JP2010113339A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that allows a user to perform maintenance performed by a service engineer.
The operation screen is provided with an operation screen for user operation for the user to perform all or part of the maintenance function performed using the operation screen, and the range of maintenance functions that can be performed by the user is maintained. In order to prevent the risk of damage to the equipment due to the implementation of, was limited.
[Selection] Figure 10

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or a combination machine combining these, and sets operating conditions and consumables to be performed by a user to put the apparatus into use. This is related to maintenance such as replacement.

In an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic system, there is a change of the apparatus over time due to use, and maintenance of the apparatus is necessary periodically or when trouble occurs in order to cope with this change and use it. become.
Changes that require maintenance include, for example, mechanical fluctuations in the equipment, deterioration, consumption and deterioration of consumables such as developer, etc. There are repairs, replacements, etc., and consumables are replenishment, replacement, etc.
This maintenance is performed by a maintenance engineer called a service engineer.

On the other hand, a user who uses the apparatus sets operating conditions of the apparatus on the operation screen when performing image formation.
This is an operating condition setting to obtain the output requested by the user. In normal use when requesting a standard setting state or automatic setting other than the preset standard setting for the image formation content, the number of output sheets, etc. The allowable range is set.
Further, the user replenishes toner or the like as a consumable item.

  In this way, the user performs the operation condition setting of the apparatus and the replenishment of the consumables, but the work performed by these users is the operation condition setting for obtaining the output requested by the user in normal use. Also, toner replenishment is the use of consumables in the same way as recording paper replenishment, and when the operation of the device exceeds a certain range, it can be returned to the normal normal range, or the device can be damaged. The work that requires the expertise that is a concern to be given is not performed by a user who has low or no expertise, but is performed by a service engineer having maintenance expertise.

In order to improve the user's usability, the user can also perform maintenance performed by the service engineer in response to such a current situation in order to increase the degree of freedom of setting the operating conditions of the user and shorten the response time. It is requested to do.
Specifically, for example, there are the following for the operation condition setting by the user.
In many cases, an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine is provided with a device for performing stapling and punching as post-processing of the recording paper on which the developed image is transferred. There is a position adjustment for the vacant position and a position adjustment for transferring the image onto the recording paper. These mechanical adjustments are usually performed at a stage when the image forming apparatus is shipped from the factory as a recording paper. The standard paper is used, and the position with respect to the standard paper is set in advance.

When the user uses the image forming apparatus, as described above, the user sets operating conditions for obtaining the requested output. However, the setting can be made depending on the paper size of the recording paper to be used and the like. The selection of the paper type, the selection of the presence or absence of stapling or punching, the selection of the position, and the like, and the mechanical adjustment necessary to correct the delicate position cannot be performed.
Therefore, when the user uses recording paper other than the standard paper used for setting at the factory, for example, when using paper having a material different from that of the standard paper, the standard setting set in advance is not used. In this case, it is not possible to cope with the setting by the user, and it may be necessary to readjust the machine adjustment to change the image forming conditions and the setting of the post-processing system. In this case, the service engineer needs to deal with it.

In order to cope with this, as shown in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3, an image forming apparatus that can change settings for some machine adjustment items when the user uses the image forming apparatus. Has been proposed.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867 has an adjustment unit that performs machine adjustment of the image forming unit and the post-processing unit, and performs an adjustment mode in which machine adjustment is performed by the adjustment unit during a job stop such as a normal mode in which image formation is performed or a confirmation print mode Among these adjustments, a part of the adjustment is input by a user's input from the display operation unit.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a machine adjustment related to post-processing at the time of image formation that is changed for each job.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 describes a technique for improving efficiency in an adjustment mode by displaying image formation information corresponding to display attributes desired by the adjuster. Specifically, a manufacturer, a customer engineer In addition, there are described items that improve work efficiency while preventing selection item selection errors by changing the items displayed in the adjustment mode and the display order thereof for each level of the adjuster such as the designer.

JP 2006-023475 A JP 2007-051006 A JP, 2002-244503, A For example, there is the following about what is requested | required so that a user can also perform the maintenance which a service engineer performs. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a two-component developer composed of a carrier and a toner is widely used. When this two-component developer is used repeatedly, the charging performance of the carrier deteriorates due to peeling of the coating material that enhances the triboelectric charging characteristics on the surface of the carrier, or toner adhering to the carrier surface. The life of the agent will be reached. In many conventional image forming apparatuses, the lifetime of the developer is set, and when the usage period is exceeded, the developer is removed from the image forming apparatus, and the deteriorated developer in the developer is extracted and replaced with a new developer. It was. In this case, the developer needs to be replaced by a specialized service engineer because the developer is removed from the top of the developer unit and discharged to the outside. However, the developer replacement frequency increases due to the speeding up of the image forming apparatus. There is a need for simplification and shortening of replacement work.

In Patent Document 4, as a developer replacement for solving such a problem, a storage container containing an unused developer for replacement inside an image forming apparatus and a collection container for collecting the used developer are provided. Removably installed, measures developer replacement time, collects and supplies developer at the replacement time, replaces developer, and ensures that even when an abnormality such as a power failure occurs during developer replacement A thing for realizing the exchange operation is described.
Similarly, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 describes a method in which the developer inside the developing device is replaced while the developing device is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

JP-A-10-83110 JP-A-4-277775

However, what is described in Patent Document 1 is usually only opened as user adjustment items so that the user can perform some of the items that require machine adjustment by a service engineer. The user himself / herself makes adjustments performed by a service engineer who has specialized knowledge about the image forming apparatus itself.
Therefore, as a result of the user's adjustment, there is a problem that correct image forming conditions cannot be maintained and image quality is deteriorated, or the image forming apparatus itself may not operate normally.
Similarly to the one described in Patent Document 1, the one described in Patent Document 2 is such that the machine adjustment that is normally performed by a service engineer can be handled as a user adjustment item. I have the same problem.
Similar to those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the adjustment result depends on the operator's expertise, and when the user performs adjustment, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 3 There is a problem that there is still a possibility of affecting the machine quality.

Further, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 4, a space for a container for accommodating a replacement developer and a space for a container for collecting used developer are required in the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that becomes larger.
Also in the apparatus described in Patent Document 5, the image forming apparatus main body is provided with means for accommodating the replacement developer and the collected developer, and the problem that the image forming apparatus main body becomes large cannot be solved.
As described above, it is assumed that maintenance such as developer replacement is not performed by the user but performed by a service engineer.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is intended to improve user convenience.

  The features of the present invention as means for solving the above-described problems are as follows.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a maintenance function performed using an operation screen as an operation screen in an image forming apparatus having a maintenance function performed using the operation screen of the apparatus as a maintenance function for putting the apparatus into use. An operation screen for user operation is provided for the user to perform all or part of the operation, and the content of the operation performed by the user on the operation screen for user operation is different from the content of the operation performed by the service engineer. Features.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that the range of maintenance functions that can be performed by the user is limited to a range that prevents the risk of damage to the apparatus by performing maintenance.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that the content of the operation performed by the user and the content of the operation performed by the service engineer are within the adjustment range in the maintenance function.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention has a maintenance function performed using the operation screen on the operation screen in an image forming apparatus having a maintenance function performed using the operation screen of the apparatus as a maintenance function for putting the apparatus into a use state. An operation screen for user operation is provided for the user to perform all or a part of the above, and the content of the operation performed by the user on the operation screen for user operation is the setting of the operating condition of the device, which can be set by the user The adjustment range is different from the adjustment range performed by the service engineer.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that the adjustment range that can be set by the user is narrower than the range that can be set by the service engineer.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that an adjustment range that can be set by a user and an adjustment range that a service engineer performs are set using a common adjustment reference.
In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the adjustment (setting) of the operating condition is performed by converting the operating condition into a numerical value and setting the numerical value. The adjustment range that can be set by the user and the adjustment range that the service engineer performs are set numerically It is characterized by being.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention is further characterized in that a common value is used as a numerical value that can be set by a user and a numerical value that can be set by a service engineer.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a user setting function for setting an operation condition of the apparatus when the user uses the apparatus for setting an operation condition of the apparatus, and a service setting function for setting the operation condition of the apparatus when the service engineer performs the maintenance. In the image forming apparatus, the user setting function can set all or part of the setting target of the service setting function, and the range that can be set by the user setting function is independent of the range that can be set by the service setting function. The feature is that it can be set.

  According to the present invention, the operation screen is provided with an operation screen for user operation for the user to perform a maintenance function performed using the operation screen, and the content of the operation performed by the user on the operation screen for user operation is displayed as a service. Since it is different from the content of the operation performed by the engineer, the convenience for the user can be improved and the influence on the apparatus can be reduced.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus, and 1 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
A laser writing unit 2 is disposed at the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and an image forming unit 3 is disposed below the toner for each color of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow.
Each image forming unit 3 includes image forming process means having photosensitive drums 31K, 31M, 31C, and 31Y and developing devices 32K, 32M, 32C, and 32Y.
An intermediate transfer unit 4 having an intermediate transfer belt 41 is disposed below the image forming unit 3.
The photosensitive drums 31K, 31M, 31C, 31Y and the intermediate transfer belt 41 are driven in the directions of the arrows by respective driving means (not shown).

Below the intermediate transfer unit 4, a configuration for forming an image on a recording sheet P as a recording medium is arranged.
Reference numeral 51 denotes a paper feed tray for storing the recording paper P. A conveyance path 5 for the recording paper P is formed from the paper feed tray 51 to the paper discharge tray 52.
The paper feed tray 51 usually has a plurality of trays, and each tray can store recording paper P having a different size or recording paper P whose direction is changed. In this embodiment, the paper feed tray 51 has upper and lower trays (in the figure, one tray is shown for simplicity). The tray 51 is provided with a paper feed roller 53.
A registration roller pair 54, a secondary transfer roller 6, and a fixing unit 7 are arranged in the conveyance path 5.

Further, a reverse conveyance path 56 for double-sided recording is formed in connection with the conveyance path 5.
The reverse conveyance path 56 extends from the position 5a past the fixing section 7 of the conveyance path 5 to the position 5b before the registration roller pair 54 of the conveyance path 5 through the folded portion 56a. 7 is provided with a switching claw (not shown) for switching the feeding direction of the recording paper P passing through 7 to the direction of the paper discharge tray 52 or the direction of the reverse conveyance path 56, and passes the position 56 a to the position 56 a of the reverse conveyance path 56. A reversing claw (not shown) is provided for switching the feeding direction of the recording paper P that has entered the folded portion 561 to the position 5b.
As a result, the recording paper P is turned upside down and sent to the registration roller pair 54 with the back side as the recording side.

  55 denotes an optional paper feed tray. As this paper feed tray, an A4 size large capacity three-stage tray, a manual feed tray, an A3 size large capacity two stage tray (first unit), and an A3 size large capacity two stage tray. A tray (second unit) is installed as necessary.

  The secondary transfer roller 6 transfers the image on the intermediate transfer belt 41 to the recording paper P, and is disposed so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 41. A secondary transfer backup roller 61 is disposed at a position where the intermediate transfer belt 41 is sandwiched.

  The fixing unit 7 fixes the image transferred onto the recording paper P by heat and pressure from a fixing belt and a pressure roller.

The upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a cartridge accommodating portion 8 for supplying toner, and four toner cartridges 81K, 81M, 81C, 81Y corresponding to the respective colors of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow can be attached and detached. Be placed.
An operation unit 9 is attached to the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 by support means.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the image forming unit 3.
The image forming unit 3 for each color has the same structure for each color except that the color of the toner used is different.
In this explanation, when the image forming unit 3 for each color is shown, the alphabet (K, M, C, Y) representing each color is attached, and when the image forming unit 3 other than that is shown, this is shown. The description will be made without reference numerals.

  In FIG. 2, the image forming unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31 and process means such as a charging unit 33, a developing device 32, a primary transfer roller 34, and a cleaning unit 35 disposed around the photosensitive drum 31. Yes.

2a is a laser beam from the laser writing unit 2.
On the photosensitive drum 31, a charging process, an exposure process, a developing process, a transfer process, and a cleaning process, which are image forming processes, are performed corresponding to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31, and formed on the photosensitive drum 31. The image thus transferred is transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 41 attached to the intermediate transfer unit 4.
Details of the configuration of the developing device shown in FIG. 2 will be described later.

  In such a configuration, a color image is formed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the photosensitive drum 31 rotates, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged at the position of the charging unit 33 (charging process).
Thereafter, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 31 reaches the exposure position of the laser beam 2a emitted from the laser writing unit 2, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure scanning at this position (exposure process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 reaches a position facing the developing device 32, and the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position to form a toner image (developing process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 41 and the primary transfer roller 34, and the toner image developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 at this position is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 41. (Primary transfer process).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 35, and untransferred toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is collected at this position (cleaning step).
Finally, the surface of the photoconductor drum 31 reaches a position facing a neutralization unit (not shown), and the residual potential on the surface of the photoconductor drum 31 is removed at this position.
In this way, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drum 31 is completed.

  This series of image forming processes is performed for each color toner of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow in each image forming unit 3 and formed on the respective photosensitive drums 31K, 31M, 31C, and 31Y through a developing process. The toner images of the respective colors are sequentially transferred to the overlapping positions on the intermediate transfer belt 41 attached to the intermediate transfer unit 4, and a color toner image in which the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41. .

The color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 6 as the intermediate transfer belt 41 rotates.
At this position, the intermediate transfer belt 41 is sandwiched between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the secondary transfer backup roller 61 facing the secondary transfer roller 6 to form a secondary transfer nip.
The color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is transferred onto the recording paper P conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip.

The recording paper P is transported from the paper feed tray 51 disposed on the side surface of the apparatus 1 main body to the position of the secondary transfer nip via the registration roller pair 54 on the transport path 5.
A large number of recording papers P are stacked and stored in the paper supply tray 51, and when the paper supply roller 53 is driven to rotate clockwise, the uppermost recording paper P is directed toward the registration roller pair 54. Paper is fed. Similarly, in the case of the optional paper feed tray 55, the recording paper P is fed and conveyed toward the registration roller pair 54 by the respective paper feed rollers.
The recording paper P conveyed to the registration roller pair 54 temporarily stops at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller pair 54 that has stopped rotating.
Then, the registration roller pair 54 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41, and the recording paper P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip.
In this way, the color toner image is transferred onto the recording paper P.

  The paper P on which the color toner image has been transferred is transported to the position of the fixing unit 7 through the transport path 5. At this position, the color toner image is fixed on the recording paper P by the heat and pressure of the fixing belt of the fixing unit 7 and the pressure roller, and then the recording paper P passes through the conveyance path 5 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 52. Sent up.

In the case of double-sided recording, the recording paper P on which the image is recorded on the surface and fixed by the fixing unit 7 as described above is fed in the direction of the reverse conveyance path 56 by the control of the switching claw at the position 5a of the conveyance path 5. It is switched and sent to the reverse conveyance path 56.
Then, after the recording paper P passes the position 56a of the reverse conveyance path 56 and enters the folded portion 561, the feeding direction of the recording paper P switched back by the control of the reverse pawl is switched to the position 5b. Is sent back by being switched back in the direction of position 5b of the transport path 5 by transport in the reverse direction. As a result, the recording paper P is turned upside down and sent to the registration roller pair 54 with the back side as the recording side.
Thereafter, as in the case of recording on the front surface, the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is transferred to the back surface of the recording paper P, and double-sided recording is performed.
In this way, a series of image forming processes are performed in the image forming apparatus 1.

FIG. 3 shows the operation unit 9 provided on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.
The operation unit 9 is provided with a display unit 91 and an operation key unit 92 in order to confirm or change the state of the image forming apparatus 1, the user operation status, and the image forming conditions.
The display unit 91 is provided with a touch panel on the display surface, and by touching the button displayed on the display surface, the displayed button can be selected and input.
The operation key unit 92 is provided with a dedicated key.
Dedicated keys include a numeric key 921 for setting output conditions and the number of output sheets, a confirmation key 922 for confirming input information, and a cancel key 923 for canceling input information. In addition, a start key for starting a printing operation There are a stop key 925 for stopping and interrupting the printing operation, and an application call key 926 for calling a function of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, the configuration of the developing device 32 shown in FIG. 2 will be specifically described.

The developing device 32 includes a first developing roller 321, a second developing roller 322, a doctor blade 323, and conveying screws 324 to 326, and a first developer that is a developer conveying path partitioned by walls. A conveyance path 327, a second developer conveyance path 328, and a third developer conveyance path portion 329 are formed.
Conveying screws 324 to 326 are arranged in the three developer conveying paths 327 to 329.
The conveying screws 324 to 326 are spirally formed on the shaft, and the developer in the conveying path is moved in the axial direction along the screw by the rotation of the shaft, and stored in the developing device 32. The developer is circulated in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller, and agitated and mixed.
The first developing roller 321 and the second developing roller 322 are opposed to the photosensitive drum 31, and the second developing roller 322 is disposed below the first developer roller 321.
The doctor blade 323 is provided at a position for regulating the developer layer thickness on the first developer roller 321.

The first developer conveying path 327 is formed at a position behind the first developing roller 321 with respect to the photosensitive drum 31, and the second developer conveying path 328 is a position behind the second developing roller 322, that is, the first developer conveying path. The third developer conveying portion 329 is formed below the first developer conveying path 327 and the second developer conveying path 328.
These developer conveying paths 327 to 329 and the axes of the first developing roller 321 and the second developing roller 322 are parallel to each other when viewed from above, and the first developer conveying unit 327 and the second developer conveying unit are parallel to each other. 328 is formed horizontally.
The first conveying screw 324 disposed in the first developer conveying unit 327 rotates to cause the developer to move in the horizontal direction from the front side (the front side of the paper) to the far side (the back side of the paper) in FIG. The developer is supplied onto the first developing roller 321 while being conveyed.
The second conveying screw 325 disposed in the second developer conveying unit 328 collects the developer separated from the second developing roller 322 by the rotation thereof, and in the same manner as the first conveying screw 324, the front side of FIG. The paper is transported in the horizontal direction from the front side of the paper to the other side (back side of the paper).

  In addition, the arrows of the conveying screws 324 to 326 indicate the rotation direction. The conveyance screws 324 and 325 have different rotation directions but the conveyance directions are the same. This is due to the difference in structure.

The third developer conveyance path 329 is arranged so that the end on the downstream side of the developer conveyance of the second developer conveyance path 328 and the end on the upstream side of the developer conveyance of the first developer conveyance path 327 communicate with each other. It is formed obliquely in the direction.
That is, the third transport developer transport path 329 includes an end portion on the other side (the back side of the paper) of the second transport developer transport path 328 on the downstream side of the transport path by the second transport screw 325, and the first transport. The first developer conveying unit 327, which is upstream of the screw 324 conveying path, is disposed obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be linearly connected to the end portion on the near side (paper surface side).
The conveying direction of the third conveying screw 326 is an obliquely upward direction from the far side (back side of the paper) to the near side (front side of the paper) in FIG.
Therefore, the third transport screw 326 transports the developer transported by the second transport screw 325 to the upstream side of the transport path by the first transport screw 324 and supplies the developer to the first developer transport path 327. .
The second developer conveyance path 328 and the third developer conveyance path 329 communicate with each other via a first relay portion (not shown) provided on the side surface of the wall portion, and the third developer conveyance path 329. And the first developer conveyance path 327 communicate with each other via a second relay portion (not shown) provided on the side surface of the wall portion.

  On the other hand, the end of the first developer transport path 327 on the far side (the back side of the paper) on the downstream side of the developer transport and the far side of the third developer transport path 329 on the upstream side of the developer transport ( A falling path (not shown) provided through the wall side surface is formed between the end portion on the back side of the paper.

  As described above, the third developer transport path from the second developer transport section 328 through the third developer transport section 329 to the first developer transport section 327 and the third developer transport path from the first developer transport section 327 through the fall path. A path to the portion 329 is formed, and a developer circulation path is formed.

  In such a configuration, each of the conveying screws 324 to 326 is driven at the time of initialization of the power ON, an image forming operation, and the like, and the collected developer is conveyed through the second developer conveying unit 328 from the downstream side. The first developer is conveyed to the upstream side of the first developer conveying unit 327 through the third developer conveying unit 329, is conveyed through the first developer conveying path 327, and is supplied with the developer on the first developing roller 321. The circulation moves from the downstream side of the developer conveyance path 327 to the upstream side of the third developer conveyance path 329 through the fall path, and is again conveyed to the upstream side of the first developer conveyance path 327 through the third developer conveyance path 329. Done.

Next, a control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a control block diagram. The main controller 100 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1, the power supply unit 510, the operation unit 9, and laser writing control based on image information input to or formed in the image forming apparatus 1. A writing control unit 520 for performing image formation, an electrophotographic process control unit 530 for controlling image formation, and an I / O control unit 540 for controlling electric components such as a motor and a sensor.
The main control unit 100 has various programs for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 and data for executing the programs.
The control target 580 of the I / O control unit 540 is each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1. As a part of the control target 580, a paper supply unit 570 that controls the paper supply roller 53 and the registration roller pair 54, and the like. There is a development drive unit 550 that controls the development drive motor 200 and the like, and a developer concentration detection unit 560 that detects the developer concentration by the magnetic sensor 240.
The development drive motor 200 and the magnetic sensor 240 will be described later.

The I / O control unit 540 may be provided in a distributed manner in each control unit such as the writing control unit 520 and the electrophotographic process control unit 570, and may be controlled for each control unit.
Further, the I / O control unit 540 can be configured as a part of the main control unit 100.

FIG. 5 shows the operation unit 9 and the main control unit 100 in detail.
The operation unit 9 includes an operation unit CPU 93 that manages display information of the display unit 91 and input information of the operation key unit 92. For the management, the operation unit CPU 93 of the operation unit 9 and the main control unit 100 are provided. The main control unit CPU 110 is connected via a communication line and can exchange data by bidirectional communication.

As shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 100 includes a storage unit 120 that stores image formation information.
The storage unit 120 is a non-volatile memory such as an NV-RAM and can permanently hold image formation information of the image forming apparatus 1.
The image formation information is a set value of image formation conditions and other information related to image formation, and the setting of the image forming apparatus is performed thereby.
The storage unit 120 is connected to the image formation information change unit 130, and image formation information input by a user, a service engineer, or the like is stored in the storage unit 120 via the image formation information change unit 130.

The image formation information changing unit 130 is connected to the data determining unit 140.
Connected to the data determination unit 140 are a user setting information table 160 applied to the user maintenance mode when the user performs maintenance and a service setting information table 150 applied to the service program mode when the service person performs maintenance. Has been.
When image formation information is input, the data determination unit 140 identifies whether the input is a unit maintenance mode input by a user or a service program mode input by a service engineer, and setting information tables 150 and 160 to be applied. To decide.
The user setting information table 160 and the service setting information table 150 are stored and managed in the storage unit 120 of the main control unit 100 as specific configurations.
Further, the storage unit 120 of the main control unit 100 stores a developer maintenance counter value of each developing device 32 and a predetermined number of prints as a reference value for the developer replacement time. Every time the operation is performed, the counter value of the developing device 32 used is counted up.

  The setting of image forming conditions as maintenance performed by the user will be described. This image forming condition is set in the image adjustment mode.

The adjustment range in the service program mode is set to a range in which the image forming apparatus 1 can provide the highest quality under all use conditions.
However, in order to make full use of this range, technical knowledge about the entire image forming process is often required like a service engineer.
If a user with little knowledge uses this range, the image quality may be deteriorated or the image forming apparatus 1 may not operate in the worst case.
In order to avoid such a risk, in the present embodiment, the range of adjustment performed by the user is set to be narrower than the range of adjustment performed by the service engineer.

This adjustment range is defined in the service setting information table 150 and the user setting information table 160 of the main control unit 100 in FIG.
The information tables 150 and 160 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the service setting information table 150, as shown in FIG. 6A, image formation information for adjustment is registered.

  The image formation information is classified into a large classification 151 and a fine classification 152 for identifying each information, and an initial value 153 set when the image formation information is initialized for each item of the fine classification and settable. A minimum value 154, a settable maximum value 155, and a step value 156 that is a settable minimum change amount are set.

In the user setting information table 160, all or part of the image forming information items of the service setting information table 150 are registered.
The registered image formation information is an item that can be adjusted by the user.
The user setting information table 160 has the same configuration as the service setting information table 150. As shown in FIG. 6B, the image forming information is classified into a large classification 161 and a fine classification 162 for identifying each information. The initial value 163 that is set when the image formation information is initialized for each sub-category item, the minimum value 164 that can be set, the maximum value 165 that can be set, and the minimum change amount that can be set The value 166 is set.
This classification item is displayed as an image formation condition item in the image formation information list display section 191 of FIG. 9 as described later.

In the present embodiment, the sub-classification items registered in the user setting information table 160 are the same as the items registered in the service setting information table 150, but the settable minimum value 164 and the settable maximum value. In 165, the minimum value is larger and the maximum value is smaller than that registered in the service setting information table 150, and as a result, the adjustable range is set narrower.
Specifically, in the item indicated by the item number 1710-1 represented by the large classification and the fine classification shown in FIG. 6, the minimum value 154 is -10.0 and the maximum value 155 is in the service setting information table 150. In the user setting information table 160, the minimum value 164 is −5.0 and the maximum value 165 is 5.0.

  Item number 1710-1 is an item of sub-scanning image position adjustment, that is, paper conveyance registration adjustment when an image is formed on the surface of recording paper P in the present embodiment. This item is common to the upper tray of the tray 51 (main body upper tray), the lower tray (main body lower tray), and all other trays. Therefore, there is one sub-classification.

Item numbers 1711-1 to 1711-10 are items for adjusting the sub-scanning image position when an image is formed on the back surface of the recording paper P. This item can be adjusted for each tray, and has the following fine classification configuration.
1711-1 Upper tray of tray 51 (main body upper tray)
1711-2 Lower tray of tray 51 (main body lower tray)
(The following is an optional tray)
1711-3 Upper tray of A4 large capacity tray (A4LCT upper tray)
1711-4 A4 large capacity tray middle tray (A4LCT middle tray)
1711-5 A4 large capacity lower tray (A4LCT lower tray)
1711-6 Bypass tray 1711-7 A3 large capacity tray (first) upper tray (A3LCT (1) upper tray)
1711-8 A3 large capacity tray (first) lower tray (A3LCT (1) lower tray)
1711-9 A3 large capacity tray (second) upper tray (A3LCT (2) upper tray)
1711-10 A3 large capacity tray (second) lower tray (A3LCT (2) lower tray)
The reason why the configuration of the setting value items is as described above is as follows.
The adjustment of the image position is based on the surface, but the recording paper P fed when forming an image on the surface is a new article on which no image is formed, and is taken out of the wrapping paper. Immediately or placed on the tray and absorbs moisture.
Therefore, image position variations are less likely to occur regardless of the paper source tray.
Of course, even if it is a new product, a difference in conveyance may occur depending on the paper quality as described above, and thus there is a need for sub-scanning image position adjustment to cope with the difference in paper quality.

On the other hand, the recording paper P that is fed when an image is formed on the back surface has an image once formed and fixed on the front surface, and therefore contracts and the like. As a result, the dimensions of the recording paper P change. This change differs depending on the paper size of the recording paper P.
Therefore, position adjustment is necessary to accurately align the sub-scanning image positions of the front and back images, and fine adjustment can be performed for each tray in which recording paper P having different sizes and orientations is stored. In addition, an item number is provided for each tray so as to have a set value.

  Such a difference in the adjustable range between the service setting information table 150 and the user setting information table 160 will be described by taking the paper conveyance registration adjustment as an example.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the registration of the image recording start position on the recording paper P, that is, the sub-scanning image position, and the adjustment range thereof.
When the recording paper P is conveyed in the advancing direction indicated by the arrow, the image recording start position 171 in the sub-scanning direction is a position approximately 5 mm inside from the end 170 of the recording paper P.
Positions at which image recording starts from the image recording start position 171 serving as the reference are set as initial values 153 and 163 of the service setting information table 150 and the user setting information table 160.
The earliest image recording start position (minus side) is set as the minimum value with reference to the position of the initial value 153 or 163, and the latest image recording start position (plus side) is set as the maximum value. It becomes a range.

Normally, plain paper, recycled paper, and the like are used as the recording paper P, but there are various types, and not only the paper type but also the paper thickness includes many types of paper.
When the paper type and paper thickness change, the paper conveyance in the image forming apparatus varies, and it is difficult to obtain the same conveyance quality in all cases.
Specifically, the position of the leading end of the paper, that is, the end 170 of the recording paper P, fluctuates by several millimeters due to the influence of slippage during conveyance, the amount of deflection, and the like. As a result, the image recording start position 171 on the recording paper P is shifted.
Therefore, in order to absorb these variations in paper conveyance and obtain a constant image quality, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a registration adjustment function that adjusts the image recording start position 171 in accordance with the use state of the paper. .

In general, the change of image formation information may impair the image quality as well as the mechanical quality of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to perform it by a professional engineer such as a service engineer.
In the service setting information table 150 applied to the service program mode operated by the service engineer in order to ensure the image quality under all conditions for the registration adjustment shown here, the reference image recording start position With respect to 171, the earliest image recording start position (minus side) is set to a minimum value of -10.0 mm (position of 172), and the latest image recording start position (plus side) is set to a maximum value of +10.0 mm ( 173 position) and the adjustable range is 20 mm.
In this case, it is possible to start image recording at a timing earlier than the end portion 170 of the recording paper P in terms of setting. As a result, if the setting value for adjustment is incorrect, the image position is the leading edge of the recording paper P. If the image is out of the area at the part or the image recording timing is delayed to the plus side, there is a risk that the rear end part of the recording paper P will be out of the area.

On the other hand, except for a very special situation, in many paper types, adjustment of a narrow range around the initial value, that is, the reference image recording start position 171 is often sufficient. In that case, it is also effective to perform registration adjustment by the user.
For this reason, in the present embodiment, specifically, in the user setting information table 160 applied to the image adjustment mode of the user maintenance mode, the earliest image with respect to the reference image recording start position 171. The recording start position (minus side) 174 is set to a minimum value of −5.0 mm, the latest image recording start position (plus side) 175 is set to +5.0 mm, and the adjustable range is 10 mm. Half compared to the mode.

In the case of this set value, the user cannot change the image recording start position beyond 5.0 mm from the initial image recording start position 171.
Therefore, if the conveyance variation of the recording paper P does not exceed 5 mm, an image will not be recorded outside the area of the recording paper P unless the adjustment direction (the direction on the plus side and the minus side) is wrong. It is possible to avoid the risk of image quality degradation such as missing information and backside contamination, and machine quality degradation due to use over time.
As a result, the image adjustment by the user can be realized to improve the image quality, and the cost loss of the user due to the deterioration of the image quality and the deterioration of the machine quality can be prevented.

  With reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, an operation screen and an operation procedure in the image adjustment mode of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

When the user recognizes that image adjustment is necessary and performs image adjustment by changing the paper type of the recording paper P, the user calls an application call key provided in the operation key unit 92 of the operation unit 9. 926 is pressed.
Then, a user maintenance mode screen 180 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation unit 9.
On the user maintenance mode screen 180, an image adjustment button 181 and a unit maintenance button 182 are displayed.
The image adjustment button 181 is selected when performing image adjustment such as mechanical adjustment of the position when the image is transferred to the recording paper, and the unit maintenance button 182 is used when performing unit maintenance such as developer replacement. To choose.
When the user performs image adjustment, the image adjustment button 181 on the screen is selected.
Then, an image adjustment mode screen 190 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

The image adjustment mode screen 190 will be described with reference to FIG.
The image adjustment mode screen 190 is provided with an image formation information list display unit 191 and an image formation information display unit 192 for displaying and changing detailed information of items displayed on the image formation information list display unit 191. It has been.
The image forming information list display unit 191 displays an image forming condition item as an image adjustment target, and the user selects an image forming condition item to be adjusted by using this button.
As the items of the image formation information list display unit 191, the items of the large classification 161 and the fine classification 162 of the image formation information shown in FIG. 6B are displayed.
A set value display section 193, a setting button 194, and a cancel button 195 are displayed on the image formation information display section 192.
Reference numeral 196 denotes an end button for ending the image adjustment mode. Reference numeral 197 denotes a scroll button.

In the image adjustment mode screen 190, the user selects an item for image adjustment from the image formation condition items displayed on the image formation information list display unit 191 using each button on the screen.
Then, the image formation information set in the selected item is displayed on the image formation information display unit 192, and the set value actually set can be confirmed by the set value display unit 193.

  When the user wants to change the image forming information of the selected item, the setting value to be changed is input using the numeric key 921 of the operation key unit 92 provided in the operation unit 9. Then, the input set value is displayed on the set value display unit 193.

When it is desired to confirm the input set value, the setting button 194 displayed on the image formation information display unit 192 is selected or the determination key 922 of the operation unit 9 is pressed.
When canceling without confirming the input set value and redisplaying the currently set value, the cancel button 195 is selected or the cancel key 923 of the operation unit 9 is pressed.

Here, when the setting button 194 is selected or the confirmation key 922 is pressed, the main control unit CPU 110 refers to the user setting information table 160 in the data determination unit 140 and the input value is within the settable range. Determine whether or not. If a value outside the settable range is specified, rounding is performed with the maximum or minimum value, and the rounded value is used as the setting value.
The settable numerical values processed in this way are stored in the storage unit 120 via the image formation information changing unit 130.

In this way, image adjustment is performed. When the adjustment is completed, an end button 196 is selected to end the image adjustment mode.
In the present embodiment, the image adjustment mode is operated according to the operation procedure as described above.

A general procedure for changing image formation information performed by a service engineer will be described. For a user-used maintenance function such as a unit maintenance mode in this embodiment, an operation screen for user operation is provided. It can be switched by the dedicated key provided on the screen and can be operated on the user operation screen, but the service program mode used by the service engineer can only be used by the service engineer and cannot be used by general users. Yes.
Therefore, switching to the service program mode can be performed by pressing the operation keys 92 arranged on the operation unit 9 in a plurality of orders and combinations.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the control flow of the image adjustment mode in the user maintenance mode is shown.

  When the main power is turned on and the system is activated, the image forming apparatus 1 enters a standby state, and waits for a user operation or a print request from a remote terminal.

When an application call key 926 provided on the operation key unit 92 of the operation unit 9 is pressed, a user maintenance mode screen 180 is displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation unit 9 (screen of FIG. 8).
When the image adjustment button 181 is selected on this screen, it is determined to shift to the image adjustment mode (YES in S1), the user mode is determined (YES in S2), and the user maintenance mode or the like is selected. The program mode is entered (S3).
If the image adjustment button 181 is not selected within the predetermined time on this screen, it is determined that the image adjustment mode has not been entered (NO in S1), the mode returns to the normal mode, and it is determined that the user mode is not selected (NO in S2). ) Return to service program mode.
Then, to refer to the user setting information table 160, the memory address of the table is acquired and the user setting information table 160 is referred to (S4).
When the user setting information table 160 is referred to, an image adjustment mode screen 190 (screen of FIG. 9) displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation unit 9 is a list of image formation information items linked by the large classification 161 and the fine classification 162. Is displayed on the image forming information list display section 191 (S5).

  When the image adjustment mode screen 190 is displayed, it is monitored whether or not the end button 196 is selected. When the end button 196 is selected, the image adjustment mode screen 190 is closed to end (YES in S6), and the end button 196 is displayed. Is selected (NO in S6), if any item in the list display unit 191 is selected (S7), the current value of the item is read from the storage unit 120 in which the image formation information is stored, and the image is displayed. The information is displayed on the set value display unit 193 of the formation information display unit 192 (S8).

At this time, if the user inputs data from the numeric key 921 of the operation unit 9 (YES in S9), the data display of the set value display unit 193 is updated to the input value (S10).
When the setting button 194 is selected or the confirmation key 922 of the operation unit 9 is pressed (S11), the minimum value 164 and the maximum value 165 of the corresponding image formation information are acquired from the user setting information table 160 (S12). If the confirmed change data is larger than the maximum value 165 (YES in S13), the change data is rounded as the maximum value 165 (S14). Conversely, if the confirmed change data is smaller than the minimum value 164 (YES in S15). Then, the change data is rounded as the minimum value 164 (S16), and the finally determined change data is stored in the storage unit 120 via the image information change unit 130 (S17).

This is repeated as necessary until the end button 196 is selected. When the end button 196 is selected (YES in S6), the image adjustment mode screen 190 is closed and the user maintenance mode screen 180 (screen of FIG. 8) is ended. Return to.
Then, the image forming conditions to be adjusted are set in the numerical values stored in the storage unit 120.
Note that the screen shown in FIG. 9 shows an example of item number 1710-1, which is an item of sub-scanning image position adjustment when an image is formed on the surface of the recording paper P, and the numerical value set here is shown. Basically, the paper feeding unit 570 is controlled by the I / O control unit 540, and registration adjustment by the registration roller pair 54 is performed.
In this way, image adjustment is performed.

  In this embodiment, when the determined change data is larger than the maximum value 165, the change data is rounded with the maximum value 165, and when it is smaller than the minimum value 164, the change data is rounded with the minimum value 164. However, when the user inputs data, the data display of the set value display unit 193 is displayed by rounding to the maximum value 165 or the minimum value 164, or whether the user can set the maximum value 165 The minimum value 164 can be displayed in advance, and the user can be prompted to set within that range.

Next, the developer replacement as maintenance performed by the user will be described.
FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration in the axial direction of the first developer transport path 327 and the second developer transport path 328 of the developing device 32 in the present embodiment.

In FIG. 11, the second conveying screw 325 is driven via a drive transmission gear 210 by a developing drive motor 200 for rotationally driving the developing device 32.
At the same time, this rotational drive is also transmitted to the first conveying screw 324 via a drive relay gear (not shown). Similarly, it is also transmitted to the third conveying screw 326 (see FIG. 2).

  The first developer transport path 324 is provided with a loading port 220 for feeding the developer into the developing device 32 on the upper surface of the wall, and a discharge port 230 for discharging the developer from the developing device 32 on the lower surface of the wall. Is provided.

A magnetic sensor 240 is installed on the lower surface of the second developer transport path 328.
The magnetic sensor 240 is configured to detect the magnetic amount of the developer in the second developer transport path 328.
As for the developer, the carrier is a magnetic material, and the toner to be mixed is a non-magnetic material, and the magnetic amount changes depending on the mixing ratio, so that the developer concentration in the developing device 32 can be known.

The input port 220 and the discharge port 230 are used to input unused developer into the developing device 32 when the image forming apparatus 1 is delivered and installed to the user or when the deteriorated developer in the developing device 32 is replaced with a new one. In addition, it is used when discharging the used developer.
FIG. 12 shows a state in which the developer container 400 is mounted on the developing device 32 for supplying and discharging the developer.
When the developer is charged, the developer container 400 is loaded downward into the charging port 220 as shown in FIG. A shutter is provided at the opening of the charging port 220, and the opening is normally closed. However, when the developer container 400 is attached, the shutter is opened and the developer can be charged into the developing device 32. become.
When discharging the developer, as shown in (B), the developer container 400 is mounted upward at the discharge port 230. In this case as well, as in the case of charging, by attaching the developer container 400, the shutter is opened, and the developer can be discharged from the inside of the developing device 32.

In such a configuration, when the developer is charged, the developer container 400 is mounted downward in the charging port 220, and thereafter, the developer to be loaded is transported by driving the transport screws 324 to 326. In FIG. 12, the developer is transported from left to right in both the first developer transport path 327 and the second developer transport path 328.
When the conveying screws 324 to 326 are driven, the developer is circulated as described with reference to FIG.

  That is, the introduced developer is transported from the upstream side to the downstream side through the first developer transport path 327, and from the downstream side through the fall path (not shown), through the third developer transport path 329 (see FIG. 2). It moves to the upstream side of the conveyance, is conveyed through the third developer conveyance unit 329 to the conveyance upstream of the first developer conveyance path 327, and is circulated in the first developer conveyance path 327 from the left to the right. Is called.

Further, the developer dropped from the first developing roller 321 is collected by the second conveying screw 325, conveyed to the upstream side of the third developer conveying path 329 through the second developer conveying path 328, and third developed. A circulation is performed in which the toner is transported upstream of the first developer transport path 327 through the developer transport unit 329 and transported from left to right in the first developer transport path 327.
By such circulation of the developer, the introduced developer is accommodated in the developing device.

In the case of discharging the developer, the developer container 400 is mounted on the discharge port 230 upward, and then the conveying screws 324 to 326 are driven to convey the discharged developer.
The conveying direction by the conveying screws 324 to 326 is the same as that in the case of charging, and is performed in the same manner as in the case of circulation of the discharged developer.
As a result, the developer in the developing device is discharged from the discharge port 230 in the circulation path to the developer container 400.

  13 to 15 show a configuration of a portion where the developer container 400 is mounted on the developing device 32. FIG.

13 shows the configuration of the developer container 400, FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the container-side shutter 450 of the developer container 400, and FIG. 15 shows the case where the developer container 400 is attached to the developing device 32.
As shown in FIG. 13, the developer container 400 includes a cubic container main body 410, a cylindrical inclined conveyance unit 420 extending obliquely downward from the lower surface of the container main body 410, a lower end of the container main body 410, and a lower end of the inclined conveyance unit 420. And is formed of a resin such as polyethylene.

An opening 440 is provided at the lower end of the inclined conveyance unit 420 (see FIG. 15), and a container-side shutter 450 is attached to the opening 440. Reference numeral 451 denotes a shutter plate of the container side shutter 450. Reference numerals 452, 453, and 454 denote a guide member, a claw member, and an incompatible protrusion of the container-side shutter 450, respectively, and reference numeral 421 denotes a protruding portion of the developer container 400. These will be described later with reference to FIG.
The inclined conveyance unit 420 is for conveying the developer in an oblique direction. When the developer is introduced into the developing device 32, the developer moves from the container body 410 through the inclined conveyance unit 420 to the opening 440. And supplied from the opening 440.
When discharging the developer from the developing device 32. The developer is collected from the opening 440 to the container body 410 through the reverse path.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the container-side shutter 450 has a shutter plate 451, a guide member 452, a claw member 453, and an incompatible protrusion 454.
The shutter plate 451 covers the opening 440 as shown in FIG.
The guide member 452 guides the movement of the container side shutter 450, and is provided in a pair on both sides of the shutter plate 451, and has a groove 452a inside thereof.
A pair of convex portions (not shown) are formed in the vicinity of the opening 440 of the developer container 400 over the length of the movement range of the container side shutter 450, and the convex portion and the groove portion 452a of the container side shutter 450 are fitted. The container-side shutter 450 is supported so as to be movable in the horizontal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 13) with respect to the developer container 400.
The container-side shutter 450 is urged to the left in FIG. 13 and is normally in a position to close the opening 440.

The claw members 453 are a pair provided at the tip of the guide member 452 and are for locking the container side shutter 450 at a position where the opening 440 is closed. The claw member 453 has a recess 453a formed on the inner side, and the recess 453a engages with a pair of protruding shafts 421a formed on the developer container 400, whereby the position of the container-side shutter 450 is fixed.
As will be described later, the claw member 453 is expanded on both sides in contact with the wall of the developing device 32 at the mounting position when the developer container 400 is mounted on the developing device 32, and the engagement with the protruding shaft 421a is released. The lock is released.

The incompatible protrusions 454 are provided on the lower surface of the shutter plate 451 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14B, and are protrusions having different shapes and intervals depending on the type and color of the developer.
The inlet 220 of the developing device 32 is provided with a recess that fits into the incompatible protrusion 454 corresponding to the type and color of the developer, and development is performed only when the incompatible protrusion 454 is engaged with the recess. The developer container 400 can be attached to the developing device 32 to ensure compatibility between the developing device 32 and the developer container 400.
Alternatively, since the discharge port 230 is for discharging and it may not be necessary to ensure compatibility, all the recesses can be engaged with all the incompatible protrusions 454.
As shown in FIG. 15, the developer container 400 is formed with a protrusion 421 and an engagement hole 422 at the end of the opening 440 at the lower end of the inclined conveyance unit 420.

Projection shafts 421 a for locking the container-side shutter 450 shown in FIG. 14B at a position where the opening 440 is closed are formed on both sides of the protrusion 421.
In addition, as described above, the pair of convex portions are formed on both sides of the opening 440 at the lower end of the inclined conveyance portion 420 over the range of movement of the container-side shutter 450 in the horizontal direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 13 and 15). Yes.

FIG. 15 shows a case where the developer container 400 is attached to the developing device 32.
An input port shutter 221 is provided at the input port 220 of the developing device 32. The input port shutter 221 is supported by a guide member (not shown) so as to be movable in the horizontal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 15). Yes.
An engaged shaft 221 a that engages with the engaging hole 422 of the developer container 400 is provided on the upper surface of the charging port shutter 221.
The inlet shutter 221 is urged in the right direction in FIG. 15 and is normally in a position to close the inlet 220.

The insertion port 220 is provided with a frame-like placement position (not shown) in which the developer container 400 is placed and fitted in order to mount the developer container 400, and the developer container 400 is fitted in the fitted state. 14 is provided in the left direction of FIG. 14.
When the developer container 400 is attached to the charging port 220, as shown in FIG. 15A, the developer container 400 is mounted on the mounting position of the charging port 220 from above and pushed downward. Fit in.
At this time, the end surface of the protrusion 421 of the developer container 400 is joined to the end surface of the inlet shutter 221, and the engaged shaft 221 a of the inlet shutter 221 is inserted into the engagement hole 422 of the protrusion 421. Combined.
Further, the claw member 453 of the container-side shutter 450 comes into contact with the wall portion of the developing device 32 at the mounting position and is expanded outward, whereby the engagement between the claw member 453 and the protruding shaft 421a is released. As a result, the container-side shutter 450 and the developer container 400 are unlocked.

When the developer container 400 is moved in the left direction in this mounted state, the tip of the shutter plate 451 of the container side shutter 450 is in contact with the wall portion of the charging port 220. The movement is stopped and the opening 440 is opened.
At the same time, since the end surface of the protrusion 421 of the developer container 400 is in contact with the end surface of the input port shutter 221 of the input port 220, the input port shutter 221 is pushed by the protrusion 421 and moves to the left in the figure. Then, the inlet 220 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 15B, when the developer container 400 moves leftward, the opening 440 and the charging port 220 are completely opened, and the developer container 400 and the developing device 32 are opened. 440 communicates with the inlet 220.
When the developer container 400 is removed from the charging port 220, the reverse state occurs.
As described above, the container-side shutter 450 and the inlet shutter 221 of the developing device 32 are opened in conjunction with the attachment of the developer container 400 to the inlet 220, and the developer container 400 is interlocked with the separation from the inlet 220. Then, the container side shutter 450 and the inlet shutter 221 are closed.

  Next, the developer replacement as maintenance performed by the user will be described.

When the user replaces the developer, the operation unit 9 calls a mode for processing the developer replacement, and executes a predetermined procedure, whereby the I / O control unit 540 and the development driving unit 550 shown in FIG. Then, the developing drive motor 200 is driven, and the developer is charged in or discharged from the developer container 400 mounted in advance.
At this time, the main control unit 100 monitors the developer concentration state by the magnetic sensor 240 by the developer concentration detection unit 560 to monitor that the correct developer discharge and charging operations are being performed.

Specifically, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 240 usually fluctuates in the range of about 1 to 4 V. When the developer is set to 1 V without developer and 4 V with only developer, the developer is supplied to the empty developing device 32. At the time of charging, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 240 of the developing device 32 is normally at a low level of 1V (no developer).
Therefore, when the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 240 is not at a low level, it is considered that there is a developer in the developing device 32. Therefore, when the operator performs the developer charging operation in this state, the main control is performed. The operation can be immediately interrupted by the determination of the unit 100.
As a result, it is possible to prevent a malfunction of the developing device 32 that occurs due to an erroneous developer supply such as double injection.
The same processing can be performed in the developer discharging operation. When the developer discharging operation is executed while the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 240 is at a low level, the operation can be interrupted immediately. As a result, an unnecessary operation of driving the empty developing device 32 can be avoided.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 25, an operation screen and an operation procedure for discharging the developer from the developing device 32 in the present embodiment are shown.

16 to 25 show operation screens for user operations when discharging the developer.
When it is displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation unit 9 that it is time to replace the developer and the user replaces the developer, the user calls an application call key provided in the operation key unit 92 of the operation unit 9. 926 is pressed. Then, the user maintenance mode screen 180 is displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation unit 9 (screen of FIG. 16).
On the user maintenance mode screen 180, an image adjustment button 181 and a unit maintenance button 182 are displayed.
When changing the developer, the unit maintenance button 182 on the screen is selected.

Then, a unit maintenance screen 610 is displayed (screen of FIG. 17).
On the unit maintenance screen 610, buttons for process units such as developing units are displayed. Since the developer replacement is maintenance of the developing device 32, the developer unit button 611 is selected when the developer replacement is performed.

Then, a maintenance screen 620 relating to the developing unit is displayed (screen of FIG. 18).
Regarding the replacement of the developer, the discharge and input buttons 621 and 622 are respectively displayed. When the developer is discharged, the “developer: discharge” button 621 is selected.

Then, a confirmation screen 630 for confirming whether or not to discharge the developer is displayed (screen of FIG. 19).
Here, the user selects the “continue” button 631 when discharging the developer.
If it is desired to interrupt the process without discharging for some reason, the “Cancel” button 632 can be selected.

When the “Continue” button 631 is selected, a selection screen 640 of the developing device 32 that is actually targeted for discharging the developer is displayed (screen in FIG. 20).
On this selection screen, the developing device 32 that is a target for replacement of the developer is displayed on the selection screen 640 with color buttons. Therefore, the user can select the developing device 32 to be discharged by the color button 641. In this way, the user can visually select the developing device 32 to be ejected by color, so that workability is good and selection errors are prevented.
Normally, after the developer is discharged, the developer is continuously charged and the developer is replaced. Therefore, in this screen 640, both the discharge and the charging can be used. The selection target is expressed as selection of a color for changing the developer. Therefore, it may be expressed separately from emissions and inputs.
The user selects the “Continue” button 642 when the color selection is completed. Again, if it is desired to interrupt the process for some reason, the “Cancel” button 643 can be selected.

When the “Continue” button 642 is selected, a request screen 650 requesting that the developer container 400 for discharging the developer is mounted on the developing device 32 is displayed (screen in FIG. 21).
This screen is for urging the user to perform the work, unlike a screen where the user has selected and input information.
On this screen, a request to attach the developer container 400 is requested and a “continue” button 651 is displayed.
The “continue” button 651 is input on the assumption that the user has performed the requested operation.

Therefore, the user attaches the empty developer container 400 to the developing device 32 that discharges the developer, and selects the “Continue” button 651 when the requested work is completed and preparation for developer discharge is completed.
Again, if it is desired to interrupt the process for some reason, the “Cancel” button 652 can be selected.

Then, the developer discharging process is started, and a discharging screen 660 is displayed (screen in FIG. 22).
Here, the user cannot interrupt and does not stop until the process is completed.
As a result, the developer is sufficiently discharged, and the amount of developer accommodated in the developing device 32 is reliably guaranteed by the subsequent charging.
Further, in the developer replacement, it is usually necessary to initialize (reset) the developer maintenance counter indicating the usage frequency of the developer. Here, when the developer discharge process is started, the developer maintenance counter is initialized at the same time to eliminate the omission of the count of initialization.

When the developer discharging process is completed, a result screen is displayed.
Whether or not the developer discharge is normally completed can be determined by monitoring the output of the magnetic sensor 240 for the developer. Specifically, the determination is made based on the discharge time and the output of the magnetic sensor 240, and when the output of the magnetic sensor 240 becomes a predetermined low level within a predetermined time, it is determined that the operation is normally completed.

If the discharge is completed and the state is correct, a normal end screen 670 is displayed, and the developer discharge mode is ended (screen of FIG. 23).
When a “Confirm” button 671 is pressed on this screen, a maintenance screen 690 (screen in FIG. 25) relating to the development unit is displayed.
In this screen, the “develop developer” button 691 is displayed in reverse video so that it can be identified that normal termination has been performed.

When the developer discharge process fails, the developing device 32 that did not end normally is displayed on the abnormal end screen 680 to notify the user, and the developer discharge mode ends (screen in FIG. 24).
By confirming the information on the occurrence of an abnormality, the user can perform an abnormality recovery process such as re-execution of the discharge process or calling a service engineer.
When a “Confirm” button 681 is pressed on this screen, a maintenance screen 620 (screen of FIG. 18) relating to the development unit is displayed.
In this screen, the “developer discharge” button 621 is not highlighted, and it can be identified that the developer has not ended normally.
By checking the information on the occurrence of an abnormality, the user can perform an abnormality recovery process such as re-execution of the discharge process or a call by a service engineer.

After the discharge of the developer is completed, the unused developer charging process is continued (screen in FIG. 25).
The user's operation procedure when the developer is charged is performed in substantially the same procedure as the discharge procedure.
In the case where only the discharge is performed and the charging process is not performed, when the “developer: loading” button is selected on the maintenance screen 690 of the developing unit in FIG. 25, a confirmation screen as to whether or not the developer is loaded (FIG. 19). Screen) is displayed, select the “Cancel” button. It is also possible to provide a screen for an operation that only discharges and does not perform a loading process. For example, an “end” button may be provided on the screen of FIG.

Next, a processing flow for supplying and discharging the developer in the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 26 is a processing flow for recognizing the replacement time of the developer for unit maintenance of the developing device 32, discharging the developer, and subsequently performing the loading process.

When the main power is turned on and the system is activated, the image forming apparatus 1 enters a standby state, and waits for a user operation or a print request from a remote terminal.
When the printing operation is performed (S1), the developer maintenance counter of the used developing device 32 is incremented according to the number of printed sheets (S2), and the reference value that sets the developer replacement time is referred to. (S3) The current value and the reference value are compared, and it is determined whether or not it is time to replace the developer (S4). Note that the number of prints is usually converted to A4 size. In this case, for example, in the case of A3 size, double counting is performed and A4 conversion is performed.
As the reference value for the developer replacement time, a predetermined number of prints is set in the main control unit 100.
If the current value does not exceed the reference value, the process returns to the standby state (NO in S4). If the current value exceeds the reference value (YES in S4), it is displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation unit 9 that it is a replacement time (S5).
When the display unit 91 confirms that it is time to replace the developer, the user determines whether or not the developer can be replaced by looking at the usage status (S6).

If it is determined that the developer replacement can be performed (YES in S6), the developer discharge mode (S7) and the developer charging mode (S8) are executed to perform developer replacement maintenance.
At this time, even if the user recognizes that it is time to replace the developer, if the replacement operation cannot be performed immediately due to circumstances such as usage (NO in S6), the replacement display is performed every time the printing operation is performed. The user is alerted (S5).

FIG. 27 is a control flow of the developer discharge mode for performing the developer discharge operation.
When the “developer discharge” button 621 is pressed in the development unit maintenance screen 620 (screen of FIG. 18), the developer discharge mode is started, and the developer discharge screen 630 (screen of FIG. 19) is displayed. It is confirmed whether or not to execute the discharge process (S1).
When the “CANCEL” button 632 is selected (NO in S1), the developer discharge mode is immediately ended.
Note that this control is the same when the “CANCEL” button 632 is selected at any later time.

When the “Continue” button 631 is selected (YES in S1), a developer replacement target selection screen 640 (screen in FIG. 20) is displayed.
In this screen, when the developing device 32 to be replaced with the developer, that is, the developing device 32 to be discharged from the developer is selected (S2) and the “continue” button 642 is selected (YES in S3), the developer is collected. A request screen 650 (the screen of FIG. 21) for mounting the developer container 400 is displayed (S4).

When the “Continue” button 651 is selected on this screen (YES in S5), the information on the developer replacement target previously selected is stored in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 120 of the main control unit 100 (S6). ), The developer discharging operation of the selected developing device 32 is executed (S7).
During this execution, a developer discharging screen 660 (screen in FIG. 22) is displayed.
Subsequently, the developer counter to be discharged is reset to zero (S8), and the execution result of the developer discharging process is confirmed (S9).

  The developer discharge result is confirmed by the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 240 changing to a low level (no developer).

If the developer discharge process has been completed normally (YES in S10), a message indicating normal completion is displayed on the screen 670 (the screen in FIG. 23), and then “Development” on the maintenance screen 620 (the screen in FIG. 18) regarding the development unit is displayed. The display of the “agent discharge” button 621 is reversed (S11), and the developer discharge mode is terminated.
When a “confirm” button 671 is selected on the screen 670 for a message indicating normal completion, a maintenance screen 690 (screen of FIG. 25) relating to the development unit is displayed. In this case, “developer: discharge” "Button 691 is displayed in an inverted state.

If the developer discharge process has ended abnormally (NO in S10), an abnormal end message is displayed on the abnormal end screen 680 (screen in FIG. 24) (S12), and the display of the “developer discharge” button 621 is reversed. Without exiting, the developer discharge mode is terminated.
When the “confirm” button 681 is selected on the screen 680 for an abnormal end message, the maintenance screen 620 (screen of FIG. 18) relating to the development unit is displayed. In this case, the “developer discharge” button 621 is displayed. Is displayed without being inverted.

  FIG. 28 is a control flow of the developer charging mode for performing the developer charging operation.

The operation screen in the developer charging mode is the same as the operation screen in the discharge mode, and is not shown.
When the “developer input” button is pressed on the maintenance screen 690 (the screen of FIG. 25) relating to the development unit when the developer discharge processing has been normally completed, the developer input mode starts and the developer input screen is displayed. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the developer charging process is executed (S1).
When the “CANCEL” button is selected (NO in S1), the developer charging mode is immediately terminated.
Note that this control is the same when the “CANCEL” button is selected at any later time.

  When the “Continue” button is selected, the color selection information stored in the primary memory when the developer discharge mode is executed is read (S2), and a developer replacement target designation screen reflecting the acquired color selection information is displayed. indicate.

In this screen, when the developing device 32 to be replaced with the developer, that is, the developing device 32 to which the developer is to be charged is selected (S3) and the “continue” button is selected (YES in S4), an unused developer has entered. A request screen for mounting the developer container 400 is displayed (S5).
If the “Continue” button is selected on this screen (YES in S6), the developer charging operation of the selected developing device 32 is executed (S7).
During this execution, a screen in which the developer is being charged is displayed.
Subsequently, the execution result of the developer charging process is confirmed (S8).

The developer charging result is confirmed when the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 240 changes to a high level (developer only state) or the output voltage of a predetermined charging target amount, and the developer charging process is normally completed. If this is the case (YES in S9), a normal end message is displayed on the screen, and then the display of the “developer input” button 622 on the maintenance screen 620 relating to the development unit is reversed (S10) to end the developer input mode. .
When a “confirm” button is selected on the screen for a normal end message, a maintenance screen for the developing unit is displayed. In this case, “developer input” is displayed in a highlighted state.

If the developer discharge process has ended abnormally (NO in S9), an abnormal end message is displayed on the abnormal end screen (S11), and the developer is input without inverting the display of the “Developer input” button 622. Exit mode.
Even if the “Confirm” button is selected on the screen for an abnormal end message, the maintenance screen 620 for the development unit is displayed. In this case, the “Developer input” button 622 is displayed in a state where it is not highlighted. The
Note that the above control flow shows the case where the developer is charged after the discharge at the time of development, but the same applies to the case where the developer is charged without discharging at the time of development. In this case, it is performed by pressing a “developer input” button 622 on the maintenance screen 620 (screen of FIG. 18) of the development unit.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the range of maintenance functions that can be performed by the user is limited to a range that prevents the risk of damage to the apparatus due to the execution of the maintenance. In addition, the influence on the apparatus can be reduced.
The adjustment range that can be set by the user is narrower than the range that can be set by the service engineer, and the adjustment range that can be set by the user and the adjustment range that can be set by the service engineer are set using a common adjustment standard. The configuration can be simplified by each of the above.
In addition, the range that can be set in the user setting function can be set independently from the range that can be set in the service setting function, so that the setting and change can be given freedom and handling can be performed without restrictions. .

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. Configuration diagram showing image forming unit Configuration diagram of the operation unit Control block diagram of image forming apparatus Detailed view of part of control block of image forming apparatus Explanatory drawing which shows a user setting information table and a service setting information table Explanatory drawing showing the adjustment range of the start position of the image The figure which shows the user maintenance screen in image adjustment mode The figure which shows the image adjustment mode screen in image adjustment mode The figure which shows the control flow of image adjustment mode Configuration diagram of axial direction of first developer transport path and second developer transport path of developing device FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a state in which a developer container is attached to the developing device. Configuration diagram showing developer container The perspective view and bottom view which show the container side shutter in FIG. Schematic cross-sectional view showing the case where a developer container is attached to the inlet of the developing device The figure which shows the user maintenance screen when discharging the developer Figure showing the unit maintenance screen when discharging developer The figure which shows the development unit maintenance screen when discharging the developer The figure which shows the developer discharge confirmation screen when discharging the developer The figure which shows the developing device selection screen at the time of discharging | emitting developer The figure which shows a developer container mounting | wearing request screen at the time of discharging | emitting a developer Diagram showing the discharging screen when discharging developer Diagram showing the normal end screen when discharging the developer The figure which shows the figure which shows the abnormal end screen at the time of discharging | emitting developer The figure which shows the development unit maintenance screen when discharging the developer Diagram showing the processing flow for charging and discharging the developer The figure which shows the control flow of the developer discharge mode for performing the discharge operation | movement of a developer The figure which shows the control flow of the developer charging mode for performing the charging operation of the developer

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Laser writing unit 2a Laser beam 3 Image-forming part 31, 31K, 31M, 31C, 31Y Photosensitive drum 32, 32K, 32M, 32C, 32Y Developing device 321, 322 First developing roller, Second developing roller 323 Doctor blades 324 to 326 First conveying screw to third conveying screw 327 to 329 First developer conveying path to third developer conveying path 33 Charging unit 34 Primary transfer roller 35 Cleaning unit 4 Intermediate transfer unit 41 Intermediate transfer belt P Recording paper 5 Carriage path 51, 55 Paper feed tray 52 Paper discharge tray 53 Paper feed roller 54 Registration roller pair 56 Reverse conveyance path 56a Folding part 6 Secondary transfer roller 61 Secondary transfer backup roller 7 Fixing part 8 Cartridge storage part 81K , 81M, 81C, 81Y toner cartridge The operation unit 91 display unit 92 operation key section 921 numeric key 922 enter key 923 cancel key 924 start key 924
925 Stop key 926 Application call key 93 Operation unit CPU
100 Main control unit 110 Main control unit CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Memory | storage part 130 Image formation information change part 140 Data determination part 150 Service setting information table 151 Major classification 152 Subclassification 153 Initial value 154 Minimum value 155 Maximum value 156 Step value 160 User setting information table 161 Major classification 162 Subclassification 163 Initial value 164 Minimum value 165 Maximum value 166 Step value 510 Power supply unit 520 Write control unit 530 Electrophotographic process control block 540 I / O control unit 550 Development drive unit 560 Developer concentration detection unit 570 Paper feed unit 580 Control object 170 Recording paper P Edge 171 Image recording start position 172 The earliest image recording start position (service program mode)
173 Latest image recording start position (service program mode)
174 First image recording start position (user maintenance mode)
175 Slowest image recording start position (user maintenance mode)
180 User maintenance mode screen 181 Image adjustment button 182 Unit maintenance button 190 Image adjustment mode screen 191 Image formation information list display unit 192 Image formation information display unit 193 Setting value display unit 194 Setting button 195 Cancel button 196 End button 197 Scroll button 200 Development drive motor 210 Drive transmission gear 210
220 inlet 221 inlet shutter 221a engaged shaft 230 outlet 240 magnetic sensor 400 developer container 410 container main body 420 inclined conveying portion 421 protruding portion 421a protruding shaft 430 handle 440 opening portion 450 container side shutter 451 shutter plate 452 guide member 452a Groove 453 Claw member 453a Recess
454 Incompatible protrusion 610 Unit maintenance screen 611 Development unit button 620 Development unit maintenance screen 621 Developer: Discharge button 622 Developer: Input button 630 Developer discharge confirmation screen 631 Continue button 632 Cancel button 640 Development device selection screen 641 Color button 642 Continue button 643 Stop button 650 Developer container mounting request screen 651 Continue button 652 Stop button 660 Ejecting screen 670 Normal end screen 671 Confirm button 680 Unusual end screen 681 Confirm button 690 Developer unit maintenance screen 691 Developer: discharge button

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus having a maintenance function performed using an operation screen of the apparatus as a maintenance function for putting the apparatus into use,
The operation screen is provided with an operation screen for user operation for the user to perform all or part of the maintenance function performed using the operation screen,
What is claimed is: 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a user engineer configured to perform a user operation on a user operation screen that is different from a service engineer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus that limits a range of maintenance functions that can be performed by a user to a range that prevents a risk of damage to the apparatus by performing maintenance. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the content of the operation performed by the user and the content of the operation performed by the service engineer are within an adjustment range in the maintenance function. In an image forming apparatus having a maintenance function performed using an operation screen of the apparatus as a maintenance function for putting the apparatus into use,
The operation screen is provided with an operation screen for user operation for the user to perform all or part of the maintenance function performed using the operation screen,
The content of the operation performed by the user on the operation screen for user operation is the setting of the operating condition of the apparatus, and the adjustment range that can be set by the user is different from the adjustment range performed by the service engineer. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that an adjustment range that can be set by a user is narrower than a range that can be set by a service engineer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein:
An image forming apparatus characterized in that an adjustment range settable by a user and an adjustment range performed by a service engineer are set using a common adjustment reference. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the operating condition is set by converting the operating condition into a numerical value, and an adjustment range settable by a user and an adjustment range performed by a service engineer are set as numerical values. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,
An image forming apparatus using a common numerical value that can be set by a user and a numerical value that can be set by a service engineer. In an image forming apparatus having a user setting function for setting an operating condition of the apparatus when the user uses the apparatus and a service setting function for setting an operating condition of the apparatus when the service engineer performs maintenance for setting the operating condition of the apparatus.
All or a part of the setting targets of the service setting function can be set by the user setting function, and the range that can be set by the user setting function can be set independently of the range that can be set by the service setting function An image forming apparatus.

Images