JPH08171314A - Electronic copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an electronic copying device executing an copying action even when abnormality occurs. CONSTITUTION: A main block is provided with abnormality detection parts 1, 2, 21, 22 and 23. When the abnormality occurs, the function of the abnormal block is discriminated. Then, it is decided by an action condition decision part 3 whether the copying action can not be executed or it can be executed by restricting a copying function. Besides, the function is set to be a copying action inhibiting function or a copying action restricting function by a copying condition set part 4. Then, a control action for inhibiting the copying action or the control of the copying action that the function is restricted is executed by an action control part 5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic copying apparatus having an abnormality detecting function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic copying machines have become indispensable in offices, and there is a demand for highly reliable electronic copying machines in which troubles such as breakdowns do not occur.

However, conventionally, since troubles of the electronic copying apparatus cannot be prevented in advance, an abnormality is detected for each block inside the electronic copying apparatus. When an abnormality is detected, the copying is prohibited immediately and a big trouble occurs. Had prevented the development of. (JP-A-58-33265)

[0004]

However, in the above method, when an abnormality occurs in the electronic copying apparatus, repair (part replacement) of the abnormal portion by a service person is required,
There is a problem that copying work cannot be performed for a long time from the occurrence of a failure to the completion of repair.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an electronic copying apparatus which can perform a copying operation even when an abnormality occurs in the electronic copying apparatus.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention comprises an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in each of the constituent blocks and a block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. And a control selection unit for determining whether the copying operation is possible or not by discriminating the function and limiting the function of the electronic copying apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic copying apparatus according to the present invention detects an abnormality in each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, and an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. The control selection means determines the function of each block and limits the function of the electronic copying apparatus to classify into two or more groups, which indicate whether the copying operation is possible or not.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention detects an abnormality in each block of the electronic copying apparatus, and an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. The function of the selected block is discriminated and the function of the electronic copying apparatus is restricted to determine whether the copying operation is possible or not, and the copying condition is set when the copying operation is possible by limiting the function. It is provided with a copying condition limiting means for limiting.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention detects an abnormality in each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, and an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. By selecting the function of the specified block and restricting the function of the electronic copying apparatus, the control selecting means for classifying into two or more groups, whether the copying operation is possible or not, and the copying operation is possible by limiting the function. In this case, a copy condition limiting means for limiting the copy conditions to one or more is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention detects an abnormality in each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, and the abnormality detection section detects an abnormality. The second control means is provided which determines the function of the block and limits the function of the electronic copying apparatus to limit the function when the copying operation is possible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention detects an abnormality in each block of the electronic copying apparatus, and an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. The second control means is provided for determining the function of the block and limiting the function of the electronic copying apparatus to limit the function to one or more copying conditions when the copying operation is possible.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention includes an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, and the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality. If the error is detected, the first control means sets the copy prohibited state, the second control means performs the copy operation even when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, and the electronic function is performed by discriminating the function of the block in which the abnormality is detected. When the copying operation is possible by restricting the function of the copying apparatus, the function is restricted to execute the second control means, and when the copying operation cannot be executed, the control selecting means executes the first control means. Be prepared.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention comprises an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, and the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality. First control means for setting a copy prohibition state in the case of an abnormality, second control means for performing a copying operation even when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, and functions even when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. To limit the copy operation to one or more copy conditions to execute the copy operation, and the function of the block in which the abnormality is detected is classified into two or more groups to limit the function of the electronic copying apparatus. If the copying operation is possible by doing so, the function is restricted to one or more copying conditions and the second control means is executed,
When the copying operation cannot be performed, a control selecting means for executing the first control means is provided.

[0014]

According to the present invention, the function of detecting a block in which an abnormality has occurred and not causing fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus even if the block does not operate, or the electronic function if the block does not operate, is provided. Determines whether a function that causes fatal damage to the copying machine, and if an error occurs in a block that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying machine, the range that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying machine. It is possible to make a selection to prohibit the copying operation of the electronic copying apparatus when an abnormality occurs in a block of a function that causes fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus. There is one effect.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the above operation, when an abnormality occurs in a block having a function that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus, it is fatal to the electronic copying apparatus. There is a second effect that can be selected to allow one or more copying operations in the non-damaging range.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the first action, when an abnormality occurs in a block having a function that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus, the electronic copying apparatus is fatal. If the selection is made to enable the copying operation within the range that does not seriously damage the electronic copying apparatus, it is possible to set only the copying condition within the range that does not seriously damage the electronic copying apparatus. There is.

According to the structure of claim 4, in addition to the first operation, when an abnormality occurs in a block having a function that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying device, the electronic copying device is fatally damaged. If the selection is made to enable one or more copying operations within a range that does not cause serious damage, it may be possible to set only one or more copying conditions within a range that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus. There is a fourth action that can be done.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the case of the function of detecting a block in which an abnormality has occurred and not causing fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus even if the block does not operate, the electronic copying is performed. There is a fifth effect that the copying operation can be performed within a range that does not cause fatal damage to the apparatus, and that the copying operation can be performed temporarily from the occurrence of the failure to the end of the repair.

According to the structure of claim 6, in addition to the fifth effect, it is possible to perform one or more copying operations within a range that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus, which causes a failure. There is a sixth action that allows the copying operation to be performed temporarily from the time of occurrence to the end of repair.

Further, according to the structure of claim 7, a function of detecting a block in which an abnormality has occurred and not causing fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus even if the block does not operate,
If it does not work, it is determined whether it is a function that will cause fatal damage to the electronic copying machine, and if an error occurs in a block of functions that do not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying machine, fatal damage to the electronic copying machine By executing the copy operation in the range that does not give the error, the copy operation is performed temporarily from the occurrence of the failure to the end of repair, and an abnormality occurs in the block of the function that causes fatal damage to the electronic copying machine. In this case, by prohibiting the copying operation of the electronic copying apparatus, there is a seventh effect of protecting the electronic copying apparatus from fatal damage.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the seventh effect, when an abnormality occurs in a block having a function that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus, the electronic copying apparatus is fatal. By executing one or more copying operations within a range that does not cause physical damage, there is an eighth effect that one or more kinds of copying operations can be temporarily performed from the occurrence of a failure to the end of repair. .

[0022]

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

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an electronic copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a scanning section abnormality detection section, 2 is an optical cooling fan abnormality detection section, and the abnormality detection sections of the other blocks indicated by 21, 22, and 23 constitute abnormality detection means, and 3 is a scanning section abnormality detection section. When an abnormality is detected by the section 1, the optical cooling fan abnormality detection section 2 or the abnormality detection sections 21, 22 and 23 of other blocks, the location and function of the abnormal block are determined to determine whether or not the copying operation is possible. The operation condition determining unit 4 including a control selecting unit for setting a copy condition such as a desired number of copies and a paper size and a copy condition for executing a copy operation by limiting the function even when an abnormality is detected. A copy condition setting unit 5 including a limiting unit sets a copy prohibition state when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit according to information from the operation condition determining unit 3 and the copy condition setting unit 1. Control means of By a second control means for performing a copying operation, even if it is abnormal detected by atmospheric sensing means is an operation control unit for operation of the electronic copying machine.

A control method of the electronic copying apparatus configured as above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copy operation control main part of the electronic copying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
Reference numeral 6 denotes an electronic copying apparatus. When the copying operation is started, the photoconductor drum 7 first rotates in the direction of the arrow, and a charging unit (not shown) uniformly applies charges to the photoconductor drum 7. On the other hand, copy paper is fed by a paper feed roller 8 to a paper feed cassette 9
Only one sheet is conveyed from the above and stands by while being sandwiched by the pair of registration rollers 10. Next, the light source lamp 11 is turned on, and the scanning unit 1 including the mirror (not shown) and the light source lamp 11 is provided.
2 scans the original 14 on the original platen 13 in the direction 15. The reflected image of the original 14 is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to form an electrostatic latent image, and the developing unit 16 forms a xerographic image. The registration roller pair 10 rotates at the timing when the xerographic image on the photoconductor drum 7 and the copy sheet overlap, the transfer section 17 transfers the xerographic image to the copy sheet, and the fixing section 18 transfers the xerographic image to the copy sheet. Is fixed. The above copying operation is repeated for the desired number of copies set by the copy condition setting unit 4.

The scanning unit 12 is provided with an abnormality detecting function (not shown) for detecting the rotation of a motor (not shown) that drives the operating unit, and the motor is operated while the scanning unit 12 is moving. If it does not rotate, it is determined to be abnormal. (Scanning Section Abnormality Detection Section 1) Also, when the desired number of copies is large, the original platen 13 becomes high in temperature because the light source lamp 11 is on for a long time during scanning by the scanning section 12, which is dangerous. Therefore, the optical cooling fan 19 operates during the operation of the scanning unit 12 to prevent the original platen 13 from being heated to a high temperature. The optical cooling fan 19 also has an abnormality detection function similar to that of the scanning unit 12. (Optical Cooling Fan Abnormality Detection Unit 2) Here, the scanning unit abnormality detection unit 1 detects an abnormality and the scanning unit 12
, The original 14 cannot be scanned and the copying operation becomes impossible. Therefore, the operation condition determining unit 3 determines that copying is prohibited, and the operation control unit 5 prohibits the copying operation of the electronic copying apparatus based on the information. Put in a state. Further, when an abnormality is detected by the optical cooling fan abnormality detection unit 2 and the optical cooling fan 19 does not operate, if many copying operations are continuously performed, the original platen 13 becomes high in temperature, which is dangerous. The original platen 13 does not reach a dangerous temperature unless the copying operation is performed. Therefore, by limiting the setting of the desired number of copies, it is possible to perform a copying operation with a limited copying function, such as not being able to perform many copying operations continuously. In this way, when an abnormality is detected in the main components of the electronic copying apparatus, the operation condition determination unit 3 recognizes the abnormal block by the output of the abnormal detection unit, and the function of the abnormal block is detected. It is determined whether the copy operation is prohibited or the function of the copy operation is restricted, and the copy condition setting unit 4 is displayed to identify the location of the block in which the abnormality has occurred. Further, the operation condition determination unit 3 operates the operation control unit 5 when the copy operation is prohibited.
The operation control unit 5 is instructed to execute the control means for stopping the copying operation, and the copying operation of the electronic copying apparatus is prohibited to protect the electronic copying apparatus from fatal damage and to perform the copying operation function. When it is determined that the operation is restricted, the copy condition setting section 4 is instructed to set the copy condition such that the desired number of copies is one or several, and is displayed to an operator or a service person to restrict the copy condition. The operation control unit 5 executes the copying operation according to the setting of the copying condition setting unit 4.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the scanning for detecting the abnormalities of the scanning unit 12, the optical cooling fan 19, the developing unit 16, the fixing unit 18, etc., which are the main components of the electronic copying apparatus 6, is individually performed. Part abnormality detection unit 1, optical cooling fan abnormality detection unit 2, other main constituent unit abnormality detection units 21, 22, 23
The operation condition determining unit 3 determines the location and function of the abnormal block detected by each abnormality detection unit, determines whether or not the copying operation is possible, and determines the abnormality of the scanning unit 12 or the like in which the copying operation is impossible. Occasionally, the operation control unit 5 is set to the copy prohibition state to prevent the development of a large trouble, and the optical cooling fan 1 capable of performing the copy operation by limiting the function.
9 When there is an abnormality in the photosensitive drum cooling fan, etc., select the operation control that enables the copy operation that limits the desired number of copies, limits the operable time, and limits which copy function can be used in the intermittent operation. As a result, even if an abnormality occurs, the copying operation can be temporarily performed by the electronic copying apparatus 6 until the repair.

In the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the optical cooling fan 19, the copy condition setting unit 4 can only set the desired number of copies, thereby limiting the functions of the electronic copying apparatus or making a copy in a single operation. The time that can be operated is limited to a short time, a certain pause time is set between the copy operations for each copy even if multiple copies are set, or the copy operation for several copies is executed. It is possible to prevent the temperature of the original platen 13 from rising by limiting the functions of the electronic copying apparatus so as to make the operation intermittently, such as suspending the operation.

Further, in this embodiment, only the detection of the abnormality of the scanning section 12 and the optical cooling fan 19 is explained, but as another embodiment, the sheet feeding of any one of the electronic copying apparatuses in which a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes can be mounted. When an abnormality is detected in the cassette 9 or the paper feed roller 8, the copy condition setting unit 4 adds a function limitation such that the paper feed stage in which the paper feed cassette 9 in which the abnormality has occurred is not selected can be added. Needless to say, similar control may be performed for abnormality of other constituent blocks, as described above, such that copying operation can be performed from the sheet feeding stage.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention, the electronic copying is performed by determining the abnormality detecting means for detecting the abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus and the function of the block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. When an abnormality occurs in a block of a function that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus by providing a control selection unit that determines whether the copying operation is possible or impossible by limiting the function of the apparatus Since the copying operation can be performed within a range that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying machine, the copying work could not be performed until now from the occurrence of the failure to the end of the repair. There will be no trouble.

When an abnormality occurs in a block having a function that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying device, one or more copying operations are executed within a range that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying device. As a result, one or more kinds of copying operations can be performed in an emergency from the occurrence of a failure to the end of repair, so that a fine-tuned emergency operation can be set.

When an abnormality occurs in a block having a function that does not cause fatal damage to the electronic copying device, one or more copying conditions that can be executed within a range where the electronic copying device is not fatally damaged are displayed. By doing so, the user can know one or more emergency copying conditions from the occurrence of the failure to the end of the repair, and the user can use the copying conditions that meet the emergency copying conditions. Less troubles will be generated.

When an abnormality occurs in a block of a function which causes fatal damage to the electronic copying apparatus, the copying operation of the electronic copying apparatus is prohibited to protect the electronic copying apparatus from the fatal damage. You can

Further, the present invention has an advantage that the production cost is extremely low because the software can be added or changed to control the normal operation of the electronic copying apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an electronic copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a copy operation control main part of an electronic copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Scanning Section Abnormality Detection Section 2 Optical Cooling Fan Abnormality Detection Section 3 Operating Condition Determining Section 4 Copying Condition Setting Section 5 Operation Control Section 6 Electronic Copier 7 Photoreceptor Drum 8 Paper Feed Roller 9 Paper Feed Cassette 10 Registration Roller Pair 11 Light Source Lamp 12 Scanning Part 13 Original Platen 14 Original Document 15 Original Scanning Direction 16 Developing Part 17 Transfer Part 18 Fixing Part 19 Optical Cooling Fan

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An abnormality detecting unit for detecting an abnormality of each block constituting an electronic copying apparatus, and a function of the block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit are discriminated to limit the function of the electronic copying apparatus. An electronic copying apparatus comprising: a control selection unit that determines whether the copying operation is possible or not. 2. The function of the electronic copying apparatus is restricted by discriminating the function of the block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means and the abnormality detecting means for detecting the abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus. An electronic copying apparatus comprising: a control selecting unit that classifies and decides into two or more groups according to whether the copying operation is possible or not. 3. An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, and a function of the block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means are discriminated to limit the function of the electronic copying apparatus. 2. An electronic copying apparatus comprising: a control selection means for determining whether a copying operation is possible or not, and a copying condition limiting means for limiting a function and a copying condition when the copying operation is possible. 4. An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus and a function of the block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means are discriminated to limit the function of the electronic copying apparatus. Control selection means for classifying and deciding into two or more groups according to whether the copying operation is possible or not, and copying condition limiting means for limiting the function to one or more copying conditions when the copying operation is possible. An electronic copying apparatus characterized in that 5. An abnormality detecting unit for detecting an abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus and a function of the block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit are discriminated to limit the function of the electronic copying apparatus. An electronic copying apparatus comprising a second control means for restricting and executing a function when a copying operation is possible. 6. An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus and a function of the block in which the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means are discriminated to limit the function of the electronic copying apparatus. 1 if copying is possible
An electronic copying apparatus comprising a second control means for executing the function while limiting the functions to the above copying conditions. 7. An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, a first control means for setting a copy prohibition state when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, and the abnormality. If the copying operation is possible by limiting the function of the electronic copying apparatus by discriminating the function of the block in which the abnormality is detected and the second control means that performs the copying operation even when the detection unit detects the abnormality. An electronic copying apparatus comprising: a control selecting unit that executes the second control unit with a restriction and executes the first control unit when a copying operation cannot be performed. 8. An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of each block constituting the electronic copying apparatus, a first control means for setting a copy prohibition state when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, and the abnormality. Second control means for performing a copying operation even when an abnormality is detected by the detecting means, and one or more copying conditions for executing the copying operation while limiting the function even when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means When the copying operation is possible by limiting the functions of the electronic copying apparatus by classifying the function of the copy condition limiting means and the function of the block in which the abnormality is detected into two or more groups, the function is limited to one or more copying conditions. Then, the electronic copying apparatus is provided with a control selecting means for executing the second control means and executing the first control means when the copying operation cannot be performed.