JP2008070429A - Image forming apparatus, power supply control method and power supply control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of effectively using power stored in the auxiliary power source of the image forming apparatus, and to provide a power supply control method and a power supply control program. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is equipped with: an input current detection circuit 103 detecting current amount supplied from a commercial power source; an outside output part 109 outputting the power supplied from a capacitor 107 which can be charged/discharged to the outside; and a discharger 108 discharging the output from the capacitor 107 to the outside output part 109. A control circuit 105 controls whether or not to perform discharge by the discharger 108 based on the detected current amount, whereby the power stored in a power accumulation means is supplied to the outside of the image forming apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an auxiliary power source, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program.

  Conventionally, as a technique for forming an image on a recording medium in an image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic method in which a toner image is formed on the recording medium and the formed toner image is fixed on the recording medium with heat and pressure is generally known. ing. In such a technique, in order to heat the fixing unit to a temperature at which the fixing unit can be fixed in a short time using a commercial power source, power is supplied from the auxiliary power source. There was a problem that decreased.

  In order to solve such a problem, an image forming apparatus is disclosed in which, when the auxiliary power supply is switched to the discharger side, the electric charge charged in the auxiliary power supply is forcibly discharged by the discharger (Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2004-286882 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the electric power stored in the auxiliary power source is discharged without using any other power, the stored electric power cannot be effectively used.

  In addition, when the supply of power from a commercial power supply stops in the event of an emergency or disaster, even if the image forming apparatus stores a large amount of power, the stored power can be used effectively. There wasn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program capable of effectively utilizing power stored in an auxiliary power source. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a chargeable / dischargeable power storage means, a current detection means for detecting the amount of current supplied from a commercial power supply, and the power storage means. Based on the amount of current detected by the external output means for outputting the supplied power to the outside, discharge means for discharging from the power storage means to the external output means, and the current detection means, discharge by the discharge means is performed. And control means for controlling whether or not to perform.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the control unit is configured such that the current amount detected by the current detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined current amount. The discharging means is controlled to discharge from the power storage means to the external output means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the DC power supplied from the discharge unit is converted into AC power, and the converted AC power is converted into the external power. Conversion means for supplying to the output means is further provided, wherein the external output means outputs the AC power converted by the conversion means to the outside.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, switching is performed so as to input either the AC power converted by the conversion unit or the AC power supplied from a commercial power source. DC power generation means for generating DC power from the AC power supplied from the switching means and supplying the generated DC power to the external output means, the control means, The switching of the switching means is controlled based on the amount of current detected by the current detecting means, and the external output means outputs the DC power supplied from the DC power supply generating means to the outside. And

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the conversion means for converting alternating current power supplied from a commercial power source into direct current power and the discharge means are provided. Switching means for switching to input either one of the DC power or the DC power converted by the conversion means, the control means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means, The switching of the switching means is controlled, and the external output means outputs the DC power supplied from the switching means to the outside.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the external output unit or the AC output from the AC power converted by the conversion unit or the AC power supplied from a commercial power source is provided. Switching means for switching to be supplied to the inside of the image forming apparatus, and the control means controls switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means, and The external output means outputs the AC power supplied from the switching means to the outside.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the conversion unit that converts the DC power supplied from the power storage unit into the AC power, and the conversion unit that is supplied from the conversion unit. The AC power is input, DC power is generated from the input AC power, and the connection between the DC power generation unit that supplies the power to the inside of the image forming apparatus, the conversion unit, and the external output unit is opened and closed. Switching means, wherein the control means measures the time during which power is supplied to the external output means, controls the opening and closing of the switching means according to a predetermined time, and the external output means The AC power supplied from the means is output to the outside.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the DC power supplied from the power storage means is converted to AC power, and the conversion means is supplied from the conversion means. The AC power is input, DC power is generated from the input AC power, and the connection between the DC power generation unit that supplies the power to the inside of the image forming apparatus, the conversion unit, and the external output unit is opened and closed. A switching means; and a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the amount of power of the power storage means, wherein the control means opens and closes the switching means based on the amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection means. And the external output means outputs the AC power supplied from the switching means to the outside.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, conversion means for converting DC power supplied from the discharge means into AC power, and conversion by the conversion means. Switching means for switching to supply either the AC power or the AC power supplied from a commercial power source, and generating DC power from the AC power supplied from the switching means, and generating the generated DC power DC power generation means for supplying to the accessory device, and the control means switches the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means and the operation information sent from the accessory equipment. Is controlled.

  The invention according to claim 10 is characterized by comprising chargeable / dischargeable power storage means and external output means for outputting the power supplied from the power storage means to the outside.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of electric power stored in the electric storage means and the remaining amount detecting means are detected. Display means for displaying the remaining amount of the electric power.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chargeable / dischargeable power storage means, a current detection means for detecting the amount of current supplied from a commercial power supply, and an external output means for outputting the power supplied from the power storage means to the outside. And a discharge means for discharging from the power storage means to the external output means. In the power supply control method for an image forming apparatus, the discharge by the discharge means is based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means. And a control step for controlling whether or not to perform.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer is caused to execute the power supply control method according to the twelfth aspect.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the chargeable / dischargeable power storage means, the current detection means for detecting the amount of current supplied from the commercial power supply, and the external output means for outputting the power supplied from the power storage means to the outside A discharge means for discharging from the power storage means to the external output means, and controlling whether or not the discharge by the discharge means is performed based on the detected current amount, whereby the power stored in the power storage means is supplied to the image forming apparatus Therefore, the power stored in the auxiliary power source of the image forming apparatus can be effectively used.

  According to the invention of claim 2, when the amount of current detected by the current detection unit becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount of current, the discharge unit is controlled to discharge from the power storage unit to the external output unit. Therefore, when power is not supplied from the commercial power supply, power can be supplied from the power storage means, so that the power stored in the auxiliary power supply of the image forming apparatus can be used effectively in case of an emergency such as a power failure or pulling out the power plug. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the AC power can be supplied to the outside by converting the DC power supplied from the discharging means into AC power and outputting the converted AC power to the outside. Therefore, there is an effect that an external device using AC power can be used.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the switching means for switching to input either AC power converted by the conversion means or AC power supplied from a commercial power source, and AC supplied from the switching means. DC power generation means for generating DC power from the power, and controls switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means, and the DC power supplied from the DC power supply generation means is externally supplied. Since the power can be output to the outside from either the commercial power supply or the auxiliary power supply, the external device can continuously receive the power supply without interruption.

  According to the invention of claim 5, any one of conversion means for converting AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power, and DC power supplied from the discharge means or DC power converted by the conversion means. Switching means for switching to input one of them, controlling switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means, and outputting DC power supplied from the switching means to the outside Since the power can be output from either the commercial power supply or the auxiliary power supply depending on the amount of power input from the commercial power supply, the external device can be continuously supplied with power without interruption. Play.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, switching is performed so that either the AC power converted by the conversion unit or the AC power supplied from the commercial power source is supplied to the external output unit or the image forming apparatus. Switching means, which controls the switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means, and outputs AC power supplied from the switching means to the outside, so that it is input from a commercial power source. Depending on the amount of power, power can be output from either the commercial power supply or the auxiliary power supply to the outside and the inside of the image forming apparatus, so that both the external device and the image forming apparatus are continuously supplied with power without interruption. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the DC power supplied from the power storage means is converted into AC power, the AC power supplied from the converter is input, and the DC power is converted from the input AC power. And a switching unit that opens and closes the connection between the conversion unit and the external output unit, and measures the time during which power is supplied to the external output unit Then, by controlling the opening and closing of the switching unit according to a predetermined time and outputting the AC power supplied from the switching unit to the outside, the power from the auxiliary power source is externally output depending on the amount of current input from the commercial power source and the supply time. Since the power can be output, the auxiliary power can be supplied to the external device without waste.

  According to the invention of claim 8, the DC power supplied from the power storage means is converted into AC power, the AC power supplied from the converter is input, and the DC power is converted from the input AC power. DC power generation means for generating and supplying the power to the inside of the image forming apparatus, switching means for opening and closing the connection between the conversion means and the external output means, and a remaining amount detection means for detecting the amount of power of the power storage means Auxiliary power supply according to the amount of power stored in the auxiliary power supply by controlling the opening and closing of the switching means based on the amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection means and outputting the AC power supplied from the switching means to the outside Therefore, the power of the auxiliary power source can be supplied to the external device without waste.

  According to the invention of claim 9, the conversion means for converting the DC power supplied from the discharge means into AC power, and either the AC power converted by the conversion means or the AC power supplied from the commercial power source. A switching means for switching to supply one; and DC power generation means for generating DC power from the AC power supplied from the switching means and supplying the generated DC power to the accessory device, the current detection means By controlling the switching of the switching means based on the detected current amount and the operation information sent from the accessory device, power is externally supplied from the auxiliary power source depending on the amount of current input from the commercial power source and the operation status of the accessory device. Since it can output, it has the effect that required electric power can be supplied to an attached apparatus without waste.

  According to the invention of claim 10, the power of the auxiliary power supply is output to the outside by including the chargeable / dischargeable power storage means and the external output means for outputting the power supplied from the power storage means to the outside. Therefore, power can be obtained from the auxiliary power supply of the image forming apparatus in an emergency.

  According to the invention of claim 11, the remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of electric power stored in the electric storage means, and the display for displaying the remaining amount of electric power detected by the remaining amount detecting means. Further, since the power amount of the auxiliary power source can be displayed, it is possible to confirm whether or not the necessary power amount remains in the external device.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the control step, whether or not discharging by the discharging means is performed is controlled based on the amount of current detected by the current detecting means. Since power can be supplied to the outside of the image forming apparatus, the power stored in the auxiliary power supply of the image forming apparatus can be effectively used.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, by causing a computer to execute the power supply control method according to the twelfth aspect, the power stored in the power storage means can be supplied to the outside of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the power stored in the auxiliary power source of the image forming apparatus can be effectively used.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The image forming apparatus according to the following embodiment will be described as a multifunction multifunction peripheral, but may be a copier, a printer, or the like in addition to the multifunction peripheral.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment supplies power of an auxiliary power source to the outside in a power circuit.

  First, a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a power supply circuit 110, an AC power supply 101, and an external output unit 109.

  The power supply circuit 110 supplies power required by each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. Details of the configuration of the power supply circuit 110 will be described later. The AC power supply 101 supplies AC power from the commercial power supply to the image forming apparatus 100. The external output unit 109 supplies power from the power supply circuit 110 to the external device 200. The external device 200 is a television, a radio, a light stand, a personal computer, a digital camera, a mobile phone charger, and the like. By supplying power to these external devices, power from a commercial power source is used in a disaster. Even when the supply of power is stopped, power can be supplied to the external device.

  Next, the power supply circuit 110 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the power supply circuit according to the first embodiment. The power supply circuit 110 includes a main power switch 102, an input current detection circuit 103, a DC power supply generation circuit (PSU) 104, a control circuit 105, a charger 106, a capacitor 107, and a discharger 108. . The discharger 108 is connected to the external output unit 109.

  The main power switch 102 receives ON / OFF of the supply of current input from the AC power supply 101, and connects or disconnects the power supply circuit.

  The input current detection circuit 103 detects an input current input from the AC power source 101. The input current detection circuit 103 is provided between the main power switch 102, the DC power generation circuit 104, and the charger 106. The input current detection circuit 103 detects the input current of the AC power supply 101 input via the main power switch 102 and outputs a detection current signal S1 to the control circuit 105. This input current varies according to the operating state of the DC power supply generation circuit 104, the charger 106, and the image forming apparatus.

  A DC power generation circuit (PSU) 104 generates DC power for the image forming apparatus. The DC power generation circuit 104 is supplied with AC power output from the AC power supply 101 via the main power switch 102 and the input current detection circuit 103. The DC power generation circuit 104 is based on the AC power supply 101 input via the main power switch 102, and is used mainly for the control system inside the image forming apparatus, and mainly for the drive system and medium / high voltage power supply. Power to be generated and output to each unit.

  The control circuit 105 controls each part of the power supply circuit 101, and in particular controls the operation of the charger 106 and the discharger 108. Note that the function of the control circuit 105 may be realized by a program. The charger 106 charges the capacitor 107. The charger 106 is supplied with AC power output from the AC power supply 101 via the main power switch 102 and the input current detection circuit 103. The charger 106 is connected to the capacitor 107 and charges the capacitor 107 in accordance with the control signal S2 output from the control circuit 105. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a charger. As shown in FIG. 3, the charger 106 performs charging by switching the switch according to the control signal S2 output from the control circuit 105.

  The capacitor 107 uses an electric double layer capacitor that does not involve a chemical reaction. Capacitor 107 can be charged in a short time by using an electric double layer capacitor, can discharge a large amount of power in a short time, has a long life, and improves safety even when it continues to be charged. Can do. Capacitor 107 is connected to charger 106 and discharger 108 and is charged by charger 106. The electric power charged in the capacitor 107 supplies power to the outside via the external output unit 109 under the control of the control circuit 105.

  The discharger 108 discharges the capacitor 107. Discharger 108 is connected to capacitor 107 and discharges capacitor 107 in accordance with control signal S 3 input from control circuit 105. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of a discharger. As shown in FIG. 4, the discharger 108 discharges by switching the switch according to the control signal S3 output from the control circuit 105.

  Next, power supply control processing by the power supply circuit 110 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a power supply control processing procedure performed by the power supply circuit.

  The input current detection circuit 103 determines whether or not the input current from the AC power source 101 is detected (step S501). If it is determined that the input current from the AC power supply 101 is detected (step S501: Yes), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 and turns off the discharger 108 (step S502). . Further, the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 to turn on the charger 106 (step S503). Thereby, the capacitor 107 is charged by the input current from the AC power source 101.

  If it is determined that the input current from the AC power source 101 is not detected (step S501: No), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 and turns off the charger 106 (step S504). . Further, the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 to turn on the discharger 108 (step S505). Thereby, the electric power from the capacitor 107 can be supplied to the external output unit 109.

  In this way, when the power supply from the AC power supply is stopped due to a power failure or pulling out the power plug, etc., the power can be supplied from the capacitor to the external output unit such as the outlet, and therefore connected to the external output unit. Power can be supplied to external equipment. In an emergency such as a disaster, the power stored in the image forming apparatus can be supplied to the outside, so that the power of the image forming apparatus can be used effectively.

  A modification of the present embodiment will be described. An image forming apparatus according to another embodiment converts DC power output from a capacitor in a power supply circuit into AC power and supplies the AC power to the outside. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit according to another embodiment. The power supply circuit 120 according to the present embodiment further includes a DC / AC inverter 111 in addition to the power supply circuit 110 according to the first embodiment described above, and the DC / AC inverter 111 is connected to the external output unit 109. The DC / AC inverter 111 converts the DC power of the capacitor 107 output from the discharger 108 into AC power. Thereby, it is possible to supply power to an external device that operates with AC power and to operate the external device.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment converts the DC power output from the auxiliary power supply in the power supply circuit into AC power, and switches between the converted AC power and the AC power supplied from the AC power supply. The supplied AC power is converted into DC power and supplied to the outside.

  Regarding a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, a portion different from the first embodiment and the modified example, that is, a power supply circuit will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply circuit according to the second embodiment. The power supply circuit 130 according to the present embodiment includes a main power switch 102, an input current detection circuit 103, a DC power supply generation circuit 104, a control circuit 105, a charger 106, a capacitor 107, a discharger 108, A DC / AC inverter 111 and a changeover switch 112 are provided. The DC power generation circuit 104 is connected to the external output unit 109.

  Here, the configuration of the main power switch 102, the input current detection circuit 103, the DC power generation circuit 104, the control circuit 105, the charger 106, the capacitor 107, the discharger 108, and the DC / AC inverter 111, Since the function is almost the same as that of the first embodiment and the modification, only different parts will be described.

  The changeover switch 112 switches the input power to either AC power output from the DC / AC inverter 111 or AC power of the AC power source 101 in accordance with the control signal S4 sent from the control circuit 105. The changeover switch 112 supplies the input AC power to the DC power supply generation circuit 104. The DC power generation circuit 104 converts AC power into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power to the external output unit 109 and the control circuit 105.

  Next, power supply control processing by the power supply circuit 130 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a power supply control processing procedure performed by the power supply circuit.

  The input current detection circuit 103 determines whether an input current from the AC power source 101 is detected (step S801). If it is determined that the input current from the AC power supply 101 is detected (step S801: Yes), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 and turns off the discharger 108 (step S802). ). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 and turns on the charger 106 (step S803). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S4 to the changeover switch 112, and switches the changeover switch 112 to the AC power supply 101 side (step S804). Thereby, the electric power input from the AC power source 101 can be supplied to the external output unit 109.

  If it is determined that the input current from the AC power source 101 is not detected (step S801: No), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 and turns off the charger 106 (step S805). ). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 to turn on the discharger 108 (step S806). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S4 to the changeover switch 112, and switches the changeover switch 112 to the output side of the capacitor 107 (step S807). Thereby, the electric power output from the capacitor 107 can be supplied to the external output unit 109.

  In this way, when the supply of power from the AC power supply is stopped, the power can be supplied from the capacitor to the external output unit such as the outlet, so that the power is supplied to the external device connected to the external output unit. be able to. In an emergency such as a disaster, the power stored in the image forming apparatus can be supplied to the outside, so that the power in the image forming apparatus can be used effectively. In addition, when power can be supplied from an AC power source, the power from the AC power source can be converted to DC power and supplied to the outside. Thus, DC power can be supplied to the outside.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment switches DC power output from an auxiliary power supply in a power supply circuit and DC power rectified from AC power supplied from an AC power supply, thereby converting DC power into an image. Supply to inside or outside of forming apparatus.

  Regarding a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, a portion different from the first embodiment, the modified example, and the second embodiment, that is, a power supply circuit will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply circuit according to the third embodiment. The power supply circuit 140 of this embodiment includes a main power switch 102, an input current detection circuit 103, a DC power supply generation circuit 144, a control circuit 105, a charger 106, a capacitor 107, and a discharger 108. ing. The DC power supply generation circuit 144 is connected to the external output unit 109.

  Here, the configurations and functions of the main power switch 102, the input current detection circuit 103, the control circuit 105, the charger 106, the capacitor 107, and the discharger 108 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the modified example, and the first embodiment. Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the second embodiment, only different parts will be described.

  The DC power generation circuit 144 further includes a changeover switch 113, an inverter 114, and a rectifier circuit 115. The rectifier circuit 115 converts AC power input from the AC power source 101 into DC power.

  The change-over switch 113 switches input power to either DC power converted by the rectifier circuit 115 or DC power output from the discharger 108 in accordance with the control signal S5 sent from the control circuit 105. The changeover switch 113 supplies the input DC power to the inverter 114. The inverter 114 supplies DC power to the control circuit 105, that is, the inside of the image forming apparatus, or to the external output unit 109, that is, the outside of the image forming apparatus.

  Next, the power supply control process by the power supply circuit 140 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a power supply control processing procedure performed by the power supply circuit.

  The input current detection circuit 103 determines whether or not the input current from the AC power source 101 is detected (step S1001). If it is determined that the input current from the AC power supply 101 is detected (step S1001: Yes), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 and turns off the discharger 108 (step S1002). ). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 to turn on the charger 106 (step S1003). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S5 to the changeover switch 113, and switches the changeover switch 113 to the AC power supply 101 side (step S1004). Thereby, the electric power input from the AC power source 101 can be supplied to the external output unit 109 and the control circuit 105.

  If it is determined that the input current from the AC power supply 101 is not detected (step S1001: No), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 and turns off the charger 106 (step S1005). ). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 to turn on the discharger 108 (step S1006). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S5 to the changeover switch 113, and switches the changeover switch 113 to the output side of the capacitor 107 (step S1007). Thereby, the power output from the capacitor 107 can be supplied to the external output unit 109 or the control circuit 105.

  As described above, even when the supply of power from the AC power supply is stopped, the power can be supplied from the capacitor to the external output unit or the inside of the image forming apparatus. In an emergency such as a disaster, the power stored in the image forming apparatus can be supplied to the outside, so that the power in the image forming apparatus can be used effectively. Further, when power can be supplied from an AC power source, the power from the AC power source can be converted into DC power and supplied to the outside or the inside of the image forming apparatus. Can be continuously supplied without interruption.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment supplies DC power output from an auxiliary power supply in the power supply circuit to the outside.

  A configuration example of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with respect to a portion different from the first to third embodiments, that is, a power supply circuit. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply circuit according to the fourth embodiment. The power supply circuit 150 of this embodiment includes a main power switch 102, an input current detection circuit 103, a DC power supply generation circuit 104, a control circuit 105, a charger 106, and a capacitor 107. The capacitor 107 is connected to the external output unit 109.

  Here, the configurations and functions of the main power switch 102, the input current detection circuit 103, the DC power generation circuit 104, the control circuit 105, the charger 106, and the capacitor 107 are the same as those in the first to third embodiments. Therefore, only different parts will be described.

  The DC power supply generation circuit 104 converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply 101 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the control circuit 105. The control circuit 105 detects the current input from the AC power supply 101 by the input current detection circuit 103 and controls the charging operation for the capacitor 107 with respect to the charger 106.

  Next, power supply control processing by the power supply circuit 150 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a power supply control processing procedure performed by the power supply circuit.

  The input current detection circuit 103 determines whether or not an input current from the AC power source 101 is detected (step S1201). If it is determined that the input current from the AC power source 101 is detected (step S1201: Yes), the control signal S2 is sent to the charger 106, and the charger 106 is turned on (step S1202). As a result, the capacitor 107 is charged with the electric power input from the AC power source 101.

  If it is determined that the input current from the AC power source 101 is not detected (step S1201: No), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 and turns off the charger 106 (step S1203). ). Thereby, charging to the capacitor 107 is stopped.

  In this way, by connecting the capacitor 107 directly to the external output unit 109, power can be supplied to the external device connected to the external output unit. Since the electric power stored from the image forming apparatus can be supplied to the outside, the electric power in the image forming apparatus can be effectively used. In such a case, the external device connected to the external output unit is provided with a discharger, and power supply to the external device is controlled.

  A modification of the present embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus according to another embodiment further detects and displays the remaining amount of electricity stored in the capacitor. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit according to another embodiment. The power supply circuit 160 according to the present embodiment further includes a remaining amount detection unit 117 and a display unit 118 in addition to the power supply circuit 150 according to the fourth embodiment described above. The remaining amount detection unit 117 detects the amount of power stored in the capacitor 107. The display unit 118 receives the control signal S10 indicating the remaining amount of electricity detected by the remaining amount detection unit 117, and displays the remaining amount of electricity stored. As a result, the remaining amount of electricity stored in the capacitor can be confirmed, and it is possible to connect to the outside after confirming whether the necessary power remains in the external device.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment switches between alternating-current power converted from direct-current power output from an auxiliary power supply in the power supply circuit and alternating-current power supplied from an AC power supply, and supplies it to the outside.

  A configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with respect to a power supply circuit that is a part different from the first to fourth embodiments. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit according to the fifth embodiment. The power supply circuit 170 of this embodiment includes a main power switch 102, an input current detection circuit 103, a DC power supply generation circuit 104, a control circuit 105, a charger 106, a capacitor 107, a discharger 108, and a DC / AC inverter 111 and changeover switch 112 are provided. The changeover switch 112 is connected to the external output unit 109.

  Here, the configuration of the main power switch 102, the input current detection circuit 103, the DC power generation circuit 104, the control circuit 105, the charger 106, the capacitor 107, the discharger 108, and the DC / AC inverter 111, Since the functions are almost the same as those in the first to fourth embodiments, only different parts will be described.

  The changeover switch 112 changes the AC power to be input to either AC power input from the AC power source 101 or AC power output from the DC / AC inverter 111 in accordance with the control signal S6 sent from the control circuit 105. Switch. The changeover switch 112 supplies the input AC power to the external output unit 109 and the DC power supply generation circuit 104. The DC power generation circuit 104 converts AC power into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power to the control circuit 105.

  Next, power supply control processing by the power supply circuit 170 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a power supply control processing procedure performed by the power supply circuit.

  The input current detection circuit 103 determines whether or not an input current from the AC power source 101 is detected (step S1501). If it is determined that the input current from the AC power supply 101 is detected (step S1501: Yes), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 and turns off the discharger 108 (step S1502). . The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 to turn on the charger 106 (step S1503). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S6 to the changeover switch 112, and switches the changeover switch 112 to the AC power supply 101 side (step S1504). Thereby, the power input from the AC power source 101 can be supplied to the external output unit 109 or the inside of the image forming apparatus.

  If it is determined that the input current from the AC power source 101 is not detected (step S1501: No), the control circuit 105 sends a control signal S2 to the charger 106 and turns off the charger 106 (step S1505). ). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S3 to the discharger 108 to turn on the discharger 108 (step S1506). The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S6 to the changeover switch 112, and switches the changeover switch 112 to the output side of the capacitor 107 (step S1507). Thereby, the power output from the capacitor 107 can be supplied to the external output unit 109 and the inside of the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, when the supply of power from the AC power supply is stopped, the power can be supplied from the capacitor to the external output unit, so that the power can be supplied to the external device connected to the external output unit. In an emergency such as a disaster, the power stored in the image forming apparatus can be supplied to the outside, so that the power in the image forming apparatus can be used effectively. If power can be supplied from an AC power source, the power from the AC power source can be converted to DC power and supplied to the outside. Can be continuously supplied to the outside.

  A modification of the present embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment, the connection to the external output unit is switched by the timer of the control circuit. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit according to another embodiment. In the power supply circuit 180 of the present embodiment, the control circuit includes a changeover switch 116 that connects the AC power output from the DC / AC inverter 111 to the external output unit 109 when the DC / AC inverter 111 is connected to the DC power supply generation circuit 104. Switching is performed by a control signal S7 output from 105. The control circuit 105 incorporates a timer, and switches the changeover switch 116 by outputting a control signal S7 according to the timer setting time. By switching the changeover switch 116, AC power is supplied to the external output unit 109. In this way, by controlling the supply to the external output unit by the timer, the electric charge stored in the capacitor can be supplied to both the external output unit and the inside of the image forming apparatus. Further, it is possible to control so that the power of the capacitor is efficiently output to both the external output unit and the inside of the image forming apparatus without waste.

  Furthermore, another modified example will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit according to another embodiment. The power supply circuit 190 according to the present embodiment further includes a remaining amount detection unit 117. The remaining amount detection unit 117 detects the remaining amount of the charged amount of the capacitor 107 and sends the detected remaining amount to the control circuit 105 as a control signal S8. The control circuit 105 sends a control signal S9 to the changeover switch 116 based on the remaining amount of the capacitor 107 indicated by the received control signal S8. The changeover switch 116 turns on / off the supply of power to the external output unit 109 in accordance with the control signal S9. As a result, the power supply to the external output unit 109 can be controlled by the remaining amount of the capacitor 107, so that a power supply voltage of a certain value or more can be supplied to the outside, and the electric charge stored in the capacitor 107 is reduced. If it is less than a certain value, it can be controlled not to output the power of the capacitor 107 unnecessarily.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment converts the DC power supplied from the auxiliary power supply in the power supply circuit into AC power, and switches between the converted AC power and the AC power supplied from the AC power supply. As a result, power is supplied to optional equipment attached to the image forming apparatus.

  A configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with respect to a power supply circuit that is a part different from the first to fifth embodiments. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply circuit according to the sixth embodiment. The power supply circuit 195 of this embodiment includes a main power switch 102, an input current detection circuit 103, a DC power supply generation circuit 104, a control circuit 105, a charger 106, a capacitor 107, a discharger 108, and a DC / AC inverter 111 and changeover switch 112 are provided. The DC power generation circuit 104 is connected to the optional device 119.

  Here, the main power switch 102, the input current detection circuit 103, the DC power generation circuit 104, the control circuit 105, the charger 106, the capacitor 107, the discharger 108, and the DC / AC inverter 111 are switched. Since the configuration and function of the switch 112 are substantially the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments, only different parts will be described.

  The optional device 119 is a device attached to the image forming apparatus and has a power supply system different from the inside of the image forming apparatus. The control circuit 105 receives a control signal S10 indicating an operation state from the optional device 119, and sends a control signal S11 for driving the optional device 119 to the optional device 119. The control circuit 105 has a built-in timer.

  The input current detection circuit 103 sends a control signal S <b> 1 to the control circuit 105 when the supply of power from the AC power supply 101 is detected. Further, the optional device 119 sends a control signal S10 indicating that it is operating to the control circuit 105. When the control circuit 105 receives both the control signal S1 indicating that the input power is stopped and the control signal S10 indicating that the optional device 119 is operating, the control circuit 105 transmits the control signal S4 to the changeover switch 112. The changeover switch 112 is switched to the capacitor 107 side by the control signal S4.

  The DC power supply generation circuit 104 converts the AC power supplied from the capacitor 107 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the option device 119 and the control circuit 105. Thereby, even if the input power from the AC power supply is stopped, the power can be continuously supplied to the control circuit 105 and the optional device 119.

  For example, when the optional device 119 is a copy paper transport mechanism (sorter), when the power supply from the AC power supply is stopped, it is detected whether or not copy paper exists in the transport mechanism. The carry-out mechanism sends a control signal S10 that there is copy paper to the control circuit 105. The control circuit 105 transmits a control signal S4 for switching the changeover switch 112 to the capacitor 107 side. Further, the control circuit 105 measures the time with a built-in timer, and sends a control signal S11 for continuing the transport operation to the transport mechanism for a predetermined time.

  As a result, even when the AC power supply is suddenly stopped due to a power failure or pulling out of the power plug, the copy paper can be discharged and paper jam can be prevented.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the MFP 100 as an image forming apparatus has a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation unit 20. The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and the AGP bus 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading / writing with respect to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 15, the PCI bus, the HDD 18, and the MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  AGP is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing, and makes the graphics accelerator card faster by directly accessing the MEM-P12 with high throughput. .

  Note that the power supply control program executed by the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The power supply control program executed in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). For example, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the power supply control program executed by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. . In addition, the power supply control program executed by the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The power supply control program executed by the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (control unit and the like). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) is powered from the ROM. By reading and executing the supply control program, the above-described units are loaded on the main storage device, and the control unit and the like are generated on the main storage device.

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been demonstrated using the 1st-6th embodiment, a various change or improvement can be added to embodiment mentioned above. In addition, the structure and function demonstrated in the 1st-6th embodiment mentioned above can be combined freely.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a charger. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a discharger. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control processing procedure which a power supply circuit performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning other embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control processing procedure which a power supply circuit performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control processing procedure which a power supply circuit performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control processing procedure which a power supply circuit performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning other embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the power supply control processing procedure which a power supply circuit performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning other embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning other embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply circuit concerning 6th Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 AC power source 102 Main power switch 103 Input current detection circuit 104 144 DC power source generation circuit 105 Control circuit 106 Charger 107 Capacitor 108 Discharger 109 External output unit 110 120 130 140 140 150 160 160 170 180 190
195 Power circuit 111 DC / AC inverter 112 113 116 Changeover switch 114 Inverter 115 Rectifier circuit 117 Remaining amount detection unit 118 Display unit 119 Optional device 200 External device

Claims (13)

Charge / discharge power storage means;
Current detection means for detecting the amount of current supplied from a commercial power source;
External output means for outputting the power supplied from the power storage means to the outside;
Discharging means for discharging from the power storage means to the external output means;
Control means for controlling whether or not to discharge by the discharging means based on the amount of current detected by the current detecting means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The control means controls the discharging means to discharge from the power storage means to the external output means when the current amount detected by the current detecting means is equal to or less than a predetermined current amount; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Conversion means for converting the DC power supplied from the discharge means into AC power;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external output unit outputs the AC power converted by the conversion unit to the outside. Switching means for switching to input either one of the AC power converted by the conversion means or AC power supplied from a commercial power source;
DC power generation means for generating DC power from the AC power supplied from the switching means, further comprising:
The control means controls switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the external output unit outputs the DC power supplied from the DC power generation unit to the outside. Conversion means for converting AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power;
Switching means for switching to input either DC power supplied from the discharging means or DC power converted by the converting means; and
The control means controls switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external output unit outputs the DC power supplied from the switching unit to the outside. A switching means for switching so that either the AC power converted by the conversion means or the AC power supplied from a commercial power supply is supplied to the external output means or the image forming apparatus;
The control means controls switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the external output unit outputs the AC power supplied from the switching unit to the outside. Conversion means for converting DC power supplied from the power storage means into AC power;
DC power generation means that inputs the AC power supplied from the conversion means, generates DC power from the input AC power, and supplies the DC power to the inside of the image forming apparatus;
Switching means for opening and closing the connection between the conversion means and the external output means,
The control means measures the time during which power is supplied to the external output means, and controls opening and closing of the switching means according to a predetermined time,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external output unit outputs the AC power supplied from the switching unit to the outside. Conversion means for converting DC power supplied from the power storage means into AC power;
DC power generation means that inputs the AC power supplied from the conversion means, generates DC power from the input AC power, and supplies the DC power to the inside of the image forming apparatus;
Switching means for opening and closing the connection between the conversion means and the external output means;
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the amount of power of the power storage means,
The control means controls opening and closing of the switching means based on the amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external output unit outputs the AC power supplied from the switching unit to the outside. Conversion means for converting DC power supplied from the discharging means into AC power;
Switching means for switching to supply either the AC power converted by the conversion means or AC power supplied from a commercial power source;
DC power generation means for generating DC power from the AC power supplied from the switching means and supplying the generated DC power to an accessory device, further comprising:
The control means controls switching of the switching means based on the amount of current detected by the current detection means and operation information sent from the accessory device. The image forming apparatus according to 2. Charge / discharge power storage means;
External output means for outputting the power supplied from the power storage means to the outside;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of electric power stored in the electric storage means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a display unit that displays a remaining amount of the electric energy detected by the remaining amount detecting unit. Power storage means capable of charging / discharging, current detection means for detecting the amount of current supplied from a commercial power source, external output means for outputting the power supplied from the power storage means to the outside, and from the power storage means to the external output means A power supply control method for an image forming apparatus comprising:
A control step for controlling whether or not the discharging by the discharging means is performed based on the amount of current detected by the current detecting means;
A power supply control method comprising:   A power supply control program for causing a computer to execute the power supply control method according to claim 12.

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