JP2991309B2 - Copier management system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus and an external apparatus.
Is connected via a communication line, and the status of the copying machine is
Those related to the management system of the copying apparatus that manages at.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a strong demand for the addition and upgrading of various functions to a copying apparatus, the structure and functions of the copying apparatus are becoming more and more complex, and the number of copying apparatuses installed in one company is increasing, and the use and operation of the apparatus are controlled. In addition, it has been proposed to collect and centrally manage the normal use state and the functioning data of the copying apparatus in a management department or a specialized company in a company for maintenance and appropriate and prompt processing of repairs.

[0003] Other Me, a communication control means for performing communication by a communication line between the devices of external, data exchange, etc. with the copying apparatus outside the manager office device periodically or at any time Copiers configured to allow communication have been proposed.
Have been.

Further, a safety device for automatically shutting off an abnormal part when a component or operation is abnormal, for example, a temperature fuse or a thermostat or the like is incorporated in a fixing device of the copying device, so that a defect of the component of the device is made. When the temperature rises abnormally due to abnormal operation, the circuit is shut off to prevent a serious failure.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the parts of the safety device itself are aged or deteriorated, the safety device does not operate normally and the copying apparatus is not operated normally. There was a possibility that measures such as turning off the power after detecting abnormalities in the equipment were delayed, and the accidents would be exacerbated. Furthermore, even in a configuration in which the safety device is released by turning on / off the main switch, there is a problem in that monitoring and handling of the abnormality are delayed.

In particular, in the case of a copying apparatus having a complicated structure that is centrally managed by an external apparatus, it is a reality that a copying operator cannot expect to detect an abnormality of the apparatus and to take an appropriate early response.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
Operation of the copier due to an abnormality in the copier.
If a stop is required, make sure that the copier is
To provide a copier management system capable of
aimed to.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A copy provided by the present invention
The equipment management system is a communication line between the copier and external equipment.
And the status of the copier is managed by an external device.
System, wherein the copying machine is connected to an external device via a communication line.
Communication control means for transmitting and receiving information via a communication device, and a copying apparatus
Abnormality detection means for detecting abnormalities in
Power supply shut-off means for stopping the copying machine;
Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information via a communication line;
Means for judging information transmitted from the copying apparatus.
The abnormality of the copying apparatus is determined by the abnormality detecting means.
When communication is detected, an external device is controlled by the communication control means.
The external device transmits the abnormality information to the
Status where the received error information requires the copier to stop operation
Is determined by the determination means, and the operation of the copying apparatus is stopped.
In the case of a state requiring a stop, the transmitting / receiving means
To the communication control means.
Said power shutdown in response to a stop signal received by the stage
Actuating the means to shut down the copier.
Is what you do.

[0009]

According to the present invention, the copying apparatus is a
When an error is detected, send error information to an external device,
The external device stops the operation of the copying machine based on the received
Judge whether the condition is necessary and stop the copying machine
Send a stop signal to the copier,
The copier operates the copier in response to the received stop signal.
Stop.

That is, while the power of the copying apparatus is turned on, the abnormality detecting means continues to detect whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the copying apparatus. When the abnormality is detected, the communication control means transmits abnormality information to an external device. Send. When an external device sends an operation stop signal to the copying apparatus, the communication control means receives the operation stop signal and stops the operation of the copying apparatus by the power cutoff means. As described above, the copier is remotely monitored by an external device provided in the department in charge of management and the like, and the occurrence of an abnormality is detected at an early stage. The operation of the copier is stopped by remote control to enable early response to the occurrence of the abnormality. It can be prevented from developing into a serious accident.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a management system for a copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
The system will be described with reference to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system for a copying apparatus according to an embodiment.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a copying apparatus main body; 800, control means for controlling a copying operation; 900, communication control means (modem board) for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external communication line; and 908, an external communication line. Public line,
Reference numeral 999 denotes a post-computer system located at a management base for managing the copying apparatus.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a switch which is a power cutoff means for stopping the operation of the copying apparatus. When the communication control means 900 receives an operation stop signal from the external device 999, the switch 500 operates to operate the copying apparatus 100. The power supply is cut off and the operation of the copier stops.

FIG. 2 shows communication control means (modem board) 9
It is a block diagram which shows the main structure of 00. Reference numeral 901 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) for controlling communication; 903, a memory (RAM) for temporarily storing communication data;
A modulator / demodulator (modem) modulates the data to be set to 08 and demodulates the data transmitted by the public line 908 into digital communication data, and 906 denotes a network control unit (NCU).

Under the control of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 having the above-described configuration, the copy operation of the copying apparatus 100, storage of data, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 are performed.

The copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 also constitute an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the copying apparatus by using a built-in CPU, a storage device and its program.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the copying apparatus. The configuration and operation will be described with reference to FIG. 100 is a copying apparatus main body, 200 is a circulation type automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) for automatically feeding a document, 300 is a sorter or sorter, and 400 is an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter referred to as CFF). , RDF20 above
0, the sorter 300 and the CFF 400 are the copying machine body 1
00 can be freely combined and used.

The configuration of the copying apparatus main body 100 will be described below. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass serving as a platen. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as a document reading unit, and a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 10
3, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like. The original is illuminated by an exposure lamp 103 while scanning by the motor 104, and reflected light from the original is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 105 by the scanning mirror and the lens. Irradiate.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing unit 109 and a transfer charger 110
, A separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112, and the photosensitive drum 105 and the like constitute an image recording unit.

The photosensitive drum 105 has a main motor 113
3 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 and is corona-charged by the high-pressure unit 106.
When the reflected light from the document 2 is emitted from 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 109 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper sent from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 to the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is transferred to the registration roller 120 by the registration roller 120 so that the leading end of the toner image is transferred to the transfer paper. After the timing is set so that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the photosensitive drum 105, the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transfer,
The transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by the separation charger 111, guided to the fixing device 122 by the conveyor belt 121, and the toner image is fixed by pressurizing and heating, and then discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 123. Is done. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

In the copying apparatus main body 100, for example, 4000
A deck 124 capable of storing a sheet of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 includes a paper feed roller 126
Rises in accordance with the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). That is, the transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side by the discharge flapper 127. Also, 128
A lower conveyance path guides the transfer sheet sent out from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 with the transfer sheet turned over via the reversing path 129.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. When the flapper is tilted to the left, the transfer paper is led directly to the lower transport path 128 without passing through the reversing path 129. Reference numeral 132 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through the path 133. 13
A discharge roller 4 is disposed near the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiplexed copying), the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is again turned upside down via the reversing path 129 and the lower transport path 128. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the left during multiplex recording. At the time of the next backside printing or multiplex printing, the transfer paper stored in the refeed tray 130 is guided to the registration roller 120 of the main body via the path 133 by the feed roller 132 one by one from below.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the copying apparatus main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the flapper 131 is tilted rightward, and the copied transfer paper is transported to the transport path 129, and the transfer is performed. After the trailing edge of the paper has passed the first feed roller 140,
To the feed roller side, and the discharge roller 134
Turn over the transfer paper and discharge it outside the machine.

Next, the control devices 800 and 900 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control devices 800 and 900 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 800 denotes a control device which constitutes the copy control means for controlling the copy operation of the copying machine main body 100, and 900 denotes an external communication line. A communication line control device constituting the communication control means for controlling communication with the communication line.

Reference numeral 801 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) for controlling the entire copying apparatus. Reference numeral 802 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ROM) that stores a control procedure (control program) for the main body 100 of the copying apparatus. And C
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802. Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as a RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a work storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 804 denotes an input / output unit that outputs a control signal of the CPU 801 to a load of the main motor 113 and the like and a signal from a sensor or the like of the fixing unit 122 and sends the signal to the CPU 801.

A communication line control device 900 for controlling communication with the external communication line 908 controls communication with the CPU 901. A storage device (ROM) 902 stores a control procedure for communication control and communication failure detection. The control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 is RS-
232C interfaces 805 and 907, and the RS-232C interface 907
When data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the CPU, the transfer data is temporarily stored in the RAM 903 provided in the communication control apparatus 900, and the data transfer from the control apparatus 800 of the copying apparatus main body is completed. Later CPU
A network control unit (hereinafter abbreviated as NCU) unit 906 is controlled by 901 to make a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line connection, data is transferred to the outside through a modem 905 and an NCU unit 906. When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is stored in the RAM 90.
3 and the RS-232C interfaces 805, 9 in response to a request from the copier controller 800.
Data is transferred to the control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 via the control unit 07.

The copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 also form abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the copying apparatus based on operation data of each function and data from a sensor (not shown). It also has a function of receiving the communication from the apparatus, activating the power cutoff means 500, and turning off the power of the copying apparatus.

Next, the operation panel will be described. FIG.
FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100.

Reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key.
Used when the operator (user) is in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame. 62
A cursor key 7 is used to select a setting item in the setting mode. Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key which is used to confirm the setting contents in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is depressed when returning to the standard mode. Also, when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode, the auto reset key 606 is pressed.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a copy start key (copy start key) which is depressed to start copying. A clear / stop key 604 has a clear key function during standby and a stop key function during copy recording. The clear / stop key 604 is pressed to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. Then, after the copying at the time of the pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a numeric keypad, which is depressed when setting the number of copies. Also used when setting the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 can register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, four modes M1 to M4 can be registered.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is A
The E key is pressed when automatically adjusting the copy density in accordance with the density of the document, or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual).

Reference numeral 607 denotes a copy paper selection key, which is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-bypass tray 150. When a document is placed on the RDF 300,
APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected with the copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 denotes a same-size key, which is depressed when making a copy of the same size (original size). An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed when the image of the document is automatically reduced or enlarged according to the size of the specified transfer sheet.

Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make double-sided copying from a single-sided original, double-sided copying from a double-sided original, or single-sided copying from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
A binding margin of a designated length can be created on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo document. A multiple key 623 is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases a frame of a standard size document. At this time, the size of the document is set by the asterisk key 601. 62
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the copy paper size.

A cover mode setting key 629 is used to create a front cover and a back cover and to insert a slip sheet.
Reference numeral 630 denotes a continuous page copy key, which is used to continuously copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a discharge method selection key for selecting a staple sort, sort, or group discharge method. When the staple sorter 300 is connected, a staple sort mode, a sort mode, and a group mode for recording paper are set. Selection or cancellation of the selection mode can be performed.

Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key.
It is used when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved original placed at 0 and when canceling the reserved setting.
Reference numeral 632 denotes a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode. Reference numeral 633 denotes a guide key. Explanations of functions corresponding to various keys are displayed on the message display 7.
Used to display the number 01.

Reference numeral 701 denotes an LC for displaying information relating to copying.
D (liquid crystal) type message display, 9
Characters and figures are displayed with 6 × 192 dots. For example, the number of copies set by the ten keys 603,
8,609, 1: 1 key 610, zoom keys 617,61
The copy magnification set in step 8, the paper size selected by the copy sheet selection key 607, a message indicating the state of the copying apparatus main body 100, a guide message indicating the operation procedure, and other various mode settings are displayed.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up in a preheating state.

When the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is set to one, the density AE mode, the automatic paper selection, the same size, and the setting of one-sided original to one-sided copy. R
In the standard mode when the DF200 is not used, the number of copies is one,
Density manual mode, same-size, single-sided original to single-sided copying are set. The difference between when the RDF 200 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 200.

Next, an explanation will be given of the operation of the abnormality monitoring and abnormality detection of the copying apparatus, which are the features of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of the copying apparatus of the embodiment and an external apparatus connected by a communication line. Steps 2001 to 2003 show the operation flow of the external apparatus.

First, an abnormality of the copying apparatus is detected (step 1001). If no abnormality is detected, step 1001 is executed.
Is repeated. If an abnormality is detected, abnormality information indicating that the copying apparatus is abnormal is transmitted to the external device via the communication line (step 1002). Then, when the external device (management side) receives the abnormality information communication from the copying apparatus (step 2001), it determines whether or not the abnormality content / frequency of the copying apparatus is in a dangerous state in the copying apparatus and the external device (step 2001). Step 2002), if not dangerous, step 10
Return to 01.

If it is determined in step 2002 that the state is dangerous, the external apparatus transmits an operation stop signal to the copying apparatus via the line (step 2003), and the apparatus receives the operation stop signal (step 1003). Activating the power cutoff means of the copying apparatus to stop the operation (step 1004);
finish.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, when an external apparatus receives abnormal information from a copying apparatus,
Instead of sending an operation stop signal to the copier unconditionally,
And the received abnormal information requires the copier to be stopped.
Status of the copying machine,
In this case, an operation stop signal is sent to the copier,
The copier is stopped every time an error occurs in the
Operation despite abnormalities that do not require operation shutdown
It will be in a suspended state and will not inconvenience the user
When the copying machine needs to be stopped,
You can stop it.

[0052]

[0053]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of communication control means.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control device.

FIG. 5 is an external view of an operation panel.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of one embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Copying apparatus main body 500 Power cutoff means 800 Copying apparatus main body control device (copying control means) 900 Communication line control device (communication control means) 801 901 Central processing unit (CPU) 802 902 Read-only memory (ROM) 803 , 903 Random access memory (RAM) 906 Network control unit (NCU)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tokuharu Kaneko 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Satoshi Kuroyanagi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside (72) Inventor Hiroshi Ozaki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hisashi Tahara 3-30-2, Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Miharu Takizawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shinichi Nakamura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Invention Person Naoyuki Oki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masanori Miyata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo JP-A-3-433753 (JP, A) JP-A-60-263163 (JP, A) JP-A-62-186275 (JP, A) JP-A-3-162055 (JP) (A) JP-A-63-155398 (JP, A) (58) Fields studied (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03G 15/00 303 G03G 15/36 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 21/02 -21/04 G03G 21/14 G03G 21/20 H04M 11/00-11/10

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copying apparatus and an external apparatus are connected via a communication line.
Copier that connects and manages the status of the copier with an external device
In a device management system, a copier transmits and receives information to and from an external device via a communication line.
Communication control means for performing copying, and an abnormality for detecting an abnormality of the copying apparatus.
Detecting means, and power cutoff means for stopping the operation of the copying apparatus;
The external device communicates with the copying device via a communication line.
Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving, and information transmitted from the copying apparatus.
Determining means for judging a report , wherein the copying apparatus detects the abnormality of the copying apparatus by the abnormality detecting means.
When detected, the communication control means sends an error to an external device.
The external device transmits the abnormal information received by the transmitting / receiving means.
Determining means for determining whether or not the copying apparatus needs to be stopped
The copying machine must be stopped
Sends an operation stop signal to the copier by the transmitting / receiving means
Then, the copying machine stops the operation received by the communication control means.
Activating the power cutoff means in response to a signal
System for stopping copying machine operation
M 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining means includes :
The abnormality content and frequency of the received abnormality information indicate the operation of the copier.
The contract is characterized by determining whether or not the state requires a stop.
The management system for a copying apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality information is determined by the determining means.
If it is determined that it is not necessary to stop the operation of
Transmission of the operation stop signal to the copying machine
2. The copying apparatus tube according to claim 1, wherein the copying is not performed.
Management system.