JP2006126577A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that determines the degree and cause of image quality degradation caused by sticking matter such as dust or photoreceptor deterioration, and to provide an image forming system having a maintenance system. <P>SOLUTION: It is determined whether image deterioration has occurred or not, based on density distribution measured by reading, with an image reader, determining images output from the image forming apparatuses M, M1, M2 to Mn or based on light distribution in the main scanning direction of scanning light reflected by the surface of the photoreceptor after transmitted from a light scanning device used to scan the surface of the photoreceptor. This makes it possible to detect dust sticking to optical components in an optical path and also deterioration on the surface of the photoreceptor. In addition, changes in density distribution and light distribution due to a change in the position of an optical component disposed between the optical scanning device and photoreceptor makes it possible to determine whether an image deterioration factor is present in the optical component or in photoreceptor. Further, the data on measured density distribution, light distribution, etc., and information about a component that needs to be replaced as a result of the determination are transmitted to the maintenance system S1 via a network. This makes it possible for the image forming apparatus to monitor image quality change and speedily cope with components necessary for inspection and maintenance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a maintenance system for maintaining and managing the image forming apparatus.

  Many conventional image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and copiers use an optical scanning apparatus that deflects and scans laser light with a polygon mirror.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a conventional general optical scanning device.

  As shown in FIG. 11, this optical scanning device 10 scans a photoconductor 20 in an image forming apparatus with a laser beam B and forms an image of optical dots of about several tens of μm on the photoconductor surface with high accuracy. However, if foreign matter such as dust is present on the lens 16 or the mirror 17 on the optical path of the laser beam from the light source 12 in the optical scanning device to the image forming site on the surface of the photoconductor, the laser beam is blocked and the surface of the photoconductor is blocked. The light energy which reaches | attains may fall, the photoreceptor surface potential of an image formation site | part may not fall to a desired value, and may have a bad influence on an output image. Even if the light exit window of the optical scanning device 10 is sealed in order to make it difficult for the dust to adhere, a circulating air flow is generated around the optical scanning device to prevent the dust from adhering completely. It ’s difficult.

  Therefore, based on the measurement result of the light amount distribution by the light amount measurement unit that measures the light amount distribution in the main scanning direction, the beam deflection optical system repeatedly deflects so that the decrease in the light amount on the surface of the photoreceptor due to the adhering material of the light source unit is corrected. A method for correcting the energy of the light beam emitted from the light source in accordance with each timing of passing through the position of the deposit in the optical path of the light beam is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, the uniformity of charging of the photosensitive member and the degree of deterioration of the photosensitive member greatly affect the quality of redevelopment reproduced on the recording paper. By detecting the surface potential of the uniformly charged photoconductor by the surface potential sensor, the surface potential fluctuates due to the influence of the temperature characteristics, humidity characteristics, etc. of the photoconductor, so that the degree of deterioration of the photoconductor cannot be detected. Therefore, a method for adjusting the laser light quantity by detecting the degree of deterioration of the photosensitive member by irradiating the photosensitive member with the light emitting element and receiving the light reflected by the surface of the photosensitive member with the light receiving element is disclosed (for example, patents). Reference 2).
JP 2002-273936 A JP-A-5-323740

  However, the former method cannot cope with image deterioration due to deterioration of the photoconductor, and the latter method cannot cope with image deterioration due to adhering matters such as dust. In addition, in any of the above methods, if a certain degree of image deterioration progresses, it cannot be handled.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and an image forming system provided with an image forming apparatus and a maintenance system capable of determining the state and cause of image quality deterioration due to dust and other adherents and photoreceptor deterioration. That is.

The image forming system of the present invention that achieves the above object provides:
First, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus connected to a network and a maintenance system, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image reading apparatus, an optical scanning apparatus, and a photosensitive member that is scanned and exposed by the optical scanning apparatus. And an optical component that is movable between a position disposed between the optical scanning device and the photosensitive member, and the image forming apparatus has different positions of the optical component that can move a determination image suitable for image deterioration determination. And determining whether image degradation has occurred based on the density distribution measured by reading the plurality of output images with the image reading device.

  Second, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus connected to a network and a maintenance system, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning device, a photosensitive member that is scanned and exposed by the optical scanning device, and an optical scanning device. Optical component that can move between the position of the photosensitive member and the photosensitive member, and the amount of light that measures the light amount distribution in the main scanning direction of the reflected light from the optical scanning device that scans the surface of the photosensitive member. It has a measuring means, and it is characterized by judging whether image degradation has occurred based on the light quantity distribution measured by the light quantity measuring means at different positions of the movable optical component.

  Third, in the first image forming system, it is calculated from each data of density distribution measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus or from density distribution measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus. Each data of the average density and density unevenness and information on parts that need to be exchanged are sent to the maintenance system via a network.

  Fourth, in the second image forming system, calculation is made from each data of the light amount distribution measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus or from the light amount distribution measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus. Each of the average light amount and light amount unevenness data and information on parts that need to be exchanged are sent to the maintenance system via a network.

  According to the present invention, the density distribution measured by reading the image for determination output from the image forming apparatus with the image reading apparatus or the reflected light on the surface of the photoconductor from the optical scanning device that scans the surface of the photoconductor. Therefore, it is possible to know the dust attached to the optical parts in the optical path and the deterioration of the surface of the photoconductor, and to output the image to humans. A more accurate determination result can be obtained than that determined by the eyes. Further, it can be determined whether the optical component or the photoconductor is the cause of the image deterioration based on whether or not the density distribution or the light amount distribution is changed by changing the position of the optical component arranged between the optical scanning device and the photoconductor.

  Also, it is necessary to monitor the image quality change of the image forming apparatus by sending the information of the measured density distribution and light quantity distribution etc. to the maintenance system via the network. Can be arranged quickly.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

  1 and 2 show the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, M1 to Mn denote image forming apparatuses installed in the market, and each is connected to a network. D1 to Dk are terminals installed at service bases or terminals carried by service persons, and these are also connected to the network. S1 to S3 are systems for managing inventory, delivery, delivery, etc. of parts by a computer and maintenance management of image forming apparatuses installed in the market, each connected to a network via a LAN (local area network). Yes. S1 is a maintenance system for devices installed in the market and monitors the occurrence of failures, S2 manages the inventory of parts, and S3 manages the delivery and delivery of parts. S1 instructs service personnel dispatch to D1 to Dk as necessary, performs inventory check of parts to S2, and instructs delivery and delivery of parts to S3.

  In FIG. 2, M is one of the image forming apparatuses connected to the above-described network, and includes an image forming apparatus main body 1 and an image reading apparatus 2.

  An optical scanning device 3 and a photosensitive member 4 are disposed inside the main body 1, and the optical scanning device 3 is sealed by a dust-proof glass 5 so that dust and the like do not enter the inside. The dust-proof glass 5 is disposed in the image forming apparatus M so as to be movable in the main scanning direction (longitudinal direction). Since this moving amount may be several mm, it hardly affects the size and arrangement restrictions of the dust-proof glass 5. B is a light beam which is emitted from the optical scanning device 3 through the dust-proof glass 5 and which scans and exposes the photosensitive member 4.

  As the image forming apparatus M is used, the image gradually deteriorates.

  Therefore, the service person performs image deterioration determination work during maintenance inspection. The procedure is shown in FIG.

  Switch to the image degradation determination mode that the image forming apparatus has.

  First, in S101, the image forming apparatus M outputs an image for determining image deterioration. The image output here uses an image created with a constant exposure light quantity in the main scanning direction. Usually, in order to make the image density constant, a test patch is formed on the photoreceptor 4 and the density is measured to correct the exposure light quantity. In this case, the image is output without correction.

  In step S102, an output image is set and read by the image reading apparatus 2 in accordance with an instruction for reading the image by the image reading apparatus 2. An image density distribution is calculated from the read image data. This image density distribution is measured as initial data even when the image forming apparatus is installed, and is stored in the maintenance system S1 via the image forming apparatus M or a network.

  Next, the image density measured in S103 is compared with the image density at the time of installation (FIG. 4). Here, it is determined whether or not the image deterioration is a change exceeding the range (for example, 30%) that can be corrected by the exposure light amount by comparing with the average value of the image density (S104). If the change from the initial time exceeds 30%, the process proceeds to B1, and if it is within 30%, the process proceeds to S105, and the density unevenness in the main scanning direction is calculated to obtain an allowable range (for example, 5%) as the density uniformity of the image. It is determined whether it exceeds (S106). If it exceeds the allowable range, the process proceeds to B2, and if it is within the allowable range, it is determined that there is no image deterioration that needs to be dealt with, and the image deterioration determination mode is ended.

  If the density change from the initial stage exceeds 30% and proceeds to B1, if the dust-proof glass 5 has been cleaned in S107, it is determined that the photoconductor 4 has deteriorated and an instruction to replace the photoconductor 4 is given. . If the dust-proof glass 5 has not been cleaned, the dust-proof glass 5 is cleaned in S108, and the process proceeds to B3 to measure the concentration distribution again.

  When the density unevenness in the main scanning direction exceeds 5% and proceeds to B2, the density distribution is measured after the dust-proof glass 5 is moved in S110 to S112 (FIG. 6). This is to determine whether density unevenness has occurred due to dust on the dust-proof glass 5 as shown in FIG.

  If the reading resolution of the image reading device 2 is 600 dots / inch and the reading width is about 300 mm, a CCD sensor of about 7100 pixels is required. If the movement amount of the dust-proof glass 5 is t, the focal length of the scanning imaging lens (fθ lens) is f, and the distance from the dust-proof glass 5 to the surface of the photosensitive member 4 is d, the movement distance of t on the dust-proof glass 5 is photosensitive. On the surface of the body 4, the moving distance is t × f / (f−d). Here, if t = 5, f = 250, and d = 50, the moving distance is 6.25 mm on the photosensitive member 4, which corresponds to about 150 pixels on the CCD sensor. If the deviation of the image position that occurs when reading the output image is considered to be 0.5 mm or less, it can be determined that a change within 12 pixels on the CCD sensor has no position change on the image. If the density unevenness near 1000 pixels before the movement of the dustproof glass 5 moves to near 1150 pixels after the dustproof glass 5 moves, it is determined that the density unevenness has moved along with the movement of the dustproof glass. If only about a pixel has moved, it is determined that the position of density unevenness has not changed.

  If the position of the density unevenness does not change before and after the movement of the dust-proof glass 5 in S113 to S114, it is determined that the photoconductor 4 is deteriorated, and the replacement of the photoconductor 4 is instructed. If the position of the density unevenness changes, the dustproof glass 5 is cleaned in S116 to S119 and the density distribution is measured. If the density distribution has already been cleaned, it is determined that the dustproof glass 5 has deteriorated. The exchange of the dustproof glass 5 is instructed (S115). If the density unevenness after cleaning the dust-proof glass 5 in S120 exceeds 5%, it is determined that the dust-proof glass 5 has deteriorated, and the replacement of the dust-proof glass 5 is instructed. If the density unevenness is within 5%, the process proceeds to B4, where it is determined that there is no image deterioration that requires component replacement, and the image deterioration determination mode ends.

  Here, the dustproof glass 5 can be cleaned and moved automatically by providing the mechanism to the image forming apparatus. However, the serviceman may be instructed to perform the work and input the completed work upon completion. After the cleaning is completed, it is possible to determine whether the cleaning has been completed by setting a cleaned flag and referring to it in the subsequent processing.

  If an instruction to replace the photoconductor or dust-proof glass is issued in the image degradation judgment mode described above, the serviceman will input whether he / she has the necessary replacement parts. If it is made to input whether parts are taken out, parts arrangement will be possible quickly via a network.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus M is connected to the maintenance system S1 via the network, and when there is a request for delivery of replacement parts from the M, the image forming apparatus M confirms whether or not the inventory management system S2 has stock. If the inventory is confirmed, the system S3 that manages delivery and delivery is instructed to issue the part and deliver it to the service base or the user.

  In the above embodiment, a service person works, but it is also possible to leave it to the user of the image forming apparatus if only the image deterioration determination is performed. In this case, when the parts need to be replaced, the maintenance system S1 can pass the information on the replacement parts to the service person via the network to request the work.

  FIG. 7 shows the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, M is one of the image forming apparatuses connected to the network as in FIG. 2, and is composed of the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the image reading apparatus 2. The

  An optical scanning device 3 and a photosensitive member 4 are disposed inside the main body 1, and the optical scanning device 3 is sealed by a dust-proof glass 5 so that dust and the like do not enter the inside. The image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a drive mechanism for moving the dustproof glass 5 in the main scanning direction and a mechanism for cleaning the dustproof glass 5. As a driving mechanism for moving the dust-proof glass 5 in the main scanning direction, a known eccentric cam may be rotated by a motor to move the dust-proof glass 5, or the dust-proof glass 5 may be directly moved by a solenoid. Further, a known screw feed mechanism may be used as a mechanism for cleaning the dustproof glass 5 so that the cleaning member reciprocates on the surface of the dustproof glass 5.

  B is a light beam which is emitted from the optical scanning device 3 through the dust-proof glass 5 and which scans and exposes the photosensitive member 4. The light beam B is reflected by the surface of the photoreceptor 4 to become reflected light R. Reference numeral 6 denotes a sensor arranged for measuring the amount of reflected light R, and a line sensor such as a CCD having a size substantially the same as or slightly larger than that of the photosensitive member 4 in the main scanning direction may be used. Reference numeral 7 denotes a light shielding member for preventing the reflected light R from being reflected again on the surface of the sensor 6 and entering the photosensitive member 4.

  In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, a service person is not required for the image deterioration determination work, so that the maintenance system S1 can perform the image deterioration determination work as needed via the network. The procedure is shown in FIG.

  The maintenance system S1 switches to the image deterioration determination mode that the image forming apparatus has via the network. In step S <b> 201, the image forming apparatus M emits light at a constant intensity, scans and exposes the photosensitive member 4, measures the amount of reflected light R by the sensor 6, and calculates the light amount distribution in the main scanning direction. This light amount distribution is measured as initial data even when the image forming apparatus is installed, and is stored in the maintenance system S1 via the image forming apparatus or the network.

  Next, the light amount distribution measured in S202 is compared with the light amount distribution at the time of installation (FIG. 9). Here, the average value of the light quantity distribution is compared, and it is determined whether the image deterioration is a change exceeding the range (for example, 30%) that can be corrected by the exposure light quantity (S203). If the change from the initial time exceeds 30%, the process proceeds to A1, and if it is within 30%, the process proceeds to S204, where the light quantity unevenness in the main scanning direction is calculated and whether the light quantity distribution unevenness exists in the image forming area. Determination is made (S205). When the light amount distribution unevenness is outside the image forming area, the process proceeds to A4 and the image deterioration determination mode is ended. If the light amount distribution unevenness is within the image forming area, it is determined in S206 whether the light amount distribution unevenness exceeds an allowable range (for example, 5%) as the exposure light amount uniformity. If it exceeds the allowable range, the process proceeds to A2. If it is within the allowable range, it is determined that there is no image deterioration that needs to be dealt with, and the image deterioration determination mode is ended.

  If the light intensity change from the beginning exceeds 30% and proceeds to A1, if the dust-proof glass 5 has been cleaned in S207, it is determined that the photoconductor 4 has deteriorated, and replacement of the photoconductor 4 is instructed. If the dustproof glass 5 has not been cleaned, the dustproof glass 5 is cleaned in S208, and the process proceeds to A3 to measure the light quantity distribution again.

  When the unevenness of the light quantity distribution in the main scanning direction exceeds 5% and proceeds to A2, the light quantity distribution is measured after the dust-proof glass 5 is moved in S210 to S211 (FIG. 10). In S212 to S213, when the position of the light amount distribution unevenness does not change before and after the movement of the dust-proof glass 5, it is determined that the photoreceptor 4 is deteriorated and the replacement of the photoreceptor 4 is instructed. If the position of the unevenness of the light quantity distribution changes, the dust-proof glass 5 is cleaned and the light quantity distribution is measured in S215 to S216. To instruct the replacement of the dust-proof glass 5 (S214). If the unevenness of the light distribution after cleaning the dust-proof glass 5 in S218 exceeds 5%, it is determined that the dust-proof glass 5 has deteriorated, and the replacement of the dust-proof glass 5 is instructed. If the amount of light distribution unevenness is within 5%, the process proceeds to A4, and it is determined that there is no image deterioration that requires component replacement, and the image deterioration determination mode is ended.

  When an instruction to replace the photoconductor or the dust-proof glass is issued in the above-described image deterioration determination mode, the maintenance system S1 confirms replacement parts in stock and issues a delivery / delivery instruction in the same manner as in the previous embodiment. Instruct the dispatch. This makes it possible to respond quickly to customers.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus and a maintenance system connected to a network. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of image degradation determination. It is a figure which shows the change of an image density. It is a figure which shows the dust-proof glass to which refuse adhered. It is a figure which shows image density nonuniformity. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of image degradation determination. It is a figure which shows light quantity distribution change. It is a figure which shows light quantity distribution nonuniformity. It is a figure which shows an optical scanning device.

Explanation of symbols

M, M1, M2, ..., Mn Image forming apparatuses D1, D2, ..., Dk terminals (service bases)
S1 maintenance system S2 inventory management system S3 delivery / delivery management system B laser scanning light R reflected light 1 image forming apparatus main body 2 image reading device 3 optical scanning device 4 photoconductor 5 dustproof glass 6 sensor 7 light shielding member 10 optical scanning device 12 light source 15 Polygon mirror 16 fθ lens 17 Folding mirror 20 Photoconductor

Claims (4)

  An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a maintenance system connected to a network, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an image reading device, an optical scanning device, a photoconductor scanned and exposed by the optical scanning device, and optical scanning. The image forming apparatus outputs an image for determination suitable for image degradation determination at a different position of the movable optical component; An image forming system for determining whether image deterioration has occurred based on a density distribution measured by reading the plurality of outputted images with the image reading device.   An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a maintenance system connected to a network, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning device, a photoconductor scanned and exposed by the optical scanning device, an optical scanning device and a photoconductor And an optical component that can move between the positions disposed between the optical component and a light amount measuring unit that measures a light amount distribution in the main scanning direction of the reflected light from the optical scanning device that scans the surface of the photosensitive member. An image forming system that determines whether image degradation has occurred based on a light amount distribution measured by a light amount measuring unit at different positions of a movable optical component.   2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is calculated from density distribution data measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus or from density distribution measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus. An image forming system characterized in that data on average density and density unevenness and information on parts that need to be exchanged are sent to the maintenance system via a network.   3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the light quantity distribution is calculated from each data of a light quantity distribution measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus or from a light quantity distribution measured at the time of installation and inspection maintenance of the image forming apparatus. An image forming system, wherein each data of average light quantity and unevenness of light quantity and information on parts that need to be exchanged are sent to the maintenance system via a network.

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