JP2022071364A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To protect a memory in a cartridge and determine whether a drawer is pulled out by using a connection state between a drawer-side connector and a housing-side connector.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (color printer 1) comprises: a cover 11 that opens and closes an opening 10A of a main body housing 10; and a drawer 60 that holds a cartridge 50 having a memory M1 and can be pulled out from the main body housing 10. The drawer 60 includes a temperature sensor SE1, and a drawer-side connector CN1 that is brought into conduction with the memory M1 and the temperature sensor SE1. The main body-side housing 10 includes a control unit 100, and a housing-side connector CN2 that is brought into conduction with the control unit 100. The connectors CN1, CN2 are in contact with each other when the drawer 60 is at a position for image formation and are separated from each other when the drawer 60 is pulled out. When the cover 11 is opened, the control unit 100 stops energization to the memory M1, and when the control unit can no longer obtain a signal from the temperature sensor SE1, it determines that the drawer 60 is pulled out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a drawer for holding a cartridge.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a cartridge having a memory, a drawer to which the cartridge can be attached and detached, and a main body housing for movably supporting the drawer is known (see Patent Document 1). Specifically, in this technique, the drawer is provided with a drawer-side connector that conducts with the memory, and the main body housing is provided with a housing-side connector to which the drawer-side connector is connected. Then, when the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position, the drawer side connector is configured to be disconnected from the housing side connector.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-052340

By the way, the inventor of the present application is examining whether or not it is possible to determine whether or not the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position by using the connection state of the drawer side connector and the housing side connector. However, in the memory which is a semiconductor, if the connection of each connector is disconnected while the electric power is supplied, the data may be damaged. Further, in a state where power is not supplied to the memory, the control unit cannot determine whether or not the connection of each connector is disconnected, so that it is not possible to determine whether or not the drawer is pulled out.

Therefore, in the present invention, it is determined whether or not the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position by using the connection state between the drawer side connector and the housing side connector while protecting the passive element such as the memory provided in the cartridge. The purpose is.

In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention holds a main body housing, a cover for opening and closing an opening of the main body housing, and a cartridge having a memory, and is used from a position for image forming of the main body housing. A drawer that can be pulled out of the main body housing through the opening, a temperature sensor provided in the drawer, a drawer side connector provided in the drawer and conducting conduction with the memory and the temperature sensor, and the main body housing. It is provided with a control unit provided in the main body housing, and a housing-side connector provided in the main body housing and conducting with the control unit.
The drawer-side connector and the housing-side connector come into contact with each other when the drawer is in the image-forming position, and separate when the drawer is pulled out of the image-forming position.
When the cover is opened, the control unit stops energizing the memory, and when a signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor, the control unit determines that the drawer has been pulled out from the image forming position. ..

According to this configuration, by stopping the energization of the memory when the cover is opened, the energization of the memory is stopped even if the drawer is pulled out after the cover is opened and the connection of each connector is disconnected. Since it is in the state of being in a state of being, the memory can be protected. Further, when the drawer is pulled out, the connection of each connector is disconnected and a signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor. Therefore, the control unit uses the connection state of each connector to determine whether or not the drawer has been pulled out. Can be determined. The temperature sensor can be used without any problem even if the connection of each connector is disconnected during power supply without any problem of data corruption.

Further, the drawer is provided with a photoconductor, the main body housing is provided with a transfer device in contact with the photoconductor, and the control unit is used when a sheet remains between the photoconductor and the transfer device. The jam error may be canceled based on the determination that the drawer has been determined to be a jam error and that the drawer has been pulled out from the image forming position.

According to this configuration, since the jam error is not cleared unless the drawer is pulled out, it is possible to suppress the start of printing with the sheet remaining between the photoconductor and the transfer device.

Further, the control unit may cancel the jam error based on the determination that the elapsed time from the drawer being pulled out from the image forming position is a predetermined time or longer.

It takes some time to remove the sheet that is clogged between the photoconductor and the transfer device, so by setting the elapsed time after the drawer is pulled out as a condition for canceling the jam error, the sheet can be used as the photoconductor. It is possible to further suppress the start of printing while remaining between the transfer devices.

Further, the control unit determines the change in impedance between the photoconductor and the transfer device before the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position and after the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position. Based on this, the jam error may be cleared.

Since the impedance between the photoconductor and the transfer device differs depending on whether there is a sheet between the photoconductor and the transfer device, the sheet can be compared with the photoconductor by setting the change in impedance as a condition for canceling the jam error. It is possible to further suppress the start of printing while remaining between the transfer devices.

Further, the control unit may determine that the drawer is arranged at the image forming position when the signal is obtained from the temperature sensor.

When the drawer is placed at the image forming position, each connector is connected and the state is obtained from the state where the signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor. Therefore, the control unit determines the connection state of each connector. It can be used to determine whether or not the drawer is placed at the image forming position.

Further, the control unit may start energizing the memory when the cover is closed after the drawer is arranged at the image forming position.

For example, in the form in which the energization of the memory is started when the drawer is placed at the image forming position, the memory is forcibly energized when the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position immediately after being placed at the image forming position. There is a risk that the data will be corrupted. On the other hand, in the above-described configuration, since the energization of the memory is started after the cover is closed and the drawer cannot be pulled out, the memory can be protected.

Further, the cartridge may have an accommodating portion for accommodating the developer and may be detachable from the drawer.

According to this configuration, when the drawer is pulled out of the main body housing and the cartridge is attached / detached, the energization of the memory is stopped, so that the memory can be protected.

Further, the drawer includes a memory for the drawer, the connector on the drawer side conducts to the memory for the drawer, and the control unit stops energization to the memory for the drawer when the cover is opened. You may.

According to this configuration, by stopping the energization of the drawer memory when the cover is opened, even if the drawer is pulled out after the cover is opened and the connection of each connector is disconnected, the drawer memory is supplied. Since the energization is stopped, the drawer memory can be protected.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention holds a main body housing, a cover for opening and closing an opening of the main body housing, and a cartridge having a semiconductor element, and is said to pass through the opening from the image forming position of the main body housing. A drawer that can be pulled out of the main body housing, a passive element provided in the drawer, a drawer side connector provided in the drawer and conducting conduction with the semiconductor element and the passive element, and a drawer side connector provided in the main body housing. It is provided with a control unit and a housing-side connector provided on the main body housing and conducting conduction with the control unit.
The drawer-side connector and the housing-side connector come into contact with each other when the drawer is in the image-forming position, and separate when the drawer is pulled out of the image-forming position.
The control unit determines that the drawer has been pulled out from the image forming position when the cover is opened, the energization of the semiconductor element is stopped, and no signal can be obtained from the passive element. do.

According to this configuration, by stopping the energization of the semiconductor element when the cover is opened, the energization of the semiconductor element is energized even if the drawer is pulled out after the cover is opened and the connection of each connector is disconnected. Since it is in the stopped state, the semiconductor element can be protected. Further, when the drawer is pulled out, the connection of each connector is cut off and a signal cannot be obtained from the passive element. Therefore, the control unit uses the connection state of each connector to determine whether or not the drawer is pulled out. Can be determined. It should be noted that the passive element can be used without any problem even if the connection of each connector is disconnected during power supply without any problem such as data corruption.

Further, the passive element may be a resistance element.

Further, the resistance element may be a thermistor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature.

According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position by using the connection state of the drawer side connector and the housing side connector while protecting the passive element such as the memory provided in the cartridge. be able to.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a color printer. It is a figure which shows the state which pulled out a drawer. It is a block diagram which showed the electrical connection between a control part, a drawer circuit board, and four toner circuit boards. It is a flowchart which shows the printing process. It is a flowchart which shows the jam error determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows the error clearing process. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the error clearing process.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
As shown in FIG. 1, a color printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus has a main body housing 10, a supply unit 20 for supplying a sheet P, an image forming unit 30 for forming an image on the sheet P, and an image. A transport unit 90 for discharging the formed sheet P and a control unit 100 are provided.

The main body housing 10 has an opening 10A and a cover 11 for opening and closing the opening 10A. The opening 10A is an opening through which the unit U described later can pass. The cover 11 is rotatable between an open position for opening the opening 10A and a closed position for closing the opening 10A.

The supply unit 20 includes a supply tray 21 for accommodating the sheet P, and a sheet transfer mechanism 22 for transporting the sheet P from the supply tray 21 to the image forming unit 30.

The image forming unit 30 includes a scanner unit 40, a unit U, a transfer device 70, and a fixing device 80.

The scanner unit 40 includes a laser emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like. The scanner unit 40 irradiates the surface of each photosensitive drum 61 with a laser beam.

The unit U can be pulled out from the main body housing 10 through the opening 10A. The unit U includes four cartridges 50 and a drawer 60.

The cartridge 50 is removable from the drawer 60. The cartridge 50 includes an accommodating portion 51 for accommodating toner as an example of a developer, a developing roller 52, a layer thickness regulating blade 53 that contacts the developing roller 52 and regulates the layer thickness of toner on the developing roller 52, and a layer thickness regulating blade 53. It includes a memory M1 as an example of a semiconductor element. Toners of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are accommodated in the accommodating portion 51 of the four cartridges 50.

The cartridges 50 are arranged in this order from the upstream of the sheet P in the transport direction, which are represented by the codes of 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K containing toners of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The memory M1 stores information regarding the life of the cartridge 50, such as the remaining amount of toner.

The drawer 60 is a member that holds each cartridge 50. The drawer 60 can be pulled out of the main body housing 10 from the image forming position of the main body housing 10 through the opening 10A in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The drawer 60 is movable between an image forming position where each cartridge 50 is located inside the main body housing 10 and a replacement position where each cartridge 50 is exposed to the outside of the main body housing 10. Here, the image forming position refers to the position of the drawer 60 when forming an image. The replacement position refers to the position of the drawer 60 when the cartridge 50 is replaced. The drawer 60 includes a photosensitive drum 61 as an example of a photoconductor, a charger (not shown), a frame 62 for detachably holding four cartridges 50, a temperature sensor SE1 as an example of a passive element, and a memory for a drawer. It is provided with M2 and a drawer side connector CN1. The photosensitive drum 61 and the charger are provided on the frame 62 in four corresponding to the four developing rollers 52.

The frame 62 is movably supported by the main body housing 10 in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The temperature sensor SE1 is a resistance element. Specifically, the temperature sensor SE1 is a thermistor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature. The temperature sensor SE1 acquires the temperature inside the machine, which is the temperature inside the main body housing 10. The drawer memory M2 stores information on the life of the photosensitive drum 61, such as the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 61.

The drawer side connector CN1 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor SE1, the memory M1 and the drawer memory M2 via wiring. As shown in FIG. 3, the memory M1 of each cartridge 50 is connected to the connector CN1 on the drawer side by connecting the connector CN3 provided on each cartridge 50 and the connector CN4 provided on the drawer 60. do.

Returning to FIG. 1, the main body housing 10 includes a control unit 100 and a housing-side connector CN2 that conducts with the control unit 100 via wiring. The drawer-side connector CN1 is connected to the housing-side connector CN2 in a state where the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position of the main body housing 10. Specifically, when the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position, the drawer side connector CN1 comes into contact with the housing side connector CN2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the drawer 60 is pulled out from the main body housing 10 and the drawer 60 is arranged at the replacement position, the drawer side connector CN1 is separated from the housing side connector CN2. Specifically, when the drawer 60 is pulled out from the image forming position and becomes a separated position between the image forming position and the replacement position, the drawer side connector CN1 is separated from the housing side connector CN2. The separation position is a position where each cartridge 50 is located inside the main body housing 10, and is a position where image formation cannot be executed.

Returning to FIG. 1, the transfer device 70 includes a drive roller 71, a driven roller 72, a transfer belt 73, and a transfer roller 74. The conveyor belt 73 is an endless belt. The drive roller 71 and the driven roller 72 are rollers that rotate the conveyor belt 73. The transfer rollers 74 are rollers that sandwich the transport belt 73 with the corresponding photosensitive drum 61, and four transfer rollers 74 are arranged so as to face each photosensitive drum 61. The transfer device 70 is arranged so that the upper surface of the transport belt 73 is in contact with each photosensitive drum 61.

The fixing device 80 is a device for fixing a toner image on the sheet P. The fixing device 80 includes a heating roller 81 heated by the heater H and a pressure roller 82 pressed by the heating roller 81.

When the drawer 60 is in the image forming position of the main body housing 10, the color printer 1 can form an image. The image forming position is a position where the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70 are in contact with each other, and the scanner unit 40 is a position where a predetermined position of the photosensitive drum 61 can be exposed. In the image forming unit 30, first, the surface of each photosensitive drum 61 is uniformly charged by the charging device, and then exposed by the scanner unit 40. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on each photosensitive drum 61. After that, the toner in the accommodating portion 51 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 61 by the developing roller 52, so that the toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61.

Next, the sheet P supplied on the transport belt 73 passes between each photosensitive drum 61 and each transfer roller 74, so that the toner image formed on each photosensitive drum 61 is transferred onto the sheet P. Toner. Then, as the sheet P passes between the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82, the toner image transferred onto the sheet P is heat-fixed.

The transport unit 90 functions as a discharge mechanism for discharging the sheet P carried out from the image forming unit 30 to the discharge tray 13 of the main body housing 10, and the sheet P having an image formed on one surface by the image forming unit 30. It functions as a re-transporting means for re-transporting the sheet P to the image forming unit 30 in a state where the front and back sides of the sheet P are inverted. Specifically, the transport unit 90 mainly includes a transport path 91, a discharge roller 92, and a re-transport path 93.

The transport path 91 is a path that guides the sheet P from the fixing device 80 toward the discharge tray 13.

The discharge roller 92 is configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions, and discharges the sheet P carried out from the image forming unit 30 toward the discharge tray 13 during forward rotation, and discharges the sheet P toward the discharge tray 13 during reverse rotation. Transport so that it is pulled in.

The retransport path 93 is configured to guide the sheet P on which an image is formed on one surface by the image forming unit 30 to the image forming unit 30 again by passing under the supply unit 20.

Further, the color printer 1 further includes a cover opening / closing sensor SE2 for detecting the opening / closing of the cover 11, a first sheet sensor SE3, and a second sheet sensor SE4.

When the cover 11 is closed, the cover open / close sensor SE2 hits a part of the cover 11 and outputs an ON signal to the control unit 100. When the cover 11 is open, the cover open / close sensor SE2 separates the cover 11 and outputs an OFF signal to the control unit 100.

The first seat sensor SE3 and the second seat sensor SE4 are sensors that detect the presence or absence of a seat. The first seat sensor SE3 and the second seat sensor SE4 have, for example, a swing member that swings when it comes into contact with the seat P, and an optical sensor that detects the swing of the swing member. In the present embodiment, each of the seat sensors SE3 and SE4 outputs an ON signal when the rocking member is tilted by the seat P, and outputs an OFF signal when the rocking member is not tilted. ..

The first sheet sensor SE3 is located upstream of the photosensitive drum 61 in the transport direction of the sheet P. The second seat sensor SE4 is located downstream of the first seat sensor SE3, more specifically, downstream of the heating roller 81 in the transport direction of the seat P.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 includes a main circuit board 101, a processor 102 such as a CPU, and a main body memory 103 as a storage medium. The control unit 100 executes various processes by operating the processor 102 according to the program. The drawer 60 includes a drawer circuit board 601 having a drawer memory M2 and a temperature sensor SE1. Each cartridge 50 includes a toner circuit board 501 with a memory M1.

The main circuit board 101 has a main terminal 510. The toner circuit board 501 has a toner terminal 550. The drawer circuit board 601 is connected to a first terminal 520 connected to the main terminal 510 via wiring and connectors CN1 and CN2, and to each toner terminal 550 of each cartridge 50 via wiring and connectors CN3 and CN4. It has four second terminals 530 and a relay line 540 connecting the first terminal 520 and each second terminal 530.

The main terminal 510 includes a main voltage terminal 511, a main ground terminal 512, a main clock terminal 513, five main signal terminals 514, and two main sensor terminals 515. The first terminal 520 includes a first voltage terminal 521, a first ground terminal 522, a first clock terminal 523, five first signal terminals 524, and two first sensor terminals 525. With the connectors CN1 and CN2 connected, the voltage terminals 511,521, the ground terminal 512,522, the clock terminals 513,523, the signal terminals 514,524, and the sensor terminals 515,525 are electrically connected, respectively. It is connected.

The second terminal 530 is provided at a position corresponding to each cartridge 50, one for each, for a total of four. The second terminal 530 includes a second voltage terminal 531, a second ground terminal 532, a second clock terminal 533, and a second signal terminal 534. The voltage terminals 521, 531, the ground terminal 522, 532, the clock terminals 523, 533, and the signal terminals 524, 534 are electrically connected via the relay line 540, respectively.

Further, the first voltage terminal 521, the first ground terminal 522, the first clock terminal 523, and the first signal terminal 524 are electrically connected to the drawer memory M2 via the relay line 540. The first sensor terminal 525 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor SE1 via wiring.

The toner terminal 550 includes a toner voltage terminal 551, a toner ground terminal 552, a toner clock terminal 553, and a toner signal terminal 554. With the connectors CN3 and CN4 connected, the voltage terminals 531 and 551, the ground terminals 532 and 552, the clock terminals 533 and 553, and the signal terminals 534 and 554 are electrically connected, respectively. Further, the toner voltage terminal 551, the toner ground terminal 552, the toner clock terminal 553, and the toner signal terminal 554 are electrically connected to the memory M1.

The voltage terminals 511, 521, 531, 551 described above are terminals for supplying a power supply voltage. The ground terminal 512,522,532,552 is a terminal for supplying a ground voltage. The clock terminals 513, 523, 533, 553 are terminals for supplying a clock signal at regular time intervals. The signal terminals 514, 524, 534, 554 are terminals for transmitting and receiving signals indicating various information. The sensor terminals 515 and 525 are terminals for energizing the temperature sensor SE1.

When the cover 11 is opened, the control unit 100 stops energizing the memories M1 and M2, and when a signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor SE1, the drawer 60 is pulled out from the image forming position. It has a judgment function. Specifically, when the control unit 100 determines that the cover 11 has been opened based on the signal from the cover open / close sensor SE2, the control unit 100 stops the energization of the terminals 511 to 514 to stop the energization of the memories M1 and M2. Then, by continuing the energization to the main sensor terminal 515, the energization to the temperature sensor SE1 is continued. Then, when the connectors CN1 and CN2 are disconnected due to the drawer 60 being pulled out, the control unit 100 cannot obtain a signal from the temperature sensor SE1, so that the drawer 60 is pulled out based on the fact that the signal cannot be obtained. It is judged that it was done. The state in which no signal is obtained from the temperature sensor SE1 is specifically a state in which the resistance value of the temperature sensor SE1 which is a thermistor exceeds a predetermined range.

The control unit 100 has a function of determining whether or not a jam error in which the sheet P stops during printing has occurred. Specifically, the control unit 100 has a first jam error in which the sheet P is clogged near the first sheet sensor SE3, a second jam error in which the sheet P is clogged between the first sheet sensor SE3 and the second sheet sensor SE4, and a second jam error. 2 It is possible to determine a third jam error in which the sheet P is clogged near the sheet sensor SE4.

When the time during which the ON signal is output from the first sheet sensor SE3 exceeds the sheet length time, that is, the sheet P is clogged in the vicinity of the first sheet sensor SE3, and the control unit 100 causes the first sheet sensor SE3. If it remains collapsed, it is determined to be the first jam error. Here, the sheet length time is a time corresponding to the length of the sheet P. When the sheet P normally passes through the first sheet sensor SE3, the first sheet sensor SE3 is turned on for the time obtained by dividing the length of the sheet P by the transport speed of the sheet P, which is longer than this time. The sheet length time is set to the time.

When the predetermined sheet P is not detected by the second sheet sensor SE4 within a predetermined time after the predetermined sheet P is detected by the first sheet sensor SE3, that is, the sheet P is the first sheet sensor. It is determined that the second jam error has occurred when the sensor has passed through SE3 normally but is clogged before reaching the second sheet sensor SE4. Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that the second jam error occurs when the sheet P remains between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70.

When the time during which the ON signal is output from the second sheet sensor SE4 exceeds the sheet length time, that is, the sheet P is clogged in the vicinity of the second sheet sensor SE4, and the control unit 100 causes the second sheet sensor SE4 to clog. If it remains collapsed, it is determined to be the third jam error.

The control unit 100 has a function of canceling a jam error based on the determination that the drawer 60 has been pulled out from the image forming position. Specifically, the control unit 100 has a function of canceling a jam error based on the determination that the elapsed time from the drawer 60 being pulled out from the image forming position is a predetermined time or more. Here, the predetermined time is set to the minimum time required for the user to remove the sheet P clogged in the main body housing 10.

In the present embodiment, the jam error release condition includes the above-mentioned drawer 60 being pulled out and the elapsed time being a predetermined time or more, the opening / closing condition of the cover 11, and the drawer 60. It includes that it is arranged at the image forming position and that each sheet sensor SE3 and SE4 is OFF.

The control unit 100 has a function of determining that the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position when the signal can be obtained from the temperature sensor SE1. Specifically, when the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position, the connectors CN1 and CN2 are connected and a signal can be obtained from the temperature sensor SE1, so that the control unit 100 cannot obtain the signal. Based on the state obtained from the state, it is determined that the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position.

The control unit 100 has a function of starting energization of the memories M1 and M2 when the cover 11 is closed after the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position.

Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail.
Upon receiving the print command, the control unit 100 executes the print process shown in FIG.

In the printing process, the control unit 100 first starts printing (S1). After step S1, the control unit 100 executes a jam error determination process (S2). The jam error determination process will be described in detail later.

After step S2, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a jam error has occurred, specifically, whether or not a jam error has occurred in the jam error determination process (S3). If it is determined in step S3 that a jam error has occurred (Yes), the control unit 100 cancels printing (S4).

After step S4, the control unit 100 executes an error clearing process (S5). The error cancellation process will be described in detail later.

After step S5, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the jam error has been cleared in the error clearing process (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the jam error has not been cleared (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S5.

If it is determined in step S6 that the jam error has been cleared (Yes), the control unit 100 resumes printing (S7). After step S7 or when it is determined as No in step S3, the control unit 100 determines whether or not printing is completed (S8).

If it is determined in step S8 that printing has not been completed (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S2. If it is determined in step S8 that printing is completed (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the jam error determination process, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not the first sheet sensor SE3 is turned on (S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the first sheet sensor SE3 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

When it is determined in step S31 that the first sheet sensor SE3 is turned ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the ON time of the first sheet sensor SE3 exceeds the sheet length time (S32). ). When it is determined in step S32 that the ON time of the first sheet sensor SE3 exceeds the sheet length time (Yes), the control unit 100 determines that the first jam error has occurred (S33), and this process is performed. To finish.

If it is determined in step S32 that the ON time of the first sheet sensor SE3 does not exceed the sheet length time (No), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the first sheet sensor SE3 has been turned OFF. (S34).

If it is determined in step S34 that the first sheet sensor SE3 is not turned off (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S32. When it is determined in step S34 that the first sheet sensor SE3 is turned off (Yes), the control unit 100 turns on the second sheet sensor SE4 within a predetermined time after the first sheet sensor SE3 is turned on. It is determined whether or not it has become (S35).

If it is determined in step S35 that the second sheet sensor SE4 has not been turned ON within a predetermined time from the ON of the first sheet sensor SE3 (No), the control unit 100 determines that the second jam error has occurred. (S36), this process is terminated. If it is determined to be Yes in step S35, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the ON time of the second sheet sensor SE4 exceeds the sheet length time (S37).

If it is determined in step S37 that the ON time of the second sheet sensor SE4 exceeds the sheet length time (Yes), the control unit 100 determines that a third jam error has occurred (S38), and this process is performed. To finish. If it is determined as No in step S37, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the second sheet sensor SE4 is turned off (S39).

If it is determined in step S39 that the second sheet sensor SE4 is not turned off (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S37. If it is determined in step S39 that the second sheet sensor SE4 is turned off (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the error clearing process, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not the cover 11 has been opened based on the signal from the cover open / close sensor SE2 (S61). If it is determined in step S61 that the cover 11 has not been opened (No), the control unit 100 ends this process without canceling the jam error.

If it is determined in step S61 that the cover 11 has been opened (Yes), the control unit 100 stops energizing the memories M1 and M2 (S62). After step S62, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the drawer 60 has been pulled out from the image forming position based on the connection state of each of the connectors CN1 and CN2 (S63). Specifically, in step S63, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a response from the temperature sensor SE1 provided in the drawer 60, and if there is no response, determines that the drawer 60 has been pulled out from the image forming position. .. If it is determined in step S63 that the drawer 60 has not been pulled out (No), the control unit 100 ends this process without canceling the jam error.

If it is determined in step S63 that the drawer 60 has been pulled out (Yes), the control unit 100 starts measuring the elapsed time since the drawer 60 was pulled out (S64). After step S64, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position based on the connection state of each of the connectors CN1 and CN2 (S65). Specifically, in step S65, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a response from the temperature sensor SE1 provided in the drawer 60, and if there is a response, determines that the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position. ..

If it is determined in step S65 that the drawer 60 is not arranged at the image forming position (No), the control unit 100 repeats the process of step S65. When it is determined in step S65 that the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the cover 11 is closed based on the signal from the cover open / close sensor SE2. (S66).

If it is determined in step S66 that the cover 11 is not closed (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S65. If it is determined in step S66 that the cover 11 is closed (Yes), the control unit 100 starts energizing the memories M1 and M2 (S67).

After step S67, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the elapsed time since the drawer 60 is pulled out is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (S68). If it is determined in step S68 that the elapsed time is not longer than the predetermined time (No), the control unit 100 ends this process without canceling the jam error.

If it is determined in step S68 that the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not each of the sheet sensors SE3 and SE4 is OFF, so that the first sheet sensor SE3 Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the seat P holding the swing member of the second seat sensor SE4 in the tilted state has been removed (S69). The process of step S69 is particularly effective when the first jam error or the third jam error occurs, but even when the second jam error occurs, the sheets P other than the sheet P causing the error shake. It is effective because it may be stopped with the moving member tilted down.

When it is determined in step S69 that each of the seat sensors SE3 and SE4 is OFF (Yes), the control unit 100 cancels the jam error (S70), resets the elapsed time (S71), and performs this process. finish. If No is determined in steps S68 and S69, the control unit 100 ends this process without canceling the jam error.

Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail.
If a jam error occurs during printing, the control unit 100 cancels printing (S2 to S4 in FIG. 4). If printing is aborted due to a jam error, the user opens the cover 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As a result, the OFF signal is output from the cover open / close sensor SE2 to the control unit 100. Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that the cover 11 has been opened and stops energization to the memories M1 and M2 (FIG. 6). S61, S62).

After that, when the user pulls out the drawer 60 from the image forming position, the drawer side connector CN1 is disconnected from the housing side connector CN2. As a result, the control unit 100 cannot obtain a response from the temperature sensor SE1. Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that the drawer 60 has been pulled out from the image forming position, and starts measuring the elapsed time (S63, S64).

After pulling out the drawer 60, the user removes the sheet P clogged in the main body housing 10. The time required for the removal work of removing the sheet P is a predetermined time or longer. In this example, it is assumed that all the sheets P clogged in the main body housing 10 have been removed in the removal work.

When the user removes the sheet P, the drawer 60 is returned to the image forming position. As a result, the drawer side connector CN1 is connected to the housing side connector CN2, so that the control unit 100 can obtain a response from the temperature sensor SE1 and determines that the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position. (S65).

The user closes the cover 11 after returning the drawer 60 to the image forming position. As a result, the ON signal is output from the cover open / close sensor SE2 to the control unit 100. Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that the cover 11 is closed and starts energizing the memories M1 and M2 (S66, S67). ). That is, the control unit 100 starts energizing each of the memories M1 and M2 after the user cannot access the drawer 60 due to the cover 11 being closed.

After that, the control unit 100 determines in step S68 that the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S68: Yes), and then determines that the sheet sensors SE3 and SE4 are OFF (S69: Yes). Cancel the jam error (S70). If the user pulls out the drawer 60 and then returns the drawer 60 to the image forming position and closes the cover 11 without performing the removal work, the elapsed time does not exceed a predetermined time, so that the control unit 100 Determines No in step S68 and does not clear the jam error. Further, if the sheet P clogged in the vicinity of the first sheet sensor SE3 or the second sheet sensor SE4 is not removed in the removing operation, the control unit 100 determines No in step S69 and does not clear the jam error. ..

Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment.
By stopping the energization of the memories M1 and M2 when the cover 11 is opened, even if the drawer 60 is pulled out after the cover 11 is opened and the connections of the connectors CN1 and CN2 are disconnected, each memory M1 Since the energization to M2 is stopped, the memories M1 and M2 can be protected. Further, when the drawer 60 is pulled out, the connection of each connector CN1 and CN2 is cut off and a signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor SE1, so that the control unit 100 uses the connection state of each connector CN1 and CN2. Then, it can be determined whether or not the drawer 60 has been pulled out. The temperature sensor SE1 can be used without any problem even if the connectors CN1 and CN2 are disconnected during power supply without any problem of data corruption.

After the jam error occurs, the jam error is not cleared unless the drawer 60 is pulled out, so that it is possible to suppress the start of printing with the sheet P remaining in the main body housing 10.

Since it takes a certain amount of time to remove the clogged sheet P in the main body housing 10, the sheet P can be set as the main body housing by setting the elapsed time after the drawer 60 is pulled out as a condition for canceling the jam error. It is possible to further suppress the start of printing while remaining in the body 10.

When the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position, the connectors CN1 and CN2 are connected to each other, and the state is obtained from the state where the signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor SE1. Using the connection state of each of the connectors CN1 and CN2, it is possible to determine whether or not the drawer 60 is arranged at the image forming position.

For example, in the form in which energization of the memories M1 and M2 is started when the drawer 60 is placed at the image forming position, when the drawer 60 is pulled out from the image forming position immediately after being placed at the image forming position. , The energization of each memory M1 and M2 may be forcibly cut off, and the data may be damaged. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the energization of the memories M1 and M2 is started after the cover 11 is closed and the drawer 60 cannot be pulled out, the memories M1 and M2 can be protected. can.

When the drawer 60 is pulled out of the main body housing 10 and the cartridge 50 is attached / detached, the energization of the memories M1 and M2 is stopped, so that the memories M1 and M2 can be protected.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be used in various forms as illustrated below. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be given to structures and processes substantially the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The conditions for canceling the jam error are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the jam error release condition may include an impedance condition between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70 in addition to the above-mentioned conditions.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 cancels the jam error based on the change in impedance before the drawer 60 is pulled out from the image forming position and after the drawer 60 is pulled out from the image forming position. do. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes the error clearing process shown in FIG. 7. The error clearing process shown in FIG. 7 includes steps S61 to S71 in the error clearing process shown in FIG. 6, and also includes new processes of steps S91 to S95.

In the error clearing process shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not the type of jam error is the second jam error (S91). In other words, in step S91, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the sheet P is substantially present between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70.

If it is determined in step S91 that the second jam error has occurred (Yes), the control unit 100 causes a current to flow between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70, so that the drawer occurs after the second jam error occurs. The first impedance Z1, which is the impedance in the period before 60 is drawn from the image forming position, is measured (S92). Here, when the sheet P is present between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70, the impedance value is larger than when the sheet P is not present.

After step S92, the control unit 100 appropriately executes the processes of steps S61 to S68. If it is determined in step S91 that the error is not the second jam error (No), the control unit 100 appropriately executes the processes of steps S61 to S68 without measuring the first impedance Z1.

If it is determined to be Yes in step S68, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the type of jam error is the second jam error (S93). If it is determined in step S93 that the second jam error occurs (Yes), the control unit 100 measures the second impedance Z2, which is the impedance after the drawer 60 is pulled out from the image forming position (S94). ..

After step S94, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the second impedance Z2 is smaller than the first impedance Z1 (S95). Here, when the sheet P between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70 is removed by the user, the second impedance Z2 becomes smaller than the first impedance Z1. Therefore, in step S95, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the sheet P has been substantially removed from between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70.

If it is determined in step S95 that Z1> Z2 is not (No), the control unit 100 ends this process without canceling the second jam error. When it is determined in step S95 that Z1> Z2 (Yes), or when it is determined in step S93 that No, the control unit 100 appropriately executes the processes of steps S69 to S71.

As described above, according to the embodiment of FIG. 7, since the change in impedance is the condition for canceling the second jam error, printing is started with the sheet P remaining between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer device 70. It can be suppressed.

The semiconductor element is not limited to the memories M1 and M2, and may be any semiconductor element. Further, the passive element is not limited to the thermistor, and may be a resistance element other than the thermistor, or may be a passive element other than the resistance element.

In the above embodiment, the photosensitive drum 61 is exemplified as the photoconductor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a belt-shaped photoconductor may be used.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the color printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to other image forming devices such as a copying machine and a multifunction device.

Each element described in the above-described embodiment and modification may be arbitrarily combined and carried out.

1 Color printer 10 Main unit housing 10A Opening 11 Cover 50 Cartridge 60 Drawer 100 Control unit CN1 Drawer side connector CN2 Housing side connector M1 Memory SE1 Temperature sensor

Claims (11)

With the main body housing
A cover that opens and closes the opening of the main body housing
A drawer that holds a cartridge having a memory and can be pulled out of the main body housing through the opening from the image forming position of the main body housing.
The temperature sensor provided in the drawer and
A drawer-side connector provided on the drawer and conducting with the memory and the temperature sensor,
The control unit provided in the main body housing and
A housing-side connector provided on the main body housing and conducting with the control unit is provided.
The drawer-side connector and the housing-side connector come into contact with each other when the drawer is in the image-forming position, and separate when the drawer is pulled out of the image-forming position.
The control unit
When the cover is opened, the power supply to the memory is stopped.
An image forming apparatus, characterized in that it is determined that the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position when a signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor. The drawer comprises a photoconductor and is provided with a photoconductor.
The main body housing includes a transfer device in contact with the photoconductor, and the main body housing is provided with a transfer device.
The control unit
When the sheet remains between the photoconductor and the transfer device, it is determined that a jam error has occurred.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jam error is canceled based on the determination that the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position. The second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit cancels the jam error based on the determination that the elapsed time from the drawer being pulled out from the image forming position is a predetermined time or more. The image forming apparatus according to the description. The control unit is based on changes in impedance between the photoconductor and the transfer device before the drawer is pulled out of the image forming position and after the drawer is pulled out of the image forming position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the jam error is released. According to claim 1, the control unit determines that the drawer is arranged at the image forming position when the signal is obtained from the state where the signal cannot be obtained from the temperature sensor. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit starts energizing the memory when the cover is closed after the drawer is arranged at the image forming position. .. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cartridge has an accommodating portion for accommodating a developer and is detachable from the drawer. The drawer includes a memory for the drawer, and the drawer is provided with a memory for the drawer.
The drawer-side connector conducts to the drawer memory and
The control unit
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the cover is opened, the energization of the drawer memory is stopped. With the main body housing
A cover that opens and closes the opening of the main body housing
A drawer that holds a cartridge having a semiconductor element and can be pulled out of the main body housing through the opening from the image forming position of the main body housing.
Passive elements provided in the drawer and
A drawer-side connector provided on the drawer and conducting with the semiconductor element and the passive element,
The control unit provided in the main body housing and
A housing-side connector provided on the main body housing and conducting with the control unit is provided.
The drawer-side connector and the housing-side connector come into contact with each other when the drawer is in the image-forming position, and separate when the drawer is pulled out of the image-forming position.
The control unit
When the cover is opened, the energization of the semiconductor element is stopped,
An image forming apparatus, characterized in that it is determined that the drawer is pulled out from the image forming position when a signal cannot be obtained from the passive element. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the passive element is a resistance element. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the resistance element is a thermistor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature.

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