JP3651758B2 - Energy saving return method and recording device using the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an energy-saving control technology such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and a laser printer, and more particularly to an energy-saving return method suitable for efficiently returning from an energy-saving state and a recording apparatus using the same. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A recording apparatus that performs printing processing such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and a laser printer is generally provided with a control function called an energy saving mode. In this energy saving mode, when the apparatus is not operating, for example, the temperature of the heater is controlled to be lower than normal. In a recording apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a laser printer, a photoconductor and toner are used for printing processing. To fix the toner transferred from the photoconductor onto the recording paper, the toner is used. A step of melting by heat is provided. A heater is used to generate this heat and consumes a lot of electric power.
[0003]
In the energy saving mode, power consumption of the heater and the like can be suppressed.
The energy saving mode shifts from the normal state automatically when the user presses a predetermined key or when the apparatus has not been operated for a predetermined time.
[0004]
In this energy saving mode, as described above, the heater that controls the heater temperature at a temperature lower than normal, and the one that stops the power supply to all the components that comprise the heater (hereinafter referred to as “completely”). Energy saving mode ”).
In a general energy saving mode, for example, when a user presses the start key in a copying machine, the copying starts after the heater set to a low temperature reaches a normal temperature, and other parts including the heater Electricity is supplied to the city, and so much energy saving effect cannot be expected.
[0005]
In contrast, in the complete energy-saving mode, power is supplied only to a small number of parts including the energy-saving CPU (Central Processing Unit) that monitors key presses and incoming calls, and when the power switch is turned off. It is the same state. Therefore, a great energy saving effect can be obtained.
[0006]
However, conventionally, the return from the complete energy saving mode to the normal state is performed by starting the main body CPU that controls the processing of the apparatus main body by the energy saving CPU that has detected the pressing of each key or incoming call. Therefore, the main body CPU initializes and returns the apparatus in the same manner as when the power switch is turned on.
[0007]
In a recording apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a laser printer that performs a printing process using a photoconductor and toner, the initialization operation at the time of return includes a photoconductor cleaning operation. That is, when a recording paper is jammed in the apparatus due to a paper jam or the like, the user may turn off the power switch in order to remove the paper. The cleaning operation is always performed.
[0008]
A certain amount of time is required until the photoconductor cleaning operation is completed. For this reason, for example, when there is an incoming call in a completely energy-saving facsimile apparatus, if the cleaning operation is not completed before the first sheet is received, memory reception is performed. As a result, memory capacity is wasted. In addition, since the printout is not performed on the recording paper, the user may not notice the incoming call, resulting in problems such as delay in communication.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The problem to be solved is that in the conventional technology, the initialization operation of the device when returning from the complete energy saving state cannot be made different from the initialization operation of the device when the power switch is turned on.
The object of the present invention is to solve these problems of the prior art, and to speed up the return operation of the apparatus when returning from the complete energy saving state, compared with the return operation of the apparatus when the power switch is turned on. It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy saving return method capable of improving the operability and performance of a recording apparatus such as a laser printer and a recording apparatus using the same.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the energy saving return method and the recording apparatus using the same of the present invention, when the energy saving CPU detects the occurrence of the factor, the energy detection CPU holds the detection result of the factor in the holding means B, for example, the own port B. The main body CPU is activated later, and the activated main body CPU reads the port B of the energy saving CPU, determines the presence / absence of the detection result of the factor, and initializes the apparatus by a different initialization procedure depending on the presence / absence of the detection result. Do. For example, if there is no detection result, the main body CPU performs an initialization procedure when the power switch of the apparatus is turned on, that is, an initialization operation including cleaning of the photosensitive member. If there is a detection result, the apparatus is initialized by a predetermined initialization procedure corresponding to the factor. If the toner cartridge is replaced in the energy saving state, the energy saving CPU detects the result and holds the result in its own port A, and the main body CPU 2 holds the toner cartridge replacement detection result in the port A. For example, an initialization operation including cleaning of the photosensitive member is performed.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a configuration of a facsimile apparatus as a recording apparatus using the energy saving return method of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is one of the parts for controlling the energy saving return of the facsimile apparatus in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure.
[0012]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a facsimile machine (denoted as “FAX” in the figure), 2 is a main body CPU, 3 is an energy saving CPU, 4 is a memory, 5 is an operation unit, 6 is an interface unit (in the figure, “PC I / I” F ”), 7 is a modem, 8 is a network control unit (indicated as“ NCU ”in the figure), 9 is a scanner, 10 is a printer unit, and 11 is a sensor switch (in the figure,“ sensor SW ”). (Description), 12 is a bus.
[0013]
The main body CPU 2 controls the overall processing operation of the facsimile apparatus 1, and the energy saving CPU 3 monitors the occurrence of a factor for returning the facsimile apparatus 1 to the normal state when the energy saving state is complete.
The memory 4 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores operation programs and data of the main body CPU 2 and the energy saving CPU, image data to be transmitted / received, etc. separately for each address area.
[0014]
The operation unit includes an input unit composed of a one-touch key, a numeric keypad, a start key, and the like, and an output unit composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and is used for interactive input / output operations with the user.
The interface unit 6 includes a SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface), RS-232C, or the like, and performs connection control with a computer such as a personal computer (personal computer) (not shown).
[0015]
The modem 7 performs modulation processing and demodulation processing of image data to be transmitted / received.
The network control unit 8 performs connection control with a partner apparatus via a telephone line or the like.
The scanner 9 has a CIS (Contact-type Image Sensor) or the like, and scans a document to be transmitted to read image data.
[0016]
The printer unit 10 has a laser printer mechanism, and records received data using a photoconductor and toner.
The sensor switch 11 includes a power switch, a cover switch, a sensor for detecting the presence / absence of a toner cartridge used in the printer unit 10, a document presence / absence sensor for detecting a document set on the scanner 9, and the like.
[0017]
The energy saving CPU 3, the ringing detection circuit and the hook detection circuit in the network control unit 8, the document presence / absence sensor in the scanner 9, the energy saving return button in the operation unit 5, the data reception unit from the connected computer in the interface unit 6, etc. Power is supplied even during energy saving.
[0018]
When there is any user operation in the operation unit 5 or ringing from the line to the network control unit 8 in the complete energy saving state, the main body CPU 2 is activated as a factor. Thereby, the facsimile machine 1 returns from the energy saving state to the normal state. In this case, the energy-saving CPU 3 activates the main body CPU 2 after setting a value corresponding to each factor in the own port as to which factor causes the energy-saving recovery.
[0019]
When activated, the main body CPU 2 reads the port set by the energy saving CPU 3, and if nothing is set, determines that it is a normal activation by turning on the power switch, and performs a normal initialization operation. For example, the printer unit The photosensitive member 10 is cleaned. Further, if any value is set in the port, it is determined that the activation is made by returning from the complete energy saving state, and the port is specified by the value of the port without performing the cleaning operation of the photoconductor in the printer unit 10. The process corresponding to the factor is performed.
[0020]
Hereinafter, a system for performing an energy saving return, which is configured in a facsimile machine that performs such processing, will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 2, 4a is an energy saving control unit configured by the energy saving CPU 3 in FIG. 1. The energy saving control unit 4a includes a return detection unit 4b, an information setting unit 4c, a main body activation unit 4d, a port (in the figure, “ A ”) 4e and a port (denoted“ B ”in the figure) 4f. Reference numeral 2a denotes an initial processing unit configured by the main body CPU 2 in FIG. 1, and the initial processing unit 2a includes a setting information reading unit 2b and an initialization unit 2c.
[0021]
During the complete energy saving state, the energy saving control unit 4a monitors the occurrence of the return factor to the normal state by the return detection unit 4b. For example, if any user operation or ringing occurs from the line, the return detection unit 4b detects this and notifies the information setting unit 4c.
[0022]
In the information setting unit 4c, a value corresponding to the factor notified from the return detection unit 4b, for example, “1” if the document set detection operation by the scanner 9 of FIG. If the ringing detection circuit of 1 network control unit 8 detects ringing from the line, information such as “2” indicating the reason for returning from the complete energy saving state is described as a port (“B” in the figure). ) Set to 4f.
[0023]
The information setting unit 4 c monitors a sensor in the sensor switch 11 that detects the presence or absence of the toner cartridge 10 a in the printer unit 10. When the sensor detects the absence of the toner cartridge 10a even once during the complete energy saving state, the information setting unit 4c sets a predetermined value in the port (described as “A” in the figure) 4e. .
[0024]
The information setting unit 4c does not notify the main body activation unit 4d of the operation when setting a value to the port 4e, but notifies the main body activation unit 4d of the operation when setting a value to the port 4f. Based on the notification from the information setting unit 4c, the main body activation unit 4d activates the initial processing unit 2a on the main body CPU 2 side.
[0025]
In this way, when activated from the main body activation unit 4d of the energy saving control unit 4a, the initial processing unit 2a on the main body CPU 2 side first reads the port 4f on the energy saving CPU 3 side by the setting information reading unit 2b. If no value is set in this port 4f, it is determined that the power switch is turned on, and the initialization unit 2c performs normal initial (initialization) operation including cleaning of the photosensitive member of the printer unit 10. To do.
[0026]
However, if a certain value is set in the port 4f, it is determined that the start-up from the complete energy saving state is caused by some factor, and the setting information reading unit 2b reads the port 4e of the energy saving control unit 4a. If a value is set in this port 4e, it is determined that the operator has replaced the toner cartridge in the printer unit 10 during the complete energy saving state, and the initialization unit 2c performs a normal cleaning operation with a photosensitive member. Performs initial operation. As a result, it is possible to remove the contamination of the photoreceptor associated with the replacement of the toner cartridge.
[0027]
Thereafter, the port 4f is read again, and processing corresponding to the factor specified by the value set in the port 4f is performed. For example, if the set value is “1”, the scanner 9 in FIG. 1 is activated to start reading the set original. If the value is “2”, the network control unit 8 in FIG. 1 is activated to start the reception operation.
[0028]
If no value is set in the port 4e, the port 4f is read again without performing the cleaning operation of the photosensitive member, and the above-mentioned factor corresponding to the factor specified by the value set in the port 4f is described. Perform processing.
Hereinafter, the processing operation by such a facsimile apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first processing operation example related to the energy saving return method of the present invention of the facsimile apparatus in FIG.
In the complete energy saving state (step 301), if there is any cause for returning to the normal state (step 302), the energy saving CPU 3 sets a value corresponding to the return factor in the port and then starts the main body CPU 2 (step 303). .
When activated, the main body CPU 2 confirms the port set by the energy saving CPU 3 (step 304).
[0030]
If any value is set in this port (step 305), it is determined that the activation is due to the return from the complete energy saving state, and the initialization operation excluding the photoconductor cleaning operation in the printer unit 10 is performed (step 305). 306), processing corresponding to the factor specified by the value of the port is performed (step 307). In step 305, if the port value set by the energy saving CPU 3 is not set, it is determined that the power switch is turned on normally, and a normal initialization operation including a photoconductor cleaning operation is performed ( Step 308).
[0031]
As described above, in the return from the complete energy saving state, the photosensitive member is not cleaned in the initialization operation, so that the time until the recovery is complete can be shortened. There is no reception.
Next, another processing operation of the facsimile machine 1 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second processing operation example related to the energy saving return method of the present invention of the facsimile apparatus in FIG.
In the complete energy saving state (step 401), if there is a return factor to any normal state (step 402), the energy saving CPU 3 sets a value corresponding to the return factor in the port, and then starts the main body CPU 2 (step 403). .
When activated, the main body CPU 2 confirms the port set by the energy saving CPU 3 (step 404).
[0033]
If no value is set in this port (step 405), it is determined that the power supply switch is turned on, and a normal initialization operation including a photoconductor cleaning operation is performed (step 406).
Further, if any value is set in the port (step 405), it is determined that the start is made by returning from the complete energy saving state, and the factor corresponding to the value is set to perform the cleaning operation of the photosensitive member. It is determined whether or not (step 407).
[0034]
If the setting does not involve the photosensitive member cleaning operation, an initialization operation other than the photosensitive member cleaning operation is performed (step 408), and then processing corresponding to the factor specified by the port value is performed (step 409). .
If the setting is accompanied by the cleaning operation of the photoconductor, an initialization operation including normal photoconductor cleaning is performed (step 410), and then processing corresponding to the factor specified by the value of the port is performed (step 410). Step 409).
[0035]
Thus, in this example, even when returning from the complete energy saving state, it is possible to select whether or not to perform the cleaning operation of the photosensitive member. For example, regarding the recovery factor from the completely energy-saving state using the cleaning cartridge, if the photosensitive member is cleaned, the operator replaces the toner cartridge during the completely energy-saving state and the photosensitive member becomes dirty. However, since cleaning is performed at the time of return, it is possible to prevent a problem that a dirty image is printed by printing immediately after the return from the complete energy saving state.
[0036]
Further, another processing operation of the facsimile machine 1 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third processing operation example related to the energy saving return method of the present invention of the facsimile apparatus in FIG.
[0037]
If no toner cartridge is detected during the complete energy saving state (step 501) (step 502), a predetermined value is set to port A, that is, port 4e in FIG. 2 (step 503).
If there is any cause for returning to the normal state (step 504), the energy saving CPU 3 sets a value corresponding to the cause for return to the port B, that is, the port 4f in FIG. 2, and then starts the main body CPU 2 (step 505). .
[0038]
When activated, the main body CPU 2 checks whether or not a value is set in the port B (step 506).
If no value is set in this port B (step 507), it is determined that the power supply switch is turned on, and a normal initialization operation including a photoconductor cleaning operation is performed (step 508).
[0039]
In Step 507, if any value is set in the port B, it is determined that the activation is made by returning from the complete energy saving state, and further, it is confirmed whether or not the value is set in the port A ( Step 509).
[0040]
If no value is set in port A, it can be determined that the toner cartridge has not been replaced during the complete energy saving state, and after performing initialization processing excluding the photoconductor cleaning operation (step 510), Processing corresponding to the factor specified by the value is performed (step 511).
[0041]
If the value is set in the port A, it is determined that the toner cartridge has been replaced during the complete energy saving state, and an initialization operation including normal cleaning of the photoconductor is performed (step 512). Then, processing corresponding to the factor specified by the value of the port is performed (step 511).
[0042]
As described above, in this example, whether or not the toner cartridge has been replaced during the complete energy saving state is determined based on whether or not a value is set in the port A. Therefore, the replacement of the toner cartridge during the complete energy saving state is surely confirmed. In this case, the dirty photoconductor can always be cleaned by exchanging the toner cartridge, so that it is possible to surely avoid a problem that a dirty image is printed by printing immediately after returning from the complete energy saving state.
[0043]
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the energy saving control system of the present embodiment and the facsimile apparatus 1 as a recording apparatus using the energy saving CPU 3, when the energy saving CPU 3 detects the occurrence of the factor, After holding the detection result in its own port (B) 4f, the main body CPU 2 is activated, and the activated main body CPU 2 reads the port 4f of the energy saving CPU 3 to determine the presence / absence of the detection result of the factor. Accordingly, the facsimile apparatus 1 is initialized by a different initialization procedure.
[0044]
For example, if there is no detection result, the main body CPU 2 performs an initialization procedure when the power switch of the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned on, that is, an initialization operation including cleaning of the photosensitive member. If there is a detection result, the apparatus is initialized by a predetermined initialization procedure corresponding to the factor.
[0045]
If the toner cartridge is exchanged in the energy saving state, the energy saving CPU 3 detects it and holds the result in its own port (A) 4e, and the main body CPU 2 replaces the toner cartridge in its own port (A) 4e. If the detection result is held, the initialization operation including the cleaning of the photosensitive member is always performed.
[0046]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the Example demonstrated using FIGS. 1-5, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, various changes are possible. For example, in this example, the facsimile apparatus is used as the recording apparatus, but the present invention can also be applied to a copying machine, a laser printer connected to a computer, and the like.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the apparatus start-up operation when returning from the complete energy saving state can be made faster than the apparatus start-up operation when the power switch is turned on, and the operability and performance of a facsimile machine, copier, laser printer, etc. can be improved. It is possible to improve.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a configuration of a facsimile apparatus as a recording apparatus using an energy saving return method of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a part that controls energy saving return of the facsimile apparatus in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first processing operation example according to the energy saving return method of the present invention of the facsimile apparatus in FIG. 1;
4 is a flowchart showing a second processing operation example according to the energy saving return method of the present invention of the facsimile apparatus in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third processing operation example related to the energy saving return method of the present invention of the facsimile apparatus in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1: facsimile machine (FAX), 2: main body CPU, 2a: initial processing unit, 2b: setting information reading unit, 2c: initialization unit, 3: energy saving CPU, 4: memory, 4a: energy saving control unit, 4b: return Detection unit, 4c: Information setting unit, 4d: Main body activation unit, 4e: Port (A), 4f: Port (B), 5: Operation unit, 6: Interface unit (PCI / F), 7: Modem, 8: Network control unit (NCU), 9: scanner, 10: printer unit, 10a: toner cartridge, 11: sensor switch (sensor / SW), 12: bus.

Claims (2)

The main body CPU that is activated by turning on the power switch and performs initialization operation including cleaning of the photoconductor to control the apparatus, and the occurrence of the factor that operates in the energy saving state and returns the energy saving state to the normal state is detected. In the energy saving recovery method of the recording apparatus having the energy saving CPU for starting the main body CPU, the energy saving CPU starts the main body CPU after holding the detection result of the factor in the holding means B when detecting the occurrence of the factor, The activated main body CPU reads the holding means B, determines the presence / absence of the detection result of the factor, and if there is the detection result, the device CPU performs an initialization procedure when returning from the energy saving state to the normal state. If there is no detection result, initialize when the power switch is turned on.
Further, the energy saving CPU detects the replacement of the toner cartridge provided in the apparatus during the energy saving state, holds the replacement detection result in the holding means A, and the activated main body CPU stores the replacement detection result in the holding means A. An energy-saving return method characterized by performing an initialization operation including cleaning of a photoconductor provided in an apparatus if a toner cartridge replacement detection result is held. The main body control means that is activated by turning on the power switch and performs initialization operations including cleaning of the photoconductor to control the apparatus, and the occurrence of factors that operate in the energy saving state and return the energy saving state to the normal state are detected. An energy saving control means for starting the main body control means, and recording on a recording sheet, wherein the energy saving control means holds the detection result of the factor when the occurrence of the factor is detected. The main body control means which has a detection result holding means and is activated, has means for discriminating the presence or absence of the detection result of the factor in the detection result holding means; Initializing the device according to the initialization procedure when returning to the state, and if there is no detection result, an initialization means for performing initialization when activated by turning on the power switch,
Further, the energy saving control means includes replacement detection result holding means for detecting replacement of a toner cartridge provided in the apparatus during an energy saving state and holding the replacement detection result. And means for determining whether or not there is a replacement detection result of the toner cartridge in the replacement detection result holding means. If the replacement detection result is held, an initialization operation including cleaning of the photoreceptor is performed. A recording apparatus.

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