Image forming apparatus, symptom determination method, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus, a sign determination method, and a program capable of detecting a sign of a sensor malfunction due to electrostatic discharge and solving a failure of a discharge path before a disadvantage occurs to a user.SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus includes sensors (photosensors 20a to 20j), a static charge detection part 104 for detecting generation of static charge, a sign determination part (CPU101) for determining a sign of malfunction of the sensors on the basis of a detection value of the static charge detection part 104, and a notification control part (CPU101) for making a notification part (display part 161) notify the sign determined by the sign determination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a sign determination method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming devices that form images on paper are known. As paper is transported in an image forming device, static electricity builds up and discharges from materials (such as rollers) along the transport path. This static discharge can cause electrical components, such as sensors, to malfunction. Materials along the transport path are equipped with grounding means (earth paths) to prevent static electricity from building up on the paper and becoming charged. The grounding means is connected to the housing. However, the contact resistance of materials along the transport path can increase over time due to factors such as the inclusion of paper dust or oil, leading to charging. Malfunctions of electrical components are not only caused by static electricity within the device, but can also be caused by external electromagnetic waves or defects in the electrical components themselves. When a sensor malfunction occurs, it is often impossible to determine that the cause of the malfunction is electrostatic discharge, leading to the replacement of a working sensor.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that includes a static electricity detection means for detecting electromagnetic waves generated by static electricity, and that can determine whether static electricity is the cause of a sensor malfunction. Specifically, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 determines that static electricity is the cause of the sensor malfunction by comparing the detection timing of the static electricity detection means with the occurrence timing of the sensor malfunction. If the configuration described in Patent Document 1 determines that static electricity is the cause of the sensor malfunction, it determines that there is a problem with the grounding means and notifies the user to replace the grounding means. This makes it possible to prevent the replacement of a normal sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-42548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 determines whether static electricity is the cause of a sensor malfunction when the malfunction occurs. In other words, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 cannot prevent sensor malfunctions. If a sensor on the transport path malfunctions, problems such as jams can occur, causing inconvenience to users.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus, a method for detecting signs of sensor malfunction due to electrostatic discharge, and a program that can resolve problems in the discharge path before any disadvantage occurs to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, In the image forming apparatus, The sensor and a static electricity detection unit that detects the generation of static electricity; a sign determination unit that determines a sign of a malfunction of the sensor based on the detected value of the static electricity detection unit; a notification control unit that notifies a notification unit of the sign determined by the sign determination unit; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, a state determination unit that determines a state when it detects that the output value of the sensor is the same for a predetermined number of consecutive times; The sign discrimination unit is characterized in that when it does not detect that the output value of the sensor is the same value for a predetermined number of consecutive times, it discriminates signs of malfunction of the sensor based on the detection value of the electrostatic detection unit.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, the sign determination unit determines a degree of urgency based on at least one of the signal strength detected by the electrostatic detection unit and a rate of change of the signal strength; The notification control unit is characterized in that it causes the notification unit to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit based on the degree of urgency determined by the sign determination unit.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, the sign determination unit determines the urgency based on at least one of the frequency with which the output values ​​of the sensor are not the same value and the number of times the output values ​​of the sensor are not the same value; The notification control unit is characterized in that it causes the notification unit to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit based on the degree of urgency determined by the sign determination unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The notification control unit is characterized in that it causes a notification unit provided at the service base to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The notification control unit is characterized in that it causes a display unit to display the sign determined by the sign determination unit.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The system is characterized by including a storage control unit that stores the signs determined by the sign determination unit in a database that accumulates a history of abnormality detection.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The symptom discrimination unit is characterized in that it discriminates a symptom of malfunction of the sensor when the detection value of the electrostatic detection unit matches the detection value of the electrostatic detection unit of another device of equivalent structure in which the symptom has been discriminated.

[0015] The invention described in claim 9 is A method for detecting a sign of static electricity in an image forming apparatus including a sensor and a static electricity detection unit that detects the generation of static electricity, comprising: a sign determining step of determining a sign of malfunction of the sensor based on the detected value of the electrostatic detection unit; a notification control step of causing a notification unit to notify the sign determined in the sign determination step; Includes.

[0016] The invention described in claim 10 is A computer of an image forming apparatus including a sensor and a static electricity detection unit that detects the generation of static electricity, a sign determination unit that determines a sign of a malfunction of the sensor based on the detected value of the electrostatic detection unit; a notification control unit that notifies a notification unit of the sign determined by the sign determination unit; This is a program that functions as a [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect signs of sensor malfunction due to electrostatic discharge and resolve any problems with the discharge path before any harm occurs to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a control structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of a roller. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an antenna output signal and an electrostatic peak signal. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a sensor output and a state determination output. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a sensor output and a state determination output. [Figure 7]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a sensor output and a state determination output. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a static electricity detection peak value. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the image forming apparatus according to Modification 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is an MFP that combines the functions of a copier, printer, facsimile machine, image reader, etc. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11, a scanner 12, a printer unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, a transport unit 15, an operation display unit 16, a control unit 100, a storage unit 110, and a power supply 200.

[0021] An automatic document feeder (ADF) 11 transports documents (sheets) set on a document tray to a reading position of a scanner 12 .

[0022] The scanner 12 is a flatbed scanner that reads an image from a document conveyed from the automatic document feeder 11 or a document set on a platen glass, and generates image data.

[0023] In a print job, the printer unit 13 forms a color or monochrome image on one or both sides of paper P. Print jobs include, for example, copying, network printing (PC printing), facsimile reception, and box printing. In a copy job, for example, the printer unit 13 forms an image based on image data generated by the scanner 12.

[0024] The printer unit 13 includes a tandem electrophotographic printer engine. The printer engine includes four imaging units 131Y, 131M, 131C, and 131K, a print head 132, and an intermediate transfer belt 133.

[0025] Each of the imaging units 131Y-131K includes devices such as a photoconductor 131a, a charging roller 131b, a developing device 131c, a cleaner 131d, and a cleaning roller 131e.

[0026] The print head 132 emits a laser beam LB as light for performing pattern exposure on each of the imaging units 131Y-131K.

[0027] The intermediate transfer belt 133 is a member to which the toner image is transferred in the primary transfer. The intermediate transfer belt 133 is wound around a pair of rollers and rotates. A primary transfer roller 134 is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 133 for each of the imaging units 131Y-131K.

[0028] In color printing mode, the imaging units 131Y-131K form four-color toner images in parallel. The four colors are Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). Specifically, the imaging units 131Y-131K first charge the cylindrical photoconductor 131a using the charging roller 131b. Next, the imaging units 131Y-131K scan the photoconductor 131a with a light beam emitted from the print head 132 based on the original image to form an electrostatic latent image. Next, the imaging units 131Y-131K develop the image by supplying color materials such as toner using the developer 131c. This forms an image (toner image) on the photoconductor 131a.

[0029] The four-color toner images are sequentially primarily transferred onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 133 by the respective primary transfer rollers 134. As a result, an image made up of each color is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 133. After the primary transfer, imaging units 131Y-131K remove color materials remaining on the photoconductor 131a using cleaner 131d and cleaning roller 131e. When the primarily transferred toner images face secondary transfer roller 135, they are secondarily transferred onto paper P transported from the paper feed unit 14 via timing roller 136. Thereafter, paper P is neutralized by separating member 137 and sent to paper output tray 139 through the interior of fuser 138. As paper P passes through fuser 138, fuser 138 applies heat and pressure to fix the toner images to paper P.

[0030] The paper feed unit 14 includes multiple paper feed cassettes 141a, 141b, and 141c, multiple paper feed rollers 142a, 142b, and 142c, and multiple pickup rollers 143a, 143b, and 143c. The paper feed unit 14 picks up paper P from any of the selected paper feed cassettes 141a-141c and supplies it to the printer unit 13 above.

[0031] The paper feed cassettes 141a-141c store paper sheets according to their type (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.). The paper feed rollers 142a-142c are driven to rotate by a paper feed motor (not shown) as a common drive source, whereby each of the paper feed rollers 142a-142c conveys paper P one sheet at a time from a stack of paper sheets loaded in each of the paper feed cassettes 141a-141c. The pickup rollers 143a-143c are installed upstream of the paper feed rollers 142a-142c in the transport direction of the paper P. The pickup rollers 143a-143c are rollers for picking up the paper P stored in the paper feed cassettes 141a-141c.

[0032] The transport unit 15 is configured to include multiple rollers 150 (see FIG. 3) that transport the paper P. The rollers 150 include, for example, paper feed rollers 142a-142c, timing roller 136, secondary transfer roller 135, paper discharge roller 139a, and transport rollers 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d. The transport unit 15 transports the paper P supplied from the paper feed unit 14 to the printer unit 13. The transport unit 15 ejects the paper P, on which an image has been formed by the printer unit 13, to the paper discharge tray 139 using the paper discharge roller 139a. When forming images on both sides of the paper P, the transport unit 15 transports the paper P to the reversing path R1 to invert the paper surface, and then feeds the paper P again to the position of the timing roller 136. The reversing path R1 is provided with multiple transport rollers 151a-151d.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration in the vicinity of the roller 150. As shown in FIG. Because the roller 150 rotates, it must be connected to a fixed housing (not shown) through contact with a leaf spring or the like. The roller 150 includes a rubber roller portion 150a for conveying the paper P and a metal shaft 150b. The roller 150 is grounded by connecting the metal shaft 150b to the housing via a leaf spring 152. The contact between the leaf spring 152 and the metal shaft 150b can deteriorate due to deformation of the leaf spring 152, the intrusion of foreign matter (paper dust or oil) between the leaf spring 152 and the metal shaft 150b, corrosion of the leaf spring 152, or other factors. If the contact between the metal shaft 150b and the leaf spring 152 deteriorates, the roller 150 becomes charged with static electricity from the charged paper P. The deterioration in contact is thought to occur slowly over time. Therefore, if deterioration in contact can be detected and the part replaced when it is relatively minor, it is possible to prevent inconvenience to the user.

[0034] Photosensors 20a-20j are disposed near each roller 150 to determine whether or not paper P has passed through. The photosensors 20a-20j function as sensors of the present invention. The outputs of the photosensors 20a-20j are input to the control unit 100.

[0035] The operation display unit 16 includes a display unit 161 that displays various information to the user, and an operation unit 162 that accepts operation inputs from the user.

[0036] The display unit 161 is configured with a color liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 161 displays operation screens and the like (various setting screens, various buttons, operation status of each function, etc.) in accordance with a display control signal input from the control unit 100. The display unit 161 displays abnormal conditions, notifications of abnormal conditions to the user, repair requests to the service center 300 (see FIG. 2), etc.

[0037] The operation unit 162 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 161 and various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 161. When a button displayed on the screen is pressed with a finger, a touch pen, or the like, the operation unit 162 first detects the coordinates of the pressed position as a voltage value. Next, the operation unit 162 outputs an operation signal associated with the detected position to the control unit 100. Note that the touch panel is not limited to a pressure-sensitive type and may be, for example, an electrostatic type or an optical type. When a hard key is pressed, the operation unit 162 outputs an operation signal associated with the pressed key to the control unit 100. The user can operate the operation unit 162 to make settings related to image formation, issue paper transport instructions, issue various operation instructions (print, scan, copy), and stop the device. The image formation settings include image quality settings, magnification settings, application settings, output settings, and paper settings.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a state determination unit 102, an interface unit 103, and a static electricity detection unit 104. The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10 . The state determining unit 102 determines the states of the photosensors 20a-20j based on the output signals 21 of the photosensors 20a-20j. The interface unit 103 transmits the device information to an external device via the network N. The external device is, for example, a PC 310 installed at a service center 300 or a PC 410 installed at a data center 400. The service centers 300 are scattered across the country and are bases where service personnel are stationed to perform maintenance, inspection, repair, etc. of the image forming apparatuses 10 installed within their respective areas. The data center 400 is a base that aggregates, stores, and manages information about the image forming apparatuses 10. The static electricity detection unit 104 detects static electricity noise (the generation of static electricity) based on the signal output from the antenna 30.

[0039] The output signals 21 of the photosensors 20a-20j are input to a state determination unit 102. An output signal 22 indicating the state determined by the state determination unit 102 is input to a digital signal input port of the CPU 101 . The output signal 31 of the antenna 30 is input to the static electricity detection unit 104 . The peak value acquired by the static electricity detection unit 104 is input to an analog port of the CPU 101 as a static electricity peak signal 32 .

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the output signal 31 and the static electricity peak signal 32 of the antenna 30. As shown in FIG. When static electricity is contained in the output signal 31 of the antenna 30, it is perceived as an oscillation damping waveform (see FIG. 4). The static electricity detection unit 104 acquires a peak value from the output signal 31 of the antenna 30 using a peak hold circuit. This allows the static electricity detection unit 104 to detect the occurrence of static electricity. The static electricity detection unit 104 outputs the acquired peak value as an analog value (static electricity peak signal 32) to the CPU 101. When the static electricity peak signal 32 is input, the CPU 101 outputs a reset signal 33 to the static electricity detection unit 104. This resets the waveform peak-held by the static electricity detection unit 104, making it possible to prepare for the next occurrence of static electricity.

[0041] For example, the control unit 100 (state determination unit 102) determines the state when it detects that the output values ​​of the photosensors 20a-20j are the same value (L or H) a predetermined number of times in succession. That is, since it is expected that some noise will be present in the outputs of the photosensors 20a-20j, the state is determined only when the outputs are stable (the same value is present a predetermined number of times in succession).

[0042] 5 to 7 are diagrams showing examples of the sensor output 21 and the state determination output 22. In Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, a case will be described in which the state is determined when the output signals 21 of the photosensors 20a-20j have the same value twice in a row. In the examples shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, it is assumed that no paper P is being passed through.

[0043] The upper graph G1 shown in each of FIGS. 5 to 7 represents the output signal (sensor output) 21 of the photosensors 20a-20j. The lower graph G2 shown in each of FIGS. 5 to 7 represents the output signal (status determination output) 22 indicating the status determined by the status determination unit 102. The vertical axis of graph G1 represents the output value of the photosensors 20a-20j, and the horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis of graph G2 represents the output value of the status determination unit 102, and the horizontal axis represents time. Symbols T1 to T4 in FIGS. 5 to 7 represent the timing at which the status determination unit 102 detects the status of the photosensors 20a-20j. H (High) in graph G1 represents the output value when the photosensors 20a-20j are not detecting paper P. L (Low) in graph G2 represents the output value when the photosensors 20a-20j are detecting paper P. The state determination output 22 of the graph G2 indicates the state (HorL) determined by the state determination unit 102 based on the sensor output 21 of the graph G1.

[0044] When some kind of noise is applied while the sensor output 21 is in the H state (a state in which paper P is not being detected), an L may be output (sensor malfunction). However, as shown in FIG. 5, if the state determination unit 102 receives noise only once (here, only at T1), it does not output an L (see graph G2 in FIG. 5). However, as shown in FIG. 6, if the state determination unit 102 receives noise at two consecutive detection times (here, at T1 and T2), it determines and outputs an L (see graph G2 in FIG. 6). That is, the state determination unit 102 does not determine an L if the photosensors 20a-20j malfunction only once due to relatively infrequent noise. On the other hand, the state determination unit 102 determines an L if the malfunction occurs twice consecutively due to an increase in the frequency of noise occurrence. When the state determination unit 102 outputs an L, the CPU 101 recognizes that the photosensors 20a-20j have detected paper P. Therefore, the CPU 101 may detect the occurrence of an abnormal state such as a jam even though no paper P is being fed. Furthermore, larger noise may be applied, and the malfunctioning state of the photosensors 20a-20j may not be resolved for a long time. If the malfunctioning state of the photosensors 20a-20j is not resolved for a long time, the state determination unit 102 detects (outputs) L at two consecutive detection timings (here, T1 and T2), as shown in FIG. 7. As a result, L is determined at detection timing T2, and the occurrence of an abnormal state such as a jam is detected. When the CPU 101 detects the occurrence of an abnormal state such as a jam, it stops the device. In other words, the CPU 101 may stop the device due to an erroneous detection of an abnormal state even though no paper P is being fed.

[0045] Generally, the state determination unit 102 determines the state only when the sensor output 21 continues for a predetermined number of times to cancel noise. A state in which the state is not determined to be L can be said to be a state in which the number of malfunctions due to the influence of noise is relatively small or the duration of the malfunction is short. In this embodiment, the sensor output 21 is also output to the digital port of the CPU 101 via a connection line 23 (see FIG. 2). This allows the CPU 101 to monitor the sensor output 21 in which the state is not determined to be L (the malfunction state does not continue for a predetermined number of times) as a signal indicating a malfunction. Therefore, the CPU 101 can determine the signs of a malfunction in the photosensors 20a-20j.

[0046] 5 to 7, a case has been described in which the state is determined when the sensor output 21 has the same value two consecutive times. A control for determining the state when the sensor output 21 has the same value n consecutive times can also be achieved using a similar method. In this case, the state determination unit 102 does not determine the state even if the sensor output 21 continues to have the same value (state) n-1 consecutive times. However, the CPU 101 can determine that noise is occurring relatively frequently by counting the number of consecutive times that do not reach n consecutive times. Furthermore, if large noise is applied and the malfunctioning state of the sensor is not resolved for a long period of time, the state is not determined even if the sensor output 21 continues to have the same value n-1 consecutive times. However, the CPU 101 can determine that relatively large noise is occurring by counting the number of consecutive times that do not reach n consecutive times.

[0047] The storage unit 110 is a non-volatile storage means configured by an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 110 stores various programs, various setting data, etc. in a manner that allows the control unit 100 to read and write the data.

[0048] The power supply 200 transforms the voltage of the power supplied from an external AC adapter (not shown) and supplies the power to each component via the control unit 100.

[0049] Next, the control of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0050] Generally, when the distance between the leaf spring 152 and the metal shaft 150b is small, a discharge occurs when the electrostatic voltage stored in the metal shaft 150b is small. Therefore, the amplitude of the induced voltage detected by the antenna 30 due to the discharge is relatively small, and the duration of the discharge is relatively short. Therefore, the peak hold voltage output from the electrostatic detection unit 104 is low. Subsequently, as the distance between the leaf spring 152 and the metal shaft 150b increases, a discharge occurs when the electrostatic voltage stored in the metal shaft 150b is large. Therefore, the amplitude of the induced voltage detected by the antenna 30 increases and the duration of the discharge becomes longer. In this embodiment, the CPU 101 monitors the input peak hold analog value. The CPU 101 monitors the increase in the peak hold value and can determine that a sensor malfunction is occurring when the rate of change exceeds a certain value. The control for determining the sign of a sensor malfunction will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0051] First, the CPU 101 acquires the peak value of the output signal 31 acquired by the static electricity detection unit 104 (step S101).

[0052] Next, the CPU 101 calculates the average value and the variation ΔV of the peak values ​​acquired in step S101 (step S102). 9 is a diagram showing an example of the peak value (static electricity detection peak value) acquired in step S101. As shown in FIG. 9, even when static electricity is not generated, the static electricity detection peak value undergoes small fluctuations in response to electromagnetic waves inside the device. Therefore, by calculating the average value and variation ΔV of the static electricity detection peak value, it is possible to determine whether the fluctuations are caused by the generation of static electricity.

[0053] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether the variation ΔV calculated in step S102 is within a predetermined range (step S103). The predetermined range is a range of the variation ΔV detected in a normal state, and is set in advance. If the CPU 101 determines that the variation ΔV calculated in step S102 is within a predetermined range (step S103: YES), the process proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the variation ΔV calculated in step S102 is not within the predetermined range (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S104.

[0054] In step S104, CPU 101 stores in storage unit 110 the peak value for which variation ΔV was determined to be outside the predetermined range in step S102 and the time at which it occurred.

[0055] Next, CPU 101 calculates the slope of the acquired data (step S105). The acquired data is a change curve of the peak value for which variation ΔV was determined to be outside the predetermined range in step S102.

[0056] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether the slope calculated in step S105 exceeds a predetermined value (step S106). The predetermined value is a value that allows determination that static electricity is beginning to be generated (i.e., that poor contact of the leaf spring 152 is beginning to occur). If the CPU 101 determines that the slope calculated in step S105 exceeds the predetermined value (step S106: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S107. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the slope calculated in step S105 does not exceed the predetermined value (step S106: NO), the process proceeds to step S101.

[0057] In step S107, CPU 101 determines that there is a sign of malfunction due to static electricity. That is, CPU 101 functions as a sign determination unit of the present invention that determines whether there is a sign of malfunction of photosensors 20a-20j based on the detection value of static electricity detection unit 104. In particular, CPU 101 determines whether there is a sign of malfunction of photosensors 20a-20j based on a change in the detection value of static electricity detection unit 104.

[0058] Incidentally, when the variation ΔV exceeds a predetermined range, it is considered that the amount of static electricity is increasing. Therefore, the urgency of replacing the grounding member (leaf spring 152) increases. Similarly, when the frequency at which the variation ΔV exceeds the predetermined range exceeds a predetermined frequency, it may be determined that poor contact of the grounding member is beginning to occur. Furthermore, when this frequency increases, it is considered that the contact of the grounding member is becoming unstable. Therefore, it can be determined that the urgency of replacing the grounding member is increasing. The CPU 101 determines the urgency based on at least one of the signal strength (peak value) detected by the static electricity detection unit 104 and the rate of change of the signal strength.

[0059] When the CPU 101 determines that there is a sign of a malfunction due to static electricity, it causes the notification unit (display unit 161) to notify (display) the determined sign. That is, the CPU 101 functions as the notification control unit of the present invention. This allows the user to recognize the sign and request replacement service. When a service technician performs replacement work, the CPU 101 causes the display unit 161 to display the occurrence of static electricity. This allows the service technician to recognize the occurrence of static electricity and encourages the technician to replace the appropriate part. When the CPU 101 has identified the roller 150 in which an abnormality has occurred, it causes the display unit 161 to display a message urging the technician to replace the leaf spring 152 connected to the metal shaft 150b of the roller 150 in which an abnormality has occurred. The CPU 101 causes the display unit 161 to display the determined sign based on the determined urgency.

[0060] When the CPU 101 determines that there is a sign of a malfunction due to static electricity, it causes the notification unit (display unit 311 of PC 310 (see FIG. 2)) provided at the service base 300 to notify (display) the determined sign. Specifically, the CPU 101 causes the notification unit of the service base 300, which is connected to the network N via the interface unit 103, to notify that a sign of a poor contact has been detected. When the CPU 101 has identified the roller 150 in which an abnormality has occurred, it causes the notification unit to display a message urging the user to replace the leaf spring 152 connected to the metal shaft 150b of the roller 150 in which an abnormality has occurred. The CPU 101 causes the notification unit to notify the determined sign based on the determined level of urgency. For example, when the level of urgency is high, the CPU 101 causes the display unit 311 to display a message urging the user to replace the leaf spring 152, such as "Please go and replace it immediately." Furthermore, if the urgency is low, the CPU 101 displays on the display unit 311 a message urging the user to replace the leaf spring 152, such as "Please come and replace it within XX days." In addition, data indicating the degree of urgency can be added to the data to be notified by the notifying unit. CPU 101 can cause the notifying unit of service base 300 to notify the data indicating the degree of urgency according to the detected degree of urgency.

[0061] The CPU 101 may store the determined sign in the database DB instead of notifying a notification unit provided in the service base 300. In this case, the CPU 101 functions as a storage control unit of the present invention. The database DB is provided in a PC 410 installed in the data center 400 (see FIG. 2). The database DB accumulates abnormality detection results (abnormality detection history) of the devices. The database DB may be provided in each image forming apparatus 10 or in the PC 310 installed in the service base 300.

[0062] The strength of electrostatic discharges that cause sensor malfunctions due to electrostatic discharge varies depending on the vulnerability of the photosensors 20a-20j and the length of the harness. Devices with the same structure (equivalent structure) have similar harness lengths. Therefore, the correspondence between the peak value detected by the static electricity detection unit 104 and the photosensors 20a-20j for which a malfunction sign has been detected and the nearby grounding members is the same. First, a device (image forming device 10) transmits information including the peak value when a malfunction sign is detected, the photosensors 20a-20j for which a malfunction sign has been detected, and the nearby grounding members to a PC 410 installed in the data center 400. Next, the PC 410 installed in the data center 400 transmits various information transmitted from the device for which a malfunction sign has been detected to other devices with the same structure. If the peak value detected by the static electricity detection unit 104 of another device of equivalent structure is a value transmitted from the PC 410 installed in the data center 400, the other device can detect and report a sign of a fault occurring in the corresponding grounding member. The value transmitted from the PC 410 installed in the data center 400 is the detected value (peak value) of the static electricity detection unit 104 of the device for which a sign has been detected (the above-mentioned "certain device"). This makes it possible to prevent delays in reporting due to variations between devices.

[0063] As described above, the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the sensor is malfunctioning when the detection value (peak value) of the static electricity detection unit 104 matches the detection value of the static electricity detection unit 104 of another apparatus of the same structure for which a malfunction has been determined.

[0064] As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes sensors (photo sensors 20a-20j), a static electricity detection unit 104, a sign determination unit (CPU 101), and a notification control unit (CPU 101). The static electricity detection unit 104 detects the occurrence of static electricity. The sign determination unit determines a sign of a sensor malfunction based on a detection value from the static electricity detection unit 104. The notification control unit causes the notification unit (display unit 161) to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can detect signs of sensor malfunction due to electrostatic discharge, and can resolve problems with the discharge path (such as replacing the grounding member) before any harm occurs to the user.

[0065] The sign determination unit determines the level of urgency based on at least one of the signal strength and the rate of change of the signal strength detected by the electrostatic detection unit 104. The notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit based on the level of urgency determined by the sign determination unit. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of the warning sign according to the determined urgency level, and thus the malfunction in the discharge path can be appropriately resolved.

[0066] The notification control unit also causes a notification unit provided at the service base 300 to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit. Therefore, the detected sign can be notified to the service person at the service base 300. Therefore, the malfunction of the discharge path can be appropriately resolved.

[0067] The notification control unit also causes the display unit 161 to display the sign determined by the sign determination unit. Therefore, the detected sign can be notified to the user, and the malfunction in the discharge path can be appropriately resolved.

[0068] The system also includes a storage control unit (CPU 101) that stores the signs determined by the sign determination unit in a database DB that accumulates the history of abnormality detection. Therefore, it is possible to compile and analyze the sign detection history of each image forming apparatus 10. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of sign detection.

[0069] Furthermore, the sign discrimination unit discriminates a sign of sensor malfunction when the detection value of the static electricity detection unit 104 matches the detection value of the static electricity detection unit 104 of another device of the same structure for which a sign has been discriminated. Therefore, the results of other devices with the same structure can be used to deal with problems in the discharge path, and problems in the discharge path can be appropriately resolved.

[0070] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0071] (Variation 1) For example, in the above embodiment, signs of sensor malfunction are determined based on a change in the detection value of the static electricity detection unit 104, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the sensor output 21 is not detected to have the same value a predetermined number of times in succession, signs of sensor malfunction may be determined based on the detection value of the static electricity detection unit 104. The control of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first modification will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0072] First, the CPU 101 acquires the peak value of the output signal 31 acquired by the static electricity detection unit 104 (step S201).

[0073] Next, the CPU 101 calculates the average value and the variation ΔV of the peak values ​​acquired in step S201 (step S202).

[0074] Next, the CPU 101 acquires the sensor output 21 via the connection line 23 (step S203).

[0075] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not L (Low) is detected in the sensor output 21 acquired in step S203 (step S204). If the CPU 101 determines that L is detected (step S204: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S205. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that L has not been detected (step S204: NO), the process proceeds to step S201.

[0076] In step S205, the CPU 101 determines whether the state has been determined to be L by the state determination unit 102. The state determination unit 102 determines the state to be L when it detects that the output values ​​of the photosensors 20a-20j are L a predetermined number of times in succession. When the CPU 101 determines that the state has been determined to be L by the state determination unit 102 (step S205: YES), the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the state has not been determined to be L by the state determination unit 102 (step S205: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to the next step S206.

[0077] In step S206, the CPU 101 determines whether the variation ΔV calculated in step S202 is within a predetermined range. If the CPU 101 determines that the variation ΔV calculated in step S202 is within the predetermined range (step S206: YES), the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the variation ΔV calculated in step S202 is not within the predetermined range (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S207.

[0078] In step S207, CPU 101 determines that there is a sign of malfunction due to static electricity. That is, when CPU 101 has not detected that the output values ​​of photosensors 20a-20j are the same value (L) a predetermined number of times in succession, CPU 101 determines that there is a sign of malfunction of photosensors 20a-20j based on the detection values ​​of static electricity detection unit 104. When CPU 101 has not detected that the output values ​​of photosensors 20a-20j are the same value (L) a predetermined number of times in succession, this is a case where state determination unit 102 has not determined that the state is L.

[0079] As described above, image forming apparatus 10 according to Modification 1 includes state determination unit 102 that determines a state when it detects that the output value of the sensor has the same value a predetermined number of times in succession. If it does not detect that the output value of the sensor has the same value a predetermined number of times in succession, the sign determination unit determines whether there is a sign of a sensor malfunction based on the detection value of static electricity detection unit 104. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first modification can detect a sign of sensor malfunction due to electrostatic discharge, and can resolve the problem in the discharge path (such as by replacing the grounding member) before any disadvantage occurs to the user.

[0080] The state determination unit 102 determines the state when the same value is displayed n times in succession. The more L (Low) continues until the state determination unit 102 determines L, the greater the number of times the sensor malfunctions due to static electricity or the magnitude of the static electricity. Therefore, the CPU 101 can determine that the greater the number of Ls continues, the greater the urgency of replacing the grounding member (leaf spring 152). In this case, it is known which photosensor 20a-20j has exhibited a sign of malfunction. Therefore, it can be determined whether a contact failure is occurring in the leaf spring 152 connected to the roller 150 near that photosensor 20a-20j.

[0081] Therefore, the CPU 101 determines the degree of urgency based on at least one of the frequency at which the output values ​​of the photosensors 20a-20j are not the same value and the number of times the output values ​​of the photosensors 20a-20j are not the same value. The CPU 101 then causes the notification unit to notify the determined sign based on the determined degree of urgency. This allows the user to be notified of the warning sign according to the determined urgency level, thereby making it possible to appropriately resolve the problem in the discharge path.

[0082] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the notification by the notification unit of the present invention is explained by exemplifying the display by the display unit 161, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of the display by the display unit 161, audio output by an audio output unit (not shown) may be adopted.

[0083] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the image forming apparatus can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10 Image forming device 11 Automatic document feeder 12. Scanner 13 Printer section 131Y-131K Imaging Unit 131a Photoreceptor 131b Charging roller 131c developer 131d Cleaner 131e Cleaning roller 132 print head 133 Intermediate transfer belt 134 Primary transfer roller 135 Secondary transfer roller 136 Timing Roller 137 Separation member 138 Fixing unit 139 Paper output tray 139a Paper ejection roller 14 Paper feed section 141a-141c Paper cassette 142a-142c Paper feed roller 143a-143c Pickup roller 15 Conveying section 150 Roller 150a rubber roller part 150b metal shaft 151a-151d Conveyor roller 152 Leaf spring 16 Operation display section 161 Display unit (notification unit) 162 Operation section 20a-20j Photo sensor (sensor) 100 control section 101 CPU (signal determination unit, notification control unit, storage control unit) 102 Status determination section 103 Interface section 104 Static electricity detection unit 110 Storage section 200 power supply 300 service locations 310 PC 311 Display unit (notification unit) 400 Data Centers 410 PC DB Database P paper LB laser beam R1 Reversal Path N Network

Claims

1. The sensor and a static electricity detection unit that detects the generation of static electricity; a sign determination unit that determines a sign of a malfunction of the sensor based on the detected value of the static electricity detection unit; a notification control unit that notifies a notification unit of the sign determined by the sign determination unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a state determination unit that determines a state when it detects that the output value of the sensor is the same for a predetermined number of consecutive times; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the symptom determination unit determines a symptom of a malfunction of the sensor based on the detection value of the electrostatic detection unit when the output value of the sensor does not detect the same value for a predetermined number of consecutive times.

3. the sign determination unit determines a degree of urgency based on at least one of the signal strength detected by the electrostatic detection unit and a rate of change of the signal strength; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit based on the degree of urgency determined by the sign determination unit.

4. the sign determination unit determines the urgency based on at least one of the frequency with which the output values ​​of the sensor are not the same value and the number of times the output values ​​of the sensor are not the same value; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notification control unit causes the notification unit to notify the sign determined by the sign determination unit based on the degree of urgency determined by the sign determination unit.

5. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit notifies a notification unit provided at a service center of the sign determined by the sign determination unit.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit causes a display unit to display the sign determined by the sign determination unit.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage control unit that stores the sign determined by the sign determination unit in a database that accumulates a history of abnormality detection.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the symptom discrimination unit discriminates a symptom of a malfunction of the sensor when the detection value of the electrostatic detection unit matches the detection value of the electrostatic detection unit of another device of the same structure in which the symptom was discriminated.

9. A method for detecting a sign of static electricity in an image forming apparatus including a sensor and a static electricity detection unit that detects the generation of static electricity, comprising: a sign determining step of determining a sign of malfunction of the sensor based on the detected value of the electrostatic detection unit; a notification control step of causing a notification unit to notify the sign determined in the sign determination step; A method for identifying an indication including:

10. A computer of an image forming apparatus including a sensor and a static electricity detection unit that detects the generation of static electricity, a sign determination unit that determines a sign of a malfunction of the sensor based on the detected value of the electrostatic detection unit; a notification control unit that notifies a notification unit of the sign determined by the sign determination unit; A program to function as a

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