JP2007098603A - Image forming device and management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device and a management system which permit the real-time management of the condition of a paper feed roller. <P>SOLUTION: A non paper feed sensing section 101 senses a non-paper feed condition where recording sheets are not fed, a non-paper feed frequency counter 102 counts the frequency of sensing of the non-paper feed condition by the non-paper feed sensing section 101, a judgment section 105 judges whether or not the frequency of the non-feed condition which is counted by the non-paper feed frequency counter 102 has reached a prescribed frequency, an error report information preparation section 106 prepares an error report information including at least identification information to identify an image forming device 1 at the time when the judgment section 105 judges that the frequency of non-feed condition has reached the prescribed frequency, and a communication section 160 sends the error report information prepared by the error reporting information preparation section 106 to the management device 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet, and a management system in which an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus are communicably connected.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is provided with a paper feed roller for feeding recording sheets one by one from a bundle of recording sheets. Due to wear of the paper feed roller, the paper feed roller may slip when the recording paper is fed, and the recording paper may not be fed. In this way, the problem that the paper feed roller slips and the recording paper is not fed is generally called a non-paper jam.

  Usually, the paper feed roller is provided with a roller speed detection sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the roller. If the detection speed detected by this roller speed detection sensor does not reach the specified paper speed during paper feeding, it is determined that a paper-feed jam that does not feed recording paper has occurred, and a paper-free jam has occurred. Increase the counter that counts the number of hits. At the time of maintenance and inspection, the serviceman confirms the count value to replace the paper feed roller.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for counting the number of jams detected by a jam detection sensor, storing the counted number of jams in a nonvolatile memory, and displaying the stored data by a serviceman operation. Yes.
JP-A-62-264143

  However, if the number of occurrences of non-feed jams is confirmed during maintenance inspection and the paper feed rollers are replaced, the replacement time may be delayed. The lower the frequency of maintenance inspection, the higher the probability that a paper-free jam will occur, and the convenience for the user will decrease.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and a management system capable of managing the state of a paper feed roller in real time.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that is communicably connected to a management apparatus, and includes a non-feed detection unit that detects a non-feed state in which no recording paper is fed, and a non-feed by the non-feed detection unit. A non-paper feeding number counting unit that counts the number of times the paper state is detected; a determination unit that determines whether or not the number of non-paper feeding states counted by the non-paper feeding number counting unit has reached a predetermined number; When the determination unit determines that the number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number, a generation unit that generates notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus; Transmitting means for transmitting the notified information to the management apparatus.

  According to this configuration, a no-feed state where no recording paper is fed is detected, and the number of times the no-feed state is detected is counted. Then, it is determined whether or not the counted number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number. When it is determined that the number of times of no-feed state has reached a predetermined number, notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus is created, and the created notification information manages the image forming apparatus. Sent to the management device.

  Accordingly, the notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when the no-feed state occurs, the image forming apparatus is immediately identified. Even when it is not during regular inspections, it is possible to prompt a serviceman to repair without waiting for a user's contact, and to manage the state of the paper feed roller in real time.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a determining unit that determines a type of the recording sheet, and the non-paper feeding number counting unit determines the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected by the non-paper feeding detecting unit. It is preferable to count for each type.

  According to this configuration, the type of the recording paper is determined, and the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected is counted for each type of the recording paper, so whether or not the non-paper feeding state has occurred for each type of the recording paper. Therefore, it is possible to manage the paper feed roller according to the type of recording paper used by the user.

  In the above image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the non-paper feeding number counting unit counts the number of times that the non-paper feeding state is continuously detected by the non-paper feeding detecting unit. According to this configuration, the number of times the non-paper supply state is continuously detected is counted, so that notification information is transmitted when the non-paper supply state occurs continuously a predetermined number of times, and the non-paper supply state occurs. Notification information can be transmitted according to the frequency.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a paper feed number counting unit that counts the number of times the recording paper is fed, and the determination unit has a predetermined number of paper feeds counted by the paper feed number counting unit. When the number of times has been reached, it is determined whether or not the number of non-feeding states counted by the non-paper feeding number counting means has reached a predetermined number. When it is determined that the number of times has been reached and it has been determined that the number of non-paper-feed states has reached a predetermined number, it is preferable to create the notification information.

  According to this configuration, the number of times the recording paper has been fed is counted, and if the counted number of times of feeding reaches a predetermined number, whether the counted number of times of no-feed state has reached a predetermined number of times Is judged. If it is determined that the number of paper feeds has reached a predetermined number of times and the number of times of no paper supply has reached a predetermined number of times, notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus Is created, and the created notification information is transmitted to a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus.

  Accordingly, the notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus is sent to the management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus according to the ratio of the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected to the number of times of normal sheet feeding. Since it is transmitted, the notification information can be transmitted only when the no-feed state is detected at a certain frequency.

  The management system according to the present invention is a management system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus are communicably connected, and the image forming apparatus is supplied with a recording sheet. A non-feed detection unit that detects a non-feed state that is not papered, a non-feed count counter that counts the number of times the non-feed state is detected by the non-feed detection unit, and a non-feed that is counted by the non-feed count counter A determination unit that determines whether or not the number of states has reached a predetermined number; and when the determination unit determines that the number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number, Creation means for creating notification information including at least identification information, and a sender for sending the notification information created by the creation means to a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus The management device includes: a receiving unit that receives the notification information transmitted by the transmitting unit; and a location of the image forming apparatus based on identification information included in the notification information received by the receiving unit. Identifying means for identifying the image forming apparatus, a display means for displaying the location of the image forming apparatus identified by the identifying means, and information indicating that a no-paper-feed state has been detected in the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, in the image forming apparatus, a non-feeding state in which no recording paper is fed is detected, and the number of times the non-feeding state is detected is counted. Then, it is determined whether or not the counted number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number. When it is determined that the number of times of no-feed state has reached a predetermined number, notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus is created, and the created notification information manages the image forming apparatus. Sent to the management device. Next, in the management device, the notification information is received, the location of the image forming device is specified based on the identification information included in the received notification information, and the location of the specified image forming device and the image forming device are unpaid. Information indicating that the paper state has been detected is displayed.

  Therefore, the location of the image forming apparatus is specified based on the identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus, and the location of the specified image forming apparatus and information indicating that the no-paper-feed state is detected in the image forming apparatus are provided. Since it is displayed, it is possible to prompt a serviceman to repair without waiting for contact from the user even at times other than periodic inspection, and the state of the paper feed roller can be managed in real time.

  According to the present invention, the notification information including at least the identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus. Even if it is not during regular inspections, it is possible to prompt repair by a service person without waiting for contact from the user, and it is possible to manage the state of the paper feed roller in real time .

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the management system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and a management apparatus 2. The image forming apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c are a printer device, a facsimile device, a scanner device, or a multifunction device having these functions. The management apparatus 2 is provided, for example, at a support center of a manufacturer that manufactures the image forming apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c, and manages the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c. The image forming apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c and the management apparatus 2 are connected to each other via a network 3 so that they can communicate with each other.

  As the network 3, for example, the Internet is used, and various information and the like are transmitted and received between the image forming apparatuses 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and the management apparatus 2 in accordance with TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). The network 3 is not particularly limited to the Internet, and may be another network such as an intranet, or a network that is a combination of various networks such as the Internet or an intranet. Further, the image forming apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c and the management apparatus 2 may be connected to each other by a dedicated line.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tandem type color printer which is an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a printer as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner, and a multifunction machine having these functions. It is. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 is a general term for the image forming apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 constitutes a tandem type color printer, and a predetermined toner image is formed on the recording paper P by an electrophotographic process and a paper feeding unit 10 that stores the recording paper P. The image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K that form the image, the fixing unit 40 that fixes the toner image on the recording paper P, and the paper that conveys the recording paper P from the paper supply unit 10 to the image forming unit 30C. A transport unit 20 and a discharge unit 50 for discharging the recording paper P are provided.

  The sheet feeding unit 10 feeds a bundle of recording sheets P stacked on the sheet feeding tray 11 one by one to the outlet side (right side in FIG. 2) of the sheet feeding unit 10 by rotating the sheet feeding roller 21. Paper is fed to the paper transport unit 20. The paper transport unit 20 transports the recording paper P fed from the paper feed unit 10 toward the image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K.

  The four image forming units are provided for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toners, respectively, and the first image forming unit 30C having cyan toner and the second image forming unit 30M having magenta toner from the upstream side. The third image forming unit 30Y having yellow toner and the fourth image forming unit 30K having black toner are arranged in series. The first to fourth image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K include cylindrical photosensitive drums 31C, 31M, 31Y, and 31K, chargers 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K, and exposure units 33C, 33M, and 30K, respectively. 33Y, 33K, developing devices 34C, 34M, 34Y, 34K, transfer rollers 35C, 35M, 35Y, 35K, and cleaners 36C, 36M, 36Y, 36K. Further, a continuous sheet conveying belt 38 is held between the first to fourth photosensitive drums 31C, 31M, 31Y, and 31K and the first to fourth transfer rollers 35C, 35M, 35Y, and 35K.

  A belt driving roller 62 and a belt driven roller 61 are attached to the paper conveying belt 38, and the belt conveying roller 38 travels as the belt driving roller 62 and the belt driven roller 61 rotate. The recording paper P is conveyed from the first image forming unit 30C on the upstream side toward the fourth image forming unit 30K on the downstream side. The developing units 34C, 34M, 34Y, and 34K are appropriately supplied with toner from the respective toner tanks 39C, 39M, 39Y, and 39K.

  A fixing unit 40 is disposed downstream of the fourth image forming unit 30K. The fixing unit 40 heats and presses the recording paper P on which the toner image is transferred in the image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K, and fixes the toner image on the recording paper P. Then, the recording paper P that has passed through the fixing unit 40 is sent to the paper transport unit 22 and discharged to the discharge unit 50. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a control unit, and each of the above parts is controlled by a command from the control unit.

  Here, a basic operation of the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. First, image data is input from an external device such as a PC (personal computer) via an I / F (interface) unit and stored in an image memory. The image data stored in the image memory is transmitted to the image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K.

  In each of the photosensitive drums 31C, 31M, 31Y, and 31K of the image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K, the photosensitive drums 31C, 31M, and 31Y are rotated clockwise in FIG. 2 by the chargers 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K. , 31K are uniformly charged and on the photosensitive drums 31C, 31M, 31Y, 31K by laser beams from the exposure devices 33C, 33M, 33Y, 33K (laser operation unit, etc.) based on the transmitted image data, etc. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a developer (toner) is attached to the electrostatic latent image by the developing devices 34C, 34M, 34Y, and 34K to form a toner image.

  On the other hand, the recording paper is fed out from the paper supply unit 10 and conveyed to the image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K by the paper conveyance unit 20. Then, the toner images are sequentially transferred onto the recording paper by the image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K.

  The recording sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 40, is nipped between the heating roller and the pressure roller while being heated by the heating roller, and is conveyed to the downstream side, and is conveyed to the discharge unit 50 by the sheet conveying unit 22. Discharged. The photosensitive drums 31C, 31M, 31Y, and 31K on which the toner images are transferred onto the recording paper are cleaned of the toner remaining on the surface by the cleaners 36C, 36M, 36Y, and 36K.

  Here, the non-feed jam will be described. For example, when the paper feeding roller 21 is worn, the paper feeding roller 21 may slip when the recording paper is fed from the paper feeding unit 10 and the recording paper may not be fed. Such a situation is generally called no-feed jam. When a paper-free jam occurs, a retry process for printing the same image again is performed, and the print time may become longer than the normal print time. Therefore, according to the present invention, the management apparatus is notified of the occurrence of such a non-paper jam, and the replacement of the paper feed roller is urged.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes a paper feeding unit 10, an image forming unit 30, a control unit 100, a roller speed detection sensor 110, a ROM (read only memory) 120, a RAM (random access memory) 130, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable). and Programmable Read Only Memory) 140, I / F unit 150, and communication unit 160. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. Further, the image forming unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 is a general term for the image forming units 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K shown in FIG.

  The roller speed detection sensor 110 detects the rotation speed of the paper feed roller 21. The control unit 100 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and the CPU or the like executes a control program stored in the ROM 101, whereby the no-paper feed detection unit 101, the no-paper feed frequency counter 102, and the continuous no-paper feed frequency. It functions as a counter 103, a paper feed counter 104, a determination unit 105, and an error notification information creation unit 106.

  The no-feed detection unit 101 detects a no-feed state (no-feed jam) in which no recording sheet is fed. The non-paper feed detection unit 101 determines whether or not the rotational speed of the paper feed roller 21 detected by the roller speed detection sensor 110 has reached a specified rotational speed that is associated in advance with the recording paper to be fed. . When it is determined that the rotation speed of the paper feed roller 21 has not reached the specified rotation speed, the non-paper feed detection unit 101 detects that there is no paper feed. The specified rotational speed associated with the recording paper in advance is stored in advance in the ROM 130 or the EEPROM 140 in association with the recording paper.

  The no-paper feed counter 102 counts the number of times when the no-paper feed detection unit 101 detects the no paper feed state. Note that the count value counted by the non-paper feeding number counter 102 is stored in the EEPROM 140.

  The continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103 counts the number of times that the non-paper feeding state is continuously detected by the non-paper feeding detecting unit 101. Note that the count value counted by the continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103 is stored in the EEPROM 140.

  The paper feed counter 104 counts the number of times the recording paper has been fed. Note that the count value counted by the paper feed number counter 104 is stored in the EEPROM 140.

  The determination unit 105 determines whether or not the number of non-paper feeding states counted by the non-paper feeding number counter 102 has reached a predetermined number. Further, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not the number of non-paper feeding states counted by the continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103 has reached a predetermined number. Further, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not the number of paper feeds counted by the paper feed number counter 104 has reached a predetermined number of times. It is determined whether or not the number of non-feeding states counted by the step reaches a predetermined number.

  The error notification information creation unit 106 creates error notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 1 when the determination unit 105 determines that the number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number. . The identification information is a product number unique to the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the error notification information creation unit 106 may include information indicating that the no-feed state has been detected in the error notification information.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the recording paper has been fed by detecting the rotational speed of the paper feed roller 21, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the paper feed roller A paper feed sensor that detects the leading edge of the recording paper that has passed through the paper feeding roller 21 may be provided on the downstream side of the paper 21 to determine whether or not the recording paper has been fed. In this case, the paper feed sensor is composed of, for example, a transmissive photosensor, and is disposed at a position where the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other across the conveyance path of the recording paper. The paper feed sensor detects passage of the leading end of the recording paper when light received by the light receiving element is blocked by the recording paper.

  The ROM 120 stores a control program for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 in advance. The RAM 130 is assigned as a work area for the CPU and stores image data input by the I / F unit 150.

  The EEPROM 140 has identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 1, a count value counted by the non-paper feeding number counter 102, a count value counted by the continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103, and a counting value by the paper feeding number counter 104. Stores the count value and the like.

  The I / F unit 150 is connected to an external device such as a PC (personal computer), and receives a print instruction transmitted by the external device. The print instruction includes image data. The communication unit 160 is communicably connected to the management device 2 via the network 3, and transmits the notification information created by the error notification information creation unit 106 to the management device 2.

  In this embodiment, the non-paper feeding detection unit 101 corresponds to an example of a non-paper feeding detection unit, the non-paper feeding frequency counter 102 and the continuous non-paper feeding frequency counter 103 correspond to an example of a non-paper feeding frequency counter, and a determination unit 105 corresponds to an example of a determination unit, the error notification information generation unit 106 corresponds to an example of a generation unit, the communication unit 160 corresponds to an example of a transmission unit, and the paper feed number counter 104 is an example of a paper feed number count unit. It corresponds to.

  Next, the configuration of the management apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management apparatus shown in FIG. 4 includes a CPU 200, a ROM 210, a RAM 220, an EEPROM 230, a display unit 240, and a communication unit 250.

  The ROM 210 stores a control program for controlling the management device 2 in advance. The RAM 220 is used as a work area for the CPU 200. The communication unit 250 is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 3 and receives error notification information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 1.

  The CPU 200 controls the management device 2 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 210. In addition, the CPU 200 identifies the location of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the identification information included in the error notification information received by the communication unit 250. The EEPROM 230 stores a product number unique to the image forming apparatus 1 and the location of the image forming apparatus 1, that is, the place where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in association with each other. The CPU 200 refers to the EEPROM 230 and identifies the location of the image forming apparatus 1 that transmitted the error notification information.

  The display unit 240 includes a CRT (cathode ray tube), a liquid crystal display device, or the like. Under the control of the CPU 200, the location of the image forming apparatus 1 specified by the CPU 200 and a paper-free jam has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1. A message is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the communication unit 250 corresponds to an example of a receiving unit, the CPU 200 corresponds to an example of a specifying unit, and the display unit 240 corresponds to an example of a display unit.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the print instruction transmitted by the external device is received by the I / F unit 150. If it is determined that a print instruction has not been received (NO in step S1), the process waits until a print instruction is received, and the determination in step S1 is repeated at a predetermined timing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a print instruction has been received (YES in step S1), in step S2, the control unit 100 instructs the sheet feeding unit 10 to start feeding. In response to an instruction from the control unit 100, the sheet feeding unit 10 rotates the sheet feeding roller 21 to start feeding.

  Next, in step S <b> 3, the continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103 clears the continuous non-paper feeding number count value CB indicating the number of times of continuous paper feeding. Next, in step S4, the non-paper feeding detection unit 101 determines whether or not a non-paper jam has occurred. The non-paper feed detection unit 101 determines whether or not the rotation speed of the paper feed roller 21 detected by the roller speed detection sensor 110 has reached a predetermined rotation speed, and determines that the rotation speed has reached a predetermined rotation speed. In this case, it is determined that the paper has been normally fed, and if it is determined that the specified rotational speed has not been reached, it is determined that a non-paper jam has occurred.

  If it is determined that a non-paper jam has occurred (YES in step S4), in step S5, the continuous non-paper number counter 103 increments the continuous non-paper number counter CB by one. Further, the non-paper feed number counter 102 increments the non-paper feed number count value CC representing the number of times paper has not been fed by one.

  Next, in step S <b> 6, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not the continuous non-paper feeding number count value CB counted by the continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103 is five. Here, when it is determined that the continuous non-paper feeding count value CB is not 5, that is, when it is determined that the continuous non-paper feeding count value CB is less than 5 (NO in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7. Transition to processing.

  Next, in step S <b> 7, the control unit 100 starts the paper feeding again, and executes a retry process for forming an image to be formed on the recording paper that has not been fed on the recording paper that has been fed again. When paper feeding is started again by the retry process, the process returns to step S4. In step S4, the non-paper feed detection unit 101 detects whether or not a non-paper jam has occurred.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the continuous paper-free count count value CB is 5, that is, when it is determined that the paper-free jam has occurred 5 times continuously (YES in step S6), an error notification is issued in step S8. The information creating unit 106 creates error notification information including the product number of the image forming apparatus 1 read from the EEPROM 140 and information indicating that a non-paper jam has occurred. Next, in step S <b> 9, the communication unit 160 transmits the error notification information created by the error notification information creation unit 106 to the management device 2.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not a paper-feed jam has occurred 5 times in succession. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and no paper-feed is continuously executed less than 5 times. It may be determined whether or not a jam has occurred, or it may be determined whether or not a non-paper jam has occurred consecutively more than five times.

  If it is determined in step S4 that no paper-feed jam has occurred (NO in step S4), in step S10, the paper feed count counter 104 indicates a paper feed count count value CA indicating the number of paper feeds. Is incremented by one.

  Next, in step S <b> 11, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not the paper feed count value CA counted by the paper feed counter 104 is 10. Here, if it is determined that the paper feed count value CA is 10, that is, if it is determined that the recording paper has been normally fed 10 times (YES in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the paper feed count value CA is not 10 (NO in step S11), the process proceeds to step S14.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the recording paper is normally fed 10 times. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the recording paper is normally fed a number of times less than 10 times. It may be determined whether or not the paper has been fed, and it may be determined whether or not the recording paper has been normally fed more than 10 times.

  Next, in step S <b> 12, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not the non-paper feed count value CC counted by the non-paper feed counter 102 is 5. Here, when it is determined that the non-paper feeding count value CC is 5, that is, when it is determined that the non-paper jam has occurred 5 times while the recording paper is normally fed 10 times (in step S12). YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the non-paper feed count value CC is not 5 (NO in step S12), the paper feed counter 104 clears the paper feed count value CA in step S13. Further, the non-paper feed number counter 102 clears the non-paper feed number count value CC.

  Next, in step S14, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the print job has been completed. That is, the print instruction transmitted by the external device includes a plurality of image data for each page, and the control unit 100 determines whether or not the image data for all pages has been printed. If it is determined that the print job has ended (YES in step S14), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print job has not ended (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S2, and paper feeding is started to form the next image data on the recording paper.

  As described above, the non-feeding state in which the recording paper is not fed is detected, and the number of times the non-feeding state is detected is counted. Then, it is determined whether or not the counted number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number. When it is determined that the number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number, error notification information including at least identification information (product number) for identifying the image forming apparatus 1 is created. The image is transmitted to the management apparatus 2 that manages the image forming apparatus 1.

  Accordingly, error notification information including at least identification information (product number) for identifying the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to the management apparatus 2 that manages the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 can be identified, and even if it is not during regular inspections, the repair by the service person can be urged without waiting for contact from the user, and the state of the paper feed roller 21 can be determined in real time. Can be managed.

  In addition, since the number of times the no-feed state is detected continuously is counted, error notification information is transmitted when the no-feed state occurs continuously for a predetermined number of times, depending on the frequency at which the no-feed state occurs Error notification information can be transmitted.

  Further, the number of times the recording paper is fed is counted, and when the counted number of times of feeding reaches a predetermined number, it is determined whether or not the counted number of non-feeding states has reached the predetermined number. The An error including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 1 when it is determined that the number of times of paper supply has reached a predetermined number of times and the number of times of no paper supply has reached a predetermined number of times. Notification information is generated, and the generated error notification information is transmitted to the management device 2 that manages the image forming apparatus 1.

  Therefore, the notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 1 is managed to manage the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the ratio of the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected to the number of times of normal feeding. Since it is transmitted to the apparatus 2, the error notification information can be transmitted only when the no-feed state is detected at a certain frequency.

  Next, the operation of the management apparatus 2 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the management apparatus 2 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 21, the CPU 200 determines whether the error notification information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 1 has been received by the communication unit 250. If it is determined that error notification information has not been received (NO in step S21), the process waits until error notification information is received, and the determination in step S21 is repeatedly performed at a predetermined timing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the error notification information has been received (YES in step S21), in step S22, the CPU 200 refers to the EEPROM 140 and determines the location of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the product number included in the error notification information. Identify.

  Next, in step S <b> 23, the CPU 200 notifies the fact that no paper feed jam has occurred, and displays a no paper feed jam occurrence screen on the display unit 240 informing the location of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the paper feed jam has occurred. For example, the service person checks the no-paper jam occurrence screen displayed on the display unit 240 to identify the location of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the no-paper jam has occurred, and proceeds to replace the paper feed roller 21.

  As described above, the management apparatus 2 receives the error notification information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 1 and specifies the location of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the identification information (product number) included in the received error notification information. Then, the location of the identified image forming apparatus 1 and information indicating that the no-paper-feed state has been detected in the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed.

  Accordingly, the location of the image forming apparatus 1 is specified based on the identification information (product number) for identifying the image forming apparatus 1, and the location of the specified image forming apparatus 1 and the no-paper-feed state in the image forming apparatus 1 are determined. Since the information indicating the detection is displayed, it is possible to prompt the serviceman to repair without waiting for the contact from the user even at the time other than the periodic inspection, and the state of the paper feed roller 21 can be changed. It can be managed in real time.

  In the present embodiment, the number of occurrences of no-feed jam is counted regardless of the type of recording paper, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and there is no feed-free jam for each type of recording paper. The number of occurrences may be counted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modified example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a paper feeding unit 10, an image forming unit 30, a control unit 100, a roller speed detection sensor 110, a ROM 120, a RAM 130, an EEPROM 140, an I / F unit 150, and a communication unit 160. The In FIG. 7, the same components as those of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 100 executes a control program stored in the ROM 101 by a CPU or the like, whereby a non-paper feeding detection unit 101, a non-paper feeding number counter 102, a continuous no-paper number counter 103, a paper feeding number counter 104, and a judgment unit 105. , And functions as an error notification information creation unit 106 and a paper type determination unit 107.

  The paper type determination unit 107 determines the type of recording paper. The types of recording paper are cardboard, OHP film, plain paper, and the like. The type of recording paper is specified by an external device such as a PC, and is input together with image data via the I / F unit 150. In the present embodiment, the paper type determination unit 107 corresponds to an example of a determination unit.

  The non-paper feeding number counter 102 counts the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected for each type of recording paper. Further, the continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103 counts the number of times the non-paper feeding state is continuously detected for each type of recording paper. Furthermore, the paper feed counter 104 counts the number of paper feeds for each type of recording paper.

  When the non-paper feeding number counter 102 counts the number of non-paper feeding states corresponding to a plurality of types of recording paper, the determination unit 105 sets the number of non-paper feeding states corresponding to all types of recording papers to a predetermined number. Determine whether it has been reached.

  Note that the determination unit 105 determines that the number of non-paper feeding states corresponding to any one type of recording paper is determined when the non-paper feeding number counter 102 counts the number of non-paper feeding states corresponding to a plurality of types of recording papers. It may be determined whether or not a predetermined number of times has been reached. In addition, when the non-paper feed number counter 102 counts the number of non-paper feed states corresponding to a plurality of types of recording paper, the determination unit 105 does not supply a paper feed state corresponding to each recording paper combining two or more types. It may be determined whether the number of times has reached a predetermined number. Further, the above determination by the determination unit 105 can be performed in the same manner with respect to the continuous non-paper feeding number counter 103.

  As described above, the type of the recording paper is determined, and the number of times the no-feed state is detected is counted for each type of the recording paper, so it is determined whether the no-feed state has occurred for each type of the recording paper. It is possible to manage the paper feed roller 21 according to the type of recording paper used by the user.

  In the modification of the present embodiment, the type of the recording paper is determined, and the number of times the non-feed state is detected is counted for each type of the recording paper, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, It is also possible to determine the size of the recording paper and count the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected for each size of the recording paper.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 counts the number of times the paper has been normally fed, counts the number of times that a paper-free jam has occurred, and reaches the predetermined number of times that the paper-free jam has occurred. In this case, the number of times of normal paper feeding may be transmitted to the management apparatus 2 together with the number of times of occurrence of no-paper jam. In this case, it is possible to grasp at what rate the non-feeding state occurs with respect to the number of times of normal feeding, and by using this data, a new paper feeding roller 21 and a new image forming apparatus 1 are obtained. Can be developed.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a tandem type color printer which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the management apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the management apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (tandem color printer)
2 management device 10 paper feed unit 21 paper feed roller 30 image forming unit 100 control unit 101 no paper feed detection unit 102 no paper feed frequency counter 103 continuous no paper feed frequency counter 104 paper feed frequency counter 105 judgment unit 106 error notification information creation unit 110 roller Speed detection sensor 120 ROM
130 RAM
140 EEPROM
150 I / F unit 160 Communication unit

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus that is communicably connected to a management apparatus,
A no-feed detection means for detecting a no-feed state in which recording paper is not fed,
A non-paper feeding number counting unit that counts the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected by the non-paper feeding detecting unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not the number of non-paper feeding states counted by the non-paper feeding frequency counting means has reached a predetermined number;
A creation unit that creates notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus when the determination unit determines that the number of non-feed states has reached a predetermined number;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the notification information generated by the generation unit to the management apparatus. A discriminator for discriminating the type of the recording paper;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-paper feeding number counting unit counts the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected by the non-paper feeding detecting unit for each type of the recording paper.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-paper feeding number counting unit counts the number of times the non-paper feeding state is continuously detected by the non-paper feeding detecting unit. A paper feed number counting means for counting the number of times the recording paper is fed,
If the number of paper feeds counted by the paper feed number counting unit reaches a predetermined number, the determination unit determines whether the number of non-paper feeding states counted by the non-paper feeding number counting unit has reached a predetermined number of times. Determine whether or not
The creation means creates the notification information when the judgment means judges that the number of paper feeds has reached a predetermined number of times and the number of times of no paper feed has reached a predetermined number of times. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A management system in which an image forming apparatus that forms an image and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus are communicably connected,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A no-feed detection means for detecting a no-feed state in which recording paper is not fed,
A non-paper feeding number counting unit that counts the number of times the non-paper feeding state is detected by the non-paper feeding detecting unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not the number of non-paper feeding states counted by the non-paper feeding frequency counting means has reached a predetermined number;
A creation unit that creates notification information including at least identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus when the determination unit determines that the number of times of no-feed state has reached a predetermined number;
A transmission unit that transmits the notification information created by the creation unit to a management device that manages the image forming apparatus;
The management device
Receiving means for receiving the notification information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Specifying means for specifying the location of the image forming apparatus based on identification information included in the notification information received by the receiving means;
A management system comprising: display means for displaying the location of the image forming apparatus specified by the specifying means and information indicating that a no-paper-feed state has been detected in the image forming apparatus.

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