JPH04174452A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To grasp quickly and accurately the jam generating situation of a copying machine by providing an operation means which counts total jam generation frequency data and cause distinction jam rate data. CONSTITUTION:In the case of jam generation having been decided as the outcome of jam decision by means of a jam deciding means 2a, a jam counter 2b provided in a control portion 2 is counted up. The counter 2b is counted up at every jam generation without relation to jam cause(in the case of jam having been generated). Next, decision as to what jam cause is conducted by means of a jam cause deciding means 2c provided in the control portion 2. The rate of a jam cause 1 to the total jam generation frequency is operated by means of a jam data operating means 2e through the use of jam counter 2b total jam generation frequency data and cause distinction jam counter 2d cause 1 jam counter data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to jam detection in copying machines, etc., and particularly relates to maintenance inspection using jam detection data.

<Conventional technology and its drawbacks> In a conventional copying machine, for example, jam detection sensors are provided at multiple locations on the paper conveyance path within the copying machine body, and when a jam occurs, the paper is detected based on the signal from the jam detection sensor. The location of the jam was displayed and the copying machine was stopped.

However, the above-mentioned conventional system is only intended to help the user know where the jam has occurred and easily remove the jammed paper, and requires a service drain during maintenance and inspection of the copying machine. However, it was not intended to obtain information on how often jams occur in copying machines, or where they occur most frequently.

Therefore, before starting maintenance 2 inspection (τ), the service person should check how many times jams have occurred in the copier user, etc.
Alternatively, it was necessary to check which part of the paper 1c has the most jams, and to reproduce the actual part of the paper 1c where jams occur. However, users often do not remember clear jam data.
Also maintenance.

Partly because it is difficult to reproduce the jam during inspection, it has not been possible to quickly and accurately grasp the jam occurrence situation in the copying machine. Therefore, fast and accurate maintenance9
It was difficult to carry out inspections.

Means for Solving the Problems> The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks, and includes a plurality of jam detection sensors for detecting jams in the paper conveyance path, and a method for detecting jams from the jam detection sensors. An image forming apparatus comprising: a jam determining means for determining whether a jam has occurred based on a signal (C); and a jam cause determining means for determining the cause of a jam based on a signal from the jam determining means; a jam counter that counts the number of jam occurrences based on a signal from the jam determining means; a cause-specific jam counter that counts the number of jam occurrences for each jam cause based on a signal from the jam cause determining means; Jam data calculation means for calculating the jam ratio by cause based on the total number of jam occurrences data and the data on the number of jam occurrences by cause of the cause-specific jam counter; and the data of the jam counter and the jam data calculation means. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is provided with a display means for displaying data on the jam rate by cause as necessary.

<Function> According to the image forming apparatus as described above, data on the total number of jam occurrences and data on the percentage of jams by cause can be displayed as necessary, so it is possible to check the jam occurrence status of the copying machine. This allows for quick understanding.

<Example> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of main parts of the operation panel section of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram of the invention.

First, the configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes a main body of the copying machine, and a document cover 12 is provided on the top surface of the main body of the copying machine, and a photoreceptor 13 is provided approximately at the center below the document cover 12. Around the photoreceptor 13, from the upstream side in the direction of rotation, there is a main charger +4° exposure device 15. Developing device 16. Transfer charger + 7° cleaning device] 8. Static elimination lamp 19
are set up in sequence.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a paper conveyance path, and the copying machine main body II is provided so as to be vertically separable, for example, about a pivot provided on the ejected sheet fixing side, with the paper conveyance path as a boundary.

On the paper feed side of the paper conveyance path 20, there is a paper feed tray 21 and a paper feed o.
- La 22 is provided. In addition, the paper feed tray 21
Between the transfer charger 17 and the transfer charger 17, there is a paper feed detection sensor 1a that detects a jam in the paper feed section and a paper stop roller 23, and from the transfer charger 17 to the paper ejection side there is a separation detection sensor that detects a jam in the separation section. Ib, fixing device 24. A paper output detection sensor Ic for detecting a jam in the fixing paper output section and a paper discharge tray 25 are provided in this order.

Here, the operation (C) of the copying process of the copying machine having the above configuration will be explained. First, the negative corona discharge of the main charger 14 applies a uniform negative charge to the surface of the photoreceptor 13, and then the exposure device I5 Using the copy lamp 15a as a light source, a light image of the original is formed on the photoreceptor 13 by a converging light transmitter +5b, and the resistance value of the portion hit by the light is reduced and negative charges are removed.Thereby, the photoreceptor 13
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. Next, the developing device 16 visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 13.

The visible image on the photoreceptor I3 is transferred by the discharge of the transfer charger 17 onto the paper conveyed from the paper feed tray 2I through the paper conveyance path 20 in accordance with the copying timing. After transfer. The paper is conveyed to the fixing device 24 section, fixed under heat and pressure, and then discharged to the paper ejection tray 25. On the other hand, the photoreceptor 13 after the transfer is cleaned by the cleaning device 18 to remove residual toner on the photoreceptor 13. is removed, and then the residual charge on the photoreceptor I3 is removed by the charge eliminating lamp 19. Thereafter, the copying cycle is repeated for each copy.

Here, jam detection will be explained. Detection signals from the jam detection sensors Ia, Ib, and Ic provided at the three locations are transmitted to the control section, and a jam determination means in the control section determines whether or not a jam has occurred. ing. For example, if a jam occurs in the paper feed section, the paper feed roller 22 feeds the topmost sheet of paper stored in the paper feed tray 21, and then the paper is fed within a predetermined time. If the paper detection sensor 1a is not turned on, it is determined that a jam has occurred. In the case of a jam in the peeling section, if the peeling detection sensor Ib is not turned on within a predetermined time after the paper stop roller 23 is turned on, it is determined that a jam has occurred. In addition, the peel sensor 1
If the paper output detection sensor Ic is not turned on within a predetermined time after b is turned on, it is determined that a jam has occurred in the paper output section.

If it is determined that a jam has occurred as a result of the jam determination by the jam determining means 2a in step nNc, then in step n2, for example, a jam counter 2b provided in the control section 2 is counted up. The jam counter 2b is incremented every time a jam occurs, regardless of the cause of the jam (the location where the jam occurs). Next, in step n3f't:, the cause of the jam is determined by the jam cause determining means 2c, which is also provided in the control section 2.

In this embodiment, the causes of the jam are Cause 1: Jam in the paper feed section, Cause 2: Jam in the peeling section, and Cause 3:
There are three settings: jam in the paper output section. for example,
If a jam occurs in the paper feed section, it is determined that the cause of the jam is I, and in the next step n4, a jam counter provided for each cause is incremented. Then, in step n51c, the data of the total number of jam occurrences in the jam counter 2b and the cause-specific jam counter 2 are stored.
Using the jam counter data for cause 1 of d, the jam data calculation means 2e calculates the ratio (for example, percentage) of jam cause 1 to the total number of jam occurrences.

If it is determined in step n3 that jam cause 1 is not the cause, the process proceeds to step n61 where it is determined whether jam cause 2 is the cause. If jam cause 2 is determined, as in the case of jam cause l, the cause of jam is 2.
After the jam counter is incremented, the jam rate of jam cause 2 is calculated. Also, step n6
If it is determined that the cause of the jam is not 2 in 1c,
In step n9, it is determined whether jam cause 3 is present. If it is determined that jam cause 3 is the jam cause 3, the jam counter for jam cause 3 is counted up and the proportion of jams due to jam cause 3 is calculated, as in the case of jam cause 1.2.

The above flow is repeated every time a jam occurs.

After the jam rate for each cause of jam has been calculated as described above, if necessary, for example, by turning on the jam cause key 3 provided on the operation knob 26, The following contents are displayed on the provided multi-display means 4Vc consisting of, for example, an LCD. First, in step n12, the jam cause key 3 is turned on. Then, in step n1B, the data of the total number of jam occurrences in the jam counter is displayed for a predetermined period of time, for example, 2 seconds. Next, in step n+4, the occurrence rate (%) of jam cause 1 is also displayed for 2 seconds,
Thereafter, in step n15, the rate of occurrence of jam cause 2 is displayed, and in step n16, the rate of occurrence of jam cause 3 is displayed for two seconds. For example, if the percentage of jam cause 1 is 15%, the display will be +15. If the jam cause key is not turned on in step n12, the total number of jam occurrences and the total number of jam occurrences (ratio (%) to C) for each jam cause are not displayed.

As described above, by configuring to display the total number of jams in the copier and the ratio of each jam cause to the total number of jams, service personnel can easily
At the time of inspection, it becomes possible to quickly and accurately grasp the jam occurrence status of the copying machine, and as a result, it becomes possible to perform work quickly and accurately.

In this embodiment, the ratio (%) to the total number of jam occurrences for each cause of jam is displayed, but the frequency of occurrence for each cause of jam may be displayed as necessary. (See Figure 5) For example, if the ratio of jam cause 1 to the total number of jam occurrences is 0 to 10%, then 0.1
If it is 1-20%, it is 1. If it is 21-30%, it is 2.・・・・・・
. . . 81 to 90 may be displayed as 8, 91% or more as 9, and so on.

Further, in this embodiment, the jam data is sequentially displayed on the multi-display means, but a display means for each data may be provided so that all the data is displayed at once. Needless to say.

Further, in this embodiment, data on the total number of jam occurrences and data on the percentage of jams by cause can be displayed by turning on the jam cause key 3 without setting any limiting conditions. For example, a timer may be provided to count the usage period or time of use of the copying machine, and the information can only be displayed after a predetermined period (or time) has elapsed, or a total counter may be used to count the number of copies made. By setting up a system to count the total number of copies and displaying it only when the total number of copies is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value (or exceeds the reference value), you can cancel the initial trouble-free period. It becomes possible to do so.

The above two examples will be explained in more detail.

First, let us explain about the device equipped with a timekeeping means.
The figure is a block diagram thereof, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing its control flow.

In the figure, 2f is a time measuring means provided in the control unit 2, and is, for example, a time counter. The control when the clocking means 2f is provided will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The counter 2b counts up, and then the jam cause determining means 2cl'i: Therefore, it is determined what the cause of the jam is. When the cause of the jam is determined, the jam counter for the cause of the jam is counted up, and the jam data calculation means 2eVC records the total number of jam occurrences in the jam counter 2b and the cause-specific jam counter 2d. Based on the data on the number of jam occurrences, the ratio (%) of each jam cause to the total number of jam occurrences is calculated. Thereafter, in step n201c, it is determined whether or not the time measurement by the time measurement means 2f has elapsed for a predetermined period of time.

As a result of the determination, if the period has elapsed, by turning on the jam cause key 3 as necessary, the total number of jam occurrences in the jam counter 2b is counted in step n13, as explained in the above embodiment. The data is displayed on the display means 41C for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and then in step n14, the occurrence rate of jam cause 1 is displayed for 2 seconds, and then in step n15 (at τ, the occurrence rate of jam cause 2 is displayed). The occurrence rate is also displayed for 2 seconds, and then in step n ] 61C, the occurrence rate of jam cause 3 is also displayed for 2 seconds.

In the above explanation, the jam occurrence rate (%) for each cause of jam is displayed, but as shown in the flowchart in Fig.
(already explained), and display the total number of jam occurrences data of the jam counter 2b as required after a certain period of time has elapsed.
The jam occurrence frequency for each jam cause may be displayed in steps n14 to n16.

Next, the case where a total counter is provided will be explained. FIG. 7 is a block diagram thereof, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing its control flow.

In the figure, 2g is a total counter provided in the control unit that counts the total number of copies, and 2h compares the preset reference value of the total number of copies with the data of the total number of copies counted by the total counter 2g. The total number of copies is compared and determined by determining whether the total number of copies is equal to or exceeds a reference value.

In the flowchart of FIG. 10, steps n114 and from step n+2 to step n16 are as shown in FIG.
Since this is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and described above, the explanation will be omitted. In this example, step nl
After the processes up to l have been completed, in step n20, it is determined whether the data of the total number of copies in the total counter 2g is greater than or equal to a preset reference value. In this case, by turning on the jam cause key 3 as necessary, the data of the total number of jam occurrences in the jam counter 2b is displayed in step n18, and the rate (%) of occurrence of jam cause l is changed in step n14. In step n15, the percentage (%) of occurrence of jam cause 2 is displayed, and further, in step n16, the percentage (%) of occurrence of jam cause 3 is sequentially displayed on display means 4. The displayed time may be determined as necessary, as in the case above.

Although this embodiment (also in this embodiment) is configured to display the percentage (%) of jam occurrence by cause of jam, as shown in the flowchart in FIG. The frequency of occurrence may be calculated and the data may be displayed from step n+4 to step 016.

Effects> According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to quickly and accurately grasp the jam occurrence situation, so that maintenance and inspection work by service personnel can be performed quickly and accurately.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a main part configuration diagram of the operation panel section in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is the main part configuration diagram of the operation panel section in Figure 1.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment other than that shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. A block diagram showing an example, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another embodiment of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another embodiment of FIG. 1: Jam detection sensor, 2a: Jam determination means, 2b
Jam counter, 2C: Jam cause determination means, 2d: Jam counter by cause, 2e: Jam data calculation means, 4
1 Display means. Agent Patent attorney Ume 1) Katsu (and 2 others) ET NET Figure 6 RET ET RET

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A plurality of jam detection sensors for detecting a jam in a paper conveyance path, and a jam determination means for determining whether a jam has occurred based on a signal from the jam detection sensor. , a jam counter that counts the number of jam occurrences based on the signal from the jam determining means; a cause-specific jam counter that counts the number of jam occurrences for each jam cause based on a signal from the jam cause determination means; total jam occurrence frequency data of the jam counter; and cause-specific jam occurrence frequency data of the cause-specific jam counter. A jam data calculating means for calculating the jam rate by cause, data on the total number of jam occurrences of the jam counter and data on the jam rate by cause calculated by the jam data calculating means are necessary. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a display means for displaying a message according to the displayed information. 2. A timer is provided, and after a preset period of time has elapsed, data on the total number of jam occurrences in the jam counter and data on the percentage of jams by cause calculated by the jam data calculation means are displayed as necessary. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled. 3. A total counter that counts the number of copies, and a total number of copies comparison and determination means that compares and determines the total number of copies data of the total counter with a preset reference value of the total number of copies; If the comparison judgment result by the comparison judgment means shows that the total number of copies has exceeded the reference value, the data of the total number of jam occurrences of the jam counter and the data of the jam ratio by cause calculated by the jam data calculation means are required. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to display the image according to the image forming apparatus.