JPH0210377A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily obtain a sample image by issuing an instruction to form an image by permitting a means to instruct sample indication, and forming an image by permitting a means to instruct test control based on a signal from said sample indicating means. CONSTITUTION:A test number indicating means 3 is a ten-key which sets the number of sheets copied in a normal copy mode. When the test mode is indicated by a test mode indicating means 2, the types of tests are specified. They are an exposure test, a heat fitting test, a magnification test, a toner density test, a potential test of a photosensitive drum with the aid of a signal of the means 4, etc. The sample indicating means 4 issues an instruction to form an image in the test mode. A test control means 6 issues an instruction to form an image on a device body according to the way each function is set and adjusted. When the sample copy is instructed, a sample is copied and confirmed whether it is appropriate or not. If not, operation is adjusted. Therefore, a sample is copied many times in a test mode without changing the mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of executing a normal image forming mode and a test mode.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in addition to normal copying modes, copying machines have various functions such as an exposure function, a heat fixing function, a toner density adjustment function, a photosensitive drum potential adjustment function, and a magnification function. You can run a test mode that allows you to test whether things are working properly.

When executing the test mode, the user switches to the test mode by switching a dip switch provided on the main body of the device or by operating a numeric keypad according to a predetermined sequence. After switching to the test mode, a desired test is selected by operating keys, and then exposure adjustment, photosensitive drum potential adjustment, copying magnification adjustment, etc. are executed.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Incidentally, there are cases, such as exposure adjustment, copy magnification adjustment, etc., in which it is necessary to actually make a copy in order to test whether the adjustment results are appropriate.

To do this, conventionally, it is necessary to return from the test mode to the normal copy mode, and after switching to the normal mode by operating the dip switch, etc., a sample copy is taken. The dip switch was intentionally placed inside the device to prevent normal users from accidentally switching to test mode. Therefore, in order for a service person to change the dip switch, he or she must open the door of the main body of the device and then go through the troublesome procedure of switching the dip switch inside. Moreover, if a proper copy is not obtained after making a sample copy in this manner, then open the door again, change the dip switch, and set the test mode to the test mode to make adjustments again. Conventionally, there is a problem in that such operations must be repeated many times. Switching the mode using the numeric keypad according to a predetermined sequence also requires a lot of time and effort since the user is forced to perform complicated combinations of operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the problems with conventional test operations as described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform tests and adjustments with simple operations.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of executing a normal mode for performing normal image formation and a test mode for testing various functions of the apparatus main body. and a test control means for instructing the main body of the apparatus to perform image formation in various functional modes at the time when the instruction signal was issued, based on the signal from the sample instruction means. By being prepared, the above objectives are achieved.

[In operation test mode, the sample instruction means commands image formation, and the test control means, based on the signal from the sample instruction means, performs image formation under various functions when the instruction signal is issued. Instruct the device to: This allows sample images to be easily obtained.

[Examples] The present invention will be described below based on drawings showing examples thereof.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
It's cock time. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel provided on the side of the main body of the apparatus.

1 is the main body of the copying machine. Reference numeral 2 denotes test mode indicating means provided inside the main body 1 of the apparatus, and is, for example, a dip switch. ; 3 is a numeric keypad on the operation panel 5I-, which also serves as a test number indicating means. That is, the numeric keypad 3 functions as a key for setting the number of copies in the normal copy mode, but when the test mode is instructed by the test mode instruction means 2, the numeric keypad 3 functions as a key for setting the number of copies. It is designed to function as a means of giving instructions. The types of tests include exposure tests, heat fixing tests, toner density tests, photosensitive drum potential tests, and magnification tests.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a sample instruction means for instructing image formation in the test mode. That is, it is a means for outputting a signal for forming a sample image when the main body 1 of the apparatus is switched to the test mode by the test mode instructing means 2. In this embodiment, the sample instruction means 4 also serves as a key that functions as a vJ entry key in the normal copy mode. Of course, the sample instruction means 4
may be provided as a dedicated key on the side of the main body of the device or on the operation panel 5.

The test control means 6 is a means for instructing the apparatus main body l to perform image formation based on the signal from the sample instruction means 4 in the manner of various functions that were set and adjusted when the instruction signal was issued. It is.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention implemented using a microcomputer.

In the figure, 7 is a central processing unit (CPU), which realizes the test control means 6 by using a write-in memory (RAM) 8, a read-only memory (ROM) 9, a non-volatile RAM 10, etc. are doing.

11 is a main body sequence including a limit switch, optical sensor, motor, solenoid, etc.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation.

First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the CPU 7 determines whether the test mode is switched to the test mode by the test mode instruction means 2 (step St). If it is not the test mode, normal copying is performed (step S2).

If test mode is not released (step S3)
Then, the CPU 7 determines whether a test number has been set from the test number indicating means 3 (step S4). If it has been input, the test mode is executed using the print key 12 (steps S5 and S6). For example, if the test number is a proper exposure test, in step S6, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the proper exposure value set in the non-volatile RAM 10 is displayed on the operation panel 5 ( Step 5ll). When changing the set value, enter the set value manually using the numeric keypad 3 (step 512). Note that at this time, since the execution process of the test mode has already entered, the numeric keypad 3 will not be confused with the manual input of the test number. When the value is set using the print key 12 (step 513), the set value is memorized back into the non-volatile RAM 10 (step S1).
4).

In this way, adjustment of various functions is performed.

Next, in order to confirm whether the adjustment is appropriate, sample copying is instructed by the sample instruction means 4 (step S?). When instructed, sample copying becomes possible (step S8). Therefore, the user enters the required number of sample copies manually using the numeric keypad 3. Thereafter, the print key 12 is pressed to take a sample copy (step S9.5IO).

In this way, you can take a sample copy and check whether the adjustments are correct. If it is unsuitable, the test mode remains (step S3) and the adjustment described above is performed thereafter. Therefore, sample copies can be made many times in the test mode without returning to the normal copy mode.

Incidentally, if it is desired to execute another test mode, the other test number must be set again (step S4), and the tests are subsequently executed as described above.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, the present invention provides sample instruction means for instructing image formation in a test mode, and an instruction signal that is issued based on a signal from the sample instruction means. Since it is equipped with a test control means that instructs the main body of the apparatus to perform image formation in the mode of various functions at the time, after adjusting various functions in the test mode, sample copying is performed to confirm the appropriateness of the adjustment. When copying, there is an advantage that there is no need to operate the test mode instruction means and return to the normal copy mode each time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel of the same embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart showing actual operation using a microcomputer. l...Device body 2...Test mode instruction means 3...Test number instruction means 4...Sample instruction means 6...Test control means

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus capable of executing a normal mode for executing normal image formation and a test mode for testing various functions of the apparatus main body, a sample instruction means for instructing image formation in the test mode, and the sample An image forming apparatus comprising test control means for instructing the main body of the apparatus to form images in various functional modes at the time when the instruction signal was issued, based on a signal from the instruction means.