JP2010137450A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system improving a user's work efficiency by dispensing with troublesome work that the user carries an operating part while visually informing the user of the position of an apparatus to be operated. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming system has an image forming apparatus body for forming an image on a recording medium; one or more processors connected to the image forming apparatus body; an operating part for displaying or inputting various pieces of information; an operating part moving means for moving the operating part; an operating part moving control means for moving, by the operating part moving means, the operating part into a reference position which is a reference set corresponding to each of the image forming apparatus body and processors; and an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state that has occurred to the image forming apparatus body or the processor. The operating part moving control means moves the operating part into the reference position of the image forming apparatus body or processor whose abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system having a movable operation unit.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as an electrophotographic system and an inkjet system have started to enter the production print market with the realization of high speed and high image quality. In the production print market, there is a user's demand for finishing a paper on which an image is formed, such as glue binding, saddle stitch binding, folding, punch holes, and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus capable of various finishing is connected to meet such a demand.

  However, since there are various user requirements, in order to perform finishing according to such various user requests, an image forming system must be constructed by connecting a large number of post-processing devices to the image forming device. The total length of the image forming system tends to be long.

  For this reason, in a large-sized image forming system, the operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body and the end of the image forming system are greatly separated. For example, a JAM (paper jam) or a consumable member generated at the end of the image forming system. When performing manual work such as replacement, there has been a problem that it becomes difficult for the user to work while looking at the operation unit.

  As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that in an image forming apparatus having an operation unit that can be detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the operation unit can be moved to a work location where the user performs work. Is disclosed.

Further, in Patent Document 2, in an image forming apparatus provided with two operation display sections, a main operation display section and a sub operation display section, the sub operation display section is removed from the image forming apparatus main body, for example, the sub operation is performed up to the user's seat. It has been disclosed to improve convenience while providing a lot of information to a user by making the display unit movable.
JP 2006-231675 A JP 2007-312318 A

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since the user himself / herself has to carry the operation unit to the work site when moving the operation unit, for example, in the case of an image forming system having a long overall length, this operation unit transporting operation is difficult for the user. It becomes extremely complicated.

  In recent years, the amount of information to be displayed on the operation unit has increased as the performance of copiers has increased, and the operation unit itself has a tendency to increase in size from the viewpoint of improving the operability of the touch panel. It is in.

  Carrying such a large operation unit by the user is very complicated and increases the risk of accidents due to falling.

  Furthermore, when JAM occurs at the end of the image forming apparatus system, the user must take out a large number of sheets staying in the image forming system. However, in a large image forming system connected with a large number of post-processing apparatuses, It is not easy for the user to determine in which device the paper is staying and from which device it is efficient to take out the paper in order.

  For this reason, the image forming system is schematically shown on the screen of the operation unit, and the method for supporting the user work is realized by showing the staying position of the sheet in the schematic diagram. However, it still takes time to determine the actual staying position from the position shown in the schematic diagram on the screen, and the larger the image forming system, the more the user will make a judgment error. The problem that property will fall occurs.

  In Patent Document 2, two operation display units are provided, and the sub operation display unit can be moved. However, since the user himself / herself has to carry the sub operation display unit, the above patent can be used. The same problem as document 1 occurs.

  In addition, a method that eliminates the need for carrying the user by providing an operation display unit in each post-processing device is also conceivable, but this method leads to an increase in system size and cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and visually notifies the user of the position of the device to be worked on, and at the same time eliminates the cumbersome work of carrying the operation unit by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that improves the workability of the image forming apparatus.

  The object is achieved by the following invention.

1. An image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a recording medium;
One or more processing devices connected to the image forming apparatus main body;
An operation unit for displaying or inputting various information;
An operation unit moving means for moving the operation unit;
An operation unit movement control unit that moves the operation unit by the operation unit movement unit to a reference position that is set corresponding to each of the image forming apparatus main body and the processing device;
An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state occurring in the image forming apparatus main body or the processing apparatus,
The image forming system, wherein the operation unit movement control unit moves the operation unit to the reference position of the image forming apparatus main body or the processing apparatus in which an abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detecting unit.

2. An operation unit display control means for controlling display contents in the operation unit;
The operation unit display control unit displays information indicating an abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit or information indicating a work procedure for eliminating the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit on the operation unit. 2. The image forming system as described in 1 above, wherein

3. In the case where the first abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detecting unit and the second abnormal state is detected before the first abnormal state is resolved, the operation unit movement control unit is
After the operation unit is moved to the reference position of the image forming apparatus main body or the processing apparatus in which the first abnormal state is detected, the image forming apparatus main body in which the second abnormal state is detected or the 3. The image forming system according to 1 or 2, wherein the operation unit is moved to the reference position of a processing apparatus.

4). Provided with an opening detection means for detecting the opening of the door provided in each of the image forming apparatus main body and the processing apparatus,
The operation unit movement control unit moves the operation unit to the reference position of the device in which the door is opened when the door detection unit detects the opening of the door. 4. The image forming system according to any one of items 3.

  5. It is possible to set so that priority is given to either the movement of the operation unit due to the abnormality detection of the abnormality detection unit or the movement of the operation unit due to the door opening detection of the door detection unit. 5. The image forming system according to 4.

6). The operation unit movement control means, after the abnormal state is resolved,
The said operation part is moved to the said home position set in the said home position setting part which sets the home position used as the initial position of the said operation part, The said any one of the said 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming system.

  7). 7. The image forming system according to 6, wherein the operation unit includes a home position setting unit that sets the home position.

8). Obstacle detection means for detecting whether there is an obstacle in the moving direction of the operation unit;
The operation part movement control means stops the movement of the operation part when an obstacle is detected by the obstacle detection means during movement control of the operation part. The image forming system according to claim 1.

  9. 9. The image forming system according to 8, wherein the operation unit includes the obstacle detection unit.

  10. 10. The image forming system according to 9, wherein the operation unit display control unit displays a message prompting the operation unit to remove the obstacle when the obstacle detection unit detects the obstacle.

  By automatically moving the operation unit to the reference position of a reference of the abnormal device in which the abnormality has occurred, the user perceives the position of the abnormal device to the user, and the user carries the operation unit. Can be eliminated, and the workability of the user can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this embodiment is not limited to what is described below, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming system showing one embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus main body 101, a processing apparatus A that is indirectly or directly connected to the image forming apparatus main body 101, an operation unit 108, and an operation described later that moves the operation unit 108. Part moving means.

  The processing apparatus A includes, for example, a first large-capacity sheet feeding device PFU102, a second large-capacity sheet feeding apparatus PFU103, a relay transport unit RU104, a first post-processing apparatus 105, a second post-processing apparatus 106, and A third post-processing device 107 is included. The effect increases as the number of processing devices A increases, but it goes without saying that only one processing device A may be used.

  The operation unit moving means for moving the operation unit 108 includes a rail 109 that supports the operation unit 108 so that the operation unit 108 can be moved, rail mounting bases 111 and 112 that place and fix the rail 109, and a position detection sensor for the rail 109. Position detection sensors 110a to 110g installed at positions a to g, and an electromagnet provided on the rail 109 and a permanent magnet provided on the operation unit 108, which will be described later, are included.

  The image forming apparatus main body 101 forms an image on a recording medium based on image data read from an image reading unit (not shown) or image data received from a PC (Personal Computer) (not shown).

  The image forming apparatus main body 101 is configured to transmit and receive information to and from the operation unit 108 by wireless communication or wired communication. For example, various settings (copy processing) of the image forming apparatus main body 101 using the operation unit 108. Fax processing, scanner processing, etc.). As a recording method for forming image data on a recording medium, a known method such as an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method can be used.

  The first large-capacity paper feeding device PFU102 and the second large-capacity paper feeding device PFU103 contain a large number of sheets as recording media, and feed and transport the sheets one by one to the image forming apparatus. To do.

  The relay conveyance unit RU104 receives the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus main body 101 and conveys the sheet to the post-processing apparatus 105.

  Then, the post-processing devices 105 to 107 receive the paper on which the image has been formed and have passed through the relay conveyance unit RU104, and perform so-called post-processing such as glue binding, saddle stitch binding, folding, punch holes, and the like according to user settings. The paper or paper bundle is ejected out of the machine.

  The rail 109 is a straight bar-like member, and a rail mounting table 111 disposed on the right side of the second large-capacity paper feeder PFU 103 in the drawing and a rail mounting table disposed on the left side of the third post-processing device 107 in the drawing. 112.

  The heights of the rail mounting table 111 and the rail mounting table 112 are higher than the highest portions of the image forming apparatus main body 101 and the processing apparatus A. Therefore, the rail 109 is located above the image forming apparatus main body 101 and the processing apparatus A. The operation unit 108 moves above the image forming apparatus main body 101 and the processing apparatus A along the rail 109.

  Position detection sensor installation positions a to g, which are reference positions of the respective apparatuses, are reference positions corresponding to the respective apparatuses of the image forming apparatus main body 101 and the processing apparatus A set on the rail 109, and the position detection sensor installation positions. Position detection sensors 110a to 110g each having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are installed in a to g, respectively. And the position detection sensors 110a-110g detect the operation part 108 located in position detection sensor installation position ag, and input detection information into the operation part movement control means C110. The operation unit movement control means C110 controls the movement stop of the operation unit 108 based on the detection information.

  Further, the image forming apparatus main body 101 and the processing apparatus A have abnormality detection means (not shown) for detecting an abnormal state occurring in the image forming apparatus main body 101 or the processing apparatus A.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation unit moving means.

  In the arrows shown between the magnetic poles, those with an arrow on one side indicate suction by the magnetic pole, and those with arrows on both sides indicate repulsion by the magnetic pole.

  FIG. 2A is a front view of the periphery of the operation unit 108 shown in FIG.

  The operation unit 108 includes a screen display area 201 having a touch panel function and a button arrangement area 202 in which various buttons are arranged. Copy processing is performed by operating the touch panel and buttons according to the display of the screen display area 201. Settings such as fax processing and scanner processing can be performed.

  The operation unit 108 is movably attached via a pair of opposed rails 109a and 109b, and is movable in the arrow X direction along the rails 109a and 109b. Further, obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b, which are obstacle detection means, are provided on the side surface of the operation unit 108 to detect whether or not an obstacle exists in the movement direction X of the operation unit 108.

  The obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b can be reflective optical sensors. When the reflected light is detected, it is determined that there is an obstacle. Further, when a reflected sound wave is detected using an ultrasonic sensor, it may be determined that there is an obstacle.

  In the present embodiment, the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b are provided one by one on the left and right (movement direction X side) of the operation unit 108, but the position and number of the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b are set as necessary. You may change it.

  FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG.

  The operation unit 108 is formed to have a concave shape in which a part of the front surface (screen display area 201 side) and the back surface are recessed, and between the recess side wall and the rails 109a and 109b facing the side wall. A plurality of bearings 204a to 204d are provided at equal intervals.

  When the operation unit 108 moves along the rails 109a and 109b, the bearings 204a to 204d rotate to reduce the friction between the rails 109a and 109b and the operation unit 108 and move the operation unit 108 smoothly. be able to.

  Each of the rails 109a and 109b has a U-shaped cross section, and is made of a hard and non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel, and the rail 109a facing the bottom of the depression of the operation unit 108, Electromagnets 205a and 205b are installed inside the U-shaped 109b. The operation unit 108 is provided with a permanent magnet 206 having an SN pole at a position facing the rail 109a and the rail 109b.

  FIG.2 (c) is BB 'sectional drawing of Fig.2 (a).

  The electromagnets 205a and 205b are arranged in such a manner that a large number of electromagnets are alternately repeated in parallel with the moving direction, and the S pole and the N pole are alternately controlled. It is possible. The electromagnets 205a and 205b (multiple electromagnets) and the permanent magnet 206 form a function similar to that of the linear motor, and the operation unit 108 is changed by sequentially changing the direction of the magnetic poles of the electromagnets 205a and 205b (multiple electromagnets). It is configured to move.

  The figure shows a stationary state of the operation unit 108.

  FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of FIG. 2A and shows a change in the magnetic pole when the operation unit 108 moves.

  2D shows the stationary state of the operation unit 108. At this time, the N pole of the permanent magnet 206 and the S poles of the electromagnets 205a and 205b are also the S pole of the permanent magnet 206. The N poles of the electromagnets 205a and 205b are opposed to each other, and the operation unit 108 is stopped by the attraction action.

  The lower part of FIG. 2D shows a state when the operation unit 108 starts moving in the X1 direction.

  By changing the direction (NS) of the magnetic poles of the electromagnets 205a and 205b (multiple electromagnets) to the opposite direction to the stationary state, the N pole of the permanent magnet 206 is repelled from the N pole of the electromagnets 205a and 205b on the one hand. Then, it is attracted to the south pole of the electromagnets 205a and 205b.

  At the same time, the south pole of the permanent magnet 206 is repelled from the south pole of the electromagnets 205a and 205b on the one hand and is attracted to the north pole of the electromagnets 205a and 205b on the other hand. As a result, the operation unit 108 moves in the movement direction X (for example, the X1 direction).

  In this way, the operation unit 108 can be moved by utilizing the attractive / repulsive force between the magnetic poles.

  In this embodiment, the electromagnets 205a and 205b are provided in the rails 109a and 109b, and the permanent magnet 206 is provided in the operation unit 108. However, the arrangement of the electromagnets and the permanent magnets may be reversed.

  In this embodiment, the operation unit 108 is moved by the rails 109a and 109b, the electromagnets 205a and 205b, and the permanent magnet 206. However, without using these, for example, the operation unit 108 is attached to the belt conveyor and the belt conveyor is used. The operation unit 108 may be moved by driving the control unit 108, or the operation unit 108 may be moved by connecting the operation unit 108 and a rope like a ropeway and winding the rope with a stepping motor.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system of the present embodiment shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the image forming system 100, the control unit 301 of the image forming apparatus main body 101 exchanges information with a central processing unit CPU, a random access memory / RAM 302, a read only memory / ROM 303, a hard disk drive / HDD 304, and external devices. Interface unit I / F 309 and a bus for connecting them. Then, the CPU sequentially reads out the program for controlling the image forming system stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304, stores it in the RAM 302, and executes it.

  The control unit 301 includes an image forming unit 305, an image reading unit 306, a network I / F 307, an operation unit I / F 308, and a processing device A (PFUs 102 and 103, RU 104, and post-processing devices 105 to 107 shown in FIG. 1). The position detection sensors 110a to 110g, the abnormality detection sensor 310a, and the door opening / closing detection sensor 311a are connected, and the operation unit 108 and the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b are connected to the control unit via the operation unit I / F 308. 301 is connected.

  The processing device A also includes an abnormality detection sensor 310b and a door opening / closing detection sensor 311b, and the abnormality detection sensor 310b and the door opening / closing detection sensor 311b are connected to the control unit 301.

  The image forming unit 305 and the image reading unit 306 are provided in the image forming apparatus main body 101, and include image information read by the image reading unit 306 or a PC or a copier connected via the network I / F 307. The received image information can be printed by the image forming unit 305.

  The image forming apparatus main body 101 also has a fax function for transferring image information read by the image reading unit 306 to the PC via the network I / F 307 by the CPU.

  The operation unit I / F 308 is an interface with the operation unit 108 and the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b.

  As described above, the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b detect whether there is an obstacle in the movement direction X of the operation unit 108, and the detection information is stored in the RAM 302 by the CPU via the operation unit I / F 308. Stored.

  As described above, the position detection sensors 110a to 110g acquire the position information of the operation unit 108, and the obtained position information is stored in the RAM 302 by the CPU via the operation unit I / F 308.

  An abnormality detection sensor 310a as an abnormality detection unit of the image forming apparatus main body 101 detects an abnormality that has occurred in the image forming apparatus main body 101, and an abnormality detection sensor 310b as an abnormality detection unit of the processing apparatus A has occurred in the processing apparatus A. Detect abnormalities.

  Examples of abnormalities include abnormalities related to paper conveyance, device failures, and the like. For example, the abnormality detection sensor 310a or 310b causes paper shortage or absence, toner shortage or absence, paper jamming due to paper conveyance failure, processing apparatus A Needle insufficiency or absence, glue insufficiency or absence, component deterioration / damage, and the like are detected, and the detected information is stored in the RAM 302 via the interface unit I / F 309 by the CPU.

  The door opening / closing detection sensor 311a as the door opening detection means of the image forming apparatus main body 101 detects the door opening generated in the image forming apparatus main body 101, and the door opening / closing detection sensor 311b as the door opening detection means of the processing apparatus A is a process. The opening of the device A is detected.

  The front door opening / closing information obtained by the door opening / closing detection sensors 311a, 311b is stored in the RAM 302 by the CPU via the interface unit I / F 309.

  The control unit 301 starts a boot program stored in the ROM 303 by starting up the power, starts up an OS (operation system), and executes an application program stored in the HDD 304.

  The ROM 303 stores screen data indicating a work procedure for eliminating an abnormal state by the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b. This work procedure includes procedures for opening and closing doors and moving and removing parts when replenishing and replacing consumables, procedures for eliminating JAM when JAM occurs, and JAM with multiple devices. This shows a procedure that is optimal for the user when each abnormal state is resolved, such as a procedure for efficiently eliminating JAM when it occurs.

  The RAM 302 provides a work area for the CPU and a memory area for temporarily storing information. The HDD 304 is used for storing the application program and information.

  In addition, the control unit 301 controls the current supplied to the electromagnets 205a and 205b based on the information of the position detection sensors 110a to 110g, the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b, and the door open / close detection sensors 311a and 311b. By changing the magnetic poles 205a and 205b, the operation unit 108 is moved and stopped as described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when the abnormal state due to the lack of the consumable member is detected by the post-processing device 107 by the abnormality detection sensor 310b, the magnetic poles of the electromagnets 205a and 205b are changed to move the operation unit 108 in the direction in which the post-processing device 107 is positioned. .

  When the position detection sensor 110g detects that the operation unit 108 has moved to the position detection sensor installation position g corresponding to the post-processing device 107, the magnetic poles of the electromagnets 205a and 205b are stopped so as to stop the movement of the operation unit 108. To control.

  As described above, the control unit 301 functions as the operation unit movement control unit 312 (the aforementioned operation unit movement control unit C110) that moves the operation unit 108.

  In addition, the control unit 301 displays in the screen display area 201 of the operation unit 108 a setting screen for copy processing, fax processing, scanner processing, etc., a screen indicating an abnormal state, an operation unit automatic movement mode setting screen to be described later, an operation unit An HP (home position) setting screen or a work procedure for eliminating an abnormal state is displayed. Thus, the control unit 301 also functions as the operation unit display control unit 313 that controls the display content of the screen display area 201.

  FIG. 4 is a display example of the screen display area 201 of the operation unit 108 and is an operation unit automatic movement mode setting screen for setting the automatic movement condition of the operation unit 108.

  In FIG. 4, item 1 is an item for selecting whether or not automatic movement of the operation unit 108 is permitted.

  When YES is selected in the item for selecting whether or not automatic movement is permitted, the operation unit automatic movement mode is entered, and automatic movement of the operation unit 108 is permitted. When NO is selected, the operation unit automatic movement release mode is entered, the current supply to the electromagnets 205a and 205b is stopped, and the automatic movement control of the operation unit 108 is released, so that the user manually operates the operation unit 108. Can be moved.

  When a stop position selection item is provided and, for example, the post-processing device 107 is selected, the operation unit 108 is moved until the position detection sensor 110g installed at the position detection sensor installation position g detects the operation unit 108. The operation unit 108 may be stopped on the processing device 107.

  Item 2 is reflected when item 1 is set to YES, and which information of abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b or door opening / closing detection sensors 311a and 311b is prioritized as the movement destination of the operation unit 108. Is an item to select.

  That is, basically, the operation unit 108 is automatically moved to the abnormal device detected as an abnormal state by the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b. For example, the door that the front door of the device other than the abnormal device is opened. When it is detected by the open / close detection sensors 311a and 311b, it is set to which device the operation unit 108 is automatically moved.

  If YES is set in this item 2, the door opening / closing detection sensors 311a and 311b are prioritized, and the operation unit 108 is automatically moved to the device in which the opening of the front door is detected.

  When the opening of the front door is detected by a plurality of devices, the operation unit 108 is automatically moved to the device where the opening of the front door is finally detected. If NO is set, the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b are prioritized and the operation unit 108 is automatically moved to the abnormal device.

  FIG. 5 shows another display example of the screen display area 201 of the operation unit 108, which is an operation unit HP setting screen for setting the home position of the operation unit 108.

  The home position where the operation unit 108 is normally positioned can be freely set at the reference position of each device by the user via the operation unit HP setting screen as shown in FIG. Specifically, by inputting an arbitrary number from the main body (1) to PFU (7) to the position input unit, it is possible to set the home position from the main body (1) to PFU (7). It has become.

  As a result, the operation unit 108 can be initially arranged at a home position (reference position) with good work efficiency in accordance with the use state of the user. That is, the operation unit HP setting screen functions as a setting unit for setting the home position of the operation unit 108.

  A flow relating to the movement of the operation unit 108 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. A program relating to the flow is stored in the ROM 303, and is sequentially read out to the RAM 302 by the CPU and executed.

  FIG. 6 shows the operation of the operation unit 108 when an abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b in the operation unit automatic movement mode, or when the opening of the front door is detected by the door open / close detection sensors 311a and 311b. It is a flowchart.

  In the following flowchart, it is assumed that the reference position of the image forming apparatus main body 101 is set as the operation unit HP, and the operation unit 108 is located in the operation unit HP as an initial position.

  1. After the power is turned on, the control unit 301 checks whether an abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b, or whether or not opening of the front door is detected by the door open / close detection sensors 311a and 311b. When the state is detected or when the opening of the front door is detected (YES), the process proceeds to the next step and waits until these are detected (NO) (step S601).

  2. The device corresponding to the detection is specified, the movement destination of the operation unit 108 is determined, and the process proceeds to the next step (step S602).

  3. It is determined whether it is necessary to automatically move the operation unit 108 from the operation unit HP (here, the reference position of the image forming apparatus main body 101).

  If the image forming apparatus main body 101 is the only apparatus in which an abnormal state or opening of the front door is detected (NO), it is determined that the automatic movement of the operation unit 108 is not necessary, and the process proceeds to END. If an abnormal state or the opening of the front door is detected (YES), it is determined that automatic movement of the operation unit 108 is necessary and the process proceeds to the next step (step S603).

  In step S603, it is more preferable to determine what abnormality information is from which apparatus other than the image forming apparatus main body 101 and to determine which subroutine to proceed to (for example, JAM with a plurality of apparatuses). Subroutine if occurs.)

  4). Various subroutines, for example, the subroutine determined in step S603, are executed (step S604).

  Hereinafter, an example of the subroutine will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for the case where JAM occurs in a plurality of apparatuses among various subroutines.

  In this flowchart, it is assumed that JAM has occurred simultaneously in all apparatuses including the image forming apparatus main body 101 and the processing apparatus A, and it is optimal to remove sheets in order from the downstream apparatus in FIG. It is assumed that the unit 301 has determined based on the work procedure stored in the ROM 303.

  Also, as described in item 2 of FIG. 4, when opening of the front door is detected, the operation unit 108 is set to move in preference to the device in which the opening of the front door is detected. And In the following description, it is assumed that the operation unit 108 is set to return to the operation unit HP when the abnormal state is canceled.

  1. Before the operation unit 108 starts to move, the control unit 301 detects whether there is an obstacle ahead of the operation unit 108 in the moving direction using the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b. If YES in step S703, the flow advances to step S703 (step S701).

  2. The operation unit moving means 110 starts the operation unit 108 to move to the next step (step S702).

  3. The operation unit 108 is stopped. Then, a screen that prompts the user to remove the obstacle from the rail is displayed in the screen display area 201. At this time, a warning sound may be sounded or both of them may be notified to the user that there is an obstacle, and these are notified and the process proceeds to step S701 (step S703). In particular, a screen that prompts the user to remove the obstacle in the traveling direction of the operation unit from the rail may be displayed.

  4). When the operation unit 108 starts moving, the information obtained from the obstacle detection sensor 203b is processed to constantly monitor whether there is an obstacle ahead in the moving direction, and corresponds to the abnormal device (initially the post-processing device 107). The position detection sensor 110g at the installation position g is monitored.

  When the position detection sensor 110g detects the operation unit 108 (YES), it is determined that the installation position g corresponding to the post-processing device 107 has been reached, the process proceeds to step S705, and steps S701 to S704 are performed until it is detected (NO). Repeat (step S704).

  5. The movement of the operation unit 108 is stopped and the process proceeds to the next step (step S705). In step S705, a work procedure for eliminating the JAM of the abnormal device is displayed on the operation unit 108 while the operation unit 108 is stopped, and the user performs JAM resolution work while referring to this work procedure.

  6). When the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b are monitored and information indicating that the abnormal state of the abnormal device has been resolved is acquired from the abnormality detection sensors 310a and 310b (YES), it is determined that the work is finished, and the process proceeds to the next step until it is acquired ( NO) Step S706 is repeated (step S706).

  7). In order to check whether there is any other device that has an abnormality (continuous abnormality device), for example, the abnormality detection sensor 310a, 310b in another device has not detected an abnormal state, or the door is opened or closed A check is made as to whether or not opening of the front door is detected by the detection sensors 311a and 311b. When an abnormal state is detected or when the opening of the front door is detected (YES), the process proceeds to STARAT to move the operation unit 108 to the reference position of the next abnormal device, and if it is not detected ( NO) Proceed to the next step (step S707).

  For example, if an abnormality is detected by the post-processing device 106 after the post-processing device 107 (YES), the process proceeds to step S701 to move the operation unit 108 to the position detection sensor installation position f of the post-processing device 106, and the detection is performed. If not (NO), proceed to the next step.

  As described above, by repeating steps S701 to S707, the abnormality of all abnormal devices is resolved.

  8). The operation unit 108 is started to move toward the operation unit HP, and the process proceeds to the next step (step S708).

  9. The position detection sensor 110a is monitored, and it is checked whether or not the operation unit 108 has reached the operation unit HP (for example, the position detection sensor installation position c of the image forming apparatus main body 101). The process proceeds to END and ends various subroutines. The process proceeds to step S708 until it reaches (NO) (step S709).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an interrupt process that occurs when the opening / closing detection sensor 311a, 311b detects the opening of the front door during the execution of the subroutine of FIG.

  1. While executing various subroutines, the door open / close detection sensors 311a and 311b check whether the opening of the front door is detected. If detected (YES), the process proceeds to the next step. (Step S801).

  2. Before starting the movement of the operation unit 108, it is detected whether there is an obstacle ahead in the movement direction using the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b, and if it is not detected, it is determined that the obstacle is not ahead in the movement direction ( NO) Proceed to the next step, and if detected, it is determined that the obstacle is ahead in the moving direction (YES), and the process proceeds to step S804 (step S802).

  3. The movement of the operation unit 108 is started, and the process proceeds to the next step (step S803).

  4). The operation unit 108 is stopped, a screen indicating that the obstacle is to be removed is displayed in the screen display area 201, a warning sound is generated, or both are used to notify the user, and the process proceeds to step S802 (step S804). In particular, a screen that prompts the user to remove the obstacle in the traveling direction of the operation unit from the rail may be displayed.

  5. When the operation unit 108 starts to move, the obstacle detection sensors 203a and 203b are always monitored for obstacles ahead in the movement direction, and the position detection sensor is monitored to detect the opening of the front door. It is checked whether or not it has moved to the reference position of the apparatus. If it is detected (YES), the process proceeds to the next step, and steps S802 to S805 are repeated until it is detected (NO) (step S805).

  6). The movement of the operation unit 108 is continued until the position detection sensor of the device in which the opening of the front door is detected. When the operation unit 108 is detected, it is determined that the reference position of the device in which the opening of the front door is detected has been reached. The movement of 108 is stopped and the process proceeds to the next step (step S806).

  7). Thereafter, step S807 is repeated until information that the front door is closed is acquired from the door opening / closing detection sensors 311a and 311b (NO), and information that the front door is closed is acquired from the door opening and closing detection sensors 311a and 311b. Then (YES), it is determined that the user's work has been completed, the process proceeds to A, and the interruption process is completed (step S807).

  As described above, according to the image forming system of the present embodiment, by automatically moving the operation unit 108 to an abnormal device in which an abnormality has occurred, the user can immediately visually understand the abnormal device and the user can operate the operation unit 108. The trouble of carrying around can be eliminated.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case where a paper jam has occurred has been described. For example, replacement of consumable members such as paper, needles, glue, and toner, replacement of deteriorated parts such as a roller and a belt of a fixing unit, or an apparatus It is possible to deal with various events that must be dealt with by stopping the apparatus, such as failure processing, in the same procedure.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment regarding the operation unit and the operation unit moving means of the image forming system.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the rail 109 is arranged at the upper part of each device as shown in FIG. 1, but the auxiliary operation unit 911 is provided on the rail 909 incorporated in the front door of the device as shown in FIG. For example, when an abnormality such as JAM or consumable member replacement occurs, the sub-operation unit 911 is moved to the reference position (position detection sensor) of either the left or right device (post-processing device 905 or post-processing device 907) of the abnormal device (for example, the post-processing device 906). It may be moved to the installation position e or g).

  With such a configuration, when the user performs an operation for eliminating the abnormal state of the abnormal device, the user and the sub operation unit 911 can be brought closer to each other, and workability is further improved.

  The rail 909 has the same function as the above-described rail 109, and the sub operation unit 911 has the same function as the above-described operation unit 108.

1 is an external view of an image forming system in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the operation part periphery for demonstrating the operation part moving means in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system in an embodiment of the present invention. It is an operation part automatic movement mode setting screen in embodiment of this invention. It is an operation part HP setting screen in the embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an abnormal state is detected by an abnormality detection sensor in the operation unit automatic movement mode, or when opening of a front door is detected by a door opening / closing detection sensor. It is the flowchart which specified clearly about the process (flowchart about the case where JAM generate | occur | produces with several apparatuses) in the various subroutine in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which specified the interrupt process which generate | occur | produces when opening of a front door is detected by the opening / closing detection sensor during execution of the various subroutine in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of other embodiment regarding the operation part and operation part moving means of an image forming system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming system 101 Image forming apparatus main body 102, 103 PFU
104 RU
105, 106, 107 Post-processing device 108 Operation unit 109 (109a, 109b) Rail 110a-110g Position detection sensor 203a, 203b Obstacle detection sensor 205a, 205b Electromagnet 206 Permanent magnet 301 Control unit 308 Operation unit I / F
309 Position detection sensor 310a, 310b Abnormality detection sensor 311a, 311b Door open / close detection sensor 312 Operation unit movement control unit 313 Operation unit display control unit A Processing device ag Position detection sensor installation position

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a recording medium;
One or more processing devices connected to the image forming apparatus main body;
An operation unit for displaying or inputting various information;
An operation unit moving means for moving the operation unit;
An operation unit movement control unit that moves the operation unit by the operation unit movement unit to a reference position that is set corresponding to each of the image forming apparatus main body and the processing device;
An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state occurring in the image forming apparatus main body or the processing apparatus,
The image forming system, wherein the operation unit movement control unit moves the operation unit to the reference position of the image forming apparatus main body or the processing apparatus in which an abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detecting unit. An operation unit display control means for controlling display contents in the operation unit;
The operation unit display control unit displays information indicating an abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit or information indicating a work procedure for eliminating the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection unit on the operation unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: In the case where the first abnormal state is detected by the abnormality detecting unit and the second abnormal state is detected before the first abnormal state is resolved, the operation unit movement control unit is
After the operation unit is moved to the reference position of the image forming apparatus main body or the processing apparatus in which the first abnormal state is detected, the image forming apparatus main body in which the second abnormal state is detected or the The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is moved to the reference position of the processing apparatus. Provided with an opening detection means for detecting the opening of the door provided in each of the image forming apparatus main body and the processing apparatus,
The operation unit movement control unit moves the operation unit to the reference position of the device in which the door is opened when the opening detection unit detects the opening of the door. The image forming system according to claim 3. It is possible to set so that priority is given to any one of movement of the operation unit due to abnormality detection of the abnormality detection unit and movement of the operation unit due to detection of door opening of the door detection unit. Item 5. The image forming system according to Item 4. The operation unit movement control means, after the abnormal state is resolved,
6. The operation unit according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is moved to the home position set by the home position setting unit that sets a home position that is an initial position of the operation unit. The image forming system described. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the operation unit includes a home position setting unit that sets the home position. Obstacle detection means for detecting whether there is an obstacle in the moving direction of the operation unit;
The operation unit movement control unit stops movement of the operation unit when an obstacle is detected by the obstacle detection unit during movement control of the operation unit. 8. The image forming system according to any one of 7 above. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the operation unit includes the obstacle detection unit. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein when the obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle, the operation unit display control unit displays a message prompting the operation unit to remove the obstacle.

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