JPH0710744U - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To reduce power consumption and improve utilization efficiency of an image forming apparatus. [Configuration] The copy mode is set by operating the enlargement / reduction / actual size selection key 2, the automatic density setting key 3, the ten-key 9 and the like provided on the operation unit panel, and the set copy mode is displayed on the display unit 1 and the density display. Displayed on part 5, copy start key 8
In addition to the configuration in which copying is started in the steady-state display mode in which image formation and output are performed without displaying the display unit 1 and the density display unit 5, the display in the copy mode that was not displayed during image formation and output is performed. The display key 10 is operated to restore the display unit 1 and the concentration display unit 5.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to various image forming apparatuses such as copying machines.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 10, a conventional image forming apparatus generally includes an image reading device 21 that reads an original image, and an image forming output device 22 that prints and outputs an image on recording paper or the like from the read image information. , Input number of image forming mode such as output number of sheets, size of image / paper, density, etc., and operation unit 23 for performing other necessary operations, and image forming mode contents input from the operation unit, and a display for displaying various information It comprises a unit 24, a storage device 25 for storing image information, and a control device 26 for controlling the operation of each of the above devices and each unit.

In the above configuration, the display unit 24 displays various information such as the number of output sheets input from the operation unit 23, image / paper size, density, and other image forming mode contents, and the image is read. Immediately the image formation output was started, and the above display on the display unit 24 was continuously displayed even during the image formation output.

When an abnormality occurs in image formation, the abnormality is automatically detected and the abnormality is displayed on the display unit 24.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 However, the display of the contents of the image forming mode such as the number of output sheets, the size of the image / paper, and the density on the display unit is necessary only during the setting operation by the input from the operation unit. That is, there is no need to display during continuous copying, and continuous display during copying means that power is wasted.

Further, when a large number of copies are made, the electric power consumed by the fixing heater and the like of the apparatus is very large, and the electricity charge becomes high. Also, if a large number of copies are being made, other people may either wait until the copy is finished, or interrupt the copy and interrupt and copy your own, then return to the original copy state when your copy is finished. I have to get it back.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption and improving utilization efficiency of the apparatus. It is a thing.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image forming output section, an operating section, a display section for displaying the image forming mode contents input and set from the operating section, and control means for controlling each section. An image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image on a recording medium, which is characterized in that it has a steady-state display mode for forming and outputting the image without displaying the display section under the control of the control means. , To achieve the above-mentioned purpose.

Further, a night-time copy mode is provided, which is provided with a timer means, stores image information in the storage means by key operation of the operation unit, and starts image forming output at a predetermined time, and performs image forming output in the night copy mode. With the configuration characterized in (1), the above-mentioned object is achieved by using low-cost night power.

[0010]

[Action]

 With the above configuration, it is not necessary to display the contents of the image forming mode, etc. when the image forming output is being performed normally. Can be reduced. When an abnormality occurs in the image forming output operation, the control unit causes the display unit to display the abnormal state, so that an appropriate countermeasure can be taken quickly.

Further, when the night copy mode is set by the key operation of the operation section by the configuration having the timer means and the night copy mode, the image information is stored in the storage means and the image forming output is performed at a predetermined time. Since it will be started, image formation and output can be automatically performed at night when the number of users is low and electricity charges are low, which can improve the utilization efficiency of the device and reduce electricity charges. When a large number of copies are set, a message prompting the user to set the night-time copy mode is displayed on the display unit, so that the utilization efficiency of the above device and the reduction of electricity charges can be promoted.

[0012]

【Example】

 Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a plan view of an operation panel of the first embodiment. The block structure of this embodiment is similar to the conventional structure described with reference to FIG. When an abnormality occurs in the image forming output, the conventional function is provided to automatically detect the abnormality and display the abnormality on the display.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel is provided with an operation unit for inputting setting of an image forming mode (hereinafter referred to as copy mode) such as the number of output sheets, image / paper size, and density, and other necessary input operation. And a display section for displaying various information such as the copy mode input from the operation section.

That is, reference numeral 1 denotes a display unit, which is a unit for performing various displays such as an operating state, a copy mode, and the number of copies, and is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. 2 is a key for selecting enlargement, reduction, or equal size of the copy. Reference numeral 3 is a key for selecting whether or not to perform automatic density setting (AE). Reference numeral 4 denotes a density setting key, which displays a display corresponding to the density on the density display section of the light emitting element array of 5. A reset key 6 is a key for returning the copy mode to the initial state. Reference numeral 7 is a stop key, which is a key for stopping continuous copying in the middle. A copy start key 8 is a key for starting a copy operation. Reference numeral 9 is a ten-key pad for setting the number of copies and the enlargement / reduction ratio. Reference numeral 10 is a display key for confirming the copy mode or the like during copying. By pressing this key during copying, the display that has disappeared can be called up.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the display control, and the display operation will be described with reference to FIG.

When the copy mode setting display is confirmed in step S1 and the setting is completed, and the copy key is turned on in step S2, all the displays such as the display unit 1 and the density display unit 5 are turned OFF in S3, and copying is started. To do. When the display key is pressed in S4 during the copy operation, the display is performed in S5, and when the display key is released, the display is turned off in S6. When it is detected in S8 that the copying is completed, a message to that effect is displayed.

The above-mentioned display control will be referred to as a steady-state display mode hereinafter.

In the first embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration and the steady-state display mode, the display of the copy mode is not necessary when the copy output is normally performed, and the display unit 1 can be operated in the steady-state display mode. In the erased state, there is no problem and power consumption can be reduced. Then, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming output operation, etc., it is automatically displayed as before, and by pressing the display key 10, the copy mode etc. can be displayed on the display unit 1, so that the user can It is safe and convenient for the user, and can respond promptly and appropriately when an abnormal condition occurs.

Second Embodiment The block configuration and the operation panel configuration of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the display control which is the feature of the second embodiment will be described. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The mode setting is completed in step S11, the copy key is pressed in step S12, and it is determined in step S13 whether or not multiple copies have been made. If multiple copies are not made, copy is performed without erasing the display. When copying a plurality of sheets, the display is turned off in S14, the display key is displayed in S16 when the display key is pressed in S15, and the display is turned off in S17 when the display key is released. When the copy operation is completed, a message to that effect is displayed in S20.

As described above, it has substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment The block configuration and the configuration of the operation panel of the third embodiment are similar to those of the above-described embodiments, and description thereof will be omitted. When an abnormality occurs in the image forming output, it has a function to automatically detect the abnormality as in the conventional case.

The display control, which is a feature of the third embodiment, will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the mode setting is completed in step S21 and the copy key is pressed in step S22, the display is turned off in step S23. Then, if an abnormality such as a paper jam is detected in S24 during copying, the copy operation is stopped in S25 and the occurrence of the abnormality is displayed on the display unit 1 in S26.

In the third embodiment having the above-mentioned display unit control, even if the display unit is in the erased state due to the normal display mode or the like, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming output such as a paper jam, the automatic operation is performed. Since the copying is stopped automatically and an error is displayed on the display, it is safe and convenient for the user.In normal times, unnecessary displays can be turned off to save power consumption, and when an abnormal condition occurs, take appropriate action promptly. can do.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a storage device for storing an image, which is composed of, for example, a magneto-optical disk memory. Reference numeral 12 is an image reading device for reading an original image, 13 is an image forming output device for printing out an image from a read image information on a recording sheet, 14 is a control unit, 15 is a timer means having a clock function and a timer function, 16 Is a display panel, which is used to select the copy number such as the number of sheets to be output, the size of the image / paper, the density, etc., and the operation function for performing other necessary operations, and a display that displays the input copy mode and other various information. It has functions and.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the operation panel of the fourth embodiment. The same or corresponding parts as those of the operation panel (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be omitted.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a night copy mode setting key, which is used to set a night copy mode in which an image is stored in the recording device 11 and output at night.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In FIG. 7, when the mode setting is completed in step S 31 and the night copy mode setting key 17 is pressed in step S 32 and then the copy key 8 is pressed, the image read in step S 36 is stored in the image storage device 11. To be done. At this time, the copy mode such as the number of sheets and the magnification is also stored. Then, the process proceeds to the night copy mode flow shown in FIG.

In step S41 of the night copy mode shown in FIG. 8, when the timer means 15 detects that the predetermined time has come, the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on in step S42. After warming up, in S44, image formation is output based on the image information stored in the storage device 11. When the output is completed, the power is turned off in S46.

As described above, when the night copy mode is set by operating the night copy mode setting key 17 provided on the operation panel, the image information is stored in the storage device 11 and the image forming output is started at a predetermined time. It is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the device and save electricity charges by automatically forming and outputting images at night when the number of users is small and electricity charges are low.

(Fifth Embodiment) The block configuration of the fifth embodiment and the configuration of the operation panel are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the characteristic control of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. It will be explained with reference to the flow chart.

When the mode setting is completed in step S51 and the copy key is pressed in step S52, the size of the set number is determined in step S53. If the set number is smaller than the predetermined number, the normal copy operation is performed in S54. On the other hand, if the set number of sheets is more than the predetermined number in S53, a message prompting the copying operation to be interrupted and output at night is displayed in the display unit 1 in S55. After that, if the night copy mode setting key 17 is not pressed in S56 and the copy key 8 is pressed in S57, the normal copy operation is performed in S54.

When the night copy mode setting key 17 is pressed in step S56 and the copy key is pressed in step S58, only the image is read, and the read image is stored in the image storage device 11. Then, the process proceeds to the night copy mode flow shown in FIG. 8 of the fourth embodiment.

As described above, when the number of copies is set to be larger than the predetermined number, a message prompting the user to set the night copy mode is displayed on the display unit 1 so that the copy is automatically performed at night when the number of users is small. By doing so, it is possible to improve the efficiency of use of the equipment and save electricity.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to display the copy mode or the like when the image forming output is normally performed, and the display unit is in the non-display state in the steady state table. The display mode can reduce power consumption without any trouble. Then, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming output operation, the control unit causes the display unit to display the abnormal state, so that an appropriate countermeasure can be taken quickly.

Further, when the night copy mode is set by the key operation of the operation section by the configuration having the timer means and the night copy mode, the number of users is small, and the electricity charge is automatically set at night. Image formation and output can be performed efficiently, and the efficiency of use of the device can be improved and electricity charges can be saved. When a large number of copies are set, a message prompting the user to set the night-time copy mode is displayed on the display unit, so that it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the above-mentioned device and save electricity charges.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an operation panel according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a steady display mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a display control flowchart of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a display control flowchart of a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an operation panel according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a nighttime copy mode according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Display section 2 Enlargement / Reduction / Normal magnification selection key 3 Automatic density setting key 4 Density setting key 5 Density display section 6 Reset key 7 Stop key 8 Copy start key 9 Numeric keypad 10 Display key 17 Night copy mode setting key

Claims (6)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. An image forming apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, comprising: an image forming output unit, an operating unit, a display unit for displaying contents of an image forming mode input and set from the operating unit, and a control unit for controlling each unit. An image forming apparatus for forming and outputting, comprising an steady-state display mode for forming and outputting an image without displaying the display section under the control of the control means. 2. An image forming apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, comprising: an image forming and outputting section, an operating section, a display section for displaying contents of an image forming mode input and set from the operating section, and control means for controlling each section. An image forming apparatus for forming and outputting, under the control of the control means, when only one image is formed and output, the image is displayed and displayed on the display unit, and when a plurality of images are formed and outputted, the display unit. An image forming apparatus, which outputs an image without displaying. 3. When an abnormality occurs in the image forming output,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit displays an abnormal state under the control of the control unit. 4. The display unit, which is in the non-display state and is in the image forming output, restores the display by the control of the control unit based on the operation input from the operation unit. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 5. An image formation output unit, an operation unit, a display unit for displaying the contents of the image formation mode input and set from the operation unit, a storage unit for storing image information, and a timer unit having a clock function. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium and outputting the image to a recording medium, the image information being stored in the storage unit and the image forming output being started at a predetermined time. An image forming apparatus, wherein a night copy mode is set and an image is formed and output in the night copy mode. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when a large number of copies is set, a message prompting the setting of the night copy mode is displayed on the display unit.