JPH03279142A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To monitor the feed condition of a recording medium with the use of a monitor means so as to distinguish a defective feed caused by slippage in a feed means or the like, from a defective feed caused in a fixing unit by providing a feed demanding means for demanding the re-driving of the feed means by a predetermined cycle number in accordance with the monitored feed condition. CONSTITUTION:A monitor means is provided between a position where a feed means is located, and a position where a synchronizing means is located, for monitoring the feed condition of a recording medium. A feed demanding means 101a demands the re-driving of the feed means by a predetermined cycle number in accordance with a feed condition of the recording sheet monitored by the monitor means. With this arrangement, the feed of the recording medium is retried.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application J] This invention relates to a side image forming apparatus that forms an image by performing an electrophotographic process.

[Prior Art] FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of this type of side image forming apparatus, in which 1 is a photosensitive drum serving as a static 1F latent image carrier, 2 is a charging roller, and the photosensitive drum 1 is charged uniformly. 3 is a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image, 4 is a semiconductor laser serving as a light source, 5 is a polygon mirror (rotating polygon mirror), 6 is a scanned laser beam, 7 is a paper feeding roller, and printing paper 8
feed paper.

9 is a registration roller that abuts the fed print paper 8 to form a loop on the print paper 8, corrects the skew of the print paper 8, and then synchronizes the leading edge of the image with the controller to print. Refeed paper 8.

1o is a transfer roller for transferring the developed toner image onto printing paper; 11 is a fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to printing paper 8. A paper discharge roller 12 discharges the fixed printed paper 8. Reference numeral 13 denotes a paper detection sensor, which is disposed between the paper ejection roller 12 and the fixing device 11, and detects a jam in the print paper 8.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the side image forming apparatus shown in FIG. .

Reference numeral 101 denotes a printer control unit, which controls paper feed roller drive units 1o8 . The high-pressure control unit 110 is activated to start feeding the paper, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, that is, after the leading edge of the paper is brought into contact with the registration rollers 9 and the skew correction is performed,
A vertical synchronization request signal VSREQ is sent to the image generating section 100.

Upon receiving the vertical synchronization request signal VSREQ, the image generation section 100 transmits the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC to the printer control section 10.
Send to 1. The printer control unit 101 receives a vertical synchronization signal V.
When SYNC is received, the registration roller drive section 109 is activated and paper conveyance is resumed. And high pressure control section 11
0 is activated to print on paper. 107 is a polygon motor drive unit, and 111 is a paper presence/absence sensor.

Furthermore, if paper is not fed even though the paper feed roller 7 is being driven due to a slippage of the paper feed roller 7 or the like, conventionally, the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is sent from the image generator 100.
After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of driving the registration rollers 9, the paper detection sensor 13 checks whether the paper has arrived.If the paper is not detected even after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, a jam occurs. It was treated as such.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing procedure in the printer control unit 101 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, the printer control unit 101 outputs a print start signal PR.
It waits for receiving INT (1), and when it receives the print start signal PRINT, it outputs a drive command to the paper feed roller drive unit 10B to start driving the paper feed roller 7 (2)
.

Next, a predetermined time t0 is set in a timer (not shown),
Start the timer (3). Next, it waits for a predetermined time t0 to elapse (4), and when the predetermined time t0 has elapsed, it outputs a vertical synchronization request signal VSREQ (5). Next, wait for the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC to be returned from the image generation section 100 (6), and when it is returned, output a drive command to the registration roller drive section 109 to drive the registration roller 9 (7), and set the timer to Paper transport monitoring time 1+
8), and set the timer to check whether the paper has arrived by the paper presence sensor 111 within the paper conveyance monitoring time 1+.
) If YES, it is determined to be normal and normal processing continues 10); if No, it is determined that a jam has occurred, including a paper feed failure or a jam occurring in the fixing device 11, etc., and an image is formed on the printed paper 8.
(11).

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, as described above, since the paper detection sensor 13 is disposed in the paper ejection path area, it is difficult to distinguish between a jam caused by a paper feed failure and a jam caused by the fixing device 11. Since the paper is treated as a jam without exception, even if a paper feeding failure occurs, the vertical synchronization request signal VSREQ is output from the printer control unit 101 to the image generation unit 100.

Therefore, the image generating section 100 outputs image data for one page and normal latent image formation and development processing is executed, which may unnecessarily stain the transfer roller 10 etc. or cause unnecessary image development. This can lead to negative effects such as accelerated toner consumption and shortened cleaner life.
As a result, there was a problem in that the number of occurrences of jams increased.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and by continuously monitoring the paper feeding state of the recording medium for a predetermined period of time, the image formation sequence on unnecessary recording media due to poor paper feeding state can be eliminated. Side image formation that can prevent image forming from occurring and prevent staining of the image forming member used in the image forming sequence, and can significantly reduce the number of jams caused by the image forming sequence on unnecessary recording media. The purpose is to obtain equipment.

[Means to solve the problem]

The side image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a monitoring means for monitoring the feeding state of the recording medium between the arrangement position of the feeding means and the arrangement position of the synchronization means, and a monitoring means for monitoring the feeding state of the recording medium by the monitoring means. The apparatus is provided with a feeding prompting means for urging the feeding means to be driven again a predetermined number of times based on the monitoring state.

Further, a control means is provided for controlling the start of execution of an image forming sequence on the photoreceptor based on the feeding monitoring state of the recording medium by the monitoring means after the feeding urging means urges the feeding means to be driven again.

[Operation] In this invention, when the feeding means starts feeding the recording medium, the monitoring means provided between the feeding means and the synchronizing means starts feeding the recording medium. The feeding state is monitored, and the feeding prompting means urges the feeding means to be re-driven a predetermined number of times based on the feeding monitoring state of the recording medium, thereby making it possible to retry feeding the recording medium.

Further, the control means controls the start of execution of the image forming sequence on the photoreceptor based on the feeding monitoring state of the recording medium by the monitoring means after the feeding means is urged to drive the feeding means again by the feeding urging means, and the feeding of the recording medium is started. It is possible to restrict the start of image forming sequence execution immediately after due to a feeding failure.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a side image forming apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals. be.

In the figure, reference numeral 14 denotes a paper presence/absence sensor that functions as a monitoring means, and includes a paper feed roller 7 (feeding means) and a registration roller 9 (
A printing paper 8 which is arranged between the synchronizing means) and serves as a recording medium.
The feeding status of the printing paper 8 immediately after feeding is monitored.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration in the side image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as in FIGS. 1 and 8 are given the same reference numerals.

Reference numeral 101a denotes a feed prompting unit that prompts the paper feed roller driving unit 108 to issue a re-drive command a predetermined number of times to re-drive the paper feed roller 7 based on the feeding monitoring state of the print paper 8 by the paper presence/absence sensor 14.

Reference numeral 101b denotes a control means that controls the paper presence/absence sensor 11 after the feeding urging means 101a urges the paper feeding roller 7 to be driven again.
1 controls the start of execution of an image forming sequence on the photoreceptor based on the feeding monitoring state of the printing paper 8. In addition, 1
4a is a detection signal.

In the side image forming device configured as described above, when the feeding of the printing paper 8 by the paper feed roller 7 is started, the The paper presence/absence sensor 14 monitors the feeding state of the printing paper 8, and based on the feeding monitoring state of the printing paper 8, the feeding prompting means 101a urges the paper feeding roller 7 to be driven again a predetermined number of times, and the printing paper 8 retry feeding. Note that when the paper presence/absence sensor 14 detects the printed paper 8 (including cases where it is fed without a feeding defect and cases where it is detected based on a feeding defect (detected after being reminded to refeed))
, this detection signal 14a determines the sending timing of the vertical synchronization request signal VSREQ to the image generating section 101.

Further, the control unit 101b starts executing the image forming sequence on the photosensitive drum 1 based on the feeding monitoring state of the printing paper 8 by the paper presence/absence sensor 14 after the paper feeding roller 7 is urged to be driven again by the feeding prompting unit 101a. Generating part 1
00) and restricts the start of the image forming sequence execution due to a feeding failure immediately after the printing paper 8 is fed.

Next, the image processing operation of the side image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing procedure related to the side image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1
) to (21) indicate each step.

First, the printer control unit 101 outputs a print start signal PR.
1) When the print start signal PRINT is received, the drum periphery is driven, the polygon mirror motor is driven, the high voltage is started up, and a drive command is issued to the paper feed roller drive unit 108. is output to start driving the paper feed roller 7 (2), and at the same time as the paper feed roller 7 is driven, a timer for detecting a paper feed failure (provided in the printer control unit 101, etc.) is set to the failure monitoring time 11.
and start the timer (3).

Next, it is determined whether the paper presence/absence sensor 14 has detected paper 41) If No, it is determined whether the timer has completed counting the failure monitoring time tt5) If No, the process returns to step (4); if YES, the process returns to step (4); For example, the count value N that counts the number of paper refeeding operations is incremented by "1"6), and it is determined whether the count value N reaches the preset number of defective judgments M7) N
If o, reset the timer for detecting paper feed failure (8)
, return to step (2).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (7) is YES (when it is determined that a jam has occurred), the count value N is cleared (9) and the jam processing routine is started (10).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (4) is YES, the timer t
! (11).

Next, a predetermined time t0 is set in a timer (not shown),
Start a timer (12). Then, a predetermined time to
(The predetermined time ○ corresponds to the time required for the print paper 8 to pass the paper presence/absence sensor 14, form a predetermined amount of loop at the position of the registration roller 9, and correct the skew of the paper). 13), and when the predetermined time t0 has elapsed,
A vertical synchronization request signal 5REQ is output (14). Next, wait for the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC to be returned from the image generation unit 100 (15), and when it is returned, the registration roller drive unit 109 drives the registration roller 9.
16), set the paper transport monitoring time t1 in the timer 17), and when the timer 1+ counts up (18), the paper presence/absence sensor 111 detects the paper within the paper transport monitoring time t. Please check if it has arrived 1
9), if YES, it is determined to be normal and normal processing is continued 20); if NO, it is assumed that a jam has occurred due to the fixing device 11 etc., and the processing of the print paper 8 is controlled (21).

[Second Embodiment J FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a side image forming apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. be.

In the figure, reference numeral 15 is a feeding roller for the optional feeder, and the printing paper 17 for the optional feeder is fed to the feeding roller 7.
・Feed up to. Reference numeral 16 denotes a tip detection sensor for the optional feeder, which is disposed between the paper feed roller 7 and the feed roller 15.

The feeding state of the print paper 17 from the optional feeder 18 composed of the leading edge detection sensor 16 and the like is monitored.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration in the side image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4, and the same components as in FIGS. 1 and 4 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 113 denotes an option feeder control unit, which notifies the printer control unit 101 whether an option feeder is attached or not by sending a connect signal C0NNECT to the printer control unit i01.

FDREQ is a feeding signal and is sent from the printer control section 1.1 to the optional feeder control section 113. When the paper leading edge detection signal from the leading edge detection sensor 16 is input, the optional feeder control unit 113 controls the printer control unit 101.
The tip detection sensor passes - outputs the signal PPRIN. Note that FDSTP is a feeding stop signal.

A paper feed roller drive unit 118 drives the feed roller 15 for the optional feeder.

Next, a second image forming operation in the side image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the second image forming processing procedure in the side image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (19) indicate each step.

First, wait for a paper feed request to be generated from the optional feeder (1), and send the connect signal C0NNEC to be generated.
Check whether T is rTRUEJ21 No
If so, execute the paper feed section error occurrence processing routine (3). On the other hand, if the judgment in step (2) is YES, output the feed signal FDREQ which is a paper feed command to the optional feeder (4), At the same time as the feeding roller 15 is driven, a failure monitoring time t1g is set in a timer (provided in the printer control unit 101, etc.) for optional feeder failure detection, and the timer is started (5).Then, the leading edge detection sensor 16 starts printing. The leading edge detection sensor passing signal PPRIN indicating that the leading edge of the paper 17 has been detected is r.
6) If NO, then judge whether the timer has finished counting the failure monitoring time tIE. 7) NO.

If so, return to step (6), and if YES, increment the count value N1 for counting the number of paper refeeding operations by "1" (8), and check whether the count value N1 has reached the preset number of defective judgments M1. 9.
) If No, reset the timer for detecting paper feed failure (10) and return to step (4).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (9) is YES (when it is determined that a jam has occurred), the count value N1 is cleared (11), the feeding stop signal FDSTP is output (12), and the jam processing routine is executed (13).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (6) is YES, reset the failure monitoring time tig set in the timer.
), sets a predetermined time t1° in the timer, and starts the timer (15). Then, for a predetermined time tlo (during the predetermined time tlo, the printing paper 8 passes through the paper presence/absence sensor 14,
The system waits until the time required to form a predetermined amount of loop at the position of the registration roller 9 and correct the skew of the paper (16), and when the predetermined time t1° has elapsed, the feed signal FDREQ is elapsed. 17), feed stop signal FDS
TP is output (18), and the paper feed roller 7 is driven in order to carry out paper feeding by the paper feed roller 7 on the main body side (19).

As a result, even if a feeding failure occurs in the optional feeder 18 that is installed as an option, it is possible to request feeding from the optional feeder 18 many times, and when effective paper feeding becomes possible, the original It is possible to move on to an image forming sequence.

[Effects of the Invention 1] As explained above, the present invention provides a monitoring means for monitoring the feeding state of the recording medium between the arrangement position of the feeding means and the arrangement position of the synchronizing means, and the recording medium by this monitoring means. Since a feeding prompting means is provided which urges the feeding means to be re-driven a predetermined number of times based on the medium feeding monitoring state, feeding failures caused by slipping of the feeding means and feeding at the fixing device etc. are prevented. It is possible to identify and monitor defects. Therefore, even if a feeding failure occurs in the recording medium, it is possible to automatically return to a state in which normal feeding is possible.

Furthermore, since the control means is provided for controlling the start of execution of the image forming sequence on the photoreceptor based on the feeding monitoring state of the recording medium by the monitoring means after the feeding means is prompted to drive the feeding means again by the feeding prompting means, the feeding From the time a defect is detected to the transition to a feeding ready state, execution of unnecessary image forming sequences is suppressed, and contamination in the vicinity of the photoreceptor used for image formation can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the probability of occurrence of a jam due to image formation performed due to a feeding failure is greatly reduced, and excellent effects such as stable image formation can always be realized are achieved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a side image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration in the side image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart explaining an example of an image processing procedure related to a side image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross section explaining the configuration of a side image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the side image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 shows an example of the second image forming process procedure in the side image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of this type of side image forming apparatus. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration in the side image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing procedure in the printer control section shown in FIG. 8. In the figure, 7 is a paper feed roller, 9 is a registration roller, 14 is a paper presence/absence sensor, 101a is a feeding urging means, and 101b is a control means. Figure 9

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A feeding device that feeds a recording medium, a photoconductor that is driven at a predetermined speed, and a synchronization device that synchronizes the leading edge of an image formed on the photoconductor with the leading edge of the image on the recording medium being fed. an image forming apparatus comprising: monitoring means for monitoring the feeding state of the recording medium between the arrangement position of the feeding means and the arrangement position of the synchronization means; and a monitoring means for monitoring the feeding state of the recording medium by the monitoring means; 1. A side image forming apparatus comprising: a feeding prompting means for urging the feeding means to be driven again a predetermined number of times based on a feeding monitoring state of the side image forming apparatus. (2) A control means is provided for controlling the start of execution of an image forming sequence on the photoreceptor based on the feeding monitoring state of the recording medium by the monitoring means after the feeding prompting means urges the feeding means to be driven again. Claim (1)
).