JPH02212994A - Fault generation condition recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the quantity of information, which are stored when a fault is generated, from exceeding the storage capacity of a storage device by detecting the generation of the fault, encoding this fault, storing the fault and storing the new information instead of old stored information when the quantity of the stored information exceeds the storage capacity. CONSTITUTION:When the information of the fault generation are outputted from a CPU 51 by the operation of anyone of sensors S1-S14, a CPU 54 inputs a time from a clock 55 at such a time. A code corresponding to the kind of the generated fault is taken out from information stored in a ROM 52 and the time of the generation and the code of the fault are stored to an E<2>PRPM 56 or to an external memory 57. When the quantity of the stored information concerning the fault exceeds the capacity of the E<2>PRPM 56 or of the external memory 57, instead of these old stored information, the newest information are updated and stored. Thus, even when the information exceeding the storage capacity of the storing means are inputted, the input is not interrupted and the newest information can be stored.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention provides a method for detecting the occurrence of various malfunctions in a device such as an image forming device using h' utility for later maintenance, etc. The present invention relates to a failure occurrence situation recording device that records in a format.

Conventional technology Conventionally, when a malfunction occurs in an image forming apparatus, that is, various printers, copiers, reader printers, etc., the operation of the apparatus is stopped at the same time as the malfunction occurs, and a message indicating that the malfunction has occurred is displayed. In some cases, the user operates a reset switch provided on the device after removing the cause of the problem.

In this way, if the operation of the device is simply stopped when a problem occurs, there will be no record of the occurrence of the problem.
Since it is not possible to obtain guidelines for when and how often maintenance should be performed, these devices have recently been equipped with a function to individually record the occurrence of these defects.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the conventional device described above,
- When fishing on a boat, the information is stored in the storage device installed in the device, so if the amount of recorded information exceeds the storage capacity of the storage device, an overflow will occur and the latest information will not be recorded. There is a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and it records the situation when a malfunction occurs together with the type of malfunction, and prevents the amount of recorded information from exceeding the storage capacity of the storage device. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a failure situation recording device that has the function of

” - To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a malfunction occurrence situation recording device that records the occurrence of a malfunction when a malfunction occurs in the device, a detecting means for detecting the occurrence of the malfunction, and the detecting means. an encoding means for assigning a code to each type of defect detected by the above; a status output means for outputting the situation at the time of occurrence of the defect; and a code corresponding to the type of the defect to be stored together with the situation at the time of occurrence of the defect. storage means for storing the information stored in the storage means in an external storage section; and storage means for storing the information stored in the storage means in an external storage section; The apparatus is characterized by having update recording means for updating and storing new information in place of old information stored in the means.

The malfunction occurrence situation recording device of the present invention configured as described above operates as follows.

First, when the occurrence of a problem is detected by the detection means,
The storage means stores a code assigned by the encoding means that corresponds to the malfunction and the situation at the time when the malfunction occurred. This information is then stored in the storage means. When the amount of information stored in the storage means exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the update storage means stores new information in place of the old information stored in the storage means.

Therefore, since information at the time of failure occurrence is sequentially stored in the storage means, the information can be effectively used for maintenance and inventory management of repair parts. Further, even if information is input that exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the input is not hindered and the latest information can be stored.

Embodiment Next, an embodiment of the malfunction occurrence situation recording device of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Hereinafter, the operation will be explained by taking as an example the operation when the present apparatus is installed in a laser printer that forms an image using a laser, that is, a laser imager.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming portion of a laser imager.

This laser imager can be roughly divided into two parts, as shown in the figure: 1 magazine for storing media, 2 transport mechanisms for transporting the media. An image forming section 31 that forms an image on the media is composed of a developing machine 4 that develops the media on which the image has been formed, and a dryer 5 that dries the media that comes out of the developing machine 4.

Inside the magazine 1, there is a media type detection sensor S1 that detects the type of media set in the megazine 1;
Media remaining amount detection sensor S2 that detects the remaining amount of media
The media type and remaining amount are detected.

Further, a roller 6 for feeding media from the magazine 1 is attached to the starting point position of the transport mechanism 2, and an initial position sensor S3 is provided between the magazine 1 and the roller 6 to detect the initial position of the media. It is being The amount of media pulled out from the magazine 1 is detected by this initial position sensor S3. And behind this roller 6,
A cutter 7 that cuts the media to a predetermined length is provided, and near this cutter there is a cutter initial position detection sensor S4 that detects the initial position of the media with respect to the cutter, and a cutter rear position that detects the rear position of the media with respect to the cutter. A position detection sensor S5 is also provided.

These sensors S4. S5 allows the media to be cut to a predetermined size. A conveyance path 8 for conveying the media to the image forming section 3 and the developing machine 4 is connected to this cutter. Detection sensors S6 to S8 are provided. If the medium is not transported normally on the transport path, the abnormality in the transport is detected by these sensors S6 to S8. Furthermore, a developing machine media detection sensor S9 is provided near the connection between the conveyance path 8 and the developing device 4, that is, near the developing machine 4, and detects media clogging in the developing machine 4. ing.

The image forming section 3 is provided with an optical system 10 for irradiating the sub-scanning section 9 with laser light.
Optical system initial state detection sensor SI that detects the initial state of 0
O is provided.

The developing machine 4 includes a developing tank 11. It has a fixing tank 12 and a stabilizing tank 13, and these tanks include rollers 14 for conveying the image-formed media by the image forming unit 3 within each tank.
14. ..., 14 are provided. These tanks are connected with transport paths 15 and 16 for transporting the media to the adjacent tank, and the transport path 15 connecting the developer tank 11 and fixing tank 12 is connected to the transport path 15, 16 for transporting the media to the adjacent tank. Fixing tank inlet media detection sensor 8 that detects conveyance abnormalities
Further, a stabilizing tank artificial media detection sensor 812 is provided in the transport path 16 connecting the fixing tank 12 and the stabilizing tank 13 to detect abnormality in the transport of the media in the transport path.

The dryer 5 is connected to the fixing tank 13 by a conveyance path 17, and a motor for circulating air in the dryer 5 and a fan 19 driven by the motor 18 are installed inside the dryer 5. There is. Further, above the dryer 5, a magazine 20 is provided for taking out the dried media.

At the inlet and outlet of this dryer 5, a dryer inlet media detection sensor S13. Dryer outlet media detection sensor S14
are provided, respectively, so that clogging of media at the inlet and outlet of the dryer 5 can be detected.

In this way, a total of 14 sensors are installed in each part of the laser imager, and these sensors can be used to check whether the media is being transported normally, the initial position of each part, and the condition of the media. I try to do that. Therefore, check the initial state of each part before image formation.
Self-diagnosis such as checking the operating parts and optical system during image formation and detecting a jam during or after image formation can be performed. still,
These sensors constitute a detection means.

FIG. 2 is an external view including the operating section of the laser imager having the above-described configuration.

As shown in the figure, the outer frame 30 of the laser imager includes:
An operating section 35 for outputting operating commands to the laser imager is provided, and the operating section 35 is provided with various operating switches as shown. That is, the operation section 35
includes a display section 36 as a display means for displaying various information, alarms, etc., a numeric keypad part 37 equipped with a numeric keypad for inputting various information, and an IC card for inserting an IC card as a storage means. An insertion section 38, an ejection button 39 for ejecting the IC card, and a changeover switch 40 for allowing a service person to display information necessary for maintenance on the display section 36 and for enabling use of the IC card. When the amount of information input to an internal storage device exceeds a certain value relative to the capacity of the storage device, the information stored in the storage device is statistically processed and the information is An information compression switch 41 for performing compression is provided.

When installing an IC card, a key for using the IC card is inserted into the changeover switch 40 and turned on. This allows the IC card to be inserted from the IC card insertion section 38. And tenki part 3
Operate the key provided at 7 to enter the IC card use mode, and then remove the key. By the above operations, it becomes possible to write information in the event of a malfunction to the IC card.

In addition, when taking out the IC card, insert the key into the changeover switch 40, turn it on, and operate the numeric keypad to remove the IC card.
Key in the code to end the card usage. Then, the ejection button 39 is pressed to take out the IC card, the changeover switch 40 is turned off, and the key is removed. in this way,
If the old person who has the key performs the L operation,
The C card can be attached and detached.

When an IC card is inserted into the IC card insertion section 38, the information regarding the malfunction is not stored in the internal storage device, but the information is stored in the inserted IC card, except in special cases. to remember. The stored information can be confirmed by the following operation. That is, the user inserts the key into the changeover switch 40, turns it on, and operates the numeric keypad to enter the IC card display mode. Then enter the date. This allows the IC
All information stored on the card is displayed on the display section 36. Furthermore, there is a lot of information stored on IC cards.
When the information cannot be displayed on one screen of the display unit 36, the display can be temporarily stopped by, for example, pressing both the X and 11 keys on the numeric keypad at the same time. The above is an operation for immediately taking measures against a problem at the installation location.

When the IC card is taken home, the information is read by an IC card reading device, and various analyzes and statistical processing of the information are performed by a personal computer.

The display section 36 displays operational information necessary for operating the laser imager, and also warns the user if the amount of information to be stored is likely to exceed the capacity of the inserted IC card. A message to that effect will be displayed to encourage users to do so.

When the information compression switch 41 is turned on, the information stored in the storage device or IC card is subjected to statistical processing to compress the information, and after the information compression process is completed, unnecessary information is Information is deleted from these storage devices or IC cards. On the other hand, even if the information compression switch 41 is off, if the amount of information to be stored exceeds the capacity of the inserted IC card or storage device, old information stored in the IC card or storage device The latest information is stored instead. In other words, the oldest information is deleted and the latest information is stored in its place.

Changeover switch 40 is turned on, and ten key part 3
When the numeric keypad number 7 is operated and a special number arrangement such as a recitation number is entered, the information stored in the IC card or storage device can be retrieved on the display section 36 at will, and the serviceman can Information can be monitored on the spot.

The format of the defect information stored in these IC cards or storage devices is the type of defect at the time of occurrence, the time of occurrence, the type of defect at the time of occurrence, the total operating time of the laser imager, the type of defect at the time of occurrence, and the time of occurrence. There are various possible combinations such as the number of prints, but IC
This information is stored in the card or storage device in various combinations depending on the need, in the order in which the defects occur. Furthermore, since such information is stored in the IC card, if this information is taken home and organized by customer, it becomes easier for the manufacturer to analyze maintenance efficiency or repair parts inventory management.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the control section of the malfunction occurrence situation recording device according to the present invention.

The human power unit 50 is connected to sensors S1 to S14 as various detection means shown in FIG.
51 is connected. This CPU 51 includes a ROM 52, which constitutes a part of the encoding means, in which programs related to all operations of the laser imager are stored, and a RAM 5B, which temporarily stores various information necessary for the operations of the laser imager. , is mainly connected to the CPU 54 that controls operations related to information when a problem occurs, and the CPU 51
．． 54, information is exchanged between them. The CPU 54 includes a clock 55 as a status output means for outputting a time signal.
, an information compression switch 41 as an information compression means for instructing compression processing of recorded information, a display section 36 as a display means for displaying various information, and a display section 36 for storing information regarding the situation of failure occurrence. E2PR as a storage device
The PM 56 is also connected to an external memory, specifically an IC card 57, which serves as a storage means for storing information regarding the occurrence of a malfunction.

This CPU 54 is activated by the operation of one of the sensors.
When information about the occurrence of a malfunction is output from U51, the time at this time is input from the clock 55, and communication is performed with the CPU 51, and a code corresponding to the type of malfunction that has occurred is sent to the information stored in the ROM 52. Take it out from E2
The time of occurrence and the code of the defect are stored in the PRPM 56 or external memory 57. The CPU 54 also has a function to update and store the latest information in place of the old information when the amount of stored information regarding the defect exceeds the E2PRPM 56 or the external memory 57. There is. Further, although not shown, the CPU 54 is equipped with a counter for counting the total operating time of the laser imager and the number of prints, and has a function of integrating these.

Therefore, the CPU 54 is an encoding means and a status output means.

This constitutes an update recording means and an information compression means.

Next, the operation of the malfunction occurrence situation recorder having the above configuration will be explained based on the operation flowchart of FIG. 4.

First, when the program starts, the CPU 51 and C
The PU 52 initializes each part, and if the initial settings are performed normally, the CPU 54 displays "ready" on the display unit 36, and if the initial settings are not performed correctly, the CPU 51
The “code” corresponding to the malfunction communicated from the CPU 5
4 is displayed on the display unit 36 (Sl, S2). CPU5
When the occurrence of a problem is communicated by 1 (S3), C
The PU 54 inputs the time at which the communication was received from the clock 55, receives a code corresponding to the malfunction from the CPU 51, and generates a "failure occurrence code" at the time of the malfunction.
code) ° "NO" This information is temporarily stored in the RAM 53, with the "date" and "time" as one piece of information.Although not shown in the flowchart, at this time, the number of prints and the total operating time are etc. also CPU54
is taken out from the counter it has and stored in the RAM 53 (S4). If the information compression switch 41 is off and the IC card 57 is not installed (
35, S6), this information is taken out from the RAM 53 and stored in the E2 PRPM 56 (S7). On the other hand, I.C.
If the card 57 is installed and the remaining memory capacity of the IC card 57 is less than IK bytes (S6.S8),
The information extracted from the RAM 53 is stored in the IC card 57.
(S9). Further, when the remaining memory capacity of the IC card 57 is less than IK bytes, the CPU 54 displays on the display unit 36 that the remaining memory capacity of the IC card 57 is low (310), and transfers the information to the XC card 57. Store (S9). In addition, E2PRPM5 in step S7
6 and the IC card 57 in step S9, when storing information in excess of these storage capacities, old information may be stored, although a detailed flowchart is not shown. Instead, a process is performed to store the latest information.

Then, when the information compression switch 41 is turned on,
The CPU 54 compresses the information stored in the E2 PRPM 56 or the IC card 57 by subjecting it to statistical processing 1, for example, the number of cases per defect, the number of prints, and standard deviation processing (Sll), and the IC card 57 When the IC card 57 is installed, as a result of this data compression, unnecessary information is deleted from the IC card 57 to secure storage capacity (S12, 13), and when the IC card 57 is not installed, information that is no longer needed is deleted from the IC card 57. E2 PRP M56
2 to secure storage capacity (S12.14).

An example of information to be stored in each storage device in the following process is shown in the table below.

Example of information stored at the time of a malfunction Date/time Malfunction name code Total number of sheets 11:00:03 D Example of information after compression processing Below margins 101 to 200 ... ~ N 1,5 Therefore, the malfunction occurrence situation recording device of the present invention The general operation is as follows.

The display unit 36 will display print-t if no malfunction occurs.
- Various necessary information is displayed, and if a problem occurs, a message to that effect is displayed. Information at the time of this malfunction is stored in the IC card 57 in the form shown in the table above.
When the IC card 57 is installed, the IC
E2 PROM when card 57 is not installed
56 respectively. When performing this memorization, I
When the free space of the C card 57 or the E2 PROM 56 is running low, for example when it has reached 3/4 of its storage capacity, a warning is given by displaying text or LED on the display unit 36 to that effect. If no action is taken in response to this warning and the storage capacity is exceeded, the older information stored in the IC card 57 or the E'' PROM 56 is erased and the latest information is stored in its place.

Then, when the information compression switch 41 is turned on,
The information stored in the IC card 57 or the E2 PROM 56 is converted into the information shown in the table above, that is, it is subjected to statistical processing, and as a result, the information of the empty area is erased, and as a result, the empty area is The information regarding the problem is stored again in the part where the error occurs.

The information stored in this way is specifically utilized as follows.

In order to solve a problem that has occurred at the installation location, an operator or service technician checks the information stored in the IC card 57 or E2 PROM 56 and searches for the cause of the problem. In this way, troubleshooting can be easily performed.

When I took the IC card 57 home and sorted out the information, I found out whether the problem was an initial problem that could naturally have occurred in the early stages of the device, or whether it was a problem that occurred because a specific part of the device was weak. This makes it possible to make statistical judgments such as this, which not only provides useful information for the development of new models in the future, but also provides information for efficient repair inventory management. In other words, as shown in the aging-defect occurrence diagram in Fig. 5, the information stored in the IC card 57 collected from a large number of customers over a long period of time is integrated.
When processed, the occurrence characteristics of each defect can be diagrammed, and if repair parts inventory is managed based on this diagram, efficient maintenance activities can be performed with the minimum amount of inventory. Specifically, defect 1 has the characteristic that it occurs frequently in the early stages of operation of the equipment, so it is important to have a large stock of repair parts in the early stages of operation, and service personnel should be aware of this problem in the early stages of operation. By focusing on maintenance to prevent occurrences, efficient and reliable maintenance activities can be performed. For these issues, see Defect 2.3.
The same applies to

In this embodiment, a case in which a laser imager is equipped with the malfunction occurrence situation recording device of the present invention is exemplified (5), but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, it is also applicable to devices.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the second explanation, according to the present invention,
Since the situation at the time of the occurrence of the malfunction, such as occurrence and time of occurrence, usage time, etc., becomes clear, efficient maintenance by service personnel and efficient inventory management of repair parts are possible.

Further, even if the information capacity to be stored exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the latest information is always stored.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming part in a laser imager equipped with a malfunction situation recording device according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is an external view of the laser imager shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the control section of the malfunction situation recording device according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the control section shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a diagram of the malfunction occurrence situation recording device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a statistical diagram of information collected by 81-S14...Various sensors (detection means), 36.
...Display unit, 52...ROM (encoding means), 54...CPU (status output means, update recording means. Information compression means), 56...E2 PROM (storage means), 57...
External memory, IC card (storage means). Figure 1

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) When a malfunction occurs in the device, a malfunction situation recording device that records the occurrence of the malfunction includes a detection means for detecting the occurrence of the malfunction and a code for each type of malfunction detected by the detection means. a status output means for outputting the status at the time of occurrence of the malfunction; a storage means for storing a code corresponding to the type of malfunction together with the status at the time of occurrence of the malfunction; storage means for storing stored information in an external storage section; and when the storage means or the information stored in the storage means exceeds their storage capacity, old information stored in these means is What is claimed is: 1. A malfunction occurrence situation recording device characterized by comprising an update recording means for updating and storing new information instead. (2) The malfunction occurrence situation recording device according to claim (1), further comprising information compression means for performing statistical processing on the information stored in the storage means or the storage means and compressing the information.