JP2002281198A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption for facsimile reception recording, make quick response and reception recording and energy saving compatible, and avoid setting error and change error in energy saving mode. SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with means 83 and 84 to turn on and off power to a stand-by power line +5 VE for applying an operation voltage +5 VE to a fax control means 91 receiving fax information, operation power lines +5 V and +24 V for applying an operation voltage to image forming means 50, 70 and 100, and an operation power line, and energy-saving control means 61 and 25 which turns off the power line when the reception continuing time of the fax information is a present value N or more, and turns on the power line when one reception is completed and starts printing of the reception information. In addition, metering is newly started every when one-page reception is started, and when exceeding the preset value N, the power line is turned off, and when one reception is completed or one-page reception is completed, the line is turned on and printing is started.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function. This type of image forming apparatus is, for example, a facsimile machine, a multifunction copying machine or a printer having a facsimile reception output function, or a combination of a computer and a printer having a facsimile reception function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In facsimile reception, electronic communication information of a document is received from a network, converted into image data for image output by a printer, and a received image is formed on paper by a printer. Recently, in order to enable facsimile reception even during copying or document printout, and to enable copying or printing even during facsimile reception, the received electronic information or its information is used for image output. In many cases, the image data that has been developed is stored in a storage medium and printed out after all the reception of the communication electronic information is completed.

[0003]

When a facsimile is received, power is supplied to a driver (an energizing circuit) for driving an image forming mechanism of the printer. When the image forming mechanism is a laser printer, full energization of the fixing heater is started to raise the fixing temperature of the fixing device. However, when the print data is started after the reception data is stored in the storage unit and the reception is completed, if the received data amount is large, the long-time standby energization of the printer driver is useless.

For example, in a multifunction copying machine having a facsimile function, no matter how much data per page is and how long the reception time is, once an incoming call is started,
The standby energization is continued until the communication ends. Therefore,
Even if a page has a long data reception time, efficient power saving cannot be performed during that time, which is insufficient in terms of energy saving. However, for example, the ZESM standard sets a target standard for a next-generation copying machine at 30 cpm (number of sheets /
Min), standby power consumption 10W
Hereinafter, the transition time to the sleep mode (the energy saving pause mode) is set to 10 seconds or less, and the recovery time from the sleep mode is set to 10 seconds or less, and energy saving is required.

[0005] The first object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of facsimile reception recording, and to achieve both responsiveness of reception recording and energy saving, and to avoid erroneous setting of the energy saving mode. And a fourth object is to avoid erroneous change of the energy saving mode.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems (1) In an image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function, an operating voltage (+ 5VE) is supplied to a facsimile control means (91) for receiving facsimile information.
Standby power line (+ 5VE) for applying power, operating power lines (+ 5V, + 24V) for applying operating voltage to means (50, 70, 100) for forming an image on paper, and power supply to the operating power line (83, 84) for turning on / off the device, and turning off the on / off means (83, 84) when the reception duration time of the facsimile information is equal to or longer than the set value (N), to receive one facsimile information. When the operation is completed, the on / off means (83, 84) is turned on to start the image formation of the received information.
An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0007] In order to facilitate understanding, in the parentheses, the corresponding elements of the embodiment shown in the drawings, the symbols of the corresponding elements or corresponding items are added for reference. The same applies to the following.

According to this, when the reception of facsimile information exceeds the set value (N), the operating power line (+ 5V, +2
4V) is cut off, that is, the mode is switched to the energy saving mode, and thereafter the energy saving mode is continued until the reception of one facsimile information is completed, thereby realizing energy saving. When the reception of facsimile information is completed at less than the set value (N), the power supply to the operating power line (+ 5V, + 24V) continues, and the image can be formed as soon as the reception of the facsimile information is completed. compatible.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (2) In an image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function, a standby power line (+ 5VE) for giving an operating voltage (+ 5VE) to a facsimile control means (91) for receiving facsimile information, An operating power line (+ 5V, + 24V) for applying an operating voltage to the means (50, 70, 100) for forming an image on paper; a means (83, 84) for turning on / off the power supply to the operating power line; A new clock is started each time the reception of one page of facsimile information is started, and the clock is set to the set value.
(N), the ON / OFF means (83, 84) is turned off when the number of received facsimile information is completed, and the ON / OFF means (83, 84) is turned on when reception of one facsimile information is completed. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an energy-saving control unit (61, 25) for starting image formation of the image forming apparatus.

According to this, when the amount of received information of each page of one facsimile reception is small, the clock value does not exceed the set value (N), and each page is printed immediately upon receiving the information. Since it is out, the reception record is in real time. That is, the responsiveness of the reception record is high. In this case, since one facsimile reception time is short, even if the mode is switched to the energy saving mode, the energy saving effect is low.

When the amount of received information of each page of one facsimile reception is large, the mode is switched to the energy saving mode when the duration of information reception of a certain page exceeds the set value (N). Low power consumption during time information reception and high energy saving effect.

(3) The energy saving control means (61, 25) writes the received data to the information read / write device (60) while receiving with the on / off means (83, 84) turned off. The image forming apparatus according to (2).

According to this, the received data in the energy saving mode is stored in the information read / write device (60), and after the information reception is completed, the received information can be read out and printed out.

(4) In an image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function, a standby power line (+ 5VE) for giving an operating voltage (+ 5VE) to a facsimile control means (91) for receiving facsimile information, and an image on paper Means (50,
70,100) operating power line (+ 5V,
+ 24V), means (83, 84) for turning on / off the power supply to the operating power line, and time counting is newly started each time reception of one page of facsimile information is started, and the time value exceeds the set value. Turn off the on / off means (83, 84) when
When the reception of one page of facsimile information is completed, the on /
An image forming apparatus comprising: an energy saving control unit (61, 25) for turning on an off unit (83, 84) to start image formation of received information.

When the amount of received information of each page is large, the mode is switched to the energy saving mode when the duration of receiving information of each page exceeds the set value (N). Low power consumption during reception and high energy saving effect.

(5) The apparatus according to (1), further comprising an input means (20) for allowing a user to set the set value (N).
(2), (3) or (4).

When information reception continues for a set time or longer during facsimile reception, the mode is switched from the operation mode to the energy saving mode. However, the statistical value (average value) of the information reception time for one communication or each page differs depending on the user. . For example, for users who frequently receive information in a short period of time, set a longer setting time, and for users who receive a large amount of information for a long period of time, set a very short setting time. Can be. It is possible to realize power saving in accordance with the user's one communication or the actual value of the received information amount of each page.

(6) The input means (20) includes a key (57) for the user to specify a set value input mode for the user to set the set value (N). Forming equipment.

According to this, since the setting value (N) cannot be updated without the operation of the key (57), erroneous operation of changing the setting value by mistake is reduced.

(7) The input means (20) includes an ID input means, and the energy saving control means (61, 25) operates the ID input means after or before the setting value input mode is designated by the key (57). It is checked whether the information input in step is registered, and if the information is registered, the set value (N) is updated to the data input in the set value input mode. (6) Image forming apparatus.

According to this, since the ID input is required to update the setting value (N), the protection of the setting can be realized so that the third party does not change the setting value without permission.

(8) In an image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function, when data output on a plurality of sheets is received by facsimile, the amount of data in one page is large. When the reception time (N) is exceeded, the predetermined power supply system (+ 5V, + 24V) is turned off, and when the reception of the page is completed, the predetermined power supply system is turned on and output is performed on paper, thereby saving power. And an image forming apparatus having a system satisfying the ZESM standard.

This image forming apparatus shifts to the power saving mode if the page receiving time is long even during facsimile reception and satisfies the ZESM standard, so that more efficient power saving can be realized. .

(9) In the image forming apparatus of the above (8), it is determined that the predetermined power supply system (+ 5V, + 24V) is turned off during page reception by performing a predetermined operation from the operation unit (20). An image forming apparatus having a system capable of arbitrarily realizing a reference reception time setting (N).

In this image forming apparatus, only by performing a predetermined operation from the operation unit (20), a reception time setting which is a criterion for turning off a predetermined power supply system (+ 5V, + 24V) during reception of a facsimile page. Since (N) can be arbitrarily performed, efficient power saving can be performed in accordance with the received image form of the user of the image forming apparatus (since each user has a different tendency in the amount of received data). That is, if reception continues for a set time or more during facsimile reception, the mode is switched from the operation mode to the energy saving mode. However, the statistical value (average value) of the information reception time of one page differs depending on the user, and for example, the time is short. The user can set both the set time longer and the set time extremely short in the case of a longer time, thereby achieving both responsiveness of reception recording and energy saving. It is possible to realize power saving in accordance with the received image format of the user.

(10) In the image forming apparatus of (9), it is determined that a predetermined power supply system (+ 5V, + 24V) is turned off during page reception by performing a predetermined operation from the operation unit (20). An image forming apparatus having a system capable of arbitrarily realizing whether a value of a reception time setting function serving as a reference can be changed by performing a predetermined operation from an operation unit.

In this image forming apparatus, the value of the reception time setting function serving as a criterion for turning off a predetermined power supply system (+5 V, +24 V) during reception of a facsimile page by simply performing a predetermined operation from the operation unit. Since it is possible to arbitrarily set whether or not (N) can be changed, erroneous operation can be prevented so that the setting of the reception time (N) is not erroneously changed.

(11) In the image forming apparatus of the above (10), a predetermined power supply system (+5 V, +24 V) is turned off especially during page reception.
Whether the value of the reception time setting function can be changed
An image forming apparatus having a system for realizing system setting security by inputting an ID when performing a predetermined operation from an operation unit (20).

In this image forming apparatus, when setting whether or not to change the value (N) of the reception time setting function, which is a criterion for turning off the predetermined power supply system (+5 V, +24 V) during facsimile page reception,
Since D code input is required, protect the settings so that a third party does not change the time setting that serves as a criterion for turning off the predetermined power supply system (+ 5V, + 24V) during page reception. realizable.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0031]

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a multifunction copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction copier generally includes an automatic document feeder [ADF] 30, an operation unit 20, a color scanner 10
A color printer 100; a relay unit 32; a finisher 34 with a shift tray capable of stacking a large amount of stapler and imaged paper;
3, a paper supply bank 35, and large-capacity paper supply trays 36 and 1
And a bin discharge tray 31.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the color printer 100. A writing optical unit as an exposure unit converts color image data from the scanner 10 into an optical signal, performs optical writing corresponding to a document image, and
4, an electrostatic latent image is formed. The optical writing optical unit is
It comprises a laser light emitter 141, a light emission drive control unit (not shown) for driving the light emission, a polygon mirror 143, a rotation motor 144 for rotating the polygon mirror 143, an fθ lens 142, a reflection mirror 146, and the like. Photoconductor drum 11
4 rotates counterclockwise as shown by the arrow,
Around the photosensitive member cleaning unit 121, a charge removing lamp 114M, a charger 119, a potential sensor 114D for detecting a potential of a latent image on the photosensitive drum, a selected developing device of the revolver developing device 120, a developing density pattern detector 114P, an intermediate transfer belt 115, and the like.

The revolver developing device 120 includes a BK developing device 120K, a C developing device 120C, an M developing device 120M, and a Y developing device 120Y, and a revolver rotary drive for rotating each developing device in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by an arrow. (Not shown). In order to visualize the electrostatic latent image, each of these developing units rotates developing sleeves 120 KS and 120, which rotate by contacting the ears of the developer with the surface of the photosensitive drum 114.
CS, 120MS, 120YS, and a developing paddle that rotates to pump up and agitate the developer. In a standby state, the revolver developing device 120 is set at a position where development is performed by the BK developing device 120, and when a copying operation is started, reading of BK image data is started by the scanner 10 at a predetermined timing, and this image is read. On the basis of the data, optical writing / latent image formation by laser light starts. Hereinafter, the electrostatic latent image based on the Bk image data is referred to as a Bk latent image. The same applies to each of the C, M, and Y image data. In order to enable development from the tip of this Bk latent image, B
Before the leading end of the latent image reaches the developing position of the k developing device 120K, the rotation of the developing sleeve 120KS is started to develop the Bk latent image with Bk toner. Thereafter, the developing operation of the Bk latent image area is continued. When the rear end of the latent image passes the Bk latent image position, the developing operation of the next color developing unit is immediately performed from the developing position of the Bk developing unit 120K. The revolver developing device 120 is driven and rotated to the position. This rotation operation is completed at least before the leading end of the latent image based on the next image data arrives.

When the image forming cycle is started, the photosensitive drum 114 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow, and the intermediate transfer belt 115 rotates clockwise by a drive motor (not shown). Move. Intermediate transfer belt 11
5, the BK toner image formation, the C toner image formation, the M toner image formation, and the Y toner image formation are sequentially performed, and finally, on the intermediate transfer belt 115 in the order of BK, C, M, and Y. , A toner image is formed. The formation of the BK image is performed as follows. That is, the charger 11
9 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 114 with a negative charge to about -700 V by corona discharge. Subsequently, the laser diode 141 performs raster exposure based on the Bk signal. When the raster image is exposed in this manner, in the initially exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 114 that is uniformly charged, the charge proportional to the exposure light amount disappears, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The toner in the revolver developing device 120 is
The toner is charged to a negative polarity by stirring with the ferrite carrier.
Is biased by a power supply circuit (not shown) with respect to the metal base layer of the photosensitive drum 114 to a potential at which a negative DC potential and an AC are superimposed. As a result, no toner adheres to the portion of the photosensitive drum 114 where the charge remains, and Bk is applied to the portion without charge, that is, the exposed portion.
The toner is attracted, and a Bk visible image similar to the latent image is formed. The intermediate transfer belt 115 includes a driving roller 115D, a transfer opposing roller 115T, and a cleaning opposing roller 115.
C and a group of driven rollers, and is driven to rotate by a drive motor (not shown). Now, the photosensitive drum 1
The Bk toner image formed on the belt 14 is transferred onto a surface of an intermediate transfer belt 115, which is driven at a constant speed in a state of contact with the photoconductor, by a belt transfer corona discharger (hereinafter, referred to as a belt transfer unit) 1.
16 transferred. Hereinafter, the transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 114 to the intermediate transfer belt 115 is referred to as belt transfer. A small amount of untransferred residual toner on the photoconductor drum 114 is cleaned by the photoconductor cleaning unit 121 in preparation for reuse of the photoconductor drum 114. The collected toner is stored in a waste toner tank (not shown) via a collection pipe.

On the intermediate transfer belt 115, toner images of Bk, C, M, and Y, which are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 114, are sequentially aligned on the same surface, and a four-color superimposed belt transfer image is formed. After that, batch transfer is performed on transfer paper by a corona discharge transfer device. By the way, the photosensitive drum 11
On the fourth side, the process proceeds to the C image forming process after the BK image forming process. At a predetermined timing, reading of the C image data by the scanner 10 is started, and the C latent image is written by laser light writing based on the image data. Is formed. C
The developing device 120C performs a rotating operation of the revolver developing device with respect to the developing position after the trailing end of the previous Bk latent image has passed and before the leading end of the C latent image has arrived. Is developed with C toner. Thereafter, the development of the C latent image area is continued, but when the rear end of the latent image has passed, the revolver developing device 120 is driven in the same manner as in the case of the Bk developing device, and the C latent image is developed.
The developing device 120C is sent out, and the next M developing device 120M is positioned at the developing position. This operation is also performed before the leading end of the next M latent image reaches the developing unit. In the process of forming the M and Y images, the operations of reading the image data, forming the latent image, and developing are in accordance with the processes of the Bk image and the C image described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The belt cleaning device 115U includes an inlet seal, a rubber blade, a discharge coil, and a mechanism for contacting and separating the inlet seal and the rubber blade. 1
After the Bk image of the color is transferred to the belt, while the images of the second, third, and fourth colors are transferred to the belt, the entrance seal, the rubber blade, and the like are separated from the intermediate transfer belt surface by the blade contact / separation mechanism. .

A paper transfer corona discharger (hereinafter, referred to as a paper transfer device) 117 uses an AC corona discharge method to transfer the superposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 115 to transfer paper.
+ DC or a DC component is applied to the transfer paper and the intermediate transfer belt.

Transfer papers of various sizes are stored in the transfer paper cassette 182E and the paper supply bank 35, and a pair of registration rollers 118R is supplied from a cassette storing paper of a designated size by a paper supply roller 183E or the like. The paper is fed and transported in the direction. The symbol 112B2 is an OHP
2 illustrates a paper feed tray for manually feeding paper or thick paper. At the time when the image formation is started, the transfer paper is fed from one of the above-mentioned paper feed trays, and the registration roller pair 418 is used.
Waiting at R nip. And the paper transfer unit 11
When the leading end of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 115 approaches 7, the registration roller pair 118 </ b> R is driven so that the leading end of the transfer paper coincides with the leading end of the image, and the paper and the image are aligned. In this way, the transfer paper is superimposed on the color superimposed image on the intermediate transfer belt and passes over the paper transfer device 117 connected to the positive potential. At this time, the transfer paper is charged with a positive charge by the corona discharge current, and most of the toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper. Subsequently, the paper transfer device 117
The transfer paper is discharged when passing through a separation static eliminator by a static elimination brush (not shown) disposed on the left side of the printer, and is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 115 and moves to the paper transport belt 122. The transfer paper on which the four-color superimposed toner image is collectively transferred from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt is conveyed to a fixing device 123 by a paper conveyance belt 122, and a fixing roller 123A controlled to a predetermined temperature.
The toner image is melted and fixed at the nip portion of the pressure roller 123B, sent out of the main body by the discharge roll pair 124, and stacked face up on a copy tray (not shown).

A fixing heater (halogen lamp) 123C is provided inside the fixing roller 123A. The fixing heater 123C is energized by a fixing energizing circuit 85 (FIG. 4), whereby the fixing heater 123C generates heat and emits infrared rays. Then, the fixing roller 123C is heated.

The photosensitive drum 114 after belt transfer
The surface is cleaned by a photoconductor cleaning unit 121 including a brush roller, a rubber blade, and the like.
Further, the charge is uniformly removed by the charge removing lamp 114M. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 115 after transferring the toner image to the transfer paper
Again presses the blade with the blade contact / separation mechanism of the cleaning unit 115U to clean the surface.
In the case of the repeat copy, the operation of the scanner and the image formation on the photosensitive member follow the fourth-color image process of the first sheet, and proceed to the second-color image process at a predetermined timing. In the case of the intermediate transfer belt 115, the second Bk toner image is belt-transferred to an area whose surface has been cleaned by the belt cleaning device, following a batch transfer process of the first four-color superimposed image onto transfer paper. So that Thereafter, the operation is the same as that of the first sheet.

FIG. 3 shows an outline of an electric system of the copying machine shown in FIG. One MPU 51 on the main control board 50 and one CPU 12 on the scanner control board 11 are used in the mechanical control section of the copying machine, that is, the main part of the image reading and image forming process control. The MPU 51 controls the image forming sequence, the fixing control, and the system-related control.
The PU 12 performs control related to the scanner. MPU
The 51 and the CPU 12 are connected by an image data interface and a serial interface.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 20 denotes an operation unit;
Is an I / O control board, 92 is an LD control board for controlling a laser beam for image exposure, 41 is a paper feed control board, 13 is a reading control board on which a CCD is mounted, and 90 is a motherboard.

Reference numerals 60 and 91 denote application extension units for realizing a composite function. Reference numeral 91 denotes a facsimile control unit equipped with a facsimile function. Reference numeral 60 denotes a printer function for printing a document of a host such as a personal computer or a word processor. A printer controller (board) for controlling the combined operation mode of the facsimile and the printer. 80 is a power supply device.

FIG. 4 shows a power supply 80 to a facsimile control unit 91, a fixing heater 123C, an I / O control board (input / output interface) 70, a main control board (main controller) 50, a mother board 90, and a printer controller 60. 1 shows an outline of the power supply system of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4, an MPU 51, a CPU peripheral ASIC (Application Specific IC) 54, an image processing A
There is an SIC 53 and an I / F (interface) 52 having an interface function with the printer controller 60 and a function of compressing and expanding image data.

The printer controller 60, which controls the system, includes a peripheral ASIC 64 having an interface between the MPU 61 and the main control board 50 for realizing the composite function, a communication function with the operation unit, and a memory control function, and others. is there.

Document scanner 10 for optically reading a document
In the reading unit, the reflected light of the lamp irradiation on the document is condensed on the light receiving element by the mirror and the lens in the reading unit.
The light receiving element (CCD) is provided in a sensor board unit (SBU) 13, and the image signal converted into an electric signal in the CCD is converted into a digital signal on the SBU 13, that is, read image data. , SBU13 to the image processing ASIC 53 on the main control board 50.

The read image data from the SBU 13 is transferred to the image processing ASIC 53,
Corrects the signal deterioration due to the quantization into the optical system and the digital signal (the signal deterioration of the scanner system: distortion of the read image data due to the scanner characteristics), and transfers the image data to the printer controller 60. Writing to the image memory MEM65. Alternatively, a process for printer output is performed, and the result is provided to the LD control board 92 of the printer 100.

That is, the image processing ASIC 53 stores the read image data in the image memory MEM 65 for reuse and the LD job without storing the read image data in the memory MEM 65.
There is a job that outputs to the video data control (VDC) on the control board 92 and forms an image with the laser printer function.
As an example of storing data in the MEM 65, when copying a plurality of originals, the scanner 10 is operated only once, the read image data is stored in the MEM 65, and the stored data is read a plurality of times. As an example where the MEM 65 is not used, when only one document is copied, it is not necessary to write the MEM 65 because the read image data can be processed as it is for printer output.

First, when the memory MEM65 is not used,
The image processing ASIC 53 performs image reading correction on the read image data, and then performs image quality processing for conversion to area gradation. The image data after the image quality processing is transferred to the VDC on the LD control board 92. For the signal changed to the area gradation, post-processing relating to dot arrangement and pulse control for reproducing dots are performed by VDC, and a reproduced image is formed on transfer paper by a laser printer function.

When additional processing, for example, rotation in the image direction, synthesis of images, and the like are performed when the data is stored in the memory MEM 65 and read from the memory MEM 65, the image data subjected to the image reading correction is stored in the image memory of the printer controller 60. Sent to peripheral ASIC 64 with access control function. Here, under the control of the MPU 61 in accordance with the operation program stored in the flash EEPROM, the access control of the image data and the memory module MEM65 and the development of the print data of the external personal computer PC (character code / character bit conversion). Compress and decompress image data for effective use of memory. The data sent to the peripheral ASIC 64 is stored in the MEM 65 after data compression, and the stored data is read as needed. Read data is expanded,
The image data is returned to the original image data, and is returned from the peripheral ASIC 64 to the image processing ASIC 53.

Upon returning to the image processing ASIC 53, image processing is performed, and pulse control is performed on the VDC on the LCD control board 92, and a visible image (toner image) is formed on transfer paper by the laser printer function. Image memory MEM6
5 will be described later with reference to FIG.

FAX transmission function, which is one of the composite functions,
Image processing ASI for image data read by the original scanner 10
The image is read and corrected in C53 and transferred to the FAX control unit (FCU) 91. The FCU 91 performs data conversion to a public line communication network and transmits the data to the communication network as FAX data. For FAX reception, the line data from the communication network is converted into image data by the FCU 91, and the image processing ASI
Transferred to C53. In this case, no special image processing is performed, dot rearrangement and pulse control are performed in the VDC on the LCD control board 92, and a visible image is formed on the transfer paper by the laser printer function. Facsimile control unit F
The configuration and function of the CU 91 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The MPU 51 of the main control board 50 controls the flow of image data,
U61 controls the entire system and manages activation of each resource. The function selection of the digital multifunction copying machine is selected and input by the operation unit 20, and the processing contents such as the copy function and the FAX function are set.

The power supply of the printer controller 60 is supplied with +5 VE which is energized even in the sleep mode. The main control plate 50 is supplied with +5 V, which is turned off in the pause mode. The I / O control plate 70 is supplied with +5 V and +24 V, which are also turned off in the sleep mode.

The DC power supply 80 has a converter output of +2
Switch 8 to 4V and + 5VE (+ 5V voltage) respectively
3, 84 are connected. These switches 83, 8
A control signal for turning on / off the switch 4 is supplied from the printer controller 60 to the switches 83 and 84. When shifting to the sleep mode for energy saving, the printer controller 60 turns off both the switches 83 and 84 by this control signal.

The target temperature of the fixing control 85 is set to a fixing operation temperature determined for the fixing process of the transfer paper on which the toner image is transferred, and the temperature of the fixing roller is maintained at the target temperature. The delay is substantially delayed in response to a copy start or print command. Standby mode that can start image formation without time,
In the low power mode, in which the target temperature is set to 80% of the fixing operation temperature in order to reduce the power consumption and the rest is in the same state as the standby mode, and when an operation input is made, the mode can immediately return to the standby mode, the printer controller 60
Turns on both switches 83 and 84 by the control signal.

That is, in the pause mode, the switches 83,
84 is off, the printer controller 60, the operation unit 2
0, + 5VE is continuously applied to the minimum number of electric elements or circuits to detect the action of the operator or the print command of the personal computer PC, which indicates the possibility of using the copying machine, for detecting the opening and closing of the pressure plate. In the printer controller 60,
+ 5VE is continuously applied to a circuit which waits for the detection and turns on the switches 83 and 84 in response to the detection and a memory for storing data which needs to be held in a nonvolatile manner.

Incidentally, in the low power mode, power is supplied to all, and only the set temperature of the fixing heater 123C is lowered.

The analysis and display of the key-in data from the operation unit 20 are controlled by the MPU 61 of the printer controller 60.
Performs control, and an interface with the operation unit 20 is provided by the peripheral ASIC 64. In this embodiment, the peripheral ASIC 64 and the operation unit 20 are connected via the motherboard 90, the main control board 50, and the scanner control board 11. The printer controller 60 is connected to a pressure plate open / close detection (not shown) via the motherboard 90, the main control plate 50, and the scanner control plate 11, similarly to the operation unit 20.

The pressure plate open / close detection is a detection switch for detecting the opening / closing of the ADF 30 when the ADF 30 is connected to the scanner, and a detection switch for detecting the opening / closing of the pressure plate for pressing the document when the ADF 30 is not mounted. . In any case, the pressure plate open / close detection generates a signal indicating whether the ADF or the document pressing platen is open,
This is supplied to the peripheral ASIC 64 of the printer controller 60 via the scanner control board 10, the main control board 50 and the motherboard 90 in any of the image processing operation state, the standby mode, the low power mode, and the sleep mode. Read this signal. The power supply (+ 5VE) for representing a signal indicating whether the state is the open state and the power supply (+ 5VE) for detecting the ON of an input key of the operation unit 20 and generating a detection signal include a motherboard 90, a main control board 50, and a scanner. The control signal is given from the process controller 60 to the open / close detection switch and the operation unit 20 via the control plate 10.

When the ADF 30 is provided, it is connected to the scanner control board 11. A detection signal of a document sensor for detecting whether or not a document is present on the platen of the ADF 30 is also
The peripheral AS of the printer controller 60 is transmitted via the scanner control board 10, the main control board 50, and the motherboard 90.
The signal is given to the IC 64, and the MPU 61 reads this signal. A power supply (+ 5VE) for the document sensor to generate a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of a document is also supplied from the process controller 60 to the document sensor via the motherboard 90, the main control board 50, and the scanner control board 10.

FIG. 5 shows a facsimile control unit FCU.
91 shows the configuration. Public line communication network PN at FCU91
Is converted to FAX data and transmitted to the PN as FAX data. For FAX reception, the line data from PN is
1 to convert to image data,
After the data is directly stored in the ASIC 53 or temporarily stored in the MEM 65, when the reception is completed or the storage amount reaches the limit, A
The data is transferred to the ASIC 53 via the SIC 64. In this case, no special image quality processing is performed, and dot rearrangement and pulse control are performed in the printer 100.
A visualized image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit.

The facsimile control unit FCU 91
FAX image processing 93, image memory 94, memory controller 9
6, a facsimile control unit 95, an image compression / decompression 97, a modem 98, and a network control unit 99. In the FAX image processing 93, the binary smoothing processing on the received image is performed in the edge smoothing processing in the image processing ASIC 53. As for the image memory 94, the peripheral ASIC 64 and the image memory
At 34, some of the functions are completed. When storing (storing) the received data, the data is stored in the image memory MEM34.

In the facsimile control unit FCU 91 configured as described above, when starting transmission of image information,
The facsimile control unit 95 instructs the memory control unit 96,
The image information stored in the image memory 94 is sequentially read. The read image information is processed by the FAX image processing 93.
The signal is restored to the original signal, density conversion processing and scaling processing are performed, and the result is applied to the facsimile control unit 95. The image signal applied to the facsimile control unit 95 is code-compressed by the image compression / expansion unit 97, modulated by the modem 98, and transmitted to the destination via the network control device 99. Then, the image information whose transmission has been completed is deleted from the image memory 94.

At the time of reception, the received image is temporarily stored in the image memory 9.
4, if the received image can be recorded and output at that time, it is recorded and output when the reception of one image is completed. When a call is made during the copying operation and reception starts, the image data is stored in the image memory 65 until the usage rate of the image memory 65 reaches a predetermined value, for example, 80%.
When the usage rate reaches 80%, the writing operation being executed at that time is forcibly interrupted, and the received image is read out from the image memory 65 and recorded and output. At this time, the received image read from the image memory 94 and written in the image memory 65 is deleted from the image memory 94, and the writing operation which has been interrupted when the usage rate of the image memory 65 decreases to a predetermined value, for example, 10%, is performed. When the writing operation is restarted and the writing operation is completed, the remaining received image is recorded and output.
Further, after the write operation is interrupted, various parameters for the write operation at the time of the interruption are internally saved so that the write operation can be resumed, and the parameters are internally restored at the time of restart.

FIG. 6 shows the image memory MEM65 shown in FIG.
Is shown. The image memory 65 includes a memory controller 651 and a memory RAM 657. The memory controller 651 includes an input data selector 652,
It has an image synthesis 653, a primary compression / expansion 654, an output data selector 655, and a secondary compression / expansion 656 block. The setting of control data to each block
The MPU 61 performs this. Data in FIG. 6 indicates image data (bus), and illustration of address data (bus) and control signals (bus) is omitted.

The memory RAM 657 includes primary and secondary storage devices 658 and 659. Primary storage device 65
8 uses a memory that can be accessed at high speed, such as a DRAM, so that data can be written to the memory substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of the input image data or data can be read from the memory at the time of image output at a high speed. ing. Also,
The primary storage device 658 has a configuration (an interface unit with a memory controller) that can be divided into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed and can simultaneously execute input and output of image data. The interface with the memory controller 121 is connected by two sets of address / data lines for reading and writing so that input and output of image data can be executed in parallel in each divided area. Thus, an operation of outputting (reading) an image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1 becomes possible.

The secondary storage device 659 is a large-capacity memory for storing data for synthesizing and sorting input images. If elements that can be accessed at high speed are used for both the primary and secondary storage devices, data processing can be performed without distinction between primary and secondary storage, and control is relatively simple.
Since an element such as a RAM is expensive, the access speed to the secondary storage device 657 is not so high, but an inexpensive, large-capacity recording medium is used, and input / output data processing is performed via the primary storage device 658. It has a configuration.

FIG. 7A shows an enlarged top view of the operation unit 20, and FIG. 7B shows a circuit block of the operation unit 20. The operation unit 20 includes a case and a liquid crystal display (LC).
D) 26f, operation key groups 21a, 21b, 21d, 2
3, 24, display LED (light emitting diode) 21e, 21
f, 22 and the like.

The power key 21a is an operation key for instructing switching from the energy saving mode (pause mode) to the operation mode and vice versa. When the energy saving mode is set, the display LE indicates that the operation mode is set.
D21e is not lit. When the power key 21a is pressed once in this state, the mode is switched from the energy saving mode to the operation mode, and the operation mode display LED 21e is turned on. When the power key 21a is pressed once in the operation mode, the mode is switched from the operation mode to the energy saving mode, and the operation mode display LE is displayed.
D21e goes out. The display LED 21f is always lit while the outlet of the copying machine is connected to a commercial AC power supply line and the power switch at the base of the copying machine is closed. In other words, when the base of the copier is on,
Display LED2 regardless of energy saving mode or operation mode
1f is lit.

FIG. 7B shows an electric control system of the operation unit 20. The subject of this control system is the printer controller 6
CPU 25, which communicates with MPU 61 of CPU 0, reads the input of operation unit 20, and controls the display on the board.
RO storing the control program of the CPU 25
M26b, R for temporarily storing data during control
An AM 26c, a VRAM 26e that stores drawing data of an LCD (display panel) 26f, a liquid crystal display controller (LCDC) 26d that is connected to the VRAM 26e and controls drawing timing of the LCD 26f, and the like. LCDC
An LCD 26f having a CFL light source as a backlight 27b is connected to 26d. The CPU 25 further includes an inverter 2 for driving the CFL backlight 27b.
7a, operation key groups 21a, 21b, 21d, 23, 24
Key matrix 28a, display LEDs 21e, 21f,
22 LED matrices 28c and LED driving devices 28b for driving the LEDs are connected. A non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 26a for storing an image processing mode is connected to the data bus to which the CPU 25 is connected.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the CPU 2 of the operation unit 20.
5 shows switching control between the energy saving mode and the operation mode in cooperation with the MPU 61 of the printer controller 60.
First, referring to FIG. 8, when an original power switch (not shown) is closed and the power supply 80 supplies the operating voltage (+ 5VE) (step 1), the MPU 61 performs an initialization process of a power-on response (step 2). Then, input reading (step 3) is performed. In the following, the word "step" is omitted in parentheses, and only the step number is described. The MPU 61 sets the operation mode by turning on the switches 83 and 84 in the initialization processing (2). As a result, the operating voltages (+5 V, +24 V) are applied to the electric circuits of each section.

In response to this, the CPU 25 performs its own initialization processing, and then displays the LED 21 indicating the operation mode.
Turn on e. Then, the copy conditions in the standard processing mode in the NVRAM 26a are read out and displayed on the LCD 26f. In the input reading (3), the CPU 25 reads a user operation on the operation unit 20 and notifies the MPU 61 of the operation. The MPU 61 decodes the operation of the operation unit 20 and also decodes a command from the host PC or the FCU 91. Next, an outline of the input reading (3) will be described.

When the user performs an input operation on the operation unit 20 for setting the copy mode, the CPU 25 stores the measured time interval (elapsed time) Ti up to that time in a register RTi for saving the time interval of the input operation. Write (4,
5) A new measurement of the mode setting input interval is started (6), and information 1 indicating that this measurement is being performed is written into the register FTi (7).

When the initial setting key 21d is pressed, the CP
U25 displays an input mode list, and when an image processing mode on the list is designated, the CPU 25
Referring to the data of M (8, 9), if it is 1 (specify the previous mode), it will be 0 (specify the standard processing mode),
If it is 0, it is rewritten to 1 and the display on the LCD 26f (designation of which of the previous image processing mode and the standard processing mode as the return default screen when returning from the energy saving mode to the operation mode) is also displayed on the LCD 26f. Update accordingly (10, 11). This is because, on the initial setting screen, the return default screen can be switched between the normal copy standard screen (standard processing mode screen) and the previous mode setting screen, and the initial setting key 21d is pressed to return to the operation mode. This switches the designation of the mode screen.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the contents of the "setting of transition time for fax reception" (40fx) will be described. When the initial setting key 21d is pressed, the CPU 25 displays the input mode list on the LCD 26f, and the user sets the input mode list to the transition time N to the facsimile reception energy saving mode.
When the setting is specified, the CPU 25 displays a sentence for prompting an ID input on the LCD 26f (41, 42). If there is a numeric key input, it is checked whether it is already registered in the NVRAM 26a by ID registration of the input mode list (43), and if it is registered,
A setting screen for the transition time N is displayed on the LCD 26f (4
4). This screen displays the currently set transition time N value and the up / down key.
By touching the down key, the display value of the transition time N goes up and down (45-47). When the execution key on the setting screen is touched, the transition time N of the NVRAM 26a is
The value is rewritten to what was displayed on the setting screen at that time (48). When the displayed value of the transition time N during the display is touched, it changes to a ghost display (a low-density display that is hard to see) indicating that the transition to the energy saving mode is not performed at the time of facsimile reception. When the ghost display is touched, the display changes to a clear numerical display designating the shift to the energy saving mode at the time of facsimile reception. When the execution key on the setting screen is touched, the data indicating
It is registered in M26a as a control command for facsimile reception. The setting process (40fx) described above
This is a part of the "other input processing" (40) shown in FIG.

Referring back to FIG. The CPU 25 clears the register FTi when there is an input that can be regarded as completion of the setting of the image processing mode, such as pressing of the mode registration key or pressing of the copy star key (12, 13). That is, the time interval data of the mode input of the register FTi is cleared to zero. This 0 means that the setting of the image processing mode was not in progress when switching from the operation mode to the energy saving mode due to the time-out of the timer Td. Register F
Ti of 1 means that there is a high possibility that the setting was in progress.

When the image processing is started in response to the depression of the copy star key or the image processing request from the host PC or the like, a timer T for a time period of Td (for example, 10 seconds) is set.
The timer operation of d is stopped (14, 15), and when the image processing is completed, the timer operation of the timer Td for a new Td time period is started (16, 17).

When the timer Td expires, the CPU
Reference numeral 25 denotes an image processing mode displayed on the LCD 26f;
Write to VRAM 26a as previous mode (18, 1
9) Instruct the MPU 61 to switch to the energy saving mode. In response, the MPU 61 turns off the switches 83 and 84 (20). That is, the power supply is switched from the operation mode to the energy saving mode (pause mode).

When the power key 21a is pressed, the CPU 25
Checks whether the current mode is the energy saving mode (the LED 21e is turned off) (22). If the mode is not the energy saving mode, that is, the operation mode, it is checked whether the apparatus is in the ready state waiting for the image processing instruction (request). (23) If so, it is considered that the user has instructed the switch to the energy saving mode, and the image processing mode displayed on the LCD 26f is changed to
Write to the NVRAM 26a as the previous mode (19),
Instructing the MPU 61 to switch to the energy saving mode. M
In response, the PU 61 turns off the switches 83 and 84 (20).

The power key 21a when in the energy saving mode
Is pressed, it is considered that the user has instructed the return to the operation mode, and the switching to the operation mode is performed by the MPU.
61 and turns on the LED 21e (24), starts the timer Td (25), and checks the data of the register FTi (26). MPU 61 is switch 8
Turn on 3,84.

If the data in the register FTi is 1 (it is highly likely that the user switched from the previous operation mode to the energy saving mode during the input of the image processing condition), the register FTi is cleared ( 34), it is checked whether the time interval Ti (data of the register RTi) of the image processing condition input is equal to or larger than the set value Tp (this is regarded as being distorted by the setting of the image processing mode) (35), and if so, , The image processing condition of the previous mode (copy mode) is read out from the NVRAM 28 and displayed on the LCD 26f (28), and 0 indicating that the image processing condition of the previous mode is being set is written in the register FNM (29). ). This is equivalent to initializing the register FNM. Then, an LED 56 indicating that the previous mode is being set.
Is turned on (30). With such processing, when the operation time (RTi) for setting the copy processing mode (image processing mode) of the user exceeds the set time (Tp), the user sets a complicated mode. Therefore, even if the mode is shifted from the operation mode to the energy saving mode, when returning to the operation mode thereafter, the previous mode setting screen is first displayed on the LCD 26f.

By the way, when the data of the register FTi is 0 when returning to the operation mode, it is regarded that the previous shift to the energy saving mode does not hinder the user from setting the mode. In this case, if the data of the register FPM is 1 (the initialization default screen is specified as the previous default mode setting screen in the initial setting screen), the copy mode of the previous mode is read out from the NVRAM 28 and displayed on the LCD 26f. (28) In the register FNM, write 0 indicating that the copy mode of the previous mode is being set (2).
9) LED 56 indicating that the previous mode is being set
Is turned on (30). If the data in the register FPM is 0 (the initial setting screen specifies the return default screen as the standard processing mode setting screen), the copy mode (image processing conditions) of the standard processing mode is read out from the NVRAM 28 and stored in the LCD 26f. Display (31), register F
In the NM, 1 indicating that the copy condition of the standard processing mode is being set is written (32), and the LED 56 indicating that the previous processing mode is being set is turned off (33). As described above, the default of the screen display when returning from the energy saving mode to the operation mode is specified by the initial setting (8 to 11: FPM) using the initial setting key 21d, and the user has a high degree of freedom in selecting.

When there is an external image processing request, the MPU 61 determines that the request is a facsimile call from the FCU 91.
Executes "power control for fax reception" (50) (3
6-49-50). This content will be described later with reference to FIG. External image processing request from host PC
The MPU 61 determines that the command is a printout command from
This is notified to the CPU 25, and the process proceeds to the printout control (36-49-37). The CPU 25 checks whether or not the current mode is the energy saving mode (37). If the current mode is the energy saving mode, the CPU 25 proceeds to the above-described processing after "set operation mode" (24).

When the mode switching key 21b is pressed, C
The PU 25 checks the data in the register FNM (38, 39), and if it is 1 (currently setting the standard processing mode), reads the copy mode of the previous mode from the NVRAM 28 and displays it on the LCD 26f (28 ),
In the register FNM, 0 indicating that the copy mode of the previous mode is being set is written (29), and the LED 56 indicating that the previous mode is being set is turned on (3).
0). If the data in the register FNM is 0 (currently setting the previous processing mode), the copy mode of the standard processing mode is read from the NVRAM 28 and displayed on the LCD 26f (31), and the copy condition of the standard processing mode is stored in the register FNM. Is written to indicate that is being set (3
2), LED indicating that the previous processing mode is being set
56 is turned off (33).

As described above, the user can switch the screen display of the mode setting with the mode switching key 21b, and the operability of the mode setting is improved. Also, on the initial setting screen,
When the return default screen is specified as the standard processing mode setting screen (FPM = 0), the previous user ends copying without any problem, switches to the energy saving mode, and then returns to the operation mode. Since the default screen is displayed (standard processing mode setting screen), the problem that the next user erroneously copies on the setting screen of the previous user is also solved.

The CPU 25 of the operation unit 20 includes, in addition to the input reading and the input correspondence processing described above, reading of the input of a numeric key, generation of input numeric data, reading of a press of a start key, and an MPU 61 of a start instruction. It performs normal copying machine operation / input / output control of the display board, such as transfer to a printer and reading of a paper size switching input. Collectively, these processes,
This is included in the “other input processing” (40) shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the contents of the "power control for fax reception" (50) in FIG. Printer controller 60
When the network control device 99 detects a ringing signal from the FCU 91 and the FCU 91 notifies the facsimile reception, the MPU 61 of the printer controller 60 proceeds to "power control for fax reception" (50). First, the current power supply mode (operation mode / low power mode / pause mode) is saved in a register (51),
The operation mode is set (52). That is, the switch 8
By turning on 3, 84, the target temperature control of the fixing heater 123C is started. Then, when there is data in the NVRAM 26 designating the shift to the energy saving mode at the time of facsimile reception, the FCU 91 responds to the notification of the start of the reception of the information of one page, and starts timing (53, 54). It waits for the FCU 91 to notify the end of the reception (56). While waiting, it is checked whether or not the counted value has passed the transition time N of the NVRAM 26a (55).

When the information of one page is received before the transition time N has passed, the printout is started (57), and if the communication is not completed, the reception of the next page is waited (5).
3). When the reception of the information of the next page starts, a new time measurement is started (54). If the information reception time of each page is less than the transition time N, the printout is performed every time information of one page is received.

When the time value exceeds the transition time N during reception of information of a certain page, the MPU 61 sets an energy saving mode (pause mode) (59), that is, the switch 8
Then, 3,84 is turned off, and the reception and storage for storing and writing the reception data in the MEM 65 is started (60). After that, the energy saving mode is maintained until the communication ends,
Write to M65. When the communication is completed, the reception data of the MEM 65 is read out from the page being received when the mode is switched to the energy saving mode and printed out (63). When this is completed, the power supply mode at the start of facsimile reception is read from the register and set (64). That is, when the start of reception is the operation mode, the switches 83 and 84 are turned on to start the fixing target temperature control of the fixing heater. When the start of the reception is the energy saving mode, the switches 83 and 84 are turned off, and when the mode is the low power mode, the switches 83 and 84 are turned on to set the fixing target temperature of the fixing heater × 80% as the target value. Start temperature control.

-Second Embodiment- The hardware of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the power supply mode control at the time of facsimile reception of the second embodiment is slightly different from that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows the contents of "power control for fax reception" (50) of the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, when the time value exceeds the transition time N while receiving information of a certain page, the energy saving mode is set (59), and thereafter, the energy saving mode is maintained until the end of communication. However, in the second embodiment, when the time value exceeds the transition time N while receiving information of a certain page, the energy saving mode is set there (5).
5, 59), when the reception of the page is completed, the operation mode is set and the printout of the page is started (6).
5-66-57). Therefore, the energy saving mode is a period from a page exceeding the transition time N to a time when the information reception time exceeds the transition time N until the information reception ends. Other processing,
This is the same as the first embodiment.

[0094]

The reception time of the facsimile information is the set value.
When the voltage exceeds (N), the power supply to the operating power lines (+ 5V, + 24V) is automatically cut off, that is, the mode is switched to the energy saving mode, thereby realizing energy saving. When the reception of facsimile information is completed at less than the set value (N), the power supply to the operating power line (+ 5V, + 24V) continues, and the image can be formed as soon as the reception of the facsimile information is completed. compatible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image forming mechanism of the printer 100 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an electric system of the multifunction copying machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a power supply device 80 and a printer controller 60 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a facsimile control unit 91 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an image memory MEM65 illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7A shows an operation unit 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3;
FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing an electric system.

8 is a diagram showing the MP of the printer controller 60 shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a part of power supply mode control using a CPU 25 of an operation unit 20 of U61.

FIG. 9 shows the MP of the printer controller 60 shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the remainder of power supply mode control using CPU25 of the operation part of U61.

FIG. 10 shows “other input processing” shown in FIG. 9 (40).
6 is a flowchart showing a part of the contents of FIG.

FIG. 11 shows “feed control of fax reception” (5
It is a flowchart which shows the content of 0).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the content of “power control for fax reception” (50) according to the second embodiment of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 21a: Power key 21b: Mode switching key 21c: LED 21d: Initial setting key 26f: LCD 23, 24: Operation key group 21e, 21f, 22: Display LED 100: Color printer

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function, comprising: a standby power line for applying an operating voltage to facsimile control means for receiving facsimile information; Power line, means for turning on / off power supply to the operating power line,
When the reception duration time of the facsimile information is equal to or longer than a set value, the on / off means is turned off, and when the reception of one facsimile information ends, the on / off means is turned on to start image formation of the reception information. An image forming apparatus, comprising: 2. An image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function, comprising: a standby power line for applying an operating voltage to facsimile control means for receiving facsimile information; and an operation for applying an operating voltage to means for forming an image on a sheet. Power line, means for turning on / off power supply to the operating power line,
When a new time is started each time reception of one page of facsimile information is started, and when the time value exceeds a set value, the on / off means is turned off to end reception of one piece of facsimile information. An image forming apparatus comprising: an energy-saving control unit that turns on the on / off unit to start image formation of received information. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said energy saving control means writes the received data to an information reading / writing device while receiving with the on / off means turned off. 4. An image forming apparatus having a facsimile receiving function, comprising: a standby power line for applying an operating voltage to facsimile control means for receiving facsimile information; and an operation for applying an operating voltage to means for forming an image on paper. Power line, means for turning on / off power supply to the operating power line,
When a new time is started each time reception of one page of facsimile information is started, and when the time value exceeds a set value, the on / off means is turned off to end reception of one page of facsimile information. An image forming apparatus comprising: an energy-saving control unit that turns on the on / off unit to start image formation of received information. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for allowing a user to set the set value. 6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said input means includes a key for a user to specify a set value input mode for setting said set value by a user.