JP2011104825A - Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately carry out automatic adjustment at the replacement of components in an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming section 140 which includes replaceable parts and forms an image on a recording medium, a display section 105 which displays various information, and a control unit 101 which controls each section. The control section 101 displays on the display section to urge replacement of related other parts (related parts) when the adjustment at the replacement of components is not completed in a preliminarily set state, when the adjustment of an item necessitated for the part replaced in the image forming section (parts adjustment at the time of parts replacement) is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus control method, and more particularly to a technique for appropriately replacing parts by a user.

  Some components are configured to automatically perform a series of adjustments of the entire image forming apparatus when parts are replaced in the image forming apparatus. This is because a part deteriorated due to part replacement becomes a new part, so that the part (new part) can form an image in a proper state as a whole without adversely affecting other parts. This type of automatic adjustment is described in Patent Document 1 below.

JP 2005-335164 A

Patent Document 1 describes storing replacement part information and performing automatic adjustment related to the replacement part.
When such automatic adjustment is executed, image formation cannot be resumed until the automatic adjustment is completed and the apparatus reaches an appropriate state.

  By the way, an error may occur due to the influence of other deteriorated parts when performing the automatic adjustment accompanying the replacement of the parts. Or, when performing automatic adjustment accompanying parts replacement, the automatic adjustment may not be completed easily due to the influence of other deteriorated parts.

  For example, if a toner density sensor is used that is not able to output an accurate value due to contamination of the detection unit, the image will not be at the proper toner density but actually at a low toner density, depending on the detection result including errors. The forming device is operating.

  Therefore, when the contaminated toner density sensor is replaced, an accurate toner density is required, but an error may occur that the developer is deteriorated and an appropriate toner density cannot be realized. In that case, since the deterioration of the developer which has been overlooked until now becomes obvious, the developer also needs to be replaced.

  Further, when the photosensitive drum is replaced, if the compatibility with the band electrode is poor, appropriate charging is not performed, and an appropriate toner density cannot be obtained on the drum. In that case, it is desirable to replace the belt electrode simultaneously with the photosensitive drum.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus control, the automatic adjustment when parts are replaced cannot cope with the above-mentioned problems caused by the parts replacement, and the automatic adjustment stops due to an error, or until when. However, the problem that it does not end will occur.

  In recent image forming apparatuses, there are some parts having a function that a user replaces certain parts and the apparatus automatically adjusts after the replacement. As a result, the stop time of the image forming apparatus is attempted to be shortened as much as possible. However, if the above-described defect related to the replacement part occurs, the user cannot easily handle it. As a result, it becomes necessary to call service personnel, and as a result, there arises a problem that the stop time of the apparatus increases.

  An object of the present invention is to appropriately execute automatic adjustment at the time of component replacement in an image forming apparatus.

  The present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes replaceable parts, and includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, a display unit that displays various types of information, and a control unit that controls each unit. When the control unit performs adjustment of an item required for a component replaced in the image forming unit (adjustment at the time of component replacement), the adjustment at the time of component replacement is not completed in a predetermined state. Is displayed on the display unit so as to prompt replacement of other related parts (related parts).

  In addition, the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes replaceable parts, and includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and a control unit that controls each unit. When the adjustment of the necessary items for the parts exchanged in the image forming unit (adjustment at the time of parts replacement) is performed, if the adjustment at the time of parts replacement is not completed in a predetermined state, other related parts Information for display on an externally connected display unit is output so as to prompt replacement of (related parts).

  Here, when an error occurs in the adjustment at the time of component replacement, or when the adjustment is not completed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the adjustment is not completed. If the adjustment at the time of component replacement is not completed, an unreplaced component other than the replaced component is displayed on the display unit as a related component. Further, when the related part is exchanged, control is performed so as to perform adjustment corresponding to the related part. In this case, when the operation unit inputs that the related part has been replaced, control is performed so as to perform adjustment corresponding to the related part.

  In the present invention, the image forming unit is provided with replaceable parts. When a replacement part is generated in the image forming unit, necessary items are adjusted (adjustment at the time of component replacement). If it is not completed in the received state, it is displayed on the display unit so as to prompt the user to replace other related parts (related parts).

  This makes it possible to deal with the problems that occur in conjunction with the above-mentioned parts replacement in automatic adjustment when parts are replaced, and automatic adjustment does not stop due to an error or ends indefinitely. The problem of not doing is solved.

  Therefore, even when the user replaces parts, the user is not out of control and does not need to call service personnel, so the downtime of the image forming apparatus can be minimized. It becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately execute automatic adjustment at the time of component replacement.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus control method for performing adjustment control at the time of component replacement according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
Here, as a first example of the first embodiment, a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 that performs adjustment control at the time of component replacement as necessary in accordance with image formation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 (block diagram).

  The image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment can be applied to various types of image forming apparatuses. Here, however, a composite having functions of a scanner, a copier, a printer, and a facsimile apparatus connected to a network. The description will be continued with a specific example of a machine (MFP) or a copying machine.

Also, description of general portions that are known as the image forming apparatus 100 and are not directly related to the characteristic operation and control of the present embodiment is omitted.
An image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 controls each unit for image formation and performs adjustment control at the time of component replacement, and an operation in which an operator such as a user or an operator inputs various operations and performs various displays. Display unit 105, storage unit 110 that stores job data and various data, scanner 120 that reads a document and generates image data, image processing unit 130 that performs predetermined image processing on image data to be imaged, and based on image data The printer includes a print engine 140 that forms an image on a sheet and a finisher 150 that performs various post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed.

  The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown). Here, the CPU uses a predetermined area of the RAM as a work area, executes various programs stored in the ROM, and comprehensively controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, as will be described later, the control unit 101 performs adjustment control at the time of component replacement shown in the flowchart.

  Here, the operation display unit 105 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and transmits various input instruction signals to the control unit 101. The operation display unit 105 includes display means such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various image data input from the control unit 101. The operation display unit may be provided separately from the operation unit, but a touch panel that presses a displayed icon or key (hereinafter referred to as “key”) is generally used. In the embodiment, the operation display unit 105 in the touch panel format will be described.

  The storage unit 110 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory in which data can be freely written, erased, and read, and may be provided in a fixed manner or attached and detached. It may be provided freely. The storage unit 110 stores job data including one or more registered jobs (including processed, processed, and unprocessed jobs). Furthermore, the storage unit 110 stores information about the relationship between the components such as the replacement date of each component and the remaining life for adjustment control during component replacement.

  The print engine 140 is an image forming unit or a printing apparatus of an electrophotographic system or various systems, and forms and outputs an image on a predetermined sheet in a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or the like. With such a configuration, various replaceable parts are included.

The finisher 150 is a post-processing device that performs various types of post-processing on sheets on which images have been formed, such as staple, punch, fold, binding, bookbinding, and stack.
In the image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 may be communicably connected to an external device such as an external PC via the communication unit 200. Here, the communication means 200 is assumed to be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc., but is not limited to a telephone line network, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line network, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). A configuration including various communication lines such as a line network, a mobile communication network, a communication satellite line, a CATV (Cable Television) line, an optical communication line, and a wireless communication line may be employed.

[Configuration of Print Engine 140]
Here, the configuration of the print engine 140 in the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Note that description of general portions that are known as the print engine 140 and are not directly related to the characteristic operation and control of the present embodiment is omitted.

2 shows a basic configuration for one color. In the case of a color image forming apparatus, each unit is configured to correspond to each number of colors as shown in FIG.
The print engine 140 according to this embodiment includes a print control unit 141 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like as a control unit that controls each unit with respect to image formation, and a paper feed unit that feeds recording paper stored in a paper feed tray 1450T. 1450, a conveyance unit 1460 that conveys the recording sheet sent out by the sheet feeding unit 1450 at a predetermined conveyance speed in accordance with the timing of image formation by a sensor 1460s, and a toner on a photosensitive member such as a rotating photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt. An image forming unit 1470 for forming an image and electrostatically transferring the toner image directly or indirectly onto a recording paper to form the image, and recording the toner image transferred on the recording paper with heat and pressure by a fixing roller The image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit 1480 that fixes the paper in a stable state on the paper.

  The print control unit 141 controls each part of the print engine 140 according to the control program of the control unit 101 and the image forming apparatus 100 and performs overall adjustment and control to control the print engine 140 in an integrated manner.

  The paper feed unit 1450 is a paper feed unit that feeds the recording paper placed on one or a plurality of paper feed trays 1450T to the image forming position by a paper feed roller. The transport unit 1460 is a transport unit that transports the recording paper fed from the paper feed unit 1450 at a predetermined transport speed, and includes a registration roller, various other transport rollers, a transport belt, and the like. Further, a conveyance sensor 1460 s such as a leading edge detection sensor that detects the leading edge of the recording paper is disposed at a predetermined position of each part of the conveyance unit 1460.

  The image forming unit 1470 is a charging unit 1471 (1471Y to 1471) that charges the photosensitive member with a predetermined voltage, and the charged photosensitive member is exposed according to image data to change the charging voltage, thereby changing the electrostatic latent image. An exposure portion 1472 (1472Y to 1C) that forms a photosensitive member 1473 (1473Y to 1473) as an image carrier in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the above charging and exposure, and the electrostatic latent image becomes a toner image. C), a developing unit 1474 (1474Y to 1C) that forms a toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1473 and developing the toner image electrostatically. In particular, the image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit 1475 that transfers to a recording sheet.

  The charging unit 1471, the exposure unit 1472, the photoconductor 1473, and the development unit 1474 may have independent configurations for each color of YMCK used for image formation as shown in FIG.

  As the transfer unit 1475, in the case of the color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3, an intermediate transfer body 1475A that combines toner images of YMCK colors, and a secondary transfer unit 1475B that transfers the combined toner image onto a recording sheet. It may be provided with.

The fixing unit 180 pinches and conveys the recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred, and executes fixing by heating and pressurization to make the toner image stable on the recording paper.
In the configuration as described above, the charging unit 1471, the exposure unit 1472, the photoreceptor 1473, the developing unit 1474, the transfer unit 1475, and the like are configured so that the components constituting each unit can be inserted and removed in units, and if necessary. It is configured to be replaceable. The print control unit 141 and the control unit 101 manage the replacement time and life of each component.

[Operation]
The operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment and the procedure of the image forming apparatus control method will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the replacement time comes to any of the parts by the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 100 (YES in step S101 in FIG. 4), the normal image forming operation is stopped by the control of the control unit 101, and the operation display is performed. A message shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display screen of the unit 105. Alternatively, a mark (not shown) indicating the presence of a replacement part is displayed on the display screen, and when the mark is clicked, the message shown in FIG. 5A is displayed.

  When the operator (user) of the image forming apparatus 100 presses the “unit replacement” key in FIG. 5 (2) according to the message in FIG. 5 (1), the control unit 101 displays the display screen in FIG. A screen for displaying a list of parts to be replaced as shown is displayed on the display screen of the operation display unit 105 (step S102 in FIG. 4).

  In the display example of FIG. 6, among the replaceable parts, those that need replacement after reaching the replacement time are clearly highlighted in black with white characters so that a check mark described later can be entered. Has been. In the display example of FIG. 6, among the replaceable parts, those that do not require replacement time are displayed in gray so that a check mark described later cannot be input.

  The operator replaces the K (black) photoconductor 1473K with a new part in accordance with the operation screen of FIG. 6 (step S103 in FIG. 4), and a replacement check mark for the replacement part (FIG. 7A). When the confirmation of the reason for replacement (FIG. 7B) is input (step S104 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 determines whether the replacement time has arrived and all of the necessary parts have been replaced. (Step S105 in FIG. 4).

  If the replacement time has come and there is an unreplaced part that needs replacement (NO in step S105 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 repeats the message display (step S102 in FIG. 4), Wait until the operator completes the exchange (step S103 in FIG. 4) and the confirmation input (step S104 in FIG. 4) (YES in step S105 in FIG. 4).

  If the replacement time has arrived and all necessary parts have been replaced (YES in step S105 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 detects the replacement of the part and adjusts according to the replaced part. In order to carry out, adjustment control at the time of component replacement is executed (step S106 in FIG. 4).

  In this part replacement adjustment, there are adjustment of toner density in the developer, adjustment of the intermediate transfer belt, adjustment of the color resist, adjustment of gamma, etc., and the print engine 140 including the replacement part performs proper image formation. The control unit 101 and the print control unit 141 adjust each unit so that it can be executed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the state of the work being executed is displayed on the display screen of the operation display unit 105 by the control unit 101.

  If the adjustment of each part in the print engine 140 is completed within a predetermined time, it is assumed that the adjustment is properly completed, and the control unit 101 completes the adjustment at the time of component replacement (in step S107 in FIG. 4). YES, end). It should be noted that the adjustment time may vary depending on the state of each part and the compatibility of the parts. In some cases, the adjustment does not converge and may not end even if the adjustment is performed for a long time. For this reason, it is desirable to set a time of about 1.5 to 2 times as long as the time generally completed for each adjustment of each unit as a threshold value of the appropriate time.

  If the adjustment of each part in the print engine 140 does not end within a predetermined time (NO in step S107 in FIG. 4), a defect of other parts becomes obvious due to the replaced new part, and print control is performed. When the unit 141 generates an error code (NO in step S107 in FIG. 4), the compatibility between the replaced new component and the corresponding component is bad, and the print control unit 141 generates an error code (FIG. 4). If the adjustment at the time of part replacement does not end properly due to various reasons (hereinafter, “error etc.”), etc. (NO at step S107 in FIG. 4) (NO at step S107 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 is at the time of part replacement. A message indicating that an error has occurred during adjustment (FIG. 9A) is displayed on the display screen of the operation display unit 105, and there are other parts to be replaced in relation to the message. Message (FIG. 9 (b)) is displayed on the display screen of the operation display unit 105 (step S10 in FIG. 4).

  The control unit 101 should refer to the database regarding errors prepared in advance, including the contents of adjustment items that did not end within a predetermined time, the error codes that occurred, and the above-described information such as compatibility, etc. Determine other parts.

  When the operator presses the replacement part selection key in FIG. 9 (YES in step S109 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 displays other parts to be replaced in relation to an error or the like as shown in FIG. 105 is displayed on the display screen. If the operator presses the adjustment restart key without pressing the replacement part selection key in FIG. 9 (NO in step S109 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 returns to the adjustment control at the time of part replacement (FIG. 4). Middle step S106).

  In the display of other parts to be exchanged as shown in FIG. 10, the parts already exchanged immediately before, in this case, the photosensitive member 1473K is displayed by shading or the like (see FIG. 10A). So that no one can accidentally replace it again. Further, in the display example of FIG. 10, those that need to be replaced based on the judgment of the control unit 101 are clearly highlighted in black with white characters (FIGS. 10B and 10C). Can be input (step S110 in FIG. 4). In the display example of FIG. 10, even if the parts are replaceable, those that do not require replacement at the present time are displayed in gray so that a check mark described later cannot be input. Here, as a related item, the band electrode K and the developing unit K are highlighted.

  The operator follows the operation screen of FIG. 10 and replaces the belt electrode K and the developing unit K with new parts (step S110 in FIG. 4), and confirms and inputs a replacement check mark for the replacement parts (FIG. 10). 4 and step S112), the control unit 101 determines whether or not replacement of all other parts to be replaced is completed due to an error or the like (step S113 in FIG. 4).

  If there is an unreplaced part that needs to be replaced in relation to an error or the like (NO in step S113 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 displays a part to be replaced (step S110 in FIG. 4). Are repeated until the operator completes the exchange (step S111 in FIG. 4) and the confirmation input (step S112 in FIG. 4) (YES in step S113 in FIG. 4).

  If all the parts to be exchanged in relation to an error or the like have been exchanged (YES in step S113 in FIG. 4), the control unit 101 detects the exchange of the parts, and at the time of the parts exchange interrupted due to the error The adjustment control is executed again (step S106 in FIG. 4). In addition, since the adjustment at the time of component replacement is stopped halfway due to an error or the like, and other components to be replaced are replaced, the control unit 101 can perform the adjustment at the time of component replacement from the beginning. desirable.

  As described above, the control unit 101 repeatedly executes the above control until the adjustment of each part in the print engine 140 is completed within a predetermined time without occurrence of an error or the like, and the adjustment of each part is performed. Is completed within a predetermined time without occurrence of an error or the like, it is determined that the adjustment is properly completed, and the control unit 101 completes the adjustment at the time of component replacement (YES in step S107 in FIG. 4, end) ).

  In the case where the adjustment is not properly completed even after replacement of other parts to be replaced in relation to the above errors (step S111 in FIG. 4) (NO in step S106 in FIG. 4), the control unit Reference numeral 101 may refer to a database relating to errors prepared in advance including information such as the contents of adjustment items, error codes that have occurred, and compatibility described above, and determine other parts to be replaced in relation.

  In this way, the control unit 101 refers to a database or the like to determine other parts to be replaced next, so that even if the operator is not familiar with the inside of the image forming apparatus, it is efficiently related to errors As a result, it is possible to sequentially replace the parts with high possibility.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the print engine 140 includes a replaceable part, and when a replacement part is generated, necessary items are adjusted (adjustment at the time of part replacement). When the adjustment is not completed in a predetermined state, a display is made on the display screen of the operation display unit 105 to prompt replacement of other related parts (related parts).

  This makes it possible to deal with defects that occur or become manifest in conjunction with parts replacement in automatic adjustment when parts are replaced, and automatic adjustment does not stop due to an error, or no matter how long it passes. The problem of not ending is solved.

  Therefore, even when the user replaces parts, the user is not out of control and does not need to call service personnel, so the downtime of the image forming apparatus can be minimized. It becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately execute automatic adjustment at the time of component replacement.

[Other Embodiment (1)]
In the above description, adjustment control at the time of component replacement is performed in the image forming apparatus 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, an external PC connected to the image forming apparatus 100 may be used as a component replacement adjustment control unit or a display unit, and the component replacement adjustment control may be executed via the external PC.
[Other embodiment (2)]
In the above description, adjustment control at the time of component replacement is performed in the image forming apparatus 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the control unit 101 controls the output of information so that the display of FIGS. Thus, the control unit 101 can perform adjustment control during component replacement.

  According to this, even when the display operation unit of the image forming apparatus 100 is small, the above embodiment can be reliably implemented. In this case, the control unit 101 outputs a display signal (display information) to an external display device. In addition, an input signal from an input device such as an external keyboard is accepted.

  In the case of such external display / external operation input, a configuration in which a general-purpose display device or a keyboard is directly connected to the image forming apparatus 100 may be used in addition to the terminal device 300 connected to the network. For this reason, an external display output terminal, an operation input terminal, or the like may be provided as necessary.

[Other Embodiment (3)]
In the above embodiment, the screen display shows an example, and various modifications can be made. The configurations of the image forming apparatus 100 and the print engine 140 shown as specific examples are also examples, and various modifications can be made.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control part 105 Operation display part 110 Storage part 120 Scanner 130 Image processing part 140 Print engine 150 Finisher

Claims (7)

An image forming unit that includes replaceable parts and forms an image on a recording medium;
A display unit for displaying various information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls each unit;
The controller is
When adjusting the necessary items for the parts exchanged in the image forming unit (adjustment at the time of parts replacement), if the adjustment at the time of parts replacement is not completed in a predetermined state, other related parts ( Display on the display section to prompt replacement of related parts)
An image forming apparatus. An image forming unit that includes replaceable parts and forms an image on a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls each unit;
The controller is
When adjusting the necessary items for the parts exchanged in the image forming unit (adjustment at the time of parts replacement), if the adjustment at the time of parts replacement is not completed in a predetermined state, other related parts ( Output information to be displayed on the externally connected display unit to encourage replacement of related parts)
An image forming apparatus. The controller is
In the adjustment at the time of component replacement, when an error occurs or when the adjustment is not completed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the state is not completed.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The controller is
In the case where the adjustment at the time of component replacement is not completed, an unreplaced component other than the replaced component is displayed on the display unit as the related component.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The controller is
When the related parts are replaced, control is performed so as to make adjustments corresponding to the related parts.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The controller is
When it is input to the operation unit that the related part has been replaced, control is performed so as to perform adjustment corresponding to the related part.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. An image forming apparatus control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming section that includes replaceable parts and forms an image on a recording medium, and a control section that controls each section,
When adjusting the necessary items for the parts exchanged in the image forming unit (adjustment at the time of parts replacement), if the adjustment at the time of parts replacement is not completed in a predetermined state, other related parts The control unit controls to display on the display unit so as to prompt replacement.
An image forming apparatus control method.