JPH0761097A - Electrophotographic printing device and test operation method of this device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute a test operation of one section of an electrophotographic printing process executing means in a laser printer by a simple composition or method. CONSTITUTION:A controlling device 270 of a color laser printer 200 is equipped with a test operation controlling program executing a test operation of one sectional means of an electrophotographic printing process executing means, and the controlling device 270 is endowed with a test operation controlling command from a test information generating means 350 and is made to execute a test operation controlling treatment. As the test operation controlling command is given from a connection terminal 271 connecting an upper state information treatment device 100, a color laser printer 200 can be realized by such a simple composition as only to be added with a control program and a test operation becomes easy.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic printing apparatus and a method of operating the same, and more particularly to a test operation of various means for executing an electrophotographic printing process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A color electrophotographic printing apparatus utilizing electrophotographic technology often has a structure in which a plurality of toner images of different colors formed on a photoconductor are transferred onto an intermediate transfer medium so as to complete a color image. . Color laser printers that use a photoconductive photosensitive belt as a photoconductor and an insulating intermediate transfer drum as an intermediate transfer medium should print uniformly by uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive belt that rotates at a predetermined speed. A laser beam intermittently modulated in accordance with video data corresponding to an image is repeatedly deflected in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the rotation direction (sub scanning direction) of the photosensitive belt to perform scanning exposure, thereby exposing the photosensitive belt. A plurality of processes of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface, developing the electrostatic latent image with a developing unit to form a toner image, and transferring the toner image to an intermediate transfer drum rotating in contact with the photosensitive belt are performed. An electrophotographic printing process of repeatedly forming the color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer drum and transferring and fixing the color toner image on the transfer paper is executed.

In such a color laser printer, the control means performs an error check to check whether or not there is a defect in each process execution means before controlling the execution of the printing process, and after confirming that there is no defect. Enter control to perform the printing process. For example, when the developing device is removed for some reason, an information signal indicating that the developing device is not installed is transmitted to the information processing device, which is a host, and the developing device is not installed. wait. Further, the fixing device that heats and melts the color toner image and fixes it on the transfer paper needs to warm up so that the temperature is raised to a predetermined set temperature before the start of the printing process. The temperature is monitored and programmed so as not to proceed to the printing process execution processing until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. This warm-up process is programmed to be executed each time the power is turned on.

As described above, the general color laser printer checks the error of the electrophotographic printing process executing means before executing the printing process, and as a matter of course,
It is arranged so that the printing process can be carried out when all means are in satisfactory condition.

However, in the maintenance work of the color laser printer by the service person, it may be necessary to perform a test operation for operating a part of the electrophotographic printing process executing means.

On the other hand, in the case of an electrophotographic copying machine, in order for a service person to maintain the electrophotographic copying machine,
It is desirable to configure the control means so that the electrophotographic process execution means can be partly operated in a test operation. JP-A-54-92329 and JP-A-60-13346.
No. 2 publication, the electrophotographic copying machine is equipped with a switch for a service person to input test operation control information for causing the control means to perform test operation control during maintenance work.

[0007]

Even in an electrophotographic printing apparatus such as a color laser printer, it is desirable to be able to operate a part of the electrophotographic printing process executing means, and like the electrophotographic copying machine. The purpose can be achieved by providing a control means and an instruction switch for controlling the electrophotographic printing process execution means in a test operation. However, the electrophotographic printing apparatus uses the electronic information according to the print information received from the upper information processing apparatus via the communication line. Since it is a device for executing the photographic printing process, it does not have operation switches connected to the control means for controlling the electrophotographic printing process execution means, and newly provides test operation control means and test operation control information input switch. Is uneconomical.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to enable a part of the electrophotographic printing process execution means to be test-operated with a simple structure and method.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a photoconductor, an exposing unit that exposes the photoconductor to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. An electrophotographic printing process executing means having a transfer medium conveying means for conveying a transfer medium for transferring a toner image and a fixing means for fixing the toner image on the transfer medium, and an information processing apparatus connected to an upper information processing apparatus. In the electrophotographic printing apparatus, the control means includes: print information receiving means for receiving print information from the print information receiving means; and control means for controlling the electrophotographic print process executing means according to the print information received by the print information receiving means. A test operation control means for analyzing information received by the print information receiving means and executing a test operation for operating a part of the electrophotographic printing process execution means. , Test operation for the electrophotographic printing process execution means, and performs by executing the test operation control program provided in the control unit gives test information to the print information reception means.

[0010]

The test operation control means provided in the control means analyzes the received information in the same manner as the normal print information and executes the test operation control of a part of the electrophotographic printing process execution means, which is simple. The configuration or method enables test operation in maintenance work.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The laser beam printer is not used by itself, but is connected to an information processing device, which is a higher-level host that generates print information for printing, and constitutes an electrophotographic printing device.

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a main part of a color laser printer 200 connected to an information processing apparatus 100 via a communication line. The electrophotographic printing process executing means of the laser printer 200 is composed of guide rollers 211a and 2a.
11b, a belt driving motor 213 for driving the guide roller 211a at a constant speed so as to rotate the photosensitive belt 212 at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow, and a rotation of the photosensitive belt 212. A reflective photosensor 214 for reading a reference position mark formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive belt 212 to generate a reference position signal HPS representing a reference position in the moving direction (sub-scanning direction);
Charger 21 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive belt 212
5, a scanning exposure device 216 that exposes the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive belt to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface, and four developing devices 21 that develop the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image.
7, 218, 219, 220 (each developing device has a built-in sensor for detecting the presence / absence of a developer), a cleaner 221 for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive belt after the toner image transfer, and a cleaner 221 for the surface of the photosensitive belt. An erase lamp 222 for removing the remaining charge is provided.

In the scanning exposure device 216, a laser beam output from the semiconductor laser 216a according to video data is condensed by a condenser lens 216b into a parallel laser beam, which is rotated at a constant speed by a mirror drive motor 216c. The laser beam is reflected by the mirror 216d to form a deflected beam repeatedly, and the deflected beam is applied to the surface of the photosensitive belt through the projection lens 216e and the folding mirror 216f to form a beam spot, which is scanned by the beam spot. The surface of the photosensitive belt is exposed. Further, the scanning exposure device 216 is
As shown in FIG. 2, a beam detector 216g is provided to detect the timing when the beam spot passes the deflection (main) scanning start reference position in each deflection scan, and the signal obtained from the beam detector 216g is supplied to the amplifier 21.
It is amplified in 6h and output as the main scanning start reference detection signal BDT1.

The developing device 217 uses a yellow toner as a developer, the developing device 218 uses a magenta toner as a developer, and the developing device 219 uses a cyan toner as a developer. The developing device and the developing device 220 which are used are developing devices which use black toner as a developer, and the developing function is imparted or eliminated by controlling the bias voltage of each developing device. The control of the bias voltage is performed according to the color designation signal from the upper information processing apparatus 100 so that the developing device corresponding to the designated color of the video data used to form the electrostatic latent image effectively functions. Be seen.

The intermediate transfer drum 223 is the photosensitive belt 21.
It is used for superposing a plurality of toner images formed on the surface of No. 2 to complete one color toner image and transferring the color toner image to a sheet. The intermediate transfer drum 223 is driven by the photosensitive belt 212 by the electrostatic attraction and frictional force at the contact portion 224 with the photosensitive belt 212 driven by the belt drive motor 213, and rotates at a speed synchronized with the photosensitive belt 212. To be driven. Photosensitive belt 212
A transfer device 225 for transferring the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive belt to the surface of the intermediate transfer drum is provided inside the intermediate transfer drum 223 in the area in contact with the intermediate transfer drum 223.

Further, in order to remove the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223, a cleaner 226 capable of controlling contact and separation is provided on the surface. Further, a drum reference position signal TPS indicating the reference position of the intermediate transfer drum 223.
A reflection type photo sensor 227 for reading the reference position mark formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223 is provided to generate the image. Further, the scanning exposure apparatus 2
The relative relationship between the deflection scanning cycle by 16 and the rotation cycle of the intermediate transfer drum 223 is such that the integral number of times of deflection scanning is completed during one rotation of the intermediate transfer drum 223.

The paper feed cassette 231 accommodates the paper 232, and the paper feed roller 233 extracts the paper 232 and supplies it to the registration roller 234. Registration roller 234
Controls the leading edge of the paper 232 sent by the paper feed roller 233 to stop the progress of the paper 232, and adjusts the paper preparation and the paper feed timing.

The transfer device 241 applies a transfer charge to the back surface of the paper 232 in the area where the paper 232 conveyed from the registration rollers 234 contacts the intermediate transfer drum 223, and the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer drum is transferred to the paper 232. Transfer to.

The fixing device 251 has a structure in which the sheet 232 having the toner image transferred thereon is passed between a heating roller and a pressure roller to fuse (fix) the toner image to the sheet 232.

The paper discharge roller 261 discharges the paper 232 having the toner image fixed thereon to the outside of the machine.

The control device 270, which is a control means, is connected to the upper information processing device 100 via the communication line 301 connected to the connection terminal 271, and is connected to the information processing device 100 and the control information and print data (video data). Print control (electrophotographic print process control) is executed by controlling the electrophotographic print process execution means of the color laser printer 200, and is connected to the connection terminal 271 instead of the communication line 301. Test control information is exchanged with the test information generator 350 via the communication line 302 to execute test operation control for operating a part of the electrophotographic printing process execution means.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control device 270. The control device 270 has a CPU 272.
ROM 273 that is mainly configured by storing a print process control program, a test operation control program, etc.
And a RAM that stores error information, maintenance information, etc.
274, a laser control circuit 275 for controlling blinking of the semiconductor laser 216a, a laser power monitor circuit 276 for detecting the intensity of the laser beam, the main scanning start reference detection signal BDT1 and the reference position signal HPS in the sub-scanning direction.
And a scanning synchronization reference signal generation circuit 278 which generates a scanning synchronization reference signal based on the output signal of the oscillator 277, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer drum 223 by inputting the drum reference position signal TPS and the output signal of the oscillator 280. Detection signal processing circuit 279 which is an intermediate transfer drum rotation speed measuring means for detecting the rotation speed, a reference clock signal CLK serving as a reference for the rotation speed of the belt drive motor 213 by inputting the output signal of the oscillator 280 and the control signal WRN from the CPU 272. And a peripheral device control drive circuit 282 for controlling the components of each electrophotographic printing process execution means of the color laser printer.

As the components controlled by the peripheral device control drive circuit 282, FIG. 3 shows a mirror motor 216c for driving a polygon mirror 216d, a main motor 283 for driving a sheet conveying system, and a photosensitive belt 212.
Belt drive motor 213 for driving the developing device 21 and each developing device 21.
7 shows a developing device drive motor 284 that drives 7 to 220, and a high voltage power supply 285 that generates a bias voltage to be supplied to each developing device 217, 218, 219, 220 and a discharge voltage to be supplied to the transfer device 225 and the like.

Next, the control processing executed by the CPU 272 in the control device 270 of the color laser printer 200 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 273 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The upper information processing apparatus 100 and the color laser printer 200 are configured with a control program that promises to form toner images in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

A laser printer utilizing an electrophotographic process performs an initial process in which each constituent element is operated once for the purpose of stabilizing the potential on the surface of the photoconductor and cleaning residual substances such as toner prior to image printing. In many cases. Also in this embodiment, after the power is turned on, in step 401, the initial processing of each constituent element is performed, and at the same time, the error check is performed.

Next, in process 402, it is confirmed whether or not a test drive control command has arrived, and the process proceeds to test drive control process 403 or error presence / absence check process 404. The test operation control process 403 will be described later.

In process 404, the presence or absence of an error is confirmed, and if there is an error, the process moves to process 405 to remove the cause.

Next, in process 406, it is confirmed whether or not the temperature of the fixing device 251 has reached the set temperature, and if not, the heat-up control process 407 and the temperature confirmation process 408.
Is repeated until the set temperature is reached. After reaching the set temperature, the process proceeds to the level control processing 409. The level control means that the heater provided in the fixing device 251 is turned on when the temperature of the fixing device 251 is lower than the setting temperature after reaching the setting temperature, and is turned off when the temperature is higher than the setting temperature.

Next, in process 410, it is confirmed whether or not a test drive control command has arrived, and the process proceeds to test drive control process 411 or print request confirmation process 412. The test operation control process 411 will be described later.

In process 412, the upper information processing device 100
If there is a request for printing, the process proceeds to printing. First, in step 413, the mirror motor 21
6c, the main motor 283, the belt drive motor 213, and the developing device drive motor 284 are controlled, and in step 414, the cleaner 221, the erase lamp 2 are operated.
A control process for putting the 22, charging device 215 and transfer device 225 into operation is executed.

In process 415, the upper information processing device 10
It is confirmed whether the video data given from 0 corresponds to a yellow toner image. If the toner image corresponds to a yellow toner image, the process proceeds to step 416 to generate the developing bias voltage for enabling the developing function of the developing device 214, and the peripheral device control drive circuit 28 is generated.
2 is controlled, and the process proceeds to the printing process 417.

The print process 417 monitors the incoming of the reference position signal HPS in process 417a, as described in detail in FIG. The photosensitive belt 212 rotates, the reference position mark in the sub-scanning direction on the surface reaches the writing reference position, and the reference signal HP
When S occurs, the process moves to process 417b. In process 417b, time management is performed to generate the print permission signal Vsync in the sub-scanning direction t1 time after the reference position signal HPS is generated. When the time t1 elapses, the process moves to process 417c to perform sub-scanning direction printing. The permission signal Vsync is generated (the signal line for transmitting the subscanning direction print permission signal Vsync to the upper information processing apparatus 100 is set to the low level). This time management is performed by counting the main scanning start reference detection signal BDT1. The length t2 of the generation period of the sub-scanning direction print permission signal Vsync corresponds to the time for carrying the length of the paper 232 in the carrying direction.

Then, the subscanning direction print permission signal Vsync
In the generation period, first, in process 417d, t3 from the generation timing of the main scan start reference detection signal BDT1.
After the time, the time management for generating the main scanning direction print permission signal Hsync is performed, and when the time t3 has elapsed, the processing 41
7e, the main scanning direction print permission signal Hsync is generated (the signal line for transmitting the main scanning direction print permission signal Hsync to the host information processing apparatus 100 is set to low level). The length t4 of the generation period of the main scanning direction print permission signal Hsync corresponds to the time for scanning the widthwise dimension area of the paper 232.

After that, the process proceeds to step 417f, and the higher-level information processing apparatus 10 is synchronized with the subscanning direction print permission signal Vsync.
The video data Vdata transmitted from 0 is received and transmitted to the laser control circuit 275, and the semiconductor laser 216a is controlled to blink. By controlling the flashing of the semiconductor laser 216a, an electrostatic latent image for one scanning line is formed on the surface of the photosensitive belt 212.

When the reception of the video data Vdata for one scanning line and the semiconductor laser blinking control are completed, the process proceeds to step 417g, and it is confirmed whether it is within the generation period t2 of the sub-scanning direction print permission signal Vsync. If it is within the Vsync generation period t2, the process proceeds to step 417h to monitor the generation of the next main scanning start reference detection signal BDT1. When the next main scanning start reference detection signal BDT1 is generated, the process returns to step 417d.

Sub-scanning direction print permission signal Vsync generation period t
When step 2 is completed, the process proceeds to step 417j, the sub-scanning direction print permission signal Vsync is returned to the high level to end the exposure of the yellow toner image, and then in step 417k, the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure is formed. The developing bias voltage is controlled so that the developing function of the developing device 217 disappears after the image development is completed.

The yellow toner image thus formed on the surface of the photosensitive belt 212 is transferred to the intermediate transfer drum 22.
3 is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223 when it comes into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223 and is held on the surface.

Next, in process 418, it is confirmed whether or not the next video data supplied from the upper information processing apparatus 100 corresponds to a magenta toner image. If it corresponds to the magenta toner image, the process 41
In order to generate a developing bias voltage for enabling the developing function of the developing device 218 at 9, the peripheral function control drive circuit 2
Control 82, and move to print processing 420. The printing process 420 for the second and subsequent colors is the process 41 in the printing process 417.
Instead of the incoming waiting processing of the reference position signal HPS of 7a,
Time left until the intermediate transfer drum 223 makes one revolution tr
(Tr = t0-t1-t2 when the time taken for the intermediate transfer drum 223 to make one rotation is t0) is managed, and thereafter, the same processing as the processing after the processing 417b is performed to form a magenta toner image.

This magenta toner image is also transferred and held on the intermediate transfer drum 223 so as to overlap with the yellow toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223.

Next, in step 421, the upper information processing device 1
It is confirmed whether the next video data given from 00 corresponds to a cyan toner image. If the toner image corresponds to a cyan toner image, the peripheral function control drive circuit 283 is controlled to generate a developing bias voltage for enabling the developing function of the developing device 219 in the process 422, and the print process is performed. Move to 423. The printing process 423 is performed in the same manner as the printing process 420, and the cyan toner image is transferred and held so as to be superimposed on the yellow toner image and the magenta toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223. To be done.

Similarly, in process 424, it is confirmed whether or not the next video data supplied from the upper information processing apparatus 100 corresponds to a black toner image. If it corresponds to a black toner image, process 4
In step 25, the peripheral function control drive circuit 283 is controlled so as to generate a developing bias voltage for enabling the developing function of the developing device 220, and the process proceeds to the printing process 426. The printing process 4
26 is also performed in the same manner as the print processing 420, 423,
The black toner image is also transferred and held so as to be superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images on the surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223.

In this embodiment, cyan and black toner images are not formed, so that steps 421 to 4 are performed.
Move to 27.

In process 427, the toner image thus formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer drum 223 is formed on the paper 232.
In order to transfer the paper to the registration roller 233, the paper feed roller 233 is rotated to extract the paper 232, the rotation is continued for t5 time in step 428 to supply the paper 232 to the registration roller 234, and the paper feed roller 233 is processed in step 429. The control process for stopping the rotation of is executed.

Next, in process 430, a control process for starting the rotation of the registration roller 234 at a paper feeding timing so that the paper 232 aligns with the toner image and contacts the intermediate transfer drum 223 is executed.

In step 431, the transfer device 2 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer drum 223 at the timing when the leading edge of the sheet 232 conveyed by the rotation of the registration roller 234 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer drum 223.
The control processing for urging the intermediate transfer drum 22 is executed.
The color toner image on the surface of No. 3 is electrostatically transferred to the paper 232.

By doing so, the color toner image is transferred onto the sheet 232, and the sheet 232 onto which the toner image has been transferred is fixed on the sheet 232 while passing through the fixing device 251, and is ejected. The paper is ejected outside the machine by the paper roller 261.

In process 432, the rotation of the registration roller 234 after the sheet conveyance is stopped, in step 433 the power supply to the transfer device 225 after the transfer is stopped, and in process 434 the transfer device 241 after the transfer is completed. Stop power supply, process 43
In step 5, the cleaner 226 is urged to start removing the toner remaining on the surface of the transfer drum 223 that has finished the transfer, in step 436, the power supply to the charged charger 215 is stopped, and in step 437, the residual charge is removed. The erase lamp 222 that has been erased is turned off, the cleaners 226 and 221 that have finished removing residual toner are deenergized in processes 438 and 439, and a control process for stopping various motors is executed in process 440.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart of the control process described above.

When a test operation control command is input from the test information generator 350 connected in place of the higher-level information processing apparatus 100, the test operation control processing is executed in steps 403 and 411. Since processing 403 and processing 411 have the same control processing contents, processing 403 will be described as an example.

FIG. 5 shows the processing contents of the test operation control processing 403. In the processes 501 and 502, the incoming test operation control command is analyzed, the test operation control mode classification process is executed, and the processes 600, 700 and 800 of the test modes I, II and III are selectively executed. In this embodiment, the test mode I process 600 omits the heat-up control process of the fixing device 251 and the conveyance control process of the paper 232 and executes the operation control process of other electrophotographic printing process execution means. , Test mode II
Process 700 of FIG. 7 is to execute the operation control process of the other electrophotographic printing process executing means even when the developing devices 217 to 220 are removed.
The process 800 of I omits the heat-up control process of the fixing device 251 and the conveyance control process of the paper 232, and also performs the operation control process of other electrophotographic printing process execution means even when the developing devices 217 to 220 are removed. It is what you do.

The control process of the process 600 in the test mode I will be described with reference to FIG. In process 601, the result of the error check performed in the initial process 401 is confirmed. If there is an error, a process 602 is executed to remove the cause.

Next, in process 603, the level control of the fixing device 251 is started. In process 604, the test information generator 35
From 0, it is confirmed whether or not the end command of the test operation is given, and if the end command is given, a process 605 of ending the operation control of the test mode I is performed.

When the operation in the test mode is continued, the presence / absence of a print request is confirmed in the next process 606, and if there is a print request, the process proceeds to process 607. Process 607 to Process 6
The processing up to 20 is performed in the same manner as the control processing for printing described above. However, since the paper 232 is not conveyed in the test mode I, the control processing for operating the paper feed roller 233 and the registration roller 234 is omitted, and the processing from step 621 to step 625 is the control processing for printing described above. In the same manner as described above, one test operation control process is ended, and the process returns to the process 604.

In this test mode I, since the paper 232 is not conveyed, the heat-up control process for setting the temperature of the fixing device 251 to the set temperature is unnecessary, and therefore the test time can be shortened and the paper 232 can be further reduced. There is an advantage of not consuming.

The test mode I is the same as the normal electrophotographic printing process except that the paper 232 is not conveyed and the heat-up control process of the fixing device 251 is not performed. If it is carried out in the electrical setting and adjustment process during assembly in the manufacturing department, it will help to shorten the work time and save paper, and if it is carried out by the maintenance work of a serviceman in the market, it will be a time to find trouble factors and confirm the maintenance result. And the advantage that it can be executed without using the paper 232.

The control process of the process 700 in the test mode II will be described with reference to FIG. In process 701, the result of the error check performed in the initial process 401 is confirmed. The operation command for this test mode II is the developing device 217.
Since it is given in a state in which 220 to 220 are removed, in the initial processing 401, the error occurrence of the non-installation of the developing device is detected. In the normal print control process, the subsequent processes are prevented from proceeding until the error factor is removed. However, in this test mode II, since the developing devices 217 to 220 are not mounted, the test operation is performed. In step 702, the content of the error is confirmed, and if there is an error other than that the developing device is not attached, a step 703 removes the cause. If only the developing device non-attachment error occurs, the processes 704 to 70 are performed.
In 7, the temperature control process of the fixing device 251 is executed similarly to the above-mentioned print control process.

In step 708, the test information generator 350
Then, it is confirmed whether or not a command to end the test operation is given, and if the command to end is given, a process 709 for ending the operation control of the test mode II is performed.

When the test mode is continued, the presence / absence of a print request is confirmed in the next process 710. If there is a print request, the process proceeds to process 711 to control various motors other than the developing device drive motor 284. I do. Process 712
The process from the process to process 724 is almost the same as the print control process described above, but since the test mode II is performed in the state where the developing device is not mounted, the developing bias voltage is not generated. Therefore, even if the test operation in the test mode is executed with the developing devices 217 to 220 attached, the developing device drive motor 284 does not rotate and the developing bias voltage is not generated, so that a toner image is formed. The result is the same as when the developing device is not installed.

This test mode II is the same as the normal electrophotographic printing process except that the toner image is not formed. Therefore, for example, the mechanical setting and adjustment process of the sheet conveying path at the time of assembling in the manufacturer. If it is executed in, it is possible to pass the paper 232 as a blank paper,
Toner and paper consumption can be saved, which helps reduce assembly costs.

The control process of the process 800 in the test mode III will be described with reference to FIG. This test mode is a test operation in which the heat-up control process of the fixing device 251 and the conveyance control process of the paper 232 are omitted, and the developing devices 217 to 220 are not mounted.

In steps 801 to 803, error factor removal processing other than the developing device non-installation error detected in the initial processing 401 is executed. Then, in steps 804 to 815, the heat-up control processing and development of the fixing device 251 are performed. The rotation control processing of the apparatus drive motor 284, the rotation control processing of the paper feed roller 233 and the registration roller 234, and other control processing are executed in the same manner as the above-described control processing with the generation of the developing bias voltage omitted.

The test operation of this test mode III is effective when the familiar operation of the color laser printer 200 is performed.

Next, the configuration of the test information generating device 350 that issues the above-mentioned various test operations and generates the video data necessary for the test operations will be described with reference to FIG.

The test information generator 350 has a CPU 3
It is composed mainly of 51, and each test mode I, II, II
Test mode designation switch 3 for commanding I test drive
52, 353, 354 and test operation end switch 255
The color laser printer 200 includes a ROM 356 storing a program executed by the CPU 351 and test video data and a communication line 302, and various test operation control commands and print requests necessary for the color laser printer 200 to execute the test operation described above. It has a function of generating video data for printing a test pattern, and is configured so that a service person can easily carry it and connect it to the color laser printer 200.

Incidentally, such a test information generating function is
It may be configured to be added to the upper information processing apparatus 100.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, the control means in the electrophotographic printing apparatus analyzes the information received by the print information receiving means and operates a part of the electrophotographic printing process executing means in a test operation. Since the test operation control means for executing the test operation is provided and the test information is given to the print information receiving means to execute the test operation control program provided in the control means, the test operation is executed. This enables test operation during maintenance work.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view of a main part of a color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a layout view of a scanning exposure device in a color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control process executed by a control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a control processing flowchart executed by a control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a test operation control processing flowchart executed by a control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a test mode I of a test operation control process executed by a control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart of.

FIG. 8 is a test mode II of the test operation control process executed by the control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart of.

FIG. 9 is a test mode II of the test operation control process executed by the control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart of I.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a printing process of a control process executed by a control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a time chart of control executed by the control device in the color laser printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a test information generator according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Information Processing Device 200 Color Laser Printer 270 Control Device 271 Connection Terminal 272 CPU 301, 302 Communication Line 350 Test Information Generator 351 CPU 352-354 Test Mode Designation Switch

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Nobuaki Fukasawa 1-1-1, Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki Hitachi, Ltd. Information & Video Media Division (72) Ken Ken Kato Higashi-taga-cho, Hitachi, Ibaraki 1-1-1, Hitachi Ltd. Information & Video Media Division (72) Inventor Setsuo Miyata 1-1-1, Higashi-Tagacho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Hitachi Ltd. Information & Video Media Division

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A photosensitive member, an exposing unit that exposes the photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and a transfer medium that transfers the toner image. Electrophotographic printing process executing means having a transfer medium conveying means for conveying and a fixing means for fixing the toner image on the transfer medium, and print information connected to an upper information processing apparatus and receiving print information from the information processing apparatus An electrophotographic printing apparatus comprising: a receiving unit and a control unit that controls the electrophotographic printing process executing unit according to the print information received by the print information receiving unit, wherein the control unit receives the print information receiving unit. An electrophotographic printing apparatus comprising a test operation control means for analyzing information and executing a test operation control for operating a part of the electrophotographic printing process execution means. 2. The control means according to claim 1, wherein the control means is C.
A PU, and a memory in which the CPU stores a print process control program for executing electrophotographic printing process control according to print information and a test operation control program for performing test operation control according to test information. Electrophotographic printing device. 3. The electrophotographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print information receiving unit is provided with test control information from a higher-level information processing unit. 4. The print information receiving means according to claim 1, wherein the print information receiving means has a connection terminal common to the upper information processing means and the test information generating apparatus, and can be selectively coupled to the upper information processing means and the test information generating apparatus. An electrophotographic printing device characterized in that 5. A photosensitive member, an exposing unit that exposes the photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and a transfer medium that transfers the toner image. Electrophotographic printing process executing means having a transfer medium conveying means for conveying and a fixing means for fixing the toner image on the transfer medium, and print information connected to an upper information processing apparatus and receiving print information from the information processing apparatus A test operation method of the electrophotographic printing process executing unit in an electrophotographic printing apparatus, comprising: a receiving unit; and a control unit that controls the electrophotographic printing process executing unit according to the print information received by the print information receiving unit, The test operation is performed by giving test control information to the print information receiving means and executing a test operation control program provided in the control means. Test operation method of the electronic printing machine that.