JP2011141560A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which is inexpensive and friendly to a visually handicapped person and can guide a correct error release processing. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus 1, a body 3 including a paper tray 4 for storing paper 2 is provided with a conveying means 5 conveying the paper 2 taken out from the paper tray 4 to the outside of the body 3, and an image forming means 6 arranged on the conveying means 5 and forming an image on the paper 2 inside, wherein the body 3 includes covers 7 and 8 opening the conveying means 5 to the outside. The image forming apparatus 1 includes: conveyance error state detection means 21, 22, 23 and 24 detecting the state of a conveyance error made when the conveying means 5 conveys the paper 2; vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 and 72 provided in the body and generating vibration; and a vibration control means 50 determining whether or not a release state of a conveyance error detected by an error release state detection means shows processing corresponding to the state of the conveyance error detected by the conveyance error state detection means, and making the operation state of the vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 and 72 different between when determining that it is the processing corresponding thereto, and when determining that it is not the processing corresponding thereto. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having an error notification function for notifying an error such as a jam is known. For example, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an operation unit is provided at a position (for example, the upper surface) that is easy for the user to see and operate. The operation unit includes a message display for displaying various setting modes and various states of the image forming apparatus, and key switches such as a reset key, a start key, and a numeric keypad. For example, when a jam occurs, the image forming apparatus displays an error notification indicating that the jam has occurred on the message display.

  Here, the position of the message display is different from the position where the jam occurs. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to perform jam processing while looking at the message display. In view of this, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a paper feeding unit that feeds paper, an image forming unit that forms an image, a paper ejection unit that ejects paper, and the like that can be opened and closed. A front door display unit is provided in the door, and when a jam occurs, an instruction display for displaying the display of the front door display unit is displayed on the message display, and a jam processing screen is displayed on the front door display unit. Therefore, after the user opens the front door, the user can perform processing according to the jam processing display on the display unit in the front door, and can easily eliminate the jam.

JP-A-10-307511

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus requires a message display and a front door display unit for error notification, and the apparatus is expensive. Further, when the user is a visually impaired person, processing cannot be performed according to the display contents of the message display or the front door display unit, which is inconvenient.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that is inexpensive, gentle to a visually impaired person, and capable of guiding correct error cancellation processing.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) In a main body having a paper tray for storing paper, a conveying means for conveying the paper taken out from the paper tray to the outside of the main body, and an image formed on the paper that is disposed on the conveying means. In an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming unit, and the main body includes a cover that opens the transport unit to the outside, a transport error state detection that detects a transport error state that occurs when the transport unit transports the paper Means, an error canceling state detecting means for detecting the transport error canceling state, a vibration generating means provided in the main body for generating vibration, and the transport error canceling state detected by the error canceling state detecting means. Determining whether or not the process corresponds to the state of the transport error detected by the transport error state detection means, and determining that the process is a corresponding process In the case it is judged that it is not a corresponding processing has a vibration control means for varying the operating state of the vibration generating means.

  However, a “conveyance error” means that the paper on which the image is formed is discharged outside the main body from when the paper is removed from the paper tray, such as when there is no paper in the paper tray or when there is a jam on the transport path. An error that occurs in the meantime.

Further, the “operating state of the vibration generating means” includes a vibration period, intensity, vibration time, and the like.
(2) In the invention described in (1), the conveyance error state detection unit detects a jam that occurs on the conveyance unit, and a sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet stored in the sheet tray. Detecting means.
(3) In the invention described in (1), the error release state detection means includes attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the paper tray and opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the cover.
(4) In the invention according to any one of (1) to (3), the vibration generating means is disposed on an upper surface portion of the main body.
(5) In the invention according to any one of (1) to (3), the vibration generating means is disposed on the paper tray and the cover.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a conveyance error occurs when the conveyance unit picks up a sheet from the sheet tray and conveys the sheet to the outside of the main body, the operation state of the vibration generating unit varies depending on the state of the conveyance error. . Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of what conveyance error has occurred due to vibration without providing a display unit. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display unit is not required for the conveyance error notification, and the apparatus cost can be reduced. Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even when a visually handicapped person uses it, the state of the conveyance error can be recognized by vibration, and the apparatus can be made friendly to the visually handicapped person.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention determines whether or not the state in which the conveyance error is canceled corresponds to the state of the actually generated conveyance error, and generates vibration depending on whether it is determined to correspond or not. The operating state of the means is different. Therefore, even if a display unit is not provided, it is possible to notify the user whether or not the conveyance error cancellation processing is correct by vibration. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a display unit is not required for the conveyance error notification and the cancellation process, and the apparatus cost can be reduced. Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even when a visually handicapped person uses, it is possible to recognize a conveyance error or a state of error cancellation by vibration, and it is possible to make the apparatus gentle to the visually handicapped person.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the paper detection unit detects that the paper has run out of the paper tray, and the jam detection unit detects occurrence of a jam that has occurred on the conveyance path. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the vibration generating means can be operated differently in the no-paper state and the jam occurrence state, and it is not necessary to confirm the error display, and another type that occurs during paper conveyance. An error can be distinguished and recognized by the user by vibration.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the attachment / detachment detection means detects attachment / detachment of the paper tray, while the opening / closing detection means detects opening / closing of the cover. For this reason, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can cause the vibration generating unit to perform different operations depending on whether or not the user is performing an error canceling process corresponding to the conveyance error state detected by the error state detecting unit. It is possible to make the user during the error cancellation process recognize the error display and recognize the suitability of the error cancellation process by vibration. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a correct error canceling method can be induced at a low apparatus cost.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the vibration generating means is arranged on the upper surface of the main body that is easy for the user to touch.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the vibration generating means is arranged on the paper tray and the cover. And the suitability of the error canceling process can be easily communicated to the user during the error canceling process by vibration.

  Next, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
<Overall configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the printer 1. For convenience of explanation, the X axis is taken in the horizontal direction in the figure, and the Y axis is taken in the vertical direction in the figure.

  The printer 1 prints data received from a host device 55 (see FIG. 3) such as a personal computer or an external storage device 56 (see FIG. 3) such as a digital camera or a USB memory on the sheet 2. The printer 1 includes a box-shaped main body 3, and a paper tray 4 is provided at the bottom of the main body 3. The paper tray 4 has a box shape, and the paper 2 is stacked and stored. In the main body 3, a conveying means 5 for conveying the paper 2 taken out from the paper tray 4 to the outside of the main body 3 is provided. An image forming unit 6 is disposed on the transport unit 5 and forms an image on the paper 2 transported to the transport unit 5.

  The main body 3 has a paper tray 4 detachably mounted from the front side (+ X side in the figure). A front cover 7 and a back cover 8 for opening the conveying means 5 to the outside are rotatably held on the front side (+ X side) and the back side (−X side) of the main body 3. The main body 3 has a paper discharge tray 9 formed on the upper side (+ Y side). The paper discharge tray 9 is rotatably held by the main body 3.

  The transport unit 5 includes a paper feed roller 11, a registration roller 12, and a paper discharge roller 13 that are rotatably held by the main body 3. The paper feed roller 11, the registration roller 12, and the paper discharge roller 13 are detachably connected to the motor M through clutch means (not shown), and rotate by obtaining a driving force from the motor M.

  The paper feed roller 11 is arranged at the attachment / detachment opening of the paper tray 4, picks up the paper 2 stored in the paper tray 4, and sends it out to the registration roller 12. The registration roller 12 is disposed on the upstream side of the image forming unit 6 and sends the paper 2 to the image forming unit 6. The paper discharge roller 13 is disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 6 and discharges the paper 2 to the paper discharge tray 9. Accordingly, a conveyance path for the sheet 2 passing through the paper feed roller 11, the registration roller 12, and the paper discharge roller 13 is formed inside the main body 3.

  The image forming unit 6 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 15 charged by the charger 14 with a laser from the scanner unit 16 to irradiate an electrostatic latent image. The photosensitive drum 15 is supplied with the toner 18 from the toner cartridge 17 to visualize the electrostatic latent image. A transfer roller 19 is opposed to the photosensitive drum 15, and a visible image is transferred from the registration roller 12 to the sheet 2 conveyed between the photosensitive drum 15 and the transfer roller 19. A fixing unit 20 is disposed on the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 15 and heat-fixes the toner 18 transferred to the paper 2. The surface of the photosensitive drum 15 is neutralized by a neutralizing brush 38.

  By the way, the main body 3 includes a rear end sensor 21, a pre-registration sensor 22, a post-registration sensor 23, and a paper discharge sensor 24 which are examples of “conveyance error state detection unit” and “jam detection unit”. Has been.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the rear end sensor 21. For convenience of explanation, the X axis is taken in the horizontal direction in the drawing and the Y axis is taken in the vertical direction in the drawing corresponding to FIG.

  In the rear end sensor 21, a swing link 26 is swingably held on a support shaft 25 installed on the main body 3 adjacent to the paper feed roller 11. An arm 27 extends upward (in the + Y direction in the figure) on the swing link 26, and a light shielding member 28 is fixed to the tip of the arm 27. The swing link 26 is constantly urged by a coil spring 29 in the S direction in the figure. The arm 27 is restricted from rotating in the S direction in the figure by locking the protruding plate 30 to the inner wall of the paper tray 4 on the conveyance path of the paper 2. A photoelectric sensor 31 is attached to the main body 3. In the photoelectric sensor 31, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged so as to face each other so that the detection light path is blocked by the light shielding member 28 when the arm 27 is standing upright as shown in FIG. 2.

  Therefore, in the state where the paper 2 is not taken out, the rear end sensor 21 is in the posture in which the swing link 26 stands as shown in FIG. 2, and the light shielding member 28 blocks the detection light path. In this case, the rear end sensor 21 outputs an OFF signal without the photoelectric sensor 31 being in a light receiving state. On the other hand, when the sheet 2 is taken out and the protruding plate part 30 is flipped up, the swing link 26 rotates in the R direction in the drawing, and the light shielding member 28 is removed from the detection optical path. In this case, the rear end sensor 21 outputs an ON signal when the photoelectric sensor 31 is in a light receiving state.

  Here, when the paper tray 4 is removed from the main body 3, the swing link 26 is not limited to being rotated in the S direction in the figure by the paper tray 4. Therefore, the swing link 26 assumes a posture in which the arm 27 is tilted in the S direction in the figure, and the light shielding member 28 is removed from the detection optical path. When the paper tray 4 is removed from the main body 3, the driving of the motor M is stopped. Therefore, when the photoelectric sensor 31 is OFF and the motor M is stopped driving, it can be determined that the paper tray 4 is removed. In this sense, the rear end sensor 21 is an “error release state detection unit” and “attachment / removal detection unit” that detects whether or not the paper tray 4 has been attached and removed to cancel the paper out error (conveyance error). It can be an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24 hold a predetermined length of the actuator rotatably by a support shaft, and are arranged so as to protrude into the conveyance path of the paper 2. Has been. The pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24 are disposed on the detection light paths of the first detector 32, the second detector 33, and the third detector 34.

  The pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24 block the detection light paths of the first to third detectors 32, 33, and 34, respectively, when they stand up as shown in FIG. In this case, the pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24 do not receive the first to third detectors 32, 33, and 34, and output an OFF signal. However, when the pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24 are pushed down by the paper 2, they deviate from the detection optical paths of the first to third detectors 32, 33, and 34. In this case, in the pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24, the first to third detectors 32, 33, and 34 are in a light receiving state and output an ON signal.

  By the way, the front cover 7 and the back cover 8 of the main body 3 are respectively attached with a first open / close sensor 35 and a second open / close sensor 36 which are examples of “error release state detection means” and “open / close detection means”. The first and second open / close sensors 35 and 36 are constituted by, for example, a limit switch, a proximity sensor, a magnetic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and the like. The first and second open / close sensors 35 and 36 output an OFF signal when the open state of the front cover 7 and the back cover 8 is detected, and output an ON signal when the closed state of the front cover 7 and the back cover 8 is detected.

Further, in the main body 3, in order to make it easier to transmit vibration to the user who is performing the process of canceling the transport error when a transport error occurs, the main body 3 has a first part that is operated by the user when canceling the transport error. ˜Third vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 are attached. In the first embodiment, the paper tray 4, the front cover 7, and the back cover 8 are provided with first vibration generating means 41, second vibration generating means 42, and third vibration generating means 43, respectively. The first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 vibrate using, for example, a motor as a drive source.
<Control block configuration>
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the printer 1 shown in FIG.

  In the printer 1, a conveyance error notification process is performed by the control device 50 which is an example of “vibration control unit”. The control device 50 is a known computer, and a ROM 52 and a RAM 53 are connected to the CPU 51. The ROM 52 stores a vibration control program 54 for making the operation states of the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42 and 43 different.

  In the control device 50, the photoelectric sensor 31 and the first to third detectors 32, 33, and 34 are connected to the CPU 51. Based on the ON / OFF signals received from the photoelectric sensor 31 and the first to third detectors 32, 33, and 34, the CPU 51 determines that the transport unit 5 (the paper feed roller 11, the registration roller 12, and the paper discharge roller 13) is paper. 2 is monitored.

  Further, the control device 50 is connected to the CPU 51 by the first and second open / close sensors 35 and 36 and monitors the open / closed states of the front cover 7 and the back cover 8.

  In the control device 50, first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 are connected to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 adjusts the period and intensity of vibration generated by the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, and 43 by adjusting the voltage applied to the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, and 43. To do.

Further, the control device 50 is connected to the CPU 51 by a host device 55 and an external storage device 56, an image forming unit 6, a paper feed roller 11, a registration roller 12, a paper discharge roller 13, and a motor M. The CPU 51 controls processing for printing data received from the host device 55 and the external storage device 56 on the paper 2.
<Description of operation>
Next, the operation of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the vibration control program 54 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a sub-flowchart of the paper feed error process (S9) shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a sub-flowchart of the in-flight error process (S15) shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a sub-flowchart of the paper discharge error process (S18) shown in FIG.

  The control device 50 of the printer 1 copies the vibration control program 54 from the ROM 52 to the RAM 53 when the print data is received from the host device 55 or the external storage device 56, and prints one page of print data on the paper 2. Executed every time.

  That is, the control device 50 is in a print waiting state in step 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as “S1”). In S 2, it is determined whether there is a print command from the host device 55 or the external storage device 56. If it is determined that there is no print command (S2: NO), the process waits as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a print command (S2: YES), in S3, the number of sheet pickup tries i is set to “0” and is initialized. In step S 4, the motor M is driven to rotate the paper feed roller 11, and the paper 2 is taken out from the paper tray 4. In S5, based on the output signal of the first detector 32, it is determined whether or not the pre-registration sensor 22 is ON.

  If it is determined that the output signal of the first detector 32 is not switched from OFF to ON and the pre-registration sensor 22 is not ON (S5: NO), in S6, within the paper pickup waiting time (for example, 1 second). It is determined whether or not. The paper pick-up waiting time is a time until the pre-registration sensor 22 is turned on with reference to the time when the paper feeding roller 11 starts to rotate. The paper pickup waiting time is registered in the control device 50 in advance. If it is determined that it is within the paper pick-up waiting time (S6: YES), this means that the paper 2 is being conveyed from the paper feed roller 11 to the pre-registration sensor 22, so the process returns to S5 and before the registration. Check again whether the sensor 22 is ON.

  If the pre-registration sensor 22 is not turned on even after the paper pickup waiting time has elapsed (S5: NO, S6: NO), it is considered that the paper feed roller 11 has failed to take out the paper 2. Accordingly, in S7, it is determined whether or not the paper pickup retry count i is smaller than the maximum paper pickup retry count N. If the paper pickup retry count i is smaller than the maximum paper pickup retry count N (S7: YES), 1 is added to the paper pickup retry count i in S8, and the process returns to S4. In S4, the challenge is again to take out the paper 2 from the paper tray 4, and it is confirmed whether or not the pre-registration sensor 22 is turned on.

  If the pre-registration sensor 22 is not turned on even when the processing of S4 to S8 is repeated and the paper pickup retry count i is equal to or greater than the paper pickup retry maximum number N (S5: NO, S6: NO, S7: NO). It is considered that a conveyance error has occurred during paper feeding. Therefore, in S9, paper feed error processing is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the paper feed error process (S9), based on the detection signal of the photoelectric sensor 31 in S901, it is determined whether or not the rear end sensor 21 is ON. If the signal received from the photoelectric sensor 31 is switched from the OFF signal to the ON signal and it is determined that the rear end sensor 21 is ON (S901: YES), it is determined in S902 that a paper jam has occurred. Therefore, in S903, the first vibration generating means 41 of the paper tray 4 is driven by the vibration pattern 1 that vibrates at a long cycle. This informs the user that a paper jam has occurred near the paper feed roller 11 and that the location to be operated to release the paper jam is the paper tray 4. Thereafter, in step S904, the printing operation is stopped while the vibration of the vibration pattern 1 is generated in the first vibration generating unit 41, and an error release waiting state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the signal received from the photoelectric sensor 31 is not switched from ON to OFF and it is determined that the trailing edge sensor 21 is not ON (S901: NO), the sheet 2 is transferred to the sheet tray 4 in S905. Recognize that an out-of-paper error has occurred. In this sense, the rear end sensor 21 can be an example of “paper detection means”. Therefore, in S906, the first vibration generating means 41 of the paper tray 4 is driven by the vibration pattern 2 that vibrates at a cycle shorter than that of the vibration pattern 1. As a result, the user is informed that there is no paper 2 in the paper tray 4 and that the place to be operated to cancel the paper-out error is the paper tray 4. Thereafter, in step S904, the printing operation is stopped while the vibration of the vibration pattern 2 is generated in the first vibration generating unit 41, and an error release waiting state is entered.

  In step S907, it is determined whether the paper tray 4 has been removed from the main body 3 and has been opened. The OPEN of the paper tray 4 is detected when the motor M is stopped by the removal of the paper tray 4 and an ON signal is received from the photoelectric sensor 31.

  For example, if the user does not notice that the vibration generation source is the paper tray 4 and accidentally opens the front cover 7 or the back cover 8, the control device 50 causes the first or second open / close sensor 35, An open signal is received from 36, and it is recognized that the front cover 7 or the back cover 8 has been opened. In this case, it is determined that the paper tray 4 has not been opened (S907: otherwise), and in S908, the first vibration generating means 41 is driven by the B pattern that vibrates strongly. The vibration of the B pattern continues until the paper tray 4 is opened (S904, S907: otherwise, S908).

  In this way, since the vibration is strong, the user knows that the error cannot be canceled even if the front cover 7 or the back cover 8 is opened. Therefore, the user closes the opened front cover 7 or back cover 8 and pulls the paper tray 4 in which vibration is generated to the front side (+ X side in FIG. 1) and removes it from the main body 3. At this time, the control device 50 stops driving the motor M and receives an ON signal from the photoelectric sensor 31, so it is determined that the paper tray 4 has been opened (S907: YES).

  Therefore, in S909, the vibration pattern is switched to the A pattern that vibrates weaker than the B pattern, and the first vibration generating means 41 is driven. The user recognizes that the error release location is correct because the vibration is switched from the B pattern to the A pattern. Then, the user cancels the error by removing the jammed paper 2 from the attachment / detachment opening of the main body 3 for attaching / detaching the paper tray 4 or by replenishing the paper tray 4 with the paper 2.

  In step S910, it is determined whether the paper tray 4 is attached to the main body 3 and the paper tray 4 is closed. The fact that the paper tray 4 is closed is detected when the signal received from the photoelectric sensor 31 is switched from ON to OFF and the driving of the motor M is started by mounting the paper tray 4 on the main body 3. The Until the paper tray 4 is mounted on the main body 3 and is closed (S901: NO), the process waits as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper tray 4 is attached to the main body 3 and has been closed (S910: YES), the driving of the first vibration generating means 41 of the paper tray 4 is stopped and the vibration is stopped in S911. As a result, the user recognizes that the paper jam or paper out error has been resolved. Thereafter, the process returns to S9 of FIG.

  Then, the process returns to S3, where the paper pick-up try count i is initialized to “0”, and preparations are made for detecting a transport error of the paper 2 to be printed next.

  By the way, when the signal received from the second detector 33 is switched from OFF to ON within the paper pickup time and it is determined that the pre-registration sensor 22 is ON (S5: YES), the paper 2 is sent to the registration roller 12. Means sent. Therefore, in S10, it is determined that the pre-registration sensor 22 has detected the sheet 2 normally. In S11, the registration roller 12 is not rotated until a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) elapses after the pre-registration sensor 22 detects the paper 2 normally. During this time, the skew of the sheet 2 is corrected.

  In S12, a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) elapses after the pre-registration sensor 22 detects the paper 2 normally, and the registration roller 12 rotates to send the paper 2 to the image forming unit 6 to perform the resist release. Judge whether or not While the resist release is not performed (S12: NO), the process returns to S11 and waits. On the other hand, if it is determined that the resist release has been performed (S12: YES), it is determined in S13 whether or not the post-registration sensor 23 is turned on based on a signal received from the second detector 33.

  If it is determined that the signal received from the second detector 33 remains OFF and the post-registration sensor 23 is not ON (S13: NO), it is determined in S14 whether or not it is within 3 seconds from the release of the resist. to decide. This time (3 seconds) may be set uniformly according to the time required for the registration roller 12 to finish transporting the paper 2 of the maximum paper size that can be printed by the printer 1, or according to the paper size. The setting may be changed as appropriate. If it is within 3 seconds from the opening of the registration (S14: YES), it is considered that the registration roller 12 has not finished transporting the paper 2. Therefore, the process returns to S13 to reconfirm whether the post-registration sensor 23 is turned on.

  On the other hand, if the post-registration sensor 23 does not turn on even after 3 seconds have elapsed since the resist was released (S13: NO, S14: NO), in-flight error processing is executed in S15.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the in-flight error processing (S15), it is determined in S1501 that an in-flight jam has occurred. In step S <b> 1502, the second vibration generating unit 42 of the front cover 7 is vibrated with the vibration pattern 1. With the vibration pattern 1 having a long period, the user recognizes that a jam has occurred. In step S1503, printing is stopped and a jam release waiting state is entered.

  In S1504, based on the detection signal of the first opening / closing sensor 35, it is determined whether or not the front cover 7 has been opened. If it is determined that the back cover 8 and the paper tray 4 other than the front carver 7 are in an open state while the first open / close sensor 35 detects the closed state (S1504: other), in S1505, B The second vibration generating means 42 of the front cover 8 is driven by the pattern to strengthen the vibration. The user recognizes that the operation of opening the back cover 8 or the paper tray 4 is not a correct jam removal method because the vibration has increased. The second vibration generating means 42 continues to vibrate in the B pattern until the front cover 7 is opened.

  When the user notices a vibration source and closes the back cover 8 or the paper tray 4 and opens the front cover 7, the control device 50 receives an open signal from the first opening / closing sensor 35, and the front cover 7 is opened. Judgment is made (S1504: YES). Therefore, in S1506, the second vibration generating means 42 is driven with the B pattern to weaken the vibration. Since the vibration is weakened, the user is sure that the operation of opening the front cover 7 and releasing the jam is correct. Then, the user removes the paper 2 jammed in the registration roller 12 from the main body 3 with the front cover 7 opened.

  Thereafter, in S1507, based on the detection signal of the first opening / closing sensor 35, it is determined whether or not the front cover 7 is closed. While the front cover 7 is open (S1507: NO), the second vibration generating means 42 is kept in a vibrating pattern A and waits.

  On the other hand, if the closing signal is received from the first opening / closing sensor 35 and it is determined that the front cover 7 is closed (S1507: YES), the driving of the second vibration generating means 42 is stopped and the vibration is stopped in S1508. . As a result, the user recognizes that the in-flight jam has been resolved. Thereafter, the process returns to S15 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the process then returns to S <b> 3, and preparations for detecting a conveyance error of the paper 2 to be printed next are made.

  If it is determined that the post-registration sensor 23 has been turned on (S13: YES), it is determined in S16 whether the paper discharge sensor 24 has been turned off based on the detection signal of the third detector 34. If it is determined that the signal received from the third detector 34 is ON and the paper discharge sensor 24 is ON (S16: NO), within 5 seconds after the post-registration sensor 23 is turned ON in S17. It is determined whether or not. If it is within 5 seconds after the post-registration sensor 23 is turned on (S17: YES), it is considered that the paper discharge roller 13 is in the process of transporting the paper 2. Therefore, the process returns to S16 and the paper discharge sensor 24 Check the ON / OFF status again.

  If the paper discharge sensor 24 remains on even after 5 seconds have elapsed after the post-registration sensor 23 is turned on, a paper discharge error process is performed in S18.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the paper discharge error process (S18) recognizes that a paper jam has occurred in the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 13 in S1801. The processing after S1802 is the same as the in-flight error processing (see FIG. 6) except that the third vibration generating means 43 is vibrated instead of the second vibration generating means 42 and the back cover 8 is operated to cancel the error. Since there is, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the paper discharge error process (S18) is completed, the process returns to S3, and preparations for detecting a transport error of the paper 2 to be printed next are made.

On the other hand, when the paper discharge sensor 24 is turned off within 5 seconds after the post-registration sensor 23 is turned on (S16: YES), the paper discharge roller 13 moves the paper 2 to the paper discharge tray 9 in S19. When the feeding is finished, it is recognized that the paper discharge has been completed normally. Thereafter, the process ends.
<Effect>
In the printer 1 of the first embodiment, when a transport error occurs when the transport unit 5 picks up the paper 2 from the paper tray 4 and transports it to the outside of the main body 3, if the transport error is a jam, The first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 are vibrated with the vibration pattern 1, and if there is no paper, the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 are vibrated with the vibration pattern 2. That is, the operation states of the first to third vibration generating units 41, 42, and 43 differ depending on the state of the conveyance error (S902, S903, S905, and S906 in FIG. 5, S1501, S1502 in FIG. 6, and S1801, FIG. 7). (See S1802). Therefore, even if the display unit is not provided on the main body 3, it is possible for the user to determine whether a jam or no-sheet conveyance error has occurred due to the period of vibration generated by the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, 43. It is possible to notify. Therefore, according to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the display unit is not required for the conveyance error notification, and the apparatus cost can be reduced. In addition, according to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, even when a visually handicapped person uses the apparatus, it is possible to recognize whether the conveyance error is jam or no paper by vibration, and the device is friendly to the visually handicapped person. can do.

  In the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the paper tray 4 or the front cover 7 and the back cover 8 are opened and closed to release a jam or paper-free transport error. Judgment is made as to whether or not to cope with a conveyance error state of a jam and a paper discharge jam, and if this is the case, the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, and 43 are vibrated weakly in the A pattern, while not corresponding The first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, 43 are vibrated strongly in the B pattern. That is, the operation states of the first to third vibration generating units 41, 42, and 43 differ depending on whether the conveyance error release state is determined to correspond to the conveyance error or not (step S907 in FIG. 5). Otherwise, S908, S907: YES, S909, S1504 in FIG. 6: Other, S1505, S1504: YES, S1506, S1804 in FIG. 7: Other, S1805, S1804: YES, S1806). Therefore, even if no display unit is purposely provided, it is possible to notify the user whether or not the conveyance error cancellation processing is correct depending on the strength of vibration generated by the vibration generating means 41, 42, and 43. Therefore, according to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, a display unit is not required for the conveyance error notification and the cancellation process, and the apparatus cost can be reduced. Moreover, according to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, even when a visually handicapped person uses, it is possible to recognize a conveyance error or a state of error cancellation by virtue of vibration, and to make the apparatus friendly to the visually handicapped person. it can.

  In the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the trailing edge sensor 21 detects that the sheet 2 is out of the sheet tray 4 (S5: NO, S6: NO, S7: NO, S9 in FIG. 4, S901 in FIG. 5). : NO, refer to S905), the trailing edge sensor 21, the pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24 detect the occurrence of paper jam, in-machine jam, and paper discharge jam that occur on the transport path (see FIG. 4 S5: NO, S6: NO, S7: NO, S9, S901: YES in FIG. 5, S902, S13: NO, S14: NO, S15 in FIG. 4, S150 in FIG. 6, S16 in FIG. S17: NO, S18, see S1801 in FIG. Therefore, according to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the first to third vibration generating units 41, 42, and 43 can be operated differently depending on whether there is no paper and in the jam occurrence state, and even when the error display is confirmed. In addition, different types of out-of-paper errors and jam errors that occur during paper conveyance can be distinguished and recognized by the user based on the vibration period or the like.

  The printer 1 according to the first embodiment detects the attachment / detachment of the paper tray 4 based on the ON / OFF state of the rear end sensor 21 when the motor M is stopped (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3). The first and second opening / closing sensors 35 and 36 detect opening / closing of the front cover 7 and the back cover 8 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). For this reason, the printer 1 of the first embodiment is compatible with no paper, paper jam, in-machine jam, and paper discharge jam detected by the trailing edge sensor 21, the pre-registration sensor 22, the post-registration sensor 23, and the paper discharge sensor 24. Then, the user opens and closes the paper tray 4, the front cover 7, and the back cover 8 to check whether or not the error canceling process is performed, and the first to third vibration generating means 41, depending on the suitability of the error canceling process, It is possible to change the intensity of vibration generated by 42 and 43. As a result, the printer 1 of the first embodiment can recognize whether or not the error canceling process is appropriate based on the strength of vibration, without causing the user during the error canceling process to confirm the error display. Therefore, according to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, a correct error canceling method can be induced at a low device cost.

  In the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, and 43 are disposed on the paper tray 4, the front cover 7, and the back cover 8, respectively (see FIG. 1). Depending on the position at which the vibration generating means 41, 42 and 43 vibrate, it is easy to tell the user who is performing the error canceling process where the error canceling process is performed and whether the error canceling process is appropriate.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the printer 71.

  The printer 71 of the second embodiment has only one vibration generating means 72, and only the vibration generating means 72 performs paper feed error processing (S21), in-machine error processing (S22), and paper discharge error processing (S23). This is different from the first embodiment. Therefore, here, it demonstrates centering on a different point from 1st Embodiment, and the point which is common in 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol as 1st Embodiment to drawing, and abbreviate | omits description suitably.

The printer 71 shown in FIG. 8 is disposed on the upper surface portion of the main body 3. The reason why it is arranged on the upper surface portion of the main body 3 is that the user can easily shake, and the vibration and the change are most easily noticed.
<Description of operation>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the paper feed error process (S21) executed by the printer 71 shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, when recognizing that a paper feed jam has occurred in S902 of the paper feed error process (S21), the control device 50 drives the vibration generating means 72 by the vibration pattern 3 that vibrates with a long cycle. As a result, the user recognizes that a jam has occurred anywhere in the main body 3.

  On the other hand, when recognizing that a paper out error has occurred in S905, the control device 50 drives the vibration generating means 72 by the vibration pattern 4 that vibrates at a shorter cycle than the vibration pattern 3. Thereby, the user recognizes that a paper out error has occurred.

  When the control device 50 is waiting for the error to be released while the vibration generating means 72 is vibrated with the vibration pattern 3 or 4 (S904), the front cover 7 or the back cover 8 other than the paper tray 4 is opened. If this is recognized (S907: other than that), in S2104, the vibration generating means 72 is driven by the B pattern that vibrates strongly. As a result, the user recognizes that the method of canceling the error by opening the front cover 7 or the back cover 8 is incorrect.

  On the other hand, when the control device 50 recognizes that the paper tray 4 is opened (S907: YES), the vibration generating means 72 is driven by the A pattern that vibrates weakly in S2103. Because the user has reduced the vibration. It recognizes that the method of removing the error by removing the paper tray 4 is correct.

  When the user attaches the paper tray 4 to the main body 3, the control device 50 determines that the paper tray 4 has been closed (S910: YES), and stops driving the vibration generating means 72 and stops the vibration in S2105. By stopping the vibration, the user recognizes that the error has been canceled. When the error is canceled in this way, error detection is performed on the next sheet 2 to be printed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of in-machine error processing (S22) executed by the printer shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the paper discharge error process (S23) executed by the printer shown in FIG.

The in-machine error process (S22) shown in FIG. 10 and the paper discharge error process (S23) shown in FIG. 11 cause the vibration generating means 72 to vibrate by the vibration pattern 3 when an internal jam occurs or a paper discharge jam occurs. Alternatively, the point that the vibration generating means 72 is vibrated in the A pattern or the B pattern depending on whether or not the back cover 8 is in an open state is different from the process for notifying the paper jam in the paper feed error process (S21). Since the other processes are the same as those in the paper jam, the description is omitted.
<Effect>
In the printer 71 of the second embodiment, the vibration generating means 72 is arranged on the upper surface portion of the main body 3 that is easy for the user to touch (see FIG. 8), so that vibration can be easily transmitted to the user.

  In particular, when there is no paper, the vibration generating unit 72 is vibrated with the vibration pattern 4, and when a jam occurs, the vibration generating unit 72 is vibrated with the vibration pattern 3 (S901 in FIG. 9: YES). , S902, S2101, S901: NO, S905, S2102, S1501, S2201 in FIG. 10, S1801, S2301 in FIG. 11), and the type of the conveyance error can be recognized by the user.

  In addition, when the user opens the paper tray 4 or the front cover 7 and the back cover 8 in order to cancel the transport error, the printer 71 actually causes a transport error state (paper out error, paper feed). When it corresponds to jam, in-flight jam, paper discharge jam), the vibration generating means 72 is vibrated weakly with the A pattern, and when it is not compatible, the vibration generating means 72 is vibrated strongly with the B pattern ( S907 in FIG. 9: YES, S2103, S907: NO, S2104, S1504 in FIG. 10: YES, S2202, S1504: Other than that, S2203, S1804 in FIG. Therefore, even if there is only one vibration generating means 72 and the location where the conveyance error occurs cannot be notified by the vibration generation source, the user can be guided to the correct conveyance error canceling method by the strength of the vibration.

  As described above, in the printer 71 of the second embodiment, even if there is only one vibration generating means 72 on the upper surface portion of the main body 3, the state of the transport error or the Appropriateness of the place to cancel the transport error can be notified. Therefore, according to the printer 71 of the second embodiment, the device cost can be reduced and the device can be made friendly to the visually impaired.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various applications are possible.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a printer using toner is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, an ink jet printer, a thermal printer, a multifunction peripheral, a copier, or the like may be used as an example of the image forming apparatus.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the paper-out error is detected by the operations of the trailing edge sensor 21 and the pre-registration sensor 22, but the paper-out error may be detected by the paper detection sensor 37 shown in FIGS. When a paper out error occurs, in the paper feed error process (S9) shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not there is paper 2 by the paper detection sensor 37 after S910. Any one of the first to third vibration generating means 41, 42, and 43 may be vibrated until 2 is detected. In this case, even when the paper tray 4 is closed without replenishing the paper 2, the error notification can be continued and a correct error canceling method can be guided.

  For example, the user may be notified of a conveyance error state or a conveyance error release state by the vibration length or the like instead of the vibration period or strength. Also, change the type of vibration, such as shortening the period when the jam occurs or shorter than the period when the paper out error occurs, or making the vibration when the correct error is canceled stronger than the vibration when the illegal error is canceled. May be.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the rear end sensor which the printer shown in FIG. 1 uses. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the printer shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of the vibration control program shown in FIG. 6 is a sub-flowchart of a paper feed error process shown in FIG. 5 is a sub-flowchart of in-flight error processing shown in FIG. 6 is a sub-flowchart of a paper discharge error process shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of a printer concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 9 is a flowchart of a paper feed error process executed by the printer shown in FIG. 9 is a flowchart of in-machine error processing executed by the printer shown in FIG. 8. 9 is a flowchart of a paper discharge error process executed by the printer shown in FIG.

1,71 ... Printer (image forming apparatus)
2 ... paper 3 ... main body 4 ... paper tray 5 ... conveying means 6 ... image forming means 7 ... front cover (cover)
8 ... Back cover (cover)
21... Rear end sensor (conveyance error state detection means, error release state detection means, paper detection means, attachment / detachment detection means)
22 ... Sensor before registration (conveyance error state detection means)
23. Post-registration sensor (conveyance error state detection means)
24: Paper discharge sensor (conveyance error state detection means)
35. First open / close sensor (error release state detection means, open / close detection means)
36. Second open / close sensor (error release state detection means, open / close detection means)
41, 42, 43, 72 ... vibration generating means 50 ... control device (vibration control means)

Claims (6)

In a main body having a paper tray for storing paper, a conveying means for conveying the paper taken out from the paper tray to the outside of the main body, and an image forming means arranged on the conveying means to form an image on the paper In the image forming apparatus, the main body includes a cover that opens the conveying unit to the outside.
A transport error state detection unit that detects a transport error state that occurs when the transport unit transports the paper;
An error release state detection means for detecting the release state of the transport error;
Vibration generating means provided on the main body for generating vibration;
It is determined whether or not the transport error cancel state detected by the error cancel state detection means is a process corresponding to the transport error state detected by the transport error state detection means. Vibration control means for making the operation state of the vibration generating means different between when it is determined and when it is determined that it is not a corresponding process;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibration control unit further varies an operation state of the vibration generating unit in accordance with a conveyance error state detected by the conveyance error state detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The conveyance error state detection means includes
Paper detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper stored in the paper tray;
Jam detecting means for detecting a jam occurring on the conveying means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The error release state detection means includes
Attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the paper tray;
Open / close detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the cover;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
The image forming apparatus, wherein the vibration generating means is disposed on an upper surface portion of the main body. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
The image forming apparatus, wherein the vibration generating unit is disposed on the paper tray and the cover.

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