JP2008185706A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide multifunction equipment achieving efficient operation. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is equipped with an auxiliary power supply unit using a capacitor with large capacitance, and is set to deliver power with the auxiliary power supply unit of another image forming apparatus, and communicates information concerning the delivery of the power and receives power supply from another auxiliary power supply unit as necessary. Also it is set to deliver the power with the auxiliary power supply units of a plurality of other image forming apparatuses and communicates the information concerning the delivery of the power. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an auxiliary power supply unit using a large-capacitance capacitor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer includes a unit (image forming unit) that forms an image using an electrophotographic process, and the image forming unit heats and fixes a toner image onto a sheet. A relatively large electric power is required for the fixing unit.

  On the other hand, since the power consumption of the image forming unit including such a heat fixing unit is large, the temperature of the heat fixing unit may be lowered or the power supply to the heat fixing unit may be cut off during operation standby. Therefore, an image forming apparatus having a power saving function for reducing power consumption has been put into practical use.

  In an image forming apparatus having such a power saving function, it is necessary to wait for the temperature of the heat fixing unit to rise when a print request or the like is received in the power saving state and the printer is brought into a printable state.

Therefore, an auxiliary power supply unit that uses a large-capacity capacitor is proposed, and when the temperature of the thermal fixing unit rises, power is supplied from this auxiliary power supply unit so that the time required for the temperature increase of the thermal fixing unit can be shortened. Has been.
JP 2004-200149 A JP 2002-534937 A

  By the way, for example, in a situation where a plurality of multifunction peripherals are installed on the same floor of an office, if the auxiliary power supply unit provided in each of the plurality of multifunction peripherals can be used effectively, it will be more efficient. Driving is possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function machine that enables efficient operation.

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an auxiliary power supply unit using a large-capacitance capacitor, and communicates power and information related to power transfer with an auxiliary power supply unit of another image forming apparatus. If necessary, power is supplied from another auxiliary power supply unit.

  In addition, power is exchanged with auxiliary power supply units of a plurality of other image forming apparatuses, and information related to power delivery is communicated.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize efficient power supply and demand using a large-capacitance capacitor, and as a result, it is possible to contribute to high-speed start-up and productivity improvement of the image forming apparatus. . Further, since it does not depend only on power supply from outside the system, even if local power demand occurs in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to avoid a situation that adversely affects the power demand of other electrical devices. Get.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  This system includes two MFPs FX1 and FX2, and auxiliary power units PP1 and PP2 are attached to the MFPs FX1 and FX2, respectively. The auxiliary power supply units PP1 and PP2 are interconnected by a power line PL and a communication line CL so that necessary information can be exchanged and power can be exchanged between them as required.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the multifunction machine FX (FX1, FX2). The multifunction machine FX has a power saving function.

  In the figure, a system control unit 1 performs various control processes such as a control process for each part of the MFP FX and a facsimile transmission control procedure process, and a system memory 2 is executed by the system control part 1. The control processing program and various data necessary for executing the processing program are stored, and the work area of the system control unit 1 is configured. The parameter memory 3 includes various types of functions unique to the MFP FX. The clock circuit 4 outputs current time information.

  The scanner 5 is for reading a document image at a predetermined resolution, and the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and includes, for example, a printer engine that uses an electrophotographic process. It is a thing. Therefore, the printer engine of the plotter 6 includes a thermal fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred onto the printing paper. The operation display unit 7 is for operating the multi-function device FX, and includes various operation keys and various displays.

  The encoding / decoding unit 8 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal. The magnetic disk device 9 is encoded and compressed. This is for storing a large number of image information and other appropriate data files.

  The group 3 facsimile modem 10 is for realizing the modem function of the group 3 facsimile, and is a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals, and mainly for exchanging image information. A high-speed modem function (V.17 modem, V.34 modem, V.29 modem, V.27ter modem, etc.) is provided.

  The network control device 11 is for connecting the multi-function device FX to the analog public network PSTN, and has an automatic outgoing / incoming function.

  The network interface circuit 12 is for connecting the multi-function device FX to a network (such as a local area network or the Internet).

  The system control unit 1, system memory 2, parameter memory 3, clock circuit 4, scanner 5, plotter 6, operation display unit 7, encoding / decoding unit 8, image storage device 9, group 3 facsimile modem 10, network The control device 11 and the network interface circuit 12 are connected to an internal bus 14, and data exchange between these elements is mainly performed via the internal bus 14.

  Data exchange between the network control device 11 and the group 3 facsimile modem 10 is performed directly.

  The power supply unit 16 supplies power to the multifunction machine FX, and has a function for realizing an energy saving function by the system control unit 1. The auxiliary power supply unit PP includes a large capacity capacitor, and supplies the power of the large capacity capacitor to the power supply unit 16. Further, the auxiliary power unit PP connects the power line PL and the communication line CL to the auxiliary power unit of another device, and performs mutual communication and transmission / reception of mutual power. Further, the auxiliary power unit PP exchanges necessary information SA with the system control unit 1 of the multifunction machine FX.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the auxiliary power supply unit PP.

  In the figure, a capacitor 21 is a large-capacitance capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor, and its output terminal is switched and connected to a charger 23 or a switch 24 via a switch 22. The charger 23 forms charging power supplied to the capacitor 21 from a commercial power source (not shown).

  The normally closed switching end of the switch 24 is connected to the power supply unit 16, and the normally open switching end of the switch 24 is connected to the power line PL for supplying power to the other auxiliary power supply units. ing. In addition, a power line PL to which power from other auxiliary power supply units is supplied is connected to a common connection end (a terminal to which the output end of the capacitor 21 is connected) of the switch 24. Therefore, in this case, two pairs of power lines PL are required.

  The auxiliary power supply control unit 25 is based on the information SA exchanged with the system control unit 1 and information exchanged with other auxiliary power supply units via the communication unit 26. This is for controlling the operation.

  Here, the auxiliary power supply control unit 25 normally connects the switches 22 and 24 to the normally closed contact side. Thereby, normally, the capacitor 21 is charged with the power supplied from the charger 23, and the power of the capacitor 21 is not supplied to the power unit 16.

  For example, when the MFP FX1 returns from the power saving state sleep mode and it is necessary to quickly increase the fixing temperature, the MFP FX2 is inquired and the auxiliary power unit PP2 of the MFP FX2 is informed at that time. When power that is not scheduled to be used is accumulated, power is supplied from the auxiliary power unit PP2 of the multifunction machine FX2 to the auxiliary power unit PP1 of the multifunction machine FX1 through the power line PL.

  In this case, the auxiliary power supply control unit 25 of the auxiliary power supply unit PP1 switches the switch 22 to the normally open contact side and connects the output terminal of the capacitor 21 to the switch 24. On the other hand, the auxiliary power supply control unit 25 of the auxiliary power supply unit PP2 switches the switcher 22 to the capacitor 21 side and switches the switcher 24 to the normally open side. Thereby, the electric power of the capacitor 21 is supplied to the other auxiliary power supply unit PP1 via the switch 22 and the switch 24.

  Thereby, in the auxiliary power supply unit PP1 of the multi-function apparatus FX1, the power output from the capacitor 21 and the power supplied from the other auxiliary power supply unit PP2 are supplied to the power supply unit 16.

  In this way, the power from the outlet has an upper limit on the wattage, but the multifunction machine FX1 receives power from the outlet, as well as from the auxiliary power unit PP1 of its own auxiliary power unit PP1 and the multifunction machine FX2. Since power can be used together, it is possible to obtain sufficient power and start up quickly.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of processing of the auxiliary power supply control unit 25 of the auxiliary power supply unit PP1 of the MFP FX1 in this case.

  When returning from the sleep mode (process 101), the other auxiliary power unit PP2 is inquired about a power use request (process 102). At the same time, the switch 22 is switched to the normally open contact side, and the output terminal of the capacitor 21 is connected to the switch 24 (process 103).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of processing of the auxiliary power supply control unit 25 of the auxiliary power supply unit PP2 of the MFP FX2 in this case.

  When a power usage request is received from another auxiliary power supply unit (process 201), it is checked whether or not the capacitor 21 is in an externally usable state (process 202). For example, if the capacitor 21 is currently on standby, the capacitor 21 can be used externally. In addition, the capacitor 21 cannot be used externally when returning from the sleep mode.

  As a result of the process 202, it is checked whether or not the external use is possible (determination 203). When the result of the determination 203 is YES, the external use OK is notified to the other party (process 204), and the switch 22 is connected to the capacitor 21 side. And the switch 24 is switched to the normally open side, and the output of the capacitor 21 is set to be supplied to another auxiliary power supply unit (process 205).

  If the result of determination 203 is NO, external use NG is notified to the other party (process 206).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the auxiliary power supply units PPa, PPb, PPc, and PPd of the four MFPs FXa, FXb, FXc, and FXd are appropriately connected to each other via the power line PL and the communication line CL, and are connected to each other. Electric power can be appropriately transferred between the auxiliary power supply units PPa, PPb, PPc, PPd.

  For this purpose, for example, the auxiliary power unit PP includes a communication outlet CC1 for connecting a plurality of communication lines CL and a power outlet CC2 for connecting a plurality of power lines PL, as shown in FIG. , To enable communication and power transfer with the connected partner.

  In this way, by providing a multi-channel communication line connection unit and a power line outlet corresponding to each communication destination, the connection between the auxiliary power units can be realized in a many-to-many manner. The range of selection of the multifunction machine FX that can be supplied when one multifunction machine FX requires a large amount of power can be expanded.

  For example, when a plurality of MFPs FX are connected as shown in FIG. 6, even when the MFP FXd needs power and the MFP FXc does not have surplus power even if an inquiry is made to the MFP FXc. The MFP FXd may be able to obtain power from the MFP FXa. In such a case, the multi-function peripheral FXc mediates power transfer from the multi-function peripheral FXa to the multi-function peripheral FXd as follows. Thereby, the multi-function device FXc stores the power received from the multi-function device FXa in the capacitor, and the multi-function device FXc supplies power to the multi-function device FXd from the capacitor.

  In this case, the intermediary multifunction peripheral FXc once stored in its own capacitor, but it is also possible to secure an energization path from the multifunction peripheral FXa to the multifunction peripheral FXd by switching the internal power line path without doing this. It is.

  FIG. 8 shows a system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this system, the multifunction peripherals FF11, FF12, and FF13 exchange information related to power transfer by the auxiliary power supply unit PP via the network NT.

  In this case, the system controller 1 and the network interface circuit 12 of the multi-function peripheral FX can exchange information about power transmission / reception by the auxiliary power supply unit PP even when the power is cut off, so that the network address of the power transmission / reception partner can be exchanged. Is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown). By doing in this way, the communication function with which the multi-function apparatus FX is provided can be used for the exchange of information between the auxiliary power units PP.

  For example, since the multifunction machine FX13 constitutes a connection capable of transferring power between the multifunction machine FX11 and the multifunction machine FX12, when a large power demand occurs in the multifunction machine FX13, It is possible to receive power supply from the machine FX11 and the multifunction machine FX12 at a time.

  On the contrary, if the capacitor of the multifunction machine FX13 has a large amount of power storage, and the power demand is generated in the multifunction machine FX11 and the multifunction machine FX12 at once, the multifunction machine FX13 may supply power to them simultaneously. Is possible.

  In this case, an optimum delivery route can also be determined using a routing table stored in the non-volatile memory of the multifunction machine FX.

  In addition, it is preferable to have a table overlooking the connection for power transfer. For example, if it is expected that the same power line will be used at a time when power is delivered and the current upper limit allowed by the wire is exceeded, the power line can be searched by using the routing table and bypassed. Can be tolerated.

  By the way, for example, when the MFP FF11 is turned off by a user operation, the configuration of the actually connected MFP group and the routing table become inconsistent.

  In order to avoid such a problem, in this case, the multifunction machine FF11 uses the power of its own capacitor when an event occurs in which the power supply is cut off, such as a main power supply cut or an outlet pull-out. The multifunction device FF 13 that has notified itself of the power failure is deleted, and the multifunction device FF 13 that has received the notification deletes the notification source multifunction device FF 11 from the routing table in the nonvolatile memory.

  In this way, the contents of the routing table on the nonvolatile memory can be made to reflect the latest connection state.

The block diagram which showed an example of the system concerning one Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction machine FX (FX1, FX2). The block diagram which showed the structural example of auxiliary power unit PP. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of an auxiliary power control unit 25. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of processing of the auxiliary power control unit 25. The block diagram which showed an example of the system concerning the other Example of this invention. Schematic for demonstrating the other structural example of auxiliary power unit PP. The block diagram which showed the system concerning the further another Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

21 Capacitors 22, 24 Switcher 25 Auxiliary Power Control Unit 26 Communication Unit

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus including an auxiliary power supply unit using a large-capacitance capacitor,
Communicates information related to power delivery and power delivery with the auxiliary power unit of other multifunction devices,
An image forming apparatus, wherein power is supplied from another auxiliary power supply unit as necessary.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power transfer and information relating to power transfer are communicated with auxiliary power supply units of a plurality of other image forming apparatuses.