JP3683900B2 - Image forming apparatus management system, image forming management system image forming apparatus, and image forming system management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system, an image forming management system image forming apparatus, and an image forming system management method.

  As a related art related to the present case, for example, there is an “information collecting system for image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this system, when a serious error that requires repair occurs in the image forming apparatus, various information under the usage status of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the host computer of the management system. Thus, the maintenance work of the image forming apparatus can be performed efficiently and accurately.

JP-A-2-259663

  However, in the conventional information gathering system of the image forming apparatus as described above, when a serious failure requiring repair is generated in the image forming apparatus (copier), the information is automatically transmitted. It was a management method for reporting and could not cope with the following situations. In other words, in the failure mode of the copier, even if a jam occurs once, maintenance is not necessary immediately, but the frequency of occurrence becomes data for determining whether or not maintenance is required, and the criterion is Depending on the user and its usage conditions, etc., and even when jams occur, for example, if a jam condition continues for a long time, immediate maintenance is required. It was not possible to cope with. As described above, in the past, since the necessity of maintenance cannot be accurately determined when a jam trouble occurs, there is a problem that reliable and efficient maintenance is not performed, leading to a decrease in the operation rate and work efficiency of the apparatus. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and when a jam trouble occurs, it accurately grasps the state of occurrence according to the user and its use conditions, etc., and enables accurate and efficient maintenance to operate the apparatus. The purpose is to improve the rate and work efficiency.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus management system, which manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses and the image forming apparatuses via a communication line. An image forming apparatus management system connected to a management apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus counts the number of times of image formation on recording paper by the image forming apparatus, and image formation by the image forming apparatus A jam counter for counting the number of times a jam has occurred, a measuring means for measuring an elapsed time in the jammed state, and an elapsed time of the jammed state measured by the measuring means is not less than a predetermined elapsed time, If an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line and the elapsed time of the jammed state has not reached the predetermined elapsed time, When the jam rate, which is the ratio of the number of image formations coefficientd by the image forming counter to the number of jamming times factored by the jam counter, reaches the predetermined occurrence rate, the management is performed. And an alarm signal output means for outputting an alarm signal to the apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, the image forming apparatus detects that a jam recovery process has been performed after the jam has occurred, and It is further characterized by further comprising a jam recovery detecting means for resetting the forming counter and the count of the jam counter.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the management system for an image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the jam recovery detecting means determines that the jam recovery process has been performed. The detection is based on a door opening / closing operation.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image forming apparatus is configured to set an alarm level for receiving a setting input of the predetermined occurrence rate. The apparatus further comprises means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image forming apparatus is configured to set an alarm time for receiving a setting input of the predetermined elapsed time. The apparatus further comprises means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for an image forming management system, wherein a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses via a communication line. An image forming apparatus of the system, wherein the image forming apparatus counts the number of times an image is formed on a recording sheet by the image forming apparatus and the number of times a jam has occurred in the image forming by the image forming apparatus. A jam counter, a measuring means for measuring an elapsed time in the jam state, and an alarm signal to the management device when the elapsed time of the jam state measured by the measuring means exceeds a predetermined elapsed time. If it is output via a line and the elapsed time of the jammed state has not reached the predetermined elapsed time, the jam counter When the jam rate, which is a ratio of the number of times of image formation calculated by the image forming counter to the number of times of jammed coefficient, reaches the predetermined occurrence rate, an alarm is sent to the management device. And an alarm signal output means for outputting a signal.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to the sixth aspect, the image forming apparatus detects that a jam recovery process has been performed after the jam has occurred, The image forming counter and jam recovery detecting means for resetting the count of the jam counter are further provided.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the jam recovery detecting means indicates that the jam recovery process has been performed. It detects based on the door opening / closing operation | movement of a main body, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the image forming apparatus is an alarm for receiving a setting input of the predetermined occurrence rate. It further comprises level setting means.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, the image forming apparatus is an alarm that receives a setting input of the predetermined elapsed time. It further comprises time setting means.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system management method for managing an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus for managing the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line. An image forming counting step for counting the number of times of image formation on recording paper by the image forming apparatus, a jam counting step for counting the number of times a jam has occurred in image formation by the image forming apparatus, and a jam state A measurement process for measuring a certain elapsed time, and when an elapsed time of the jam state measured in the measurement process is equal to or longer than a predetermined elapsed time, an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line; and If the elapsed time of the jam state does not reach the predetermined elapsed time, the jam count is calculated based on the number of jams calculated in the jam count process. An alarm signal output for outputting an alarm signal to the management device when the jam rate that is a ratio of the number of times of image formation calculated in the image formation count step reaches the predetermined occurrence rate And a process.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system management method according to the eleventh aspect, the image forming counter and the jam counter are detected by detecting that a jam recovery process has been performed after the jam has occurred. The method further includes a jam recovery detection step of resetting the count of the above.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system management method according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present invention, the jam recovery detection step indicates that the jam recovery processing has been performed. The detection is based on a door opening / closing operation.

  The invention according to claim 14 further includes an alarm level setting step of receiving an input for setting the predetermined occurrence rate in the image forming system management method according to any one of claims 11 to 13. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the image forming system management method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising an alarm time setting step for receiving a setting input of the predetermined elapsed time. It is characterized by that.

  A management system for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claim 1) counts the number of times an image is formed on a recording sheet by the image forming apparatus, counts the number of times a jam has occurred in image formation by the image forming apparatus, and If the elapsed time of the jam condition exceeds the predetermined elapsed time, an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line, and the elapsed time of the jam state is predetermined. If the elapsed time is not reached, a jam rate, which is the ratio of the number of image formations to the number of jams, is calculated, and an alarm signal is output to the management device when the calculated jam rate reaches a predetermined occurrence rate. To do. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus outputs an alarm signal to the management device unconditionally when the jam continues for a predetermined time or more, and the jam rate exceeds the predetermined occurrence rate when the jam occurrence state does not continue for the predetermined time or longer. Since the image forming apparatus outputs an alarm signal to the management device only when the jam condition is, the occurrence frequency is not limited to a severe jam when the jam condition continues for a predetermined time or more, and even if the jam condition duration is short. Even for jams that need to be repaired because of the high level of error, an alarm signal is output to the management device, so that the need for maintenance work against the above two types of jam conditions that require high repairs. Since a warning can be issued, it is possible to accurately grasp the situation when a jam trouble occurs, to enable accurate and efficient maintenance, and to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of the image forming apparatus. An effect that can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention (claim 2), the image forming apparatus detects that a jam recovery process has been performed after a jam has occurred, and counts the image forming counter and the jam counter. Reset. With this configuration, the number of image formations and jam occurrences after jam recovery can be reset, and after recovering jams, the number of image formations and jam occurrences can be re-counted from the beginning to accurately calculate the jam occurrence rate. It is possible to accurately grasp the state of occurrence when trouble occurs, enable accurate and efficient maintenance, and improve the operation rate and work efficiency of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention (Claim 3) detects that the jam recovery process has been performed based on the door opening / closing operation of the image forming apparatus main body. With this configuration, the number of image formations and jam occurrences after jam recovery can be reset by opening and closing the door of the image forming device. After recovering jams, the number of image formations and jam occurrences is re-counted from the beginning, and after maintenance. The simple operation of closing the door recalculates the exact jam occurrence rate, so it is possible to accurately grasp the occurrence status when a jam trouble occurs, and to enable accurate and efficient maintenance. There is an effect that work efficiency can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention (Claim 4), the image forming apparatus can accept setting input of a predetermined occurrence rate. With this configuration, it is possible to set a predetermined jam occurrence rate that is a reference for the image forming apparatus to output an alarm signal to the management apparatus when the user inputs it. Thus, it is possible to perform an accurate and efficient maintenance taking the user's judgment into consideration, and to improve the operating rate and work efficiency of the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention (Claim 5), the image forming apparatus can accept a setting input of a predetermined elapsed time. With this configuration, it is possible to set a predetermined elapsed time that becomes a reference for the image forming apparatus to output an alarm signal to the management apparatus when the user inputs it. It is possible to set a predetermined elapsed time, enable accurate and efficient maintenance that takes the user's judgment into account, and improve the operating rate and work efficiency of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to the present invention (claim 6) counts the number of times of image formation on the recording paper, counts the number of times the jam has occurred in the image formation, and the elapsed time in the jam state. When the elapsed time of the measured jam state exceeds the predetermined elapsed time, an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line, and the elapsed time of the jam state is set to the predetermined elapsed time. If not reached, a jam rate, which is the ratio of the number of image formations to the number of jams, is calculated, and when the calculated jam rate reaches a predetermined occurrence rate, an alarm signal is output to the management device. With this configuration, when a jam continues for a predetermined time or more, an alarm signal is output unconditionally to the management device, and when the jam occurrence state does not continue for a predetermined time or more, the jam rate is a predetermined occurrence rate or more. Since the alarm signal is output to the control device only, it is necessary to repair the jam because of the high occurrence frequency even if the jam condition continues for a predetermined time or more, and even if the jam condition duration is short. Even if the jam is high, an alarm signal can be output to the management device to warn of the necessity of maintenance work for the above two types of jam conditions that require a high degree of repair. Accurately grasps the situation when a problem occurs, enables accurate and efficient maintenance, and improves the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation Achieve the results.

  An image forming apparatus of an image forming management system according to the present invention (Claim 7) detects that a jam recovery process has been performed after a jam has occurred in the image forming apparatus, and the image forming counter and the jam counter Reset the count. With this configuration, the number of image formations and jam occurrences after jam recovery can be reset, and after recovering jams, the number of image formations and jam occurrences can be re-counted from the beginning to accurately calculate the jam occurrence rate. When trouble occurs, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of occurrence, enable accurate and efficient maintenance, and improve the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation.

  The image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to the present invention (claim 8) detects that the jam recovery process has been performed based on the door opening / closing operation of the image forming apparatus main body. With this configuration, the number of image formation and jam occurrence after jam recovery can be reset by opening and closing the door. After recovering the jam, the number of image formation and jam occurrence is counted again and the door is closed after maintenance. The correct jam occurrence rate is recalculated by the correct operation, so that when the jam trouble occurs, the occurrence status can be accurately grasped to enable accurate and efficient maintenance, and to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation. There is an effect that can be.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to the present invention (claim 9) can accept a setting input of a predetermined occurrence rate. With this configuration, it is possible to set a predetermined jam occurrence rate that serves as a reference for outputting an alarm signal to the management device when the user inputs it. This makes it possible to perform an accurate and efficient maintenance in consideration of the user's judgment, and to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to the present invention (claim 10) can accept a setting input of a predetermined elapsed time. With this configuration, it is possible to set a predetermined elapsed time serving as a reference for outputting an alarm signal to the management device when the user inputs it. Therefore, a predetermined elapsed time of the jammed state in which the alarm signal should be output based on the user's judgment. Thus, it is possible to perform an accurate and efficient maintenance in consideration of the user's judgment, and to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation.

  According to the image forming system management method of the present invention (claim 11), the number of times of image formation on the recording paper by the image forming apparatus is counted, and the number of times the jam has occurred in the image forming by the image forming apparatus is counted. When the elapsed time in the jam state is measured, and the elapsed time of the measured jam state is equal to or longer than the predetermined elapsed time, an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line, and the elapsed time of the jam state Is not reached the predetermined elapsed time, a jam rate that is a ratio of the number of image formations to the number of jams is calculated, and an alarm signal is sent to the management device when the calculated jam rate reaches a predetermined occurrence rate. Is output. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus outputs an alarm signal to the management device unconditionally when the jam continues for a predetermined time or more, and the jam rate exceeds the predetermined occurrence rate when the jam occurrence state does not continue for the predetermined time or longer. Since the image forming apparatus outputs an alarm signal to the management device only when the jam condition is, the occurrence frequency is not limited to a severe jam when the jam condition continues for a predetermined time or more, and even if the jam condition duration is short. Even for jams that need to be repaired because of the high level of error, an alarm signal is output to the management device, so that the need for maintenance work against the above two types of jam conditions that require high repairs. Since a warning can be issued, it is possible to accurately grasp the situation when a jam trouble occurs, to enable accurate and efficient maintenance, and to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of the image forming apparatus. An effect that can be improved.

  The image forming system management method according to the present invention (claim 12) detects that a jam recovery process has been performed after a jam has occurred, and resets the image forming counter and the count of the jam counter. With this configuration, the number of image formations and jam occurrences after jam recovery can be reset, and after recovering jams, the number of image formations and jam occurrences can be re-counted from the beginning to accurately calculate the jam occurrence rate. When trouble occurs, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of occurrence, enable accurate and efficient maintenance, and improve the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation.

  The image forming system management method according to the present invention (claim 13) detects that the jam recovery processing has been performed based on the door opening / closing operation of the image forming apparatus main body. With this configuration, the number of image formations and jam occurrences after jam recovery can be reset by opening and closing the door of the image forming device. After recovering jams, the number of image formations and jam occurrences is re-counted from the beginning, and after maintenance. The simple operation of closing the door recalculates the exact jam occurrence rate, so it is possible to accurately grasp the occurrence status when a jam occurs and enable accurate and efficient maintenance. There is an effect that the efficiency can be improved.

  Further, the image forming system management method according to the present invention (claim 14) can accept a setting input of a predetermined occurrence rate. With this configuration, it is possible to set a predetermined jam occurrence rate that serves as a reference for outputting an alarm signal to the management device when the user inputs it. This makes it possible to perform an accurate and efficient maintenance in consideration of the user's judgment, and to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation.

  In addition, the image forming system management method according to the present invention (claim 15) can accept a setting input of a predetermined elapsed time. With this configuration, it is possible to set a predetermined elapsed time serving as a reference for outputting an alarm signal to the management device when the user inputs it. Therefore, a predetermined elapsed time of the jammed state in which the alarm signal should be output based on the user's judgment. Thus, it is possible to perform an accurate and efficient maintenance in consideration of the user's judgment, and to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of image formation.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numerals 101a and 101b denote copiers, which are connected to a modem device 103 via a local line 102a and remote via a public line 102b. Are connected to a management apparatus 104 using a host computer arranged in the network. This system is configured so that the management information can be transmitted and received between the copying machines 101a and 101b and the management apparatus 104 by the above connection. In this system, two copiers are connected for convenience, but they can be further expanded.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine 101 to which the present invention is applied. In this figure, the copying machine includes a document reading system 201, an image forming system 202, a paper feed / conveying system 203, a fixing / exhausting system. It comprises a paper system 204, a sorter 205 as an optional sorting device, and further includes an operation unit (see FIG. 3), an electrical control system, and the like.

[Original reading system]
The document reading system 201 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 206 that automatically transports a set document and an optical unit 207 that irradiates the document with light to form an optical image. The ADF 206 is mounted on the document placement surface so as to be openable and closable, and includes an original set table, a conveyance roller, a conveyance belt, and the like. The optical unit 207 includes a contact glass 208 on which a document is placed, an exposure illumination unit (fluorescent lamp) 209, a first scanner 211 integrally formed with a first mirror 210, a second mirror 212, and a third mirror. A second scanner 214, a fourth mirror 215, and a lens 216, which are integrally configured by 213, are housed in a housing.

(Imaging system)
The image forming system 202 includes a plurality of units that execute processes based on a commonly used electrophotographic process. In other words, 220 is a photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image, 221 is a charging charger for uniformly corona charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 220, 222 is a container for storing toner, and the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 220 based on a development process. A developing unit that performs the developing process by adhering thereto, 223 is a transfer charger that performs the transfer process by corona discharge, and 224 is a separation charger that separates the recording paper in close contact with the photosensitive drum 220 by corona discharge.

  Reference numeral 225 denotes a cleaning unit that removes and collects residual toner after transfer processing on the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 with a fur brush and a cleaning blade. Reference numeral 226 denotes timing with an image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 with recording paper. It is a registration roller to be conveyed.

[Paper feed system]
The paper feeding / conveying system 203 constitutes a lower part of the copying machine. In the figure, reference numerals 230 and 231 denote paper feed trays on which a plurality of recording papers are stacked and can be pulled out, and reference numeral 232 denotes a double-sided paper feed unit. In addition, a vertical conveyance unit 233 is provided on the exit side of the paper feed trays 230 and 231. The vertical conveyance unit 233 is disposed so as to communicate with the registration roller 226. Each of the paper feed trays 230 and 231 includes paper feed units 235 and 236 for separating and transporting recording sheets one by one. The paper feed units 235 and 236 include pickup rollers, feed rollers, separate rollers, and the like. It is configured. Reference numeral 237 denotes a conveyance belt that guides the recording paper that has been transferred and separated to the fixing / discharge system 204.

  Further, the paper feeding / conveying system 203 is provided with recording paper detection sensors 238, 239, and 240 for detecting the passing of the recording paper near the outlets of the paper feeding trays 230 and 231 and the duplex paper feeding unit 232, respectively. ing. Further, a recording paper detection sensor 241 is disposed immediately after the registration roller 226, and a recording paper detection sensor 242 is disposed immediately after the paper discharge unit.

  Next, the operation will be described. The photosensitive drum 220 is rotatably supported on a drum shaft (not shown), and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy start command or the like. Almost at the same time, the original to be copied, which is conveyed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 208 by the ADF 206, is exposed and scanned by the first scanner 214. At this time, the reflected light (reflected light image) of the original obtained by illumination of the exposure illumination unit 209 passes through the first mirror 210, the second mirror 212, the third mirror 213, the lens 216, and the fourth mirror 215, and the photosensitive drum. The image is formed on 220.

  On the other hand, since the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 221 prior to this, an electrostatic latent image is formed by a potential distribution corresponding to the reflected light image. The surface is corrected to an electrostatic latent image area suitable for recording paper or a projected image by irradiating unnecessary portions with light by an eraser. At this time, in order to obtain the same size image, the photosensitive drum 220 and the first scanner 214 are driven at the same speed. Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 220 is visualized (toner image) with the toner stored in the developing unit 222. Further, at this time, a developing bias potential is applied to the developing bias line of the developing unit 222 to control the amount of toner attached to the photosensitive drum 220, thereby adjusting the grayscale image.

  On the other hand, feeding of the recording paper is started almost in parallel with the image forming process. That is, paper feed from any of the paper feed trays 230 and 231 and the double-sided paper feed unit 232 is selected, and a paper feed operation is executed at a predetermined paper feed timing. For example, when the paper is fed from the paper feed tray 230, the paper is fed by the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit 235, and the fed recording paper is sent to the registration roller 226 through the vertical conveyance unit 233. The recording paper is subjected to oblique feed correction (skew correction) by contacting the nip portion of the resist roller 226 that is stopped, and then the timing at which the positional relationship with the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 is matched. Then, the sheet is conveyed by restarting the registration roller 226.

  Next, the recording paper is conveyed and brought into close contact with the photosensitive drum 220, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 220 is transferred onto the recording paper by the action of the transfer charger 223. At this time, since the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 is very smooth, the adhesion of the recording paper is increased. For this reason, the potential of the recording paper is lowered by corona discharge of the separation charger 224, and the adhesion between the photosensitive drum 220 and the recording paper is reduced. Next, the recording paper is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 by the separation claw, and the separated recording paper is sent to the fixing / discharge system 204 by the transport belt 237. In the fixing / discharge system 204, the toner image on the recording sheet is fixed by applying heat and pressure to the conveyed recording sheet by a fixing roller and a pressure roller, and then discharged to the sorter 205. Or, in the case of duplex copying, it is conveyed to the duplex feeding unit 232 side.

  Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 after the transfer process. Therefore, the cleaning unit 225 collects deposits such as residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 220 by rotating the fur brush and contacting the cleaning blade. Thereafter, the quenching lamp is turned on to make the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 220 uniform, and a standby state is prepared for the next copying process.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes an operation unit, which includes the following various operation key groups and display groups such as LEDs and LCDs. That is, a start key 302 for inputting a copy start, a tray selection key 303 for selecting a paper feed tray, a display panel 304 for performing various displays using an LCD, an ADF mode selection key 305 for selecting a mode of an ADF 206, an image density An automatic density selection key 306 for automatically adjusting and a manual density selection key 307 for adjusting the density of the image density to your liking are provided.

  Further, a sort mode selection key 308 for selecting a mode such as a stack mode or a sort mode of the sorter 205, a discharge selection key 309 for switching the recording paper discharge surface, a mode clear key 310 for clearing the input mode, the number of copies, and the like are set. The numeric keypad 311 functions as a stop key for inputting copy interruption during the copy operation, the clear / stop key 312 functions as a correction key for the input data by the numeric keypad 311 during the copy stop, and the copy is interrupted during the copy operation. , An interrupt copy key 313 that enables another mode input and its copy start, and input keys 314 to 316 for inputting and setting conditions regarding the management system are provided.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a main control equipped with a microcomputer system for executing the overall control of the copying machines 101a and 101b. It is a board and consists of the following main functional elements. That is, the main control board 401 includes a CPU 402 that executes predetermined control based on a control program, a ROM 403 that stores a control program, a RAM 404 that temporarily stores control data and condition flags, and other units. It comprises I / O elements 405 to 407 for input / output interfaces, a programmable timer 408 having a plurality of timer functions, and a bus line 409 for connecting each element.

  The I / O element 405 is connected to a control unit (ADFCO) 410 that controls the ADF 206. In addition, the I / O element 406 has a data communication format for transmitting management data (signals) generated in the control unit (S.SCO) 411 and the main control board 401 for controlling the sorter 205 to the management device 104. And a communication interface unit (PI) 412 for performing interface matching is connected. Connected to the I / O element 407 are an operation unit 301, recording paper detection sensors 238 to 242 and a door switch 413 for detecting the opening / closing operation of the front door.

  Next, the control operation will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main control processing according to the present invention. This control operation is stored in the ROM 403 in the main control board 401 when the power switch (not shown) of the copying machines 101a and 101b is turned on. The control described in the main flow process is executed in accordance with the programmed data. This will be described in detail below.

  In FIG. 5, when the program starts, first, initial setting, which is subflow processing, is executed (S501). In this initial setting, the control data flag is reset and the necessary items for the control processing of the copying machines 101a and 101b are set. After the above initial setting is executed, a jam check subflow process (see FIG. 7) for checking the jam state of the copying machines 101a and 101b (the paper jam state in the in-machine conveyance path) is executed (S502). When a jam state is detected in the jam check subflow process, a jam flag as a control flag is set. After executing the jam check subflow process in step S502, a standby process is executed (S503). In this standby process, control processing of each unit before starting copying, display control of the operation unit 301, and the like are executed. For example, when the jam flag is set, a jam is displayed on the operation unit 301.

  Next, after executing step S503, it is determined whether or not a jam flag is set (S504). In this process, if it is determined that the jam flag is set, a jam recovery cover check sub-flow process (see FIG. 8) is executed (S505), and it is further determined whether the jam reset flag is set. (S506). In this process, if it is determined that the jam reset flag is set, a copy management subflow process (see FIG. 6) is executed (S507). This copy management sub-flow process executes information processing control required in the copy management system. When necessary transmission data is generated for the management apparatus 104, the copy management sub-flow process is performed to the communication interface unit (PI) 412. Output management data.

  Next, after executing the copy management in step S507, it is determined whether or not the jam flag is set (S508). If it is determined that the jam flag is not set at this time, the start is further started. It is determined whether or not the key 302 is pressed (S509). If it is determined in step S509 that the start key 302 has been pressed, copy process processing is executed (S510). In this copy process, as described above, the image forming control process by each unit necessary for executing the copy process, the recording paper conveyance control process, and the conveyance jam control process for checking the recording paper conveyance state are executed. Is done. In this conveyance jam control process, when a recording paper conveyance abnormality (paper jam, non-feed, timing deviation, etc.) is detected, a jam flag is set.

  Next, after executing the process of step S510, it is determined whether or not the copy process has been completed (S511). The copy process processing end condition is satisfied such as the end of the number of copies input from the operation unit 301, the copy stop input from the operation unit 301, the occurrence of a jam, the end of consumables such as toner and recording paper, etc. Is the case. If it is determined in step S510 that the copy process has been completed, the sub-flow process of the final copy process is executed (S512). This final copy process is a flow process for executing the control process of each unit and the initial setting of each control data necessary to prepare for the next copy process after the copy is completed. Then, after executing the process of step S512, the process returns to the process of step S502 to prepare for the next copy process.

  If it is determined in step S504 that the jam flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S509 for determining whether there is a copy start. If it is determined in step S506 that the jam reset flag is not set, if it is determined in step S508 that the jam flag is set, or if it is determined in step S509 that the copy is not started. If so, the process returns to step S502 to prepare for the next copy process. If it is determined in step S511 that it is not a copy end, the process returns to the subflow (copy process) in step S510.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the copy management subflow processing (step S507) according to the present invention. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not the jam flag is set (S601). If it is determined that the jam flag is not set at this time, the process returns to the main flow process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the jam flag is set, it is further determined whether or not the jam timer in the programmable timer 408 is started (S602). At this time, if it is determined that the jam timer has not started, the jam timer is started (S603).

If it is determined in step S602 that the jam timer has started, or after the processing in step S603, whether the count time of the jam timer is greater than the jam alarm time TJ (for example, 30 minutes) or not. Judgment is made (S604). That is,
Count value of jam timer ≧ TJ
Judging. If it is determined in this step S604 that “the count value of the jam timer ≧ TJ”, the jam timer is reset (S605), and the sub-flow processing for jam alarm management data transmission is executed (S606). To return.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that “the count value of the jam timer ≧ TJ” is not satisfied, whether the jam rate calculated by the jam counter JCO and the jam copy counter JCOPYCO is greater than the jam alarm rate RJ. It is determined whether or not (S607). That is,
JCO / COPYCO ≧ RJ
Judging. If it is determined in this step that “JCO / COPYCO ≧ RJ” is not satisfied, this processing is returned.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S607 that “JCO / COPYCO ≧ RJ”, the jam counter JCO is reset (S608), the jam copy counter JCOPYCO is reset (S609), and step S606 is performed. Then, the sub-flow processing for jam alarm management data transmission is executed, and this processing is returned. In the above description, the jam counter JCO is counted up when a jam occurs, and the jam copy counter JCOPYCO is counted up in the sub-flow process of the copy process every time one copy is processed.

  In the above, the jam alarm time TJ and the jam alarm rate RJ can be arbitrarily set by the input keys 314 and 315 and the numeric keypad 311 of the management system on the operation unit 301. This control process is executed by the subflow process of the standby process. Is done. In the jam alarm management data transmission, the jam alarm signal and the copy management information related thereto are transferred to the communication interface 412.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the jam check subflow process (step S502) according to the present invention. In the figure, first, a sensor jam check subflow process for checking the detection states of the recording paper detection sensors 238, 239, 240, 241, and 242 is executed (S701). Then, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred (S702). If it is determined that a jam has been detected at this time, the jam flag of the control flag is set (S703), and the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that no jam has been detected, the jam flag of the control flag is reset (S704), the jam timer for measuring the jam state is reset (S705), and the jam set is set. The flag is reset (S706), and the process returns.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the sub-flow process (step S505) of the jam recovery cover check according to the present invention. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not a jam reset flag is set (S801). If it is determined that the jam reset flag is set at this time, this processing is returned. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the jam reset flag has not been set, a sub-flow process of door open → close check is executed (S802).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a door open → close operation has been executed (S803). That is, it is determined whether or not a jam recovery operation has been executed from the ON / OFF state of the door switch 413. If it is determined in step S803 that the door open → close operation has not been executed, the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S803 that the door open → close operation has been executed, the jam reset flag of the control flag is set (S804), and the process returns. After the return, the process returns to the main flow process (see FIG. 5).

  Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, the alarm signal is automatically managed when the copying machines 101a and 101b are left in a jam occurrence state for a long time and when the jam occurrence frequency increases. Since the data is transmitted to the apparatus 104, accurate and efficient maintenance of the copying machines 101a and 101b can be performed, and work efficiency can be improved.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, the elapsed time of the jam detection state is measured by the measuring means, and the measurement result reaches the alarm notification level set by the level setting means. The alarm signal output means automatically outputs an alarm signal to the management device, and the jam recovery detection means detects that a jam recovery process has been executed after the occurrence of a jam. In some cases, the elapsed time of the jam state of the image forming apparatus is measured, and when the measurement result reaches the alarm notification level set by the level setting means, the alarm signal output means automatically sends an alarm signal to the management apparatus. Therefore, when a jam trouble occurs, it can be accurately grasped according to the user and its usage conditions. , It is possible to improve the operating rate and the working efficiency of the device and enables a good maintenance of accurate and efficient.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus management system, the image forming management system image forming apparatus, and the image forming system management method according to the present invention are useful for image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimiles, and printers. In particular, an image forming apparatus management system and an image forming management system image that notify the management apparatus of a jam occurrence state based on a setting criterion set by the user and enable an accurate post-treatment according to the user and its use conditions. This is useful for a forming apparatus and an image forming system management method.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure which concerns on this invention. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the operation unit of the copying machine to which this invention is applied. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing which concerns on this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-flow process of copy management according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subflow process of the jam check which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subflow process of the jam recovery check based on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Copier 102 Communication line 104 Management apparatus 238-242 Recording paper detection sensor 301 Operation unit 311 Numeric keypad 314-316 Input key 402 CPU
403 ROM 404 RAM
408 Timer 411 Control unit 412 Communication interface unit 413 Door switch

Claims (15)

An image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming counter for counting the number of times of image formation on recording paper by the image forming apparatus;
A jam counter for counting the number of times a jam has occurred in image formation by the image forming apparatus;
A measuring means for measuring the elapsed time in the jam state;
When the elapsed time of the jam state measured by the measuring means is equal to or longer than a predetermined elapsed time, an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line, and the elapsed time of the jam state is the predetermined time. The jam rate calculated by calculating the jam rate, which is the ratio of the number of times of image formation calculated by the image formation counter to the number of times of jammed by the jam counter. Alarm signal output means for outputting an alarm signal to the management device when a predetermined occurrence rate is reached,
An image forming apparatus management system comprising:   The image forming apparatus further includes a jam recovery detecting unit that detects that a jam recovery process has been performed after the jam has occurred and resets the count of the image forming counter and the jam counter. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jam recovery detecting unit detects that the jam recovery process has been performed based on a door opening / closing operation of the image forming apparatus main body. Equipment management system.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm level setting unit that receives a setting input of the predetermined occurrence rate. Management system.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm time setting unit that receives a setting input of the predetermined elapsed time. 6. Management system. An image forming apparatus of an image forming management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus are connected via a communication line,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming counter for counting the number of times of image formation on recording paper by the image forming apparatus;
A jam counter for counting the number of times a jam has occurred in image formation by the image forming apparatus;
A measuring means for measuring the elapsed time in the jam state;
When the elapsed time of the jam state measured by the measuring means is equal to or longer than a predetermined elapsed time, an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line, and the elapsed time of the jam state is the predetermined time. The jam rate calculated by calculating the jam rate, which is the ratio of the number of times of image formation calculated by the image formation counter to the number of times of jammed by the jam counter. Alarm signal output means for outputting an alarm signal to the management device when a predetermined occurrence rate is reached,
An image forming apparatus of an image forming management system, comprising:   The image forming apparatus further includes a jam recovery detecting unit that detects that a jam recovery process has been performed after the jam has occurred and resets the count of the image forming counter and the jam counter. The image forming apparatus of the image forming management system according to claim 6.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the jam recovery detecting unit detects that the jam recovery process has been performed based on a door opening / closing operation of the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus of a management system.   The image forming management system according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus further includes an alarm level setting unit that receives a setting input of the predetermined occurrence rate. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming management system according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus further includes an alarm time setting unit that receives a setting input of the predetermined elapsed time. Image forming apparatus. An image forming system management method in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line,
An image formation counting step of counting the number of times of image formation on recording paper by the image forming apparatus;
A jam counting step for counting the number of times a jam has occurred in image formation by the image forming apparatus;
A measurement process for measuring the elapsed time in the jam state;
When the elapsed time of the jam state measured in the measuring step is equal to or longer than a predetermined elapsed time, an alarm signal is output to the management device via the communication line, and the elapsed time of the jam state is the predetermined time. Is not reached, the jam rate, which is the ratio of the number of image formations coefficientd in the image formation count process to the number of jams coefficientd in the jamming process, is calculated and calculated. An alarm signal output step of outputting an alarm signal to the management device when the jam rate reaches a predetermined occurrence rate;
A method for managing an image forming system, comprising:   12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising a jam recovery detecting step of detecting that a jam recovery process has been performed after the occurrence of the jam and resetting the count of the image forming counter and the jam counter. Image forming system management method.   13. The image formation according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the jam recovery detection step detects that the jam recovery processing has been performed based on a door opening / closing operation of the image forming apparatus main body. How to manage the system.   The image forming system management method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising an alarm level setting step of receiving a setting input of the predetermined occurrence rate.   The image forming system management method according to claim 11, further comprising an alarm time setting step of receiving a setting input of the predetermined elapsed time.

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