JP2005148528A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus increasing energy saving by performing reset operation with which an energizing state to the heating means of a fixing part from an energy saving mode is made to differ. <P>SOLUTION: When a reset factor forcing to perform reset from the energy saving mode is caused in a perfect energy saving mode in which energizing a fixing heater is interrupted or a low-power energy saving mode in which energizing the fixing heater is restrained, a composite device 1 discriminates the kind of the reset factor, that is, whether it is the reset factor related to energizing the fixing heater or the one not to be related to energizing the fixing heater and controls energizing the fixing heater in accordance with the kind of the reset factor. Therefore, power consumption in the case of the reset factor not to be related to image forming operation is reduced and the energy saving is increased much further. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to perform energy saving by performing a return operation in which the energization state of a heating unit of a fixing unit is different depending on a return factor accompanying image formation and a return factor not involving image formation. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and a printer that is further improved.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus has been known to have an energy saving function by shutting off power to unnecessary portions in a standby state. However, an energy saving function that shifts from an energy saving state (energy saving mode) to a normal standby state is known. Conventionally, there are conditions such as pressing of an energy saving key by the user, document setting, detection of a ringing signal at the time of reception, detection of a handset off-hook signal at the time of transmission, and the like. The release factor from the preheating mode (return factor) is set, and the release means is enabled / disabled when a message is received.

  The applicant previously stored two communication lines, and when detecting the received signal and returning from the energy saving mode to the normal use state, one of the two communication lines is used for emergency. A facsimile apparatus has been proposed in which the fixing heater is immediately started and the power consumption is further reduced by starting the fixing heater when the other one line receives a predetermined number of files (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-187162

  However, the above prior art is premised on storing two lines and cannot be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, or a printer that stores only one line. In order to improve energy saving, there was a need for improvement.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus that includes a fixing unit that heats and fixes a toner image transferred to a recording sheet, whether or not a return factor from energy saving is a return factor related to an image forming operation. Regardless, when returning from the energy saving mode, the mode shifts to a mode in which the fixing heater is turned on.

  Therefore, even when the energy saving mode is restored due to a restoration factor not related to image formation, useless power is consumed, and improvement is necessary to improve energy saving.

  Therefore, the present invention distinguishes the energy saving return factor into a return factor related to the image forming operation and a return factor not related to the image forming operation. Providing an image forming apparatus that further improves energy savings by switching to multiple return modes such as less energization and preventing unnecessary energization of the heating means when returning due to a return factor unrelated to the image forming operation. The purpose is to do.

  Specifically, the invention described in claim 1 is a fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit, and the recording agent image is transferred to the recording medium by heating the recording medium onto which the recording agent image has been transferred. In addition to fixing, there is a complete energy saving mode in which at least the energization of the heating means is completely cut off to reduce power consumption.When a return factor for returning from the complete energy saving mode occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the return factor is Determine the return factor type, whether it is a return factor related to energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to the energization of the heating means, and control the energization to the heating means according to the return factor type Thus, for example, the heating means is energized when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, and the heating means is connected when the recovery factor is not related to the image forming operation. Separate the, to reduce power consumption during no return factor related to the image forming operation, and its object is to provide an image forming apparatus to further improve the energy saving.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a fixing member that is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit, and heats the recording medium on which the recording agent image is transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium, and at least A low-power energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption by reducing energization to the heating means, and when a return factor for returning from the low-power energy-saving mode occurs in the low-power energy-saving mode, the return factor is applied to the heating means. By determining the return factor type whether it is a return factor related to energization or a return factor not related to energization to the heating means, and controlling the energization to the heating means according to the return factor type, for example, When there is a return factor related to the image forming operation, the energization that promptly shifts to a state where the heating means can be fixed is performed, and the return need not be related to the image forming operation. Sometimes the energization of the heating means is reduced, for example, the same energization state as in the low power energy saving mode, and the image forming apparatus further reduces the energy consumption by reducing the power consumption at the time of a return factor unrelated to the image forming operation. The purpose is to provide.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing member that is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit to heat the recording medium on which the recording agent image has been transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium, and at least A complete energy saving mode that completely cuts off the power supply to the heating means to reduce power consumption, and when a return factor for returning from the complete energy saving mode occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the return factor is energized to the heating means. The return factor type is determined whether it is a return factor related to the above or a return factor not related to the energization of the heating means, and the control target temperature of the fixing member by the heating means is controlled according to the return factor type. Thus, for example, when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, the heating unit is energized by setting the control target temperature at which the temperature of the fixing member is increased. When the recovery factor is not related to the image forming operation, the heating means is not energized, or the control target temperature is set to a temperature at which the fixing member is extremely low and the energization is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that further reduces energy consumption and further improves energy saving.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing member that is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit to heat the recording medium on which the recording agent image has been transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium. A low-power energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption by reducing energization to the heating means, and when a return factor for returning from the low-power energy-saving mode occurs in the low-power energy-saving mode, the return factor is applied to the heating means. A return factor type is determined as to whether it is a return factor related to energization or a return factor not related to energization of the heating means, and the control target temperature of the fixing member by the heating means is controlled according to the return factor type. Thus, for example, when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, the heating unit is energized by setting the control target temperature so that the temperature of the fixing member is increased. When the recovery factor is not related to the image forming operation, the heating target is energized by setting the control target temperature at which the temperature of the fixing member is lower, for example, the same control target temperature as in the low power energy saving mode, and is related to the image forming operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that further reduces energy consumption by reducing power consumption when there is no return factor.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is a fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit, and heats the recording medium to which the recording agent image has been transferred to fix the recording agent image to the recording medium. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a complete energy saving mode in which at least energization to the heating unit is completely cut off to reduce power consumption, and when a predetermined return factor occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus returns from the complete energy saving mode. When the return factor is generated in the complete energy saving mode, whether the return factor is a return factor related to the energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to the energization of the heating means The above object is achieved by determining the factor type and controlling the energization to the heating means in accordance with the return factor type.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is a fixing member that is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit, and heats the recording medium to which the recording agent image has been transferred to fix the recording agent image to the recording medium. In addition, a low-power energy saving mode that reduces power consumption by reducing energization to at least the heating means, and when a predetermined return factor occurs in the low-power energy saving mode, image formation that returns from the low-power energy saving mode In the apparatus, when the return factor occurs in the low-power energy saving mode, is the return factor a return factor related to energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to energization of the heating means? The above-mentioned purpose is achieved by determining the return factor type of the heater and controlling energization to the heating means according to the return factor type. .

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 is a fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit, and heats the recording medium on which the recording agent image is transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a complete energy saving mode in which at least energization to the heating unit is completely cut off to reduce power consumption, and when a predetermined return factor occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus returns from the complete energy saving mode. When the return factor is generated in the complete energy saving mode, whether the return factor is a return factor related to the energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to the energization of the heating means By determining the factor type and controlling the control target temperature of the fixing member by the heating unit according to the return factor type, It has achieved the serial purpose.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing member that is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit to heat the recording medium on which the recording agent image has been transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium. In the image forming apparatus that includes a low power energy saving mode that reduces power consumption by reducing energization to the heating unit, and that returns from the low power energy saving mode when a predetermined return factor occurs in the low power energy saving mode, When the return factor occurs in the low power energy saving mode, the return factor type indicates whether the return factor is a return factor related to energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to energization of the heating means And the control target temperature of the fixing member by the heating means is controlled according to the return factor type. Forms.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the recording agent image is transferred to the recording medium by heating the recording medium to which the recording agent image has been transferred by the fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by the heating unit. If there is a return factor for returning from the complete energy saving mode in the complete energy saving mode, the recovery factor is restored. Determines whether the recovery factor is a recovery factor related to energization of the heating means or a recovery factor not related to the energization of the heating means, and controls the energization of the heating means according to the recovery factor type Therefore, for example, the heating means is energized when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, and the heating means is supplied when the recovery factor is not related to the image forming operation. Can not to perform the electrodeposition, to reduce power consumption during no return factor related to the image forming operation, energy saving can be further improved.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the recording agent image is transferred to the recording medium by heating the recording medium to which the recording agent image has been transferred by the fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by the heating unit. And a low-power energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption by reducing energization to at least the heating means, and when a return factor that causes the return from the low-power energy-saving mode occurs in the low-power energy-saving mode, Determine the return factor type whether the factor is a return factor related to energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to the energization of the heating means, and energize the heating means according to the return factor type. For example, at the time of a return factor related to the image forming operation, the energization is performed so that the heating means can quickly shift to a state where the image can be fixed. In the case of a non-recovery factor, the heating means can be kept in a state where power is reduced, for example, the same power-on state as in the low power energy-saving mode, and the power consumption at the time of the non-recovery factor unrelated to image forming operation is reduced to save energy. Can be further improved.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the recording agent image is transferred to the recording medium by heating the recording medium onto which the recording agent image has been transferred by the fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by the heating means. If there is a return factor for returning from the complete energy saving mode in the complete energy saving mode, the recovery factor is restored. Is determined as to whether the return factor is related to energization of the heating means or is not related to energization of the heating means, and the fixing member is controlled by the heating means according to the return factor type. Since the target temperature is controlled, for example, when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, the heating unit is set to a control target temperature that increases the temperature of the fixing member. When the recovery factor is not related to the image forming operation, the heating unit is not energized, or the control target temperature is set to a temperature at which the fixing member is extremely low, and the heating unit can be energized. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption at the time of a return factor that is not related to the image forming operation, and to further improve the energy saving.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the recording agent image is transferred to the recording medium by heating the recording medium to which the recording agent image has been transferred by the fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by the heating unit. And a low-power energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption by reducing energization to at least the heating means, and when a return factor that causes the return from the low-power energy-saving mode occurs in the low-power energy-saving mode, A return factor type is determined as to whether the factor is a return factor related to the energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to the energization of the heating means, and the fixing member by the heating means is determined according to the return factor type. Since the control target temperature is controlled, for example, when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, the control target temperature is set so that the temperature of the fixing member becomes high. When the recovery factor is not involved in the image forming operation, the heating unit is energized by setting the control target temperature at which the temperature of the fixing member is low, for example, the same control target temperature as in the low power energy saving mode. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption at the time of a return factor not related to the image forming operation and further improve the energy saving.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 5 are diagrams showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a composite apparatus 1 to which an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, a composite device 1 includes a controller 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, an operation unit 5, sensors 6, an engine unit 7, and the like. 8 is connected. The multifunction device 1 has a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function.

  The ROM 3 stores various programs such as a basic processing program as the composite apparatus 1 and an energy saving return control processing program to be described later, and various data necessary to execute these programs. Stores fixed data.

  Based on the program in the ROM 3, the controller 2 controls each part of the composite device 1 while using the RAM 4 as a work memory, and executes basic processing as the composite device 1, and also executes energy saving return control processing described later. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 5 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad 11, a start key 12, a FAX function key 13, a printer function key 14, a scanner function key 15 (see FIG. 3), and a copy function key 16. In addition, a display (for example, a liquid crystal display) 17 is provided, and various commands necessary for operating various functions of the composite apparatus 1 such as a facsimile transmission operation, a copy operation, and a scanner operation are input from the operation keys. Displays the contents of commands input from the operation keys and various types of information notified from the composite apparatus 1 to the operator.

  The sensors 6 detect various states of the composite apparatus 1, particularly a return factor from the energy saving mode, and output a detection result to the controller 2.

  Although not shown, the engine unit 7 includes an image forming engine and an image reading engine. The image forming engine records and outputs an image on recording paper based on print data in an electrophotographic method, and although not shown, each unit necessary for recording and outputting print data on a recording paper by an electrophotographic method using a laser, For example, a photoconductor, an optical writing unit, a developing unit, a charging unit, a cleaning unit, and the like are provided. The engine unit 7 operates the optical writing unit according to the print data and the control signal to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member, and the developing unit supplies toner to the photosensitive member and develops it to form a toner image. To do. The engine unit 7 feeds a recording sheet from the sheet feeding unit between the photosensitive member and the transfer unit, transfers the toner image on the photosensitive member to the recording sheet, and fixes the recording sheet on which the toner image is transferred to the fixing unit. In the fixing unit, the energization of the fixing heater (heating means) is controlled by the fixing unit to be heated to the fixing temperature and to be rotated in contact with the fixing roller (heating member) that is driven to rotate. An image is formed by fixing the toner image on the recording paper by heating and pressing the recording paper on which the toner image has been transferred by the pressure roller.

  The image reading engine generally includes an ADF (Auto Document Fieder) that transports a plurality of documents set on a document table to a reading position that shifts one by one, and a plurality of documents set on the ADF are read one by one. Then, the original is subjected to main scanning and sub scanning to read an image of the original.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the multifunction apparatus 1 finishes the operation command, the facsimile reception, or the like, and then passes a predetermined waiting time, the multifunction apparatus 1 shifts to one energy saving mode among a plurality of energy saving modes, Reduce the power supply to each part or reduce the power consumption. The ROM 3 stores fixing heater control information for each energy saving mode, for example, the interruption of energization to the fixing heater, the number of times the fixing heater is turned on per unit time, or the control target temperature of the fixing roller. In the energy saving mode, the controller 2 reads out the fixing heater control information of the energy saving mode from the ROM 3 and sets it in the RAM 4, and performs energization control to the fixing heater based on the fixing heater control information of the RAM 4.

  Further, the composite apparatus 1 stores in advance the fixing heater control as a return factor related to image formation (printing) and the control information of the fixing heater as a return factor not related to image formation in the ROM 3, and returns from the energy saving mode. The power consumption is further reduced by changing the energization control to the fixing heater depending on whether the factor is a restoration factor related to image formation or a restoration factor irrelevant to image formation.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in the complete energy saving mode in which the energization to the fixing heater is interrupted, the multifunction apparatus 1 is pressed as a factor for returning from the complete energy saving mode, or the copy start key 12 is pressed When an operation related to image formation (printing) such as a selection operation of a paper feed stage (image forming engine paper feed cassette of the engine unit 7) is performed on the operation unit 5 using the numeric keypad 11, the controller 2 Receiving as a return signal related to image formation, reading out the fixing heater control information of the return factor related to image formation from the ROM 3, and reading out the fixing heater control information in the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 as the read return factor. Rewrite with fixing heater control information. Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the fixing heater control information in the RAM 4 to control the temperature of the fixing roller. In this case, as the fixing heater control at the time of return, for example, energization control for quickly heating the fixing roller to the fixing temperature, energization control with fewer lighting times than at the time of image formation, and the like are performed.

  Further, in the low power energy saving mode in which the composite apparatus 1 reduces the power consumption by reducing the predetermined number of times of energizing the fixing heater, the copy start key 12 is pressed as a return factor from the low power energy saving mode. The operation unit 5 performs operations related to image formation (printing) such as a selection operation of the number of printed sheets using the numeric keypad 11, selection operation of a paper feed stage (image forming engine of the engine unit 7). Then, the controller 2 accepts it as a return signal related to image formation, reads out the fixing heater control information of the return factor related to image formation from the ROM 3, and sets the fixing heater control information in the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 as follows. It is rewritten with the fixing heater control information of the read return factor. Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the fixing heater control information in the RAM 4 to control the temperature of the fixing roller. In this case, as the fixing heater control at the time of return, for example, energization control for quickly heating the fixing roller to the fixing temperature, energization control with fewer lighting times than at the time of image formation, and the like are performed.

  Further, in the complete energy saving mode, the multifunction apparatus 1 performs operations not related to image formation (printing) such as the scanner function key 15 and the FAX function key 13 (keys on the operation unit 5) as the energy saving return operation as shown in FIG. Operation), or when an operation not directly related to image formation (printing) is performed, such as manuscripts on the ADF of the image reading engine of the engine unit 7 or opening the front door, the controller 2 performs image formation (printing). ) As a return signal not related to (), fetching fixing heater control information of a return factor not related to image formation (printing) from the ROM 3, and fixing heater control information in the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 It is rewritten with the fixing heater control information of the read return factor. Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the fixing heater control information in the RAM 4. However, for a return factor not related to image formation, for example, the same control as the control at the time of energy saving is performed and the fixing in the energy saving mode is performed. When the energization to the heater is cut off (the heater is turned off), the control to cut off the energization to the fixing heater is performed.

  Further, the multifunction apparatus 1 performs an operation not related to image formation (printing) such as the scanner function key 15 and the FAX function key 13 (key operation of the operation unit 5) as a low power energy saving return operation in the low power energy saving mode, or When an operation not directly related to image formation (printing) is performed only by manipulating the document to the ADF of the image reading engine of the engine unit 7 or opening the front door, the controller 2 does not relate to image formation (printing). The fixing heater control information that is received as a return signal and is not related to image formation (printing) from the ROM 3 is extracted, and the fixing heater control information in the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 is read out from the read return factor. Is rewritten with the fixing heater control information. Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the fixing heater control information of the RAM 4. However, for a return factor not related to image formation, for example, the controller 2 performs the same control as the control at the time of low power and energy saving. Energization control is performed to reduce the number of times the fixing heater is turned on in the energy saving mode.

  As described above, when the return factor for returning from the complete energy saving mode occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the composite apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is the return factor related to the energization of the fixing heater or the fixing. A return factor type as to whether the return factor is not related to the energization of the heater is determined, and the energization to the fixing heater is controlled according to the return factor type.

  Accordingly, for example, the fixing heater can be energized at the time of a return factor related to the image forming operation, and the energization of the fixing heater can be prevented from being performed at the time of a return factor not related to the image forming operation. Energy consumption can be further improved by reducing power consumption when there is no recovery factor.

  In the composite apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when a return factor for returning from the low power energy saving mode occurs in the low power energy saving mode, whether the return factor is a return factor related to energization of the fixing heater or fixing. A return factor type as to whether the return factor is not related to the energization of the heater is determined, and the energization to the fixing heater is controlled according to the return factor type.

  Therefore, for example, when a return factor related to the image forming operation is applied, power is supplied to quickly cause the fixing heater to be able to fix, and when a return factor is not related to the image forming operation, the power supply to the fixing heater is reduced, for example, low The same energized state as that in the power saving mode can be set, and the power consumption at the time of a return factor not related to the image forming operation can be reduced, and the energy saving can be further improved.

  In the above description, the ROM 3 stores in advance, for each energy saving mode, the fixing heater control as a return factor related to image formation (printing) and the fixing heater control information as a return factor not related to image formation. The fixing heater control information is not limited to the above contents. For example, in the ROM 3, the fixing heater control target temperature at the time of a return factor related to image formation (printing) is stored in the ROM 3 for each energy saving mode (more specifically, The fixing roller control target temperature) and the fixing heater control target temperature at the time of the recovery factor not related to the image forming apparatus are stored, and the fixing heater control target temperature is set according to the energy saving mode at the time of recovery to return. It may be.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, in the complete energy saving mode in which the energization to the fixing heater is interrupted, the multifunction apparatus 1 uses a copy start key 12 as a return factor from the complete energy saving mode, as in FIG. The operation unit 5 performs operations related to image formation (printing), such as pressing the button, setting the number of prints with the numeric keypad 11, and selecting the paper feed stage (the paper feed cassette of the image forming engine of the engine unit 7). The controller 2 accepts it as a return signal related to image formation, reads out the fixing heater target temperature of the recovery factor related to image formation from the ROM 3, and sets the target temperature of the fixing heater in the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 To the fixing heater target temperature of the read recovery factor. Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the target temperature of the fixing heater in the RAM 4 to control the temperature of the fixing roller. In this case, as the fixing heater control at the time of return, for example, the energization control is performed to the fixing roller target temperature higher than the temperature in the energy saving mode.

  In addition, the multifunction device 1 starts copying as a return factor from the low power energy saving mode in the low power energy saving mode in which the power supply to the fixing heater is controlled to a predetermined low fixing heater target temperature to reduce power consumption. Operations relating to image formation (printing) such as pressing of the key 12, setting of the number of prints with the numeric keypad 11, selection operation of a paper feed stage (image forming engine of the engine unit 7), etc. When it is performed in the unit 5, the controller 2 accepts it as a return signal related to image formation, reads the fixing heater target temperature (control target temperature) as a return factor related to image formation from the ROM 3, and sets the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 ) At the fixing heater target temperature (control target temperature) at the time of the read recovery factor Rewritten in degrees (control target temperature). Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the target temperature of the fixing heater in the RAM 4 to control the temperature of the fixing roller. In this case, as the fixing heater control at the time of return, for example, the energization control is performed to the fixing roller target temperature higher than the temperature in the energy saving mode.

  Further, in the complete energy saving mode, the multifunction apparatus 1 performs operations not related to image formation (printing) such as the scanner function key 15 and the FAX function key 13 (keys of the operation unit 5) as the energy saving return operation as shown in FIG. Operation), or when an operation not directly related to image formation (printing) is performed, such as manuscripts on the ADF of the image reading engine of the engine unit 7 or opening the front door, the controller 2 performs image formation (printing). ) Is taken out as a return signal not related to (), the fixing heater target temperature of the return factor not related to image formation (printing) is taken out from the ROM 3, and the fixing heater target temperature in the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 is The read recovery factor is rewritten at the target fixing heater temperature. Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the fixing heater target temperature of the RAM 4. However, in the restoration factor not related to the image formation, in the control similar to the control at the time of energy saving, that is, in the complete energy saving mode, the fixing is performed. Since the power supply to the heater is cut off (the heater is turned off), the control to cut off the power supply to the fixing heater is performed.

  Further, the multifunction apparatus 1 performs an operation not related to image formation (printing) such as the scanner function key 15 and the FAX function key 13 (key operation of the operation unit 5) as a low power energy saving return operation in the low power energy saving mode, or When an operation not directly related to image formation (printing) is performed only by manipulating the document to the ADF of the image reading engine of the engine unit 7 or opening the front door, the controller 2 does not relate to image formation (printing). The fixing heater target temperature, which is accepted as a return signal and is not related to image formation (printing), is taken out from the ROM 3 and the fixing heater target temperature in the energy saving mode (energy saving mode) set in the RAM 4 is read. Rewrite at the target fixing heater temperature. Thereafter, the controller 2 performs energization control of the fixing heater based on the target temperature of the fixing heater of the RAM 4, but for a return factor not related to image formation, the controller 2 performs control similar to the control at the time of low power energy saving, and the low power energy saving mode. Energization control is performed at a target temperature of the fixing heater that is very low.

  As described above, when the return factor for returning from the complete energy saving mode occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the composite apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is the return factor related to the energization of the fixing heater or the fixing. A return factor type that is a return factor not related to the energization of the heater is determined, and the control target temperature of the fixing roller by the fixing heater is controlled according to the return factor type.

  Therefore, for example, when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, the fixing heater temperature is set to a higher control target temperature, and the fixing heater is energized. When the recovery factor is not related to the image forming operation, the fixing heater is energized. It is not necessary to set the control target temperature to a temperature at which the fixing roller is extremely low, and the fixing heater can be energized, reducing the power consumption at the time of a return factor unrelated to the image forming operation and saving energy. Can be further improved.

  In the composite apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when a return factor for returning from the low power energy saving mode occurs in the low power energy saving mode, whether the return factor is a return factor related to energization of the fixing heater or fixing. A return factor type that is a return factor not related to the energization of the heater is determined, and a control target temperature (fixing heater target temperature) of the fixing roller by the fixing heater is controlled according to the return factor type.

  Therefore, for example, when the recovery factor is related to the image forming operation, the fixing roller temperature is set to a higher control target temperature and the fixing heater is energized. When the recovery factor is not related to the image forming operation, the fixing roller temperature is lowered. Control target temperature, for example, the same control target temperature as in the low power energy saving mode can be set to energize the fixing heater, reducing the power consumption at the time of a return factor unrelated to the image forming operation, Energy saving can be further improved.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The fixing heater includes a fixing unit for fixing by a fixing roller heated by a fixing heater and an energy saving mode for saving energy by suppressing energization to the fixing heater, and includes a return factor with image formation and a return factor without image formation. The present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a printer that further improves energy saving by performing a return operation with different energization states.

1 is a block diagram of a composite apparatus to which a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a return process when the fixing control information in the memory is rewritten and the fixing control is performed when there is a return factor related to printing as a return factor from the complete energy saving mode by the composite apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a return process when the fixing control information in the memory is rewritten and the fixing control is performed when there is a return factor not related to printing as a return factor from the complete energy saving mode by the composite apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a return process when the fixing temperature of the fixing heater of the memory is rewritten and the fixing control is performed when there is a return factor related to printing as a return factor from the complete energy saving mode by the composite apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a return process in a case where there is a return factor not related to printing as a return factor from the complete energy saving mode by the composite apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Compound device 2 Controller 3 ROM
4 RAM
5 Operation section 6 Sensors 7 Engine section 8 Bus 11 Numeric keypad 12 Start key 13 FAX function key 14 Printer function key 15 Scanner function key 16 Copy function key 17 Display

Claims (4)

  A fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit heats the recording medium onto which the recording agent image has been transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium, and at least completely energizes the heating unit. In the image forming apparatus that recovers from the complete energy saving mode when a predetermined return factor occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the return factor is in the complete energy saving mode. When it occurs, a return factor type is determined whether the return factor is a return factor related to energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to energization of the heating means, and the return factor type is determined according to the return factor type. An image forming apparatus that controls energization to the heating means.   A fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit heats the recording medium on which the recording agent image is transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium, and at least reduces energization to the heating unit. A low-power energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption, and when a predetermined return factor occurs in the low-power energy-saving mode, the image forming apparatus that returns from the low-power energy-saving mode, the return in the low-power energy-saving mode When a factor occurs, a return factor type is determined as to whether the return factor is a return factor related to energization of the heating unit or a return factor not related to energization of the heating unit, and the return factor type An image forming apparatus that controls energization to the heating unit according to the control.   A fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit heats the recording medium onto which the recording agent image has been transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium, and at least completely energizes the heating unit. In the image forming apparatus that recovers from the complete energy saving mode when a predetermined return factor occurs in the complete energy saving mode, the return factor is in the complete energy saving mode. When it occurs, a return factor type is determined whether the return factor is a return factor related to energization of the heating means or a return factor not related to energization of the heating means, and the return factor type is determined according to the return factor type. An image forming apparatus that controls a control target temperature of the fixing member by the heating unit. A fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heating unit heats the recording medium on which the recording agent image is transferred to fix the recording agent image on the recording medium, and at least reduces energization to the heating unit. A low-power energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption, and when a predetermined return factor occurs in the low-power energy-saving mode, the image forming apparatus that returns from the low-power energy-saving mode, the return in the low-power energy-saving mode When a factor occurs, a return factor type is determined as to whether the return factor is a return factor related to energization of the heating unit or a return factor not related to energization of the heating unit, and the return factor type And an image forming apparatus that controls a control target temperature of the fixing member by the heating unit.

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