JP3891608B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a photosensitive member by an electrophotographic process, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that can be efficiently processed by a user when a paper jam occurs during an image forming operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process, for example, an electrostatic copying apparatus, includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a copy object, and a copy image based on an image read through the image reading unit. It includes an image forming unit that is formed and output onto a transfer material. The image forming unit has a conveyance path that takes out a material to be transferred, that is, a sheet, one sheet at a time from the storage unit and conveys the sheet to which the copy image is transferred and fixed, and leads the sheet to a discharge port.
[0003]
The electrostatic copying apparatus as described above includes an LED unit that informs a user of a jam occurrence location when a so-called jam occurs in the conveyance path of the image forming unit during an image forming operation. Has a panel.
[0004]
The LED unit is arranged in a schematic sectional view of the copying apparatus in the operation panel. This LED unit is turned on when a jam is detected according to an output signal from a jam sensor arranged at a predetermined interval in the conveyance path.
[0005]
This LED unit has all the LEDs corresponding to multiple jam occurrence locations or locations requiring jam processing when jams occur at multiple locations at the same time or when jam processing is required at multiple locations. It is notified to the user by turning it on at the same time.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is impossible to notify the user of the jam processing procedure by simultaneously lighting all the LEDs corresponding to a plurality of jam occurrence locations or locations requiring a plurality of jam processing.
[0007]
That is, a unit that can be pulled out from the copying machine main body, such as a paper cassette for storing paper, an automatic duplexer (ADU) including a paper reversing mechanism for forming images on both sides of the paper, and a transport path around the photosensitive drum. When a jam occurs, if the LEDs corresponding to these are turned on at the same time, the user pulls out the paper cassette or ADU from the copying machine main body. When the paper that caused the jam is on both the unit that can be pulled out and the unit that can be pulled out, the unit that can be pulled out may be pulled out, and the paper may be torn and scattered, or the inside of the device may be stained with a piece of paper. .
[0008]
For this reason, it may take a long time to recover from the occurrence of a jam, and it may be difficult to efficiently handle the jam.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can efficiently achieve jam processing.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
This invention has been made on the basis of the above problems,
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and lights up the lamp to notify the position where the recording medium is clogged based on the detection result detected by the detecting means;
Control means for turning on the lamp of the notification means so as to guide the processing of clogging of the recording medium in descending order of priority;
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0010]
Moreover, according to this invention,
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and flashes the lamp to notify the position where the recording medium is clogged based on the detection result detected by the detecting means;
Control means for controlling the processing of the jam of the recording medium to change the blinking cycle of the lamp corresponding to the position of high priority to guide the processing points in order of high priority;
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0011]
Furthermore, according to this invention
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and flashes the lamp to notify the position where the recording medium is clogged based on the detection result detected by the detecting means;
When the recording medium is clogged across a plurality of units, the lamps corresponding to the plurality of units that have clogged the recording medium are blinked simultaneously, and the lamp blinking cycle is changed to process in order of priority. Control means for controlling to guide the location;
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0012]
Still further, according to the present invention,
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and informs the position where the recording medium is jammed based on the detection result detected by the detecting means by turning on or blinking the lamp;
When the recording medium is clogged across a plurality of units, the lamp corresponding to the unit with the highest priority for processing the clogging of the recording medium blinks, and the lamps corresponding to the other units are lit to be processed. Control means for controlling to induce,
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0013]
Furthermore, according to the present invention,
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
A first unit including the image forming unit and provided to be able to open the conveyance path;
A second unit including a part of the transport path and detachably provided to the first unit;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and lights up the lamp to notify the position where the recording medium is clogged based on the detection result detected by the detecting means;
If the recording medium is jammed in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is jammed is turned on to induce processing, When the recording medium is clogged across the first and second units, first, only the lamp corresponding to the first unit is turned on to induce processing, and then the lamp corresponding to the first unit. A control means for controlling to turn off the lamp and turn on the lamp corresponding to the second unit to guide the processing;
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0014]
Still further, according to the present invention,
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
A first unit including the image forming unit and provided to be able to open the conveyance path;
A second unit including a part of the transport path and detachably provided to the first unit;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and flashes the lamp to notify the position where the recording medium is clogged based on the detection result detected by the detecting means;
When the recording medium is clogged in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is clogged blinks to induce processing, When the recording medium is clogged across the first and second units, first, only the lamp corresponding to the first unit blinks to induce processing, and then the lamp corresponding to the first unit. Control means for controlling to turn off the lamp and blink the lamp corresponding to the second unit to guide the process;
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0015]
Furthermore, according to the present invention,
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
A first unit including the image forming unit and provided to be able to open the conveyance path;
A second unit including a part of the transport path and detachably provided to the first unit;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and flashes the lamp to notify the position where the recording medium is clogged based on the detection result detected by the detecting means;
When the recording medium is clogged in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is clogged blinks to induce processing, When the recording medium is clogged across the first and second units, the lamps corresponding to the first and second units blink simultaneously, and the lamp corresponding to the first unit is set to the second unit. Control means for controlling the flashing in a cycle faster than that of the lamp corresponding to the unit to induce the processing;
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0016]
Still further, according to the present invention,
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
A first unit including the image forming unit and provided to be able to open the conveyance path;
A second unit including a part of the transport path and detachably provided to the first unit;
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the recording medium being conveyed on the conveying path;
Informing means that has a plurality of lamps and informs the position where the recording medium is jammed based on the detection result detected by the detecting means by turning on or blinking the lamp;
When the recording medium is clogged in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is clogged is lit or blinked to induce processing. When the recording medium is jammed across the first and second units, the lamp corresponding to the first unit is caused to blink and the lamp corresponding to the second unit is turned on. Control means to
An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus, that is, the electrophotographic digital copying apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 4 that functions as a reading unit and an image forming unit 6 that functions as an image forming unit. Note that an upper portion of the image reading unit 4 is formed so as to be openable and closable with respect to a later-described document table of the image reading unit 4, and feeds an object to be read, that is, a document D, one by one toward the document table. An automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 8 that functions as a document press for bringing the document D placed on the document table into close contact with the document table is set.
[0018]
This electrophotographic digital copying apparatus 2 has a rotating shaft 5 provided along one side surface, that is, the right side surface in FIG. 1, and the direction of the arrow shown in the figure centering on this rotating shaft 5. The housing 3 (so-called clam shell) is rotatable. By rotating the housing 3, the apparatus main body is separated along the broken line A in the figure, and the conveyance path around the image forming unit 6, particularly the photosensitive drum described later, can be opened.
[0019]
The image reading unit 4 is opposed to the ADF 8 in a closed state at an upper portion thereof, and is placed on a document table 11 made of transparent glass on which a document D is set, and one end of the document table 11. And a size plate 12 indicating a reference position when D is set. An operation panel 200 as shown in FIG. 2 is arranged in the vicinity of the document table 11 surrounding the document table 11.
[0020]
Below the document table 11, as the configuration of the image reading unit 4, an exposure lamp 13 that illuminates the document D placed on the document table 11, and auxiliary reflection for condensing the light from the exposure lamp 13 on the document D A plate 14 and a first mirror 15 that bends the reflected light from the document D in the left direction in the figure are arranged. The exposure lamp 13, the auxiliary reflector 14, and the first mirror 15 are fixed to the first carriage 16, and are arranged so as to be movable in parallel with the document table 11 as the first carriage 16 moves. The first carriage 16 is moved in parallel along the document table 11 by receiving a driving force of a pulse motor (not shown) via a toothed belt (not shown).
[0021]
On the left side of the document table 11 in the drawing, it can be moved in parallel with the document table 11 via a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a toothed belt and a DC motor in the direction in which the reflected light reflected by the first mirror 15 is guided. A second carriage 20 formed in the above is disposed.
[0022]
In the second carriage 20, a second mirror 21 that folds the reflected light from the document D guided by the first mirror 15 downward and a third mirror 22 that folds rightward in the drawing are arranged at right angles to each other. The second carriage 20 is driven by the first carriage 16 by a toothed belt (not shown) that drives the first carriage 16 and is parallel to the first carriage 16 along the document table 11 at a half speed. Moved to.
[0023]
An imaging lens that forms an image of the reflected light from the second carriage 20 at a predetermined magnification in a plane below the first carriage 16 and including the optical axis of the light reflected through the second carriage 20. 23 and a CCD image sensor 24 for converting the reflected light given the focusing property by the imaging lens 23 into an electric signal, that is, image data.
[0024]
The image forming unit 6 includes a photosensitive drum 30 as an image carrier that is rotatably positioned at the center of the copying apparatus 2. The photosensitive drum 30 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by a motor (not shown).
[0025]
At a predetermined position around the photosensitive drum 30, a charging charger 31 for charging the drum surface to a predetermined charge, and a laser beam corresponding to image data is exposed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 to expose the photosensitive drum 30. A toner as a developer is supplied to the electrostatic scanning image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 by the optical scanning device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, that is, the laser exposure device 32 and the exposure by the laser exposure device 32. Then, a developing device 33 having a developing roller 33a for developing at a desired image density, and a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are transferred to a transfer material, that is, a copy paper P fed from a paper cassette described later, and toner A transfer / peeling charger 34 for separating the sheet P on which the image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 30, and copying from the surface of the photosensitive drum 30. A peeling claw 35 for peeling P, a cleaning device 36 for cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, and a static eliminating device 37 for eliminating the potential remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 are arranged in this order. Yes.
[0026]
A multi-stage sheet feeder (hereinafter referred to as PFP) is provided at the bottom of the copying apparatus 2 positioned below the photosensitive drum 30 as sheet feeding means detachably mounted in a plurality of stages from the front side of the copying apparatus 2. 40 is integrally arranged with the copying apparatus 2.
[0027]
The PFP 40 includes an upper cassette 41, a middle cassette 42, and a lower cassette 43 for storing a plurality of types of copy paper P of various sizes, and each of the cassettes 41, 42, and 43 is conveyed along the longitudinal direction, for example. Each of the A4 size copy paper, the B4 size copy paper, and the A3 size copy paper placed so as to be stored is formed so as to be capable of storing about 500 sheets.
[0028]
At predetermined positions of the upper cassette 41, the middle cassette 42, and the lower cassette 43, pickup rollers 44a, 44b and 44c for taking out the paper P one by one from the respective cassettes 41, 42 and 43 are arranged.
[0029]
Conveying rollers 45a, 45b for separating the paper P one by one and at positions where the leading ends of the paper P taken out from the cassettes 41, 42 and 43 are passed by the respective pickup rollers 44a, 44b and 44c, and 45c and separation rollers 46a, 46b and 46c arranged integrally with the respective conveying rollers are arranged. The separation rollers 46a, 46b, and 46c are arranged so that their axes are in parallel with the transport rollers combined with each other at a predetermined pressure and rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the transport rollers. As a result, only the uppermost sheet P of the paper P taken out from each cassette is sent out to a conveyance path described later.
[0030]
On the right side of the PFP 40 in the figure, there is provided a large-capacity feeder (hereinafter referred to as LCF) 47 formed so as to be capable of storing about 3000 sheets of paper P of frequently used size, for example, A4 size paper P. Yes. At a predetermined position of the LCF 47, a pickup roller 48 for taking out the sheets P stored in the LCF 47 one by one is arranged. A separation mechanism 49 including a transport roller 49a and a separation roller 49b, which are combined in a pair of upper and lower sides, is disposed between the pickup roller 48 and the photosensitive drum 30. The separation mechanism 49 rotates the separation roller 49b in a direction opposite to the direction in which the conveyance roller 49a rotates, thereby conveying only the uppermost sheet P of the paper P taken out from the LCF 47 by the pickup roller 48, which will be described later. Send to the road.
[0031]
A manual feeder 50 capable of feeding the copy paper P is formed above the LCF 47 independently of the cassettes 41, 42, 43 and the LCF 47. Between the manual feeder 50 and the photosensitive drum 30, a manual pickup roller 51 that takes in the paper P inserted into the manual feeder 50, a manual guide 52 that guides the paper P taken in by the pickup roller 51, and a manual feed A conveyance roller 53 is provided for conveying the paper P guided toward the photosensitive drum 30 via the guide 52.
[0032]
Between each of the cassettes 41, 42 and 43 and the LCF 47 and the photosensitive drum 30, a conveyance path 54 for guiding the paper P from the cassettes 41, 42 and 43 and the LCF 47 toward the photosensitive drum 30 is formed. Yes. The conveyance path 54 is further extended to the outside of the copying apparatus 2 through a transfer region defined between the photosensitive drum 30 and the transfer / peeling charger 34. The transport path 54 is provided with a plurality of transport rollers 55 for transporting the paper P fed from any cassette, LCF, or manual feed guide toward the photosensitive drum 30.
[0033]
In the vicinity and upstream of the photosensitive drum 30 in the conveyance path 54, the inclination of the copy paper P guided through the conveyance path 54 is corrected, and the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 30 and the copy paper P An aligning roller 56 for feeding the copy paper P to the transfer area at the same speed as the moving speed of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is provided. Further, an aligning sensor 56 a that detects the arrival of the copy paper P to the aligning roller 56 is provided in front of the aligning roller 56, that is, on the side of the conveying roller 55.
[0034]
A conveyance belt 57 that conveys the paper P is incorporated in the direction in which the paper P that has passed through the transfer region travels. The sheet in which the sheet P is conveyed by the conveyance belt 57 and is difficult to apply heat to the photosensitive drum 30 includes a pair of heat rollers whose roller surfaces are pressed against each other, and the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred. A fixing device 58 for fixing the toner image on the paper P by pressing the toner image and the paper P while melting the toner image by heating P is provided.
[0035]
On the side wall of the copying apparatus 2 facing the fixing device 58, a discharge tray 59 for discharging the paper P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 58 is disposed.
Disposed between the fixing device 58 and the discharge tray 59 is a discharge switching unit 60 that guides the copy paper P, on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 58, to either a paper reversing portion described later or the discharge tray 59. Yes.
[0036]
The discharge switching unit 60 is disposed between the first and second discharge rollers 61 and 62 that propel the paper P that has passed through the fixing device 58, and the first and second discharge rollers 61 and 62, and is fixed. A distribution gate 63 is provided for selectively distributing the copy sheet P that has passed through the apparatus 58 to either a discharge tray 59 or a sheet reversing unit described later.
[0037]
An automatic duplexer (hereinafter referred to as ADU) 64 including a sheet reversing mechanism includes a temporary stacking unit 65 that temporarily stacks copy paper P that has already passed through the transfer region and the fixing device 58, and a copy that has passed through the fixing device 58. A reversing path 66 that reverses the front and back of the paper P and leads it to the temporary stacking unit 65, a pickup roller 67a that takes out the copy paper P stacked on the temporary stacking unit one by one, and a pair for separating the paper P one by one. The transport roller 67b and separation roller 67c thus formed, the reverse transport path 68 that again guides the paper P stored in the temporary stacking unit 65 to the aligning roller 56, and the paper P guided by the reverse transport path 68 is the aligning roller. A paper feed roller 69 that feeds paper 56 is provided.
[0038]
The ADU 64 is detachably attached to the copying apparatus 2 from the front side of the copying apparatus 2 in the same manner as the PFP 40 described above.
The ADF 8 includes a cover 71, and the rear end edge of the cover 71 is attached to the upper rear end edge of the copying apparatus 2 via a hinge device (not shown), and the entire ADF 8 is rotationally displaced as necessary. Thus, as already described in detail, it is formed to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 11 of the image reading unit 4.
[0039]
A document feeding table 72 that holds a plurality of documents D is provided on the upper surface of the cover 71 and slightly leftward. The documents D set on the document feed table 72 are sequentially taken out one by one on the left side of the document feed table 72, that is, on one end side of the ADF 8, and the document table 11 of the image reading unit 4 from the left end side in the diagram. A pick-up roller 73 for supplying to one end side of the is disposed. At a predetermined position of the document feeding table 72, an empty sensor 72a is disposed as a document detection sensor for detecting whether or not the document D is set on the document feeding table 72. The document feed table 72 may be provided with a document width detection sensor (not shown) that functions in the same manner as the document position detection sensor 17 that detects the position where the document D is set on the document table 11.
[0040]
In the document take-out direction of the pickup roller 73, the document D picked up by the pickup roller 73 is fed toward the document table 11, and the leading edge of the document D fed by the paper feed roller 74 is aligned. An aligning roller 75 is disposed. Note that an aligning sensor 75 a that detects the arrival of the document D at the aligning roller 75 is disposed between the aligning roller 75 and the paper feed roller 74.
[0041]
A size that covers almost the entire document table 11 is given to the position inside the cover 71 and facing the document table 11 of the image reading unit 4 with the ADF 8 closed. A transport belt 76 is disposed that transports the document D transported from the document feed table 72 via the paper roller 74 and the aligning roller 75 to a predetermined position on the document table 11. The conveyor belt 76 is stretched around a pair of belt rollers 77 arranged on the left and right sides in the figure, and is rotated in both directions on the right side in the figure and the left side in the figure by a belt drive mechanism (not shown).
[0042]
On the right side of the ADF 8, a reverse roller 78 that sends the document D moved from the left side to the right side in the drawing by the conveying belt 76 toward the outside of the cover 71, a pinch roller 79 that presses the document D against the reverse roller 78, The flapper 80 for switching whether the document D conveyed by the reverse roller 78 and the pinch roller 79 is returned to the conveyance belt 76 or discharged onto a predetermined discharge position, that is, on the cover 71, and the flapper 80 are switched to the discharge side. In addition, a paper discharge roller 81 that discharges the document D conveyed by the reversing roller 78, a jam sensor 82 that detects jamming of the document in the vicinity of the reversing roller 78, that is, a jam, and the like are disposed.
[0043]
The copying apparatus 2 also jams the paper P fed from any cassette, LCF, or manual feed guide through the photosensitive drum 30 toward the ADU 64 or the outside of the copying apparatus. A jam sensor to detect is arranged.
[0044]
The jam sensor arranged in the conveyance path 54 is arranged at a position as shown in FIG. 3, for example.
As shown in FIG. 3, the jam sensor SA is disposed in a conveyance path in which sheets taken out from the upper sheet cassette 41 or the middle or lower sheet cassettes 42 and 43 are conveyed toward the image forming unit 6. Yes.
[0045]
The jam sensor SB is disposed in a conveyance path in which a sheet taken out from the middle sheet cassette 42 or the lower sheet cassette 43 is conveyed toward the image forming unit 6.
[0046]
The jam sensor SC is disposed in a conveyance path in which a sheet taken out from the lower sheet cassette 43 is conveyed toward the image forming unit 6.
The jam sensor S <b> 1 is disposed in a conveyance path in which a sheet taken out from the ADU 64 or any of the cassettes 41 to 43 is conveyed toward the image forming unit 6.
[0047]
The jam sensor S2 is arranged in the conveyance path between the ADU 64 and the image forming unit 6, and is particularly arranged near the entrance of the conveyance path conveyed from the ADU 64 side to the image forming unit 6. The paper taken out from the manual feeder 50, the ADU 64, or any of the cassettes 41 to 43 is conveyed on the conveyance path where the jam sensor S2 is arranged.
[0048]
The jam sensor S3 is disposed in the conveyance path between the ADU 64 and the image forming unit 6, and is particularly disposed in the upstream conveyance path in the vicinity of the aligning roller 56 along the sheet conveyance direction.
[0049]
The jam sensor S4 is disposed in the downstream conveyance path in the vicinity of the fixing device 58 along the sheet conveyance direction.
The jam sensor S5 is disposed in the transport path 66 in the ADU 64, and in particular, is disposed at a position away from the entrance of the transport path to the ADU 64 by a predetermined distance L on the downstream side.
[0050]
The jam sensor S6 is disposed in the temporary accumulation unit 65 of the ADU 64.
These jam sensors SA to SC and S1 to S6 are composed of, for example, a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements. Usually, a light beam is emitted from the light emitting elements toward the light receiving elements, and the light beams are received by the light receiving elements. During this time, the jam sensor is turned off. When the conveyed paper is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the light beam from the light emitting element is blocked by the paper, the light beam does not enter the light receiving element, and the jam sensor is turned on. .
[0051]
A plurality of jam sensors arranged in such a transport path are sequentially turned on / off at a predetermined timing while the paper taken out from the ADU or any of the cassettes is being transported. It is detected whether it is being conveyed.
[0052]
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of an operation panel incorporated in the copying apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 200 displays a key area corresponding to the operation keys of the apparatus main body 2 and the document feeder 10 and input keys used for inputting various copying conditions or image editing conditions. A liquid crystal display device 201 is included. An upper surface of the liquid crystal display device 201 is disposed integrally with the liquid crystal display device, and detects that a user's finger has touched to identify input signals corresponding to various key areas displayed on the liquid crystal display device. A touch panel 202 is integrally formed. The liquid crystal display device 201 displays various display patterns and input key areas based on display data stored in a liquid crystal panel font ROM (not described in detail).
[0053]
The operation panel 200 also has a numeric key 203 formed so that an input signal corresponding to 10 numbers from 0 to 9 can be input, a clear key 204 for clearing the input copy number, and a copy for instructing the start of copying. Start (print) key 205, interrupt copy key 206 for inputting an interrupt signal for interrupt copying, magnification setting key 207 for setting a copying magnification, ADF 8 such as duplex-double-sided, single-sided-double-sided, and reversing unit operations are set. Various input keys such as a mode setting key 208 for setting the cassette and a cassette switching key 209 for setting a path for sending the sheet from the cassette for setting the size of the sheet on which the copy image is transferred are arranged.
[0054]
Further, the operation panel 200 has an LED panel 210 that notifies the user of the position of a jam that has occurred in the copying machine main body by turning on and blinking an LED lamp.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 4, the LED panel 210 has a plurality of LED lamps arranged at predetermined positions in the schematic cross-sectional view of the copying machine main body. These LED lamps are turned on and blinked when a jam occurs based on the sensor output of the jam sensor described above. That is, the occurrence of a jam is notified to the user by turning on and blinking an LED lamp at a position corresponding to the jam occurrence place.
In addition, these LED lamps will flash in different cycles when jams occur simultaneously in multiple locations, or when jam handling is required in multiple units, or from locations that need to be jammed first. By sequentially lighting, the user is notified of an efficient jam processing procedure.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 4, the LED lamp for notifying the occurrence of a jam is arranged at a position where the frequency of the jam occurrence is high.
That is, an LED lamp (DFJ) 211 for notifying a jam occurring on the document feed side of the ADF 8 and an LED lamp (DEJ) for notifying a jam occurring on the document discharge side of the ADF 8 are displayed on the ADF unit 8A of the LED panel 210. 212 is arranged.
[0057]
In addition, LED lamps 213, 214, and 215 for notifying a jam that occurs when the paper is taken out from the paper cassettes 41, 42, and 43 are disposed in the paper cassette portions 41A, 42A, and 43A of the LED panel 210, respectively. Yes. In addition, an LED lamp (TJ) 216 for notifying a jam occurring in the transport path when the paper taken out from the paper cassettes 41 to 43 is transported through the transport path 54 is disposed.
[0058]
Furthermore, an LED lamp (MJ) 217 for notifying a jam that has occurred when a sheet is taken out from the manual feeder 50 is disposed in the manual feeder unit 50A of the LED panel 210.
[0059]
The image forming unit 6A of the LED panel 210 has an upstream side of the photosensitive drum when the paper taken out from any of the paper cassettes 41 to 43 or the manual feeder 50 or the ADU 64 is conveyed to the image forming unit 6. An LED lamp (RJ) 218 for notifying a jam occurring in the conveyance path is disposed. The image forming unit 6A further includes an LED lamp (EJ) 219 that notifies a jam occurring in the conveyance path on the downstream side of the photosensitive drum.
[0060]
Furthermore, an LED lamp (ADUJ) that informs the ADU unit 64A of the LED panel 210 of a jam that has occurred in the transport path in the ADU 64 when the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 6 is transported toward the ADU 64. ) 220 is arranged.
[0061]
These LED lamps 211 to 220 are independently driven based on a control system as shown in FIG.
That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the copying apparatus 2 includes a CPU 300 that controls each mechanism of the apparatus main body such as the image reading unit 4 and the image forming unit 6. A plurality of jam sensors S <b> 1 to S <b> 6 and SA to SC arranged in each part of the copying apparatus 2 are connected to the CPU 300 via the input circuit 302.
[0062]
The plurality of LED lamps 211 to 220 arranged on the LED panel 210 are connected to an LED driving circuit 304 that can drive each LED lamp independently. The LED drive circuit 304 is connected to the CPU 300 to which a drive signal for driving each LED lamp is supplied.
[0063]
Output signals output from the jam sensors S1 to S6 and SA to SC are supplied to the CPU 300 via the input circuit 302. The CPU 300 determines whether or not a jam has occurred based on an output signal from the jam sensor. If a jam has occurred, the CPU 300 instructs the LED drive circuit 304 to drive the LED lamp corresponding to the jam occurrence position. To output a drive signal.
[0064]
That is, the CPU 300 has a timer function that counts clock signals, and the time when an output signal from a certain jam sensor is output or the output signal from a certain jam sensor is output next. By counting the time until the signal is output, it can be determined whether or not a jam has occurred in the conveyance path. When it is determined that a jam has occurred, a drive signal is supplied to the LED drive circuit 304.
[0065]
The LED drive circuit 304 turns on or blinks a predetermined LED lamp according to a drive signal output from the CPU 300, prompts the user to perform jam processing, and when a jam occurs at a plurality of locations, or at a plurality of locations. When it is necessary to perform jam processing, a jam processing procedure is notified to the user so that jam processing can be performed efficiently.
[0066]
Next, an example of a processing procedure when a jam occurs will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the LED panel based on the output signal of the jam sensor. This flowchart shows a processing procedure for a jam that occurs between the downstream side of the image forming unit and the ADU.
[0067]
In a double-sided copying mode in which images are formed on both sides of a sheet using ADU, the sheet on which an image is formed on one side is conveyed downstream of the photosensitive drum.
The conveyed sheet is detected by the jam sensor S4 after passing through the fixing device 58, and the jam sensor S4 is turned on. When the jam sensor S4 is turned on, an output signal is supplied from the jam sensor S4 to the CPU 300 via the input circuit 302. Based on the output signal from the jam sensor S4, the CPU 300 activates the timer function and counts the time until the jam sensor S4 is turned off, that is, the duration t1 during which the output signal from the jam sensor S4 continues to be output.
[0068]
When the jam sensor S4 is not turned off and the duration t1 of the output signal is output to the CPU 300 over a predetermined time, for example, 2.5 seconds, the CPU 300 determines that a jam has occurred in the vicinity of the jam sensor S4 and drives the LED. A drive signal is supplied to the circuit 304 to cause the LED lamp (EJ) 219 to blink.
[0069]
Then, the user is informed that a jam has occurred in the copying apparatus main body, and is conscious of opening the clamshell to remove the jammed paper from the copying apparatus main body.
[0070]
On the other hand, if the jam sensor S4 is turned off and the duration t1 of the output signal is within the predetermined time, the CPU 300 determines that the sheet has passed the jam sensor S4. Then, the timer included in the CPU 300 is reset, and the time from when the jam sensor S4 is turned off until the jam sensor S5 is turned on, that is, the paper transport time t2 from the jam sensor S4 to the jam sensor S5 is counted. .
[0071]
When the jam sensor S5 is not turned on and the transport time t2 is counted exceeding a predetermined time, for example, 2.7 sec, the CPU 300 determines that a jam has occurred between the jam sensors S4 and S5. That is, the CPU 300 determines that the paper is jammed over both units between the main body side of the copying apparatus and the ADU. At this time, if the ADU is first pulled out to the front side of the copying apparatus main body and jammed, jam paper may be torn between the copying apparatus main body and the ADU. Therefore, the CPU 300 instructs the LED driving circuit 304 to give the user priority to the jam processing on the copying machine main body side and to guide the user to first open the clamshell and perform the jam processing from the main body side. A drive signal is supplied, the LED lamp (EJ) 219 is blinked, and the LED lamp (ADUJ) 220 is turned on.
[0072]
When the clamshell is opened by the user, the LED lamp (EJ) 219 stops blinking. If the jammed paper cannot be found on the main body side when the clamcial is released, that is, if the jammed paper is conveyed from the main body side toward the ADU to a position where it cannot be processed, only the LED lamp (ADUJ) 220 is lit. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user to pull out the ADU and perform jam processing.
[0073]
On the other hand, when the jam sensor S5 is turned on and the transport time t2 is within the predetermined time, the CPU 300 resets the timer and also the time from when the jam sensor S5 is turned on to when it is turned off, that is, The duration t3 of the output signal from the jam sensor S5 is counted.
[0074]
When the jam sensor S5 is not turned off after the jam sensor S5 is turned on and the duration t3 of the output signal from the jam sensor S5 is counted exceeding a predetermined time, for example, 2.5 seconds, the CPU 300 determines the size of the paper being conveyed. Based on the above, the jam occurrence position is determined.
[0075]
That is, as described above, the jam sensor S5 is disposed on the ADU side that is a predetermined distance L away from the boundary between the copying machine main body side and the ADU. Therefore, when a jam occurs when the jam sensor S5 is turned on, if the length of the paper is longer than L, there is a possibility that the main body side is jammed. Therefore, the CPU 300 causes the LED drive circuit 304 to A drive signal is supplied, the LED lamp (EJ) 219 is blinked, and the LED lamp (ADUJ) 220 is turned on. Then, the user is conscious of giving priority to the jam processing on the copying machine main body side, and first the clam shell is opened to guide the jam processing from the main body side.
[0076]
On the other hand, when the length of the paper is shorter than L, there is no possibility that the jammed paper is hung on both the main unit and the ADU unit, so the CPU 300 supplies a drive signal to the LED drive circuit 304 and the LED lamp (ADUJ) 220 is blinked. Then, the user is notified that the ADU is pulled out and jammed.
[0077]
When the jam sensor S5 is turned off and the duration t3 of the output signal from the jam sensor S5 is within a predetermined time, the CPU 300 determines that the sheet has passed the jam sensor S5. Then, the timer included in the CPU 300 is reset, and the time from when the jam sensor S5 is turned off until the jam sensor S6 is turned on, that is, the sheet conveyance time t4 from the jam sensor S5 to the jam sensor S6 is counted. .
[0078]
When the jam sensor S6 is not turned on and the transport time t4 is counted exceeding a predetermined time, for example, 3.0 sec, the CPU 300 determines that a jam has occurred between the jam sensors S5 and S6.
[0079]
Then, the CPU 300 supplies a drive signal to the LED drive circuit 304 to blink the LED lamp (ADUJ) 220, and informs the user to pull out the ADU and perform jam processing.
[0080]
On the other hand, when the jam sensor S6 is turned on and the transport time t4 is within the predetermined time, the CPU 300 resets the timer.
In addition, when jams occur at a plurality of locations at the same time during a continuous copying operation on a plurality of sheets, it is necessary to turn on and blink three or more LED lamps. In this case, a cycle in which the LEDs blink It is possible to change. That is, the LED lamp blinking cycle in the place where the jam processing needs to be most preferentially performed is made fast so that the user is conscious of preferentially jamming. In addition, all the LED lamps corresponding to the jam occurrence place are blinked, and only the blinking cycle of the LED lamp with the highest priority is set differently from the other LED lamps, so that the jam processing procedure is performed for the user. Can also be notified.
[0081]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, for a paper jam straddling between the main body and the ADU, the jam sensor S4 provided downstream of the fixing roller 58 in the main body of the apparatus and the boundary between the apparatus and the ADU However, as another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, it is detected by a jam sensor S4 ′ arranged at the boundary between the apparatus main body and the ADU. It may be. By doing so, the jam handling procedure can be clearly shown to the user.
[0082]
In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, when the jammed paper is jammed when the jam sensor S4 is turned on (or turned off after being turned on) and the jam sensor S4 ′ is turned off (not turned on), the jammed paper is used. Is determined to be on the apparatus main body side, the LED lamp EJ219 is turned on (or blinked), and a jam is displayed.
[0083]
Further, when the conveyed paper jams with the jam sensor S4 turned off and the jam sensor S4 ′ turned on, it is determined that the jammed paper extends over both the apparatus main body side and the ADU, and the LED lamp EJ219 is turned on (flashes) to display a jam. Then, after the jam at the jam sensor S4 is released, the LED lamp ADUJ220 on the ADU side is turned on (flashes), and a jam display is performed.
[0084]
Further, when the conveyed paper is turned off after the jam sensor S4 is turned off, the jam sensor S4 ′ is turned on, and the jam sensor S5 is turned off, it is determined that the jammed paper is on the ADU side, The LED lamp ADUJ220 is turned on (flashes) to display a jam.
[0085]
Thereby, it is possible to more accurately perform the jam processing at the boundary position between the apparatus main body and the ADU.
Thus, by changing the combination of the LED lamp lighting or blinking pattern for notifying the occurrence of jam and further changing the blink cycle if necessary, the user can be notified of an efficient jam processing procedure. it can.
[0086]
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the paper from being torn and scattered due to a mistake in the jam handling procedure, and the inside of the copying apparatus main body from being soiled by the torn paper pieces. Then, the jam processing can be achieved efficiently.
[0087]
In addition, according to this image forming apparatus, it is possible to accurately notify the jam occurrence position without increasing the cost by increasing the number of jam sensors or changing the structure of the operation panel, and efficient jam processing. The procedure can be notified.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently achieving jam processing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an electrophotographic digital copying apparatus according to an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an operation panel applied to the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an arrangement position of a jam sensor incorporated in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an LED panel incorporated in the operation panel shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a control block for driving an LED lamp of the LED panel shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a jam processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the arrangement position of the jam sensor incorporated in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 ... Electrophotographic digital copying machine
3 ... Case
4 ... Image reading unit
6 Image forming unit
30 ... photosensitive drum
31 ... Transcription charger
32. Laser exposure apparatus
33 ... Developing device
34 ... Transfer / Peeling Charger
36 ... Cleaning device
37 ... Static elimination device
40 ... Multi-stage paper feeder
50 ... Manual feeder
54 ... Conveying path
58. Fixing device
64 ... Automatic duplexer
200 ... operation panel
210 ... LED panel
211-220 ... LED lamp
300 ... CPU
302 ... Input circuit
304 ... LED drive circuit
S1-S6 ... Jam sensor
SA to SC: Jam sensor

Claims (7)

Setting means for setting the size of the recording medium to be conveyed;
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
A first unit including the image forming means;
A second unit including a part of the transport path and detachably provided to the first unit;
A detecting unit that is disposed at a position away from a boundary between the first unit and the second unit by a predetermined distance and detects clogging of a recording medium conveyed on the conveyance path;
Based on the detection result detected by the detection means and the comparison result between the predetermined distance and the length of the recording medium of the size set by the setting means, the clogging position where the recording medium is clogged is determined. Discrimination means;
Informing means for informing the recording medium to be guided in descending order of priority based on the fact that the recording means has determined that the recording medium has been jammed, and
I have a,
The determination unit detects that the recording medium is clogged by the detection unit and determines that the recording medium is clogged at the boundary when the length of the recording medium is longer than the predetermined distance. Detecting the jam of the recording medium by means and determining that the jam of the recording medium does not occur at the boundary when the length of the recording medium is shorter than the predetermined distance;
The notification means determines that the recording medium is clogged at the boundary based on the fact that the recording medium is clogged at the boundary, which is different from the clogging of the recording medium at another unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that notification is provided . The notification means has a plurality of lamps, and notifies the position where the recording medium is jammed by blinking the lamps,
When the recording medium is jammed at the boundary, the lamps corresponding to the units where the recording medium is jammed are flashed simultaneously, and the processing cycle is changed in order of priority by changing the lamp flashing cycle. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus is guided. The notification means has a plurality of lamps, and notifies the position where the recording medium is jammed by turning on or blinking the lamps,
When the recording medium is jammed at the boundary, the lamp corresponding to the unit with the highest priority for processing the jam of the recording medium is blinked and the lamps corresponding to other units are turned on to be processed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The notification means has a plurality of lamps, and notifies the position where the recording medium is jammed by turning on the lamps,
If the recording medium is jammed in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is jammed is turned on to induce processing, When the recording medium is clogged at the boundary, first, only the lamp corresponding to the first unit is turned on to guide the processing, and then the lamp corresponding to the first unit is turned off. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing is guided by turning on a lamp corresponding to the second unit. The notification means has a plurality of lamps, and notifies the position where the recording medium is jammed by blinking the lamps,
When the recording medium is clogged in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is clogged blinks to induce processing, When the recording medium is clogged at the boundary, first, only the lamp corresponding to the first unit is blinked to induce the process, and then the lamp corresponding to the first unit is turned off. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing is guided by blinking a lamp corresponding to the second unit. The notification means has a plurality of lamps, and notifies the position where the recording medium is jammed by blinking the lamps,
When the recording medium is clogged in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is clogged blinks to induce processing, When the recording medium is clogged at the boundary, the lamps corresponding to the first and second units blink simultaneously, and the lamp corresponding to the first unit corresponds to the second unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing is induced by blinking at a cycle faster than the lamp. The notification means has a plurality of lamps, and notifies the position where the recording medium is jammed by turning on or blinking the lamps,
When the recording medium is clogged in one of the first and second units, only the lamp corresponding to the unit in which the recording medium is clogged is lit or blinked to induce processing. When the recording medium is clogged at the boundary, the lamp corresponding to the first unit blinks and the lamp corresponding to the second unit is turned on to induce the processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

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