reaches a threshold value 2 (failure; plain paper starts to show-through) is estimated from the use frequency of the number of passed sheets per day of the ADF device, and a forecast warning is issued.
[0056]
Since the cleaning effect of the cleaning member 1 has been reduced by using the same surface four times, the cut recommendation of the cleaning member 1 is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus 100, and the host computer 104 is also notified at the same time. .
[0057]
If the user cuts the cleaning member 1, the replacement of the conveyor belt 14 can be delayed. However, if the user does not cut the cleaning member 1, the threshold value 2 is reached in the fourth cleaning as shown in FIG. At this point, the conveyor belt 14 must be replaced.
[0058]
As described above, the image data before and after the cleaning (see step S14 or step S35) is notified from the image forming apparatus 100 to the host computer 104, and whether the transport belt 14 or the like is replaced on the host computer 104 is determined. Is determined, the consumption status of other elements around the image formation is comprehensively determined, and information on the day of visiting the best user is notified to the service person. It also informs the user of replacement recommendations and displays. It should be noted that software for determining whether to replace the transport belt 14 or the like may be provided in either the host computer 104 or the image forming apparatus 100.
[0059]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 100 including the ADF device 600, the idle time of the ADF device 600, the sheet conveyance count, or the dirt on the surface of the separation belt 2 / roller 3 or the paper feed roller is detected. Control means for judging the output of the sensor 8 which performs the scanning, the transport belt 14 of the transport section which transports the original onto the platen glass 402, and the separating belt 2 / roller 3 and the cloth or felt material for cleaning the surface of the transport belt 14. And a communication control device 101 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the host computer 104 through a public line. Also, cleaning is automatically performed based on a paper feed retry, unused unused time, paper passing usage count, and a detection signal of the surface of the object to be cleaned.
[0060]
The degree of recovery is recognized by comparing the detection signals before and after cleaning for the degree of surface contamination on the separation belt 2 / roller 3 and the conveyance belt 14, and the life of the cleaning member 1 and the life of the separation belt 2 / roller 3 and the conveyance belt 14 themselves are recognized. The service life is determined, and when the service life is determined, the communication control device 101 predicts that the service life is near or near the service life, and notifies the host computer 104 of the time. It is possible to detect advance notice and minimize downtime as much as possible.
[0061]
That is, the image forming apparatus 100 self-determines the degree of dirt on the paper feed roller, the separation belt 2 / separation paper feed roller 3 of the separation paper feed unit, or the document conveyance belt 14, and selectively automatically cleans two places. In addition, the downtime of the apparatus can be reduced as much as possible. In addition to recommending the cutting of the cleaning member 1, it is possible to notify the replacement timing of the separation belt 2 / separation paper feed roller 3 and the conveyance belt 14 of the separation paper feeding unit at an optimum timing by a notice function.
[0062]
As a result, it is possible to reduce the timing loss of the serviceman visit and to avoid the trouble in advance, not after the fact. The service life can be more accurately predicted from before and after cleaning, and the next visit schedule can be notified, so that total cost reduction can be achieved.
[0063]
As a matter of course, it is also possible to avoid a down due to a sudden machine trouble of the separation sheet feeding unit and the transport belt 14. In addition, since the cleaning member 1 uses both sides, it is economical from a resource standpoint. By using a cutting cutter or a perforation, the cleaning member 1 also cuts off only a dirty portion and removes the life of the ADF device body. Can be used equally long.
[0064]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, and may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that it will be completed by doing so.
[0065]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, or ROM is used. Can be. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer performs the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the operations are performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0066]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided on the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the expansion is performed based on the instruction of the next program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or the expansion unit performs the processing and performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically perform the cleaning of the separation sheet feeding unit and the conveyance unit of the automatic document feeder at an optimum timing, and further, to replace the separation sheet feeding unit and the conveyance unit. It is possible to inform the user of the timing with high accuracy. As a result, troubles can be avoided in advance, not after the fact, and downtime of the apparatus can be minimized as much as possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an ADF device mounted on an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus equipped with the ADF apparatus 600 illustrated in FIG.
3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electric circuit of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a software configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 100.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system including the image forming apparatus 100.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning operation flow of a separation sheet feeding unit in the ADF device 600.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document conveying belt 14 installed in the ADF device 600 is being cleaned.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation flow of the document conveying belt 14 in the ADF device 600.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission task of the image forming apparatus 100.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of the host computer 104.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relationship between cleaning of a conveyance belt and a stain detection amount.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 cleaning member
2 Separation belt
3 Separated paper feed roller
5 Core of cleaning member 1
6 Drive shaft of cleaning member 1
7 Position detection sensor for cleaning member 1
8 Surface dirt detection sensor for separation belt 2
9 Surface contamination detection sensor for the original transport belt 14
11 Branch flapper of cleaning member 1
13 Document loading tray

Claims (24)

An automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; An image reading device having an image reading means for reading an image,
An automatic cleaning unit configured to allow a cleaning member to come into contact with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit; and a detection unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit. Provided in the automatic document reading device,
A control unit that controls the automatic cleaning unit based on a detection result of the detection unit to control the cleaning member to contact an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit. An image reading device characterized by the above-mentioned. An automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; An image reading device having an image reading means for reading an image,
An automatic cleaning unit configured so that a cleaning member can be moved into and out of the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit, and a branch configured to be able to selectively contact the cleaning member with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit. Means, and detection means for detecting the degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit are provided in the automatic document reading apparatus;
The automatic cleaning unit and the branching unit are controlled based on the detection result of the detection unit, so that the cleaning member protrudes and retracts from the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit, and is selectively contacted with the object to be cleaned. An image reading apparatus, comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a degree of contamination of the transport unit based on an output of an image reading sensor of the image reading unit. The object to be cleaned is a drivable member,
The control means,
After the cleaning member is brought into contact with the object to be cleaned, a cleaning execution unit that drives the object to be cleaned for a certain period of time in a state where the cleaning member is in contact with the cleaning member,
After execution of the cleaning execution unit, the detection unit detects the degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit again, and determines whether the detection data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Has,
When the detection data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the cleaning execution unit and the determination unit are repeatedly executed, and when the number of times of the repeated execution is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, information regarding a cleaning member defect is output. 4. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising data communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from a host computer via a line, and notifying the host computer of information regarding the cleaning member failure. When the determination unit determines that the detection data is less than a predetermined threshold, the detection data of the detection unit before and after execution of the cleaning execution unit is notified to the host computer. The image reading device according to claim 5, wherein: 7. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means is operated under a predetermined condition. A measuring unit for measuring a time required for the document being fed / conveyed to pass a predetermined position, and comparing a measurement result of the measuring unit with a predetermined set value, and determining whether the difference is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Comparing means for determining whether or not
8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the comparison and determination unit determines that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined set value. An automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; An image reading device having an image reading means for reading an image,
An automatic cleaning unit configured to allow a cleaning member to come into contact with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit; and a detection unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit. Provided in the automatic document reading device,
Performing a control step of controlling the automatic cleaning unit based on a detection result of the detection unit to control the cleaning member to come into contact with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit. A method for controlling an image reading apparatus, comprising: An automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; An image reading device having an image reading means for reading an image,
An automatic cleaning unit configured so that a cleaning member can be moved into and out of the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit, and a branch configured to be able to selectively contact the cleaning member with an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit. Means, and detection means for detecting the degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit are provided in the automatic document reading apparatus,
The automatic cleaning unit and the branching unit are controlled based on the detection result of the detection unit, so that the cleaning member protrudes and retracts from the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit, and is selectively contacted with the object to be cleaned. A control method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: The method according to claim 9, wherein the detecting unit detects a degree of contamination of the transport unit based on an output of an image reading sensor of the image reading unit. The control process includes:
After the cleaning member is brought into contact with the object to be cleaned, a cleaning execution step of driving the object to be cleaned for a certain period of time in a state where the cleaning member is in contact with the cleaning member, and after the execution of the cleaning execution step, the separation sheet feeding unit is again detected by the detection unit. And / or detecting a degree of contamination of the transport unit, and determining whether the detection data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value,
When the detection data is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, the cleaning execution step and the determination step are repeatedly executed, and when the repetition execution is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times, information regarding a cleaning member defect is output. The method for controlling an image reading device according to claim 9, wherein: 13. The control method for an image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein information regarding the cleaning member defect is reported to a host computer. When the detection data is determined to be less than a predetermined threshold value by the determination step, the detection data of the detection unit before and after the execution of the cleaning execution step is notified to a host computer. A method for controlling an image reading device according to claim 12. 15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the control step is operated under a predetermined condition. A measurement process for measuring a time required for a document being fed or conveyed to pass a predetermined position is compared with a measurement result of the measurement process and a predetermined set value. And a comparison determination step of determining whether or not
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the difference is determined to be equal to or more than a predetermined set value by the comparison determination process. An automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; An image reading unit that reads an image, wherein the automatic document reading device includes an automatic cleaning unit configured to allow a cleaning member to contact a cleaning target in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the conveyance unit; A control program for executing a control method of the image reading apparatus, comprising: a detection unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the transport unit and / or the transport unit.
A control step of controlling the automatic cleaning means based on a detection result of the detection means to control the cleaning member so as to contact an object to be cleaned in the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit. Characteristic control program. An automatic document reading apparatus having a separation sheet feeding unit for sequentially feeding and separating documents, and a conveyance unit for conveying the documents separated by the separation sheet feeding unit to a reading position; An image reading unit that reads an image, wherein the automatic document reading device includes an automatic cleaning unit configured to allow a cleaning member to appear in and out of the separation sheet feeding unit or the conveyance unit; A method for controlling an image reading apparatus, comprising: a branching unit configured to selectively contact the cleaning member with an object to be cleaned; and a detection unit configured to detect a degree of contamination of the separation sheet feeding unit and / or the transport unit. A control program to execute,
The automatic cleaning unit and the branching unit are controlled based on the detection result of the detection unit, so that the cleaning member protrudes and retracts from the separation sheet feeding unit or the transport unit, and is selectively contacted with the object to be cleaned. A control program having a control step of performing 19. The control program according to claim 17, wherein the detection unit detects a degree of contamination of the transport unit based on an output of an image reading sensor of the image reading unit. The control step includes:
After the cleaning member is brought into contact with the object to be cleaned, a cleaning execution step of driving the object to be cleaned for a certain period of time in a state where the cleaning member is in contact with the cleaning member; And / or detecting the degree of contamination of the transport unit, and determining whether the detection data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value,
When the detection data is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, the cleaning execution step and the determination step are repeatedly executed, and when the repetition execution is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times, information regarding a cleaning member defect is output. 20. The control program according to claim 17, wherein: 21. The control program according to claim 20, further comprising a step of notifying a host computer of information regarding the cleaning member defect. When the detection data is determined to be less than a predetermined threshold value by the determination step, the detection data of the detection unit before and after the execution of the cleaning execution step is notified to a host computer. A method for controlling an image reading device according to claim 20. 23. The control program according to claim 17, wherein the control step is operated under a predetermined condition. A measuring step of measuring a time required for the document being fed / conveyed to pass through a predetermined position, and comparing a measurement result of the measuring step with a predetermined set value, and determining whether a difference is equal to or more than a predetermined value. And a comparison determining step of determining whether or not
24. The control program according to claim 23, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the difference is determined to be equal to or more than a predetermined set value by the comparison determination step.

Images