JP2021091509A - Sheet conveying device, image forming device and sheet conveying method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a sheet conveying device, an image forming device and a sheet conveying method capable of preventing erroneous use of a paper feeding part where a jam is easy to occur.SOLUTION: An image forming device 10 comprises: a plurality of paper feeding units; a first count processing unit 82 for counting the number of times of occurrence of a jam during conveying a sheet from the paper feeding unit for each paper feeding unit; a second count processing unit 83 for counting the number of times of detection of a jam in each predetermined detection section; a prohibition processing unit 84 for prohibiting conveyance of a sheet from a malfunctional paper feeding unit where a count value by the first count processing unit 82 exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a notification processing unit 85 for notifying a count value by the second count processing unit 83 in each of the detection sections included in a conveyance route of a sheet from the malfunctional paper feeding unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet transfer device, an image forming device including the sheet transfer device, and a sheet transfer method.

An image forming apparatus such as a printer having a plurality of paper feed units is known. Further, there is known an image forming apparatus that automatically repairs a component component of the apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2007-3837

By the way, in the image forming apparatus, a jam (paper jam) may easily occur only when any one of the plurality of paper feeding units is used. Here, in the conventional image forming apparatus, there is no means for prohibiting the use of the paper feed unit, which is likely to cause jam by the user, so that the user may misuse the paper feed unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet transfer device, an image forming device, and a sheet transfer method capable of preventing misuse of a paper feeding unit where jams are likely to occur.

The sheet transport device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of paper feeding units, a first count processing unit, and a prohibition processing unit. The first count processing unit counts the number of times jams occur during the transfer of sheets from the paper feed unit for each paper feed unit. The prohibition processing unit prohibits the transfer of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feeding unit in which the count value by the first count processing unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

The image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying device.

The sheet transporting method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by a sheet transporting device including a plurality of paper feeding units, and counts the number of jams generated during paper feeding from the paper feeding unit for each paper feeding unit. This includes prohibiting the transfer of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feed unit in which the count value of the number of times of jam occurrence exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

According to the present invention, a sheet transfer device, an image forming device, and a sheet transfer method capable of preventing misuse of a paper feed unit, which is prone to jam, are realized.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a post-processing device of an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a jam detection process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation reception process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Structure of image forming apparatus 10]
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Here, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming unit 3 and the sheet conveying unit 4. Further, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the aftertreatment device 5.

The image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction device having a scanning function for reading image data from a document, a printing function for forming an image based on the image data, and a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function and a copying function. The image forming apparatus 10 may be a printer apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, a copier, or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an ADF (automatic document conveying apparatus) 1, an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet conveying unit 4, a post-processing device 5, and an operation display unit 6. , A storage unit 7, and a control unit 8. Here, the device including the sheet transfer unit 4 and the control unit 8 is an example of the sheet transfer device in the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 does not have to include the post-processing apparatus 5.

The ADF 1 includes a document setting section (not shown), a plurality of transport rollers, a document retainer, and a paper ejection section, and transports a document read by the image reading unit 2. The image reading unit 2 includes a document stand (not shown), a reading unit including a light source and mirrors, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD, and can read image data from the document.

The image forming unit 3 can form an image on the sheet by an electrophotographic method based on the image data read by the image reading unit 2. Further, the image forming unit 3 can also form an image on the sheet based on the image data input from an information processing device such as an external personal computer. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 3 includes a photoconductor drum 31, a charging device 32, an optical scanning device 33, a developing device 34, a transfer roller 35, a cleaning device 36, and a fixing device 37.

The sheet transport unit 4 transports the sheet to the post-processing device 5 via the image forming position by the image forming unit 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet transport unit 4 includes three paper feed units 41 (an example of a plurality of paper feed units of the present invention), a first transport path 42, a plurality of first transport rollers 43, and a resist roller 44. , A second transport path 45, and a plurality of second transport rollers 46.

Each of the three paper feed units 41 includes a paper feed cassette 411, a pickup roller 412, a paper feed roller 413, and a transport path 414. The paper cassette 411 houses a sheet used for forming an image. For example, the sheets housed in the paper cassette 411 include paper, coated paper, postcards, envelopes, transparencies, and the like. For example, the paper feed units 41A, 41B, and 41C (see FIG. 2) accommodate sheets of different sizes. The pickup roller 412 transports the sheet located at the highest position among the plurality of sheets mounted on the paper feed cassette 411 to the transport path 414. The transport path 414 is a moving passage for sheets connecting the paper feed cassette 411 and the first transport path 42. The paper feed roller 413 is provided in the transport path 414, and transports the sheet conveyed by the pickup roller 412 to the first transfer path 42.

The first transport path 42 is a sheet movement passage that connects each of the paper feed units 41 and the aftertreatment device 5. For example, the first transport path 42 is formed by a pair of guide members provided inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 10. The first transport path 42 is provided with a plurality of first transport rollers 43 and a resist roller 44 used for transporting sheets. Further, the first transport path 42 is provided with a photoconductor drum 31 of the image forming unit 3, a transfer roller 35, and a fixing device 37. In the first transport path 42, the sheet is transported in the transport direction D1 shown in FIG. 2 by the plurality of first transport rollers 43, the resist roller 44, the photoconductor drum 31, and the fixing device 37.

The second transport path 45 has a branch position P1 (see FIG. 2) on the downstream side of the transfer direction D1 from the fixing device 37 in the first transport path 42 and a confluence position P2 on the upstream side of the transfer direction D1 from the resist roller 44. It is a moving passage of the seat connecting with (see FIG. 2). The second transport path 45 is used for reversing a sheet in which an image is formed on the surface by the image forming unit 3 and re-transporting the sheet to the image forming position. The second transport path 45 is provided with a plurality of second transport rollers 46 used for transporting the sheets. In the second transport path 45, the sheet is transported in the transport direction D2 shown in FIG. 2 by the plurality of second transport rollers 46 and.

In the image forming unit 3, an image is formed on the sheet conveyed from the sheet conveying unit 4 by the following procedure.

First, the charging device 32 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 31 to a predetermined potential. Next, the light scanning device 33 irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 31 with light based on the image data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 31.

Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 31 is developed (visualized) as a toner image by the developing device 34. The toner image developed by the developing device 34 is conveyed to the transfer position (the image forming position) by the transfer roller 35 by the photoconductor drum 31 rotating in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The developing device 34 is replenished with toner from a toner container (not shown) that can be attached to and detached from the image forming unit 3.

On the other hand, the sheet transport unit 4 transports the sheet to the image forming position in parallel with the image forming operation by the image forming unit 3. For example, when the paper feed cassette 411 of the paper feed unit 41A (see FIG. 2) is set as the paper feed source among the three paper feed units 41, a plurality of sheets mounted on the paper feed cassette 411. The sheet is lifted to a contact position with the pickup roller 412 by a lift plate (not shown) provided at the bottom of the paper cassette 411. The pickup roller 412 takes out the sheet located at the highest position among the plurality of sheets lifted by the lift plate. The sheet taken out by the pickup roller 412 is conveyed to the first transfer path 42 by the paper feed roller 413. The sheet conveyed to the first transfer path 42 by the paper feed roller 413 is conveyed to the resist roller 44 by the first transfer roller 43.

The resist roller 44 sends the sheet to the image forming position at the timing of conveying the toner image by the photoconductor drum 31 to the image forming position. For example, a resist sensor (not shown) for detecting the passage of a sheet is provided in the first transport path 42 on the upstream side in the transport direction D1 from the arrangement position of the resist roller 44. The control unit 8 sets the sheet delivery timing by the resist roller 44 that matches the transfer timing based on the detection timing of the sheet passage by the resist sensor. Then, the resist roller 44 sends the sheet to the image forming position based on the sending timing set by the control unit 8. As a result, the toner image conveyed at the transfer timing is transferred by the transfer roller 35 to the surface of the sheet transmitted to the image forming position at the transfer timing.

The toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 31 after the toner image is transferred by the transfer roller 35 is removed by the cleaning device 36. For example, in the cleaning device 36, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 31 is removed by the blade-shaped cleaning member. Then, the toner removed by the cleaning member is conveyed to a toner container (not shown) by a conveying screw and collected.

The sheet on which the toner image is transferred at the image forming position is conveyed to the fixing device 37 by the first conveying roller 43. In the fixing device 37, the toner image transferred to the sheet by the heating roller and the pressure roller is heated and compressed. As a result, the toner image is melted and fixed on the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 37 is conveyed to the aftertreatment device 5 by the first conveying roller 43. When images are formed on both sides of the sheet, the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 37 is switched back by the first transport roller 43 located downstream of the fixing device 37 in the transport direction D1 and is switched back to the second transport path. It is transported to 45.

The post-processing device 5 performs post-processing such as perforation processing (punching processing) and staple processing on the sheet after image formation conveyed from the sheet conveying unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the aftertreatment device 5 includes a third transport path 51, a plurality of third transport rollers 52, a punch portion 53, a stack tray 54, a staple portion 55, a discharge roller 56, and a discharge tray 57. ..

The third transport path 51 is a moving passage for the sheet connecting the first transport path 42 and the discharge tray 57. The third transport path 51 is provided with a plurality of third transport rollers 52 used for transporting the sheets. In the third transport path 51, the sheet is transported by the plurality of third transport rollers 52 in the transport direction D3 shown in FIG.

The punch portion 53 is provided in the third transport path 51, and punches a punch hole in the sheet transported through the third transport path 51. The stack tray 54 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction D3 with respect to the punch portion 53 in the third transport path 51. A sheet conveyed by the third transfer roller 52 is loaded on the stack tray 54. The staple unit 55 executes a staple process of binding the plurality of sheets with staples to the plurality of sheets loaded on the stack tray 54. The discharge roller 56 discharges the sheet bundle for which the staple treatment has been performed by the staple portion 55 to the discharge tray 57.

The operation display unit 6 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information in response to a control instruction from the control unit 8, an operation key or a touch panel that inputs various information to the control unit 8 in response to a user operation. It has an operation unit of.

The storage unit 7 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 7 is a storage device such as a flash memory, a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (registered trademark), an SSD (solid state drive), and an HDD (hard disk drive).

The control unit 8 includes control devices such as a CPU 8A, a ROM 8B, and a RAM 8C. The CPU 8A is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM 8B is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU 8A to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 8C is a volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU 8A. In the control unit 8, various control programs stored in advance in the ROM 8B are executed by the CPU 8A. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 is collectively controlled by the control unit 8. The control unit 8 may be composed of an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), and is a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that collectively controls the image forming apparatus 10. You may.

The ROM 8B of the control unit 8 stores in advance an operation control program for causing the CPU 8A of the control unit 8 to execute a jam detection process (see the flowchart of FIG. 5) and an operation reception process (see the flowchart of FIG. 6) described later. ing. The operation control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and installed in the storage unit 7.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 8 includes a detection processing unit 81, a first count processing unit 82, a second count processing unit 83, a prohibition processing unit 84, a notification processing unit 85, and a release processing unit 86. Including. Specifically, the control unit 8 uses the CPU 8A to execute the operation control program stored in the ROM 8B. As a result, the control unit 8 functions as a detection processing unit 81, a first count processing unit 82, a second count processing unit 83, a prohibition processing unit 84, a notification processing unit 85, and a release processing unit 86.

The detection processing unit 81 detects a jam (paper jam) generated inside the image forming apparatus 10.

For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, a sheet sensor capable of detecting a sheet is provided in each of the three transport paths 414, the first transport path 42, the second transport path 45, and the third transport path 51. For example, the seat sensor is a reflective light sensor.

For example, the detection processing unit 81 uses the image forming unit 3, the sheet conveying unit 4, and the post-processing device 5 to form an image based on image data on a sheet supplied from any of the paper feeding units 41 and discharge the image. Jam is detected during the printing process of discharging to the tray 57. Specifically, the detection processing unit 81 detects jams in each of the detection sections A1 to A9 (see FIG. 2) (an example of a predetermined detection section of the present invention) using the plurality of the sheet sensors. Hereinafter, the detection sections A1 to A9 may be generically referred to as a detection section A0.

The detection section A1 is a section composed of a transport path 414 corresponding to the paper feed unit 41A. Further, the detection section A2 is a section composed of a transport path 414 corresponding to the paper feed unit 41B. Further, the detection section A3 is a section composed of a transport path 414 corresponding to the paper feed unit 41C.

Further, the detection section A4 is a section on the upstream side in the transport direction D1 from the resist roller 44 in the first transport path 42. Further, the detection section A5 is a section from the resist roller 44 in the first transport path 42 to the position between the photoconductor drum 31 and the fixing device 37. Further, the detection section A6 is a section from the downstream end of the detection section A5 in the first transport path 42 in the transport direction D1 to the branch position P1.

Further, the detection section A7 is a section composed of the second transport path 45. Further, the detection section A8 is a section from the branch position P1 to the third transport path 51 in the first transport path 42. Further, the detection section A9 is a section formed by the third transport path 51.

By the way, in the conventional image forming apparatus, jam may easily occur only when any one of the plurality of paper feed units 41 is used. For example, jams may easily occur in the paper feed unit 41 due to wear of the components of the paper feed unit 41. In addition, the sheet may be skewed when the paper is fed by the paper feed unit 41, so that jam may easily occur on the downstream side of the paper feed unit 41. Further, due to wear of the transfer roller on the downstream side of the paper feed unit 41, jam may easily occur when a specific type of sheet is conveyed by the transfer roller.

Here, in the conventional image forming apparatus, there is no means for prohibiting the use of the paper feed unit 41, which is likely to cause jam by the user, so that the user may misuse the paper feed unit 41.

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent misuse of the paper feed unit 41, which is prone to jam, as described below.

The first count processing unit 82 counts the number of jams generated during the transfer of the sheet from the paper feed unit 41 for each paper feed unit 41.

For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, a first storage area corresponding to each of the paper feeding units 41 for storing the number of times of jam occurrence during transfer of the sheet from the paper feeding unit 41 is provided in the storage unit 7 in advance. There is. First history data indicating the number of times jam has occurred is stored in each of the first storage areas. The initial value of the first history data is 0. The value of the first history data may be reset according to a predetermined operation. Further, the value of the first history data may be reset every time a predetermined timing arrives.

When a jam is detected by the detection processing unit 81, the first count processing unit 82 identifies the paper feed source in the print process from the three paper feed units 41 based on the execution conditions of the print process being executed. To do. Then, the first count processing unit 82 counts up the first history data stored in the first storage area corresponding to the specified paper feed source.

The second count processing unit 83 counts the number of jam detections in each of the plurality of detection sections A0.

For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, a second storage area for storing the number of occurrences of jam corresponding to each of the detection sections A1 to A9 is provided in advance in the storage unit 7. Second history data indicating the number of jam occurrences is stored in each of the second storage areas. The initial value of the second history data is 0. The value of the second history data may be reset according to a predetermined operation. Further, the value of the second history data may be reset every time a predetermined timing arrives.

When a jam is detected by the detection processing unit 81, the second count processing unit 83 counts up the second history data stored in the second storage area corresponding to the detection section A0 in which the jam has occurred. To do.

The six second storage areas corresponding to the detection sections A4 to A9 may be provided for each paper feed unit 41. Specifically, the storage unit 7 corresponds to the six second storage areas corresponding to the detection sections A4 to A9 associated with the paper feed unit 41A, and the detection sections A4 to A9 associated with the paper feed unit 41B. The six second storage areas and the six second storage areas corresponding to the detection sections A4 to A9 associated with the paper feed unit 41C may be provided. In this case, when the jam is detected by the detection processing unit 81, the second count processing unit 83 corresponds to both the paper feed source in the printing process being executed and the detection section A0 in which the jam has occurred. The second history data stored in the second storage area may be counted up.

The prohibition processing unit 84 prohibits the transfer of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feed unit in which the count value by the first count processing unit 82 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value may be a value that cannot be changed in advance, or a value that is arbitrarily set by the user's operation on the operation display unit 6.

For example, when the printing process is completed, the prohibition processing unit 84 determines whether or not the malfunctioning paper feeding unit exists based on the first history data of each of the first storage areas of the storage unit 7. To do.

Here, the prohibition processing unit 84 operates a selection screen used for a selection operation for selecting whether or not to prohibit the transfer of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feed unit when it is determined that the malfunction paper feed unit exists. It is displayed on the display unit 6. Then, when the prohibition of sheet transfer from the malfunctioning paper feed unit is selected by the selection operation, the prohibition processing unit 84 prohibits the transfer of the sheet from the malfunction paper feed unit.

On the other hand, when the prohibition processing unit 84 determines that the malfunction paper feed unit does not exist, or when the non-restriction of sheet transport from the malfunction paper feed unit is selected by the selection operation, the malfunction paper feed unit 84 Transport of sheets from the section is not prohibited.

When the prohibition processing unit 84 determines that the malfunctioning paper feed unit exists, the prohibition processing unit 84 may automatically prohibit the transfer of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feed unit. Further, in the prohibition processing unit 84, after the non-restriction of the sheet transfer from the malfunctioning paper feeding unit is selected by the selection operation, the count value by the first counting processing unit 82 for the malfunctioning paper feeding unit is the threshold value. When the number of specified values exceeds more than the specified value, the sheet may be automatically prohibited from being conveyed from the malfunctioning paper feed unit.

The notification processing unit 85 notifies the count value by the second count processing unit 83 in each of the detection sections A0 included in the sheet transport path from the malfunctioning paper feed unit to the discharge tray 57.

For example, when the paper feed unit 41A is the malfunctioning paper feed unit, the notification processing unit 85 has a second count in each of the detection sections A1 and the detection sections A4 to A9 between the paper feed unit 41A and the discharge tray 57. The count value by the processing unit 83 is notified.

For example, the notification processing unit 85 is a notification indicating the count value by the second count processing unit 83 in each of the detection sections A0 included in the sheet transport path from the malfunctioning paper feed unit in response to a predetermined user operation. The screen is displayed on the operation display unit 6.

When the prohibition processing unit 84 prohibits the transport of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feed unit, the notification processing unit 85 indicates that fact and the detection section A0 included in the sheet transport path from the malfunctioning paper feed unit. The count value by the second count processing unit 83 in each may be notified to a predetermined notification destination. For example, the notification destination is a worker such as a serviceman who repairs the image forming apparatus 10.

Further, when the six second storage areas corresponding to the detection sections A4 to A9 are provided for each paper feeding unit 41, the notification processing unit 85 is associated with the six second storage areas associated with the malfunctioning paper feeding unit. 2. Based on the second history data stored in the storage area, the count value by the second count processing unit 83 in each of the detection sections A4 to A9 may be notified.

The release processing unit 86 releases the prohibition of transporting the sheet to the malfunctioning paper feed unit by the prohibition processing unit 84 in response to a predetermined release operation.

For example, the release operation is an operation of inputting an execution instruction of a test printing process for reproducing a jam generated in a sheet transport path between the malfunctioning paper feed unit and the discharge tray 57.

[Jam detection process]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the jam detection process executed by the control unit 8 in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, steps S11, S12 ... Represent the number of the processing procedure (step) executed by the control unit 8. The jam detection process is executed together with the print process when the execution instruction of the print process is input.

<Step S11>
First, in step S11, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the printing process, which is being executed together, has been completed.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the printing process is completed (Yes side of S11), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S19. If the printing process is not completed (No side of S11), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S12.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a jam has been detected in any of the detection sections A0. Here, the process of detecting the jam is executed by the detection processing unit 81 of the control unit 8.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the jam has been detected (Yes side of S12), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S13. If no jam is detected (No side of S12), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S11.

<Step S13>
In step S13, the control unit 8 interrupts the printing process being executed.

<Step S14>
In step S14, the control unit 8 executes a first count process for counting up the first history data corresponding to the paper feed source in the interrupted print process. Here, the process of step S14 is executed by the first count processing unit 82 of the control unit 8.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 8 executes a second count process for counting up the second history data corresponding to the detection section A0 in which the jam detected in step S12 has occurred. Here, the process of step S15 is executed by the second count processing unit 83 of the control unit 8.

<Step S16>
In step S16, the control unit 8 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the fact that the jam has occurred and the detection section A0 in which the jam detected in step S12 has occurred.

<Step S17>
In step S17, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the jam detected in step S12 has been resolved.

For example, the control unit 8 determines that the jam has been resolved when a predetermined user operation is performed on the operation display unit 6.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the jam has been resolved (Yes side of S17), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S18. If the jam is not resolved (No side of S17), the control unit 8 waits for the jam to be resolved in step S17.

<Step S18>
In step S18, the control unit 8 restarts the printing process interrupted in step S13.

<Step S19>
In step S19, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the malfunctioning paper feed unit exists based on the first history data of each of the first storage areas of the storage unit 7.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the malfunctioning paper feed unit exists (Yes side of S19), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S20. If the malfunctioning paper feed unit does not exist (No side of S19), the control unit 8 ends the jam detection process. If the malfunctioning paper feed unit exists and the malfunctioning paper feed unit is already registered as a repair target described below, the control unit 8 may terminate the jam detection process.

<Step S20>
In step S20, the control unit 8 registers the malfunctioning paper feed unit as a repair target.

For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, a third storage area for storing repair target data including identification information of a functional unit to be repaired and information indicating a failure content is provided in advance in the storage unit 7.

The control unit 8 generates the repair target data including the identification information of the malfunctioning paper feed unit and the information indicating the frequent occurrence of jam which is the content of the failure, and the generated repair target data is stored in the third storage unit 7. By storing it in the storage area, the malfunctioning paper feed unit is registered as a repair target.

In the image forming apparatus 10, the control unit 8 executes the operation check of each of the predetermined functional units at a predetermined timing such as when the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on. Then, when an abnormality is detected in the operation check, the repair target data including the identification information of the functional unit in which the abnormality is detected and the information indicating the content of the abnormality is generated, and the generated repair target data is generated. It is stored in the third storage area.

<Step S21>
In step S21, the control unit 8 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the selection screen.

<Step S22>
In step S22, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the selection operation for selecting prohibition of sheet transfer from the malfunctioning paper feed unit has been performed on the selection screen displayed in step S21.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the selection operation for selecting the prohibition of sheet transfer from the malfunctioning paper feed unit has been performed (Yes side of S22), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S23. Further, when it is determined that the selection operation for not selecting the prohibition of sheet transfer from the malfunctioning paper feed unit has been performed (No side of S22), the control unit 8 ends the jam detection process.

<Step S23>
In step S23, the control unit 8 prohibits the transfer of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feed unit. Here, the processes from step S19 and steps S21 to S23 are executed by the prohibition processing unit 84 of the control unit 8.

[Operation reception process]
Next, an example of the procedure of the operation reception process executed by the control unit 8 in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation reception process is executed when the user's operation to instruct the execution of the operation reception process is performed on the operation display unit 6.

<Step S31>
First, in step S31, the control unit 8 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the repair target list screen. Here, the repair target list screen is a screen in which the functional unit registered as the repair target in the image forming apparatus 10 and the failure content of the functional unit are listed.

Specifically, the control unit 8 generates screen data used for displaying the repair target list screen based on the repair target data stored in the third storage area of the storage unit 7. Then, the control unit 8 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the repair target list screen based on the generated screen data.

As a result, the worker can grasp at a glance the functional unit that needs to be repaired and the details of the failure of the functional unit.

For example, the worker first shuts off the power supply of the image forming apparatus 10 when the light source of the image reading unit 2 is registered as a repair target due to a lighting abnormality and the light source is repaired. The worker then replaces the light source with a new one. Next, the worker turns on the power of the image forming apparatus 10 again. In response to the power-on again, the control unit 8 executes an operation check of each of the functional units including the light source. Then, when the abnormality of the light source is not detected in the operation check, the control unit 8 deletes the repair target data corresponding to the light source from the third storage area of the storage unit 7.

Here, the repair target list screen includes a first operation icon for shifting to the paper feed unit repair mode. In the paper feed unit repair mode, it is possible to display the notification screen and execute the test printing process.

<Step S32>
In step S32, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the shift to the paper feed unit repair mode has been instructed. Specifically, the control unit 8 determines that when the first operation icon is operated, the shift to the paper feed unit repair mode is instructed.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the shift to the paper feed unit repair mode has been instructed (Yes side of S32), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S33. If the shift to the paper feed unit repair mode is not instructed (No side of S32), the control unit 8 waits for the instruction to shift to the paper feed unit repair mode in step S32.

<Step S33>
In step S33, the control unit 8 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the process selection screen used for selecting the process content in the paper feed unit repair mode.

Here, the process selection screen includes a second operation icon indicating the malfunctioning paper feed unit. In addition, the process selection screen includes a third operation icon used for displaying the notification screen. Further, the process selection screen includes a fourth operation icon used for displaying the setting screen for setting the execution condition of the test print process.

<Step S34>
In step S34, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the display of the notification screen is instructed. Specifically, the control unit 8 determines that the display of the notification screen is instructed when the third operation icon is operated.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the display of the notification screen is instructed (Yes side of S34), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S35. If the display of the notification screen is not instructed (No side of S34), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S36.

<Step S35>
In step S35, the control unit 8 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the notification screen. After that, the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S33 in response to a predetermined operation such as a tap operation on the display unit. Here, the process of step S35 is executed by the notification processing unit 85 of the control unit 8.

As a result, the operator can recognize the occurrence status of jam in each of the detection sections A0 included in the sheet transport path from the malfunctioning paper feed unit to the discharge tray 57, and can narrow down the cause of jam occurrence. is there.

<Step S36>
In step S36, it is determined whether or not the display of the setting screen is instructed. Specifically, the control unit 8 determines that the display of the setting screen is instructed when the fourth operation icon is operated.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the display of the setting screen is instructed (Yes side of S36), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S37. If the display of the setting screen is not instructed (No side of S36), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S41.

<Step S37>
In step S37, the control unit 8 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the setting screen.

For example, on the setting screen, it is possible to set a sheet transport path in the test printing process. Here, the operator can set the sheet transport path in the test printing process so as to pass through the detection section A0 where jams frequently occur by confirming the contents of the notification screen in advance. .. Further, on the setting screen, it is possible to set the number of prints in the test print process. On the setting screen, the presence / absence of printing of image data may be set. Further, on the setting screen, whether or not to execute the punch process and the staple process may be set.

<Step S38>
In step S38, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the execution of the test print process is instructed on the setting screen.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the execution of the test print process is instructed (Yes side of S38), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S39. If the execution of the test printing process is not instructed (No side of S38), the control unit 8 waits for the execution instruction of the test printing process in step S38.

<Step S39>
In step S39, the control unit 8 releases the prohibition of transporting the sheet to the malfunctioning paper feed unit. Here, the process of step S39 is executed by the release processing unit 86 of the control unit 8.

<Step S40>
In step S40, the control unit 8 executes the test print process according to the execution conditions set on the setting screen. This makes it possible to try to reproduce the jam generated on the sheet transport path from the malfunctioning paper feed unit to the discharge tray 57. When the jam is reproduced, it is possible to narrow down the cause of the jam from the reproduction situation.

<Step S41>
In step S41, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the end of the paper feed unit repair mode has been instructed.

Here, when the control unit 8 determines that the end of the paper feed unit repair mode has been instructed (Yes side of S41), the control unit 8 ends the operation acceptance process. If the end of the paper feed unit repair mode is not instructed (No side of S41), the control unit 8 shifts the process to step S33.

In this way, in the image forming apparatus 10, the number of times of jam occurrence during the transfer of the sheet from the paper feed unit 41 is counted for each paper feed unit 41. Then, according to the user's operation, the transfer of the sheet from the malfunctioning paper feed unit whose count value exceeds the threshold value is prohibited. This makes it possible to prevent misuse of the paper feed unit 41, which is prone to jam.

1 ADF
2 Image reading unit 3 Image forming unit 4 Sheet transporting unit 5 Post-processing device 6 Operation display unit 7 Storage unit 8 Control unit 10 Image forming device 31 Photoreceptor drum 35 Transfer roller 37 Fixing device 41 Paper feed unit 42 First transport path 43 1st transfer roller 44 Resist roller 45 2nd transfer path 46 2nd transfer roller 51 3rd transfer path 52 3rd transfer roller 53 Punch part 54 Stack tray 55 Staple part 56 Discharge roller 57 Discharge tray 81 Detection processing unit 82 1st count Processing unit 83 Second count processing unit 84 Prohibition processing unit 85 Notification processing unit 86 Release processing unit

Claims (5)

With multiple paper feed units
For each paper feed unit, a first count processing unit that counts the number of jam occurrences during sheet transfer from the paper feed unit, and
A prohibition processing unit that prohibits the transfer of sheets from a malfunctioning paper feed unit whose count value by the first count processing unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and a prohibition processing unit.
A sheet transfer device comprising. A second count processing unit that counts the number of jam detections in each of the predetermined detection sections,
A notification processing unit that notifies the count value by the second count processing unit in each of the detection sections included in the sheet transport path from the malfunctioning paper feed unit, and a notification processing unit.
The sheet transport device according to claim 1. It is provided with a release processing unit that releases the prohibition of sheet transport to the malfunctioning paper feed unit by the prohibition processing unit in response to a predetermined release operation.
The sheet transport device according to claim 1 or 2. The sheet transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying device, and an image forming unit.
An image forming apparatus comprising. A sheet transfer method executed by a sheet transfer device having a plurality of paper feed units.
Counting the number of jams that occur during the transfer of sheets from the paper feed unit for each paper feed unit
Prohibiting the transfer of sheets from the malfunctioning paper feed section where the count value of the number of jam occurrences exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
Sheet transport method including.

Images