JP2024031575A - How to control the sound when the user opens the device cover to replace consumables - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] When a user opens the cover of an image forming apparatus to replace consumables, a warning sound is emitted, causing discomfort to the user. Therefore, an image forming apparatus that does not emit a warning sound when opening the cover for necessary work is provided. [Solution] Refers to information such as the lifespan and remaining amount of consumables, and generates a warning sound when the user opens the cover of the image forming apparatus when the lifespan and remaining amount are below a predetermined value (replacement is required). Avoid making noise. [Selection diagram] Figure 6

Description

The present invention is a sound control method when a user opens the cover of a device to replace consumables. In particular, the present invention relates to image forming apparatuses such as printers and copying machines that are equipped with user-replaceable consumables.

Conventional image forming apparatuses are equipped with a speaker and an LED lamp on the operation unit, and if the apparatus detects a state in which it cannot operate, the user is notified by lighting the LED lamp or emitting a warning sound from the speaker. There is. Conditions in which the device cannot operate include, for example, a paper jam, out of toner, out of paper, and the cover of the device is open.

As mentioned above, the purpose of the warning sound is to notify the user that the device is in an inoperable state, so if the warning sound is emitted, for example, when the user intentionally opens the cover to replace a consumable item, , which causes discomfort to the user. Therefore, there is a method, as in Patent Document 1, in which the warning sound is reduced only when the user is operating the operation unit when a state in which the device cannot operate is detected (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-99632

However, for example, in the case of an image forming apparatus having a user-replaceable drum unit, replacement work must be performed at any timing when the drum unit approaches the end of its lifespan. In the method of Patent Document 1, the warning sound is reduced only when the user is operating the operating section, but when changing the bottle at any timing, the user is not necessarily touching the operating section, and the device There is a possibility that a warning sound will be emitted when the cover is opened. When the user opens the cover of the device to replace the bottle unit, it is necessary to ensure that the warning sound does not sound or that the sound does not cause discomfort.

An object of the present invention is to prevent a warning sound from sounding when a user opens the cover of a device to replace consumables, or to control the sound so that a different sound is played, so that the user can replace consumables without feeling uncomfortable. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform the following operations.

To achieve the above object, the present invention determines whether or not the user has opened the cover of the apparatus to replace the consumables when replacing consumables that are set to be replaced by the user in an image forming apparatus. If the front cover of the device is opened for replacement work, the sound emitted from the operation unit is changed to a sound different from the normal sound, and if the consumables do not need to be replaced, the normal It is characterized by the sound of time.

According to the present invention, when the user opens the cover of the device to replace consumables, the warning sound is suppressed or a different sound is played so that the user can perform the replacement work without feeling uncomfortable. becomes possible.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a warning sound when the cover is opened to replace consumables according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the operation unit of the present invention. It is an operation flow when replacing consumables according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of a sound setting process when replacing a photosensitive drum according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of a sound setting process when replacing a toner bottle according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a printer engine 201 and an operation unit 280.

The operation unit 208 includes a touch panel, hard keys, and the like, and accepts operations from the user. It is also equipped with an LED and a speaker to inform the user of the status of the device.

The printer engine 201 has built-in mechanisms for configuring the engine section and an engine control section that controls each printing process (for example, paper feeding process, etc.) performed by each mechanism. The various mechanisms constituting the engine section include an electrostatic latent image forming mechanism 202 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 205 by scanning with laser light; A transfer processing mechanism 203 for multiple-transferring to the intermediate transfer body 252 and further transferring the multiple-transferred color images to the sheet P, and a fixing processing mechanism 204 for fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet P are provided. .

The electrostatic latent image forming mechanism 202 includes a laser driver in the laser scanner section 207 that turns on and off the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 208 according to the image data supplied from the controller section 301 shown in FIG. The laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser is deflected in the scanning direction by a rotating polygon mirror 209. Here, the laser beam deflected in the main scanning direction is guided to the photosensitive drum 205 and exposes the photosensitive drum 205 in the main scanning direction. On the other hand, the electrostatic latent image charged by the primary charger 211 and formed on the photosensitive drum 205 by scanning exposure with laser light is visualized into a toner image by the toner supplied by the developer 212 . A memory module (not shown) is mounted on the photosensitive drum 205. The memory module stores information such as the lifespan of the drum unit calculated from the data measured by measuring the film thickness of the drum, and the timing at which the unit was replaced.

In the transfer processing mechanism 203, the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 205 is transferred (primary transfer) onto an intermediate transfer body 252 to which a voltage having opposite characteristics to that of the toner image is applied. When forming a color image, each color is sequentially formed on the intermediate transfer body 252 from a Y (yellow) station 220, an M (magenta) station 221, a C (cyan) station 222, and a K (black) station 223, resulting in a full color image. A visible image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 252. Next, the sheet P fed from the transfer material storage 210 is conveyed, and the transfer roller 251 presses the sheet P against the intermediate transfer body 252, and at the same time, a bias having opposite characteristics to that of the toner is applied to the transfer roller 251. The visible image formed on the intermediate transfer body 252 is transferred onto the sheet P that is transported in synchronization with the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the sheet P by the paper feeding processing mechanism (secondary transfer).

In the fixing processing mechanism 204, when the sheet P that has completed the secondary transfer passes through the fixing device 260, the toner transferred onto the sheet P is heated and melted, and is fixed on the sheet P as an image. In the case of double-sided printing, the image passes through the reversing section 270, is switched back, and is introduced into the transfer section 240 again, so that the back image is transferred onto the sheet P. Thereafter, the sheet P passes through the fixing device 260 in the same manner as described above, so that the toner image on the sheet P is heated and fixed, and the sheet is discharged outside the printer, thereby completing the printing process.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The image forming apparatus is roughly divided into a controller section 301 and a print section 302. Each controller has a CPU 304, a CPU 315, a ROM 305, a ROM 316, a RAM 306, and a RAM 317, respectively. Each CPU reads the main program from the ROM and stores it in the RAM in accordance with the initial program in the ROM. RAM is used for storing programs and as main memory for work.

The image generation unit 309 uses print data received from a client PC or the like to generate raster image data that can be printed, and outputs it for each pixel as RGB data and attribute data indicating the data attributes of each pixel. Note that the image generation unit 309 may be configured to provide a reading means in the color image forming apparatus itself and handle image data read by the reading means instead of image data received from a client PC or the like. The reading means here includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). Further, a processing unit may also be provided to perform predetermined image processing on the read image data. Furthermore, instead of being provided in the image forming apparatus itself, the image forming apparatus may be configured to receive image data from an external reading means via an interface (not shown).

The printer communication control unit 324 selects data to be transmitted from the printer communication IF unit 313 to the controller communication IF unit 321.

The load control unit 319 performs drive control of motors, fans, sensors, solenoids, etc. for operating the image forming apparatus. Each unit also sends and receives information stored in memory and the like.

The operation control unit 323 receives user operations from the operation unit 208 and performs various controls. The operation unit 208 includes a touch panel and hard keys to accept operations from the user, and also controls LEDs and speakers to inform the user of the status of the device.

Replacing consumables of the image forming apparatus will be explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3A is an external view of the image forming apparatus 100. 325 is a cover of the image forming apparatus, which can be opened and closed as necessary. FIG. 3B is an external view of the image forming apparatus when the cover 325 is opened. The toner bottle 326 stores toner and replenishes the developing device 212 with toner. A memory module (not shown) is mounted on the toner bottle 326, and information such as the remaining amount of toner is stored in the memory module. Furthermore, a small door 327 is attached, and by opening this, the photosensitive drum 205 can be attached and removed.

The operation unit display and warning sound when the conventional cover is opened will be explained using FIGS. 4 and 5.

In the case of a device configured as described above, since the door cannot be opened except for replacing consumables, conventionally, when the door is opened, an alarm sounds and a message is displayed to the user indicating that the door is open.

Regarding the photosensitive drum unit, information on the number of days remaining in its life is stored in a memory installed in the unit. When the number of days remaining in the life of the photosensitive drum is decreasing, a message indicating that the life is nearing the end is displayed on the operation unit (FIG. 5(A)). A user opens the cover of the image forming apparatus at any timing and replaces the photosensitive drum unit. Conventionally, when the cover is opened during replacement work, a warning sound is generated.

As for toner bottles, conventionally, if the toner runs out during printing, the image forming apparatus becomes unable to print, and a message prompting the user to replace the unit is displayed along with a warning sound on the operation panel (Figure 5 (B)). . In order to print, the user opens the cover of the device and performs replacement work. Conventionally, when opening the cover during replacement work, a warning sound is activated.

When replacing consumables such as the photosensitive drum and toner bottle as described above, even though the user intends to open the cover, if a warning sound sounds, the user will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in the first embodiment, only when the cover is opened to replace the consumables described above, control is performed so that no sound is produced or a sound different from the warning sound is produced. Here, sounds that are different from warning sounds are sounds that are lower in sound pressure than normal warning sounds, sounds with lower noise levels, sounds that sound for a shorter time, sounds that sound less frequently, etc. The sound is less unpleasant. Note that the above-mentioned noise level is the sound pressure level weighted by a value specified for each frequency, and represents the loudness of sound that humans actually feel with their ears. The noise level is determined by the following equation (1).

Furthermore, when the sound is played, the color of the LED of the operation unit 280 may be displayed in a different color from the color when the warning sound is played. This makes it possible to proceed with the work without causing discomfort to the user when replacing consumables. FIG. 4(A) shows conventional warning sound control, and FIG. 4(B) shows warning sound control according to the present invention.

Next, using FIG. 6, an explanation will be given of an operation flow when a user opens the door to replace consumables of the image forming apparatus.

In S<b>601 , the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 performs sound setting processing regarding replacement of the photosensitive drum 205 . The detailed flow of the process will be described later.

In S602, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 performs sound setting processing regarding toner bottle replacement. The detailed flow of the process will be described later.

In S603, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the user has opened the cover 325 of the image forming apparatus. If the cover 325 is opened, the process moves to S604. If the cover is not opened, the process moves to S601.

In S604, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the sound change flag stored in the RAM 317. When the sound change flag is 0 (invalid), it indicates that the consumables do not need to be replaced, and when it is 1 (valid), it indicates that the consumables need to be replaced. If the sound change flag is 1 (valid), the process moves to S606.

In S<b>605 , the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 sounds a normal warning sound from the speaker of the operation unit 280 . The LED of the operation unit 280 is lit in the conventional color.

In step S<b>606 , the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 does not produce a warning sound or makes a sound different from the warning sound from the speaker of the operation unit 280 . The sound different from the warning sound is as described above. Further, the LED of the operation unit 323 may be displayed in a color different from the conventional color.

In S607, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the main body is powered off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If the power is not turned off, the process moves to S601.

With the above flow, when the user opens the cover to replace consumables, it is possible to replace consumables without making the user feel uncomfortable by making no sound or making a different sound than usual. Become.

The flow of sound setting processing when replacing the photosensitive drum 205 will be explained using FIG. 7.

In S<b>701 , the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 reads information in the memory of the photosensitive drum 205 and confirms the life span/number of days remaining of the photosensitive drum 205 . If the lifespan/remaining number of days is less than or equal to the predetermined number of days, the process moves to S702. If the lifespan/number of remaining days is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of days, the process moves to S704.

In S<b>702 , the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the sound change flag information to 1 (valid) and stores it in the RAM 317 .

In S703, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 reads information in the memory of the photosensitive drum 205, refers to the replacement completion flag of the photosensitive drum 205, and if the flag is valid (replacement complete), the process advances to S704. If the flag is invalid (not exchanged), the process ends.

In S704, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the sound change flag information to 0 (invalid) and stores the information in the RAM 317.

This completes the photosensitive drum replacement sound setting processing flow.

Next, the flow of the toner bottle replacement sound setting process will be described using FIG. 8.

In S801, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 reads information in the memory of the toner bottle 326 and confirms the remaining amount of toner. If the remaining amount of toner is exhausted, the process moves to S802. If there is a remaining amount of toner, the process moves to S803.

In S802, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the sound change flag information to 1 (valid) and stores the information in the RAM 317.

In S503, the CPU 315 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the sound change flag information to 0 (invalid) and stores the information in the RAM 317.

This completes the flow of the toner bottle replacement sound setting process.

The present invention can be used in devices (printers, copiers, etc.) that have user-replaceable consumables.

100 Image forming apparatus 201 Printer engine 202 Electrostatic latent image forming mechanism 203 Transfer processing mechanism 204 Fixing processing mechanism 205 Photosensitive drum 207 Laser scanner section 208 Semiconductor laser 209 Rotating polygon mirror 280 Operation section

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus that has consumables that are set to be replaced by a user is provided with a determining means for determining whether or not a user has opened the cover of the apparatus to replace the consumables, An image forming apparatus characterized in that when a cover is opened, a sound emitted from an operation unit is changed to a sound different from a normal sound, and when a consumable item does not need to be replaced, a normal sound is emitted. If the consumable item that is set to be replaced by the user is a photosensitive drum unit, if the unit's lifespan/days have expired, it will be determined that the cover has been opened for replacement work, and the sound when the cover is opened will be changed. A sound setting means for photosensitive drum replacement that determines that the replacement work is complete when the unit replacement completion alarm is activated, and sets the sound when the cover is opened not to change from the normal sound. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:. If the consumable item that is set to be replaced by the user is a toner bottle unit, and the remaining amount of toner is exhausted, it will be determined that the cover has been opened for replacement work, and the sound when the cover is opened will be changed. It is equipped with a toner bottle sound setting process that determines that there is no need to replace the toner and sets the sound when the cover is opened not to change from the normal sound when the toner level remains. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The sound different from the normal sound is characterized by being a sound with a lower sound pressure, a lower noise level, a sound that sounds for a shorter time, and a sound that sounds fewer times than a silent or normal warning sound. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. In an image forming apparatus having consumables that are set to be replaced by a user, the image forming apparatus includes a determining means for determining whether or not a user has opened a cover of the apparatus for replacing the consumables. When the front cover of the device is opened, the color of the LED on the operation unit is changed to a different color from the normal color, and when there is no need to replace consumables, the normal color is displayed. Image forming device.