JP2006163092A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the possibility of disconnection of a communication line between a body controller and an option controller in an image forming apparatus constituted so that an option apparatus can be loaded on an image forming apparatus body. <P>SOLUTION: The option apparatus 20A is provided with an option controller 21A. The apparatus body 10 is provided with the body controller 11 for controlling the option controller 21A through the communication line 30A or the like. A radio tag 22A is attached to the option apparatus 20A. The apparatus body 10 is provided with a tag reader 12 for inquiring the radio tag 22A. When the body controller 11 fails in communication with the option controller 21A and the tag reader 12 receives a response from the radio tag 22A, a disconnection detection part 11a judges the possibility of disconnection of the communication line 30A or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which an optional device can be attached to an image forming apparatus main body.

  Some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers can be equipped with an optional device in the main body of the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). As this optional device, many devices such as a finisher, an automatic document feeder (ADF), a large-capacity paper feed tray, and a duplex printing unit are known. Such an image forming apparatus can be configured to have a functional configuration according to a user's application by selectively mounting an optional device.

  Many of the option devices include an option controller that controls the option device, and the option controller is connected to a main body controller of the device main body through a communication line such as a harness. Then, the operation of the option device is controlled by the main body controller controlling the option controller.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-2059 JP 2003-127506 A

  In the above image forming apparatus, the communication line between the main body controller and the option controller may be disconnected due to disconnection of the connector, forgetting to attach the connector, poor connector contact, cable disconnection, or the like. In this case, the optional device cannot be controlled by the main body controller, and the function by the optional device cannot be provided. For this reason, when the communication line is disconnected, it is necessary to take appropriate measures such as connector connection and cable replacement. Under such circumstances, there is a request to detect disconnection of the communication line.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can detect the possibility of disconnection of a communication line between a main body controller and an option controller.

  The present invention is an image forming apparatus in which an optional device can be attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The optional device includes an optional controller that controls the optional device, and a wireless tag that returns a response to an external inquiry. The image forming apparatus main body is provided with a main body controller for controlling the option controller via a communication line, and a tag reader for interrogating the wireless tag, and the main body controller has failed to communicate with the option controller. In this case, when the tag reader receives a response from the wireless tag, it has disconnection detecting means for determining that the communication line may be disconnected.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, there are a plurality of option devices, and the disconnection detecting means is configured such that, for each option device, the main body controller fails to communicate with the option controller of the option device, and the tag reader When receiving a response from the wireless tag of the optional device, it is determined that there is a possibility of disconnection in the communication line related to the optional device.

  Further, in a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the disconnection detecting means determines that there is a possibility of disconnection, it further includes a disconnection notification means for notifying the user of that fact.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the possibility of disconnection of the communication line between the main body controller and the option controller.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that prints an image on a recording material such as paper, such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine. The printing method of the image forming apparatus 1 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Here, the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic digital multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a print function, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that one or more optional devices 20 can be attached to an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”) 10.

  The apparatus main body 10 is a central part of the image forming apparatus 1 and is a part to which the optional device 20 is attached. In addition, the apparatus main body 10 includes a print engine, which alone performs an image forming function.

  The option device 20 is a unit that is selectively attached to the apparatus main body 10 and generally adds a function of the image forming apparatus 1. In FIG. 1, as an optional device 20, a finisher 20A, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 20B, and a large-capacity paper feed tray 20C are representatively shown. The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 varies depending on the type of the optional device 20 to be mounted. For example, when the finisher 20A is installed, a stapling function, a punching function, and the like are added. When the ADF 20B is installed, an automatic document reading function is added, and when the large-capacity paper feed tray 20C is installed. Large capacity feeding function is added. Other optional devices 20 include a trayless duplex printing unit, a 3-tray module / tandem tray device, a large-capacity stacker, a multistage discharge tray (mail box), an automatic duplex document feeder (DADF), an offset catch tray, and the like. is there.

  Each option device 20 includes an option controller 21. In FIG. 1, the option devices 20A, 20B, and 20C include option controllers 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively. On the other hand, the apparatus main body 10 includes a main body controller 11.

  The main body controller 11 and each option controller 21 are connected by a communication line. Here, they are connected by the following configuration. That is, one end of the harnesses 13A, 13B, and 13C corresponding to the option devices 20A, 20B, and 20C is connected to the main body controller 11, respectively. Connectors 14A, 14B, and 14C are provided at the other ends of the harnesses 13A, 13B, and 13C, respectively. The connectors 14A, 14B, and 14C are fixed to the frame of the apparatus main body 10 and are exposed to the outside. On the other hand, one ends of harnesses 23A, 23B, and 23C are connected to the option controllers 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively. Connectors 24A, 24B, and 24C are provided at the other ends of the harnesses 23A, 23B, and 23C, respectively. The connectors 24A, 24B, and 24C are fixed to the frames of the option devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively, and are exposed to the outside. The connectors 14A, 14B, 14C on the apparatus main body side and the connectors 24A, 24B, 24C on the optional apparatus side are connected to each other by harnesses 30A, 30B, 30C having connectors at both ends, respectively. However, the specific configuration of the communication line connecting the main body controller 11 and the option controller 21 is not limited to the above.

  The option controller 21 is a control device that controls the option device 20. Specifically, the option controller 21 controls various actuators (motors, electromagnetic solenoids, etc.) and various sensors in the option device 20 in accordance with external instructions. Here, the option controller 21 is a control circuit board on which a CPU, ROM, RAM, ASIC, and the like are mounted. However, the specific configuration of the option controller 21 is not particularly limited.

  The main body controller 11 is a higher-level control device that controls the option controller 21 by performing communication (for example, serial communication) with the option controller 21 via the communication line. Specifically, the main body controller 11 transmits an instruction corresponding to an operation to be executed by the option device 20 to the option controller 21. Here, the main body controller 11 is a control circuit board on which a CPU, ROM, RAM, ASIC, and the like are mounted, and also plays a role of controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1. However, the specific configuration of the main body controller 11 is not particularly limited.

  In addition, a wireless tag 22 is attached to each option device 20. In FIG. 1, wireless tags 22A, 22B, and 22C are attached to option devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively. On the other hand, the apparatus main body 10 is provided with a tag reader 12.

  The wireless tag 22 is a non-contact type tag that returns a response to an inquiry from the outside. The wireless tag 22 is also called a non-contact IC tag, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, or the like. The response of the wireless tag 22 may be set as appropriate. However, from the viewpoint of identifying the type of the option device 20, it is preferable to include information indicating the type of the option device 20. In the present embodiment, the wireless tag 22 holds an individual identification code in advance and returns the individual identification code as a response to an inquiry from the outside. The individual identification code includes a type code for identifying the type of the option device 20 and an individual code (manufacturing number or the like) for identifying an individual of the same type. The type code is set for each type of the option device 20 as shown in FIG. For example, “04” is set for the finisher, “07” is set for the ADF, and “02” is set for the large-capacity paper feed tray.

  The tag reader 12 is a wireless tag reader that makes an inquiry to the wireless tag 22 via a transmission antenna and receives a response from the wireless tag 22 to the inquiry via a reception antenna.

  The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a disconnection detection unit 11a and a disconnection notification unit 11b as functional blocks. These functional blocks may be realized in any form, but here are functional modules of the main body controller 11 and are realized by executing a program stored in a storage medium such as a ROM on the CPU. The

  The disconnection detection unit 11a is the case where the main body controller 11 has failed to communicate with the option controller 21 of the option device for each option device 20, and the tag reader 12 returns a response from the wireless tag 22 of the option device. If received, it is determined that there is a possibility of disconnection in the communication line related to the optional device. Here, the communication line related to the option device is a communication line connecting the option controller 21 and the main body controller 11 of the option device. The disconnection of the communication line includes disconnection of the connector, forgetting to attach the connector, poor contact of the connector, disconnection of the cable, and the like. When the disconnection notification unit 11b determines that there is a possibility of disconnection by the disconnection detection unit 11a, the disconnection notification unit 11b notifies the user to that effect.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described separately for a first operation example and a second operation example. Since the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is widely known, the description thereof is omitted here.

(First operation example)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first operation example of the image forming apparatus 1. In FIG. 3, the main body controller 11 attempts communication (such as serial communication) with the option controller 21A of the finisher 20A at an appropriate timing such as immediately after turning on the power or immediately before starting the job (S11). Specifically, the main body controller 11 transmits an inquiry signal to the option controller 21A via a communication line. At this time, if the finisher 20A is normally attached to the apparatus main body 10, a response signal is returned from the option controller 21A to the main body controller 11.

  When the main body controller 11 succeeds in communication with the option controller 21A (S12: YES), specifically, when a predetermined response signal corresponding to the inquiry signal is received, the finisher 20A is normally mounted thereafter. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled (S13). For example, the main body controller 11 displays a button that prompts the user to select a stapling function on a control panel (not shown), and instructs the finisher 20A to perform a stapling operation when the copy start button is pressed after the button is selected. To do.

  On the other hand, when the communication with the option controller 21A fails (S12: NO), specifically, when the main body controller 11 does not receive a predetermined response signal corresponding to the inquiry signal, the main body controller 11 asks the tag reader 12 to inquire about the wireless tag. Instruct. In response to this instruction, the tag reader 12 sends an inquiry signal from the transmission antenna (S14). Here, regardless of the type of the optional device, the wireless tag 22 that has received this inquiry signal returns its individual identification code to the tag reader 12 as a response signal. When the tag reader 12 receives the individual identification code from the wireless tag 22, it passes the received individual identification code to the main body controller 11.

  The signal strength of the interrogation signal needs to be large enough to reach the wireless tag 22A, but there is a finisher in the vicinity of the device main body (for example, a finisher attached to another adjacent device main body). Is preferably as small as possible.

  When the main body controller 11 does not receive the individual identification code having the finisher type code “04” from the tag reader 12, that is, when there is no response from the wireless tag 22A of the finisher 20A (S15: NO), the finisher 20A is not yet received. It is determined that it is attached (S16). Then, the main body controller 11 controls the image forming apparatus 1 assuming that the finisher 20A is not attached (S17). For example, the main body controller 11 does not display a button for prompting selection of the stapling function on the control panel.

  On the other hand, the main body controller 11 receives the individual identification code having the finisher type code “04” from the tag reader 12, that is, when there is a response from the wireless tag 22A of the finisher 20A (S15: YES), the finisher 20A. However, it is determined that there is a possibility of disconnection in the communication line between the main body controller 11 and the option controller 21A (S18). Then, the main body controller 11 notifies the user that the communication line between the main body controller 11 and the option controller 21A may be broken by display or voice (S19). For example, the main body controller 11 displays on the control panel a screen for informing the possibility of disconnection, a screen for prompting confirmation of connector connection, a screen for prompting replacement of the harness, and the like. Further, the main body controller 11 controls the image forming apparatus 1 assuming that the communication line is disconnected (S20). For example, the main body controller 11 does not display a button for prompting selection of the stapling function on the control panel. In some cases, the image forming operation is prohibited.

  In the above description, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 has been described focusing on the finisher 20A. However, the same operation as described above is performed for the other optional devices 20 such as the ADF 20B and the large-capacity paper feed tray 20C. .

(Second operation example)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second operation example of the image forming apparatus 1. In FIG. 4, the main body controller 11 instructs the tag reader 12 to inquire about the wireless tag at an appropriate timing such as immediately after power-on or immediately before starting a job. In response to this instruction, the tag reader 12 sends an interrogation signal from the transmission antenna (S21). Here, the inquiry signal is sent to the wireless tags 22 of all the optional devices 20. Then, regardless of the type of the optional device, the wireless tag 22 that has received this inquiry signal returns the individual identification code to the tag reader 12 as a response signal. When the tag reader 12 receives the individual identification code from the wireless tag 22, it passes the received individual identification code to the main body controller 11.

  Hereinafter, the description will be made focusing on the finisher 20A, but the same operation as described below is executed for the other optional devices 20 such as the ADF 20B and the large-capacity paper feed tray 20C.

  When the main body controller 11 does not receive the individual identification code having the finisher type code “04” from the tag reader 12, that is, when there is no response from the wireless tag 22A of the finisher 20A (S22: NO), the finisher 20A is not yet received. It is determined that it is attached (S23). Then, the main body controller 11 controls the image forming apparatus 1 assuming that the finisher 20A is not attached (S24). For example, the main body controller 11 does not display a button for prompting selection of the stapling function on the control panel.

  On the other hand, the main body controller 11 receives the individual identification code having the finisher type code “04” from the tag reader 12, that is, when there is a response from the wireless tag 22A of the finisher 20A (S22: YES), the finisher 20A. Is determined to be installed and communication (serial communication or the like) with the option controller 21A is attempted (S25). Specifically, the main body controller 11 transmits an inquiry signal to the option controller 21A via a communication line. At this time, if the finisher 20A is normally attached to the apparatus main body 10, a response signal is returned from the option controller 21A to the main body controller 11.

  When the main body controller 11 succeeds in communication with the option controller 21A (S26: YES), specifically, when a predetermined response signal corresponding to the inquiry signal is received, the finisher 20A is normally mounted thereafter. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled (S27). For example, the main body controller 11 displays a button that prompts the user to select a stapling function on the control panel, and instructs the finisher 20A to perform a stapling operation when the copy start button is pressed after the button is selected.

  On the other hand, when the communication with the option controller 21A has failed (S26: NO), specifically, when the main body controller 11 has not received a predetermined response signal corresponding to the inquiry signal, the controller 20 has the finisher 20A. Therefore, it is determined that there is a possibility of disconnection in the communication line between the main body controller 11 and the option controller 21A (S28). Then, the main body controller 11 notifies the user that the communication line between the main body controller 11 and the option controller 21A may be broken by display or voice (S29). For example, the main body controller 11 displays on the control panel a screen for informing the possibility of disconnection, a screen for prompting confirmation of connector connection, a screen for prompting replacement of the harness, and the like. Further, the main body controller 11 controls the image forming apparatus 1 assuming that the communication line is disconnected (S30). For example, the main body controller 11 does not display a button for prompting selection of the stapling function on the control panel. In some cases, the image forming operation is prohibited.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In this embodiment, in an image forming apparatus in which an optional device can be mounted on the apparatus main body, a wireless tag is provided on the optional apparatus side, while a tag reader is provided on the apparatus main body side, so that the main body controller communicates with the optional controller. If the tag reader fails and the response from the wireless tag is received, it is determined that there is a possibility that the communication line connecting the main body controller and the option controller is broken. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the possibility of disconnection of the communication line between the main body controller and the option controller. As a result, it is possible to quickly take measures against disconnection of the communication line.

  (2) In particular, the following effects can be obtained by detecting the presence / absence of the optional device by the wireless tag system.

  As another configuration for detecting the presence / absence of an optional device, a configuration in which a sensor (electrical contact, mechanical switch, etc.) for mounting detection is installed at a contact portion of the device main body with the optional device is conceivable. In this configuration, it is necessary to connect the main body controller and the sensor for mounting detection with a harness, and it is necessary to route the harness in the apparatus main body. For this reason, there are problems that the device layout is restricted, the number of harnesses increases with the increase in the number of optional devices, the addition of optional devices cannot be flexibly handled in the design, and the cost of the harness is increased. . In this configuration, it is necessary to assign an I / O port of the CPU of the main body controller to each of the sensors for detecting attachment. Therefore, there are problems that I / O ports, which are finite computer resources, are consumed as the number of optional devices increases, and the number of optional devices is limited by the number of I / O ports.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the wireless tag system is used, it is not necessary to route a harness or assign an I / O port for each optional device. For this reason, there are no problems related to the harness and the I / O port, the degree of freedom of device layout is large, and an effect that an optional device can be added without adding a harness or an I / O port in the design can be obtained. .

  In addition, since the presence of a plurality of optional devices can be detected by a single tag reader, a particularly remarkable effect can be obtained when a large number of optional devices can be mounted.

  Furthermore, in recent years, with the progress of wireless tag technology, there is a tendency to attach wireless tags for product management for many products. In this embodiment, the wireless tag for product management attached to an optional device is disconnected. It can be used for detection, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

  (3) If it is determined that there is a possibility of disconnection in the signal line, this is notified to the user. For this reason, the user can know the possibility of the disconnection of the signal line at an early stage, and can take appropriate measures such as the confirmation and connection of the connector and the confirmation and replacement of the cable at an early stage.

  (4) The wireless tag response includes information indicating the type of the optional device. Thereby, even when a plurality of types of optional devices can be mounted, the types of the mounted optional devices can be identified with a simple configuration.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the tag reader makes an inquiry to an unspecified wireless tag. However, the tag reader may make a limited inquiry to a wireless tag of a specific option device. This limited inquiry can be realized by an appropriate method such as control of a communication protocol or an electromagnetic wave radiation mode (directivity direction, intensity, etc.).

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 6 is a correspondence table between type codes and types of optional devices. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first operation example of the image forming apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second operation example of the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus, 10 Image forming apparatus main body (apparatus main body), 11 Main body controller, 11a Disconnection detection part, 11b Disconnection notification part, 12 Tag reader, 13A, 13B, 13C Harness, 14A, 14B, 14C Connector, 20A Finisher (option) Device), 20B ADF (option device), 20C large capacity paper feed tray (option device), 21A, 21B, 21C option controller, 22A, 22B, 22C wireless tag, 23A, 23B, 23C harness, 24A, 24B, 24C connector , 30A, 30B, 30C Harness.

Claims (3)

An image forming apparatus in which an optional device can be attached to the image forming apparatus main body,
The option device is provided with an option controller that controls the option device, and a wireless tag that returns a response to an inquiry from the outside,
The image forming apparatus main body is provided with a main body controller for controlling the option controller via a communication line, and a tag reader for inquiring about the wireless tag,
When the main body controller fails to communicate with the option controller and the tag reader receives a response from the wireless tag, it has a disconnection detecting means for determining that there is a possibility of disconnection in the communication line. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
There are multiple optional devices.
The disconnection detecting means is for each option device when the main body controller fails to communicate with the option controller of the option device and the tag reader receives a response from the radio tag of the option device. An image forming apparatus that determines that there is a possibility of disconnection in a communication line related to the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: a disconnection notifying unit for notifying a user of the possibility of disconnection when the disconnection detecting unit determines that there is a possibility of disconnection.

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