JPS63200167A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a malfunction and to enable a clear input even during trouble by providing a control means which detects the execution of a prescribed operation other than the operation for non-trouble of a clear key to clear a set number during a trouble. CONSTITUTION:A trouble detection signal ERROR is inputted to a multiplexer 23, and a set count number is outputted to a comparator 22. A set count number A during trouble is larger than a count number B in an ordinary state. Consequently, the clear key must be depressed continuously for a time longer than that of depression in the ordinary state in the case of the clear input during trouble. This switching is possible in software by a program. Since the clear input during trouble is made difficult more than that at the ordinary state in such a manner, the erroneous operation during the trouble processing is prevented, and the set number can be cleared even during trouble as necessary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus capable of continuously forming a set number of images. The packaging forming apparatus includes a sheet number setting means for setting the number of output sheets, a storage means for storing the set number of sheets, and further has a clear key for clearing the stored set number of sheets.

In such devices, when image formation is interrupted due to a problem with the device, the user may accidentally touch the clear key while troubleshooting the problem, clearing the stored number of copies. .

In order to overcome this drawback, Japanese Patent Publication No. 11904/1983 describes a technique for prohibiting clear input in the event of a problem. Since it is not possible to do so, the following problems arise.

In other words, even if a trouble occurs during the formation of multiple images, in a device that can automatically continue forming images by performing appropriate processing, it is necessary to enter a clear input during the trouble. There is. This is because, for example, if a paper jam occurs while forming multiple images, and the completion of the jam removal is detected by the opening/closing operation of the exterior cover of the device, the process will automatically continue when the exterior cover is closed. Since image formation is performed using the following steps, it may be necessary to enter a clear input before closing the exterior cover. Although this differs depending on the degree of trouble, for example, in the case of an in-jet printer, a paper jam may apply an impact to the recording head (ink nozzle), causing it to shift its position. In such a case, in order to adjust the head position, it is necessary to temporarily stop forming images on multiple sheets and form images using an adjustment chart.In addition, the inside of the device may become extremely dirty due to other problems. It is necessary to enter the clear input even when there is a problem, such as when cleaning is required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform clear input even in the event of trouble while preventing malfunctions when the clear key is touched by mistake. Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention detects that the clear key has been operated when there is no trouble, and determines the set number of sheets. a first control means for clearing the set number of sheets; and a second control means for clearing the set number of sheets by detecting that a predetermined operation of the clear key different from the operation at the time of non-trouble is performed while a trouble is occurring. It is characterized by having the following.

Function: According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, clear input during a trouble is performed by a different operation from that in normal times. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous printing during troubleshooting, and even when a trouble is occurring, the set number of sheets can be cleared when clear input is required.

Example Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described.

First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a printer (1), and an operation panel (2) is provided on the front surface of the printer (1). This printer (1) uses an inkjet drawing head, and the cut paper is wound around the surface of a drum inside the device, and the drum is rotated at high speed while the head is moved in the axial direction to draw. It is something to do.

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the layout relationship of each key on the operation panel (2).The operation panel (2) includes a sheet count display (3) consisting of a 2-digit, 7-segment LED, and an up button for setting the sheet count. key (4) and down key (5), clear key (6) for clear input, print key (7), input key (8), and stop key (9) for issuing various commands to the device.
), displaying the device status tEDQo) ~(1
5) are provided respectively.

The up key (4) and down key 6) are provided as input means for setting the number of output sheets, and by pressing the up key (4), the number of sheets display (3)
As the set number of sheets displayed increases, the set number of sheets is stored as the number of times image formation is performed. On the other hand, by pressing the down key (5), this set number of sheets can be decreased. The clear key (6) is used to clear the set number of sheets set by the up key (4) or down key (5), and specifically, sets the set number of sheets to the initial setting value, that is, "1".

Next, the print key (7) is used to instruct the start of image formation. By pressing this print key (η), the printer (1) feeds paper and forms an image. The input key ( 8) is for issuing a start command when data is stored in the frame memory in the printer α) via the video interface.

The stop key (9) is used to stop the operation during the formation of a plurality of images, and by pressing the stop key (9), the image forming operation is interrupted.

On the other hand, L E D (10) and (11) light up during image formation and data transfer, respectively, and indicate that the current printer (1)
Indicates the operating status of the L E D (12) is a printer (
1) When the image forming operation is stopped, that is, when the paper on which the image has been formed is removed from the drum circumferential surface and the paper is ejected, or when the drawing head is stopped due to a paper jam, etc. This is to warn you when the light is on.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the operation keys (4) to (9) described above is connected to the CPU (
17), and is also connected to the number display (3) and L
Similarly, E D (10) and ~(15) are CPU (1
7) is connected. CPU (17) is ROM
Qs) and RAM (19), and performs various controls of the printer (1).

Next, when forming images on a plurality of sheets, the number of output sheets is first set using the up key (4) or the down key (5). Thereafter, by pressing the print key (7), images for the set number of sheets are automatically formed.

If a problem occurs while forming images on multiple sheets, for example, if a paper jam occurs, the printer
It is necessary to open the exterior plate and troubleshoot the problem.

The printer (1) of this embodiment is provided with a switch that detects the open state of the exterior plate, and the CPU
(1) When a trouble occurs, it is detected that the exterior plate has been opened and then closed, thereby detecting that the troubleshooting has been completed. When the end of the trouble processing is thus detected, the printer (1) automatically continues the image forming operation that was interrupted midway through the set number of sheets. For this reason,
Depending on the degree of trouble, the clear key (
6) makes it necessary to clear the set number of sheets. For example, in the inkjet printer of this embodiment, if a paper jam occurs around the drawing head, the position of the head may shift and normal image formation may not be possible. Therefore, if a paper jam occurs, it is necessary to open the printer's outer panel and remove the jammed paper, as well as draw a test chart to check whether the drawing head is in the correct position. . In order to draw this test chart, during a trouble, the number of sheets set before the trouble is cleared, and then the exterior plate is closed and image formation is started.

However, if the clear input during the trouble is the same as the clear input during normal operation, the set value will be cleared even though the clear key (6) is pressed by mistake during troubleshooting, even though there is no need for clear input. There is a fear that it will happen.

For this reason, the printer (1) of this embodiment is configured so that the clear input during a trouble is performed in a different manner than in normal times. The configuration of this first embodiment will be explained below using the flowchart of clear input in the CPU (17) shown in FIG.

In this flowchart, it is determined in step S1 whether the rear key (6) has been pressed. Clear key (
6) is pressed and there is a clear input, step S
At step 2, the timer TM is started.

Then, proceed to step S3, and at that point the printer (1)
Determine whether or not there is a trouble condition i. If there is a problem, the process advances to step S4; if not, the process advances to step s5.

In step S4, the set time T is set to the trouble setting value [I
Set to . On the other hand, in step S5, the set time T is set to the normal set value [snow]. Here, the trouble setting value t
1 is a value indicating a longer time than the normal setting value i.

Next, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer TM started in step S2 has exceeded the set time T. If the timer TM has not exceeded the set time T, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, it is determined again whether or not the clear key (6) has been pressed, and if it has not been pressed, the process returns, but if it has been pressed, the process returns to step S6 again. That is, if the clear key (6) continues to be pressed, the determinations in steps S6 and S7 are repeated, and when the timer TM exceeds the set time T, the process advances to step S8. In step S8, the stored set number of sheets is cleared and the process returns.

Therefore, in this embodiment, since the setting time during trouble is longer than during normal times, the set number of sheets cannot be cleared unless the clear key (6) is held down for a correspondingly longer period of time. Therefore, erroneous clear inputs can be prevented during troubleshooting, and clear inputs can be input whenever necessary.

Furthermore, in the above description, switching between clear inputs during trouble and normal times is performed by software using a program, but it can also be performed by hardware as shown in the hardware block diagram of FIG.

In Fig. 5, the input signal CL from the clear key (6)
R is ant game with external clock signal CLOCK)
It is input to the counter (21) via (20). The counter (21) counts the number of pulses of the clock signal CLOCR while the clear input signal CLR is input, and outputs the counted number to the comparator (22). On the other hand, the multiplexer (23) K receives the trouble detection signal ERROR, and when the trouble detection signal ERROR is in the "+H" state, it determines that a trouble is occurring, and sets the set count number A to the comparator (22). Output to.

When the trouble detection signal ERROR is in the "L" state, no trouble has occurred, so the multiplexer (23)
outputs the set count number B. Here, the set count number A during trouble is set to a larger value than the count number B during normal times.

The comparator (22) compares the count number from the counter (21) and the set count number from the multiplexer (23), and when the count number by the counter (21) exceeds the set count number, the number of sheets clear signal CLR/ and clear the stored number of output settings. Therefore, by using such a hardware configuration,
For clear input during trouble, use the clear key (6) more than usual.
) must be held down for a long time. Therefore, the same effect as in the case of the software configuration described above is achieved.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, malfunctions in the event of a trouble are prevented by temporal control, but this may also be done by a mechanical configuration of the clear key (6). For example, clear key (6
) is configured to have two stages of contacts in the key stroke direction, and under normal conditions, if the upper contact turns on, the set number of sheets will be cleared, and during a trouble, if the lower contact does not turn on, the number of sheets will be cleared. You can also make it impossible.

Next, regarding second and third embodiments of the present invention, points similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different points will be described. These embodiments differ from the first embodiment mainly in the clear input operation during a trouble.

First, the clear input operation in the second embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, when a problem occurs, the clear key (6) is pressed 2 times.
The configuration is such that the stored number of sheets cannot be reset unless you press the button twice.

First, in step 511, when it is determined that the clear key (6) has been pressed, a timer TI is started (
Step 512). It is determined in step 513 whether the time limit timer TI has timed up, and it is determined in step 514 whether the clear key (6) has been pressed until the time has expired. If the clear key (6) has been pressed for the time set by the timer Tl, the process advances to step 515. If it has not been pressed, it is assumed that no clear input has been made and the process returns.

At step 515, it is determined whether or not there is a problem. If there is no problem, the process advances to step 520, clears the set number of sheets, and returns.

On the other hand, if there is a problem, the timer T2 is started after the clear key (6) is turned off in step S16 (step 517).

Then, in step 518, press the clear key (6) again.
It is determined whether or not the button has been pressed, and if it has not been pressed, the process advances to step 519, and the determination in step 518 is repeated until the timer T2 times up. If the clear key (6) is pressed again during the time set by timer T2, step 520
Proceed to , clear the set number of sheets, and return.

As is clear from the above description, in this second embodiment, during a trouble, the set number of sheets is cleared by pressing the clear key (6) twice within a predetermined time. Therefore, erroneous clear inputs can be prevented during troubleshooting, and clear inputs can be input whenever necessary.

In the second embodiment, the clear input is made possible by pressing the clear key (6) twice in the event of a trouble, but it may of course be made possible by pressing the clear key (6) three or more times. .

In addition, during a trouble, a notification such as lighting the clear key (2) may be provided to indicate to the operator that a clear input cannot be made unless the clear key (2) is pressed multiple times.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In this embodiment, the clear input during a trouble cannot be performed by simply pressing the clear key (6); for example, the clear input cannot be performed for the first time by pressing another key at the same time. It becomes possible.

Specifically, the LE that flashes during a trouble is located near the clear key (6) on the operation panel (2) in Figure 1 mentioned above.
D is added and the LED (12) above the stop key (9) is made to flash at the same time during a trouble. If these two LEDs are lit, there is a problem and the clear key (6) and stop key (
9) is configured so that clear input can be performed by pressing both at the same time.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous clear input during a trouble, and it is possible to clear the set number of sheets even during a trouble.

In addition, in the example described above, clear input was enabled during a trouble by pressing the clear key (6) and stop key (9) at the same time, but during a trouble, input using the clear key (6) is prohibited and An operation key located at a position where erroneous input operations are unlikely to be performed may be used as an operation key for clear input. For example, if a special image forming operation key is provided on a panel covered by an openable/closable lid, the clear key can also be cleared by using the key inside this panel as the clear key in case of trouble. erroneous operation can be prevented. In addition, so that the clear key input can be performed in conjunction with troubleshooting operations, such as paper jam disposal, a troubleshooting key is placed inside the device at a position that can be operated when the exterior panel is opened. A clear key may also be provided.

Effects of the Invention According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations while troubleshooting, and also to prevent erroneous operations during troubleshooting because the clear input is performed more quickly than in normal times. You can also clear the set number of sheets when clear input is necessary.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the operation panel provided in the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the control circuit related to the human power of the keys, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the printer, and Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing control of clear input in the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another control circuit of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control of clear input in the second embodiment. . (3)...Number display means (6)...Clear key (17)...CPU (18)...ROM (19)...RAM Applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. i! Main figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Image formation capable of storing the number of sheets set by a sheet number setting means, automatically forming the set number of images, and clearing the set number of sheets using a clear key. a first control means for detecting that the clear key has been operated and clearing the set number of sheets when the device is not in a trouble state; An image forming apparatus comprising: second control means for detecting that a predetermined operation different from the operation has been performed and clearing the set number of sheets. 2. The first control means detects that the clear key has been operated for the non-trouble set time and clears the set number of sheets, and the second control means detects that the clear key has been operated for the non-trouble set time, and the second control means clears the set number of sheets from the non-trouble set time. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus clears the set number of sheets by detecting that the clear key has been operated for a long trouble setting time. 3. The second control means clears the set number of sheets by detecting that the clear key has been operated a predetermined number of times during a trouble occurrence. Image forming device. 4. Claim 1, wherein the second control means detects that an operation key different from the clear key is operated while a trouble occurs and clears the set number of sheets. The image forming apparatus described above. 5. A patent claim characterized in that the second control means clears the set number of sheets by detecting that the clear key and an operation key different from the clear key are operated simultaneously during a trouble occurrence. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.