JP3586675B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine.In placeRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus and various electronic apparatuses including the image forming apparatus, there are a plurality of objects to be maintained or replaced by a user. For example, the object to be replaced by the user in the image forming apparatus is a photosensitive member, a developing device, a process cartridge in which the photosensitive member and the developing device are unitized, and the object to be maintained by the user in the image forming device. Are a paper transport unit, a fixing device, and the like in which the transported paper is likely to be jammed.
[0003]
When maintenance work or replacement work is required for these objects, the objects to be worked on are displayed on the display unit provided on the operation panel, and maintenance work or replacement work is performed for the user. I encourage them to do it.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-79745 discloses a method for displaying a moving image, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-231729 discloses a method for displaying a guidance on an operation procedure. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-53275 describes an apparatus that displays the entire work area and details thereof.
[0005]
The user looks at the display content displayed on the display unit of the operation panel and performs maintenance work or replacement work according to the displayed operation procedure.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when actually performing maintenance work or replacement work, the operation procedure displayed on the display unit of the operation panel is temporarily stored, and work is performed in accordance with the storage. It is easy to get lost, forget the operation procedure, or mistake the operation procedure.
[0007]
Further, it is difficult to understand the correspondence between the schematic diagram displayed on the display unit of the operation panel and the actual device, and it is often difficult to perform a smooth operation.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-understand instruction for a maintenance work or an exchange work when performing a maintenance work or an exchange work, and to perform the maintenance work or the exchange work in a predetermined manner. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an electronic device that can easily indicate an operation procedure when it is necessary to follow the operation procedure.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that performs image formation according to image data, the image forming apparatus is a target of maintenance work or replacement work.pluralObjectA drawable tray that holds the object, a first display unit that is provided on the tray and indicates the tray that holds the object that is a target of maintenance work or replacement work, and the tray A second display unit which is provided in the storage device and indicates the target object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work;Detecting means for detecting that the object requires maintenance work or replacement work; andThe first display unit for indicating the tray holding the detected object and the second display unit for indicating the object detected by the detection unit.Display means for performing necessary display.
[0012]
Therefore,Held in trayIf the detection means detects that maintenance work or replacement work is required for an object, the objectAnd a second display unit provided on the toilet for indicating an object.Necessary display is performed by the display means.A user who performs maintenance work or replacement work on the target object can pull out the tray indicated by the first display unit, and then remove the target unit indicated by the second display unit from the tray to perform maintenance work or replacement work. . Thereby, even when operating the tray and the object which are different members for the maintenance work or the replacement work of the object, it is possible to easily indicate the operation procedure by displaying the first display unit and the second display unit. Can,Maintenance work or replacement work on the object can be performed quickly.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image in accordance with image data, an object to be maintained or replaced, an openable cover for covering the object, a maintenance or replacement The object to be worked onOr the object provided at a position corresponding to the objectAnd a cover for covering the object to be maintained or replaced.Or provided at a position corresponding to the coverA cover display unit that instructs the cover to indicate the cover that covers the object detected by the detection unit, and a detection unit that detects that the object requires maintenance work or replacement work. Display means for performing a necessary display on a display unit and the display unit for indicating the object detected by the detection means, and two or more covers provided with the cover display unit are provided. These covers are arranged at positions where they are successively opened.
[0014]
Therefore, when it is detected by the detecting means that maintenance work or replacement work is required for an object covered with the openable cover, a display unit for indicating the object, In the cover display unit for instructing the cover that covers the object, necessary display is performed by the display unit. A user who performs maintenance work or replacement work on the object opens the cover specified by the cover display unit, and can then perform maintenance work or replacement work on the object specified by the display unit. Thereby, even when operating the cover and the object which are different members for the maintenance work or the replacement work of the object, it is possible to easily indicate the operation procedure by the display of the cover display unit and the display unit, Maintenance work or replacement work on the object can be performed quickly.Further, when it is detected by the detection unit that maintenance work or replacement work is required for a certain object covered by two or more covers, the outer cover indicated on the cover display unit is removed. The operator performs an opening operation, and then opens the cover indicated on the cover display portion located inside thereof, and thereafter can perform a maintenance operation or a replacement operation on the target object indicated by the display unit. Even when an object is covered with two or more covers, maintenance work and replacement work on the object can be performed quickly.
Here, "two or more covers are arranged at positions where they are successively opened" means that two or more covers can open one cover and then open the next cover. It means that it is arranged at the position.
In addition, regarding the arrangement of the respective cover display units each indicating two or more covers that cover a certain object, after opening the cover based on the display of the cover display unit indicating the outer cover, It is preferable that the cover display unit that indicates the cover to be opened is located at a position where the cover display unit can be visually recognized.
[0015]
The invention described in claim 3 is the claim2In the image forming apparatus described in the above,A common light-emitting light source that is lit by the display unit and emits light guided to the display unit and the display unit for the cover.It is characterized by having.
[0016]
Therefore,When it is detected that maintenance work or replacement work is required for a certain object, a common light source for indicating the object is turned on by the display means and emitted from the common light source. The light is guided to the display unit that indicates the object and the cover display unit that indicates the cover covering the object, and the display unit and the cover display unit emit light. For this reason, it is easy to visually recognize which cover covers the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work, and which is the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work. Yes, users canMaintenance work or replacement work on the object can be performed quickly.
[0017]
The invention described in claim 4 is the claim.2 or 3The image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the covers covers two or more of the objects.
[0018]
Therefore, one cover can be shared as a cover for covering two or more objects, and the number of covers can be reduced, and the number of covers or display portions provided at positions corresponding to the covers can be reduced. The structure can be simplified.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of an electronic apparatus and a color image forming apparatus which is an image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional front view thereof, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a part thereof, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a photoreceptor unit (color photoreceptor unit, black photoreceptor unit) as an object of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a composite unit (color composite unit, black composite unit) which is an object of maintenance work or replacement work FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where a front cover which is a cover is opened, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where a holding cover which is a cover is opened, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the removed tray is pulled out of the main body case, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the photoconductor unit is removed from the tray, and FIG. 10 is a schematic horizontal cross-section showing a portion where the photoconductor unit is arranged Figure, 11 is a schematic horizontal sectional view showing a state where the tray on which the photosensitive unit is placed is drawn out of the main body case, FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the tray on which the composite unit is mounted is drawn out of the main body case, 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the composite unit is removed from the tray. FIG. 14 is a state in which a side cover as a cover is opened to expose a transfer belt as an object, and a fixing device cover as a cover is opened. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fixing device as an object is exposed.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 2, an image forming section 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2B), an exposure device 3, and a maintenance work or an exchange work are provided at a substantially central portion in the main body case 1 of the color image forming apparatus. An intermediate transfer belt 4 which is one of the target objects is disposed. As the image forming unit 2, four units that form images of different colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are provided. In the following description of the image forming unit 2 and other members, when referring to the color of the formed image or the color of the toner, “Y” is used for the yellow image or the yellow toner, and “Y” is used for the magenta image or the magenta toner. M "," C "for cyan images and cyan toner, and" B "for black images and black toner will be described.
[0032]
The four image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2B have different colors of the formed images due to different colors of the toner used, and have the same basic structure.
[0033]
Each image forming unit 2 includes a photosensitive drum 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5B) that is driven to rotate in the direction of an arrow, and a charger 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B) arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 5. ), A developing device 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7B), a cleaning device 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8B) and the like.
[0034]
The exposure device 3 emits a laser beam, and writes an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 5 using the laser beam.
[0035]
The photoconductor drum 5 is formed of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 30 to 100 mm and a layer of an organic semiconductor, which is a photoconductive substance, provided on the surface of the cylinder. By irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 with the laser beam emitted from the exposure device 3, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is written on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5. In addition, an irradiation slit for irradiating the surface of each photosensitive drum 5 with the laser light emitted from the exposure device 3 is provided between the charger 6 and the developing device 7 in each image forming unit 2. .
[0036]
The charger 6 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 5.
[0037]
The developing device 7 supplies the toner, and the supplied toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image written on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 so that the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 5 is developed as a toner image. Imaged.
[0038]
The cleaning device 8 cleans residual toner adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 5.
[0039]
The intermediate transfer belt 4 is a loop-shaped belt formed of a resin film or rubber having a thickness of 50 to 600 μm as a base, and has a resistance value such that a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 can be transferred. I have. The intermediate transfer belt 4 is supported by rollers 9, 10, and 11 and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow. On the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 4 (inside of the loop), four transfer units 12 for transferring the toner images on the respective photosensitive drums 5 onto the intermediate transfer belt 4 are arranged. On the front side (outside of the loop) of the intermediate transfer belt 4, a cleaning device 13 that cleans residual toner, paper dust, and the like attached to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 4 is arranged.
[0040]
Below the four image forming units 2 and the exposure device 3 in the main body case 1, paper feed cassettes 14 in which recording media (sheets) S are stacked and held are arranged in upper and lower stages. The recording media S stacked and held in each paper feed cassette 14 are separated and fed in order from the top one.
[0041]
In the main body case 1, a transport path 15 through which the recording medium S separated and fed from the paper feed cassette 14 is transported is formed. On the transport path 15, there are a transport roller 16, a registration roller 17, a transfer belt 18, a transfer device 19, which is a target of maintenance work or replacement work, and a target object of maintenance work or replacement work. A fixing device 20, a paper discharge roller 21, and the like are arranged. The transfer belt 18 also functions as a conveyance belt for conveying the recording medium S, and functions only as a conveyance belt in the case of single-sided printing.
[0042]
The registration roller 17 is a roller that is intermittently driven to rotate at a predetermined timing. When the registration roller 17 is intermittently driven to rotate, the recording medium S transported to the position of the registration roller 17 and stopped is sent to the transfer position.
[0043]
The transfer belt 18 is a loop-shaped belt formed of a resin film or rubber having a thickness of 50 to 600 μm as a base, and is supported by rollers 22, 23, and 24 and driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow. A transfer unit 25 is disposed on the back side (inside of the loop) of the transfer belt 18, and a cleaning unit 26 for cleaning residual toner, paper dust, and the like attached to the surface of the transfer belt 18 is disposed on the front side of the transfer belt 18. I have. A portion of the intermediate transfer belt 4 whose back side is supported by the roller 10 is pressed against a portion of the front surface side of the transfer belt 18 which is supported by the roller 24 and the transfer device 25, and this portion is The transfer position is where the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 4 to the transfer belt 18 or the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 4 to the recording medium S conveyed by the transfer belt 18.
[0044]
Here, when the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 4 to the transfer belt 18, the toner image on the transfer belt 18 and the newly formed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 4 are recorded on the recording medium S. Can be simultaneously transferred to both sides. At this time, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 4 is transferred to one surface of the recording medium S by the operation of the transfer device 25, and the toner image on the transfer belt 18 is transferred to the other surface of the recording medium S by the operation of the transfer device 19. Is transferred to
[0045]
On the other hand, when the toner image is transferred only on the intermediate transfer belt 4 and the transfer belt 18 functions only as a transport belt for the recording medium S, the transfer to only one surface of the recording medium S is performed.
[0046]
The fixing device 20 is a part that fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium S to the recording medium S by applying heat and pressure. The recording medium S on which the toner image has been fixed in the fixing device 20 is discharged by a discharge roller 21 onto a discharge tray 27 formed on the upper surface of the main body case 1.
[0047]
Above the four image forming units 2 and the intermediate transfer belt 4 in the main body case 1, toner containers 28 (28Y, 28M, 28C, 28B) containing toner to be supplied to the image forming units 2 are detachably attached. A toner container mounting portion 29 to be mounted is provided. The toner container mounting portion 29 has a structure in which five toner containers 28 of the same shape can be mounted. The mounted toner container 28 stores one toner container 28Y containing yellow toner and magenta toner. There is one toner container 28M, one toner container 28C containing cyan toner, and two toner containers 28B containing black toner. The number of toner containers 28Y, 28M, and 28C containing color (yellow, magenta, and cyan) toners is one each, while the number of toner containers 28B containing black toner is two. Is larger than the consumption of the color toner.
[0048]
The toner in each of the toner containers 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28B mounted on the toner container mounting unit 29 is directed to each of the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2B that form an image of the same color as the toner. The toner is transported by a toner transport mechanism (not shown).
[0049]
As described above, each image forming unit 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2B) has a photoconductor drum 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5B), a charger 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6B), and a developing unit 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7B), a cleaning device 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8B) and the like.
[0050]
Of these image forming units 2, the photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C constituting the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C for forming color images are mounted on a common mounting frame 30, and as shown in FIG. A color photoreceptor unit 31 which is an object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work is formed. Further, a photoconductor drum 5B constituting an image forming unit 2B for forming a black image is mounted on the mounting frame 32, and as shown in FIG. 4, a photoconductor for black which is a target of maintenance work or replacement work. A unit 33 is formed.
[0051]
The color photoconductor unit 31 and the black photoconductor unit 33 are placed on a tray 34 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), and the tray 34 is pulled out of the main body case 1 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). 11) and a position (see FIGS. 7 and 10) housed in the main body case 1. When the tray 34 is slid to a position where the tray 34 is pulled out of the main body case 1, as shown in FIG. 9, the color photosensitive unit 31 and the black photosensitive unit 33 can be attached to and detached from the tray 34. ing.
[0052]
The chargers 6Y, 6M, 6C, the developing units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and the cleaning units 8Y, 8M, 8C, which form the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C for forming color images, are mounted on a common mounting frame 35, As shown in FIG. 5, a color composite unit 36 which is an object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work is formed. Further, a charger 6B, a developing device 7B, and a cleaning device 8B constituting the image forming section 2B for forming a black image are mounted on the mounting frame 37, and are subjected to maintenance work or replacement work as shown in FIG. A black composite unit 38 as an object is formed. The charging units 6Y, 6M, 6C, the developing units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and the cleaning units 8Y, 8M, 8C that form the color composite unit 36 have the characteristic that they have substantially the same life. The charging device 6B, the developing device 7B, and the cleaning device 8B forming the black composite unit 38 have a characteristic that they have substantially the same life.
[0053]
The color composite unit 36 and the black composite unit 38 are placed on a tray 39, and the tray 39 is pulled out of the main case 1 (see FIG. 12) and stored in the main case 1. It is slidably provided. When the tray 39 is slid to the position where the tray 39 is pulled out of the main body case 1, as shown in FIG. 13, the color composite unit 36 and the black composite unit 38 can be attached to and detached from the tray 39. .
[0054]
The intermediate transfer belt 4 is placed on a tray 40, and the tray 40 is slidable between a position where the intermediate transfer belt 4 is pulled out of the main body case 1 and a position where the intermediate transfer belt 4 is housed in the main body case 1, similarly to the trays 34 and 39 described above. Is provided. When the tray 40 is slid to a position where the tray is pulled out of the main body case 1, the intermediate transfer belt 4 can be attached to and detached from the tray 40.
[0055]
A front cover 41 serving as a cover is provided on the front portion of the main body case 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. A side cover 42 serving as a cover and a fixing device cover 43 serving as a cover are provided on the side surface portion of the main body case 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front cover 41 and the side cover 42 are covers that are opened and closed by rotation, and the fixing device cover 43 is a cover that is opened and closed by sliding.
[0056]
At a substantially central portion of the front cover 41, the intermediate transfer belt 4, the photoconductor unit 31, the photoconductor unit 33 for black, the photoconductor unit 33 for black, the composite unit for color 36, and the black A display unit 44 is provided to indicate that the cover to be opened for maintenance or replacement is the front cover 41 when maintenance or replacement is required for the composite unit 38. . The display section 44 is formed by covering a rectangular opening with a translucent cover.
[0057]
Above the front cover 41, a toner container cover 45 facing the toner container mounting portion 29 covered by the front cover 41 is provided to be openable and closable. When the toner in one of the toner containers 28 runs out, the toner container 28 can be replaced by opening only the toner container cover 45 without opening the front cover 41.
[0058]
Inside the front cover 41 in the main body case 1, a holding cover 46 as a cover is provided so as to be freely opened and closed. The holding cover 46 has a function of locking the trays 34, 39, 40 at the storage position when rotated to the closed position. The holding cover 46 is provided with a display 47 for indicating that the cover to be opened next is the holding cover 46 when the front cover 41 is opened for maintenance work or replacement work. The display unit 47 is a rectangular opening, and is formed at a position overlapping the display unit 44 when the holding cover 46 and the front cover 41 are rotated to the closed position.
[0059]
In the front portion of the tray 34, when the object to be subjected to the maintenance work or the replacement work is at least one of the color photoconductor unit 31 and the black photoconductor unit 33, the tray 34 to be pulled out (that is, A light-emitting body 34a is provided as a display unit for instructing the color photoconductor unit 31 and the black photoconductor unit 33) to be pulled out together with the tray 34. Further, at the position on the front side upper surface of the tray 34 where the tray 34 is easily visible when the tray 34 is pulled out of the main body case 1, the object to be subjected to the maintenance work or the replacement work is the color photoconductor unit 31. And a light-emitting body 34c as a display unit for indicating that the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work is the black photosensitive unit 33. Is provided.
[0060]
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, light-emitting sources 48, 49, 50 such as LEDs are provided on the rear side in the main body case 1, and the tray 34 receives light emitted from the light-emitting source 48. There is provided a light receiving / collecting unit 51 for collecting light.
[0061]
An optical fiber 52 as light transmission means for transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting light source 48 and received and collected by the light receiving / collecting unit 51 to the light emitting body 34a is provided between the light receiving / collecting unit 51 and the light emitting body 34a. It is connected. A light reflecting member 53 such as a mirror is provided between the light emitting light source 49 and the light emitting body 34b as a light transmitting means for transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting light source 49 to the light emitting body 34b. A light reflecting member 54 such as a mirror is provided between the light emitting source 50 and the light emitting body 34c as a light transmitting means for transmitting the light emitted from the light emitting source 50 to the light emitting body 34c.
[0062]
The luminous body 34a is configured to radiate the transmitted light toward the front side when the light emitted from the light emitting light source 48 is transmitted through the optical fiber 52. The light emitters 34b and 34c are configured to emit the transmitted light upward when the light emitted from the light emitting sources 49 and 50 is reflected and transmitted by the light reflecting members 53 and 54.
[0063]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, even when the tray 34 is pulled out, the light emitting members 34a, 34b, 34c continue to emit light. Note that the colors of these lights can be arbitrarily selected by changing the colors of the LEDs, which are the light emitting sources 48, 49, and 50.
[0064]
In the front part of the tray 39, when the object to be subjected to the maintenance operation or the replacement operation is at least one of the color composite unit 36 and the black composite unit 38, the tray 39 to be pulled out (that is, the tray 39) In addition, a luminous body 39a as a display unit for indicating the color composite unit 36 and the black composite unit 38) to be pulled out is provided. Further, in the upper surface portion on the front side of the tray 39, where the tray 39 is easily visible when the tray 39 is pulled out of the main body case 1, the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work is the color composite unit 36. A luminous body 39b, which is a display unit for indicating that there is, and a luminous body 39c, which is a display unit for indicating that the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work is the black composite unit 38, are provided. Have been. In the main body case 1, similarly to the structure shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, three light sources for emitting these light emitters 39a, 39b, and 39c and light emitted from these light sources are provided. Light transmitting means (a light reflecting member such as a mirror, an optical fiber, or the like) for transmitting light to the light emitters 39a, 39b, 39c.
[0065]
On the front portion of the tray 40, when the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work is the intermediate transfer belt 4, the tray 40 to be pulled out (that is, the intermediate transfer belt 4 to be pulled out together with the tray 40) is placed. A luminous body 40a, which is a display unit for giving an instruction, is provided. In the main body case 1, as in the structure shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one light source for emitting light from the light emitter 40a and light emitted from the light source are transmitted to the light emitter 40a. (A light reflecting member such as a mirror or an optical fiber).
[0066]
The trays 34, 39, and 40 are arranged in three upper and lower tiers. 1, and when the holding cover 46 and the front cover 41 are turned to the closed position, the holding cover 46 and the front cover 41 are disposed at positions facing the display unit 47 and the display unit 44 of the front cover 41.
[0067]
On the side surface of the main body case 1 on which the fixing device cover 43 and the side cover 42 are disposed, the vicinity of the fixing device cover 43 and the side cover 42 and corresponding to the covers 43 and 42. Light emitters 55 and 56 as display units are provided at the positions. The luminous body 55 is for indicating the fixing device cover 43 to be pulled out when the maintenance work or the replacement work is performed on the fixing device 20, and the luminous body 56 is used for the maintenance work or the replacement work. When the object to be performed is the transfer belt 18, this is for instructing the side cover 42 to be opened. The fixing device 20 is detachably mounted inside the fixing device cover 43, and the transfer belt 18 is detachably mounted inside the side cover 42. The structures of the light emitters 55 and 56 are the same as those of the light emitters 34a, 34b, and 34c described above, and further, as in the structure shown in FIG. And light transmission means.
[0068]
The color image forming apparatus includes an image forming operation in the image forming unit 2, a transfer operation of the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 4, the transfer belt 18 or the recording medium S, a conveying operation of the recording medium S, and a transfer operation from the toner container 28. Operations such as toner supply operation and emission of light from the light-emitting light sources 48, 49, 50, etc. are performed by image data transmitted from a personal computer or the like, operation keys on an operation panel 57 provided on the front portion of the main body case 1. A microcomputer-based control unit (not shown) for controlling based on input data from a sensor (not shown), detection results of various sensors provided in the color image forming apparatus, and a detection result from a counter for counting the number of image formed sheets. Z) is provided. The color image forming apparatus is provided with various units as processes executed by the control unit. Various means include a detection means, a display means, and the like.
[0069]
The detection unit performs maintenance work on each object (the intermediate transfer belt 4, the transfer belt 18, the fixing device 20, the color photoconductor unit 31, the black photoconductor unit 33, the color composite unit 36, and the black composite unit 38). Alternatively, it is a process of detecting that it is necessary to perform a replacement operation. For example, a process for detecting that a paper jam has occurred when the upstream sensor detects the passage of the recording medium S and the downstream sensor does not detect the passage of the recording medium S even after a predetermined time has elapsed, This is a process of detecting that the replacement time has come because the count value of the counter for counting the number of image formation has reached a predetermined value.
[0070]
The display unit turns on the light-emitting light sources 48, 49, 50, and the like in accordance with the detection result of the detection unit, and sets the target (intermediate transfer belt 4, transfer belt 18, fixing device 20, color Display units (display units 44 and 47, and illuminants 34a, 34b, 34c, and 39a) indicating the photoconductor unit 31 for black, the photoconductor unit 33 for black, the composite unit for color 36, and the composite unit for black 38). , 39b, 39c, 40a, 55, and 56).
[0071]
In such a configuration, when forming a color image, an image (toner image) of each color is formed in each of the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2B, and the toner images are superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 4. As a result, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 4, and the color image is transferred at a transfer position onto a recording medium S separated and fed from the sheet feeding cassette 14 (however, in this case, the recording medium This is a case where an image is formed only on one side of S.)
[0072]
In such a color image forming apparatus, when a paper jam occurs in the recording medium S or when a replacement time comes for a certain object, the certain object or the replacement time of the place where the paper jam has occurred comes. The detection unit detects that a maintenance work or a replacement work is required for a certain object or the like.
[0073]
When it is detected by the detection means that the maintenance work or the replacement work is required for a certain object, a display to that effect is displayed on the operation panel 57 (display using characters or patterns) and the object is displayed. Required display (light emission) is performed on the display unit for instructing.
[0074]
For example, when it is detected by the detecting means that the maintenance work or the replacement work is necessary for the color photoconductor unit 31, the fact is displayed on the operation panel 57, and the light emitting light source 48, 49 is lit. When the light emitting light source 48 is turned on, the light emitted from the light emitting light source 48 is received and collected by the light receiving and collecting unit 51, and the light received and collected by the light receiving and collecting unit 51 passes through the optical fiber 52. The light is transmitted to the light emitter 34a, and the light emitter 34a emits light. When the light source 49 is turned on, the light emitted from the light source 49 is reflected by the light reflecting member 53 and transmitted to the light emitter 34b, and the light emitter 34b emits light.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 1, when using the color image forming apparatus in which the front cover 41 is closed, when the light-emitting sources 48 and 49 are turned on, the light-emitting members 34a and 34b emit light. The light emitted from the light emitter 34b cannot be seen from outside the front cover 41, but the light emitted from the light emitter 34a passes through the display unit 47 of the holding cover 46 and the display unit 44 of the front cover 41. Therefore, the display unit 44 emits light. The light emission of the display unit 44 indicates that the cover to be opened is the front cover 41, and the user opens the front cover 41 according to the instruction.
[0076]
When the front cover 41 is opened, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding cover 46 is exposed, and the light emitted from the light emitter 34a passes through the display 47 of the holding cover 46. I do. The light emission of the display unit 47 indicates that the cover to be opened next is the holding cover 46, and the user opens the holding cover 46 according to the instruction.
[0077]
When the holding cover 46 is opened, the front sides of the trays 34, 39, and 40 housed in the main body case 1 are exposed as shown in FIG. Light emission can be visually recognized. The light emission of the light emitter 34a indicates that the object of the maintenance work or the replacement work is at least one of the color photosensitive unit 31 and the black photosensitive unit 33 placed on the tray 34. Then, the user pulls out the tray 34 to the near side (outside the main body case 1) according to the instruction.
[0078]
When the tray 34 is pulled out of the main body case 1, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to visually recognize that the light emitter 34 b provided on the front upper surface of the tray 34 emits light, so that maintenance work or replacement can be performed. It is possible to reliably confirm that the object to be worked on is the color photoconductor unit 31. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the color photoconductor unit 31 can be removed from the tray 34, and maintenance work or replacement work can be performed on the color photoconductor unit 31 (however, FIG. The state where the unit 33 is also removed from the tray 34 is shown).
[0079]
Therefore, when it is detected that maintenance work or replacement work is necessary for the color photoconductor unit 31, the front cover 41 is opened in accordance with the instruction of light emission of the display unit 44, and the front cover 41 is opened. The holding cover 46 is opened in accordance with the instruction of light emission of the display unit 47 which can be visually recognized by the user, the tray 34 is pulled out in accordance with the instruction of light emission of the luminous body 34a which is visible by opening the holding cover 46, and the light emission which can be visually recognized by pulling out the tray 34 By removing the color photoconductor unit 31 from the tray 34 in accordance with the instruction to emit light from the body 34b, maintenance work or replacement work can be performed on the color photoconductor unit 31. For this reason, when performing maintenance work or replacement work on the color photoconductor unit 31, the user can easily perform maintenance work or replacement work without making a mistake in the operation procedure.
[0080]
When the object detected by the detection unit as requiring maintenance or replacement is the color photoconductor unit 31, a display described below is performed, and the user performs the following according to the display. Operation.
[0081]
When it is detected by the detecting means that maintenance work or replacement work is necessary for the black composite unit 38, the fact is displayed on the operation panel 57, and a light emitting light source (not shown) is turned on by the display means. The light emitter 39a and the light emitter 39c emit light.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 1, when the color image forming apparatus in which the front cover 41 is closed is used, light emitted from the light emitter 39 a causes the display 47 of the holding cover 46 and the display 44 of the front cover 41 to travel. Since the light passes, the display unit 44 emits light. The light emission of the display unit 44 indicates that the cover to be opened is the front cover 41, and the user opens the front cover 41 according to the instruction.
[0083]
When the front cover 41 is opened, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding cover 46 is exposed and the light emitted from the light emitter 39a passes through the display 47 of the holding cover 46, so that the display 47 emits light. I do. The light emission of the display unit 47 indicates that the cover to be opened next is the holding cover 46, and the user opens the holding cover 46 according to the instruction.
[0084]
When the holding cover 46 is opened, as shown in FIG. 7, the front sides of the trays 34, 39, and 40 stored in the main body case 1 are exposed, and the light-emitting bodies 39 a provided on the front part of the tray 39 are turned off. Light emission can be visually recognized. The light emission of the light emitter 39a indicates that the object of the maintenance work or the replacement work is at least one of the color composite unit 36 and the black composite unit 38 placed on the tray 39, and the user Pulls out the tray 39 to the near side (outside the main body case 1) according to the instruction.
[0085]
When the tray 39 is pulled out of the main body case 1, as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to visually recognize that the luminous body 39c provided on the front upper surface of the tray 39 emits light. It is possible to reliably confirm that the object to be worked on is the black composite unit 38. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the black composite unit 38 can be removed from the tray 39, and maintenance work or replacement work can be performed on the black composite unit 38. The state where it was removed from the tray 39 is illustrated).
[0086]
Therefore, when it is detected that maintenance work or replacement work is necessary for the black composite unit 38, the front cover 41 is opened according to the instruction of light emission of the display unit 44, and the front cover 41 is opened. The holding cover 46 is opened in accordance with the instruction of light emission of the display unit 47 that can be visually recognized, and the tray 39 is pulled out in accordance with the instruction of light emission of the luminous body 39a that is visible by opening the holding cover 46. By removing the black composite unit 38 from the tray 39 in accordance with the light emission instruction of 39c, maintenance work or replacement work can be performed on the black composite unit 38. For this reason, when performing maintenance work or replacement work on the black composite unit 38, the user can easily perform maintenance work or replacement work without making a mistake in the operation procedure.
[0087]
When the object detected by the detection unit as requiring the maintenance work or the replacement work is the intermediate transfer belt 4, a display described below is performed, and the user performs an operation described below according to the display. Will do.
[0088]
When the detection means detects that the maintenance work or the replacement work is necessary for the intermediate transfer belt 4, the fact is displayed on the operation panel 57, and the light emission light source (not shown) is turned on by the display means, The light emitter 40a emits light.
[0089]
As shown in FIG. 1, when the color image forming apparatus in which the front cover 41 is closed is used, light emitted from the light emitter 40 a is transmitted to the display 47 of the holding cover 46 and the display 44 of the front cover 41. Since the light passes, the display unit 44 emits light. The light emission of the display unit 44 indicates that the cover to be opened is the front cover 41, and the user opens the front cover 41 according to the instruction.
[0090]
When the front cover 41 is opened, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding cover 46 is exposed, and the light emitted from the illuminant 40a passes through the display 47 of the holding cover 46. I do. The light emission of the display unit 47 indicates that the cover to be opened next is the holding cover 46, and the user opens the holding cover 46 according to the instruction.
[0091]
When the holding cover 46 is opened, as shown in FIG. 7, the front sides of the trays 34, 39, and 40 stored in the main body case 1 are exposed, and the light emitting body 40 a provided on the front part of the tray 40 is opened. Light emission can be visually recognized. The light emission of the light emitting body 40a indicates that the object of the maintenance work or the replacement work is the intermediate transfer belt 4 placed on the tray 40, and the user moves the tray 40 to the front side (main body) according to the instruction. Then, the intermediate transfer belt 4 is removed from the tray 40, and maintenance work or replacement work can be performed on the intermediate transfer belt 4.
[0092]
Therefore, when it is detected that the maintenance work or the replacement work is required for the intermediate transfer belt 4, the front cover 41 is opened in accordance with the instruction of light emission of the display unit 44, and the front cover 41 is opened to allow visual recognition. The holding cover 46 is opened in accordance with an instruction of light emission of the display unit 47, and the tray 40 is pulled out in accordance with the instruction of light emission of the luminous body 40a which can be visually recognized by opening the holding cover 46. The maintenance work or the replacement work can be performed on the intermediate transfer belt 4. Therefore, when performing a maintenance operation or an exchange operation on the intermediate transfer belt 4, the user can easily perform the maintenance operation or the exchange operation without making a mistake in the operation procedure.
[0093]
When the object detected by the detection unit as requiring maintenance or replacement is the fixing device 20, a display described below is performed, and the user performs an operation described below according to the display. Will be.
[0094]
When it is detected by the detection means that maintenance work or replacement work is necessary for the fixing device 20, the fact is displayed on the operation panel 57, and a light emission light source (not shown) is turned on by the display means, and light emission is performed. The body 55 emits light.
[0095]
The light emission of the light emitter 55 indicates that the cover to be opened is the fixing device cover 43 and the object of the maintenance work or the replacement work is the fixing device 20, and the user performs fixing according to the instruction. The fixing device 20 can be maintained or replaced by removing the fixing device cover 43 from the fixing device cover 43 pulled out as shown in FIG.
[0096]
For this reason, when performing maintenance work or replacement work on the fixing device 20, the user can easily perform maintenance work or replacement work without making a mistake in the operation procedure.
[0097]
When the object detected by the detection unit as requiring maintenance or replacement is the transfer belt 18, a display described below is performed, and the user performs an operation described below according to the display. Will be.
[0098]
When the detection means detects that the transfer belt 18 requires maintenance work or replacement work, the fact is displayed on the operation panel 57, and a light emitting light source (not shown) is turned on by the display means. The body 56 emits light.
[0099]
The light emission of the luminous body 56 indicates that the cover to be opened is the side cover 42 and that the object of the maintenance work or the replacement work is the transfer belt 18. By rotating the transfer belt 18 from the rotated side cover 42 as shown in FIG. 14, maintenance work or replacement work of the transfer belt 18 can be performed.
[0100]
Therefore, when performing a maintenance operation or an exchange operation on the transfer belt 18, the user can easily perform the maintenance operation or the exchange operation without making a mistake in the operation procedure.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect,Held in trayIf the detection means detects that maintenance work or replacement work is required for an object, the objectAnd a second display unit provided on the toilet for indicating an object.Necessary display is performed by display means. A user who performs maintenance work or replacement work on the target object can pull out the tray indicated by the first display unit, and then remove the target unit indicated by the second display unit from the tray to perform maintenance work or replacement work. . Thereby, even when operating the tray and the object which are different members for the maintenance work or the replacement work of the object, it is possible to easily indicate the operation procedure by displaying the first display unit and the second display unit. Can,Maintenance work or replacement work on the object can be performed promptly.
[0103]
According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, when it is detected by the detection unit that maintenance work or replacement work is required for a certain object covered by the openable cover, The objectOr the object provided at a position corresponding to the objectAnd a cover that covers the objectOr provided at a position corresponding to the coverIn the display unit for the cover, the user performing maintenance work or replacement work on the object opens the cover instructed by the cover display unit, and then displays the display unit. The user can perform maintenance work or replacement work on the target object specified by. Thereby, even when operating the cover and the object which are different members for the maintenance work or the replacement work of the object, it is possible to easily indicate the operation procedure by the display of the cover display unit and the display unit, Maintenance work or replacement work on the object can be performed promptly. Further, when it is detected by the detection unit that maintenance work or replacement work is required for a certain object covered by two or more covers, the outer cover indicated on the cover display unit is removed. Opening the cover, then opening the cover indicated on the cover display located inside, and then performing maintenance or replacement work on the object indicated by the display. Even if is covered with two or more covers, maintenance work and replacement work for the object can be performed quickly.
[0104]
According to the invention described in claim 3, the claim2In the image forming apparatus described in the above,The display unit and the cover display unit are light-emitting members, and include a common light-emitting light source that emits light that is turned on by the display means and guided to the light-emitting members. When it is detected that the maintenance work or the replacement work is required for the object, the luminous body which is the display unit for indicating the object requiring the maintenance work or the replacement work and the maintenance work or the replacement work are required. Since the cover display unit that indicates the cover covering the object to be illuminated, which cover is covering the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work, andWhich objects need maintenance or replacement work?By sightCan be easily recognized,The userMaintenance work or replacement work on the object can be performed promptly.
[0105]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the claim2 or 3In the image forming apparatus described above, at least one of the covers covers two or more of the objects, so that one cover can be shared as a cover that covers two or more objects, The number of covers can be reduced, and the number of cover display sections for indicating a cover can be reduced, so that the structure can be simplified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic structure of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional front view thereof.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a part thereof.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a photoreceptor unit which is an object of maintenance work or replacement work.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a composite unit which is an object of maintenance work or replacement work.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where a front cover which is a cover is opened.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where a holding cover which is a cover is opened.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a tray on which a photosensitive unit is placed is drawn out of a main body case.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state where the photoconductor unit is removed from the tray.
FIG. 10 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view showing a portion where a photoconductor unit is arranged.
FIG. 11 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view showing a state where a tray on which a photosensitive unit is placed is drawn out of a main body case.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the tray on which the composite unit is placed is drawn out of the main body case.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state where the composite unit is removed from the tray.
FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which a transfer belt as an object is exposed by opening a side cover as a cover, and a state in which a fixing device as an object is exposed by opening a fixing device cover as a cover. It is a perspective view.
[Explanation of symbols]
4, 18, 20, 31, 33, 36, 38 Object
34a, 34b, 34c, 39a, 39b, 39c, 40a, 55, 56 Display unit, luminous body
41, 42, 43, 46 cover
44, 47 display
48, 49, 50 Emission light source
52 Light transmission means
53 Light transmission means

Claims (4)

In an image forming apparatus that performs image formation according to image data,
A plurality of objects to be maintained or replaced;
A drawable tray for holding the object,
A first display unit that indicates the tray that is provided on the tray and holds the target object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work;
A second display unit that is provided on the tray and indicates the object to be maintained or replaced;
Detecting means for detecting that the object requires maintenance work or replacement work,
The first display unit that indicates the tray holding the object detected by the detection unit and the second display unit that indicates the object detected by the detection unit perform necessary display. Display means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: In an image forming apparatus that performs image formation according to image data,
Objects subject to maintenance or replacement work;
An openable / closable cover for covering the object,
A display unit provided at a position corresponding to the target object or the target object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work and indicating the target object ,
A cover display unit that is provided at a position corresponding to the cover or the cover that covers the object to be subjected to maintenance work or replacement work and indicates the cover,
Detecting means for detecting that the object requires maintenance work or replacement work,
Display means for performing necessary display on the cover display unit for indicating the cover covering the object detected by the detection means and the display unit for indicating the object detected by the detection means; and ,
Has,
Before SL cover provided 2 or more, the image forming apparatus characterized by these covers are disposed in a position that is opening operation one after another. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a common light source for emitting light guided by the display unit and guided to the display unit and the cover display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the covers covers two or more of the objects.

Images