JPH0594070A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the image forming device where resetting of data of individually set state is not necessary by initializing memory without clearing data of the individual set state when trouble is generated in the image forming device such as a copying machine. CONSTITUTION:In the image forming device constituted so that a standard set state prescribed standardly can be changed to the individually set state, storing ranges E1 to 3 to store the individually set data, switches SW2 and 3 instructing initialization to return the data stored to the storing ranges E1 to 3 to the initial state and also selecting whether to initialize all the data or only the data outside of the specified data including the data of the individually set state among the data stored to the storing ranges E1 to 3, and CPU 201 where initialization is carried out according to the selected content when an instruction is imparted from the switches SW2 and 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly to a method of initializing a storage area provided for storing data generated during operation of the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a copying machine has a plurality of various functions such as a function of selecting a paper feed port, an automatic exposure (automatic density adjustment) function, various counting functions, and a function of adjusting a position of a projection lens. Is provided.

The operating conditions of each of these plurality of functions are set or adjusted at the time of factory shipment of the manufacturer of the copying machine so as to be in a standard setting state which is standardly determined in advance.

For example, in the above example, when the power is turned on, the upper sheet feed port is selected preferentially, the density reference value for auto exposure is set to the median density, and the key counter controls the number of paper sheets. The counting state and the position of the projection lens are set to the origin position when the magnification is 1.

However, since the user (user) of the copying machine may want to change to a setting state other than the standard setting state as described above, it is possible to change each operating condition to the individual setting state. It is possible.

In order to make such a change, a serviceman who is an expert in maintenance of the copying machine usually operates a switch or the like provided inside the copying machine to change the operating conditions based on the user's request. After the mode (choice mode) is set, the switch or numeric keypad provided inside the copying machine is also operated to select the function to be changed and set the operating condition for the function.

In order to enable such changes in operating conditions, the copying machine is provided with a storage area for storing data of each individual setting state. Such a storage area is backed up by a battery or the like so that the contents are stored even when the power of the copying machine is turned off.

On the other hand, when a trouble occurs in the copying machine,
The service person may initialize the memory (storage area). For example, the data in the memory may be rewritten due to strong vibration or noise, or a trouble code that stops the operation of the copying machine may be written in the memory. The memory is initialized to clear the abnormal data.

The memory is initialized by, for example, shorting the terminals for initialization provided inside the copying machine,
It is executed by pressing the CPU reset switch. When memory initialization is performed, all or part of the memory contents are cleared (reset) to a specific bit state.
Or the data in the standard setting state is rewritten.

[0010]

Therefore, in the prior art, when the service person initializes the memory, all the data in the individual setting state is cleared or the data in the standard setting state is rewritten. Will be lost.

Then, in order to use the copier in the same state as before, it is necessary to reset the data of the individual setting state that has been set up to that point. In the present day when the functions of the copying machine are diversified, the number of such data is large, and it takes a lot of time and labor to reset the data, which is one of the causes for increasing the service cost.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention enables the initialization of a memory in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine without clearing the data of the individual setting state when a trouble occurs and the individual setting is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that does not require resetting of state data.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is set in such a manner that the operating conditions of a plurality of functions of the apparatus are changed from a standard setting state that is standardized. In an image forming apparatus configured to be able to be changed to an individual setting state, when the storage area provided for storing the data generated during the operation of the apparatus is initialized, the data of the individual setting state is set. Whether or not to initialize all or a part of the storage area in which is stored is selectable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage area for storing the data in the individual setting state, and an initialization for instructing initialization for returning the data stored in the storage area to the initial state. Instructing means and selecting means for selecting whether to initialize all data among the data stored in the storage area or data other than specific data including data in the individual setting state And an initialization means for performing initialization according to the content selected by the selection means when a command is issued from the initialization command means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing the individual setting state data in a plurality of groups, and the data stored in the storage unit. Initialization command means for instructing initialization to return the data to the initial state, area designating means for designating a specific storage area of the plurality of storage areas, and a command from the initialization command means. And an initialization means for initializing the storage means other than the storage area designated by the area designation means.

[0016]

The storage means stores various data generated during the operation of the device. The data in the individual setting state is stored in a specific one area of the storage means or divided into a plurality of areas. Initialization is performed by the initialization means, but all data is initialized by the selection means,
Alternatively, it is selected whether to initialize data other than specific data including the data in the individual setting state.

The area designated by the area designating means is not initialized. When the initialization is performed, the contents of the storage area are cleared, or specific data corresponding to the initial state such as data in the standard setting state is written, or the stored data is ignored when reading the stored data. Return to the initial state.

[0018]

1 is a sectional front view of a copying machine A according to the present invention. At the center of the main body of the copying machine, a photosensitive drum 1 that can be driven to rotate counterclockwise (direction of arrow a) is provided.
Around the photosensitive drum 1, a charging charger 5, a developing device 6, a copying charger 7, a separation charger 8, a blade type cleaner device 9, a main eraser lamp 2 and the like are arranged. The photoconductor drum 1 is a drum provided with a photoconductor layer such as selenium on the surface thereof, and is uniformly charged by passing through the main eraser lamp 2 and the charging charger 5 in each copying process, and the optical system 10 Receive image exposure.

The optical system 10 is installed below the original glass 16 so that the original image can be scanned, and comprises a light source 11a, mirrors 11 to 13, a projection lens 14, and a mirror 15. The image of the original document illuminated by the light source 11a passes through the mirrors 11 to 13 and 15 and then passes through the photosensitive drum 1.
To reach.

The copying magnification is set by moving the projection lens 14 in the optical axis direction. When the copy magnification is n, the light source 11a and the first mirror 11 correspond to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 at the peripheral speed v (v
/ N) moves to the left in the figure at the same time, and at the same time, the mirrors 12 and 13 move to the left in the figure at a rate of (v / 2n). As a result, the image of the document is optically scanned and is exposed on the photosensitive drum 1 from the mirror 15 in a slit shape.

On the left side of the main body of the copying machine, an automatic paper feed cassette 20 is installed in the upper paper feed port, and an automatic paper feed cassette 22 is installed in the lower paper feed port. Automatic paper feed cassette 20,
The paper (copy paper) in 21 is selectively supplied into the main body of the copying machine by the respective paper feed rollers 21 and 23, conveyed to the timing roller 26 in the pressure-bonded state, and temporarily waits there.

The paper fed by the timing roller 26 comes into close contact with the photosensitive drum 1 at the transfer portion, the toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the transfer charger 7, and then the corona discharge of the separation charger 8 and the paper itself. It is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 by the strength of the waist.

Then, the paper on which the toner image is transferred is
While being sucked onto the conveyor belt 27 provided with air suction means, the belt 27 is conveyed to the right in the drawing as the belt 27 rotates in the clockwise direction. Next, the toner image is fused and fixed by passing through the fixing device 28. Then, it is discharged onto the discharge tray 32 by the discharge roller.

Paper size detection switches 36 and 37
Is a switch in which four switches are provided side by side in the upper and lower feed ports, respectively, and detects the size and direction of the sheets in the cassettes 20 and 21, and outputs 4-bit detection signals. Also, by the paper size detection switches 36 and 37,
The attachment / detachment states of the cassettes 20 and 21 are also detected, so that the presence / absence of a sheet in the sheet feed port is indirectly detected.

An automatic document feeder (ADF) 90 is installed on the document glass 16. The ADF90 has
Sensor 9 for detecting whether a document is fed
6, a sensor 97 for detecting whether there is a document on the document tray 91, and a sensor 98 for detecting whether the document has been discharged. Documents set on the document tray 91 are fed by the document feeding roller 92.
Is conveyed to the inside of the ADF and set on the original glass 16 by the conveying belt 93. When the copying is completed, it is further transported to the left by the transport belt 93 and discharged onto the document discharge tray 94.

Further, a switch and a magnet (not shown) are installed in the main body of the copying machine and the ADF 90. When the switch senses the magnet and turns on, the ADF 90 is detected to be in the closed state. When this switch is turned on and a document is set on the document tray 91, the ADF 90 and the control of the copying machine main body are associated with each other, and the copying machine A is switched to the ADF mode.

Inside the main body of the copying machine, there is provided a substrate 40 to which various switches SW1 to SW5 to be operated by a service person are attached. FIG. 2 is a front view of the substrate 40 provided inside the main body of the copying machine.

The switch SW1 is a switch for resetting the CPU, and when it is turned on, the copying machine A is turned on.
The CPU starts from a specific address in the same manner as when the power is turned on to change from the off state to the on state. By operating this switch SW1, the flag on the sequence program is reset, but the flag set at the time of jam (paper jam) or trouble other than jam is not reset.

The switches SW2 and SW3 are the switches S
This is for initializing the RAM 206 by using it together with W1. Details will be described later. Switch SW4
The SW 5 and the SW 5 are used to change the operating condition of each of the plurality of functions of the apparatus from the standard setting state defined as standard to the individual setting state. At that time, those functions are selected. It is for. These switches SW4 and SW5 are generally called a serviceman choice switch or a user choice switch, respectively, and both are operated by a serviceman based on the user's request. Details will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control unit 200 of the copying machine A. The control unit 200 stores a host CPU 201 that controls the entire copying machine A, a display CPU 202 that controls various display operations, a control CPU 203 that controls various mechanisms, and a control program and data. ROM 205, RAM backed up by batteries
206, other input / output unit 208, display unit 211 and the like.

The host CPU 201 has an input / output unit 208.
, Various operation switches such as a main switch, a print key, a numeric keypad, and a clear key, paper size detection switches 36 and 37, various sensors 96 to 98,
Also, signals from the switches SW1 to SW5 are input.
The host CPU 201 also outputs signals for controlling the driving of various devices arranged around the photosensitive drum 1.
It outputs signals for controlling the main motor and various clutches of the paper feeding system, control signals to other CPUs, and the like.

The RAM 206 is divided into three types of areas (storage areas) E1 to E3 according to the stored contents. The area E1 relates to data regarding the size and direction of the paper at the paper feed port, data regarding various timers such as an auto clear timer, a preheat timer, or a document forgetting timer, and a system configuration such as the presence or absence of the ADF 90 or the presence or absence of a sorter. Data, data relating to a counter such as a saw turbine counter or a document number counter,
Communication data etc. between each CPU are stored.

In the area E2, the switch SW4 described above is used.
Also, various data set by the user or based on the user's request, such as serviceman choice data or user choice data set by using the SW5, data of the copying magnification set individually by the user, etc. are stored. It

The serviceman's choice data is, for example, data indicating whether the number of sheets of paper or the number of copies is counted by a key counter, data indicating which size of paper is counted by a size counter, and a maintenance call on the operation panel. There is data indicating whether or not to display a pattern indicating, a data indicating what kind of counting is performed by the total counter, data indicating a set value of the toner ratio in the automatic density control, and the like.

The user choice data is, for example,
Data related to the paper feed port or paper size that is selected preferentially when the power is turned on, density reference value data for automatic exposure, density reference value data that is preferentially selected when switching to manual exposure, and preheat is performed. There is data indicating whether or not the preheating is performed after a certain number of minutes, data indicating which mode of automatic paper selection or automatic magnification selection, or manual mode.

These data are stored in the switches SW4, SW5,
It is also set (stored) by operating a ten key (not shown). To explain the operation for that,
First, the serviceman choice mode or the user choice mode is set by pressing one of the switches SW4 and SW5. As a result, the code of the settable function is displayed on the display unit 211. By further pressing any one of the same switches SW4 and SW5, the function is sequentially switched and the function to be set is selected. When the desired function is displayed, use the numeric keypad to set the operating conditions you want to set for that function by entering numerical values. The relationship between the function code and the function displayed on the display unit 211, and the numerical value input by the ten-key pad and the operating condition are indicated by a manual carried by a service person.

In the area E2, data relating to the states of the elements constituting the apparatus, for example, data of the origin position of the projection lens when the magnification is 1 is stored at the time of factory shipment or when readjustment by a service person. To be done. That is, in the area E2, data of individual setting states regarding operating conditions of a plurality of functions of the copying machine A, relatively important data serving as a reference for the copying machine A to perform a copying operation, and the like are stored.

The area E3 stores data such as a jam code or a trouble code when a jam or other trouble occurs. Next, switch SW
2 and 3 will be described.

The switches SW2 and SW3 are for clearing the RAM 206, and the area to be cleared can be selected by selecting any one of them.

That is, by pressing the switch SW1 while the switch SW2 is being pressed, the CPU reset is executed and all the areas E1 to E3 of the RAM 206 are reset.
Is cleared.

On the other hand, when the switch SW1 is pressed while the switch SW3 is being pressed, the CPU reset is executed and the areas E1 and E3 of the RAM 206 are
Only cleared. In this case, the area E2 is not cleared and the stored data remains.

Therefore, the switch SW3 and the switch S
By operating W1, for example, when the data in the area E1 of the RAM 206 is rewritten due to strong vibration or noise, or when a trouble code having a content for stopping the operation of the copying machine A is written in the area E3. , The abnormal data can be cleared without clearing the data in the area E2.

Therefore, it is not necessary to reset the data of various individual setting states that have been set in the area E2 until then. Next, the operation of the copying machine A will be described with reference to the flowchart.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the main routine of the host module incorporated in the host CPU 201. When the power is turned on or the switch SW1 is pressed while the power is on, initialization is performed (step # 1), and an internal timer that defines the time of one routine is set and started (step # 2). ).

Then, the known copying operation is performed (step # 3), key input processing, communication with another CPU, and other processing are performed (step # 4), and the end of the internal timer is waited for. And returns to step # 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the initial setting process. If the switch SW2 is input (Yes in step # 11), the entire area E1 of the RAM 206 is
.About.3 are initialized (step # 12), and when the switch SW3 is input (YES in step # 13), only the areas E1 and E3 are initialized (step # 14).

In the above-mentioned embodiment (first embodiment),
RAM2 by selecting switches SW2,3
Although it is configured to select whether to initialize all areas E1 to E6 of 06 or to initialize other areas while leaving a part of them (area E2), it is configured to select an area to be initialized. It is also possible to do so. The embodiment (second embodiment) will be described below.

In the second embodiment, in order to distinguish it from the configuration of the first embodiment, switches SW6 and SW7 are replaced with switches SW2 and SW3, and areas E1 to E3 are replaced with areas E1 to E3.
4 to 6 are provided respectively.

Area E4 of RAM 206 stores data of the same type as the data stored in areas E1 and E3 described above. Service person choice data is stored in area E5, and user choice data is stored in area E6.

The switches SW6 and SW7 are the above-mentioned switch S.
Like W2 and W3, this is for clearing the contents of the RAM 206, but by selecting either of these, the area for initialization can be selected.

That is, by pressing the switch SW1 while the switch SW6 is being pressed, the CPU reset is executed and all the areas E4 to E6 of the RAM 206 are executed.
Is cleared.

On the other hand, when the switch SW1 is pressed while the switch SW7 is being pressed, the CPU reset is executed and the area E4 of the RAM 206 and either the area E5 or the area E5 are cleared. That is, either the area E5 or E6 is selectively cleared. At this time, whether the area E5 or E6 is cleared depends on the state of the FHOLD flag. FHOL
The state of the D flag is changed by operating the switches SW6 and SW7.

Therefore, by operating the switches SW6, 7 and the switch SW1, it is possible to clear the data in the other areas without clearing the data in any of the areas E5, E6. Alternatively, one of the user choice data can be left and the other can be cleared.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the initial setting process of the second embodiment. When the switch SW6 is input (Yes in step # 21), all the areas E4 to E6 of the RAM 206 are initialized (step # 22), and when the switch SW7 is input (Yes in step # 23). , If the FHOLD flag is not set (Yes in step # 24), only areas E4 and E6 are
Area E when FHOLD flag is set
Only 4 and 5 are initialized (step # 25,
26).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the area setting process of the second embodiment. When both switches SW6 and SW7 are input (YES in steps # 31 and 32), the area changing process is performed (step # 33).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the area changing process of the second embodiment. After a certain time has elapsed (steps # 41 to 43), if both switches SW6 and SW7 are input (YES in steps # 44 and 45),
The state of the FHOLD flag is reversed (step # 46-
48), and after the inputs to both switches SW6 and 7 are exhausted, the process returns (steps # 49 and 50).

The flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 are the same as those of FIG.
It is appropriately executed during execution of the main routine of. In the above-described first embodiment, the switches SW2 and 3 correspond to the initialization command means and the selection means of the present invention, and in the second embodiment, the switches SW6 and SW7 correspond to the initialization command means of the present invention and the switches. The SW6, 7 and FHOLD flags correspond to the area designating means of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the case where the data stored in the RAM 206 is cleared and returned to the initial state by the initialization of the RAM 206 has been described, but all or part of the data stored in the RAM 206 is It may be rewritten by the data of the standard setting state or other data stored in the ROM 205 and returned to the initial state.

In the above embodiment, areas E2, 5, E5
6 stores the serviceman choice data or the user choice data, which is the data of the individual setting state according to the present invention. Along with these, the data of the standard setting state standardized by the manufacturer is stored in the factory. It may be written and stored at the time of shipment. In that case, by performing the initialization, for example, the program is changed so that the data in the standard setting state is read regardless of the presence or absence of the data in the individual setting state, and thus the data in the individual setting state is changed. It may be returned to the initial state.

In the above embodiment, the entire area of the RAM 206 can be initialized.
In the case where the program is stored in 6, it may be possible to initialize only the area other than such a specific area. In other words, the storage area or storage means that is the subject of the present invention may be all or part of the installed RAM.

In the above embodiment, the types of data stored in the areas E1 to E6 may be variously changed. RAM2
06 may be divided into a larger number of areas so that they can be selected.

In the above embodiment, the switch SW
Although the case where 2, 3, 6, 7 are provided on the substrate 40 has been described, these switches may be provided on the operation panel. In that case, signals from those switches are input to, for example, the display CPU, and from there, the host CPU
It will be input to 201.

In the above-described embodiment, the data of the individual setting state, the type or content of the serviceman choice data, the user choice data, the configuration of the control unit 200, and the configuration of the copying machine A can be variously changed other than those described above. it can. Further, it can be applied to various image forming apparatuses other than a copying machine.

[0064]

According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, it is possible to initialize the memory without clearing the data of the individual setting state when a trouble occurs and the like. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that does not require data resetting.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a storage area which is not initialized can be selected from a plurality of storage areas, and the presence or absence of initialization is selected according to the type or content of the data in the individual setting state. can do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional front view of a copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a substrate provided inside a copying machine main body.

3 is a block diagram of a control unit of copying machine A. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a host module incorporated in a host CPU.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an area setting process of a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an area changing process of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Copier (image forming apparatus) 201 Host CPU (initializing means) 206 RAM (storage means) E1 to E6 areas (storage area) SW2, 3 switches (initialization command means, selection means) SW6, 7 switches (initialization) Commanding means, area specifying means)

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tomokazu Kato 2-3-13 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shuji Maruta Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 2-13-3 Azuchi-cho, Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Araki 2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Invention Person Yoshiaki Takano 2-3-13 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takashi Noda 2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Osaka International Building Minolta Inside Camera Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus configured to be capable of changing an operating condition of each of a plurality of functions of the apparatus from a standard setting state defined as a standard to an individual setting state. When initializing the storage area provided for storing the data generated therein, whether or not to initialize all or a part of the storage area in which the data in the individual setting state is stored is determined. An image forming apparatus having a selectable structure. 2. An image forming apparatus configured to be able to change from a standard setting state, which is standardized, to an individual setting state, with respect to respective operating conditions of a plurality of functions of the apparatus. A storage area for storing the data, an initialization command means for instructing initialization to return the data stored in the storage area to an initial state, and all of the data stored in the storage area When initializing the data or selecting means for selecting whether to initialize the data other than the specific data including the data in the individual setting state, when a command is issued from the initialization commanding means, An image forming apparatus comprising: an initialization unit that performs initialization according to the content selected by the selection unit. 3. An image forming apparatus configured to be able to change from a standard setting state defined as standard to an individual setting state with respect to respective operating conditions of a plurality of functions of the apparatus, wherein the individual setting state is set. Storage means having a plurality of storage areas for storing the data of section 1 in a plurality of groups, and initialization command means for instructing initialization for returning the data stored in the storage means to the initial state An area designating unit for designating a specific storage area of the plurality of storage areas, and a storage area other than the storage area designated by the area designating unit when a command from the initialization commanding unit is issued. An image forming apparatus comprising: an initialization unit that initializes the storage unit.