JP2008152162A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of continuing printing operation even when an error is made in a process cartridge which is not used. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: an abnormality detection part which detects abnormality in an image forming part and generates an abnormality signal for each image forming part; an informing part which informs that the abnormality occurs; a switching part which switches effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the abnormality signal for each image forming part; and a control part which controls the informing part to inform that the abnormality occurs and stops image formation when the abnormality signal is effective, and which continues the image formation when the abnormality signal is ineffective. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a plurality of image forming units.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus including a plurality of replaceable process cartridges and a toner cartridge that is detachable from the process cartridge, limited color printing, single color printing, or the like using only a specific process cartridge has been performed.

  For example, an image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of images that are arranged side by side along a medium conveyance path provided in the apparatus main body and the apparatus main body, and are detachably attached to the apparatus main body. A forming unit and at least two or more of the plurality of image forming units between a first position contacting the medium transport path and a second position spaced apart from the medium transport path; And a first positioning means for moving, and a second positioning means capable of setting the image forming unit at a position selected from the first position and the second position. .

JP 2006-78544 A

  According to such a configuration, since the image forming portion of the unused color can be maintained at a position where it does not touch the transfer material, it is possible to prevent unnecessary color toner from adhering to the transfer material and degrading the image quality. The effect is described.

  However, in limited-color printing or single-color printing, if an abnormality such as the life of a process cartridge that is not used or the toner cartridge that is detachable from the process cartridge that is not used falls, the required process cartridge can be printed. Regardless, there was a problem that printing could not be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to continue image formation even when an abnormality occurs in an unused image forming unit during image formation. An object is to provide a possible image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus that forms an image with a plurality of image forming units according to the present invention detects an abnormality in the image forming unit and generates an abnormality signal for each of the image forming units. A notification unit that notifies the occurrence of an abnormality, a switching unit that switches between enabling / disabling of an abnormal signal for each of the image forming units, and causing the notification unit to notify the occurrence of an abnormality when the abnormal signal is valid and forming an image. And a control unit that continues image formation when the abnormal signal is invalid.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an abnormality detection unit that monitors the state of each unit constituting the image forming unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a switching unit for validating or invalidating the generated abnormality signal when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit. Based on the setting in the switching unit, the control unit determines whether to stop or continue image formation.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even when an error occurs in an image forming unit that is not used due to the setting of the switching unit by the user, the image formation is performed using the required process cartridge without interrupting the printing operation. Can be continued.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 13 according to the present invention includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 14, a developing roller 20, a transfer belt 18, a transfer roller 16, an LED head 17, a paper feed cassette 21, a fixing device 19, and the like. Is provided.

  The photosensitive drum 1 is held so as to be rotatable around a central axis, and can store charges on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The electric charge on the outer peripheral surface is removed by exposure by the LED head 17 provided above the photosensitive drum 1, and a printed image is formed by an electrostatic latent image.

  The LED head 17 includes a scanning device that emits light according to image information and performs scanning exposure.

  Around the photosensitive drum 1, there are a charging roller 14 for charging the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to a uniform potential and a developing roller 20 for developing the developer by attaching the developer to the electrostatic latent image described above at a constant pressure. It is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 1.

  Further, a transfer roller 16 for transferring the developed toner to a printing medium conveyed by a transfer belt 18 stretched around a driving roller is provided below the photosensitive drum 1, and a paper feeding cassette 21 for supplying the printing medium is provided. , Provided below the image forming apparatus 13.

  The photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 14, and the developing roller 20 are integrated with each other, and together with the detachable toner cartridge 3, the photosensitive drum 1 is configured as a process cartridge 5 that is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 13. Yes.

  The process cartridge 5 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 13 with four types of color constituent colors M (magenta), C (cyan), Y (yellow), and K (black). From the conveyance direction of the printing medium from the paper cassette 21, they are positioned in the order of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). A developer (toner) 15 is accommodated in the toner cartridge 3.

  A toner image is developed by the developing roller 20 on the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the LED head 17. The toner image is transferred onto the print medium by a bias voltage when the print medium conveyed from the paper feed cassette 21 passes between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 16 via the transfer belt 18. .

  Subsequently, the toner image is fixed on the print medium through the fixing device 19, and the print medium is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 13.

  The operation / display unit 7 includes a setting input operation function for the image forming apparatus 13 and a display function for displaying a menu, a status, and the like, and includes, for example, an operation panel.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram in the present invention. The image forming apparatus 13 includes a control unit 6, an operation / display unit 7, an interface 8, a notification unit 9, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and). (Programmable Read Only Memory) 12, a plurality of process cartridges 5a to 5d, and abnormality detection units 2a to 2d and switching units 4a to 4d connected to each of the plurality of process cartridges 5a to 5d.

  The process cartridge 5a includes a photosensitive drum 1a and a toner cartridge 3a that can be attached to and detached from the process cartridge 5a. The other process cartridges 5b to 5d have the same configuration.

  The interface 8 is connected to a host PC (host personal computer) 14 that is an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 13, and transmits commands and data instructed from the host PC 14 to the control unit 6 described later. , Has a function of notifying the host PC of notification information from the notification unit 9.

  In addition, the control unit 6 is connected to the notification unit 9, the ROM 10, the RAM 11, and the EEPROM 12. The control unit 6 analyzes commands and data transmitted from the interface 8, records them in the RAM 11 and the EEPROM 12, and notifies the notification unit 9. Information is notified to the interface 8 and the operation / display unit 7.

  The RAM 11 is a volatile memory that stores data necessary for control, the ROM 10 is a nonvolatile memory that stores a control program, and the EEPROM 12 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores various setting contents and the state of the apparatus. .

  The abnormality detection unit 2a monitors the state of the process cartridge 5a, detects an abnormality such as an error, and notifies the switching unit 4a. The other abnormality detection units 2b to 2d have the same configuration and function.

  The switching unit 4a sets abnormal signal valid / invalid information for the process cartridge 5a in the EEPROM 12.

  The notification unit 9 transmits the notification information to the control unit 6 based on the abnormal signal valid / invalid information set by the switching unit 4a and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory map on the EEPROM 12 in this embodiment. Various data relating to print control are stored on the EEPROM 12, but in this embodiment, at least the following areas are required.

  The drum (K) rotation counter value area B7a stores a count value of the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum (K) 1a measured by a counter included in the control unit 6. During the rotation of the photosensitive drum (K) 1a, the control unit 6 counts up the number of rotations and is constantly updated. When the drum of the photosensitive drum (K) 1a is exchanged, it is initialized to “0”. The other photosensitive drum rotation counter value areas (Y: B7b, M: B7c, C: B7d), the belt rotation counter value area B8, and the fixing device rotation counter value area B9 have the same configuration.

  In the drum (K) counter life threshold value area B1a, a threshold value for determining the life of the photosensitive drum (K) 1a is stored. When the drum (K) rotation counter value B7a exceeds this threshold, it is determined that the photosensitive drum (K) 1a has reached the end of its life. The other photosensitive drum counter life threshold regions (Y: B1b, M: B1c, C: B1d), the belt rotation counter life threshold region B2, and the fixing device rotation counter life threshold region B3 have the same configuration.

  The toner (K) dot counter value area B10a stores a counter value for measuring the toner consumption. The control unit 6 counts up based on the number of dots that light the LED head during printing. When the toner cartridge (K) 3a is replaced, it is initialized to “0”. The other toner dot counter value areas (Y: B10b, M: B10c, C: B10d) have the same configuration.

  In the toner (K) end detection dot counter value area B6a, a toner (K) dot counter value B10a when the periodic waveform of the toner (K) sensor indicates toner reduction is stored by a toner decrease detection mechanism described later. The When the toner cartridge (K) 3a is replaced, it is initialized to “0”. It should be noted that other toner end detection dot counter value areas (Y: B6b, M: B6c, C: B6d) have the same configuration.

  The toner lowering detection mechanism is described in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-50505. Here, the mechanism will be briefly described. A stirring shaft is provided in the toner cartridge in this embodiment so that the toner does not solidify. A sensor shaft having a magnetic body at the other end is rotatably attached to the stirring shaft. The sensor shaft moves up and down with respect to the direction of gravity as the stirring shaft rotates.

  On the other hand, a sensor lever having a permanent magnet fixed to one end is provided on the upper surface of the toner cartridge. When the magnetic material of the sensor shaft attracts the permanent magnet of the sensor lever, the sensor lever is engaged with the sensor lever. When the sensor is turned on and the magnetic body of the sensor shaft is separated from the permanent magnet of the sensor lever, the sensor is turned off. That is, the periodic waveform at which the sensor is turned on / off differs according to the remaining amount of toner.

  The CPU in the control unit 6 measures the sensor on time t with a built-in timer, and checks whether or not the threshold value has been exceeded by comparing with a threshold value stored in a toner end detection time threshold value, which will be described later. Judging.

  The toner (K) end determination dot counter value area B5a stores a dot counter value for determining the toner end. The toner end of the toner (K) is determined when a certain amount of toner is consumed after the above-described periodic waveform of the toner (K) sensor indicates a decrease in toner. K) A value converted into a dot counter is stored in this area in advance.

  That is, when the difference between the toner (K) dot counter value B10a and the toner (K) end detection dot counter value B6a exceeds the dot counter value B5a until the toner (K) end is confirmed, the toner (K) end state is set. Detected. The other toner end fixed dot counter value areas (Y: B5b, M: B5c, C: B5d) have the same configuration.

  In the toner (K) end detection time threshold region B4a, as described above, in the periodic waveform of the toner (K) sensor, when the sensor ON time exceeds a certain time, it is determined that the toner has decreased. A threshold value is stored in this area in advance. The other toner end detection time threshold regions (Y: B4b, M: B4c, C: B4d) have the same configuration.

  The process cartridge (K) abnormality flag storage area B11a holds a drum life state flag (Fde) and a toner end state flag (Fte), and enters the drum (K) life detection and toner (K) end detection states. Is set. Other process cartridge abnormality flag storage areas (Y: B11b, M: B11c, C: B11d) have the same configuration.

  The process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area B14a is an area for storing valid / invalid setting information of an abnormal signal designated from the operation panel or the host PC. The setting contents are held in a flag (Fpv) format, and the other process cartridge abnormality signal valid / invalid setting areas (Y: B14b, M: B14c, C: B14d) have the same configuration.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory map on the RAM 11 in the present embodiment. The process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area C1a holds a drum life stop notification flag (Fds) and a toner end stop notification flag (Fts), and indicates the state of the process cartridge (K) abnormality flag storage area B11a in the EEPROM. Then, from the state of the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area B14a, the presence / absence of an abnormal condition notification is determined and set in this area. The other process cartridge notification flag storage areas (Y: C1b, M: C1c, C: C1d) have the same configuration.

  FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating an overview of the operation panel and a procedure for setting validity / invalidity of an abnormal signal for each process cartridge in the present embodiment.

  The operation panel includes a READY indicating the state of the image forming and feeding device 13, an ATTENTION lamp, a display panel for displaying each setting item, a MENU button, an ENTER button, a BACK button, and the like. The image forming apparatus 13 includes an ON LINE button for connecting / disconnecting the image forming apparatus 13 to / from the host PC 14 or a network, a CANCEL button for canceling various operations, and the like.

  The configuration of the operation panel in the present embodiment is an example, and each function / configuration can be changed as appropriate.

  First, when the MENU button is pressed several times to display an abnormal signal valid / invalid setting screen, the current setting contents are displayed as shown in FIG. If the display content is “ENABLE” (valid), it means that the corresponding abnormal signal is “valid”. In addition, “*” displayed on the right end of the display content indicates that the current setting is confirmed.

  FIG. 5B shows a state where the “MENU-” button on the operation panel is pressed from the state shown in FIG. The setting content display changes from “ENABLE” (valid) to “DISABLE” (invalid).

  FIG. 5C shows a state where the “ENTER” button on the operation panel is pressed from the state shown in FIG. “*” Is displayed at the right end of the setting content display “DISABLE” to indicate that the setting content has been confirmed. At this time, the corresponding setting contents are also reflected in the process cartridge (K) abnormality signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a) of the EEPROM 12.

  FIG. 5-4 shows a state where the “BACK” button on the operation panel is pressed from the state shown in FIG. 5-3. The setting target changes from the process cartridge (K) to the process cartridge (Y). The above operation is repeated to enable / disable the abnormal signal for each process cartridge.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an abnormality detection process and an abnormality process in the present embodiment. After the main process is started, valid / invalid setting of an abnormal signal is performed for each process cartridge (S601). The contents set here are stored in the EEPROM 12. Details of valid / invalid setting of the abnormal signal will be described later with reference to FIG.

  After enabling / disabling the abnormal signal, the process shifts to a print data reception standby state (S602) and waits for reception of print data. If print data has not been received, S602 is looped.

  When the print data is received, the process cartridge operation start processing (S603) is performed. Here, rotation of the photosensitive drum for printing is started.

  When the process cartridge operation start process (S603) is completed, the process proceeds to a photosensitive drum life detection process (S604), and the photosensitive drum life detection is performed. The detection result of the photosensitive drum life is stored in the EEPROM 12. The photosensitive drum life detection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the photosensitive drum life detection process (S604) is completed, the process proceeds to a toner end detection process (S605) to detect the toner end. The toner end detection result is stored in the EEPROM 12. The toner end detection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the toner end detection process (S605) is completed, the process proceeds to the abnormality process (1-1) (S606). Here, with reference to the photosensitive drum life status flag, toner end status flag, and abnormal signal valid / invalid setting flag stored in the EEPROM 12, information on whether or not an abnormal stop is notified to each process cartridge is indicated. Set in RAM11. The abnormality process (1-1) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the abnormality process (1-1) is completed, the process proceeds to the abnormality process (1-2) (S607). Here, it is determined whether or not notification is to be performed based on the contents of the RAM 11 set in the abnormality process (1-1), and printing stop / resume control is performed depending on the state. The abnormality process (1-2) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not printing is completed (S608), and if printing is not completed (NO in S608) including the above-described printing stop due to abnormality detection, the process starts from the photosensitive drum life detection process (S604). Similar processing is repeated.

  When printing is completed (YES in S608), the process proceeds to the process cartridge operation stop process (S609), the rotation of the photosensitive drum is stopped, and the main process is ended.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a process cartridge abnormality signal valid / invalid setting process flow in this embodiment. First, when this process is called from the main process, the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting screen is displayed on the operation panel (S701), and the current setting contents of the process cartridge (K) are displayed. (Figure 5-1).

  Then, after changing the setting contents with the “MENU-” button on the operation panel, the valid / invalid selection is confirmed by pressing the “ENTER” button on the operation panel (S702).

  At this time, the selected setting is stored as a flag in the process cartridge (K) abnormality signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) of the EEPROM 12 (S703).

  Thereafter, the “BACK” button on the operation panel is pressed to move to the process cartridge (Y) setting screen, and the same operation as the process cartridge (K) is performed (NO in S704).

When the setting is completed for all the process cartridges (YES in S704 ) , the “BACK” button on the operation panel is pressed again to complete the setting process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a photosensitive drum life detection process flow in this embodiment. When this process is called from the main process, a comparison is made between the current rotation counter value of drum (K) (B7a in FIG. 3) and the drum (K) rotation counter life threshold (B1a in FIG. 3) (S801). K) If the value of the rotation counter (B7a in FIG. 3) exceeds the drum (K) rotation counter life threshold (B1a in FIG. 3) (S801 YES), it is determined that the life of the photosensitive drum (K) is reached. The abnormality content indicating the life is set as a flag in the process cartridge (K) abnormality flag storage area (B11a in FIG. 3) of the EEPROM 12.

  If it is determined that the lifetime is not reached (NO in S801), the process proceeds to S803 without doing anything.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the same processing has been performed for all the process cartridges (S803). If not performed for all the process cartridges (S803: NO), the process proceeds to S801 and the same as above. Perform a comparison check process. If it has been executed for all the process cartridges (YES in S803), the process returns to the main process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a toner end detection process flow according to the present exemplary embodiment. When this process is called from the main process, it is checked whether the toner end of the toner (K) cartridge is detected (S901).

  In the toner (K) end detection method, the on time of the toner sensor is detected in the periodic waveform of the toner (K) sensor by the toner lowering detection mechanism according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-50505 described above. When it is determined that the time previously stored in the threshold value (B4a) has been exceeded, the dot (K) counter value (FIG. 3B10a) at that time is stored in the dot counter (FIG. 3B6a) when the toner (K) end is detected. Since the dot counter value at the time of toner (K) end detection (B6a in FIG. 3) is other than “0”, the dot counter value at the time of toner (K) end detection (B6a in FIG. 3) and the dot (K) counter are stored. The difference between the values (FIG. 3 B10a) was calculated, and the value exceeded the preset toner (K) end confirmed dot counter value (B5a). In this case, the toner (K) end is determined. In other words, the toner end is defined as a point where a certain amount of toner is consumed after the toner drop is detected.

  When the dot counter value at the time of toner (K) end detection (B6a in FIG. 3) is “0”, the counter is not compared, and it is determined that the toner end is not detected.

  If the toner (K) end is detected by the above-described means (YES in S901), the abnormality content indicating the toner end is set as a flag in the process cartridge (K) abnormality flag area (B11a in FIG. 3) of the EEPROM 12. (S902). If it is determined that the toner end is not reached (NO in S901), nothing is done and the process proceeds to S903.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the same processing has been performed for all the toner cartridges (S903). If not performed for all the toner cartridges (NO in S903), the process proceeds to S901 and the same check as above is performed. I do. If it has been performed for all cartridges (YES in S903), the process returns to the main process.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an abnormal process (1-1) flow in the present embodiment. When this process is called from the main process, it is determined whether or not the life (1) is stored in the drum life state flag (Fde) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal process flag storage area (B11a in FIG. 3) of the EEPROM 12. Judgment is made (S1001). When it is not the lifetime (1) (S1001 NO), the process proceeds to S1004. In the case of the life (1), it is determined whether or not the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0) (S1002). If it is invalid (1) (S1002 NO), the process proceeds to S1004.

  When the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0) (YES in S1002), the process cartridge (K) in the RAM 11 is notified. The drum life stop notification flag (Fds) on the flag storage area (C1a in FIG. 4) is set (S1003), and the process proceeds to S1004.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the toner end (1) is stored in the toner end state flag (Fte) on the process cartridge (K) abnormality flag storage area (B11a in FIG. 3) of the EEPROM 12 (S1004).

  If the toner end (1) is not stored (S1004 NO), the process proceeds to S1007. When toner end (1) is stored, whether or not the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0). If it is invalid (1) (S1005 NO), the process proceeds to S1007.

  If the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0) (YES in S1005), the process cartridge (K) notification flag in the RAM 11 The toner end stop notification flag (Fts) on the storage area (C1a in FIG. 4) is set, and the process proceeds to S1007.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the same processing has been performed for all the process cartridges (S1007). If not performed for all the process cartridges (S1007: NO), the process proceeds to S1001 and the same check as above is performed. Process. If it has been executed for all the process cartridges (YES in S1007), the process returns to the main process.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an abnormal process (1-2) flow in the present embodiment. When this process is called from the main process, whether the drum life stop notification flag (Fds) and the toner end stop notification flag (Fts) for all colors are set in the process cartridge notification flag storage area (C1 in FIG. 4) of the RAM 11. If it is determined (S1101) and not all are set (S1101 NO), the process returns to the main process.

  If any stop notification flag is set (YES in S1101), printing is stopped (S1102), and the abnormality of the factor corresponding to the stop notification flag is notified (S1103).

  Thereafter, a determination is made as to whether or not the abnormality has been eliminated (S1104). If the abnormality has not been eliminated (NO in S1104), the elimination of the abnormality is continuously checked.

  When all the abnormalities of the printing stop factor are resolved (S1104 YES), the process proceeds to S1105.

  Thereafter, all the stop notification flags in the process cartridge notification flag storage area (FIG. 4C1) of the RAM 11 are reset (S1105), and the abnormality flag in the corresponding process cartridge abnormality flag storage area (FIG. 3 B11) of the EEPROM 12 is also cleared. (S1106) and the printing operation is resumed (S1107). Thereafter, the process returns to the main process.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, at the time of limited-color printing or single-color printing, each process cartridge error signal valid / invalid setting can be switched to invalidate an error of an unused process cartridge. It is possible to continue printing even when an error that must be stopped occurs in a process cartridge that is not used, and printing can be performed regardless of whether the required process cartridge is available. Can solve the problem of being unable to.

(Second embodiment)
The basic structure of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a memory map of the RAM 11 in the second embodiment. The process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area D1a holds a drum life stop notification flag (Fds), a drum life warning notification flag (Fdw), a toner end stop notification flag (Fts), and a toner end warning notification flag (Ftw). ing.

  From the state of the process cartridge (K) abnormality flag storage area B11a in the EEPROM 12 and the state of the process cartridge (K) abnormality signal valid / invalid setting area B14a, the presence / absence of an abnormal condition notification is determined and set in this area. The other process cartridge notification flag storage areas (Y: D1b, M: D1c, C: D1d) have the same configuration.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an abnormality detection process and an abnormality process in the second embodiment. After the main process is started, valid / invalid setting of an abnormal signal is performed for each process cartridge (S1301). Here, the set contents are stored in the EEPROM 12. The details of the valid / invalid setting of the abnormal signal are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.

  After valid / invalid setting of the abnormal signal, the process shifts to a print data reception standby state (S1302) and waits for reception of print data. If print data has not been received, the process loops S1302.

  When the print data is received, the process cartridge operation start processing (S1303) is performed. Here, rotation of the photosensitive drum for printing is started.

  When the process cartridge operation start process (S1303) is completed, the process shifts to a photosensitive drum life detection process (S1304) to detect the photosensitive drum life. The detection result of the photosensitive drum life is stored in the EEPROM 12. The details of the photosensitive drum life detection process are the same as those described in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.

  When the photosensitive drum life detection process (S1304) is completed, the process proceeds to a toner end detection process (S1305) to detect the toner end. The toner end detection result is stored in the EEPROM 12. Details of the toner end detection process are the same as those described in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment.

  When the toner end detection process (S1305) is completed, the process proceeds to an abnormality process (2-1) (S1306). Here, referring to the photosensitive drum life state flag, the toner end state flag, and the abnormality signal valid / invalid setting flag stored in the EEPROM 12, an abnormal stop notification is given to each process cartridge, or an abnormal warning is issued. Such information is set in the RAM 11. The abnormality process (2-1) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the abnormality process (2-1) is completed, the process proceeds to the abnormality process (2-2) (S1307). Here, it is determined whether or not to perform notification based on the contents of the RAM 11 set in the abnormality process (2-1), and control of printing stop / restart is performed depending on the state. The abnormality process (2-2) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not printing is completed (S1308). If printing has not been completed (NO in S1308), including the above-described stoppage of printing due to abnormality detection, the process starts from the photosensitive drum life detection process (S1304). Similar processing is repeated.

  When printing is completed (YES in S1308), the process proceeds to process cartridge operation stop processing (S1309), rotation of the photosensitive drum is stopped, and main processing ends.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an abnormal process (2-1) flow in the second embodiment. When this process is called from the main process, it is determined whether or not the life (1) is stored in the drum life state flag (Fde) on the process cartridge (K) abnormality flag storage area (B11a in FIG. 3) of the EEPROM 12 ( S1401).

  When the lifetime (1) is not stored (S1401 NO), the process proceeds to S1406. If the life (1) is stored, whether or not the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0). (S1402 NO), the drum life warning notification flag (Fdw) on the process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area (D1a in FIG. 12) of the RAM 11 is set. (S1412), the process proceeds to S1406.

  If the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0) (YES in S1402), the process cartridge (K) notification flag in the RAM 11 It is determined whether or not the drum life warning flag (Fdw) on the storage area (D1a in FIG. 12) is set (S1403). If not set (S1403 NO), the process proceeds to S1405.

  If the drum life warning flag (Fdw) on the process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area (D1a in FIG. 12) has been set (YES in S1403), the flag is reset (S1404), and the process proceeds to S1405. . In S1405, the drum life stop notification flag (Fds) on the process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area (D1a in FIG. 12) of the RAM 11 is set, and the process proceeds to S1406.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the toner end (1) is stored in the toner end state flag (Fte) on the process cartridge (K) abnormality flag storage area (B11a in FIG. 3) of the EEPROM 12 (S1406). If the toner end (1) is not stored (S1406 NO), the process proceeds to S1411.

  If the toner end (1) is stored, whether or not the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0). (S1407 NO), the toner end warning notification flag (Ftw) on the process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area (D1a in FIG. 12) of the RAM 11 is set (S1407). S1413) and S1411.

  When the abnormal signal valid / invalid flag (Fpv) on the process cartridge (K) abnormal signal valid / invalid setting area (B14a in FIG. 3) is valid (0) (YES in S1407), the process cartridge (K) notification flag stored in the RAM 11 is stored. It is determined whether or not the toner end warning notification flag (Ftw) in the area (D1a in FIG. 12) is set (S1408). If not set (S1408 NO), the process proceeds to S1410.

  If the toner end warning notification flag (Ftw) in the process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area (D1a in FIG. 12) is set (YES in S1408), the flag is reset (S1409), and the process proceeds to S1410. To do. In S1410, the toner end stop notification flag (Fts) in the process cartridge (K) notification flag storage area (D1a in FIG. 12) of the RAM 11 is set, and the process proceeds to S1411.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the same processing has been performed for all the process cartridges (S1411). If not performed for all the process cartridges (NO in S1411), the process proceeds to S1401 and the same check as above is performed. Process. If it has been executed for all the process cartridges (YES in S1411), the process returns to the main process.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an abnormal process (2-2) flow in the second embodiment. When this process is called from the main process, are the drum life stop notification flag (Fds) and the toner end stop notification flag (Fts) for all colors in the process cartridge notification flag storage area (D1 in FIG. 12) of the RAM 11 set? If it is determined (S1501) and all are not set (S1501 NO), the process proceeds to S1508.

  If any stop notification flag is set (S1501 YES), printing is stopped (S1502), and an abnormality of the factor corresponding to the stop notification flag is notified (S1503). Thereafter, a determination is made as to whether or not the abnormality has been resolved (S1504). If the abnormality has not been resolved (NO in S1504), it continues to check for the elimination of the abnormality.

  When all the abnormalities of the printing stop factor are resolved (S1504 YES), the process proceeds to S1505. Thereafter, all the stop notification flags on the process cartridge notification flag storage area (C1 in FIG. 4) of the RAM 11 are reset (S1505), and the abnormality flag on the corresponding process cartridge abnormality flag storage area (B11 in FIG. 3) is also cleared. (S1506) and the printing operation is resumed (S1507).

  Thereafter, in S1508, it is determined whether the drum life warning flag (Fdw) and the toner end warning flag (Ftw) for all colors in the process cartridge notification flag storage area (D1 in FIG. 12) of the RAM 11 are set (S1508). If all of them are not set (S1508 NO), the process returns to the main process. If any warning notification flag is set (S1508 YES), a warning of the factor corresponding to the flag is notified (S1509). Thereafter, the process returns to the main process.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, at the time of limited printing or single color printing, it is possible to switch between valid / invalid setting of the process cartridge abnormality signal, thereby invalidating the error of the unused process cartridge and informing the warning. It can be performed. Therefore, even when an error that requires stopping printing occurs in a process cartridge that is not used, the printing operation can be continued, and a user is informed that an error has occurred in a process cartridge that is not used. Can be notified. Therefore, when it is necessary to print all colors next time and an error process cartridge is used, the process cartridge can be quickly replaced.

  In the above embodiment, the example applied to the printer has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming units such as an MFP, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine.

  Each embodiment described above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each configuration can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is there.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a control block diagram in the present invention. It is a figure which shows the memory map on EEPROM12 in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the memory map on RAM11 in a 1st Example. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an operation panel and a procedure for setting validity / invalidity of an abnormality signal for each process cartridge in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the abnormality detection process and abnormality process in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the abnormal signal valid / invalid setting process flow of the process cartridge in 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the lifetime detection process flow of the photosensitive drum in a 1st Example. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a toner end detection process flow according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the abnormality process (1-1) flow in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the abnormality process (1-2) flow in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the memory map of RAM11 in a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the abnormality detection process and abnormality process in a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the abnormality process (2-1) flow in a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the abnormality process (2-2) flow in a 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

1a-1d Photosensitive drum 2a-2d Abnormality detection unit 3a-3d Toner cartridge 4a-4d Switching unit 5a-5d Process cartridge 6 Control unit 7 Operation / display unit 8 Interface 9 Notification unit 10 ROM
11 RAM
12 EEPROM
13 Image forming device 14 Charging roller 15 Developer 16 Transfer roller 17 LED head 18 Transfer belt 19 Fixing device 20 Developing roller 21 Paper feed cassette

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image with a plurality of image forming units,
Detecting an abnormality in the image forming unit, and generating an abnormality signal for each of the image forming units;
An informing unit for informing the occurrence of an abnormality,
A switching unit that switches between valid / invalid of the abnormal signal for each of the image forming units;
When the abnormality signal is valid, the notification unit notifies the occurrence of abnormality and stops image formation,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that continues image formation when the abnormal signal is invalid.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the occurrence of an abnormality when the abnormality signal is invalid. It has an operation / display section,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting of valid / invalid of the abnormal signal in the switching unit is performed via the operation / display unit.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting of valid / invalid of the abnormality signal in the switching unit is performed via an information processing apparatus connected to the outside.