JP2015108791A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that sets the priority to a plurality of sensors and controls the sensors while classifying into sensors that can be replaced by other sensors at failure and sensors that cannot be replaced by other sensors, so as to improve the operating ratio of the apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sensors and a control unit that controls the units of the apparatus on the basis of the input values from the sensors. The sensors are classified into a plurality of ranks on the basis of the priority during the execution of an image forming operation. When any of the sensors has failed, the control unit determines whether to continue the state where the image formation can be performed or changes to the state where the image formation cannot be performed according to the rank of the failed sensor.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of sensors for controlling each part of the apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sensors, and each part of the apparatus is controlled based on an input value (input signal) from the sensors. For example, rotation control of a fan that cools the fixing device or exposure device based on the input value of the temperature / humidity sensor, temperature control of the fixing member, grasping of the paper position during printing based on the input signal of the conveyance sensor, jamming (jam) Input values from sensors are used in various situations such as confirmation of occurrence. However, if the sensor is broken, a correct signal cannot be obtained, which may affect the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  In view of this, a method has been proposed in which a device is continuously used without being stopped by predictive control using an input value from another sensor when a certain sensor fails. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a failure of a medium conveyance check sensor is detected in a medium conveyance path provided with a plurality of medium conveyance check sensors, the defective sensor is disconnected and a good condition on the medium conveyance path is obtained. A technique for controlling the timing of feeding the next medium to the conveyance path so as to convey only one medium between two sensors is disclosed.

JP 2001-240272 A

  According to the method of Patent Document 1, even if any of the plurality of medium conveyance check sensors fails, the apparatus can be used continuously without stopping, realizing high operability of the apparatus, The medium can be stably and reliably conveyed. However, some sensors used in the image forming apparatus can be supplemented by other sensors such as a conveyance sensor, and others can not be supplemented by other sensors. In the method of Patent Document 1, since there is no disclosure regarding control when a sensor that cannot be compensated by another sensor fails, a sensor that can be compensated by another sensor is separated from a sensor that cannot be compensated. Need to be controlled.

  Some sensors do not necessarily require an input value depending on the operation state of the image forming apparatus. Monitoring the input value from a sensor that does not require an input value during operation of the image forming device is a wasteful process. Therefore, the sensor that needs to be monitored during operation is also separated from the unnecessary sensor. It is desirable to monitor only the sensors that need values.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention improves the operation rate of the apparatus by giving priority to a plurality of sensors, and distinguishing and controlling sensors that can be supplemented by other sensors at the time of failure. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sensors and a control unit. The control unit controls each unit of the apparatus based on the input value from the sensor. Each sensor is divided into a plurality of ranks based on priorities at the time of execution of an image forming operation, and when one of the sensors fails, the control unit can form an image according to the rank of the sensor. It is determined whether to continue the state or change to a state where image formation is impossible.

  According to the first configuration of the present invention, even if any of the sensors in the image forming apparatus fails, the operation of the image forming apparatus and the effect on the output image are small, or other sensors In the case of a rank with a low priority that can be substituted with the input value, the image forming operation can be continued by continuing the state in which the image can be formed. Therefore, depending on the type and arrangement of the sensor that has failed, there is a possibility that the image forming operation can be continued even before a serviceman replaces and repairs the sensor. Improves. On the other hand, if the malfunctioning sensor has a great influence on the operation of the image forming apparatus and the output image and cannot be substituted by the input values of other sensors, the image forming operation is prohibited. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an image defect or the failure of the image forming apparatus by continuing printing while the sensor is in a failed state. In addition, user safety can be ensured.

1 is a side sectional view showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a control path of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. The figure which rank-sorted the sensor mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 of 1st Embodiment based on the priority at the time of operation | movement. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation control when a sensor failure occurs in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The figure which rank-categorized the sensor mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 of 2nd Embodiment of this invention based on the priority at the time of operation | movement, and the necessity for monitoring by an operation state. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sensor monitoring control in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation control when a sensor failure occurs in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, in the image forming apparatus 100 (here, a digital multi-function peripheral is shown as an example), when performing a copying operation, image data of a document is read and converted into an image signal by an image reading apparatus 6 described later. On the other hand, in the image forming unit 3 in the multifunction machine main body 2, the photosensitive drum 5 rotating in the direction A in the drawing is uniformly charged by the charging unit 4 and is based on the document image data read by the image reading device 6. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 5 by a laser beam from an exposure unit (laser scanning unit or the like) 7, and a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) is attached to the electrostatic latent image by the developing unit 8. An image is formed. The toner is supplied to the developing unit 8 from the toner container 9.

  A sheet (recording medium) is conveyed from the sheet feeding mechanism 10 to the image forming unit 3 via the sheet conveying path 11 and the registration roller pair 12 toward the photosensitive drum 5 on which the toner image is formed as described above. In the image forming unit 3, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred onto a sheet by the transfer roller 13 (image transfer unit). The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 5 and conveyed to a fixing unit 14 having a fixing roller pair 14a to fix the toner image. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 14 is sent to a paper conveyance path 15 that branches in a plurality of directions, and is fed by a path switching mechanism 21, 22 having a plurality of path switching guides provided at branch points of the paper conveyance path 15. The transport directions are sorted, and the sheets are discharged as they are (or after being sent to the reverse transport path 16 and double-sided copying) to the sheet discharge section including the first discharge tray 17a and the second discharge tray 17b.

  Although not shown, a static elimination device that removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is provided on the downstream side of the cleaning device 18. Further, the paper feed mechanism 10 is detachably attached to the multifunction machine main body 2 and includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 10a and 10b for storing paper, and a stack bypass (manual feed tray) 10c provided above the paper feed cassettes 10a and 10b. These are connected to the image forming unit 3 including the photosensitive drum 5 and the developing unit 8 by the paper transport path 11.

  An image reading device 6 is disposed on the upper part of the multifunction device main body 2, and a document placed on the contact glass 25 (see FIG. 2) of the image reading device 6 is pressed on the upper surface of the multifunction device main body 2. A holding platen (original presser) 24 is provided so as to be openable and closable, and an original conveying device 27 is provided on the platen 24.

  Specifically, the sheet conveyance path 15 is first branched into left and right forks on the downstream side of the fixing roller pair 14a, and one path (the path branched in the right direction in FIG. 1) communicates with the first discharge tray 17a. It is configured as follows. The other path (the path that branches in the left direction in FIG. 1) branches into two branches via the conveying roller pair 19, and the other path (the path that branches in the left direction in FIG. 1) is the second discharge tray 17b. It is comprised so that it may communicate with. On the other hand, the other path (the path branched downward in FIG. 1) is configured to communicate with the reverse conveyance path 16.

  Also, a first paper feed detection sensor that detects the feeding of paper from the paper feed cassettes 10a, 10b, and stack bypass 10c, respectively, in the vicinity of the downstream side of the paper feed cassettes 10a, 10b, and stack bypass 10c with respect to the paper transport direction. 30a, a second paper feed detection sensor 30b, and a third paper feed detection sensor 30c are arranged. In addition, a registration sensor 31 that detects conveyance of the sheet to the registration roller pair 12 is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the upstream side of the registration roller pair 12.

  In addition, a fixing discharge sensor 33 that detects the passage of the paper in the fixing unit 14 is disposed immediately downstream of the fixing unit 14. A first discharge detection sensor 35a and a second discharge detection sensor 35b are disposed in the vicinity of the first discharge roller 20a and the second discharge roller 20b, respectively, for discharging sheets to the first discharge tray 17a and the second discharge tray 17b. Yes. Further, the reverse conveyance path 16 is provided with a reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 that detects passage of paper in the reverse conveyance path 16. Further, transport detection sensors 39a to 39c for detecting the passage of the paper in the paper transport paths 11 and 15 are arranged.

  Any of the first to third sheet feed detection sensors 30a to 30c, the registration sensor 31, the fixing detection sensor 33, the first and second discharge detection sensors 35a and 35b, the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37, and the conveyance detection sensors 39a to 39c Is an actuator-type sensor that physically detects the passage of paper. Instead of the actuator type, a transmissive or reflective optical sensor having a light receiving portion and a light emitting portion may be used.

  Further, a fixing temperature detection sensor 40 is disposed in the fixing unit 14 at a position facing a heating roller (right side roller in FIG. 1) constituting the fixing roller pair 14a. The fixing temperature detection sensor 40 is a thermistor capable of detecting temperature without contact. Further, an in-machine temperature / humidity sensor 41 that detects the temperature and humidity inside the image forming apparatus 100 is disposed in the vicinity of the image forming unit 3, and the temperature and humidity outside the image forming apparatus 100 are above the multi-function device body 2. An outside temperature / humidity sensor 43 for detecting the above is disposed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control path of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. It should be noted that since various control of each part of the apparatus is performed when the image forming apparatus 100 is used, the control path of the entire image forming apparatus 100 becomes complicated. Therefore, here, a portion of the control path that is necessary for the implementation of the present invention will be mainly described.

  The control unit 90 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 91 as a central processing unit, a read only memory (ROM) 92 that is a read-only storage unit, a random access memory (RAM) 93 that is a read / write storage unit, A plurality of I / O units for temporarily storing image data and the like, transmitting a control signal to each part and device in the image forming apparatus 100, and receiving input signals from the operation unit 50 and each sensor. F (interface) 96 is provided at least. In addition, the control unit 90 can be disposed at any location inside the image forming apparatus 100 main body.

  The ROM 92 stores a control program for the image forming apparatus 100, data necessary for control, and the like that are not changed during use of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 93 stores necessary data generated during the control of the image forming apparatus 100, data temporarily required for controlling the image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

  In addition, the control unit 90 transmits a control signal from the CPU 91 to the respective units and apparatuses in the image forming apparatus 100 through the I / F 96. In addition, a signal indicating the state and an input signal are transmitted from each part or device to the CPU 91 through the I / F 96. Examples of each part and device controlled by the control unit 90 in the present embodiment include the image forming unit 3, the image reading unit 6, the exposure unit 7, the fixing unit 14, the transfer roller 18, and the operation unit 50.

  The operation unit 50 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 51 and LEDs 52 that indicate various states, and displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and displays the image forming status and the number of copies to be printed. In addition, the operation unit 50 is provided with a stop / clear button used when image formation is stopped, a reset button used when various settings of the image forming apparatus 100 are set to a default state, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the sensors mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment are ranked based on priority during operation. Although many sensors other than those shown in FIG. 3 are arranged in the image forming apparatus 100, the description of other sensors is omitted here for convenience of explanation.

  A sensor classified into rank 1 has a large influence on the image forming apparatus 100 unless there is an input value from the sensor, and it is difficult to maintain image quality or ensure safety. It is a high-priority sensor that cannot be supplemented by other sensors. An example of a sensor classified into rank 1 is a fixing temperature detection sensor 40. If the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 breaks down and the input value is not normally transmitted to the control unit 90, there is a possibility that fixing failure due to insufficient fixing temperature may occur. Further, there is a possibility that the fixing roller pair 14a is thermally deteriorated due to excessive temperature rise of the fixing temperature, or that smoke or fire is generated.

  The sensor classified into rank 2 has a large influence on the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 if there is no input value from the sensor, but the image is obtained by supplementing the input value from the sensor with the input value from another sensor. It is a medium-priority sensor that can maintain quality or ensure safety. The sensors classified into rank 2 include first to third paper feed detection sensors 30a to 30c, a registration sensor 31, a fixing detection sensor 33, first and second discharge detection sensors 35a and 35b, and a reverse conveyance detection sensor 37. Can be mentioned. For example, when the registration sensor 31 breaks down and the input value is not normally transmitted to the control unit 90, the distance between the first to third paper feed detection sensors 30a to 30c or the conveyance detection sensor 39a and the registration sensor 31, and the sheet The arrival timing of the sheet at the registration roller pair 12 can be estimated using the conveyance speed.

  The sensors classified into rank 3 are low-priority sensors that have little influence on the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and can maintain image quality or ensure safety even when there is no input value from the sensor. . Examples of sensors classified into rank 3 include conveyance detection sensors 39a to 39c, an in-machine temperature / humidity sensor 41, and an out-of-machine temperature / humidity sensor 43. Even if these sensors fail and input values are not normally transmitted to the control unit 90, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and the influence on the output image do not appear immediately. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 100 can be continuously used without any particular problem for a certain period.

  Moreover, the input value from the sensor classified into rank 3 can be supplemented with the input value from another sensor. For example, if any of the transport detection sensors 39a to 39c fails, the first to third paper feed detection sensors 30a to 30c, the registration sensor 31, the fixing detection sensor 33, the first and second discharge detection sensors 35a and 35b. The sheet passing timing can be estimated on the basis of the input value from. Furthermore, since the internal temperature / humidity and the external temperature / humidity have a correlation, when one of the internal temperature / humidity sensor 41 and the external temperature / humidity sensor 43 fails, the input value from the other sensor is substituted. You can also.

  In this way, by storing the data obtained by ranking each sensor based on the priority in the ROM 92 (or RAM 93), when a certain sensor fails, the input of another sensor depends on the rank of the failed sensor. The operation rate of the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled by distinguishing between a sensor that cannot be compensated by a value, a sensor that can be compensated by an input value of another sensor, and a sensor that does not need to be compensated by an input value of another sensor. Can be improved. In FIG. 3, the ranks are classified into three ranks of rank 1 to rank 3, but may be divided into two stages or may be divided into four or more stages.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation control when the sensor fails in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The operation control of the image forming apparatus 100 at the time of sensor failure will be specifically described along the steps of FIG. 4 with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 as necessary.

  First, before a print command is input from a personal computer or the like, the control unit 90 determines whether or not the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 has failed based on an input value from the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 (step S1). When the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 has not failed, when a printing operation is started by inputting a printing command from a personal computer or the like (step S2), input values from the sensors in the image forming apparatus 100 are input to the control unit 90. Sent. The control unit 90 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 using input values from each sensor.

  Next, the control unit 90 determines whether or not there is a failure of each sensor from the transmission state of the input value from each sensor (step S3). If transmission of an input value from a certain sensor stops or an abnormal value far from the reference value is transmitted, it is determined that the sensor has failed (YES in step S3), and is recorded in the ROM 92 (or RAM 93). The ranking data (see FIG. 3) obtained by reading out is read and the rank of the failed sensor is confirmed (step S4). Then, it is determined whether or not the rank of the failed sensor is rank 1 (step S5). If the failed sensor is a rank 1 sensor (YES in step S5), the fact that the sensor has failed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S6), and the image forming apparatus 100 is printed from a printable state. The state is changed to an impossible state (step S7).

  If the rank of the failed sensor is not rank 1 (NO in step S5), it is next determined whether or not the rank of the failed sensor is rank 2 (step S8). For example, when the failed sensor is the rank 2 registration sensor 31 (YES in step S8), the fact that the registration sensor 31 is out of order is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S9), and the registration sensor 31 The control is switched to the control to supplement the input value with the input value from another sensor (step S10), and the printable state is continued (step S12).

  For example, when paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 10a, the input value from the first paper feed detection sensor 30a, the distance from the first paper feed detection sensor 30a to the registration sensor 31, and the paper conveyance speed are set. Using this, the paper arrival timing to the registration roller pair 12 is estimated, and image forming processing in the image forming unit 3 is performed according to the estimated timing.

  If the rank of the sensor that failed in step S8 is not rank 2 (NO in step S8), for example, if the failed sensor is the in-machine temperature / humidity sensor 41 of rank 3, the fact that the in-machine temperature / humidity sensor 41 has failed is indicated. While displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S11), the printable state is continued (step S12). Note that even when no failure of each sensor is detected in step S3, the printable state is continued as it is (step S12).

  In the case where the sensor has failed, there may be a case where a jam occurs without the printing of the first sheet being completed normally if the printing command is a single printing and the printing is continuous. In this case, the position of the jammed paper is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51. Therefore, by removing the stopped paper, if the rank of the failed sensor is not rank 1, printing can be continued.

  According to the control of FIG. 4, even if any of the sensors in the image forming apparatus 100 fails, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and the effect on the output image are small, or other sensors If the input value can be substituted, the printing operation can be continued. Therefore, there is a possibility that printing may be possible even before a serviceman replaces and repairs a sensor depending on a broken sensor, so that convenience for the user is improved.

  On the other hand, if the malfunctioning sensor has a great influence on the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and the output image and cannot be substituted by the input values of other sensors, the printing operation is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an image defect or the failure of the image forming apparatus 100 by continuing printing while the sensor is in a failed state. In addition, user safety can be ensured. Furthermore, even if the printing operation can be continued, the type and location of the sensor that has failed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51, so there is no possibility that the user will continue printing for a long time without noticing the sensor failure. .

  In the control of FIG. 4, when the sensor of rank 2 fails (YES in step S8), the printable state is changed by switching to control that compensates the input value from the failed sensor with another sensor (step S10). Although the operation is continued, it is possible to continue the printing by limiting the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 without being supplemented by other sensors. For example, when a low-priority sensor related to paper conveyance, such as the first to third paper feed detection sensors 30a to 30c, the first and second discharge detection sensors 35a and 35b, and the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37, has failed. By reducing the transport speed (process speed) or limiting the number of sheets that can be continuously printed, it is possible to continue printing in an operating environment in which variations in transport are less likely to occur and the paper is less likely to jam.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram in which the sensors mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are ranked based on the priority during operation and the necessity of monitoring based on the operation state. The configuration and control path of the image forming apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Although many sensors other than those shown in FIG. 5 are arranged in the image forming apparatus 100, other sensors are omitted here for convenience of explanation as in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the first to third paper feed detection sensors 30a to 30c, the registration sensor 31, the fixing detection sensor 33, the first and second discharge detection sensors 35a and 35b, and the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 that are divided into ranks 2. The sensor (rank 2A) that requires monitoring (confirmation of the input value by the control unit 90) regardless of the operation state (job type) of the image forming apparatus 100, and monitoring is not necessary depending on the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 Are selected (rank 2B).

  For example, when paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 10a, the second paper feed detection sensor 30b that detects paper feed from the paper feed cassette 10b and the third paper feed detection sensor 30c that detects paper feed from the stack bypass 10c. Monitoring is not necessary. Further, when the paper is discharged from the first discharge roller pair 20a to the first discharge tray 17a, monitoring of the second discharge detection sensor 35b that detects discharge of the paper from the second discharge roller pair 20b becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, when printing on one side of the paper, the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 that detects the paper passing through the reverse conveyance path 16 is not required to be monitored.

  As described above, data obtained by ranking each sensor based on the necessity of monitoring based on the priority and the operation state is stored in the ROM 92 (or RAM 93), and the rank of each sensor is determined when the image forming apparatus 100 starts operation. By selecting the sensors that need to be monitored and the sensors that do not need to be monitored according to the status of the image forming operation (job type), the processing load on the control unit 90 can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sensor monitoring control in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The operation control of the image forming apparatus 100 will be specifically described along the steps of FIG. 6 with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 as necessary.

  First, when a printing operation is started by inputting a printing command from a personal computer or the like (step S1), input values from each sensor in the image forming apparatus 100 are transmitted to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 reads the rank division data (see FIG. 5) stored in the ROM 92 (or RAM 93) to check the rank of each sensor (step S2), and determines whether the sensor rank is rank 1 or not. Determination is made (step S3).

  For example, when the sensor is the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 of rank 1 (YES in step S3), the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, single-sided printing or double-sided printing, paper feed cassettes 10a, 10b, stack) The input value from the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 is required regardless of which of the bypasses 10c is used for feeding, which of the first discharge tray 17a and the second discharge tray 17b is used, and so on. Monitoring is continued by the unit 90 (step S4).

  When the rank of the sensor is not rank 1 (NO in step S3), the control unit 90 determines whether it is necessary to monitor the sensor according to the operation state of the selected image forming apparatus 100 (step S5). For example, when the operation state is single-sided printing, monitoring of the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 is unnecessary (NO in step S5), and therefore monitoring of the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 is stopped (step S6).

  Further, for example, when paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 10a, monitoring of the first paper feed detection sensor 30a is necessary (YES in step S5), and therefore monitoring of the first paper feed detection sensor 30a is continued (step S5). S7). Similarly, with respect to other sensors, according to the ranking data and the operation state, a sensor that needs to be monitored is distinguished from a sensor that does not need to be monitored, and monitoring is continued or stopped. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the printing operation has been completed (step S8). If printing has been completed, the process is terminated.

  According to the control of FIG. 6, the processing load of the control unit 90 is reduced by selecting the sensors that need to be monitored and the sensors that do not need to be monitored according to the operation state, and monitoring only the sensors that need to be monitored. be able to. In addition, if the power supply to each sensor is configured to be on / off, power consumption can be reduced by stopping the power supply to the sensors that do not require monitoring.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation control when a sensor failure occurs in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The operation control of the image forming apparatus 100 at the time of sensor failure will be specifically described along the steps of FIG. 7 with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 as necessary.

  First, before a print command is input from a personal computer or the like, the control unit 90 determines whether or not the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 has failed based on an input value from the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 (step S1). When the fixing temperature detection sensor 40 has not failed, when a printing operation is started by inputting a printing command from a personal computer or the like (step S2), input values from the sensors in the image forming apparatus 100 are input to the control unit 90. Sent. The control unit 90 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 using input values from each sensor.

  Next, the control unit 90 determines whether or not there is a failure of each sensor from the transmission state of the input value transmitted from each sensor (step S3).

  If transmission of an input value from a certain sensor stops or an abnormal value far from the reference value is transmitted, it is determined that the sensor has failed (YES in step S3), and is recorded in the ROM 92 (or RAM 93). The ranking data (see FIG. 5) read out is read and the rank of the failed sensor is confirmed (step S4). Then, it is determined whether or not the rank of the failed sensor is rank 1 (step S5). If the failed sensor is a rank 1 sensor (YES in step S5), the fact that the sensor has failed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S6), and the image forming apparatus 100 is printed from a printable state. The state is changed to an impossible state (step S7).

  If the rank of the failed sensor is not rank 1 (NO in step S5), it is then determined whether or not the failed sensor is necessary for the subsequent printing operation (step S8). For example, when the subsequent print content is double-sided printing and the failed sensor is the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 (YES in step S8), the liquid crystal display unit 51 displays that the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 is defective. Along with (Step S6), the image forming apparatus 100 is changed from a state in which double-sided printing is possible to a state in which double-sided printing is not possible (Step S7).

  On the other hand, for example, when the subsequent print content is single-sided printing and the failed sensor is the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 (NO in step S8), the liquid crystal display unit 51 is notified that the reverse conveyance detection sensor 37 has failed. While displaying (step S9), the state in which single-sided printing is possible is continued (step S10). Then, it is determined whether or not printing (job) is continued (step S11). If printing is continued, the process returns to step S3, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

  In the case where the sensor has failed, there may be a case where a jam occurs without the printing of the first sheet being completed normally if the printing command is a single printing and the printing is continuous. In that case, since the position of the jammed paper is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51, the rank of the failed sensor is not rank 1 by removing the stopped paper and is not necessary for the subsequent printing operation. The printer is ready for printing.

  According to the control of FIG. 7, when a certain sensor fails, it is determined whether to continue or stop printing based on the content of the printing operation and the rank of the failed sensor. If the printer does not affect the printing operation, such as when the printer breaks down, printing can be continued and user convenience is enhanced.

  In FIG. 5, the sensors classified into rank 2 based on the priority are further classified into 2 ranks 2A and 2B based on the necessity of monitoring according to the operation state, but the sensors classified into ranks 1 and 3 are also classified. You may divide into several ranks based on the necessity of monitoring by an operation state. That is, even if the rank 1 sensor that cannot be compensated for by other sensors has a great influence on the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, the sensor does not need to be monitored from the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100. If it is determined, printing can be continued.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a toner amount (toner density) detection sensor mounted on the developing unit 8, a document size detection sensor mounted on the image reading unit 6, a transport detection sensor required only when transporting a specific size (for example, A3 size), etc. Further, by classifying sensors other than the sensors exemplified in the above embodiments, the operating rate of the image forming apparatus 100 is increased, and the processing load of the control unit 90 and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 are reduced. Can do.

  The present invention is not limited to the digital multi-function peripheral as shown in FIG. 1, but can be applied to various image forming apparatuses of monochrome and color printers, color multi-function peripherals, facsimiles, electrophotographic systems, or ink jet recording systems. .

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sensors for controlling each part of the apparatus. By utilizing the present invention, when a certain sensor fails, the input value from the failed sensor can be supplemented by another sensor, or when it is not necessary to supplement by another sensor, the image forming operation can be continued. The operating rate of the image forming apparatus can be improved. Further, by distinguishing between sensors that need to be monitored and sensors that do not need to be monitored according to the operating state of the image forming apparatus and monitoring only the sensors that need to be monitored, the processing load on the control unit can be reduced. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Image formation part 10 Paper feed mechanism 12 Registration roller pair 14 Fixing part 30a 1st paper feed detection sensor 30b 2nd paper feed detection sensor 30c 3rd paper feed detection sensor 31 Registration sensor 33 Fixing detection sensor 35a 1st discharge | emission detection sensor 35b Second discharge detection sensor 37 Reverse conveyance detection sensor 39a to 39c Conveyance detection sensor 40 Fixing temperature detection sensor 41 Internal temperature / humidity sensor 43 External temperature / humidity sensor 51 Liquid crystal display unit (display unit)
90 control unit 100 image forming apparatus

Claims (8)

Multiple sensors,
A control unit for controlling each part of the apparatus based on an input value from the sensor;
In an image forming apparatus comprising:
Each of the sensors is divided into a plurality of ranks based on the priority at the time of execution of the image forming operation.
The control unit, when any of the sensors fails, determines whether to continue the image formable state or change to a state incapable of image formation according to the rank of the sensor. Forming equipment. Each sensor is difficult to maintain image quality or secure safety without an input value from the sensor, and the input value from the sensor cannot be supplemented by another sensor. It is possible to maintain the image quality or secure safety even if there is no input value from the sensor and the rank of 1 or maintain the image quality by supplementing the input value from the sensor with another sensor. It is divided into one or more ranks having a lower priority than the first rank that can ensure safety,
The control unit changes from a state where image formation is possible to a state where image formation is impossible when the failed sensor is classified into the first rank, and a rank having a lower priority than the first rank. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus continues a state in which an image can be formed.   The control unit, when the sensor that has failed is classified into a rank having a lower priority than the first rank, and the input value from the sensor can be supplemented by another sensor, the sensor The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the state in which an image can be formed is continued by switching to a control in which an input value from is supplemented with an input value from another sensor.   The control unit determines the conveyance speed of the recording medium when the failed sensor is classified into a rank having a lower priority than the first rank, and the sensor is a sensor related to conveyance of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the state in which image formation is possible is continued by reducing the number of sheets that can be continuously reduced or by limiting the number of sheets that can be continuously printed. Each of the sensors is further divided into a plurality of ranks based on the necessity of monitoring according to the state of the image forming operation,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when performing an image forming operation, the control unit selects a sensor that needs to be monitored and a sensor that does not need to be monitored according to a rank of each sensor and a state of the image forming operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit stops power supply to the sensor that is determined to be unnecessary to be monitored.   The said control part continues the state which can form an image, when it is judged that monitoring of the said sensor is unnecessary when either of the said sensors fails. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays information on the failed sensor when any of the sensors fails.

Images