JP2004276508A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily determine details of a failure by means of a printer engine alone, without the use of a personal computer, other special implements or the like, when the printer engine is brought into a failed state in an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: When an engine test print key, which is not shown in Fig., is pressed down on the occurrence of the failure in the engine, the details of the failure are determined in a failure detail check sequence which is not shown in Fig. When it is determined that the details of the failure are those of a failure No.1, in the failure detail check sequence (step 204), a main motor is driven for 250 ms (step 209); when it is determined that the details of the failure are those of a failure No.2 (step 205), the main motor is driven for 500 ms (step 210); and when it is determined that the details of the failure are those of a failure No.3 (step 206), the main motor is driven for 750 msec; and a user or a service person is notified of the details of the failure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that mainly forms an image by using an electrophotographic process, and more particularly to notification of a failure content.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process, when the laser beam printer engine falls into some kind of failure state, an LCD display or reset of the laser beam printer is used as a method of determining the content of the failure. There are many methods for making a determination based on a display on an LED, LCD, or the like generated by pressing a switch or the like.
[0003]
However, in small machines and the like, laser beam printers without a display unit such as an LCD and an LED are increasing in order to reduce the size or reduce the cost. In this case, when the laser beam printer engine breaks down, a method of connecting a personal computer or another jig or the like to a user or a service person to check the failure is adopted.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional method described above, when the engine or the like of an image forming apparatus without a display unit such as an LCD or an LED or a reset switch which is often found in a small machine or the like falls into a failure state, a user or a service person cannot use a personal computer. Alternatively, there is a problem in that it is troublesome to connect and determine another jig or the like.
[0005]
The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and when an image forming apparatus is in a failure state, the printer engine can be used without using a personal computer or other special jigs. An object of the present invention is to easily determine the content of a failure by itself.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the present invention, the image forming apparatus is configured as in the following (1) to (13), and the failure notification method is configured as in the following (14) and (15). The program is configured as in the following (16), and the storage medium is configured as in the following (17).
[0007]
(1) An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium fed to the image forming unit; and a driving unit that drives the conveying unit.
Instruction means for instructing execution of a test mode of an image forming operation;
Detecting means for detecting the failure content of the image forming means;
When the execution of the test mode of the image forming operation is instructed by the instructing unit, the failure content of the image forming unit is notified by changing the driving operation of the driving unit based on the failure content detection result of the detecting unit. Control means for performing
An image forming apparatus comprising:
[0008]
(2) In the image forming apparatus according to (1),
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the content of the failure of the image forming unit by changing a driving time of the driving unit based on a result of the failure content detection by the detection unit.
[0009]
(3) In the image forming apparatus according to (1),
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the failure content of the image forming unit by changing the number of times of driving of the driving unit based on a failure content detection result of the detection unit.
[0010]
(4) In the image forming apparatus according to (1),
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the failure content of the image forming unit by changing a driving time and a driving frequency of the driving unit based on a failure content detection result of the detection unit.
[0011]
(5) An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium fed to the image forming unit; and a driving unit that drives the conveying unit.
Instruction means for instructing execution of a test mode of an image forming operation;
Detecting means for detecting the failure content of the image forming means;
Cooling means for cooling the inside of the image forming apparatus,
When the instruction unit instructs execution of the test mode of the image forming operation, the drive operation of the cooling unit is made different based on the result of detection of the failure content of the detection unit, thereby notifying the failure content of the image forming unit. Control means for performing
An image forming apparatus comprising:
[0012]
(6) In the image forming apparatus according to (5),
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies a failure content of the image forming unit by changing a driving time of the cooling unit based on a failure content detection result of the detection unit.
[0013]
(7) In the image forming apparatus according to (5),
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control means notifies the contents of the failure of the image forming means by changing the number of times of driving of the cooling means based on the result of the detection of the contents of failure by the detection means.
[0014]
(8) In the image forming apparatus according to (5),
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies a failure content of the image forming unit by changing a driving time and a driving frequency of the cooling unit based on a failure content detection result of the detection unit.
[0015]
(9) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),
The image forming unit includes: a latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor based on an input image signal; and a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor by the latent image forming unit. Developing means for developing with a developer, transfer means for transferring a developer image developed by the developing means to a transported recording medium, and fixing means for fixing the developer image transferred to the recording medium by the transfer means. Has,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects a failure of the latent image forming unit and a failure of the fixing unit.
[0016]
(10) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4),
The control means includes: a first failure content in which only the latent image forming means has failed in the detection result by the detection means; a second failure content in which only the fixing means has failed; the latent image forming means and the fixing means An image forming apparatus, wherein the content of the failure of the image forming unit is notified by making the driving operation of the driving unit different based on the third failure content in a state where both have failed.
[0017]
(11) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (5) to (8),
The control means includes: a first failure content in which only the latent image forming means has failed in the detection result by the detection means; a second failure content in which only the fixing means has failed; the latent image forming means and the fixing means The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a step of making the driving operation of the cooling unit different based on the third failure content in a state in which the failure has occurred, thereby notifying the failure content of the image forming device.
[0018]
(12) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11),
An image forming apparatus comprising a display unit having an LCD or an LED.
[0019]
(13) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12),
An image forming apparatus, further comprising a reset instructing unit for instructing a restart of the image forming unit.
[0020]
(14) Failure of an image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium fed to the image forming unit; and a driving unit that drives the conveying unit. In the content notification method,
An instruction step of instructing execution of a test mode of an image forming operation;
A detection step of detecting a failure content of the image forming unit;
When the execution of the test mode of the image forming operation is instructed by the instruction step, the failure content of the image forming means is notified by changing the driving operation of the driving means based on the failure content detection result of the detection step. Notification process
A failure notification method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:
[0021]
(15) Failure contents of an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, a conveying unit for conveying a recording medium fed to the image forming unit, and a driving unit for driving the conveying unit In the notification method,
An instruction step of instructing execution of a test mode of an image forming operation;
A detection step of detecting a failure content of the image forming unit;
A cooling step of cooling the inside of the image forming apparatus;
When the execution of the test mode of the image forming operation is instructed by the instruction step, the content of the failure of the image forming means is notified by making the driving operation of the cooling means different based on the result of the failure content detection in the detection step. Notification process
A failure notification method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:
[0022]
(16) A program for realizing the method of notifying the failure content of the image forming apparatus according to (14) or (15).
[0023]
(17) A storage medium, wherein the program described in (16) is stored in a computer-readable manner.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples of an image forming apparatus. The present invention is not limited to the form of an apparatus, but can be implemented in the form of a method, a program, and a storage medium, supported by the description of the embodiment.
[0025]
【Example】
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an engine configuration of an “image forming apparatus (laser beam printer (LBP))” according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system thereof.
[0026]
In FIG. 1, a relay board 10 connects the video controller 22, the engine controller 23, and the laser scanner 4, as shown in FIG.
[0027]
The laser scanner 4 scans and exposes a photoreceptor (photosensitive drum) 7 by oscillating laser light emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) in the left-right direction in accordance with an input video signal. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the photoconductor 7. This latent image is developed with a predetermined developer (toner) by a developing device provided around the photoreceptor 7, and then transferred to the recording paper 1 by the transfer roller 8.
[0028]
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper 1, and the recording paper 1 is stored in a paper cassette 9 mounted on the LBP, taken into the apparatus by the paper feed roller 2 and the transport rollers 3 a and 3 b, and supplied to the photoconductor 7. Is done.
[0029]
The developer image transferred onto the recording paper 1 by the transfer roller 8 is fixed on the recording paper 1 by the fixing device 6 by heat and pressure, and is discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller 5.
[0030]
Further, the laser beam printer includes a main motor (not shown), and rotationally drives a photoconductor (photosensitive drum) 7, a paper feed roller 2, transport rollers 3a and 3b, a transfer roller 8, a paper discharge roller 5, and the like.
[0031]
An engine test print switch 11 is mounted on the engine shown in FIG. 1. When the engine test print switch 11 is pressed, a test mode of an image forming operation is executed to perform a predetermined test print. However, in the failure state, a “failure notification sequence” is executed. Therefore, when the engine test print switch 11 is depressed in the failure state, the operation of the main motor (not shown) is changed according to the content of the failure, and the user or the service person can be notified.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0033]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 12 denotes a CPU, which has a ROM 15 storing a control program and a RAM 16 used as a register or the like, and stores image information (code data) encoded from a host computer 24 or the like via an external interface 18. The received code data is sent to the image processing unit 17. The image processing unit 17 stores the code data in the RAM 19, analyzes the code data, reads out the data from the character font stored in the ROM 13 as necessary, converts the code data into video data, and stores it in the frame memory 14. Store. When one page of video data is stored in the frame memory 14, the CPU 12 sends a print command to the engine controller 23 via the relay board 10, and synchronizes with the main / sub scanning synchronization signal from the engine controller 23 to synchronize the frame memory. The video data stored in 14 is sequentially transmitted to the engine controller 23.
[0034]
In addition, the engine controller 23 performs various kinds of information such as whether or not the engine test print switch 11 is pressed, the operation state of the printer engine 17, the jam state, the failure state of the laser scanner, the open / close state of the door, the failure state of the fixing device, and the like. Information) is detected. The engine test print switch 11 exists on the relay board 10, on the engine controller 23, or in the other printer engine.
[0035]
The ROM 13 stores font data used when generating the output information, information used on a host computer in the case of a printer having no external memory (not shown) such as a hard disk, and the like. The CPU 12 is capable of performing communication processing with the host computer via the external interface unit 18, and is configured to be able to notify information and the like in the program to the host computer.
[0036]
Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the image processing unit 17, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like.
[0037]
The failures that occur in the laser beam printer using the electrophotographic process as shown in FIG. 1 are mainly two types: failure of the laser scanner 4 and failure of the fixing device 6. When the fixing device 6 fails, the laser scanner 4 and the fixing device 6 can be classified into three types.
[0038]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a failure content check sequence. In the failure state of the laser beam printer engine in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the failure content determination in the failure notification sequence when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed down. Has a sequence. It is assumed that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another recording medium in the engine controller 23.
[0039]
When the engine test print switch 11 shown in FIG. 1 is depressed, first, in steps 101 (referred to as S101 in the figure, the same applies hereinafter) to step 103, it is determined whether a print operation is being performed, a failure content is being reported, and a jam state is present. If any of the three checks in steps 101 to 103 is YES (i.e., if the printer is in the middle of a print operation, informing about a failure, or is in a jam state), the process proceeds to step 104. Exit from the failure notification sequence.
[0040]
On the other hand, in steps 101 to 103, when all three checks of whether the print operation is being performed, the failure content is being notified, and the jam state are all NO (that is, none of the print operation, the failure content notification, or the jam state). In the case (case), the process proceeds to step 105, and it is determined whether or not a failure is present.
[0041]
If it is determined in step 105 that the state is the failure state, the process proceeds to the failure content determination sequence in steps 106 to 111.
[0042]
In the failure content discrimination sequence of steps 106 to 111, the fault that has occurred is identified by the fault No. 1: laser scanner failure, failure No. 2: Fixer failure, failure No. 3: Both the laser scanner and the fixing device are classified into three failures, and the process proceeds to step 112.
[0043]
More specifically, first, at step 106, it is determined whether or not the laser scanner is faulty. If it is determined that the laser scanner is faulty, at step 107, it is determined whether or not both the laser scanner and the fixing device are faulty. If it is determined that both the laser scanner and the fixing device are faulty, the fault that has occurred is classified as “Fault No. 3: Both the laser scanner and the fixing device are faulty”, and the process proceeds to step 112.
[0044]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 107 that neither the laser scanner nor the fixing device is faulty, the fault that has occurred is classified as “fault No. 1: laser scanner fault”, and the process proceeds to step 112.
[0045]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 106 that the laser scanner is not out of order, it is determined in step 110 whether the fixing unit is out of order. The fault that has occurred is classified as “fault No. 2: fixing device fault”, and the process proceeds to step 112.
[0046]
Next, in step 112, a test print mode flag stored in a RAM (not shown) in the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 is set, and the process proceeds to the print check sequence shown in FIG.
[0047]
FIG. 4 shows a print check sequence in the failure notification sequence when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the laser beam printer engine failure state of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is assumed that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another recording medium in the engine controller 23.
[0048]
In step 201, it is checked again whether or not the apparatus is in a failure state. If it is determined that the apparatus is in a failure state, it is checked in step 202 whether or not the apparatus is in a test print mode. Shifts to the failure content notification sequence shown in steps 203 to 211.
[0049]
More specifically, in step 203, a failure content notification flag stored in a RAM (not shown) in the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 is set, and in steps 204 to 206, the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. Failure No. 1 (laser scanner failure), failure no. 2 (fixer failure), failure No. 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed).
[0050]
In the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. If it is determined that the laser motor has failed (step 204), the main motor is driven for 250 msec (step 209). If it is determined that the failure is the fixing device failure (step 205), the main motor is driven for 500 msec (step 210). If it is determined that the number is 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed) (step 206), the main motor is driven for 750 msec (step 211), and the process proceeds to step 207.
[0051]
Then, in step 207, the test print mode flag is cleared, and in step 208, the failure content notification flag is cleared, and the process exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0052]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the mode is not the test print mode or if it is determined in step 201 that it is not in the failure state, the process directly exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0053]
The failure notification sequence is effective only in the failure state. When the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the normal state (that is, when it is determined in step 201 that the failure state is not the failure state), the process exits from the failure notification sequence. The engine test print is normally performed, and the test print mode flag is cleared.
[0054]
As described above, the engine test print switch is used not only for the engine test print in the normal state but also as a means for notifying the user or the serviceman of the failure in the failure state.
[0055]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the engine test print switch is provided when the engine of the image forming apparatus such as the laser beam printer using the electrophotographic process has a failure state. The function of notifying the user or service person of the failure by the operation of the main motor (not shown) after the button is pressed allows the use of a personal computer or other special jigs when the printer falls into a failure state. In other words, the failure content can be easily determined by the printer engine alone.
[0056]
(Example 2)
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which, when the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the driving time of the main motor is made different depending on the content of the failure, the number of times the main motor is driven is made different depending on the content of the failure. You may. Hereinafter, this example will be described as a second embodiment.
[0057]
FIG. 5 shows a print check sequence in the failure notification sequence when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the laser beam printer engine failure state of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is assumed that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another recording medium in the engine controller 23. The same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers.
[0058]
As in the first embodiment, in step 201, it is checked again whether or not the apparatus is in a failure state. If it is determined that the apparatus is in a failure state, in step 202, whether or not the apparatus is in a test print mode is checked. If it is determined that the mode is the mode, the process proceeds to the failure content notification sequence shown in steps 203 to 208 and steps 309 to 311.
[0059]
More specifically, in step 203, a failure content notification flag stored in the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2 is set, and in steps 204 to 206, the failure number is determined in the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure), failure no. 2 (fixer failure), failure No. 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed).
[0060]
In the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure) (step 204), the main motor is driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec once (step 309). If it is determined that the failure is the fixing device failure (step 205), the main motor is repeatedly driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec twice (step 310). If it is determined to be 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed) (step 206), the main motor is repeatedly driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec three times (step 311), and the process proceeds to step 207.
[0061]
Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the test print mode flag is cleared in step 207, and the failure content notification flag is cleared in step 208, and the process exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0062]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the mode is not the test print mode or if it is determined in step 201 that it is not in the failure state, the process directly exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0063]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the number of times the main motor is driven (the number of times the main motor is driven is failure No. 1 (laser scanner failure)) Is "250 msec drive, 250 msec stop once", in the case of failure No. 2 (fixer failure), "250 msec drive, 250 msec stop is repeated twice", failure No. 3 (both laser scanner and fuser fail) In this case, it is possible to notify the user or the service person of the failure in a manner that can be easily distinguished by making it different from “250 msec drive and 250 msec stop are repeated three times”.
[0064]
Note that this failure notification sequence is effective only in the failure state. When the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the normal state (that is, when it is determined in step 201 that the failure state is not the failure state), the same as in the first embodiment. After exiting from the failure notification sequence, the engine test print is normally performed and the test print mode flag is cleared.
[0065]
(Example 3)
In the first embodiment, when the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the driving time of the main motor is different, and in the second embodiment, the number of times of driving of the main motor is different depending on the content of the failure. The driving time and the number of times (driving operation (drive pattern)) may be made different depending on the type of failure. Hereinafter, this example will be described as a third embodiment.
[0066]
FIG. 6 shows a print check sequence in the failure notification sequence when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the laser beam printer engine failure state of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is assumed that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another recording medium in the engine controller 23. The same steps as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same step numbers.
[0067]
As in the first and second embodiments, in step 201, it is checked again whether or not the apparatus is in a failure state. If it is determined that the apparatus is in a failure state, in step 202, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in a test print mode. If it is determined that the mode is the test print mode, the process proceeds to the failure notification sequence shown in steps 203 to 208 and steps 409 to 411.
[0068]
More specifically, in step 203, a failure content notification flag stored in a RAM (not shown) in the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 is set, and in steps 204 to 206, the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. Failure No. 1 (laser scanner failure), failure no. 2 (fixer failure), failure No. 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed).
[0069]
In the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure) (step 204), the main motor is driven for 750 msec and stopped for 750 msec once (step 409). If it is determined that the main motor has failed (step 205), the main motor is repeatedly driven for 500 msec and stopped for 500 msec twice (step 410). If it is determined to be 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed) (step 206), the main motor is repeatedly driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec three times (step 411), and the process proceeds to step 207.
[0070]
Thereafter, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the test print mode flag is cleared in step 207, and the failure content notification flag is cleared in step 208, and the process exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0071]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the mode is not the test print mode or if it is determined in step 201 that it is not in the failure state, the process directly exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0072]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by pressing the engine test print switch in the failure state, the main motor drive time and the number of drive times (drive operation (drive pattern)) In the case of failure No. 1 (laser scanner failure), “750 msec drive and 750 msec stop once.” In the case of failure No. 2 (fixer failure), “500 msec drive and 500 msec stop twice.” In the case of 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device fail), the content of the failure can be easily discriminated by the user or the service person by making it different from “250 msec drive and 250 msec stop are repeated three times”.
[0073]
Note that this failure notification sequence is valid only in the failure state, and when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the normal state (that is, when it is determined in step 201 that the failure state is not the failure state), in the first and second embodiments, Similarly to the above, after exiting from the failure notification sequence, the engine test print is performed normally and the test print mode flag is cleared.
[0074]
(Example 4)
When the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the driving time of the main motor in the first embodiment, the driving frequency of the main motor in the second embodiment, and the driving time and the frequency of the main motor in the third embodiment (driving operation (driving operation) Although the configuration in which the pattern is changed depending on the content of the failure has been described, the driving time of the fan instead of the main motor may be configured to be different depending on the content of the failure. Hereinafter, this example will be described as a fourth embodiment.
[0075]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a failure notification sequence when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in a case where the laser beam printer engine of the image forming apparatus is in a failure state when the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4 shows a print check sequence. It is assumed that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another recording medium in the engine controller 23. The same steps as those in FIGS. 4 to 6 are denoted by the same step numbers.
[0076]
As in the first to third embodiments, in step 201, it is checked again whether or not the apparatus is in a failure state. If it is determined that the apparatus is in a failure state, in step 202, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in a test print mode. If it is determined that the mode is the test print mode, the process proceeds to the failure notification sequence shown in steps 203 to 208 and steps 509 to 511.
[0077]
More specifically, in step 203, a failure content notification flag stored in the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2 is set, and in steps 204 to 206, the failure number is determined in the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure), failure no. 2 (fixer failure), failure No. 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed).
[0078]
In the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure) (step 204), the fan is driven for 250 msec (step 509). If it is determined that the fixing device has failed (step 205), the fan is driven for 500 msec (step 510). If it is determined that the number is 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed) (step 206), the fan is driven for 750 msec (step 511), and the process proceeds to step 207.
[0079]
Thereafter, as in the first to third embodiments, the test print mode flag is cleared in step 207, and the failure content notification flag is cleared in step 208, and the process exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0080]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the mode is not the test print mode or if it is determined in step 201 that it is not in the failure state, the process directly exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0081]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the driving time of the fan (the driving time of the fan becomes failure No. 1 (laser scanner failure) depending on the content of the failure). In the case of failure No. 2 (fixing unit failure), the failure number is 500 msec, and in the case of failure No. 3 (both laser scanner and fixing unit failure), it is different from "750 msec". The contents can be notified to the user or the service person so as to be easily distinguished.
[0082]
Note that this failure notification sequence is effective only in the failure state, and when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the normal state (that is, when it is determined in step 201 that the state is not the failure state), in the first to third embodiments, Similarly to the above, after exiting from the failure notification sequence, the engine test print is performed normally and the test print mode flag is cleared.
[0083]
(Example 5)
When the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the driving time of the main motor in the first embodiment, the driving frequency of the main motor in the second embodiment, and the driving time and the frequency of the main motor in the third embodiment (driving operation (driving operation) In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the drive time of the fan instead of the main motor is changed depending on the content of the failure is described in the fourth embodiment. However, the number of times of driving of the fan instead of the main motor is changed depending on the content of the failure. Is also good. Hereinafter, this example will be described as a fifth embodiment.
[0084]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a failure notification sequence when the engine test print switch 11 is depressed when the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a fan and the laser beam printer engine of the image forming apparatus is in a failure state. 4 shows a print check sequence. It is assumed that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another recording medium in the engine controller 23. The same steps as those in FIGS. 4 to 7 are denoted by the same step numbers.
[0085]
As in the first to fourth embodiments, in step 201, it is checked again whether or not the apparatus is in a failure state. If it is determined that the apparatus is in a failure state, in step 202, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in a test print mode. If it is determined that the mode is the test print mode, the process proceeds to a failure content notification sequence shown in steps 203 to 208 and steps 609 to 611.
[0086]
More specifically, in step 203, a failure content notification flag stored in the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2 is set, and in steps 204 to 206, the failure number is determined in the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure), failure no. 2 (fixer failure), failure No. 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed).
[0087]
In the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure) (step 204), the fan is driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec once (step 609). If it is determined that the fixing device has failed (fixing device failure) (step 205), the fan is repeatedly driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec twice (step 610). If it is determined to be 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed) (step 206), the fan is driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec three times (step 611), and the process proceeds to step 207.
[0088]
Thereafter, similarly to the first to fourth embodiments, the test print mode flag is cleared in step 207, and the failure content notification flag is cleared in step 208, and the process exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0089]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the mode is not the test print mode or if it is determined in step 201 that it is not in the failure state, the process directly exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0090]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the number of drive times of the fan (the number of drive times of the fan is “No. 1 (laser scanner failure)” In the case of failure No. 2 (fixing device failure), "repeat 250 msec driving and 250 msec stopping twice" in the case of failure No. 2 (fixing device failure), and in case of failure No. 3 (both laser scanner and fixing device failure) By making it different from “repeating 250 msec drive and 250 msec stop three times”, the failure content can be notified to the user or the service person so as to be easily determined.
[0091]
Note that this failure notification sequence is effective only in the failure state. When the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the normal state (that is, when it is determined in step 201 that the failure state is not the failure state), in the first to fourth embodiments, Similarly to the above, after exiting from the failure notification sequence, the engine test print is performed normally and the test print mode flag is cleared.
[0092]
(Example 6)
When the engine test print switch is pressed in the failure state, the driving time of the main motor in the first embodiment, the driving frequency of the main motor in the second embodiment, and the driving time and the frequency of the main motor in the third embodiment (driving operation (driving operation) In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the driving time of the fan instead of the main motor is changed in the fourth embodiment, and the driving frequency of the fan instead of the main motor in the fifth embodiment is different depending on the type of the failure. The driving time and the number of times (driving operation (drive pattern)) may be made different depending on the type of failure. Hereinafter, this example will be described as a sixth embodiment.
[0093]
FIG. 9 shows a print in the failure notification sequence when the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in a state where the laser beam printer engine of the image forming apparatus is in a failure state when the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a fan. Indicates a check sequence. It is assumed that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another recording medium in the engine controller 23.
[0094]
The same steps as those in FIGS. 4 to 8 are denoted by the same step numbers.
[0095]
As in the first to fifth embodiments, in step 201, it is checked again whether or not the apparatus is in a failure state. If it is determined that the apparatus is in a failure state, in step 202, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in a test print mode. If it is determined that the mode is the test print mode, the process proceeds to a failure content notification sequence shown in steps 203 to 208 and steps 709 to 711.
[0096]
Specifically, in step 203, a failure content notification flag stored in a RAM (not shown) in the engine controller 23 shown in FIG. 2 is set, and in steps 204 to 206, the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. Failure No. 1 (laser scanner failure), failure no. 2 (fixer failure), failure No. 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed).
[0097]
In the failure content check sequence shown in FIG. 1 (laser scanner failure) (step 204), the fan is driven for 750 msec and stopped for 750 msec once (step 709). When it is determined that the fixing device has failed (step 205), the fan is driven for 500 msec and stopped for 500 msec twice (step 710). If 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device have failed) is determined (step 206), the fan is repeatedly driven for 250 msec and stopped for 250 msec three times (step 711), and the process proceeds to step 210.
[0098]
Thereafter, as in the first to fifth embodiments, the test print mode flag is cleared in step 207, and the failure content notification flag is cleared in step 208, and the process exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0099]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the mode is not the test print mode or if it is determined in step 201 that it is not in the failure state, the process directly exits from the failure notification sequence.
[0100]
As described above, according to this embodiment, by pressing the engine test print switch in the failure state, the fan drive time and the number of drive times (drive operation (drive pattern)) In the case of failure No. 1 (laser scanner failure), “750 msec drive and 750 msec stop once.” In the case of failure No. 2 (fixer failure), “500 msec drive and 500 msec stop twice.” In the case of No. 3 (both failures occur in the laser scanner and the fixing device), the content of the failure can be easily discriminated by the user or the service person by making it different from "250 msec drive and 250 msec stop are repeated three times".
[0101]
Note that this failure notification sequence is effective only in the failure state. When the engine test print switch 11 is pressed in the normal state (that is, when it is determined in step 201 that the state is not the failure state), the first to fifth embodiments will be described. After exiting from the failure notification sequence, the engine test print is normally performed, and the test print mode flag is cleared, as in the case of (1).
[0102]
(Deformation)
As described above, according to the respective embodiments, even when the image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic process falls into a failure state, the image forming apparatus can perform the image forming without using a personal computer or other special jigs. By pressing the engine test print switch of the device engine, it is possible to easily determine the failure content by the engine alone.
[0103]
Further, the above-described failure notification sequence initializes (restarts a display unit such as an LCD or an LED, a printer engine) an image forming apparatus that does not have a failure notification function of an engine alone, which is often found in small machines and the like. ) The image forming apparatus which is not provided with a reset switch or the like and cannot determine the content of a failure by displaying an LED, LCD, or the like caused by pressing the reset switch or the like) is very effective as described above. The above-described failure notification sequence may be applied to a medium-sized machine or a large-sized machine having a display unit such as an LCD, a reset switch, and the like. It is also effective on machines. In this case, when the reset switch or the like is pressed, the details of the failure are notified by an LED, LCD, or the like, and the driving operation (driving pattern) of the main motor (or a fan in an image forming apparatus having a fan) is performed for a driving time and a driving time. The number of times, or the driving time and the number of times of driving may be different.
[0104]
In each of the embodiments described above, the method of discriminating and notifying the three failure contents has been mainly described. However, the failure contents are described as “laser scanner failure”, “fixer failure”, and “failure of both the laser scanner and the fuser”. However, the present invention is not limited to the three types of faults, and even if the details of the fault increase in the future, the details of the fault are made to correspond to the driving operation (drive pattern) of the main motor (or a fan in an image forming apparatus having a fan). It is easy to make a notification, and such a case is also included in the present invention, and is very promising.
[0105]
Further, the drive operation (drive pattern) for notification is not limited to the drive operation (drive pattern). In the case of No. 1 (laser scanner failure), for example, “750 msec drive, 500 msec stop, 500 msec drive, 250 msec stop, 250 msec drive, 250 msec stop once once”, failure no. In the case of No. 2 (fusing device failure), “500 msec drive and 500 msec stop are repeated three times”. In the case of No. 3 (both the laser scanner and the fixing device fail), a driving operation (driving pattern) such as "repeat the 250-msec drive, 250-msec stop, 500-msec drive, 500-msec stop, 750-msec drive, and 750-msec stop once" may be used.
[0106]
Further, in an image forming apparatus other than the electrophotographic process system, for example, an ink jet system, a thermal transfer system, a sublimation system, etc., when any failure is detected, the main motor (fan) is determined based on the detected failure content. The driving operation (driving pattern) of the image forming apparatus having the above (a fan may be used) may be changed to notify the detected failure content.
[0107]
(Data processing program)
Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.
[0108]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[0109]
Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons and the like may also be stored.
[0110]
Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a decompression program or the like may be stored.
[0111]
The functions shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.
[0112]
As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code.
[0113]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0114]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (R) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM , An EEPROM, a silicon disk or the like can be used.
[0115]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing.
[0116]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0117]
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0118]
Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0119]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a printer engine goes into a failure state, the content of the failure can be easily determined by the printer engine alone without using a personal computer or other special jigs. Can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an engine configuration according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a failure content check sequence.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a print check sequence.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print check sequence according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print check sequence according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a print check sequence according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a print check sequence according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a print check sequence according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a memory map of a storage medium.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Engine test print switch
12 CPU in video controller
15 Control ROM
18 External interface
23 Engine controller
24 Host computer

Claims (1)

An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium fed to the image forming unit; and a driving unit that drives the conveying unit.
Instruction means for instructing execution of a test mode of an image forming operation;
Detecting means for detecting the failure content of the image forming means;
When the execution of the test mode of the image forming operation is instructed by the instructing unit, the failure content of the image forming unit is notified by changing the driving operation of the driving unit based on the failure content detection result of the detecting unit. Control means for performing
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images