JP2002281188A - Multifunction machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multifunction machine which can maintain handleability and also can increase energy-saving efficiency, when it is used as a fax machine. SOLUTION: A first temperature for use in the recording operation of a fixing unit 111 and a second temperature lower than the first temperature are prepared for temperatures of the fixing unit 111, so that when a copy function is selected in a multifunction machine 100, the first temperature is set as the temperature of the fixing unit 111, while when a FAX function is selected, the second temperature is correspondingly set in conjunction with the temperature of the fixing unit 111.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral having an energy saving function for reducing power consumption during standby.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a multi-function machine of this type, a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, etc.
Some devices have a power saving function to reduce power consumption during standby.

In this multifunction machine, the temperature of the fixing unit in the recording section is set to 180 ° to 190 ° during the recording operation. If this temperature is maintained even during standby, power is wastefully consumed. Therefore, control is performed to lower the temperature of the fixing unit to about 70 °. Then, when the recording operation is restarted, the temperature of the fixing unit is increased again to 180 ° to 190 °. Such a state in which power consumption is reduced is called an energy saving mode.

Here, the reason why the temperature of the fixing device is set to about 70 ° in the energy saving mode is that, in the case of the copy function, if the waiting time from the energy saving mode to the state in which the recording operation can be performed is long, the user is uncomfortable. This is because it becomes impossible to cope with the case where the user wants the copy immediately after giving it, and the balance between the demand for energy saving and the usability as the copy function is achieved. Further, according to the regulations of the Energy Conservation Law, the power consumption per hour can be reduced to 99 w / h according to the class of the device.
Alternatively, it is necessary to consider that there is an obligation to keep it to 55 w / h or less. For example, the temperature of the fixing unit is set to 1 per hour.
The fixing temperature in the energy saving mode is determined to be about 70 ° so that the regulation of the law can be satisfied by setting 180 ° to 190 ° for 5 minutes and 70 ° for 45 minutes.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional technique, the following problems have occurred.

That is, the multifunction peripheral has not only a copy function,
It also has a FAX function. Whether the multifunction peripheral is used as a copy machine or as a facsimile is provided by a function switching button, which is pressed by pressing the button.

[0007] Here, when the MFP is used as a FAX function, the user is not in front of the apparatus at the time of normal reception by FAX. Unlike the case of
It does not offend the user. Therefore, in the case of the FAX function, it is better to give priority to the energy saving efficiency even if the waiting time from the energy saving mode to the state where the recording operation can be performed is lengthened.

However, in the case of a multifunction machine, there are cases where it is used as a copy machine and some cases where it is used as a facsimile. Was set.

Therefore, when used as a FAX function, there is a problem that wasteful power consumption occurs and energy saving efficiency is poor.

On the other hand, if the energy saving mode is set on the basis of the FAX function, as described above, a long waiting time is required until the recording operation becomes possible, which makes the user uncomfortable and cannot cope with the case where copying is desired immediately. The problem occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multifunction peripheral capable of improving energy saving efficiency when used as a facsimile function while maintaining ease of use as a copy function.

[0012]

A multifunction peripheral according to the present invention provides a facsimile function by preparing a first temperature used for a recording operation and a second temperature lower than the first temperature for a fixing device. If this is selected, the temperature of the fixing unit will be
Temperature. This allows
While maintaining the ease of use as a copy function, FA
When used as the X function, energy saving efficiency can be increased.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A multifunction peripheral according to a first aspect of the present invention has a function switching means for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, and a first apparatus using a temperature of a fixing device for a recording operation. A fixing temperature switching unit for switching between a temperature, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit; and a fixing unit in conjunction with the facsimile function when the function switching unit selects a facsimile function. And control means for setting the temperature at the second temperature.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the fixing device is
A first temperature used for the recording operation, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a state in which power is not supplied are prepared.
By simply selecting the function, the temperature of the fixing device is automatically set to the second temperature. As a result, in the FAX function that does not make the user uncomfortable even if it takes a long waiting time from the energy saving mode to the state in which the recording operation can be performed, the energy saving mode is set to the normal state, and the usability of the copy function is not impaired. Thus, the energy saving efficiency of the entire multifunction peripheral can be improved.

Further, when the facsimile function is selected, the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode without instructing the energy saving mode, thereby making the user uncomfortable even if it takes a long time from the energy saving mode to the state where the recording operation can be performed. With the FAX function that does not have any problem, regardless of the presence or absence of the energy saving instruction from the user, the FAX function automatically switches to the energy saving mode in conjunction with the FAX function, so the user does not have to be conscious of whether to switch to the energy saving mode. In addition, energy saving efficiency can be improved.

A multifunction peripheral according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a function switching unit for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature for using the temperature of the fixing unit for a recording operation, and a first temperature for the recording operation. A fixing temperature switching unit for switching between a second temperature lower than the first temperature and a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit; and setting the temperature of the fixing unit to the first temperature when the function switching unit selects a copy function. On the other hand, when the function switching unit selects the FAX function, a control unit that sets the temperature of the fixing unit to the second temperature is adopted.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the fixing device is
A first temperature used for the recording operation, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a state in which power is not supplied are prepared. When the copy function is selected, the temperature of the fixing unit is set to the first temperature, and the facsimile is set. When the function is selected, the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature. As a result, in the copy function, the state in which recording can be performed is set to a normal state, while in the FAX function which does not make the user uncomfortable even if it takes a wait time from the energy saving mode to the state in which recording can be performed,
Since the energy saving mode is normal, the energy saving efficiency of the entire multifunction peripheral can be improved without impairing the usability of the copy function.

Further, when the copy function is selected, the energy saving mode is not set unless the energy saving mode is instructed.
When the FAX function is selected, the FAX function which does not make the user uncomfortable even if it takes a waiting time from the energy saving mode to the state where the recording operation can be performed by setting the energy saving mode without instructing the energy saving mode. , Regardless of whether or not the user has entered the energy saving mode.
Since the energy saving mode is automatically set only by the AX function, the energy saving efficiency can be improved without the user being conscious of whether or not to perform the energy saving mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the multifunction peripheral according to the first or second aspect, when the function switching means selects the facsimile function, the control means adjusts the temperature of the fixing device to the second function. When a predetermined time elapses after setting the temperature, a configuration is adopted in which the state is automatically shifted to a state in which the power is not supplied.

According to this configuration, in the facsimile function, when the temperature of the fixing device reaches the second temperature, the state is automatically shifted to a state where power is not supplied after a predetermined period. As a result, the power supply to the fixing device is automatically stopped without the user's consciousness, so that the energy saving efficiency can be further improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the multifunction peripheral according to the second aspect, when the function switching means selects the copy function, the control means changes the temperature of the fixing device from the first temperature. A configuration in which the power is not supplied through the second temperature in a stepwise manner, and the temperature of the fixing device is shifted from the second temperature to a state in which the power is not supplied when the FAX function is selected. Take.

According to this configuration, in the copy function, the temperature of the fixing unit in the standby state is set to the first temperature, and the first temperature is set to the first temperature.
In the FAX function, the temperature of the fixing device in a standby state is set to a second temperature, and the temperature of the fixing device is set to a second temperature from the second temperature. The state is shifted to a state where the power is not supplied.
This allows the copy function to maintain a state in which it can be restored to a recordable state in a short time, while the facsimile function gives priority to energy saving efficiency to the fixing unit in a short time after the operation is completed, even if the user is not aware of it. Since the power supply to the multifunction peripheral is stopped, the energy saving efficiency of the multifunction peripheral as a whole can be further improved.

A multifunction peripheral according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a function switching means for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for the recording operation using the temperature of the fixing device, and a second temperature. A fixing temperature switching unit for switching between a second temperature lower than the first temperature and a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing device; and an energy saving selection for selecting an energy saving mode for lowering the temperature of the fixing device during standby to the second temperature or lower. And a control unit for setting the temperature of the fixing unit to a state in which the power is not supplied when the energy saving selection unit selects the energy saving mode while the function switching unit selects the FAX function. take.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the fixing device is
A first temperature used for the recording operation, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a state in which power is not supplied are prepared.
When the energy saving mode is selected with the function selected, the fixing temperature is reduced at a stretch while power is not supplied to the fixing device.
As a result, in the FAX function that does not disturb the user by taking a long waiting time from the energy saving mode to the state in which the recording operation can be performed, even if the waiting time until the state in which the recording operation can be performed becomes long, the energy saving efficiency is reduced. Therefore, even in the energy saving mode, it is possible to improve the energy saving efficiency of the MFP as a whole without impairing the usability of the copy function.

A multifunction peripheral according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a function switching unit for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for a recording operation using the temperature of the fixing device, and a second temperature. A fixing temperature switching unit for switching between a second temperature lower than the first temperature and a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing device; and an energy saving selection for selecting an energy saving mode for lowering the temperature of the fixing device during standby to the second temperature or lower. Means for setting the temperature of the fixing unit to the second temperature when the energy-saving selecting means selects the energy-saving mode while the function switching means selects the copying function; And control means for setting the temperature of the fixing device to a state in which the power is not supplied.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the fixing device is
A first temperature used for the recording operation, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a state in which power is not supplied are prepared. When the energy saving mode is selected with the copy function selected, the temperature of the fixing unit is set to the first temperature. From the temperature of the second to the second temperature,
When the energy saving mode is selected with the X function selected, the fixing temperature is reduced at a stretch while power is not supplied to the fixing device.
In this way, the temperature of the fixing device for the copy function and the facsimile function when the energy saving mode is instructed is switched instead of being made uniform, and the standby time until the recording operation is enabled in the copy function is shortened as much as possible. On the other hand, in the FAX function, energy saving efficiency is given priority even if the standby time until the recording operation becomes possible becomes long. Therefore, even in the energy saving mode, the energy saving efficiency of the entire MFP can be maintained without impairing the usability of the copy function. Can be improved.

A multifunction peripheral according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a function switching unit for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for a recording operation using the temperature of the fixing device, and a second temperature. A fixing temperature switching unit for switching between a second temperature lower than the first temperature and a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing device; and an energy saving selection for selecting an energy saving mode for lowering the temperature of the fixing device during standby to the second temperature or lower. Means for setting the temperature of the fixing device to the second temperature when the energy saving selection means selects the energy saving mode with the function switching means selecting the copy function, and energy saving mode when the facsimile function is selected. And a control unit for setting the temperature of the fixing unit to the second temperature when the user does not select.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the fixing unit is set to the second temperature when the energy saving mode is selected with the copy function selected, while the energy saving mode is not selected with the facsimile function selected. Then, the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature. As a result, while the power consumption is reduced by the user's instruction in the copy function, the power consumption is reduced regardless of the user's instruction in the facsimile function. Therefore, the recording operation is performed from the energy saving mode without impairing the usability of the copy function. With the FAX function that does not make the user uncomfortable even if it takes a long time to be possible,
By prioritizing the energy saving efficiency, the energy saving efficiency of the entire MFP can be improved.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the multifunction peripheral according to the seventh aspect, a display means for switching and displaying each state of the copy function or the facsimile function and the temperature of the fixing device are displayed in the second mode.
The backlight of the display means is turned off in the case of the copy function in a state where the temperature is set to the temperature of the second temperature. And a display control unit that lights up.

When the user instructs the energy saving mode in the copy function, the fixing device shifts to the second temperature. On this occasion,
When the display is turned off in conjunction with this, the user can visually recognize that the mode has shifted to the energy saving mode. On the other hand, in the facsimile function, when the facsimile function is selected, the fixing device immediately shifts to the second temperature regardless of a user's instruction. At this time, if the display unit is turned off in conjunction with this, the display unit will be turned off as soon as the FAX function is selected, and the user feels anxiety that the display unit has failed.

According to this configuration, when the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature, the backlight of the display means is turned off if the copy function is used, while the backlight of the display means is turned off if the facsimile function is used. Light. Thereby, in the case of the copy function, the display means is turned off in synchronization with the shift to the second temperature, and it is visually recognized that the mode has shifted to the energy saving mode, whereas in the case of the FAX function, the mode shifts to the second temperature. Even if the energy saving mode is different between the copy function and the facsimile function, the display means is in a normal state so that the user can understand the display contents of the display means. Can be improved.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment having a facsimile function and a copying function. Note that in this specification, a multifunction peripheral is a device having a function as a copying machine in addition to a function as a facsimile device, or a device having a function as a copying device and a recording device in addition to the function as a facsimile device. It means that.

The multifunction peripheral 100 is a main CPU 101 (hereinafter, referred to as “CPU 101”) for controlling the entire apparatus.
It has. A panel sub CPU 103 (hereinafter, referred to as a “sub CPU 10
3 "), the device information memory 104, the timer 105,
The printer unit 106 is connected.

The sub CPU 103 is connected to a panel display unit 107 as display means. Panel display unit 10
Reference numeral 7 denotes, for example, a touch panel or the like,
The instruction from the user 00 is received. Sub CPU10
3 transmits the instruction received from the panel display unit 107 to C
Notify the PU 101. On the other hand, the sub CPU 103
Under the instruction of the PU 101, it functions as a display control unit, and switches the display on the panel display unit 107.

The multifunction peripheral 100 is displayed on the panel display 107.
A copy key 108 and a FAX key 109 are provided as function switching means for selecting the operation mode. The copy mode is selected by the copy key 108 and the facsimile
The FAX mode is selected with the key 109. Further, the panel display unit 107 is provided with an energy saving key 110 as an energy saving selecting means for setting the MFP 100 in an energy saving mode (hereinafter, referred to as “energy saving mode”). Here, the energy saving mode refers to a mode in which the temperature of the fixing unit described below is reduced to a second temperature or lower.

The multifunction device 10 is stored in the device information memory 104.
Information indicating the state of 0 (hereinafter, referred to as “device information”) is stored. The device information refers to, for example, information of a currently selected mode (hereinafter, referred to as “mode information”) and temperature information of a fixing device described later.

The timer 105 is used when the CPU 101 performs timing control in the multifunction peripheral 100. In particular, the timer 105 monitors the progress of a state in which the multifunction peripheral 100 is not operated at all (hereinafter, referred to as “no operation state”). Used when

The printer unit 106 controls a recording operation in the multifunction peripheral 100. In particular, the printer unit 106
A temperature monitoring unit 112 is provided as a fixing temperature switching unit that monitors the temperature of the fixing device 111 that fixes the toner image on the recording paper and maintains or sets the temperature to a predetermined temperature. Temperature monitoring unit 1
Reference numeral 12 denotes a device information memory for storing temperature information of the fixing device 111.
Notify 4.

In this embodiment, the temperature (T) set in the fixing device 111 by the temperature monitoring unit 112 is the first temperature (T).
T> 180 ° C. as a temperature of 70 ° C. as a second temperature
≦ T <180 ° C., and T <70 ° C. is maintained or set as the third temperature. Note that the above-described first temperature is a temperature set in the fixing device 111 when a recording operation is performed in the MFP 100.

The system bus 102 is connected to the CPU 101.
The scanner unit 113 and the modem 114 are connected via the.

The scanner unit 113 is connected to the document detection unit 115 and reads an image of a document or the like placed on the document detection unit 115. The document detection unit 115
The placed document is detected by a sensor or the like. Image data read by the scanner unit 113 is stored in an image memory (not shown).

The modem 114 communicates predetermined signals and image data via a telephone network. It operates when the FAX function of the MFP 100 is used. Modem 114
Is connected to an incoming call detection unit 116. The incoming call detection unit 116 detects an incoming fax data at the modem 114.

The power supply 117 includes the CPU 101 and the sub CP
Power is supplied to U103. When the MFP 100 performs a normal operation, power is supplied to both the CPU 101 and the sub CPU 103. On the other hand, when the MFP 100 is set to the energy saving mode, power is supplied only to the sub CPU 103. That is, in the energy saving mode, the CPU 101 cuts off the power supply and temporarily stops its function. In this case, the sub CPU 103 performs the necessary minimum control in the energy saving mode in the multifunction peripheral 100. Specifically, the sub CPU 103 monitors the cancellation of the energy saving mode in the multifunction peripheral 100.

The sub CPU 103 has a power supply monitoring circuit 11
8 are connected. The power supply monitoring circuit 118 outputs an energy saving mode release signal to the sub CPU 103 when the MFP 100 needs to release the energy saving mode. That is, when the CPU 101 needs to be activated, an energy saving mode release signal is output to the sub CPU 103.

In the present embodiment, panel display unit 107
, The document detection unit 115 detects a document, and the incoming call detection unit 116
Detects the incoming call, the power supply monitoring circuit 118
An energy saving mode release signal is output to the PU 103.

Therefore, when the energy saving mode is set, the energy saving key 11
When 0 is selected, the sub CPU 103 outputs a signal to that effect to the power supply monitoring circuit 118. When the document detection unit 115 detects a document, the document detection unit 115 outputs a signal indicating the detection to the power supply monitoring circuit 118. further,
When the incoming call detection unit 116 detects an incoming call, the incoming call detection unit 11
6 outputs a signal to that effect to the power supply monitoring circuit 118.

The original detecting section 115 and the incoming call detecting section 1
16 outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply monitoring circuit 118 even in the energy saving mode because it is constituted by a hardware circuit. When these signals are input, the power supply monitoring circuit 118 activates the sub CPU to activate the CPU 101.
An energy saving mode release signal is output to 103.

Upon receiving the energy saving mode release signal, the sub CPU 103 requests the CPU 101 to start. When this request is received, the power saving mode is canceled by the CPU 101 receiving the power supply from the power supply 117.

Next, a flow when the energy saving mode is set in the multifunction peripheral 100 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 are flowcharts when the multifunction peripheral 100 sets the energy saving mode. Note that FIG.
In FIG. 5 to FIG. 5, the flow of the portion surrounded by the dotted line is a process performed by the sub CPU 103.

In the initial state, it is assumed that the multifunction peripheral 100 is in a standby state (ST201). Here, the standby state is, for example, a case where the power of the MFP 100 is turned on. In the standby state, the sub CPU 103 determines whether the copy key 108 is selected from the panel display unit 107 (ST202) or the FAX key 109 is selected (S202).
T203). That is, the MFP 100
Monitor whether a copy mode or a facsimile mode is selected.

When the power is turned on, the mode selected when the power is turned off is continuously selected. That is, when none of the keys is selected, if the mode selected at the time of power-off is the copy mode, it is assumed that the copy key 108 is continuously selected.

First, in ST202, copy key 1
The case where 08 is selected will be described. Copy key 1
08 is selected, the sub CPU 103 indicates that
Notify the PU 101. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 1
01 denotes the fixing device 11 stored in the device information memory 104.
1 is confirmed, and the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 is T
It is determined whether ≦ 180 ° C. (ST204).

If the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 is equal to or lower than 180 ° C., the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 is designated as the first temperature (ST205). Specifically, the CPU 10
1 instructs the temperature monitoring unit 112 to set the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 to the first temperature.

The CPU 101 is connected to the sub CPU 10
After the backlight of panel display unit 107 is turned on via ST3 (ST206), a copy standby screen is set on panel display unit 107 (ST207). If the temperature (T) of the fixing unit 111 is higher than 180 ° C. in ST204, the backlight of the panel display unit 107 is directly turned on by skipping ST205 (ST206), and the panel display unit 107 waits for copying. Set the screen (ST20
7).

When the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time (X minutes), the CPU 101 provides a non-operation timer (X minutes) (hereinafter referred to as “X-minute timer”) for shifting to the energy saving mode to the timer 105. This is set (ST208), and the process returns to ST202.

On the other hand, in ST203, FAX key 1
09 is selected, the sub CPU 103 notifies the CPU 10 in the same manner as when the copy key 108 is selected.
Notify 1. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 101
The temperature information of the fixing device 111 stored in the device information memory 104 is checked, and the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 is 70 ° C. ≦ T
It is determined whether the temperature is <180 ° C. (ST209).

The temperature (T) of the fixing unit 111 is 70 ° C. ≦ T <
If the temperature is not 180 ° C., the temperature of the fixing device 111 (T)
Is designated as the second temperature (ST210). In particular,
The CPU 101 instructs the temperature monitoring unit 112 to set the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 to the second temperature.

Then, the CPU 101
After the backlight of the panel display unit 107 is turned on via ST3 (ST211), a FAX standby screen is set on the panel display unit 107 (ST212). In ST209, the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 is 70 ° C. ≦ T <180.
° C, the backlight of the panel display unit 107 is directly turned on, skipping ST210 (ST21).
1), a FAX standby screen is set on panel display section 107 (ST212).

Then, the CPU 101 provides the timer 105 with a non-operation timer (X minute) (hereinafter referred to as an “X minute timer”) for shifting to the energy saving mode when the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time (X minutes). This is set (ST208), and the process returns to ST202.

As described above, the first temperature used for the copy function and the second temperature lower than the first temperature are prepared as the temperature of the fixing device 111, and when the copy function is selected, the temperature of the fixing device 111 is reduced to the second temperature. When the facsimile function is selected, the temperature of the fixing device 111 is set to the second temperature while the facsimile function is selected. On the other hand, in the facsimile function which does not make the user uncomfortable even if it takes a waiting time from the energy saving mode to the state where the recording operation can be performed, since the energy saving mode is normal, the usability of the copy function is not impaired. The energy saving efficiency of the multifunction peripheral 100 as a whole can be improved.

When the FAX function is selected, the user can make the user uncomfortable even if it takes a long time from the energy saving mode to the state where the recording operation can be performed by setting the energy saving mode without instructing the energy saving mode. No fax
Regarding the function, regardless of whether or not the user instructs the energy-saving mode, the FAX function automatically sets the energy-saving mode. Therefore, even if the user does not care whether to switch to the energy-saving mode, the energy-saving efficiency can be reduced. Can be improved.

If no key is selected in ST202 or ST203, the sub C
The PU 103 monitors whether the energy saving key 110 is selected as shown in FIG. 3 (ST301).

Here, the energy saving key 110 has two functions. One is to shift to the energy saving mode by selecting the energy saving key 110, and the other is to cancel the energy saving mode. That is, if the energy saving key 110 is selected while the energy saving mode is not set, the mode shifts to the energy saving mode. If the energy saving mode is set and the energy saving key 110 is selected, the energy saving mode is canceled. . Therefore, when the energy saving key 110 is selected, it is necessary to determine whether the selection is to shift to the energy saving mode or to cancel the energy saving mode. Therefore, when the energy saving key 110 is selected, it is determined whether the state of the MFP 100 is the power-off state (ST302). In other words, the sub CPU 103 determines whether or not the MFP 100 has set the energy saving mode. In particular,
The sub CPU 103 determines whether or not the MFP 100 is set to the energy saving mode by determining whether or not the energy saving mode is set in the memory for storing the setting status of the built-in energy saving mode. Here, the MFP 100
Is the power-off state.

Since the state of the multifunction peripheral 100 is the power-off state (because the energy saving mode is set), ST3
It is determined that the selection of the energy saving key 110 of 01 is the cancellation of the energy saving mode, and the sub CPU 103 requests the CPU 101 to start (ST303).

When the CPU 101 is started in response to this request, the CPU 101 initializes the state of the apparatus (ST
304). Thereafter, it is determined whether the mode currently set in the MFP 100 is the copy mode or the FAX mode (ST305). Specifically, the mode set in the MFP 100 is determined by determining the mode information stored in the device information memory 104.

In the case of the copy mode, after the temperature (T) of the fixing unit 111 is designated as the first temperature (ST306),
Set copy standby screen on panel display 107 (ST
307). On the other hand, in the case of the FAX mode, the fixing device 11
After the first temperature (T) is designated as the second temperature (ST30)
8) A facsimile standby screen is set on panel display section 107 (ST309).

After that, the CPU 101
After turning on the backlight of panel display unit 107 via ST3 (ST310), the X minute timer is set to timer 105 (ST311), and the process returns to ST202.

On the other hand, in ST302, the MFP 10
When the state of 0 is not the power-off state (when the energy saving mode is not set), it is determined that the selection of the energy saving key 110 in ST301 is the setting of the energy saving mode,
The sub CPU 103 notifies the CPU 101 of the fact.

Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 101 refers to the mode information stored in the device information memory 104 and determines whether the mode currently set in the multifunction peripheral 100 is the copy mode or the FAX mode. Judge (S
T312).

In the case of the copy mode, while the temperature (T) of the fixing unit is designated as the second temperature (ST313), F
In the case of the AX mode, the temperature (T) of the fixing device is designated as the third temperature (ST314). And the CPU 101
After turning off the backlight of the panel display unit 107 via the sub CPU 103 (ST315), the process proceeds to ST2.
Return to 02.

When the energy saving mode is selected with the copy function selected, the temperature of the fixing unit 111 is changed from the first temperature to the second temperature, while the energy saving mode is selected with the FAX function selected. When the mode is selected, the fixing device 1
The fixing temperature is dropped at a stretch while power is not supplied to the power supply 11. Accordingly, the temperature of the fixing device 111 for the copy function and the facsimile function when the energy saving mode is instructed is not changed to be uniform, but the copy function is switched as much as possible until the recording operation becomes possible. While shortening, F
With the AX function, energy saving efficiency is prioritized even if the standby time until the recording operation becomes ready becomes longer. Therefore, even in the energy saving mode, the energy saving efficiency of the entire MFP can be improved without impairing the usability of the copy function. be able to.

Further, with the copy function selected (ST
312) When the energy saving mode is selected (ST301,
ST302) Set the temperature of the fixing device to the second temperature (S302)
T313) On the other hand, with the FAX function selected (ST2)
03, ST305) When the energy saving mode is not selected (ST301, ST302), the temperature of the fixing unit is set to the second temperature (ST210, ST308). This allows
In the copy function, the power consumption is reduced by the user's instruction, while in the FAX function, the power consumption is reduced regardless of the user's instruction. Therefore, the recording function can be performed from the energy saving mode without impairing the usability of the copy function. With the FAX function that does not make the user uncomfortable even if it takes a long time to reach, the energy saving efficiency of the MFP as a whole can be improved by giving priority to the energy saving efficiency.

In ST301, energy saving key 1
If 10 is not selected, the sub CPU 103 determines whether a document is detected (ST401), as shown in FIG.
It monitors whether an incoming call is detected (ST402). Specifically, a signal indicating that a document has been detected is output from document detecting section 115 to power supply monitoring circuit 118, and whether or not an energy saving mode release signal is output from power supply monitoring circuit 118 (ST
401), a signal indicating that an incoming call has been detected from the incoming call detection unit 116 is output to the power supply monitoring circuit 118, and an energy saving mode release signal is output from the power supply monitoring circuit 118 (ST 401).
402). That is, ST401 and S401
In T402, it is determined whether or not the cancellation of the energy saving mode is instructed by a method other than the selection of the energy saving key 110.

If a document or an incoming call is detected, the sub CPU 103 determines whether the state of the multifunction peripheral 100 is the power-off state, similarly to the case where the energy saving key 110 is selected (ST403). Here, the MFP 10
It is assumed that the state of 0 is the power-off state.

Since the state of the MFP 100 is the power-off state (because the energy saving mode is set), the sub C
The PU 103 requests the CPU 101 to start (ST4).
04).

When the CPU 101 is activated in response to this request, the CPU 101 refers to the mode information stored in the device information memory 104 to determine whether the mode currently set in the multifunction peripheral 100 is the copy mode. It is determined whether the mode is the facsimile mode (ST405).

In ST403, the MFP 10
When the state of 0 is not the power-off state (when the energy saving mode is not set), the sub CPU 103 notifies the CPU 101 of the fact. Upon receiving this notice,
U101 determines whether the mode currently set in MFP 100 is the copy mode or the FAX mode (ST405).

In the case of the copy mode, after the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 is designated as the first temperature (ST406),
Set copy standby screen on panel display 107 (ST
407). On the other hand, in the case of the FAX mode, the fixing device 11
After designating the first temperature (T) as the second temperature (ST40)
8) A facsimile standby screen is set on panel display section 107 (ST409).

After that, the CPU 101
After turning on the backlight of the panel display unit 107 via ST3 (ST410), the X minute timer is set in the timer 105 (ST411), and the process returns to ST202.

If there is no document or incoming call detected in ST401 or ST402, sub CPU 103 notifies CPU 101 of that fact. Upon receiving this notification, CPU 101 determines whether or not the no-operation timer set in the timer has timed out, as shown in FIG. 5 (ST501).

If the no-operation timer has timed out, it is determined whether or not the X minute timer is set in timer 105 (ST502). Here, the timer 10
It is assumed that the X minute timer is set to 5.

Since the X minute timer is set, the CP
U101 refers to the mode information stored in the device information memory 104, and determines whether the mode currently set in the MFP 100 is the copy mode or the FAX mode (ST503). In the case of the copy mode, the temperature (T) of the fixing unit 111 is designated as the second temperature (ST504), while in the case of the FAX mode, the fixing unit 11 is designated.
The first temperature (T) is designated as the third temperature (ST50).
5). Thus, in the FAX function, the fixing device 111
When the temperature reaches the second temperature, the temperature automatically shifts to the third temperature at which power is not supplied after X minutes. This allows
In the case of the facsimile function, the power supply to the fixing device 111 is automatically stopped without the user being conscious, so that the energy saving efficiency can be further improved.

The CPU 101 is connected to the sub CPU 10
After turning off the backlight of panel display unit 107 via ST3 (ST506), if no operation continues for one minute, a no-operation timer (1 minute) for cutting off power supply to MFP 100 (hereinafter, 1 minute) , "1 minute timer") is set in the timer 105 (ST507), and the process proceeds to ST20.
Return to 2.

When the temperature of the fixing device 111 is set to the second temperature when the copy mode is selected (ST313, ST504), the backlight of the panel display unit 107 is turned off, and the fax is performed. When the mode is selected and the temperature of the fixing unit 111 is set to the second temperature (ST211, ST308, ST408), the backlight of the panel display unit 107 is turned on. Thereby, in the case of the copy function, the panel display unit 107 is turned off in synchronization with the shift to the second temperature, and it is visually recognized that the mode has shifted to the energy saving mode. Since the panel display unit 107 is set to the normal state even if the mode is shifted to the mode, the user can understand the display contents.
Even when the energy saving mode is different between the copy function and the FAX function, the operability can be improved without disturbing the user.

In ST502, timer 105
If the X minute timer is not set to
01 determines whether a one-minute timer is set in the timer 105 (ST508).

When the one-minute timer is set in the timer 105, the CPU 101
The temperature information of the fixing device 111 stored in the fixing device 111 is checked to determine whether the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 satisfies T ≦ 70 ° C. (S
T509).

When the temperature (T) of the fixing device 111 is T ≦ T
If the temperature is 70 ° C., it is determined whether or not the MFP 100 is operating (ST510), and if not, the sub CPU 103 is notified of shifting to the energy saving mode (ST511). Upon receiving this notification, the sub CPU 10
3 shifts to the energy saving mode, and waits for the energy saving mode release signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 118.

After notifying the transition to the energy saving mode, CPU 101 cuts off the power supply from power supply 117 by itself to turn off the power (ST512), and temporarily stops the function. Thus, in the multifunction peripheral 100, the energy saving mode is set.

As described above, in the copy function, the temperature of the fixing device 111 in the standby state is set to the first temperature (ST20).
5) The power is not supplied from the first temperature stepwise through the second temperature (ST504) (S504).
T512) On the other hand, in the FAX function, the temperature of the fixing device in the standby state is set to the second temperature (ST210), and the second temperature is set.
(ST5)
12). This allows the copy function to maintain a state in which it can be restored to a recordable state in a short time,
In the X function, since the energy supply efficiency is prioritized and the power supply to the fixing device is stopped in a short time after the operation is completed even if the user is not conscious of the operation, the energy saving efficiency can be further improved as a whole multifunction peripheral. .

In ST508, timer 105
If the 1-minute timer is not set to
Return to T202.

In ST509, fixing unit 111
Temperature (T) is not T ≦ 70 ° C. or ST
At 510, when the MFP 100 is operating,
CPU 101 sets the one-minute timer to timer 105 again (ST513), and returns the process to ST202.

As described above, according to the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment, the first temperature used for the recording operation in the copy mode and the second temperature lower than the first temperature are used as the temperature of the fixing device 111. By preparing and automatically setting the temperature of the fixing unit 111 to the second temperature just by selecting the facsimile function, it is possible to prevent the user from taking a long time from the energy-saving mode until the recording operation becomes possible. In the FAX function that does not make the user uncomfortable, the energy saving mode is set to the normal state, so that the energy saving efficiency of the entire multifunction peripheral 100 can be improved without impairing the usability of the copying function.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first temperature used for the recording operation and the second temperature lower than the first temperature are prepared, and when the FAX function is selected, The temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature in conjunction with the above, so that the ease of use as the copy function can be maintained and the energy saving efficiency can be improved when used as the FAX function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for setting an energy saving mode in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for setting an energy saving mode in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for setting an energy saving mode in the MFP according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for setting an energy saving mode in the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 MFP 101 CPU (Main CPU) 103 Sub CPU (Panel Sub CPU) 104 Device information memory 105 Timer 106 Printer unit 107 Panel display unit 108 Copy key 109 FAX key 110 Energy saving key 111 Fixing unit 112 Temperature monitoring unit 113 Scanner unit 114 Modem 115 Document detector 116 Incoming detector 117 Power supply 118 Power supply monitoring circuit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A function switching means for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for recording operation of a fixing device, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and fixing. Fixing temperature switching means for switching between a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing device, and control means for setting the temperature of the fixing device to the second temperature in conjunction with the function switching means when the function switching means selects the FAX function, A multifunction peripheral comprising: 2. A function switching unit for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for a recording operation using a temperature of a fixing device, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and fixing. A fixing temperature switching unit that switches between a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit and a function switching unit that sets the facsimile function to the first temperature when the function switching unit selects the copy function. Control means for setting the temperature of the fixing device to the second temperature when selected;
A multifunction peripheral comprising: 3. The control means, wherein the function switching means is F
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the AX function is selected, the power supply is automatically stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature. 2. The multifunction peripheral according to 2. 4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the function switching unit selects the copy function, the power of the fixing unit is not supplied via the second temperature stepwise from the first temperature. 3. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 2, wherein when the facsimile function is selected, the temperature of the fixing device is shifted from the second temperature to a state in which the power is not supplied. 5. A function switching means for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for a recording operation of a temperature of the fixing device, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and fixing. A fixing temperature switching unit for switching between a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit, an energy saving selecting unit for selecting an energy saving mode for lowering the temperature of the fixing unit during standby to the second temperature or lower, and a function switching unit for FAX function. A control unit for setting the temperature of the fixing unit to a state in which the power is not supplied when the energy saving selection unit selects the energy saving mode in the selected state. 6. A function switching means for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for recording operation of a fixing device, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and fixing. A fixing temperature switching unit that switches between a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit, an energy saving selecting unit that selects an energy saving mode for lowering the temperature of the fixing unit during standby to the second temperature or lower, and a function switching unit that has a copy function. When the energy saving selection means selects the energy saving mode in the selected state, the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature,
A control unit for setting the temperature of the fixing unit to a state in which the power is not supplied when the energy saving mode is selected with the function selected. 7. A function switching unit for switching whether the apparatus is used as a copy function or a facsimile function, a first temperature used for a recording operation of a fixing device temperature, a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and fixing. A fixing temperature switching unit that switches between a state in which power is not supplied to the fixing unit, an energy saving selecting unit that selects an energy saving mode for lowering the temperature of the fixing unit during standby to the second temperature or lower, and a function switching unit that has a copy function. When the energy-saving selecting means selects the energy-saving mode in the selected state, the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature. On the other hand, when the energy-saving mode is not selected with the FAX function selected, the temperature of the fixing device is set to the second temperature. A multi-function peripheral comprising: control means for setting a second temperature. 8. A display means for switching and displaying each state of a copy function or a facsimile function, and a backlight of said display means in the case of a copy function with the temperature of the fixing device set to the second temperature. 8. The display control device according to claim 7, further comprising: a display control unit that turns on a backlight of the display unit when the facsimile function is performed in a state where the temperature of the fixing unit is set to the second temperature. Multifunction machine.