JP2005338533A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus preventing improper use of a counter. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with: a mode data storage part 42 storing the use data for the counter indicating that a counter use mode is set; a detection part 41 detecting whether the counter 5 is connected or not; and a CPU44 forbidding a printing action for an LSU43 when the counter 5 is detached while a counter use mode is set and once the counter use mode is set not canceling the setting of the counter use mode even when an operating part 3 is operated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a counter that counts the number of prints on a recording sheet.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a counter that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body and counts the number of recording sheets to be printed may be used. When using the counter, it is necessary to set the image forming apparatus to the counter use mode. Normally, this setting is performed in a maintenance mode in which only a service person can log in. When the counter use mode is set, when the counter is removed from the apparatus main body, the image forming apparatus prohibits the printing operation.

In addition, as a technique related to the present invention, it detects that the counter is mounted by detecting the energization current of the counter (Patent Document 1). When the paper is stopped and the external counter is detected after the copying is stopped, the content of the external counter is corrected using the content of the internal counter (Patent Document 2). In the copying machine that prevents the operation of the feeding means when the paper is removed (Patent Document 3) and the copying machine that can start the copying operation depending on the mounting state of the plug-in counter, the plug is inserted before the operation of the paper feeding means. A device that prevents the operation of the sheet feeding means when the in-counter is not attached (Patent Document 4) is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-12541 JP-A-2-69777 JP-A-57-122453 JP 58-63952 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, if the counter use mode is canceled by logging in to the maintenance mode, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus to perform a printing operation even if the counter is detached from the apparatus main body. This release operation is a simple operation using the operation panel, and since it is open to the service personnel, the user can know the release operation. For example, in a state where the counter use mode is set, it is possible to easily perform illegal use of the counter such as removing the counter from the apparatus main body and causing the image forming apparatus to perform a printing operation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents unauthorized use of a counter.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that is detachable from the apparatus main body and includes a counter that counts the number of printed sheets, and includes an operation unit that receives an operation command from an operator and a counter that uses the apparatus main body. A setting means for setting the mode, a detection means for detecting whether or not the counter is connected to the apparatus main body, a counter use mode is set by the setting means, and the detection means When it is detected that the counter is not connected to the apparatus main body, the setting means includes a prohibiting means for prohibiting a printing operation, and once the apparatus main body is set to the counter use mode, the operation means is used to set the counter The setting is not canceled even when an operation command for canceling the counter use mode is input.

  The setting means preferably sets the apparatus main body to the counter use mode when the connection of the counter is detected by the detection means in a state where the counter use mode is not set.

  In addition, it further includes an external console that can be used to make various settings and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, and when the operation command for canceling the setting of the counter use mode is input from the external console, It is preferable to cancel the setting.

  The counter is an electromagnetic counter, and the detection means includes a first power supply unit connected to one end of a coil of the counter, and first and second ports, and operates the counter. A central processing unit for outputting a count signal for output from the first port, a counter signal line for guiding the count signal to the other end of the coil, and a predetermined voltage of the central processing unit for the second port Is connected between the other end of the coil and the second port, and the driving voltage of the second power supply unit is set to the first level according to whether the counter is connected or not. Or a voltage changing unit that outputs to the second port as a second level voltage different from the first level, wherein the central processing unit is configured to output the first port with respect to the second port. Level, or It is preferable to determine whether the counter is connected depending on whether the voltage of the second level is inputted.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when it is detected that the counter is not connected to the apparatus main body in the state where the counter use mode is set, the printing operation is prohibited, and the counter use mode is once set. Then, since this setting is not canceled even if an operation command for canceling the setting of the counter use mode is input using the operation means, the counter is removed from the apparatus main body in the setting state of the counter use mode, and the operation means is removed. Thus, the counter use mode can be canceled to prevent unauthorized use of the counter that causes the image forming apparatus to perform a printing operation.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the counter is connected in the state where the counter use mode is not set, the counter use mode is automatically set, so that the setting operation of the counter use mode is simplified. be able to.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, since the counter use mode setting can be canceled only when the external console is used, it is difficult to cancel the counter use mode setting for general users who do not know the existence of the external console. Meanwhile, the setting of the counter use mode can be canceled.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first level or the second level voltage is input to the second port of the central processing unit according to whether the counter is connected or not. Since whether or not the counter is connected is determined based on the level of the voltage input to the second port, it is possible to detect whether or not the counter is connected with high accuracy.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view mainly showing a mechanical configuration when the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral. The digital multi-function peripheral includes a main unit 200, a sheet post-processing unit 300 disposed on the left side of the main unit 200, an operation unit 400 for a user to input various operation commands and the like, and an upper part of the main unit 200. The document reading unit 500 is disposed, and the document feeding unit 600 is disposed above the document reading unit 500.

  The operation unit 400 includes an operation panel 401, a start key 402, a numeric keypad 403, and the like. The operation panel 401 displays various operation screens and various operation buttons for the user to input various operation commands. The start key 402 is used for the user to input a print execution command and the like, and the ten key 403 is used for inputting the number of copies to be printed.

  The document feeding unit 600 includes a document placement unit 601, a document discharge unit 602, a paper feed roller 603, a document transport unit 604, and the like, and the document reading unit 500 includes a scanner 501 and the like. The paper feed roller 603 feeds out the original set on the original placement unit 601, and the original transport unit 604 transports the fed originals one by one on the scanner 501. The scanner 501 sequentially reads the conveyed document, and the read document is discharged to the document discharge unit 602.

  The main body 200 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 201, a plurality of paper feed rollers 202, a transfer roller 203, an intermediate transfer body roller 204, a photosensitive drum 205, an exposure device 206, and development for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K, a fixing roller 208, a discharge port 209, a discharge tray 210, and the like are provided.

  The photosensitive drum 205 is uniformly charged by a charging device (not shown) while rotating in the direction of the arrow. The exposure device 206 converts the modulation signal generated based on the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 500 into a laser beam and outputs it, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 205 for each color. The developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K supply each color developer to the photosensitive drum 205 to form a toner image for each color.

  The intermediate transfer roller 204 transfers the color toner images from the photosensitive drum 205, and forms a color toner image on the intermediate transfer roller 204.

  On the other hand, the paper feed roller 202 pulls out the recording paper from the paper feed cassette 201 in which the recording paper is stored, and feeds the recording paper to the transfer roller 203. The transfer roller 203 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer body roller 204 onto the conveyed recording paper, and the fixing roller 208 heats and fixes the transferred toner image on the recording paper. Thereafter, the recording paper is carried into the paper post-processing unit 300 from the discharge port 209 of the main body unit 200. The recording paper is also discharged to the discharge tray 210 as necessary.

  The paper post-processing unit 300 includes a carry-in port 301, a recording paper transport unit 302, a carry-out port 303, a stack tray 304, and the like. The recording paper transport unit 302 sequentially transports the recording paper carried into the carry-in port 301 from the discharge port 209 and finally ejects the recording paper from the carry-out port 303 to the stack tray 304. The stack tray 304 is configured to move up and down in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the number of recording sheets stacked from the carry-out port 303.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital composite apparatus shown in FIG. The digital multi-function peripheral includes a document data acquisition unit 1, a hard disk drive (HDD) 2, an operation unit 3, a printing unit 4, a counter 5, a printer controller 6, a FAX unit 7, a control unit 8, and an external console 9. . One or more personal computers (PCs) 10 are connected to the printer controller 6 via a LAN cable C such as 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or the like. The FAX unit 7 is connected to a public telephone network. The external console 9 is connected to the control unit 8 via an RS-232C cable or the like.

  The document data acquisition unit 1 includes the document reading unit 500 and the document feeding unit 600 shown in FIG. 1. The document data obtained by reading the image of the document placed on the document placement unit 601 by the scanner 501 is obtained. Is converted from analog to digital and output to the control unit 8.

  The HDD 2 stores document data acquired by the document data acquisition unit 1, print data received from the PC 10 received by the printer controller 6, and facsimile data received by the FAX unit 7 under the control of the control unit 8.

  The operation unit 3 includes an operation panel 401, a start key 402, and a numeric keypad 403, and is used when a user inputs various operation commands.

  The printing unit 4 includes a detection unit 41, a mode data storage unit 42, an LSU (laser scan unit) 43, and a CPU 44. The detection unit 41 generates a voltage signal having a level corresponding to whether the counter 5 is connected or not and outputs the voltage signal to the CPU 44. The mode data storage unit 42 is composed of a nonvolatile storage device, and stores counter usage data indicating that the counter usage mode is set. Here, the counter use mode is a mode in which the counter 5 is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral and the counter 5 counts the number of printed sheets. The LSU 43 includes the transfer roller 203, the intermediate transfer roller 204, the photosensitive drum 205, the exposure device 206, the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K, the fixing roller 208, and the like shown in FIG. The original data, print data, and facsimile data stored in the HDD 2 are printed on the recording paper.

  The CPU 44 determines whether or not the counter 5 is connected based on the level of the voltage signal output from the detection unit 41. If the CPU 44 determines that the counter 5 is connected and the counter setting data is not stored in the mode data storage unit 42, the CPU 44 stores the counter usage data in the mode data storage unit 42. Set the machine to counter usage mode. Thereby, the counter use mode is automatically set only by connecting the counter 5.

  Further, when the counter use mode is not set, the CPU 44 inputs an operation command for setting the counter use mode via the operation unit 3 and the control unit 8 receives the operation command. The counter setting data is stored in the mode data storage unit 42. On the other hand, when the counter usage mode is set, the CPU 44 receives an operation command for canceling the setting of the counter usage mode from the user via the operation unit 3 and the control unit 8 receives the operation command. The counter use mode is maintained as it is without erasing the counter setting data from the mode data storage unit 42. Therefore, once the counter use mode is set, the user cannot cancel the setting of the counter use mode even if the operation unit 3 is operated.

  On the other hand, when the external console 9 is connected to the control unit 8 and an operation command for canceling the setting of the counter use mode is input via the external console 9, and the control unit 8 receives the operation command, the CPU 44 stores the mode data The counter setting data is deleted from the storage unit 42, and the setting of the counter use mode is cancelled.

  Further, when the CPU 44 determines that the counter setting data is stored in the mode data storage unit 42 and the counter 5 is not connected, the CPU 44 prohibits the printing operation by the LSU 43. On the other hand, when the CPU 44 determines that the counter setting data is stored in the mode data storage unit 42 and the counter 5 is connected, the CPU 44 causes the LSU 43 to perform a printing operation. Further, the CPU 44 increments the counter value of the counter 5 by 1 every time the LSU 43 prints on one sheet of recording paper.

  The counter 5 includes an electromagnetic counter that can be attached to and detached from the digital multi-function peripheral.

  The printer controller 6 receives the print data output from the PC 10, performs font conversion processing, and outputs it to the control unit 8. Then, the control unit 8 stores the print data in the HDD 2. The FAX unit 7 includes a modem, an NCU (network control unit), and the like, receives facsimile data from the telephone line network, and outputs it to the control unit 8. Then, the control unit 8 stores the facsimile data in the HDD 2.

  The control unit 8 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like, and controls the digital multi-function peripheral. For each of the print data from the printer and the facsimile data from the FAX section 7, a predetermined capacity data is set as one job, and a job management function for managing the set job, and document data, print data, and facsimile data An image processing function for performing predetermined image processing on the print unit 4 and outputting it to the printing unit 4 is provided.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 44 and the mode data storage unit 42 correspond to an example of a setting unit, the detection unit 41 and the CPU 44 correspond to an example of a detection unit, the CPU 44 corresponds to an example of a prohibition unit, and the operation unit 3 The control unit 8 corresponds to an example of an operation unit.

  FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram of the counter 5, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a top view. In (b), the left side is the front surface, and in (c), the upper side is the front surface. A rectangular display unit 51 is disposed at the front center of the counter 5, and two stoppers 52 are disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively. The display unit 51 has a substantially disk-shaped display plate numbered from 0 to 9 on its side surface, and a predetermined number of the display plates are arranged in a horizontal direction so as to be rotatable, and displays a numerical value of a predetermined digit.

  The digital multi-function peripheral is provided with a counter slot (not shown) for storing the counter 5. When the counter 5 is stored in the counter slot, the stopper 52 is pushed to the counter body side by the contact surface of the counter slot, and the counter The contact surface of the slot is urged to fix the counter 5 to the counter slot. A male connector 53 for electrically connecting the counter 5 to the digital multifunction peripheral is disposed on the back side of the counter 5, while a female connector (not shown) is disposed on the bottom surface of the counter slot. Is completely inserted into the counter slot, the male connector 53 and the female connector are connected.

  FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the detection unit 41. The detection unit 41 includes a buffer 411, an inverter 412, three resistors R1, R2, and R3, a transistor Tr, and connectors 413 and 414. The buffer 411 has an input side connected to the port a of the CPU 44 and an output side connected to the connector 414. The connectors 413 and 414 are female connectors disposed on the bottom surface of the counter slot described above. The connector 414 is connected to the connector 532 constituting the male connector 53 described above, and the connector 413 constitutes the male connector 53. Connected to the connector 531. The connector 413 is connected to a power supply that supplies a voltage of 24V, and supplies a voltage of 24V to the counter 5.

  The transistor Tr is composed of an npn bipolar transistor, and the collector is connected to a power supply of 5 V via a resistor R1 and to the input side of the inverter 412. The emitter of the transistor Tr is grounded, and a resistor R3 is connected between the emitter base. The base of the transistor Tr is connected to the connector 414 via the resistor R2. The output side of the inverter 412 is connected to the port b of the CPU 44.

  When the counter 5 is inserted into the counter slot and the connectors 413 and 414 and the connectors 531 and 532 are electrically connected, the power supply voltage of 24V is divided by the resistors R3 and R2 and is connected between the base and emitter of the transistor Tr. Applied, transistor Tr is turned on. A collector current flows through the transistor Tr, and the power supply voltage of 5 V receives a voltage drop by the resistor R1, a low level voltage is input to the inverter 412, and a high level voltage is input to the port b. As a result, the CPU 44 determines that the counter 5 is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral.

  On the other hand, when the counter 5 is removed from the digital multi-function peripheral, the transistor Tr is turned off without applying a predetermined level voltage between the base and the emitter. Therefore, the collector current does not flow, the inverter 412 receives a high level voltage of 5 V power supply voltage, and the port b receives a low level voltage. Thereby, the CPU 44 determines that the counter 5 is not connected to the digital multi-function peripheral.

  When one recording sheet is printed by the LSU 43, the CPU 44 outputs a pulse voltage for counting up the counter 5 from the port a. This pulse voltage is input to the counter 5 through the buffer 411 and the connectors 414 and 532, and the coil L is excited to cause the counter 5 to count up by one. In the circuit shown in FIG. 4, resistors R1, R2, and R3 = 10 kΩ, 22 kΩ, and 4.7 kΩ are preferable.

  Next, the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 44 at, for example, a constant cycle. First, when the counter setting data is stored in the mode data storage unit 42 in step S1, the CPU 44 determines that the counter use mode is set (YES in step S1), and advances the process to step S2.

  If a low level voltage is input to the port b of the CPU 44 in step S2, the CPU 44 determines that the counter 5 is not connected (NO in step S2), and prohibits the printing operation by the LSU 43 (step S3). ). In this case, the control unit 8 prohibits the operation of the document data acquisition unit 1 and causes the operation panel 401 to display a screen notifying that copying is impossible as shown in FIG. In contrast, it informs that copying is impossible. In this state, even if the user sets a document on the document placement unit 601 and presses the start key 402, the printing operation is not executed and a copy document cannot be obtained.

  On the other hand, if a high level voltage is input to the port b of the CPU 44 in step S2, the CPU 44 determines that the counter is connected (YES in step S2), and does not prohibit the printing operation by the LSU 43 (step S2). S4). In this case, a screen for notifying that copying is possible as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the operation panel 401 to notify the user that copying is possible. In this state, when a document is set on the document placement unit 601 and the start key 402 is pressed, the printing operation is executed, so that the user can obtain a copy document.

  On the other hand, in step S1, the CPU 44 determines that the counter setting data is not stored in the mode data storage unit 42 and the counter use mode is not set (YES in step S5), and the counter 5 is connected. If it is determined (YES in step S5), the counter setting data is stored in the mode data storage unit 42, and the digital multi-function peripheral is set to the counter use mode (step S6). As a result, the user can set the digital multi-function peripheral to the counter use mode simply by connecting the counter 5 in a state where the counter use mode is not set. On the other hand, if the CPU 44 determines in step S5 that the counter 5 is not connected (NO in step S5), the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to this digital multi-function peripheral, when the counter use mode is set and the counter 5 is not connected, the printing operation is prohibited. Here, once the counter use mode is set, it cannot be canceled even if the operation unit 3 is operated. For this reason, in the state where the counter use mode is set, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the counter by removing the counter 5 and causing the digital multifunction peripheral to perform a printing operation.

  On the other hand, although it is possible to cancel the counter use mode setting from the external console 9, the external console 9 is owned by the service person, and the general user does not know its existence. The counter use mode setting can be canceled while preventing the use.

  In the above embodiment, the digital multifunction peripheral has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to a copying machine, a copying machine, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view mainly showing a mechanical configuration when the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital composite apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The external appearance block diagram of a counter is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, (c) has shown the top view. The circuit diagram of the detection part is shown. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital multi-function peripheral. It is drawing which showed the screen displayed on an operation panel.

Explanation of symbols

1 Document data acquisition unit 2 HDD
3 Operation unit 4 Printing unit 5 Counter 6 Printer controller 7 FAX unit 8 Control unit 9 External console 41 Detection unit 42 Mode data storage unit 43 LSU
44 CPU

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus that is detachable from the apparatus main body and includes a counter that counts the number of printed sheets,
An operation means for receiving an operation command from an operator;
Setting means for setting the device main body to the counter use mode;
Detecting means for detecting whether the counter is connected to the apparatus main body;
A prohibiting unit that prohibits a printing operation when the setting unit sets the counter use mode and the detecting unit detects that the counter is not connected to the apparatus main body;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit does not cancel the setting even if an operation command for canceling the counter use mode is input using the operation unit once the apparatus main body is set to the counter use mode.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the apparatus main body to the counter use mode when the connection of the counter is detected by the detection unit in a state where the counter use mode is not set. apparatus. It is used to perform various settings, and further includes an external console that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit cancels the setting when an operation command for canceling the setting of the counter use mode is input using an external console. The counter is an electromagnetic counter,
The detection means includes
A first power supply connected to one end of the counter coil;
A central processing unit that includes first and second ports and outputs a count signal for operating the counter from the first port;
A counter signal line for guiding the count signal to the other end of the coil;
A second power supply for supplying a predetermined voltage of the central processing unit to the second port;
Connected between the other end of the coil and the second port, the driving voltage of the second power supply unit is different from the first level or the first level depending on whether the counter is connected or not. A voltage changing unit for outputting to the second port as a second level voltage;
The central processing unit determines whether or not the counter is connected depending on whether the first level or the second level voltage is input to the second port. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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