JPH03219265A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To display a period and a place where maintenance is required by providing a counting means for the number of sent sheets of copy paper, a counting means for the frequency of paper jamming, a resetting means for a permissible paper jamming frequency excess detecting and for paper jamming frequency counting means, a copy paper quantity excess decision means, and a maintenance control command means. CONSTITUTION:Every time the numeral signal generated by the sent copy paper quantity counting means 5 exceeds a predetermined value, the permissible paper jamming frequency excess detecting and paper jamming frequency counting means resetting means 7n judges whether or not the numeral signal generated by the paper jamming frequency counting means 6n exceeds the predetermined value within the elapsed period. When the predetermined value is exceeded, the copy paper quantity excess detecting means 8n judges whether or not the numeral signal generated by the sent copy paper quantity counting means 5 exceeds a value indicating a reference sent copy paper quantity for deciding the necessity of parts replacement, and a maintenance control means 9n generates a parts replacement command signal or maintenance command signal. Consequently, the area where the maintenance is required and a parts to be replaced can be specified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to improvements in copying devices. In particular, the present invention relates to an improvement in a copying machine whose purpose is to inform the user of when maintenance management is required and which parts require maintenance management.

[Conventional technology]

The main body of the copying apparatus according to the present invention is a so-called Carlson type copying apparatus. Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of a Carlson type copying apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a recorded pattern transfer means, which forms a latent image corresponding to the recorded pattern to be copied on an electrophotographic photoreceptor made of an inorganic photoreceptor such as selenium or an organic photoreceptor; It has a function of attaching toner corresponding to this latent image and transferring the toner attached on the electrophotographic photosensitive member corresponding to this latent image onto copy paper in a recorded pattern.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a recorded pattern fixing means for fixing the toner transferred in a recorded pattern onto the copy paper by the recorded pattern transfer means 1 to the copy paper. 3 is a copy paper feeding means for feeding the above-mentioned copy paper, and 31 is a copy sending means provided in the above-mentioned copy paper feeding means 3. Reference numeral 10 denotes a paper discharge means for discharging the paper on which copying has been completed.

In the Carlson type copying apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, in the prior art, paper jam detection means 4n are provided at a plurality of points on the copy paper feeding path in order to detect paper jams. This paper jam detection means 4n is configured with a photo sensor as a main component. For example, when copy paper passes a point where this paper jam detection means 4n is provided, the paper jam detection means 4n sends a signal If this output signal does not occur within a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a paper jam, and the location of the paper jam is determined by the location where the first paper jam detection means that does not issue an output signal is installed. is to be displayed.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As mentioned above, the conventional copying apparatus displays the location where the paper jam occurs each time a paper jam occurs. Another drawback is that it is extremely difficult to clearly determine where maintenance is required.

The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate this drawback, and to display to the user the arrival of the time when maintenance such as cleaning and adjustment is required, and the location where maintenance is required, and furthermore, to notify the user when it is time to replace parts. An object of the present invention is to provide a copying machine capable of displaying the names of parts to be replaced.

[Means to solve the problem]

The above purpose is to form a latent image on the electrophotographic photoreceptor corresponding to the pattern of the record to be copied, toner to adhere to the electrophotographic photoreceptor corresponding to this latent image, and a recording pattern transfer and copying means (1) for transferring the toner adhering on the photoconductor onto the copy paper; and a recording pattern transfer means (1) for transferring the toner onto the copy paper in the form of a recording pattern. a recording pattern fixing means (2) for fixing the recorded pattern using means; a copy paper feeding means (3) for feeding the copy paper; In a copying apparatus having a plurality of paper jam detection means (4n), the copy paper feeding means (31) provided in the copy paper feeding means (3) is configured to determine the operating state of the copying apparatus. a first numerical signal representing the minimum unit number of copy paper sheets to be delivered; and a second numerical signal representing the number of copy paper sheets to be delivered as a reference for determining whether parts of the copying apparatus need to be replaced. Counting means (
5), and each of the plurality of paper jam detection means (4n) includes a paper jam count counting means (6n) for generating a third numerical signal representing the number of operations thereof, and the copy paper number counting means. Each time the first numerical signal generated in (5) passes a predetermined value, the third numerical signal generated by each of the paper jam count counting means (6n) within this elapsed period is a permissible paper jam frequency excess detection and paper jam count counting means reset means (7n) for determining whether or not the frequency exceeds a predetermined value and resetting each of the paper jam frequency counting means (6n); Paper jam frequency excess detection and paper jam count counting means reset means (
Copy paper number excess determining means for determining whether or not the second numerical signal generated by the copy paper number counting means (5) exceeds a predetermined value in response to each operation of 7n). (8n) and this copy paper excess determination means (
8n), generating a parts replacement command signal when the second numerical signal generated by the copy paper sending number counting means (5) exceeds a predetermined value; A copying apparatus comprising maintenance management command means (9n) for generating a maintenance command signal when the second numerical signal generated by the copy paper sending number counting means (5) does not exceed a predetermined value. achieved.

[Effect]

In the copying apparatus according to the present invention, the copy paper feeding means (
31), the number of copy sheets sent out is counted by a copy paper feed number counting means (5), and on the other hand, paper jam detection means (4n) are provided at a plurality of points on the path through which the copy paper is fed. If a paper jam occurs,
The paper jam detecting means (4n) that belongs to the area where the paper jam occurs operates, and the number of times the paper jam detecting means (4n) operates is counted by the paper jam count counting means (6n).

Then, the first numerical signal generated by the above-mentioned copy paper delivery number counting means (5) is set to a predetermined value (a numerical value representing the minimum unit of copy paper delivery number for determining the operating state of the copying apparatus) ( N,), the third numerical signal generated by the paper jam count counting means (6n) during this elapsed period is set to a predetermined value (the minimum unit represented by the first numerical signal). Detection of exceedance of permissible paper jam frequency and reset means for counting the number of paper jams (value indicating the number of paper jams permissible during the copy period)
7n), and if the paper jam count is not exceeded, the paper jam count counting means is reset. When the third numerical signal generated by the paper jam count counting means (6) exceeds a predetermined value (N,), the third numerical signal generated by the paper jam count counting means (5) is generated. Excess number of copy sheets is detected by determining whether the second numerical signal exceeds a predetermined value (a value representing the number of sheets of copy paper sent as a standard for determining the necessity of replacing parts of the copying device) (N). Means (8n
), and if it is exceeded, the maintenance management means (9n) generates a parts replacement command signal, and when it is not exceeded, the maintenance management command means (9n) generates a maintenance command signal.

As mentioned above, paper jam detection is performed by the paper jam detection means (4n) installed at multiple points along the copy paper feeding path, so the area where the paper jam occurs can be identified, and maintenance or Since the necessity of parts replacement is determined individually based on the number of paper jams counted by the paper jam count counting means (6n) attached to each paper jam detection means (4n), maintenance is required. Since the area or parts to be replaced can be specified, maintenance or parts replacement can be performed extremely efficiently based on the specified information.

〔Example〕

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, regarding the components directly related to the gist of the present invention,
This will be explained with reference to the complaint correspondence diagram shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, 1 forms a latent image on the electrophotographic photoreceptor corresponding to the pattern of the record to be copied, and attaches toner corresponding to this latent image. This is a recording pattern transfer means for transferring the toner adhering to the electrophotographic photoreceptor to copy paper. 2 is a recording pattern fixing means for fixing the toner transferred in a recording pattern onto the copy paper; 3 is a copy paper feeding means for feeding the copy paper; 31 is a copy paper feeding means for feeding the copy paper; This is copy paper sending means provided in the above copy paper feeding means 3. Reference numeral 4n denotes paper jam detection means provided at a plurality of points on the path along which the copy paper is fed, and is constructed using, for example, a photosensor as a main component. In this embodiment, three paper jam detection means 41, 42, and 43 are illustrated, but the number of these paper jam detection means 4n is not particularly limited.

Next, referring again to the claim correspondence diagram shown in FIG. 1, the control means according to the gist of the present invention will be explained.

Reference numeral 5 indicates a first numerical signal representing the number of copy sheets sent out in response to the operation of the above-mentioned copy paper sending means 31, and a first numerical signal representing the number of copy sheets sent out as a reference for determining the necessity of replacing parts of the above-mentioned copying apparatus. This is a means for counting the number of copy sheets sent out and generating a numerical signal of 2. 6n is attached to each of the plurality of paper jam detection means 4n, and the paper jam detection means 4n is attached to each of the paper jam detection means 4n.
It is a paper jam frequency counting means that generates a third numerical signal representing the number of operations of n. 7n indicates that the first numerical signal generated by the copy paper number counting means 5 is a predetermined value N1.
Each time , it is determined whether or not the third numerical signal generated by the paper jam count counting means 6n exceeds a predetermined value N within this elapsed period, and When the respective generated third numerical signals corresponding to the paper jam count counting means 6n do not exceed a predetermined value N, the paper jam count counting means 6n
This is a resent means for detecting an excess of allowable paper jam frequency and counting the number of paper jams. 8n is generated by the copy paper number counting means 5 when the third numerical signal generated by the paper jam number counting means 6n exceeds a predetermined value N within the elapsed period. This is a copy paper excess determining means for determining whether or not the second numerical signal exceeds a predetermined value Nt. 9n responds to the operation of the copy paper excess determining means 8n and issues a parts replacement command when the second numerical signal generated by the copy paper output counting means 5 exceeds a predetermined value N2. This maintenance management command means generates a signal and generates a maintenance command signal when the second numerical signal generated by the above-mentioned copy paper sending number counting means 5 does not exceed a predetermined value NA.

Next, a control procedure related to the gist of the present invention of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart.

FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d) Start copying by operating a copy key provided on the operation panel of the reference copying apparatus (a).

Based on this command to start copying, the copy paper feeding means 3
The copy paper sending means 31 provided in is driven,
Copy paper is sent out (b).

The copy paper sent out number counting means 5 counts the number of copies sent out and generates a first numerical signal representing the number of sent out copies (C).

On the other hand, a timer is started in synchronization with the driving of the copy paper sending means 31 (d).

The first paper jam detection means 41 (paper jam detection means provided in the paper delivery means) among the plurality of paper jam detection means 4n detects whether copy paper has arrived there (e
,).

When the first paper jam detection means 41 detects that the copy paper has not arrived, it is determined whether or not the time at which the measurement is started at the same time as paper feeding by the above-mentioned timer exceeds a predetermined time ( rI).

When the time measured by the timer exceeds a predetermined time, it is recognized that a paper jam has occurred (g+).

The combination of the above series of steps is the paper jam recognition step.

On the other hand, no paper jam occurs and the first paper jam detection means 4
When 1 detects that the copy paper has passed safely,
The above second point passing confirmation step e2, the step f of determining whether the second point passing time is within the scheduled time, and determining whether the above second point passing time has not arrived within the scheduled time. Paper jam recognition process g! The second paper jam i! ! A recognition step h2 is executed. If no paper jam occurs during the execution of this second paper jam recognition step h2 and this second paper jam recognition step h2 is successfully completed, a third paper jam recognition process is performed which is a combination of the same steps as above. Process.

is executed.

If the third paper jam detection means 43 detects passage of copy paper, it is recognized that this copying process has been completed normally.

When a paper jam is recognized in any of the paper jam recognition steps h1, h8, h, and odor, one of the paper jam count counting means 6n according to the gist of the present invention operates to count the number of paper jams and Generate a numerical signal of 3 (j)
.

It is determined (k) whether or not a first numerical signal representing the number of sheets to be sent out, which is generated by the copy paper sending out number counting means 5, has passed a predetermined value (N,), and the above-mentioned first numerical signal is It is determined whether or not the third numerical signal generated by the paper jam counting means 6n exceeds the predetermined value (N,) each time a predetermined value (N,) has passed. This is determined by the frequency excess detection and paper jam count counting means reset means 7n (1).

When it is determined that the third numerical signal does not exceed the predetermined value (N,), the paper jam count counting means 6n is reset (P).

When it is determined that the third numerical signal exceeds the predetermined value (N□), the second numerical signal generated by the copy paper number counting means 5 increases to a predetermined value (
It is determined by the copy paper number excess determining means 8n whether or not the number of copies exceeds N□) (").

As a result, the above-mentioned second numerical signal becomes a predetermined value (
N,), the maintenance management command means 9n generates a parts replacement command signal and displays a parts replacement message (S).

When it is determined that the second numerical signal does not exceed a predetermined value (NZ), a maintenance command signal is generated by the maintenance management command means 9n and a maintenance message is displayed (1).

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, in the copying apparatus according to the present invention, a paper jam is detected by a plurality of paper jam detection means provided in the copy paper feeding path, and the number of detected paper jams is calculated by each paper jam detection means. The number of paper jams is counted by a paper jam counting means attached to the paper jam. On the other hand, the number of copy paper sent out is counted by a copy paper delivery number counting means, and each time the number of copy paper sent out exceeds a predetermined number representing the minimum unit of number of copy paper sent out for determining the operating state of the copying apparatus. It is determined whether the number of paper jams counted by the paper jam frequency counting means exceeds a predetermined value.

If it is determined that the number of copies has been exceeded, it is determined whether or not the number of copies of paper sent out exceeds a predetermined standard for determining the necessity of replacing parts of the copying device. If it exceeds the limit, a parts replacement command will be issued, and if it does not, a maintenance command signal will be issued. This makes it possible to identify the area where the paper jam is occurring and to determine whether maintenance or parts replacement is necessary. Since the paper jam detector is set separately for each paper jam detector stage, areas requiring maintenance or parts to be replaced can be identified, and as a result, maintenance or parts replacement can be performed extremely efficiently.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram corresponding to claims of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), 2(c), and 2(d) are flowcharts of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying apparatus according to the prior art. lO・・Paper ejection means.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] Forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photoreceptor in accordance with a pattern of a record to be copied, and depositing toner in accordance with the latent image,
recording pattern transfer means (
1), and a recorded pattern fixing means (
2), and copy paper feeding means (3) for feeding the copy paper.
) and a plurality of paper jam detection means (4n) provided at a plurality of points on the copy paper feeding path, the copy paper provided in the copy paper feeding means (3). The sending means (31) includes a first numerical signal representing the minimum unit of copy paper sending number for determining the operating state of the copying apparatus, and a copy paper sending signal serving as a reference for determining the necessity of replacing parts of the copying apparatus. Each of the plurality of paper jam detection means (4n) includes: a copy paper sending number counting means (5) that generates a second numerical signal representing the number of sheets; and a plurality of paper jam detection means (4n).
Paper jam count counting means (6n) that generates a third numerical signal representing the number of times the operation is performed, and each time the first numerical signal generated by the copy paper count counting means (5) exceeds a predetermined value. Then, it is determined whether or not the third numerical signal generated by the paper jam frequency counting means (6n) exceeds a predetermined value within the elapsed period, and the paper jam frequency counting means (6n) is activated. In response to the operation of the reset means (7n) for detecting an excess of allowable paper jam frequency and counting the number of paper jams, and the reset means (7n) for detecting an excess of allowable paper jam frequency and resetting the number of paper jams, the number of copy sheets is reset. Copy paper number excess determination means (8n) for determining whether or not the second numerical signal generated by the counting means (5) exceeds a predetermined value;
8n), when the second numerical signal generated by the copy paper feeding number counting means (5) exceeds a predetermined value, a parts replacement command signal is generated, and the copy paper maintenance management command means (9n
).