JP2008070560A - Power supply controller and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply controller capable of contributing to shortening of warming-up time and improvement of fixing property, and an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A power supply source to at least one or more loads (for example, H2) is properly switched to another power supply cord A (B) by power supply source switching means 38 and 39 so that the rated current of the respective power supply cords may be used to a limiting value, and also each load (for example, H2) is on/off controlled by a load control means T2. Since maximum power in such a state is given to the load, the power supply controller contributes to the shortening of the warming-up time and the improvement of the fixing property. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply control device and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process (for example, a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a combination machine combining these) has been mounted on an image forming apparatus as the demand for increasing the printing speed has increased. The wattage of the fixing heater and the wattage of the motor increase, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus tends to increase. Also, in image forming apparatuses, colorization and high accuracy have been performed. When such elements of colorization and high accuracy are added, the high-voltage load and the motor load increase, and the power consumption further increases. In particular, even in an image forming apparatus, the power consumption of a copying machine is large. Particularly, a multifunction peripheral based on a digital copying machine and added with various image processing functions and document processing functions consumes a large amount of power.

  By the way, an alternating current (hereinafter also referred to as AC) power source that is a power source of the image forming apparatus is regulated by the current rating of the outlet, and must be used below this rated current. In general offices in Japan, the maximum power that can be normally used is 1500 W. Therefore, when an AC power input is taken with a single power cord from a general 100 V outlet, the current is limited to 15 A or less. More power supplies (100V15A or more or 200V) require special power supply work.

  Therefore, as a power supply method for an image forming apparatus with high power consumption, as shown in Patent Document 1, a method of supplying power by providing a plurality of normally used 100 V power cords has been proposed.

JP 2003-244853 A

  However, when power is supplied by providing a plurality of power cords, a problem that must be solved occurs. In this case, since the load connected to each power cord is fixed, even if one or more of each power cord has a margin for the maximum rated current depending on the operation mode, optional configuration, etc., the limit value cannot be used. In addition, the warm-up time may be delayed and the temperature of the fixing device may be lowered during continuous image formation. As described above, in the case where the warm-up time is delayed or the temperature of the fixing device is lowered, image formation may be temporarily stopped, which causes a problem that productivity is lowered.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a power supply control device and an image forming apparatus that can contribute to shortening warm-up time and improving fixability.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the power supply control device of the invention according to claim 1 has a plurality of power cords each having a different rated current and supplying AC power from an AC power supply. A plurality of loads that operate upon receipt of AC power supply, load control means that can selectively control on / off of each load, and at least one or more loads via each power cord. Power supply source switching means capable of switching the AC power supply source to another power cord, and at least one or more of the power supply source switching means so that the rated current of each power cord can be used up to a limit value. A power supply control means for appropriately switching the power supply source for the load to another power cord and controlling on / off of each load by the load control means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control device according to the first aspect, the power supply source switching means is constituted by an electromagnetic relay constituted by an electromagnet and a spring-like contact.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control apparatus according to the first aspect, the load control means is constituted by a triac.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the supply source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads by the power supply source switching unit is different. When switching to the power cord, after the load control means turns off the load, the power supply source switching means is switched, and after the switching of the power supply source switching means is completed, the load control means Turn on the load.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control device according to the fourth aspect, the power supply source switching unit switches the supply source of the AC power supplied to at least one of the loads to another power cord. In this case, each power supply line connected to the load is cut off for a predetermined time.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the power cord other than the power cord that supplies power to the DC power source is disconnected from the AC power source. The cutting | disconnection detection means which detects this is provided.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control device according to the sixth aspect, the zero cross signal is detected using a zero cross detection circuit that detects that the voltage of the AC power supply is approximately 0 volts and outputs a zero cross signal. By detecting that the power cord does not change for a predetermined time, it is detected that the power cord is disconnected from the AC power source.

  The image forming apparatus of the invention according to claim 8 has different rated currents, and is related to a plurality of power cords respectively supplying AC power from an AC power source and image formation on transfer paper. A plurality of loads that operate upon receipt of AC power supply, load control means that can selectively control on / off of each load, and at least one or more loads via each power cord. And a power supply source switching means capable of switching the AC power supply source to another power cord, and appropriately switching the power supply source for at least one of the loads to the other power cord by the power supply source switching means. The load control means controls on / off of each load to approximate the AC power supplied from each power cord to the limit value in each power cord Includes a power control means for adjusting the that value, the.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the power control unit switches the power supply source for at least one or more of the loads for each of various operation modes related to image formation. Control on / off of each load.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the power control unit switches the power supply source for at least one or more of the loads for each of various option configurations related to image formation. Control on / off of each load.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the AC power from the AC power source, which is one of the loads, is converted into DC power and supplied. A current detection circuit for detecting a current value flowing in one or a plurality of outputs of the secondary side output of the DC power supply, wherein the power supply control means is configured to respond to power consumption based on the current value output from the current detection circuit. Separately, on / off of each load is controlled.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the current detection circuit also serves as an overcurrent detection protection circuit for the DC power supply.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the power supply source switching means is constituted by an electromagnetic relay constituted by an electromagnet and a spring-like contact.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the load control means is constituted by a triac that is a power semiconductor that performs phase switching control in proportion to an AC power supply frequency.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the supply source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads by the power supply source switching unit is switched to another power cord. In such a case, the load control unit switches the power supply source switching unit after the load control unit turns off the load, and after the switching of the power supply source switching unit is completed, the load control unit turns on the load. To do.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the power supply source switching unit switches the supply source of AC power supplied to at least one of the loads to another power cord. In this case, each power supply line connected to the load is cut off for a predetermined time.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the eighth to sixteenth aspects, the power cord other than the power cord for supplying power to the direct current power supply is disconnected from the alternating current power supply. The cutting | disconnection detection means which detects this is provided.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, the cutting detection means detects that the voltage of the AC power supply is approximately 0 volts and outputs a zero cross signal. By detecting that the zero cross signal does not change for a predetermined time, it is detected that the power cord is disconnected from the AC power source.

  The invention according to claim 19 is provided with an informing means for informing the fact that the disconnection detecting means detects that the power cord is disconnected in the image forming apparatus according to claim 17 or 18. .

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the eighth to nineteenth aspects, at least one or more of the AC power supply source can be switched to another power cord by the power supply source switching unit. The load is a fixing heater of a heating source used in a fixing unit that fixes a transfer image on the transfer paper with heat and pressure.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the twentieth aspect, the fixing heater that can switch the AC power supply source to another power cord by the power supply source switching unit is provided on the transfer paper. It is provided in a pressure roller that applies pressure to the transferred image.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, the power supply source switching means appropriately switches the power supply source for at least one load to another power cord so that the rated current of each power cord can be used up to the limit value, and the load By controlling on / off of each load by the control means, the maximum electric power in that state can be given to the load, so that it is possible to contribute to shortening the warm-up time and improving the fixability. .

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 2, there exists an effect that the structure simplified easily can be implement | achieved.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 3, there exists an effect that the structure simplified easily can be implement | achieved.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 4, there exists an effect that the rapid contact opening / closing of the relay at the time of electricity supply can be avoided, and welding of a relay contact can be prevented.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 5, there exists an effect that the accident which a two-system power cord can short-circuit can be prevented beforehand.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 6, there exists an effect that the installation mistake prevention and destruction prevention of an apparatus are attained.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 7, there exists an effect that a power cord omission can be detected with a simple structure.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the power supply source for the load related to image formation on at least one or more transfer sheets is set by the power supply source switching means so that the rated current of each power cord can be used up to the limit value. By appropriately switching to another power cord and controlling the on / off of each load by the load control means, the maximum power in that state can be given to the load, so the warm-up time can be shortened and the fixability can be improved The effect that it can contribute is produced.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the optimum power can be obtained by switching the power supply source for at least one load and controlling on / off of each load for each of various operation modes related to image formation. The effect that it can be given to load is produced.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, optimal power can be obtained by switching the power supply source for at least one or more loads and controlling on / off of each load for each of various option configurations related to image formation. The effect that it can be given to load is produced.

  According to the invention of claim 11, the secondary output for obtaining the current value of the DC power supply is limited to the power supply output used for the motor drive system having a large fluctuation, and other relatively stable DC power supplies. The output current is calculated as a fixed value or a current value for each mode, and the configuration can be simplified by obtaining the power consumption of the DC power supply.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 12, it is possible to reduce and simplify the component parts, and there is an effect that the cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 13, there exists an effect that the structure simplified easily can be implement | achieved.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that an easy and simplified configuration can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 15, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid a sudden contact opening and closing of the relay during energization and to prevent welding of the relay contact.

  The invention according to claim 16 has an effect that it is possible to prevent an accident in which the two power cords are short-circuited.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 17, there exists an effect that installation mistake prevention and destruction prevention of an apparatus are attained.

  Further, according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to detect the disconnection of the power cord with a simple configuration.

  Further, according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to notify an installation error or destruction of the apparatus.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the load is a fixing heater of a heating source used in a fixing unit that fixes the transfer image on the transfer paper with heat and pressure, so that the maximum power in that state can be obtained. Since it can be given to the fixing heater, it is possible to contribute to shortening the warm-up time and improving the fixing property.

  According to the invention of claim 21, the fixing heater capable of switching the AC power supply source to another power cord is provided in the pressure roller that applies pressure to the transfer image on the transfer paper. As a result, it is possible to reduce the influence on the fixability associated with the switching of the power supply source.

  Exemplary embodiments of a power supply control device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, as an image forming apparatus (power supply control apparatus), a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a print function, a scanner function, and an input image (an original image read by a scanner function or an image input by a printer or a FAX function) This is an example to which a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that combines functions and the like to deliver a digital multi-function peripheral is applied.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a finisher 100 that is a post-processing device, a scanner unit 200 that is an image reading device, and a printer unit 300 that is an image printing device.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment is capable of sequentially switching and selecting a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function by using an application switching key of the operation unit 400 (see FIG. 3). The copy mode is selected when the copy function is selected, the printer mode is selected when the printer function is selected, and the facsimile mode is selected when the facsimile mode is selected. Here, an example of the flow of image formation in the copy mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the scanner unit 200 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 will be described. The scanner unit 200 generally includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) 1 and a reading unit 50.

  When a print key (not shown) on the operation unit 400 is pressed on a document bundle placed on the document table 2 of the ADF 1, the feed roller 3 The sheet is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding belt 4. The digital multi-function peripheral 1000 has a counting function that counts up the number of documents each time a document is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6.

  A document fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 is read by the reading unit 50 as image data.

  Here, the reading unit 50 will be described in detail. The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, which is an illumination means, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown). This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The reading unit 50 of the present embodiment turns on the exposure lamp 51 when a document is mounted on the contact glass 6, and moves and scans the first carriage and the second carriage, which are traveling bodies, to the right by the scanner drive motor. A reading method for reading a document and a reading method for reading a document conveyed by the ADF 1 while the exposure lamp 51 is lit and the first carriage and the second carriage are stopped can be selected. In the reading method in which the first carriage and the second carriage are moved and scanned in the right direction by the scanner driving motor to read the original, when reading the original image, the first carriage and the second carriage are not changed so that the optical path length does not change. Are mechanically scanned in the sub-scanning direction at a relative speed of 2: 1. The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electrical signal, and output. An output signal from the CCD image sensor 54 is converted into digital data (image data) by an AD converter.

  Document image information converted into digital data is sent to the printer unit 300 to output image information as a print output, or sent to a storage device to store input image information. There are various types and used as information of each scanner unit 200.

  The document whose image data has been read by the reading unit 50 is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5.

  Further, when it is detected by the document set detection 7 that the next document exists on the document table 2, the next document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document.

  The feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 described above are each driven by a conveyance motor (not shown).

  Next, the printer unit 300 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 will be described. The printer unit 300 generally includes an image forming station 70, a fixing unit 17, a paper feeding unit 80, and a double-sided paper feeding unit 111.

  The image forming station 70 forms an image by an electrophotographic method, and mainly includes a writing unit 57, a photosensitive member 15, a developing unit 27, and a conveying belt 16 that also functions as a transfer unit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing unit 17 includes a heating roller 17a and a pressure roller 17b that presses the heating roller 17a from below. The pressure roller 17b is in rolling contact with the heating roller 17a with a predetermined pressure. In the present embodiment, first, driving rotation is applied to the heating roller 17a, and the pressure roller 17b is driven to rotate as the heating roller 17a rotates. With such a configuration, the transfer paper P carrying unfixed toner is heated and pressurized at the nip portion between the heating roller 17a and the pressure roller 17b, and the unfixed toner on the transfer paper P is fixed. Be able to. The heating roller 17a includes fixing heaters H1 to H3 serving as heating sources. In the present embodiment, halogen heaters are used as the fixing heaters H1 to H3 of the heating source. In this way, the heating roller 17a is provided with a plurality of fixing heaters H1, H3, and H4. Since the digital multifunction peripheral 1000 is an A3 machine, a plurality of fixing heaters are arranged to control the temperature distribution. It is necessary. The fixing heater H1 has an output of 850 W and serves as a main heating source. On the other hand, the fixing heater H3 has an output of 200 W, and the fixing heater H4 has an output of 300 W, and serves as an auxiliary heating source. The pressure roller 17b also includes a fixing heater H2 as a heating source.

  The paper feed unit 80 includes a first tray 8, a second tray 9, a third tray 10, a first paper feeder 11, a second paper feeder 12, a third paper feeder 13, and a vertical transport unit 14. ing. The transfer sheets P stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first sheet feeder 11, the second sheet feeder 12, and the third sheet feeder 13, respectively. It is conveyed to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 15 by the conveyance unit 14.

  The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photosensitive member 15 by the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image. The writing unit 57 is composed of a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a polygon mirror (polygon) that rotates at a constant high speed by a laser diode and a motor as a laser light source. Mirror). Although not particularly illustrated, a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photoconductor 15 is irradiated.

  The toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred to the transfer paper P conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. Thereafter, the transfer paper P that has been transported to the fixing unit 17 and on which the image has been fixed is discharged by the paper discharge unit 18 to the finisher 100 that is a post-processing device.

  The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the transfer paper P conveyed by the paper discharge roller 19 of the paper discharge unit 18 by switching between the normal paper discharge roller 102 direction and the staple processing unit direction. More specifically, the finisher 100 as a post-processing device can discharge the transfer paper P to the normal paper discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103 by switching the switching plate 101 upward. By switching the switching plate 101 downward, the transfer paper P can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107.

  The transfer paper P loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper jogger 109 each time it is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of a partial copy. The group of transfer sheets P bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 of the finisher 100 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray 104 that can be moved back and forth moves forward and backward for each original document or for each copy section sorted by the image memory, and sorts copy paper that is simply discharged.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment can form images on both sides of the transfer paper P. When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper P, the path of the paper discharge unit 18 is switched without guiding the transfer paper P fed from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 to the paper discharge tray 104 side. By setting the branching claw 112 for the upper side to the upper side, the paper is once stocked in the duplex feeding unit 111. Thereafter, the transfer paper P stocked on the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 in a reversed state in order to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 15 again, The paper is guided to the paper discharge tray 104 via the branching claw 112 set on the side. As described above, the duplex feeding unit 111 is used when images are created on both sides of the transfer sheet P. Further, the front and back sides of the transfer paper P can be changed using the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 when printing on the back surface of the transfer paper P on which an image is placed.

  Note that the above-described photosensitive member 15, conveyance belt 16, fixing unit 17, paper discharge unit 18, development unit 27, and finisher 100 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 is a main motor. Are driven by a paper feed clutch (not shown). The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch (not shown).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000. As shown in FIG. 3, the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 has a configuration in which a controller 1101, a printer unit 300, and a scanner unit 200 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. A controller 1101 is a controller that controls the entire digital multifunction peripheral 1000 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation unit 400. The printer unit 300 or the scanner unit 200 includes image processing parts such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

  The controller 1101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1111, a system memory (MEM-P) 1112, a north bridge (NB) 1113, a south bridge (SB) 1114, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated). Circuit) 1116, local memory (MEM-C) 1117, and hard disk drive (HDD) 1118, and NB 1113 and ASIC 1116 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 1115. The MEM-P 1112 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1112a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1112b.

  The CPU 1111 controls the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1000, has a chip set including the NB 1113, the MEM-P 1112, and the SB 1114, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 1113 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 1111, the MEM-P 1112, the SB 1114, and the AGP bus 1115, and includes a memory controller that controls read / write to the MEM-P 1112, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 1112 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 1112a and a RAM 1112b. The ROM 1112a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the CPU 1111. The RAM 1112b is a writable and readable memory used as a program and data development memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like. It is.

  The SB 1114 is a bridge for connecting the NB 1113 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 1114 is connected to the NB 1113 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit 1104 and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 1116 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 1115, the PCI bus, the HDD 1118, and the MEM-C 1117. The ASIC 1116 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 1116, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 1117, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic and the like. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the printer unit 300 and the scanner unit 200 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 1116 is connected to an FCU (Fax Control Unit) 1121, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 1122, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 1123 via a PCI bus.

  A MEM-C 1117 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD 1118 is a storage for storing image data, storing programs for controlling the operation of the CPU 1111, storing font data, and storing forms. It is.

Next, the power supply system of the digital multi-function peripheral will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a power supply system of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000. Since the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment adds various image processing functions and document processing functions and consumes a large amount of power, a commercial AC power source (hereinafter referred to as a power supply cord A and B for two 100V) is used. (Referred to as AC power supply) 31, 32. In the present embodiment, the current limit value is 100 V / 20 A, and the following formula is satisfied.
Current I _A I _A ≦ 15 [A _RMS ] of the power cord A
Current I _B I _B ≦ 10 [A _RMS ] of the power cord B
Total current consumption I _ALL I _ALL = I _A + I _B ≦ 20 [A _RMS ]
That is, the rated current of the power cord A is different from the rated current of the power cord B.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the digital multifunction peripheral 1000 includes an AC control unit 33 and a DC power supply unit 34. AC power from the AC power sources 31 and 32 is supplied to the AC control unit 33 through the power cords A and B. On the other hand, the AC power 31 is supplied to the DC power source 34 through the main switch 35 through the power cord A. The AC controller 33 is connected to loads such as fixing heaters H1 to H4 of the fixing unit 17 to which AC power from the AC power sources 31 and 32 is supplied. A DC load (not shown) to which DC power from a DC (direct current) power supply is supplied is connected to the DC power supply unit 34.

  The main switch 35 is a power switch of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 and is turned on / off to supply / shut off the AC power 31 to the DC power source 34.

  The DC power supply unit 34 has a built-in converter and the like, rectifies and adjusts the voltage of the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 31 via the main switch 35, and the DC power (3.3V) necessary for the digital multifunction peripheral 1000. (5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) is generated and supplied to a DC load such as a printed circuit board or a motor in the digital multi-function peripheral 1000.

  The AC control unit 33 includes temperature control triacs T1 to T4 used for on / off control of the fixing heaters H1 to H4 of the fixing unit 17 corresponding to the fixing heaters H1 to H4. That is, the temperature control triacs T1 to T4 are load control means capable of selectively controlling on / off of each load. A triac is an element in which two thyristors are connected in reverse and in parallel. These temperature control triacs T <b> 1 to T <b> 4 are controlled to be turned on / off by a controller (control unit) 1101 that is a power supply control unit.

  In addition, the AC control unit 33 includes a main relay 36 that supplies / cuts off electric power from the AC power source 31 via the power cord A to the fixing heaters H1 and H2 of the fixing unit 17, and an AC power source 32 via the power cord B. And a main relay 37 for supplying / cutting off power to the fixing heaters H2 to H4 of the fixing unit 17 and AC power supplies 31 and 32 for the fixing heater of the fixing unit 17 in response to a relay on / off signal from the controller 1101. Control the input of.

  As described above, the fixing heater H2 of the fixing unit 17 can be supplied with power from either of the AC power sources 31 and 32. Therefore, the AC control unit 33 is a power supply constituted by an electromagnetic relay constituted by an electromagnet and a spring-like contact as means for switching the power supply source (AC power sources 31, 32) to the fixing heater H2 and the temperature control triac T2. Switching relays 38 and 39 are provided, and a power supply source for the fixing heater H2 and the temperature control triac T2 of the fixing unit 17 is controlled by an on / off signal from a controller 1101 serving as a power supply control means. That is, the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 are power supply source switching means.

  Next, among the functions exhibited by the controller 1101, a power supply cord switching process that is a characteristic function of the present embodiment will be described.

  As described above, since the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment adds various image processing functions and document processing functions and consumes a large amount of power, two power cords A and B for 100V are used. Electric power is supplied from the AC power sources 31 and 32. However, the total power consumption in the fixing heaters H1 to H4 and the DC power supply unit 34 to be loaded must be suppressed to 2000 W or less. Therefore, the controller 1101 stores a table t1 as shown in FIG. 5 in the local memory (MEM-C) 1117 and switches the power supply code for the fixing heater H2 for each mode according to the table t1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 1101 stores a table t2 in which ON / OFF for each mode of the fixing heaters H3 and H4 is associated with each other in a local memory (MEM-C) 1117, and the like according to the table t2. Controls ON / OFF of the fixing heaters H3 and H4.

  Hereinafter, a control example for each mode according to the tables t1 and t2 by the controller 1101 will be described.

  In mode 1 (during warm-up), the signal (CHANGE_RL) to the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 is output as “Low” so that the power supply cord to the fixing heater H2 is the power cord A by following the table t1. . This is because during the warm-up, the power consumption of a DC load such as a motor supplied with power by the DC power supply 34 is small. In mode 1 (during warm-up), the fixing heaters H3 and H4 are turned ON by following the table t2. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, in mode 1 (during warm-up), the power from the power cord A is 1500 W in total for the fixing heaters H1 and H2 and the DC power source 34, and the power from the power cord B is the fixing heater H3. It becomes 500W in total of ~ H4.

  In mode 2 (during printing), the signal (CHANGE_RL) to the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 is output as “High” so that the power supply code to the fixing heater H2 is the power supply code B according to the table t1. This is because during printing, the power consumption of a DC load such as a motor to which power is supplied by the DC power supply unit 34 increases, and the current limit of the power cord A is exceeded during warm-up. In mode 2 (during printing), the fixing heater H3 is turned off and the fixing heater H4 is turned on by following the table t2. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, in mode 2 (during printing), the power from the power cord A is 1100 W in total for the fixing heater H1 and the DC power supply 34, and the power from the power cord B is from the fixing heaters H2 to H4. The total is 900W. That is, in mode 2 (during printing), if all the heaters H1 to H4 are turned on, it exceeds 2000 W, so the fixing heater H3 is turned off.

  In mode 3 (during simultaneous printing and scanner operation), the signal (CHANGE_RL) for the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 is set to “High” so that the power supply code to the fixing heater H2 is the power supply code B by following the table t1. Output as. This is because the power consumption of a DC load such as a motor to which power is supplied by the DC power supply unit 34 is further increased during the simultaneous operation of the print & scanner, and the current limit of the power cord A is exceeded during warm-up. . In mode 3 (during simultaneous printing and scanner operation), the fixing heater H3 is turned on and the fixing heater H4 is turned off by following the table t2. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, in mode 3 (during simultaneous printing and scanner operation), the power from the power cord A is 1200 W in total for the fixing heater H1 and the DC power source 34, and the power from the power cord B is the fixing heater. H2 to H4 total 800W. That is, in mode 3 (during simultaneous printing and scanner operation), even if the fixing heater H3 is turned off, it exceeds 2000 W. Therefore, the fixing heater H4, which consumes more power than the fixing heater H3, is turned off and the fixing heater H3 is turned off. Is turned on.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing when the power supply cord is switched. FIG. 8 shows a signal sequence when the power supply cord to the fixing heater H2 is switched from the power cord A to the power cord B (for example, when shifting from warm-up to printing). As shown in FIG. 8, when the power supply cord to the fixing heater H2 is switched from the power cord A to the power cord B (for example, when shifting from warm-up to printing), the temperature control triac T2 is turned OFF. The power supply switching relays 38 and 39 are switched, and after the switching of the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 is completed, the temperature control triac T2 is turned on. Thereby, the rapid contact opening and closing of the relay during energization can be avoided, and welding of the relay contact can be prevented.

  When the power supply cord to the fixing heater H2 is switched from the power cord A to the power cord B (for example, when shifting from warm-up to printing), two or more power supply lines connected to the load are not connected simultaneously. As described above, the two lines may be configured to be cut off for a predetermined time. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an accident in which the two power cords A and B are short-circuited.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the power supply source switching means appropriately switches the power supply source for at least one load to another power cord so that the rated current of each power cord can be used up to the limit value, By controlling on / off of each load by the load control means, the maximum power in that state can be given to the load, which can contribute to shortening the warm-up time and improving the fixing property.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a power supply system of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The digital multi-function peripheral 1000 of this embodiment includes a DC power supply unit 41 instead of the DC power supply unit 34 of the first embodiment, and the processing in the controller 1101 is different.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the AC power supply 31 is supplied to the DC power supply unit 41 through the main switch 35 through the power cord A. The DC power supply unit 41 includes a converter and the like, and the main switch 35. A DC power supply (3.3V, 5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) necessary for the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 is generated by rectifying and adjusting the voltage of the AC power supply 31 supplied via the printed circuit board in the digital multi-function peripheral 1000. , Supplied to a DC load such as a motor. In addition, the DC power supply unit 41 is provided with a current detection circuit 41a that detects a current value (power consumed by the DC power supply unit 41) flowing through one output or a plurality of outputs of the secondary side output. The current detection circuit 41 a also serves as an overcurrent detection protection circuit for the DC power supply unit 41. Here, the secondary output for detecting the current value of the DC power supply unit 41 is a power output used for the motor drive system. The current value detected by the current detection circuit 41 a is output as a current detection signal, and is input to the controller 1101 after A / D conversion is performed by the A / D converter 42.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the controller 1101 stores a table t1 as shown in FIG. 5 in a local memory (MEM-C) 1117 and the like, and supplies power to the fixing heater H2 for each mode according to the table t1. To switch.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the controller 1101 stores a table t3 storing DC power output current values (DC power supply current fixed values) other than the motor drive system for each mode in a local memory (MEM-C) 1117 or the like. is doing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the controller 1101 stores a table t4 in which ON / OFF for each mode of the fixing heaters H3 and H4 is associated with each other in a local memory (MEM-C) 1117 or the like, and follows the table t4. Controls ON / OFF of the fixing heaters H3 and H4. The difference from the table t2 described in the first embodiment is that the power consumption is based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 even in the same mode. It is a point that is divided according to the case.

  Hereinafter, a control example for each mode according to the tables t1, t3, and t4 by the controller 1101 will be described.

  In mode 1 (during warm-up), the signal (CHANGE_RL) to the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 is output as “Low” so that the power supply cord to the fixing heater H2 is the power cord A by following the table t1. . Here, since the DC power source output current value (DC power source current fixed value) other than the motor drive system in mode 1 (warming up) stored in the table t3 is 0.25 A, the power consumption is 25 W. is there. Further, the power consumption during warm-up based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 is the DC load of a motor or the like supplied with power by the DC power supply unit 34. Since power consumption is small, it is 25 W or less. In mode 1 (during warm-up), the fixing heaters H3 and H4 are turned ON by following the table t4. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, in mode 1 (during warm-up), the power from the power cord A is 1500 W in total for the fixing heaters H1 and H2 and the DC power source 34, and the power from the power cord B is the fixing heater H3. It becomes 500W in total of ~ H4.

  In mode 2 (during printing), the signal (CHANGE_RL) to the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 is output as “High” so that the power supply code to the fixing heater H2 is the power supply code B according to the table t1. Here, since the DC power supply output current value (DC power supply current fixed value) other than the motor drive system in mode 2 (printing) stored in the table t3 is 0.5 A, the power consumption is 50 W. . The power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 is the consumption of a DC load such as a motor supplied with power by the DC power supply unit 34. Electric power increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in the table t4, when the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 exceeds 200W. The fixing heaters H3 and H4 are controlled to be turned on / off separately for the case where the power does not exceed 200 W. When the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 does not exceed 200 W, the fixing heater H3 is turned off by following the table t4. , The fixing heater H4 is turned on. When the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 exceeds 200 W, the fixing heater H3 is turned on by following the table t4, The fixing heater H4 is turned off. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, when the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 does not exceed 200 W, the power cord A total of 1100 W of the fixing heater H1 and the DC power source 34 is the maximum power from A. When all the heaters H1 to H4 are turned ON, the power exceeds 2000 W. Therefore, the fixing heater H3 is turned OFF, and the power from the power cord B is 900 W in total for the fixing heaters H2 and H4. On the other hand, when the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 exceeds 200 W, a maximum of about 300 W is expected. In other words, the total power of the fixing heater H1 and the DC power supply unit 34 is 1200 W at maximum. When all the heaters H1 to H4 are turned ON, the power exceeds 2000 W. Therefore, the fixing heater H4 is turned OFF, and the power from the power cord B is 800 W in total for the fixing heaters H2 and H3.

  In mode 3 (during simultaneous printing and scanner operation), the signal (CHANGE_RL) for the power supply switching relays 38 and 39 is set to “High” so that the power supply code to the fixing heater H2 is the power supply code B by following the table t1. Output as. Here, the DC power supply output current value (DC power supply current fixed value) other than the motor drive system in mode 3 (during simultaneous printing and scanner operation) stored in the table t3 is 1.5 A. Is 150W. Further, the power consumption during the simultaneous operation of the print & scanner based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 is the motor power supplied by the DC power supply unit 34 or the like. The power consumption of the DC load is further increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in the table t4, when the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 exceeds 100W. And ON / OFF of the fixing heaters H3 and H4 are controlled separately for cases where the power does not exceed 100 W. When the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 does not exceed 100 W, the fixing heater H3 is turned off by following the table t4. , The fixing heater H4 is turned on. When the power consumption during printing based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 exceeds 100 W, the fixing heater H3 is turned on by following the table t4, The fixing heater H4 is turned off. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, when the power consumption during the simultaneous operation of the print and scanner based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 does not exceed 100 W. The maximum power from the power cord A is 1100 W of the fixing heater H1 and the DC power source 34. When all the heaters H1 to H4 are turned ON, the power exceeds 2000 W. Therefore, the fixing heater H3 is turned OFF, and the power from the power cord B is 900 W in total for the fixing heaters H2 and H4. On the other hand, when the power consumption during the simultaneous print & scanner operation based on the current value (DC power supply detection current value) used for the motor drive system from the DC power supply unit 41 exceeds 100 W, a maximum of about 200 W is expected. In other words, the total power of the fixing heater H1 and the DC power supply unit 34 is 1200 W at maximum. When all the heaters H1 to H4 are turned ON, the power exceeds 2000 W. Therefore, the fixing heater H4 is turned OFF, and the power from the power cord B is 800 W in total for the fixing heaters H2 and H3.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the secondary output for obtaining the current value of the AC power supply is only the power supply output used for the motor drive system having a large fluctuation, and the other relatively stable AC power supply output. The current can be calculated as a fixed value or a current value for each mode, and the configuration can be simplified by obtaining the power consumption of the AC power supply.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same part as 1st Embodiment mentioned above or 2nd Embodiment is shown with the same code | symbol, and description is also abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, it is detected that one or more power cords among a plurality of power cords are disconnected from the commercial power source (the power cord is disconnected).

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a power supply system of the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 according to the present embodiment is provided with a zero cross detection circuit 45 that detects the frequency of the AC power supply 32, that is, between the AC power supply 32 and the main relay 37. It has been. This zero cross detection circuit 45 also functions as a cutting detection means. The zero-cross signal that is the output of the zero-cross detection circuit 45 is input to the controller 1101 and used to determine whether or not the power cord is disconnected.

  Here, FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the generation state of the zero cross signal and the determination of the power cord disconnection. As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, when the zero cross signal is not generated for a predetermined time, the controller 1101 determines that the power cord B is disconnected.

  When it is determined that the power cord B is disconnected in this way, the controller 1101 displays on the operation unit 400 that the power cord is disconnected or displays a service man call. Here, notification means is realized.

  Note that it is not necessary to provide a zero cross detection circuit in the line of the power cord A to which the DC power source 41 that supplies power to the controller 1101 and the operation unit 400 is connected. This is because when the power cord A that feeds power to the DC power supply unit 41 is disconnected, the digital multi-function peripheral 1000 itself does not start, and zero-cross detection as power cord disconnection detection becomes unnecessary.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent installation mistakes and damage to the apparatus.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a digital multi-function peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view illustrating a configuration of a fixing unit. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a power supply system of a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of table t1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of table t2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of control for every mode. 6 is a timing chart showing a signal sequence when the power supply cord to the fixing heater H2 is switched from the power cord A to the power cord B. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply system of the digital multi-functional peripheral concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of table t3. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of table t4. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of control for every mode. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the power supply system of the digital multi-function peripheral concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the generation | occurrence | production state of a zero cross signal, and a power supply cord omission determination.

Explanation of symbols

17b Pressure roller 31, 32 AC power supply 34 Load, DC power supply 38, 39 Power supply source switching means 41a Current detection circuit, overcurrent detection protection circuit 45 Disconnection detection means, zero cross detection circuit 1101 Power supply control means 1000 Power supply control device, image Forming device A, B Power cord H1-H4 load, fixing heater T1-T4 Load control means

Claims (21)

A plurality of power cords each having a different rated current, each supplying AC power from an AC power source;
A plurality of loads operating upon receipt of AC power;
Load control means capable of selectively controlling on / off of each load;
Power supply source switching means capable of switching a source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads via each power cord to another power cord;
The power supply source switching means appropriately switches the power supply source for at least one of the loads to another power cord so that the rated current of each power cord can be used up to a limit value, and the load control means can Power control means for controlling on / off of the load;
A power supply control device comprising: The power supply source switching means is constituted by an electromagnetic relay constituted by an electromagnet and a spring-like contact.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The load control means is constituted by a triac.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. When switching the supply source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads by the power supply source switching means to another power cord, the load control means turns off the load before the power supply source Switching the switching means, and after the switching of the power supply source switching means is completed, to turn on the load by the load control means,
The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control device is a power supply control device. When switching the power supply source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads by the power supply source switching means to another power cord, each power supply line connected to the load is cut off for a predetermined time. Become
The power supply control device according to claim 4. Cutting detection means for detecting that the power cord other than the power cord for supplying power to the DC power source is disconnected from the AC power source;
The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control device is a power supply control device. The disconnection detecting means uses a zero-cross detection circuit that detects that the voltage of the AC power supply is approximately 0 volts and outputs a zero-cross signal, and detects that the zero-cross signal does not change for a predetermined time, Detecting that the power cord is disconnected from the AC power source,
The power supply control device according to claim 6. A plurality of power cords each having a different rated current, each supplying AC power from an AC power source;
A plurality of loads that are related to image formation on transfer paper and operate upon receiving AC power;
Load control means capable of selectively controlling on / off of each load;
Power supply source switching means capable of switching a source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads via each power cord to another power cord;
The power supply source switching means appropriately switches the power supply source for at least one or more of the loads to another power cord, and the load control means controls on / off of each load. Power supply control means for adjusting the supplied AC power to a value approximating a limit value in each power cord;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The power supply control unit switches power supply sources for at least one or more of the loads and controls on / off of the loads for each of various operation modes related to image formation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. The power supply control unit switches the power supply source for at least one or more of the loads and controls on / off of each of the loads for each of various option configurations related to image formation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. A current detection circuit for detecting a current value flowing in one output or a plurality of outputs of a secondary side output of a DC power supply that is one of the loads and converts the AC power from the AC power supply into DC power to be supplied;
The power supply control means controls on / off of each load according to power consumption based on a current value output from the current detection circuit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The current detection circuit also serves as an overcurrent detection protection circuit for the DC power supply.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11. The power supply source switching means is constituted by an electromagnetic relay constituted by an electromagnet and a spring-like contact.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. The load control means is constituted by a triac.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. When switching the supply source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads by the power supply source switching means to another power cord, the load control means turns off the load before the power supply source Switching the switching means, and after the switching of the power supply source switching means is completed, to turn on the load by the load control means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. When switching the power supply source of AC power supplied to at least one or more of the loads by the power supply source switching means to another power cord, each power supply line connected to the load is cut off for a predetermined time. Become
The image forming apparatus according to claim 15. Cutting detection means for detecting that the power cord other than the power cord for supplying power to the DC power source is disconnected from the AC power source;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The disconnection detecting means uses a zero-cross detection circuit that detects that the voltage of the AC power supply is approximately 0 volts and outputs a zero-cross signal, and detects that the zero-cross signal does not change for a predetermined time, Detecting that the power cord is disconnected from the AC power source,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 17. When it is detected by the disconnection detection means that the power cord is disconnected, a notification means for notifying that effect is provided.
19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. At least one or more of the loads that can switch the AC power supply source to another power cord by the power supply source switching means is a fixing of a heating source used in a fixing unit that fixes a transfer image on transfer paper with heat and pressure. A heater,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The fixing heater capable of switching an AC power supply source to another power cord by the power supply source switching means is provided in a pressure roller that applies pressure to a transfer image on the transfer paper.
21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein

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