JPH0327059A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To accomplish exact process by displaying failure contents and failure occurrence dates and times in order of the occurrence dates and times. CONSTITUTION:The failure data storage means of an RAM 210 stores failure data composed of the failure contents and the failure occurrence dates and times of a copying machine. The occurrence dates and times are generated by a second CPU 221 which is a timing means. The failure data display means of a message display part 117 displays the failure data in order of the occurrence dates and times. Thus, at the time of a periodic check, for example, it can be found out whether troubles concentrate on a specific day or intermittently and successively occur. Consequently, exact process can be performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a hard copy image using an electrophotographic process. [Prior Art] Conventionally, the electrophotographic process has been widely used as a method for producing hard copy images in image forming devices such as copying machines, facsimile machines, and optical printers using laser beams or LED arrays. ．． The electrophotographic process is a charging process that uniformly charges the surface of a photoreceptor, i! An exposure process in which a latent image is formed by partially removing charge by exposing the surface of a photoreceptor according to the pattern information, and a development process in which toner in a developer is attached to the latent image to form a toner pattern. , a transfer process that transfers the toner image onto recording paper, and a fixing process that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper. An il copy forming device using an electrophotographic process has a proper (
In order to obtain a hard copy image of standard image quality, the physical property values (surface potential of the photoreceptor, exposure amount, toner density, etc.) for each of the above processes are determined in advance, and the physical property values are determined according to the physical property values. The operation of each mechanical part is specified. However, usually, the specific physical property values gradually deviate from the determined values due to the frequency of use and the environment of the installation location (temperature, humidity, vibration, etc.). In other words,
The image quality of hard copy images gradually changes due to factors such as the adhesion of impurities to the photoreceptor, deterioration of the exposure lamp, dirt on the optical system's ξ-color, and aging changes in the circuit constants of the control circuit. In addition,
Sudden changes in image quality may occur. For this reason, in conventional image processing devices, the setting values of each part are set so that, for example, when the power is turned on, image processing is performed under conditions that compensate for fluctuations in physical property values and approximate standard electrophotographic process conditions. The image is automatically adjusted (image adjustment). By the way, the operating status regarding the quality of the image quality of the image formatting device after the power is turned on can be roughly divided into:
Image formation possible state and problems (trouble)
There is a state in which image formation is impossible due to the occurrence of image formation. In the above-mentioned image adjustment, the image forming possible state includes a proper state in which operation settings are set to predefined standard values, and a state in which standard values are set in a predetermined mechanical part in response to fluctuations in physical property values. There is an inappropriate situation where the operation settings are set to different values. In the case of a communication failure, performance deterioration often occurs in at least some mechanical parts. Note that even if the connection is temporarily disabled, it may return to the proper state due to changes in the environment such as temperature. In addition, problems that can occur when image formation is not possible include a lack of consumables such as recording paper or toner, or a paper jam (jam).
There are minor problems that can be handled by the operator, such as problems such as problems, and serious problems that require repair by a service person, such as failures or damage to various parts. If a minor problem occurs, image formation can be restarted by replenishing consumables or removing jammed paper. However, if a serious problem occurs, i.e.
If the operating state of the image forming device is in an abnormal state, image formation will be impossible until measures such as parts replacement are taken. Generally, image forming devices identify the operating state (self-diagnosis) based on the output of a sensor installed at a suitable location inside the device.
If this occurs and image formation becomes impossible, the details of the corresponding trouble and the location where it occurred will be displayed. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-117689, the number of occurrences of troubles corresponding to the image formation failure state is counted for each content or occurrence location (
There is also an image forming apparatus that performs a count) and stores the count value. By displaying the trouble occurrence information, the operator can take necessary measures such as contacting the service engineer.In addition, by memorizing the trouble occurrence information, the service engineer can, for example, focus on troubles that occur frequently. Maintenance work can be performed at a later time. [The invention tries to solve III! I) As mentioned above,
With an image forming apparatus that stores count values, a service person can know the number of times a trouble has occurred, for example, during periodic inspections, but cannot confirm the date and time of occurrence. In other words, it is not possible to know whether the trouble occurred intensively on a particular day, or whether it occurred intermittently or continuously. For this reason, there was a problem in that it was difficult to determine the situation in which a problem occurred and to take appropriate measures. For example, if jams occur intensively, it is often due to an operational error such as using non-standard paper, but if they occur intermittently,
Although the cause is often a mechanical failure such as a timing shift in the paper transport system, it is not possible to determine the cause of the jam from only the number of times the problem has occurred. Further, in conventional image forming apparatuses, only trouble occurrence information corresponding to an image formation failure state is stored, and information related to an unauthorized state is not stored. Therefore, even if there is a difference between the image quality at the time of inspection and the appropriate image quality, and the operating condition B (condition) of the image formatting device is incorrect, the service engineer must determine the details of the incorrect image quality. Above,
There was a problem in that it was difficult to efficiently carry out necessary measures such as cleaning, replacing parts, and operating dip switches. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can determine the occurrence of a malfunction and take appropriate measures during maintenance work. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image formatting device that can identify the contents of a failure state and efficiently take appropriate measures to obtain appropriate image quality. [Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 provides an image forming apparatus that detects malfunctions in each part and stores information on the occurrence of malfunctions, which includes date information. and a clock means for generating time information, a malfunction data storage means for storing malfunction data consisting of the contents of the malfunction and the date and time of occurrence, and a malfunction data display means for displaying the malfunction data in the order of the occurrence date and time. It is constructed as The invention according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus that forms a hard copy image using an electrophotographic process, comprising: a sensor means for measuring physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process; The image type 1fc
Of the device! self-diagnosis means for determining whether the operating state regarding the pass/fail of if is a proper state or an incorrect state;
a counting means for counting the number of occurrences of the improper state in association with an inappropriate item indicating the contents of the improper state; and a count value storage for storing the counted value for each of the improper items in the counting means. It is characterized by the provision of means. The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the structure of the invention according to claim 2, a count value display means for displaying the count value is provided. The invention of claim 4 is the invention of claim 2.
In addition to the structure of the invention, the present invention is characterized in that a communication means is provided for transmitting the counted value to an external management device for managing the operating state. The invention according to claim 5 is an image forming apparatus for forming a hard copy image using an electrophotographic process, the sensor means for measuring a plurality of physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process, and a sensor means for measuring a plurality of physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process; A measured value display means for displaying the measured value and a measured value diagnostic means for determining whether each of the measured values is appropriate or inappropriate are provided, and each of the measured values is determined to be appropriate. It is characterized by displaying each measurement value along with a measurement value identification symbol to distinguish whether it is incorrect or inappropriate. The invention according to claim 6 is an image forming apparatus that forms a hardcopy image using an electrophotographic process, comprising: a sensor means for measuring physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process;
process control means for controlling an electrophotographic process based on the output of the sensor means; process conditions for displaying a process set value set by the process control means and a small value measured by the sensor means; A display means and a process condition diagnosis means for determining whether each of the process setting value and the measured value are appropriate or inappropriate are provided. The method is characterized in that the process setting values and measured values are displayed together with a process condition identification symbol to distinguish whether the process conditions are appropriate. Occur.

The defect data storage means stores defect data consisting of the details of the defect and the date and time of occurrence. The defect data display means displays defect data in order of occurrence date and time. The sensor means measures physical properties associated with the electrophotographic process. The self-diagnosis means determines, based on the output of the sensor means, whether the operating state of the nuclear image forming device regarding the image quality is in a proper state or in an incorrect state. The counting means counts the number of occurrences of a fraudulent state in association with an inappropriate item indicating the content of the fraudulent state. The counted value storage means stores the counted value for each inappropriate item in the counting means. The count value display means displays the count value. The communication means transmits the counted value to an external management device for managing the operating state. The measured value diagnosis means determines whether each measured value by the sensor means is appropriate or inappropriate. The measured value display means displays each measured value along with a measured value identification symbol for distinguishing whether each measured value is appropriate or inappropriate. The process control means controls the electrophotographic process based on the output of the sensor means. The process condition diagnosis means determines whether each of the process setting values and measured values set by the process control input means is appropriate or inappropriate. The process condition display means displays at least one of the process setting value and the measured value together with a process condition identification symbol for distinguishing whether the process setting value and the measured value are appropriate or inappropriate. [Examples] Examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the main parts of copying machine A. In the figure, a photosensitive drum 5 is arranged to be rotatable at a constant circumferential speed V in the direction of an arrow Ma, and around the photosensitive drum 5 are a charging device 6, an inter-image eraser 10, and a developing device for electrophotographic process. 7. During transfer charging 28, during separation charging 29, cleaning device 9, and main eraser 8
is installed. Further, a surface electrometer 90 for measuring the surface potential of the photoreceptor drum 5 is provided between the exposure position X2 and the inter-image eraser lO, and a separation charger 29
A reflective photosensor 19 consisting of a light emitting element 19a and a light receiving element 19b is provided between the cleaning device 9 and the reference toner image to measure the density of the reference toner image. The surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is uniformly charged by passing through a charging charger 6, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is charged uniformly by the optical system 2 at an exposure position of 1x2.
exposed by 0. The surface charge on the photoreceptor drum 5 is partially removed by exposure, and a latent image corresponding to the document D is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 5. Surface charges in areas other than the latent image are erased by an interimage eraser lO. The optical system 20 is a glass platen! It consists of an exposure lamp 21 for irradiating the original D placed on top, a mirror 22a % d for guiding the reflected light B from the original D to an exposure position 2X2, and a projection lens 23. During exposure scanning on the original D, the exposure lamp 21 and the frame 22a are moved in the direction of the arrow M.
It moves in the direction b at a speed of v/m (m is the copying magnification), and the picklers 22b and 22C can move at a speed of v/2 m. The latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is
The toner image is developed by the developing device 7 and visualized as a toner image. The developing device 7 uses a developer made of a mixture of a magnetic carrier and an insulating toner, and uses a well-known magnetic brush method to attach the toner to the latent image (charge existing area, that is, the non-exposed area) passing through the development position X3. Perform so-called normal rotation development. Inside the developer tank 70, a developer sleeve 71 with a built-in magnetic roller 72, a height regulating plate 73, a packet roller 74, and a screw roller 75 are provided, and a toner concentration sensor 80 is arranged below the screw roller 75. ing. When the bucket roller 74 rotates in the direction of the arrow Me, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the copying sleeve 71 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 72, and moves to the developing position X3 based on the rotation of the developing sleeve 71 in the direction of the arrow Md. Transported. The toner concentration sensor 80 is used to measure the weight ratio T/C [wt%] of toner to the entire developer from the magnetic permeability of the developer. A toner tank 76 is provided at the top of the developer tank 70, and a toner supply roller 77 is provided at the bottom. When the toner replenishment roller 77 is rotationally driven by the replenishment motor 78, the screw roller 75 is removed from the toner tank 76.
Hetner is replenished. The replenished toner is stirred and mixed with the developer already present inside the developer tank 70 by the rotation of the screw roller 75, and is sent to the packet roller 74. Frictional charging occurs due to stirring and mixing, and the magnetic carrier and toner are charged with opposite polarities. The negative polarity toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 5 at the development position X3.
It adheres to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 5 due to electrostatic adsorption with the surface charge. At this time, a developing bias VB of a predetermined voltage is applied to the developing sleeve 71 in order to prevent toner from adhering due to residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 (charges remaining in the g-light part). On the other hand, the paper P is conveyed by the tying roller 30 while tying with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 5, and is transferred to the toner image P by the transfer charger 28 at the transfer position X4. The paper P on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 5 by a separation charger 29 and sent to a fixing device (not shown). Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 5 is cleaned by a cleaning device 9
The remaining toner is removed by main eraser 8.
The residual charge is removed and the image is prepared for the next exposure. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the optical system 20. The slider unit 24, which supports the exposure lamp 21 and the mirror 22a, is provided so as to be movable back and forth below the document table glass l in order to expose and scan the document D as described above during the copying operation. At the time of adjustment, it is placed at the adjustment position Yl or Y2.

The lower surface of the main body upper cover 26 of the copying machine A has an adjustment position Y.
Adjustment seals 25a, 25b to correspond to l, Y2
is pasted. The adjustment seal 25a has a reflectance corresponding to the background (white background) of a normal manuscript paper, and the adjustment seal 25b has a reflectance corresponding to a gray background (halftone image). FIG. 3 is a diagram that does not show the structure of the charging device 6 and the output circuit 202. The charger 6 has a charge wire 6l, stable@. 6
4. It is a scorotron type charger constructed from a mesh grid 63. A constant high voltage is supplied to the charge wire 6l from a high voltage transformer 62 that is turned on and off by an I CPU 201, which will be described later. The grid 63 is grounded via a series-connected varistor 65a%i in the output circuit 202, and the varistor 65
Short-circuit switches SWl to 8 are connected between both terminals of a to h, respectively.
It is said that short circuit is possible. The potential of the grid 63 is controlled by turning on and off each of the shorting switches SW1 to SW8 in response to a control signal from the I-th CPU 201. As a result, the charge wire 61 is connected to the photosensitive drum 5.
The amount of charge directed toward the surface of the photoreceptor drum 5 is controlled, and the surface potential of the photoreceptor drum 5 is set. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the setting level of the electrostatic charger 6. In this embodiment, the rated voltage of the varistor 65axh is 15
The rated t-pressure of the volt and varistor 65i is set to 790 volts, and the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 5 can be set in nine levels from level 1 to level 9 at a pitch of 15 volts, centering on the standard level 5. For example, at level 5, control is performed to turn on the short-circuit switches SWI-4 so that the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 5 becomes 650 volts. Note that it is also possible to increase the number of levels by making the rated voltages of the varistors 65a to 65h different from each other. In the following explanation, the setting level of 6 during charging will be referred to as "rHV level". FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control circuit 200 of copying machine A. The control circuit 200 controls the entire copying machine A.
CPU201, 2nd CPU221 with clock function, RA
It has M209, 210, ROM2 1 1, etc. One RAM 209 is backed up by a main power supply (not shown) and is initialized when the main power supply is turned off. Further, the other RAM 210 is backed up by a battery, and data written in the RAM 2 10 is retained regardless of whether the main power is turned on or off. 212-2
A data bus 14 connects each of the RAMs 209, 210 and ROM 211 to the ICPU 201. The output voltage VD of the above-mentioned surface electrometer 90, the output voltage VT of the toner concentration sensor 80, and the output voltage P of the photosensor 19 are input to the ICPU 201 by an A/D converter, respectively.
The ICPU 201 is converted into a digital signal by the converters 205 to 207 and is input to the exposure lamp 1 [50 for lighting the exposure lamp 21 and the high voltage power supply 40 for applying the current copying bias VB. From D/
Control signals are applied via A converters 203 and 204. 208 is a power source for driving the replenishment motor 78; 21
6 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the operation panel 100 and the ICPU 201, which will be described later. Further, 223 is an online controller for communication with an external management device 227, which will be described later.

FIG. 9 shows the surface potential VH of the photosensitive drum 5 and the surface potential meter 9.
1 is a graph showing the relationship between output voltage VD of 0. As shown in the figure, when the surface potential VH is 70 volts, the output voltage VD is 0.35 volts, and similarly, when the surface potential VH is 350 volts, the output voltage VD is ! ．． 75
Volt, when the surface potential VH is 650 volts, the output voltage V
D is 3.25 volts. 70 at surface potential VH
, 350,650 volts is the bright potential VR in copying machine A,
These are standard values for each of the gray potential vl1 and the dark potential VO. The bright potential VR is a potential corresponding to a portion where static electricity has been removed by exposure (a portion corresponding to the white background portion of the document D), and even in the most transparent state, it does not reach O volts due to residual charges.
If the bright potential VR is 110 volts or less, it is appropriate, if it exceeds 110 volts and up to 150 volts, it is inappropriate but not abnormal, and if it exceeds 150 volts, it is abnormal. In addition, in this embodiment, the adjustment seal 25a
The potential of the exposed part corresponding to is defined as the bright potential VR. The gray potential vi is the potential of the exposed portion corresponding to the adjustment seal 25b, and the dark potential vO is the potential of the exposed portion corresponding to the adjustment seal 25b.
This is the potential of the part corresponding to the non-exposed part (black part) on the surface of . These gray potential Vt, dark potential vO, and developing bias VB are determined based on the bright potential VR. That is, the photosensitive drum 5 and the developing device i! Optimal values corresponding to standard electrophotographic process conditions defined by the shape, material, etc. of F7, etc. are shown by equations (1) to (3). VB-VR+150 - (1) Vi-VB+130 ・ (2) VO-VB+4
30. (3) Figure 10 is a diagram showing the setting level of the developing bias VB. As shown in equation (1), the optimal difference between the developing bias VB and the bright potential VR is 150 volts. When the voltage is lower than 150 volts, toner adhesion to exposed areas (portions with residual charges), so-called background staining occurs, and when the voltage is higher than 150 volts, adhesion of magnetic carriers occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the standard developing bias VB (220-70+
It is possible to set the developing bias VB in nine stages at a pitch of 10 volts, with level 5 as the target value (150 volts). In the following explanation, the setting level of the current copying bias VB will be referred to as "rVB level". Figure 6 shows the toner weight ratio T/C and the toner concentration sensor 86.
This is a graph showing the relationship between the output voltage VT. The value of the toner weight ratio T/C specified as standard electrophotographic process conditions (standard value) is 5 [wt%],
At this time, the output voltage VT of the toner concentration sensor 80 is 2
．． It is 85 volts. This standard value is toner weight ratio T/C
When performing a copy operation using the setting value of the first cPU2,
01 is the reference potential of 2.85 volts and the output voltage VT
Compare with the value of . The value of output voltage VT is r2,85J
, that is, when the toner weight ratio T/C is less than the standard value, the ICPU 201 controls the replenishment motor 7.
8, turn on the power supply 20B, replenish toner, and bring the toner weight ratio T/C close to the standard value. In this way, control to maintain the toner weight ratio T/C at the set value is performed at any time during the copying operation, but the set value of the toner weight ratio T/C is determined based on self-diagnosis in the copying adjustment process described later. Be changed. Figure 7 shows the toner weight ratio T/
3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the set level of C, dark potential vO, and gray potential Vt. FIG. In this embodiment, the setting value of the toner weight ratio T/C can be set in four levels of levels 1 to 4. In the following explanation, the setting level of the toner weight ratio T/C will be referred to as "rT/C level". Generally, as the value of the toner weight ratio T/C increases, the development copying efficiency increases, so even when the potential difference between the photoreceptor drum 5 and the developing sleeve 71 is reduced, the toner weight ratio T/C increases. By increasing the size, it is possible to obtain a hard copy image with appropriate density. Therefore, in the image adjustment process described later, when the output adjustment of the charger 6 reaches its limit at the standard toner weight ratio T/C, that is, the T/C level "1", the T/C level is changed. Ru. however,
If the toner weight ratio T/C exceeds 8 [wt%J, excessive driving torque will be applied to the bucket roller, etc., and problems such as toner overflowing from the developer tank 70 will occur. The upper limit is defined as 8 [wt%]. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the setting level of exposure amount. The exposure amount is set by controlling the lighting power supplied from the exposure lamp power supply 50 to the exposure lamp 21. Copy machine A
Here, nine levels of settings are possible in the range of 1.6 to 2.4 [Lux-sec], with Level 5 having a target value of 2.00 [Lux-sec]. Note that hereinafter, the exposure setting level will be referred to as ``rEXP level''. Figure 8 shows the output voltage vP of photosensor l9 and the estimated concentration 10.
This is a graph showing the relationship between This graph corresponds to the relationship between the density of toner tracing on the photosensitive drum 5 and the density actually measured for a hard copy image obtained by transferring and fixing the toner image onto paper P. For example, if the value of the output voltage VP is "2.5"
J, the density of the hard copy image to be reproduced is 1.
It can be estimated that it is 0 [Macbeth]. graph data GD
is stored in ROM211 in advance. The I-th CPU 20 1 refers to the data in the ROM 2 1 1 and calculates the estimated density ID of the hard copy image to be applied in the copying operation based on the output voltage VP of the photosensor 1 9 . In other words, the density of the hard copy image that will be viewed by the operator is estimated based on the density of the toner image (reflectance of toner imitation), which is one of the physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel 100 of the copying machine A. The operation panel 100 is divided into an operation section 219a for setting copying conditions such as the number of copies and density, and a display operation section 219b for displaying the status of each section. The operation unit 219a includes a print key 101 for starting the copying operation, a 7-segment LED 102 for displaying the number of copies, etc., numeric keys 104 to 113 corresponding to numerical values 1, 2, . . . 9, 0, and copying conditions. A clear/stop key 103 for canceling the settings, up and down keys 114, 115 for changing and setting the copy image density step by step, a density display section 116 for displaying the copy i# copy density, etc. are arranged. ing. The display operation section 219b also includes a message display section 117 consisting of a liquid crystal display, and a key 11 for service personnel.
8 to 124 have been rearranged. Serviceman key 11
8 to 124 are mainly used for maintenance by service personnel, such as displaying management information stored in the RAM 210 and data processing operations, as will be described later. Note that the keys 118 to 124 for service personnel may be covered by a cover or provided within the main body so that they cannot be operated normally. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the management network system 500.
This is a block diagram showing the JI precepts. A management network system 500 includes five copying machines A of the same type as managed devices.
, A... and the management device 227 are brought online using a telephone line 230, and three of the five devices are located in a building where an extension network is established using an automatic exchange 225a and internal lines 229a-c. The other two are installed in buildings B2 and B3, respectively, and are installed in automatic switchboard 22.
5b. 225c to the telephone line 230. In each of the copying machines A, A, . . . , communication processing is executed by the ICPU 201 in a timely manner, and management information indicating the operating status of each copying machine is transmitted to the service station SS. At the service station SS, the sent management information is input to the management device 227 via the automatic exchange 226. The service person will check each copying machine A,
By displaying or printing the management information of A..., the operating status of each copying machine A, A... can be confirmed. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not maintenance is required for each copying machine A, A, . . . at a location different from the installation location of each copying machine 11A, A, . Next, the operation of the copying machine A will be explained according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 to 21. FIG. 14 is a main flowchart schematically showing the operation of the ICPU 201. When the power is turned on and the program starts, first,
In step #1, initial settings are made for each part, and in step #2, an internal timer is set to define the length of one routine of the ICPU 201. In step #3, input processing is performed to receive signals from the operation keys of the operation panel 100, sensors, and switches of various parts. Subsequently, image adjustment processing (step #4), warning display/copy prohibition processing (step #5), data writing processing (step #6), data display processing (step #7), and data transmission processing (step #8) After sequentially executing , a copying operation is executed in step #9. In the next step #10, communication processing with the second CPU 221 is performed. After executing these processes, an internal timer is waited in step #l1, and the process returns to step #2. As a result, the length of the l routine is kept constant, and the processes from step #2 to step #l1 are repeated while tB is being input. FIGS. 15(a) to 15(d) are flowcharts of the image adjustment process in step #4 above. Based on the self-diagnosis to determine whether the state It consists of a state storage process (state "16" to state r22,+) that stores state data indicating the state of each part. In this routine, the state is first checked in step #101, and the following processing is executed depending on the state. In state r1, the current T/C level is read from RAM2CJ9 in step #1l1. Next, check whether the T/C level is "1" or not, that is,
Check whether the standard T/C level is set (step #112), and if yes, proceed to step #l
Set the state to ``2'' at 13. If no in step #1l2, the T/C level is set to “1” in step #114.
”, then execute step #113. In state "2", in step #12l, the charger 6 is turned on to rotate the photosensitive drum 5, and the H
Change the V level sequentially to each }IV level "IJ~r9J"
Measure the dark potential ■0 at . In step #122, the measured value in step #121,
In other words, the value of the output voltage VD of the surface electrometer 90 is the dark potential ■
The HV level rx I J (H
Select one of the V levels "1" to "9".
Then, the state is set to "3" (step #123). In state "3", in step #l31, it is checked whether the value rv[)XIJ of the output voltage VD at the HV level "x1" selected in the previous state "2" is 2.0 volts or more. do. That is, it is checked whether the dark potential vO is equal to or higher than the lower limit value (400 volts) that enables the copying operation. If YES in step #131, the HV level "X1" is set as a temporary HV level in step #132. If the answer in step #131 is NO, a serious malfunction (trouble) such as a disconnection of the charge wire 6l of the charger 16 has occurred, and the copying operation cannot be performed.
In other words, the operating state of copying machine A is abnormal. In this case, the state is set to "21" (step #13
4). In state "4", the slider unit 24 of the optical system 20 is stopped at the above-mentioned adjustment position Y1 (step #l41), and the state is set to "5" (step #1).
142). In state "5", first, in step #151, the EχP level is sequentially changed and the adjustment seal 25a is irradiated, and the bright potential V at each EXP level "1" to "9" is
Measure R. Next, in step #152, the value of the output voltage VD of the surface electrometer 90, which is the measured value in step #15■, is closest to 0.35 volts, which corresponds to the standard value (70 volts) of the bright potential VR. Select the value XP level "x2". And set the state to "6" (
Step #153). In state "6", in step #161, the output voltage V at EXP level "X2" is
Check whether the value of D rVDx2 is less than 0.75 volts. That is, it is checked whether the bright potential vO is below the upper limit value (150 volts) that enables the copying operation. If the answer in step #161 is NO, a problem such as a failure of the exposure lamp 21 has occurred, and the copying operation is impossible. In other words, the operating state of copying machine A is abnormal. In this case, the process moves to step #166 and the state is set to "22". If YES in step #161, in step #162, EXP is set as a temporary EXP level.
Set level "x2". In the following step #l63, the actual measurement value rVDx,2'' becomes 0,
Determine whether the voltage is 55 volts or less. Step #1
If YES in 63, it is possible to set the developing bias VB that satisfies the above equation (1), and it is possible to form a copy image of appropriate image quality. The operating state of copying machine A is normal. In this case, the state is set to "7" in step #164. If No in step #163, it is possible to execute the copying operation, but it is impossible to set the developing bias VB that satisfies equation (1) even if the VB level "9", which is the adjustment limit, is selected. Therefore, the image quality of the copied image may be inappropriate. Therefore, the operating state of copying machine A becomes an unauthorized state. In this case, the state is set to "18" (step #165). In '7J, electrophotographic process conditions 1
A developing bias VB is determined. That is, the value rV of the bright potential VR corresponding to the above-mentioned actual measurement value ryDx2J
Rx2'' and the target value of developing bias VB is rVR
x2+150" VB level closest to Bonoleto "x
3" (step #171), and set the VB level "x3" as the VB level (step #172).
For example, if the actual measurement value "rVDx2" is 0.35 volts, the corresponding bright potential VRO value "vRx2"
is the optimum value of 70 volts (see Figure 9), and 220
VB level “5” with target value of (70+150) volts
” (see Figure 10). In step #173, the state is set to 18. In state "8", first, in step #181, the value rVB of the developing bias VB at the VB level "x3" is determined.
x3'' into equation (3) to obtain the eye Il value rV of the dark potential VO.
Calculated value of output voltage VD corresponding to “Dx4” corresponding to “Ox4”
Calculate. Next, step 41821? , value rvBx
3'' into equation (2), the target value of the gray potential vi ``V
Calculated value of output voltage VD corresponding to ix6J rVDX6J
Calculate. Then, in step #l83, change the state to "
9”. In state "9", the measurement value at step #121 of state "2" described above (output voltage VD(7)' value)
Select the Hv level "x5" that is closest to the calculated value "rVDx4" (step 4191), and set the state to "lO".
(Step #192). In state "lO", first, in step #201, fI! is checked to see if the actual dark potential vO is within an appropriate range determined according to the calculated target value. I approve. That is, HV level rx
It is checked whether the relationship between the actual measured value rVDx5 of the output voltage VD corresponding to No. 5 and the calculated value ryDx4J satisfies the following equation (4). VDx5≧VDx4-0.25 [V] - (4) Note that a difference of 0.25 volts in the output voltage VD becomes a difference of 50 volts when converted to the surface potential VH. If YES in step #201, the dark potential VO is appropriate, so set the HV level to "x5" (step #202), set the state to "1l" (step #203), and set the HV level to "x5" (step #202). If 201 is NO, the state is set to "14" in step #204.
In this case, the dark potential vO is lower than the appropriate value, and the operating state is a failure state. If a copying operation is performed in this unauthorized state, the amount of toner adhering to the image is small and a faint copy appears. In the state "11", the slider unit 24 is stopped at the adjustment position Y2 (step #211), and the state is set to "12" (step #2 1 2). Step } In rl2J, first, step #221
Then, the adjustment seal 25b is irradiated while changing the EXP level sequentially, and the gray potential v1 at each BXP level "1" to "9" is measured. Next, the value of the output voltage VD, which is the measured value in the previous step #221, is changed to the above-mentioned calculated value rV
Select the EXP level "x7" that has the closest value to "Dx6" (step #221), and set it as the EXP level.
Set P level "x7" (step #222). Then, in step #223, the state is set to "13". In state "13", in step #231, the actual gray potential Vl is set to the calculated target value rVix.
Check whether the value is within the appropriate range (VixS ± 10 volts) determined according to 6. That is, EXP level rx
71 corresponding output voltage VD(7) actual measurement value rVDx7"
and the calculated value rVDx6'' satisfies the following equation (5). V D x6-0.05≦V D x1≦V D x6
+0.05 [V] (5) If YES in step #231, the gray potential vO is appropriate, and the process advances to step #232 to set the state to "1".
6". If no in step #231, the gray potential vO is inappropriate, and the state is changed to "17" in step #233.
Suppose that State "14" is executed when it is determined that dark potential ■0 is inappropriate in the above-mentioned state rlOJ. In step #241, it is checked whether the charging flag FCN indicating the cleaning state of the charge wire 6l is "O". If YES in step #241,
The charge wire 61 has not been cleaned and the dark potential v
The cause of inappropriate O is thought to be dirt on the charger 61. Therefore, in step #242, cleaning of the charge wire 61 is performed. Thereafter, in step #243, the charger flag FCM is set to "1", and in step #244, the state is set to "2". Therefore, if YES in step #241, charger 6
With the dirt in state 1 removed, each process from state 2 onwards is executed again. If the answer in step #241 is NO, even though the charge wire 6l has already been cleaned, the appropriate dark potential
This is the case when O cannot be obtained. In this case step #
245, set the state to "l5". Step}rl5J, first, step #25l
Then, it is checked whether the T/C level change failure n is r3J. If no in step #25l, step #252
Proceed to and increase the T/C level by l level. That is, T/C is adjusted so that the toner weight ratio T/C becomes large.
Change the level settings. For example, if the current settings are T/C
If the level is rl, change it to T/C level "2".
Next, in step #253, the number of changes n is set to the current value by 1.
In step #254, the state is set to "8".
”. Therefore, if no in step #251, the seventh
As shown in the figure, the target values of the dark potential ■O and the gray potential vi corresponding to the new T/C level are calculated, and based on the target values, the HV level and The EXP level will be set. If step #251 is YES, it means that the T/C level "4" is set as the T/C level, and the T/C level has already reached the adjustment limit, so change the T/C level. is not performed, and the state is set to "19" in step #255. In state "16", in step #261, it is checked whether the change failure number n is "0". If YES in step #261, T/
Since the standard T/C level "1" is set as the C level, in step #262, status data Cut indicating that the T/C level is appropriate is stored. Storage in this routine is performed by storing data in the RAM 209. If the answer in step #26l is NO, then in step #264, status data CT/C indicating that the T/C level is inappropriate is stored. Step #
After execution of step #262 or step #264, step #2
Set the state to ``20'' at 63. In state rl7J, in step #271, it is checked whether the number of changes n is "0" or not, and if yes, state data C▼盈 indicating that the gray potential Vt is inappropriate is stored. (Step #2 7 2) If no, state data CWl and state data C? /C memorized (step #2?3). Step #272 or Step #27
After executing step 3, proceed to step #263 described above. In stage }rl8J, state data C■ indicating that the bright potential VR is inappropriate is stored (step #275),
Proceed to step #263 above. In stay 119J, status data Cv. (Step #2
7 6) Proceed to step #263 above. In step }r20J, processing for estimating the density of the hard copy image based on the electrophotographic process conditions set as described above is executed. That is, in step #281, the toner image formed by turning off the exposure lamp 21 (toner imitation corresponding to black color) is formed, and the toner image formed by turning on the exposure lamp 2l at adjustment position Y1 (toner image corresponding to white color) is formed. The photosensor 19 is used to measure the densities of three types of toner images: a toner image (a toner image corresponding to gray), and a toner image formed by turning on the exposure lamp 21 at the adjustment position Y2 (a toner image corresponding to gray). Next, in step #282, an operation is performed to obtain the estimated density 10 of the hard copy image based on the output voltage vP of the photosensor 19 and the graph data GDI stored in the ROM 211, and the estimated density 10 of the hard copy image is calculated. Estimated density data 1 for each of the three types of gray hard copy images
0●, ID1, ID! Extract. Thereafter, in step #283, an image adjustment completion flag FC is set in rlJ to indicate that settings for each device around the photosensitive drum 5 have been completed. In state "21", in step #291, state data C0 indicating that the charger 6 is in an abnormal state is stored based on the self-diagnosis in state "3" described above. Then, in step #292, the image adjustment completion flag FC is set to rl. In the stage }r22J, based on the self-diagnosis in the above-mentioned state "6", the state data C! indicates that the exposure lamp 2l is in an abnormal state. Remember IP (step #
293), proceed to step #292 above. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the warning display/copy prohibition process in step #5 of FIG. 14. In this routine as well, first check the state in step #301,
The following processing is executed depending on the state. In state "31", the presence or absence of input of signal S1 is checked in step #31l. The signal S1 is the up key 114 or the down key 115 of the operation panel 100.
is input to the ICPU 201 via the interface 216 when the button is pressed. If no in step #3l1, the state is set to 132 in step #3l5. If step #311 is YES, this means that the operator has set the density, which is one element of image quality. In this case, the operator is considered to be paying particular attention to image quality. this? Therefore, when the operating state of copying machine A is in an unauthorized state, before starting the copying operation,
It is necessary to inform the operator that it is difficult to form a copy image of the desired quality. Therefore, in steps #312 to #314, the state data Cvi, Cv■Cv. It is checked whether each data is stored in the RAM 209, that is, whether each data is stored in the RAM 209. If the answer is YES in any of steps #3l2 to #3l4, the operation status of copying machine A is incorrect. In this case step #31
Proceed to 6. In step #3l6, a warning is displayed on the message display section 117 of the operation panel lOO to the effect that the operating state of the copying machine A is in an unauthorized state. Figure 22(a)-(
k) is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the message display section l17. FIG. 22(a) shows the display screen when the determination is YES in step #3l2, and the message 'CvtJ' indicating the incorrect location is displayed along with the message z1 in the case of an invalid state. ．． Step #313
．． If it is determined to be YES in 314, the characters rC▼OtoriJ and rcv@J are also displayed together. In state r32J, first, step #321
Then, it is checked whether or not the status data Cell is stored, and if it is stored, a warning of the abnormal state shown in FIG. 22(b) is displayed in step #322. In this case, the characters 'CCNJ' indicating the trouble location (abnormal location) are displayed together with the message Z2 in case of an abnormal state. Next, in step #323, a copy prohibition process is executed to prohibit the start of a copy operation. That is, the operation panel 100
It prohibits input from each of the keys 101, 103 to 115, and performs control to turn off the power of each section except for devices related to data processing. Thereafter, in step #324, the state is updated to "33". In state "33", first, step? 331
Then, it is checked whether or not the state data C If is stored, and if it is stored, step #332
Then, a warning display of the abnormal condition shown in FIG. 22(C) is performed. In this case, the characters rC■P1 indicating the trouble location are displayed. Note that step #322 has already been completed at this time.
So, 'Cc. If warning 1 is displayed, 'C
'C' below cwJ! The characters IIF J are displayed. In step #333, a copy prohibition process similar to that in step #323 described above is executed, and in step #334, the state is returned to r3lJ. FIGS. 17(a) to (c) are flowcharts of the data writing process in step #6 of FIG. 14. In step #40l, the state is checked, and the following processes are executed depending on the state. State "4l"
”, first, in step #4 1 1, the write end flag FRAM indicating the end of this routine is set to “0”.
Determine whether or not. If step #4 1 1 is NO, that is, the write end flag FRAM is “1”.
”, immediately return to the main routine.
By executing step #411, each subsequent process will be executed only once after the above-described image adjustment process. If YES in step #4l1, step #412
Then, it is checked whether the image adjustment completion flag FC is "0". If no in step #412, that is, if the image adjustment end flag FC is "1", the image adjustment end flag FC is set to "0" in step #4l3, and step #414
Proceed to. In step #4l4, date and time data TD indicating time information such as date and day of the week is read from the second CPU 221. Thereafter, the write end flag FRAM is set to rlJ (step #415), and state 1 is set to "42" (step #4 1 6). In state "42", state data C? is stored in the RAM 209 in step #42l. , is stored. If step #421 is YES, step #422
Then, as will be described later, number data k1 indicating the number of times the date and time data TD was written to the RAM 210 in response to the inappropriateness of the gray potential Vl is read from the RAM 210. Next, "1" is added to the value of the read count data kl to create new count data kl (step #423), and the new count data k1 is written to the RAM 210. Subsequently, in step #425, the above-mentioned step #424 is performed.
Write the date and time data TD read in step #42 into the RAM210 in association with the status data CWt.
6, update the state to "43". For state }r43J to state “47”, each state data Ctic, Cv*, Cy●, C
CNI C ■Corresponding to r, the same processing as in step }r42J is performed. That is, the state data CT/C in the RAM 209
Check whether I Cw** Cv*, Ccn+ Cz*p is stored (steps #431, 441, 4)
51, 461, 471), reading of number data k2 to 6 (steps #432, 442, 452, 462, 47
2), Update of frequency data k2 to k6 (step #433.
443, 453, 463, 473), number of times data k2~
6 writing (steps #434, 444, 454, 4
64.474), writing date and time data TD (steps #435, 445, 455, 465, 475), updating the state (steps #436, 446, 456, 466)
, 476) is executed. In state "48", processing number data N indicating the number of times the image adjustment process has been executed is read from the RAM 210 (step #481), and "1" is added to the processing number data N to update the value (step #4B2). ), the updated processing count data N is written to the RAM 2 1 0 (step #483), and the state is set to "49" (step #484).

In state "49", in each step #491 to step #495, the state data COKI C
It is checked whether each of vt+Ctzc+CVl+cfl is stored in the RAM 209. If no state data is stored,
In step #496, the state is set to "50". If the answer is YES in any of steps #491 to #495, in step #497, management data CDI for checking changes over time in the operating state of copying machine A is sent to RA.
Write to M2 1 0.

Management data CDI is date and time data TD, step #49
1 to the status data determined to be YES in step #495, the final measured values of the three types of surface potential VH (dark potential vO, gray potential ■i, bright potential VR) measured after the end of the image adjustment process, each Setting level (VB, T/C, HV, EXP
), and estimated concentration data ID. , ! D+, ID*
Consists of. In state "50", state data C
It is checked whether c and l are stored (step #501), and if yes, the management data CD2 is RA
Write to M2 1 0 (step #502) and set the state to "5l" (step #5 0 3). Management data CD2 includes date and time data TD, status data C
Hs Clear potential ■O measured after the end of image adjustment processing
The final measurement value consists of the HV level. state r51j
Niite checks whether the state data COP is stored in the RAM 209 (step #511), and if yes, writes the management data CD3 to the RAM 210 (step #512) and sets the state to "52". ” (Step #513). Management data CD3 includes date and time data TD, status data CK
KP, dark potential VO measured after the end of the image adjustment process
and the final measured value of bright potential VR, HV level and EXP level. In this way, the management data CD1 to CD3 are designed to contain the minimum information that makes it possible to identify the cause of the operational state of copying machine A being in an unauthorized state. The content items differ depending on whether it is inappropriate. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the RAM 210, simplify the display described later, and improve the efficiency of data transmission to the management device 227. In states ``52'' to 1-r54J, processing related to periodic data erasure or data initialization is executed to improve the memory usage efficiency of the RAM 210. In state "52", first, step #52l
The management data CDs 1 to 3 written in the past are stored in RAM.
Read from 2 1 0. Next, in step #522,
It is determined whether the read management data CDs 1 to 3 were written on a specific day of the week, for example, Monday (referred to as "Monday's data", hereinafter the same). If YES in step #522, step #525
Then, determine whether the date is within the past two months. If YES in step #525, the data is not erased and the state is updated in step #526. If the answer is NO in step #522, it is determined in step #523 whether or not it is within the past la interval. If YES in step #523, proceed to step #526. If no in step #523 or step #525, in step #524, unnecessary management data CD1 to
Execute the deletion in step 3. As a result, only the daily data within the past week and the data from every Monday within the past two months are stored in RAM2 1.
It will be stored as 0. In state "53", first, the above-mentioned states "42" to "47"
At step 2, the date and time data TD written in association with each state data is read from the RAM 210. Next, in step #532, it is determined whether or not it is within the past year. If YES in step #532, the data is not erased and the state is updated in step #534. If no in step #532, unnecessary date and time data TD is deleted in step #533. As a result, only the date and time data TD within the past year will be continuously stored in the RAM 210. In state "54", it is checked in step #541 whether the signal S2 is input. The signal S2 is input to the first CPU 201 when the serviceman key 111IIF is pressed and when the initialization control signal S2 is applied to the copying machine A from the management device 227. If no in step #541, the state is returned to "41J" in step #543. If no in step #541, the values of count data k1 to k6 and processing count data N are changed to "0" in step #542. ” and proceeds to step #543. 18(a) to 18(d) are flowcharts of the data display processing in step #7 of FIG. 14. First, in step #601, the state is checked, and the following processing is executed depending on the state. In state "6l", the processing flag FS3 indicating the execution progress of this routine is set to "0" in step #6ll.
Check whether it is. If no in step #611, move to step #616 and change the state to "62".
”, and if YES, proceed to step #6l2. In step #612, the presence or absence of input of signal S3 is checked. The signal S3 is input to the ICPU 201 when the serviceman key 119 is pressed. Step #
If 6l2 is YES, proceed to step #6l3; if NO, proceed to step #616 described above. In step #6l3, today's data (the execution date of this routine) among the management data CD1 to CD3 is read from the RAM 2i0, and the data is displayed on the message display section 117. FIGS. 22(d) and (g) show screens displayed based on the management data CDI corresponding to the proper state and the incorrect state, respectively, and FIGS. 22(e) and (f) show the management data CD2 and FIG. 22(f), respectively. This shows the screen displayed based on CD3. In these figures, 301 is the date, 30
2 is a character corresponding to the status data, 303 to 305 are each final measurement value, 306 to 309 are each set level value, and 310 is an estimated concentration value. Next, in step #614, an identification symbol 300, for example, a black triangular mark as shown in FIGS. 22(e) to 22(g), is displayed near the display character corresponding to the inappropriate item on the display screen. ．． This allows you to easily check whether each item is appropriate or inappropriate. In step #615, the processing flag FS3 is set to "1". }r62J to state "68", the value of the processing flag FS3 and the signal S are similar to state r62J.
The presence or absence of the input in step 3 is checked. Also, from the management data CDs 1 to 3, the previous day, 2 days ago, 3 days ago...6
The data from the previous day and 7 days ago will be read and displayed.
Identification symbol 300 is attached to invalid items. In other words, each time the serviceman presses the serviceman key 119, the displayed management data CD1 to CD3 change to the one from the previous day. Further, when the data from seven days ago is displayed, if the key 119 is pressed again, the data from the current day will be displayed again. Step } For r69J, step #
At 651, the presence or absence of input of signal S4 is checked. Signal S4 is the clear/stop key 103 or key 119
This is input when any of the serviceman keys 118, 120 to 124 other than the above keys are pressed. If YES in step #651, set the processing flag FS3 to "0" in step #652.
Return to . With this, for example, clear stop key 1
By pressing 03, the display of management data CD1 to CD3 can be stopped. Furthermore, by pressing the clear/stop key 103 and then pressing the serviceman key 119, even if the display is from 2 to 7 days ago, it can be immediately changed to the display for the current day. In step }r70J, in step #661, it is checked whether the processing flag FS5 is "0". If no in step #661, move to step #666 and update the state to "71"; if yes,
Proceed to step #662. At step #662, the signal S
Check the presence or absence of input in step 5. The signal S5 is input when the serviceman key 120 is pressed. If YES in step #662, proceed to step #663; if NO, proceed to step #666 described above. In step #663, one of the management data CDs 1 to 3 is
The information on the previous Monday is read from the RAM 210 and displayed on the message display section 117. Next, in step #664, the above-mentioned identification symbol 300 is placed near the display character corresponding to the inappropriate item on the display screen.
Display. In step #665, the processing flag FS5 is updated to "1". In states "71" to "r78J", the value of the processing flag FS5 and the signal S are the same as in state "70".
A check is made to see if there is any input in step 5. Also, from among the management data CDs 1 to 3, data from each Monday of one week ago, two weeks ago,...eight weeks ago are read and displayed, and identification symbols 300 are given to inappropriate items. It will be attached. In other words, each time the serviceman presses the serviceman key 120, the displayed management data CD1 to CD3 are replaced with those from one week ago. Further, when the data from eight weeks ago is displayed, if the key 120 is pressed again, the data from Monday, one week ago will be displayed again. In state "79", the presence or absence of input of signal S6 is checked in step #691. The signal S6 is input when the clear/stop key 103 or any of the service personnel keys 118, 119, 121 to 124 other than the key 120 is pressed. If YES in step #691, the processing flag FS5 is returned to "0" in step #692. As a result, for example, clear stop key 103
The display of management data CDs 1 to 3 can be canceled by pressing . In state "80", in step #701, the presence or absence of input of signal S7 is checked. The signal S7 is input when the serviceman key 121 is pressed. If NO in step #701, the process moves to step #703 to update the state, and if YES, the process moves to step #702. In step #702, the number of times data k1 to k6 and the number of processing times data N are read from the RAM 210, and the read data is displayed on the message display section! Display on 17. FIG. 22(h) shows the display screen in the process of step #702. In the same figure, 313 to 319 are numbers indicating the values of the number of times data k1 to 6 and the number of processing data N, respectively. Further, 311 is the year and date when data k1 to k6 and N were initialized and counting of these data started. In state "81J," in step #71?, the presence or absence of input of signal S8 is checked. Signal S8 is input when the serviceman key 122 is pressed. If NO in step #7l1, The process moves to step #713 to update the state, and if YES, the process moves to step #712. In step #7l2, the state data C■, Cyyc.Cvm.
CIII CCM+ CKIIF and the date they were memorized are displayed in chronological order. FIG. 22N) shows the display screen in the process of step #7l2, and 400 in the figure is the date (month/day) when each state data was stored. In step }r82J, in step #721, the presence or absence of input of signal S9 is checked. The signal S9 is input when the serviceman key 123 is pressed. If NO in step #721, the process moves to step #723 to update the state, and if YES, the process moves to step #722. In step #722, the processing flag F
Set S9 to "1". In state "83", it is checked in step #73l whether the processing flag FS9 is "O", and if YES, the process moves to step #759 to update the state. If no in step #73l, that is, if the serviceman key 123 is pressed, step #732
~In step #739, the presence or absence of input of signals S2l to S28 is sequentially checked. Signals 321 to 28 and a signal S29 to be described later are input in response to operations on the numeric keys 104 to 112. If YES in steps #732 to #739, the process proceeds to steps #751 to #758, respectively. In Step #75l to Step #758, the dark potential vO, gray potential vi, bright potential VR, VB level) Lt, T/C L/H, each day in the past week are calculated.
- The level, EXP level, and Ht constant 1 degree ID are graphed (schematized) in chronological order and displayed on the message display section 117. This allows the service engineer to check changes in the operating status over the past week for each self-diagnosis item. FIG. 22(j) shows the 100th page displayed in step #751. In the same figure, 320 is a horizontal line indicating the optimum value of the dark potential ■0, and 321 and 322 are the upper and lower limits of the appropriate range. Horizontal lines, 323-329 are days (today, the previous day,
. . 6 days ago), and vertical lines 330 to 336 are plots showing the dark potential vO values for each day. In the example of FIG. 22 (J), the dark potential vOo value was at its optimum value 6 days ago, but has gradually decreased since then and has fallen below the lower limit today. Therefore, an identification symbol 300 is displayed above the vertical line 323. If all the answers in steps #732 to #739 are negative, the presence or absence of input of signal S29 is checked in step #740. Signal S29 is clear/stop key 103
and keys 118 to 12 for service personnel excluding key 123
It is input when 2,124 is pressed. If YES in step #740, step #741
Then, the processing flag FS9 is reset to "0" and the process moves to step #759 described above. In state "84",
In step #761, the presence or absence of input of signal SIO is checked. The signal S10 is input when the serviceman key 124 is pressed. If no in step #761, return to the main routine. Step #76
If 1 is YES, the processing flag FSIO is set to "1" in step #762, and the state is updated to "85" in step #763. In state "85", in step #771, it is checked whether the processing flag FSIO is "0",
If yes, move to step #799 and return the state to "6l". If the answer in step #771 is NO, that is, if the serviceman key 124 is pressed,
Similarly to step }r83J, in steps #772 to #779, the presence or absence of input of signals S21 to S28 is sequentially checked. If YES in step #772 to step #779, step #791 to step #79 respectively.
Proceed to step 8. Steps #791 to #798 calculate the dark potential ■O, gray potential Vt, bright potential VR, VB level, T/C level, HV level, EXP level, and estimated concentration ID on each Monday of the past two months. It is graphed in chronological order and displayed on the message display section 117. As a result, service personnel can check the past two months (
It is possible to check the changes in the operating status during the period of 8's).
FIG. 22(k) shows the display screen at step #791. In the same figure, 320 to 322 are shown in Fig. 22 (j
), 342 to 349 are vertical lines indicating weeks (this week, last week, the week before last...), and 359 to 366 are plots indicating the values of dark potential vO for each week. If all of the answers in steps #772 to #779 are NO, the presence or absence of input of signal S30 is checked in step #780, and if YES, the processing flag FSIO is reset to "0" in step #781. Proceed to step #799 above. Note that the signal S30 is a signal that is input when the serviceman keys 118 to 123, excluding the clear/stop key 103 and the key 124, are pressed. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the data transmission process in step #8 of FIG. 14. In this routine, corresponding management information is sent to the management device 227 at a predetermined time for each self-diagnosis item according to the need for management of the operating state of the copying machine A. First, step #901 The state is checked, and the following processing is performed depending on the state. In state "91", first, in order to check whether it is Xll (day of the week, time) to transmit data, in steps #911 to #913, the presence or absence of input of signal stt-13 is determined, respectively. The signals Sll and S12 are inputted from the second CPU 221 at predetermined times as described later, and the signal 313 is inputted when a control signal instructing data transmission is added from the management device 227. If step #9l1 is YES, step #915
If no in step #911 and yes in step #9l2, proceed to step #914. If NO in step #913, that is, the signal Sll
If none of -13 is input, the process moves to step #920 and the state is updated. In steps #914 to #918, the results of each self-diagnosis item are checked. That is,
Status data COIl+ corresponding to proper and incorrect states
CVl+c? /e l Cv*+ Determine whether Cvo is stored. If YES in any of steps #914 to #9l8, proceed to step #919, and if NO in any of them, step #9
Move to 20. In step #9l9, the above-mentioned management data CDl is transmitted to the management device 227 via the online controller 223. In other words, by executing this state "9l", if there is an inappropriate item, management information is sent to the management device 1227 at 10:00 am every day regardless of the day of the week, but if there is an inappropriate item If not, management information will be sent every Monday and Thursday at 10am. In state "92", step #921
Then, it is checked whether the state data Cc, I is stored, and if no, the state is updated (step #923) and the process returns to the main routine. If YES in step #921, the management data CD2 is sent to the management device 227 in step #923. In state "93", in step #931, it is checked whether state data C0, is stored,
If no, update the state (step #9
3 3) Return to the main routine. If YES in step #93l, the management data CD3 is transmitted to the management device 227 in step #923. In other words, state "r92" and state "93" are processes for dealing with an abnormal state, and in an abnormal state, data indicating the contents of the abnormal state is managed regardless of the date and time and the presence or absence of an instruction from the management device 227. The data is sent to the device 227. As a result, maintenance work can be carried out quickly and the downtime (failure time) of copying machine A can be shortened. FIG. 20 is a main flowchart schematically showing the operation of the second CPU 221. When the program starts, initial settings of each part (step #51L, internal timer setting (step #52),
Input processing (step #53), timing processing (step #5)
4), in step #55,
Executes communication processing with the first ICPU 201. After executing these processes, an internal timer is waited in step #56, and the process returns to step #52. In addition, the 2nd C
The PU221 is backed up by a battery, and the clock function is maintained even when the main power is turned off. FIG. 21 shows the first CPU 201 in step #55 mentioned above.
This is a flowchart of communication processing with. In this routine, the state is first checked in step #61, and the following processing is executed depending on the state. In state "101", in step #62, date and time data TD indicating the current date, day of the week, and time is transmitted;
In step #63, the state is set to "102J." In state "102", in step #71, it is checked whether the current time is, for example, 10 AM (10:00 AM), and if no, , step #76
Then, return the state to rloIJ. If step #71 is YES, that is, it is 10 o'clock in the morning, then step #72 determines whether or not it is Monday. If it is not Monday, then in step #73 it is determined whether it is Thursday. Based on these judgments, if today's day of the week is Monday or Thursday, the state is
104J (step #75), and for other days of the week, the state is set to "103" (step #74). In state "103", in step #81, the ICP
Send signal Sll to U201. In other words, the signal Sll
will be sent on any day of the week other than Monday or Thursday. After executing step #81, the state is returned to "rlo1" in step #82. In state "104", a signal 312 is transmitted to the th ICPU 201 in step #9l. In other words, the signal S12 will be transmitted when today is Monday or Thursday. After execution of step #91, step #
In step 92, the state is returned to ``101''. In the embodiment described above, predetermined management information is
7 can be arbitrarily selected depending on the actual management situation. In the above-described embodiment, the daily management information is stored in the fixed RAM 210, but this management information can also be stored in the copying machine A using a removable storage medium such as an IC card. You may also choose to memorize it. In that case, it becomes possible to analyze the condition of copying machine A using a dedicated data processing device carried by a service person for maintenance purposes. In the embodiment described above, one message display section 11
On the screen of 7, the necessary information is selected and displayed by key operation from among the various information indicating the operating status.
Separate display means may be provided for each setting level (setting level, etc.) or each state (proper state, unauthorized state, abnormal state J111). [Effects of the Invention] According to the invention of claim 1, it becomes possible to determine the occurrence of a malfunction and take appropriate measures during maintenance work. According to the invention of claim 2, it becomes possible to identify the contents of the unauthorized communication state and efficiently take corrective action to obtain appropriate image quality. According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, there is no need to separately prepare a dedicated count reading device I, and not only service personnel but also users can easily read images as needed. You can check the condition of the shape and power device. According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, at a place away from the installation location,
This makes it possible to detect conditions in image processing equipment, speeding up maintenance work. According to the invention of claim 5, it becomes easy to identify whether the physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process are appropriate or not, and maintenance work can be speeded up. According to the invention of claim 6, it becomes easy to identify whether or not setting values for controlling the electrophotographic process and physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process are appropriate, thereby speeding up maintenance work.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional front view showing the main parts of the copying machine, Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the optical system, Figure 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the output circuit during charging, and Figure 4. The figure shows the setting level of the electrostatic charger, Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the copying machine, Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the toner weight ratio and the output voltage of the toner concentration sensor, and Figure 7 is the toner weight. A diagram showing the relationship between the ratio setting level and dark potential and gray potential. Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the output voltage of the photosensor and the estimated density. Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the photoreceptor drum surface potential and the surface electrometer output. Graph showing the relationship between voltages, Figure 10 is a diagram showing the setting level of developing bias, Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between voltages.
12 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel of the copying machine; FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the general structure of the management network system; FIGS. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying machine, and FIGS. 22(a) to 22(k) are diagrams showing examples of display screens of the message display section. 80... Toner concentration sensor (sensor means), 90
...Surface electrometer (sensor means), 117...Message display section (failure data display means, count value display means, measured value display means, process condition display means), 201.
...No. ICPU (self-diagnosis means, counting means, measured value diagnosis means, process rats means, process condition diagnosis means)
, 210...RAM (fault data storage means, count value storage means), 221...2nd CPU (timekeeping means)
, 223...online controller (communication means),
227... Management device, 300... Identification symbol (measured value identification symbol, process condition identification symbol), A... Copying machine (image forming device), CDI, 2... Management data (fault data) , k1-6...Number of times data (count value).

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus that detects malfunctions in each part and stores information on the occurrence of the malfunction, the image forming apparatus includes a timer that generates date information and time information, and stores malfunction data consisting of the details of the malfunction and the date and time of occurrence. An image forming apparatus comprising: a defect data storage means; and a defect data display means for displaying the defect data in order of date and time of occurrence. (2) In an image forming apparatus that forms a hard copy image using an electrophotographic process, a sensor means for measuring physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process, and an image quality of the image forming apparatus based on the output of the sensor means. a self-diagnosis means for determining whether the operating state is a proper state or an improper state, and a self-diagnosis means for determining whether the operating state is a proper state or an improper state; 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a counting means for storing a count value for each of the inappropriate items in the counting means; and a count value storage means for storing a count value for each of the inappropriate items. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising count value display means for displaying the count value. (4) The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising communication means for transmitting the counted value to an external management device for managing the operating state. (5) An image forming apparatus that forms a hard copy image using an electrophotographic process, comprising a sensor means for measuring a plurality of physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process, and a sensor means for displaying measured values for each of the physical property values. A measured value display means and a measured value diagnostic means for determining whether each of the measured values is appropriate or inappropriate are provided, An image forming apparatus characterized in that each measurement value is displayed together with a measurement value identification symbol for differentiation. (6) An image forming apparatus that forms a hard copy image using an electrophotographic process, comprising a sensor means for measuring physical property values associated with the electrophotographic process, and a control of the electrophotographic process based on the output of the sensor means. a process control means for displaying at least one of a process setting value set by the process control means and a measured value by the sensor means; a process condition diagnosis means for determining whether the process setting values and measured values are appropriate or inappropriate; An image forming apparatus characterized in that at least one of a set value and a measured value is displayed.