JP2009222824A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To have power supply effectively used by also using a secondary battery according to a switched mode by making power source supply able to be switched in an energy saving mode and in a normal mode. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes a main power source for supplying power from a commercial power source to each section and a secondary battery which has power charged from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each section. In this case, the image forming apparatus is switched between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which the consumed power is more suppressed than in the normal mode. In addition, when switched to the energy saving mode, supplying of the power from the main power source is stopped and the power is supplied from the secondary battery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, an ink jet printer, and a facsimile, and more particularly, an operating state in which image formation is possible (normal mode) and an operating state in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode (energy saving mode). Is related to the image forming apparatus.

Some image forming apparatuses are switchable between an operation state in which image formation is possible (normal mode) and an operation state in which power consumption is suppressed as compared with the normal mode (energy saving mode).
In such an image forming apparatus whose operation state can be switched, there are a main power source that supplies power to each module from a commercial power source, and a secondary that supplies pre-stored power to a specific module when the main power source is turned off. Some are equipped with a battery.
For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for supplying power charged in a storage battery to a multifunction device when an abnormality such as a power failure occurs in a commercial power supply.
Patent Document 2 below discloses a technology including a solar battery, a secondary battery, and an ON / OFF power-saving power source during energy saving standby in order to further reduce power consumption during standby.
Patent Document 3 below discloses a technique for reducing a power saving function when a battery having a large capacity is replaced.
JP 2001-253152 A JP 2002-63011 A JP 2001-255966 A

However, the secondary battery in the conventional image forming apparatus is such that power is temporarily supplied when the main power source becomes unusable due to a power failure or the like.
Therefore, it is not used to supply power from the secondary battery according to the operating state, and the energy saving effect cannot be enhanced.
In addition, the secondary battery in the conventional image forming apparatus cannot present the battery remaining amount to the user, or can use different power sources depending on the operation state of the image forming apparatus and the remaining battery level of the secondary battery. .

Therefore, the present invention can switch between the energy saving mode and the normal mode, and by using a secondary battery in accordance with the switched mode (operating state), for example, the power generation ratio by fossil fuel is low. The first purpose is to make effective use of power supply such as nighttime power and leveling of power demand that increases in the summer.
Further, a second object is to appropriately present a shortage of the remaining amount to the user in accordance with the remaining amount of the secondary battery and to effectively use the power supply.
A third object is to effectively use the power supply by detecting the capacity of the secondary battery and properly using the power according to the operating state and capacity.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image including a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit, and a secondary battery that charges the power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit. In the forming apparatus, when the switching unit switches between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode, and the switching unit switches to the energy saving mode, the two modes The first object is achieved by providing power control means for supplying power from the secondary battery and stopping power supply from the main power supply.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the battery further comprises a voltage drop detection means for detecting whether or not a discharge voltage of the secondary battery is lower than a predetermined voltage. When the discharge voltage of the secondary battery falls below a predetermined voltage by the voltage drop detection means, the first object is achieved by charging from the main power source.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the battery pack further comprises a full charge detection means for detecting a full charge of the charged secondary battery, wherein the secondary battery is the full battery. The first object is achieved by stopping the charging of the power from the main power supply when full charge is detected by the charge detection means.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image comprising: a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit; and a secondary battery that charges the power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit. In the forming apparatus, when the switching unit switches between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode, and the switching unit switches to the energy saving mode, the two modes A selection means for selecting power supply by a secondary battery or power supply by both the main power source and the secondary battery, and when the power supply by the secondary battery is selected by the selection means, The first object is achieved by including power supply control means for supplying power from the secondary battery and stopping the power supply from the main power supply.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a voltage drop detection unit that detects whether or not a discharge voltage of the secondary battery is lower than a predetermined voltage, and the selection unit includes the voltage The first object is achieved by selecting supply of power by both the main power source and the secondary battery when the discharge voltage of the secondary battery falls below a predetermined voltage by the drop detection means. .
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image comprising: a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit; and a secondary battery that charges the power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit. In the forming apparatus, when the switching unit switches between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode, and the switching unit switches to the energy saving mode, the two modes A capacity detecting means for detecting the capacity of the secondary battery; and a presenting means for presenting the state of the secondary battery according to the capacity detected by the capacity detecting means. Achieve.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the capacity detected by the capacity detecting means is a full capacity, a medium capacity, a low capacity, or a capacity less than a low capacity. To achieve the objectives.
In the invention according to claim 8, in the invention according to claim 7, when the capacity detected by the capacity detecting means is any of full capacity, medium capacity, or low capacity, The second object is achieved by presenting the capacity of the secondary battery using a display color or luminance corresponding to the capacity.
The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the presenting means charges the secondary battery when the capacity detected by the capacity detecting means is less than a low capacity, or The second object is achieved by performing a display prompting replacement of the secondary battery.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image comprising: a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit; and a secondary battery that charges the power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit. In the forming apparatus, a switching unit that switches between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode, a capacity detection unit that detects the capacity of the secondary battery, and the switching Power control means for supplying power from the secondary battery and stopping power from the main power source according to the capacity detected by the capacity detection means when the mode is switched to the energy saving mode by the means; By achieving the above, the third object is achieved.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the power supply control means supplies power from the secondary battery when the capacity detected by the capacity detection means falls below a predetermined capacity. The secondary battery is stopped, and the secondary battery is charged from the main power source to achieve the third object.

In the present invention, the energy saving mode and the normal mode are switched. In the energy saving mode, the main power supply is stopped and the secondary battery is used, so that the power supply can be used effectively.
In addition, since the capacity of the secondary battery is detected and the state of the secondary battery is presented to the user, replenishment of the secondary battery, replacement of the secondary battery, and the like can be performed at an appropriate timing.
In addition, since the capacity of the secondary battery is detected and the power source is properly used according to the operating state and capacity, the power supply can be used more effectively.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the printer system 100 includes a host PC (personal computer) 200, a network 300, and an image forming apparatus 400.
The host PC 200 and the image forming apparatus 400 are connected via a network 300, and are configured by various known networks such as the Internet, a LAN (local area network), and a WAN (wide area network). can do.

An image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 1A includes a PTR (printer mechanism), an ADF (automatic document feeder), an SCR (image scanner), and an OPB (display unit and operation unit). The image is output based on the print data from.
The image forming apparatus 400 is a digital color copying machine having a composite function, and can also generate a copy of an original document by itself.
The image forming apparatus is provided with an detachable auxiliary battery device 50 and a secondary battery 52 detachable with respect to the auxiliary battery device 50.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram further illustrating the configuration of the PTR in the image forming apparatus 400.
The image forming apparatus 400 is an electrophotographic laser scanning color printer, and includes a PTR, a double-sided tray, a bank first paper feed, a bank second paper feed, a manual paper feed, and a sorter (post-processing device) 11. Has been.
The PTR includes a photoreceptor 1, a main charger 2, a laser scanner 3, a developing device 4, a transfer charger 5, a transfer belt 6, a registration roller 7, a transfer separation charger 8, a conveying belt 9, a fixing device 10, and a cleaning device 12. , A cleaning blade 13, a P sensor 14, an optical sensor 15, and a temperature sensor 16.
As shown in FIG. 1B, the laser scanner 3 receives image data separated into Bk (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) color components for each color unit. Given in. Each color unit is one image forming unit. At the time of monochromatic recording, image data of one of the four colors is given to the laser scanner 3. The photosensitive member 1 is rotationally driven at a constant speed, charged by the main charger 2, and the charged position is adjusted to an appropriate potential by the quenching lamp QL.
The laser scanner 3 scans and projects the laser modulated by the image data on the charging surface. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the photoreceptor 1.
This electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by a developing device having developing toner of a color corresponding to the image formation designated color of the rotation positioning type developing device 4.
Here, for example, when the image formation designated color is Bk, the color developed by the developing device is black.
The toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 6 by the transfer charger 5, and then transferred to the transfer paper fed by the registration roller 7 by the transfer separation charger 8. The transfer paper carrying the toner image is transferred by the transport belt 9. It is sent to the fixing device 10.

The fixing device 10 fixes the toner image on the transfer paper to the transfer paper by heating or pressing. After the fixing, the transfer paper is discharged to the sorter 11.
The surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer of the toner image is cleaned by the cleaning device 12, and the surface of the transfer belt 6 after the transfer is wiped by the cleaning blade 13.
The P sensor 14 is a reflective optical sensor that detects the toner density on the surface of the photoreceptor. The reflective optical sensor 15 can detect a mark indicating the reference position of the transfer belt 6, and the temperature sensor 16 functions as a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the fixing roller.

  In the case of two or more color overlay recording (most typical is full color recording), the formation of the toner image on the photosensitive member 1 and the transfer to the transfer belt 6 are repeated for each color. Then, after the required color transfer is completed, it is transferred to the transfer paper.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the configuration of the image forming apparatus 400 in the first embodiment.
The controller 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, a RON 26 RT , An engine I / F (Interface) 28, an operation unit I / F 29, a cover detection 30, a network I / F 31, a controller power supply management 32, and a DC power supply I / F 34.
The CPU 21 is a main processor, is connected to each component of the controller 20 via a bus line, and controls each component.
The ASIC 22 performs system bus control, image processing, and the like. The ROM 23 stores a control program for the CPU 21.
The RAM 24 temporarily stores data received from the host PC received via the network I / F 31 and stores image image data formed based on the received data.
The timer 26 controls the event interval from the time measured by the RTC 27.
The engine I / F 28 controls input / output of image data.
The operation unit I / F 29 controls input / output with the OPB.
The cover detection 30 is a sensor that detects opening / closing of a door of a housing that covers the image forming apparatus 400.
A PTR, OPB, ADF, and host PC are connected to the network I / F 31 and can communicate with the host PC 200.
The controller power management 32 performs power control of the controller 20, the PTR 35, and the auxiliary power supply 50.
The DC power I / F 34 receives power supply from the controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42 in the controller 20 or power supply from the secondary battery 52.

  The controller 20 receives print data and commands from the host PC 200 that is an external device via the network I / F 31 and analyzes the print data that is image information and the command that instructs printing. As a result of the analysis, when a print instruction is given, the print data is developed as output image data so that it can be printed, and an image is formed from the developed data. Also, print data, document reading data, output image data for output, compressed compressed data, and the like held in the image forming apparatus 400 can be transferred to the host PC 200 via the controller 20.

  The ADF feeds and discharges the original with respect to the SCR. The SCR irradiates the surface of a document fed from the ADF with a lamp, and condenses the reflected light on a light receiving element in the SCR by a mirror or a lens. The reflected light collected by the light receiving element is converted into an electrical signal by a sensor board unit (hereinafter simply referred to as SBU) in the SCR, and is output to the controller 20 as read image data. The read image data from the SCR is transferred to the ASIC 22, and the ASIC 22 corrects signal deterioration due to quantization of the optical system and the digital signal. Then, the ASIC 22 writes the corrected read image data into the RAM 24.

The read image data written in the RAM 24 is converted into output image data by the processing of the ASIC 22 and is output to the PTR 35 via the engine I / F 28. The ASIC 22 includes a job for storing the read image data in the RAM 24 and reusing it, and a job for generating an image in the PTR 35 without storing it in the RAM 24. For example, as an example of storing in the RAM 24, when copying a plurality of originals, there is a method of operating the SCR only once, storing read image data in the RAM 24, and reading the stored data a plurality of times.
Further, as an example in which the RAM 24 is not used, when only one original is copied, the read image data is processed as it is for printer output, so that it is not necessary to write the data into the RAM 24.

When the image data in the RAM 24 is not used, the ASIC 22 performs image quality processing for converting luminance data from the light receiving element into area gradation. At this time, the signal converted into the area gradation is output to the PTR 35 by the ASIC 22 and written in an image memory (not shown) in the PTR 35. With this written signal, pulse control for reproducing dots is performed, and a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper.
When the image data in the RAM 24 is used, the ASIC 22 expands the print data from the external host PC 200 (character code / character bit conversion), compresses the image data for effective use of the memory, and compresses the data to the RAM 24 after data compression. accumulate.
As described above, the ASIC 22 reads the image data from the RAM 24 as necessary, decompresses the read data, returns it to the original image data, and outputs it to the PTR 35. Thereby, a visible image (toner image) is formed on the transfer paper.

The PTR 35 includes a PSU 40, an engine load 43, and an operation unit 44. The PSU 40 further includes a main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 and a controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42.
The main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 generates a DC power supply from an AC commercial power supply. The controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42 supplies the DC power generated by the main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 to the engine load 43 and the controller 20.
The DC power generated by the main power supply / shut-off circuit 41 includes + 5V, + 12V, and + 24V that can be controlled ON / OFF by the controller power management 32, and the main SW that is an unillustrated main power switch is ON. If there is, there is + 5VE which is normally always ON.
Then, + 5V, + 12V, and + 24V are supplied to the engine load 43, and + 5VE is supplied to the operation unit 44.

Here, in the normal mode (operation state in which image formation is possible), all of + 5V, + 12V, + 24V, and + 5VE are in the ON state.
In the energy saving mode, the controller power management 32 turns off the PS2-ON signal from the controller 20 to stop the power supply of + 5V, ± 12V, and + 24V, and supplies the power supply of + 5VE only to the operation unit 44. (That is, the energy saving mode is an operation state in which power consumption is suppressed as compared with the normal mode).
Here, the image forming apparatus 400 shifts from the energy saving mode to the normal mode when the INTK signal from the cover detection 30 (signal when opening / closing of the cover is detected) and the INTN signal from the network I / F 31 (network). 300, a print request signal), an INTP signal from the operation unit I / F 29 (a signal when the operation unit is operated by the user), and the like.
And controller power supply management 32 will notify PS2-ON signal to PTR35, if these various signals are received. Then, the main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 and the engine load 43 are turned on, and the image forming apparatus 400 shifts to the normal mode.
The engine load 43 can supply main power to each component of the image forming apparatus 400 in accordance with the ON state with the main power supply / cutoff circuit 41.

The auxiliary power supply 50 includes a battery switch (BAT-SW) 51, a secondary battery 52, a charger 53, a secondary battery control 54, and a voltage detection 54a.
The auxiliary power supply 50 is detachable from the image forming apparatus 400 main body. The battery switch 51 is a switch that is turned on / off by a BAT-ON signal from the controller power management 32, and the power of the secondary battery 52 is supplied to the controller 20 and the operation unit 44 by being turned on.
The secondary battery 52 includes charging means for charging with the electric power from the charger 53. For example, an electric double layer capacitor, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like can be charged. The battery can be used.
The secondary battery control 54 includes a voltage detection 54a for detecting a discharge stop voltage of the secondary battery 52. The secondary battery control 54 charges the secondary battery according to the voltage value detected by the voltage detection 54a. And controlling the discharge.

When the secondary battery control 54 receives the CHARGE signal (charging start signal from the controller power management 32), the secondary battery control 54 performs control so as to start charging the secondary battery 52.
The secondary battery control 54 includes a BAT-FULL signal indicating that the secondary battery 52 is fully charged, a BAT-LOW signal indicating that the secondary battery 52 has reached the discharge stop voltage, and the secondary battery is mounted. Various signals such as a BAT-DET signal indicating this are output to the controller power management 32.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of transition from the energy saving mode to the normal mode in the first embodiment.
First, when a switch (not shown) on the OPB is pressed by the user, the CPU 21 shifts from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, and clears the energy saving mode timer (step 1).
Then, the CPU 21 performs control so as to start warm-up as preparation for a print cycle, such as heating of the fixing device 10 and residual heat (step 2).
The CPU 21 starts the timer 26 in order to return to the energy saving mode again when a certain time has elapsed with the completion of warm-up (step 3).
Next, the CPU 21 determines whether a print request is received from the host CPa 200 via the network 300 (step 11).

Here, the CPU 21 performs an image forming process when receiving a print request (step 21). Then, in order to return to the energy saving mode again when a certain time has elapsed, the timer 26 is cleared (step 22), and the process returns to step 3.
If the CPU 21 does not receive a print request at step 11 (step 11; N), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the timer 26 operated at step 3 has reached a specified time (step 12).
If the specified time has not been reached in step 12 (step 12; N), the CPU 21 continues counting up by the timer 26 (step 20), and returns to step 11.

When the specified time has been reached in step 12 (step 12; Y), in order to shift to the energy saving mode, SAVING FLAG = ON indicating the energy saving state in the RAM 24 is set (step 13), and the controller power management 32 The BAT-ON signal is transmitted to the battery switch 51, and the secondary battery 52 supplies power to the operation unit 44 and the controller 20.
The controller power management 32 outputs a PS2-OFF signal to the PTR 35 (step 14).
Thereby, the main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 and the engine load 43 are cut off, and the supply of the main power supply is stopped.

The controller power management 32 puts the INTN signal from the network I / F 31, the INTK signal from the cover detection 30, and the INTP signal from the operation unit I / F 29 into a standby state (step 15 to step 17).
If any one of these signals is received (any one of steps 15 to 17; Y), the controller power management 32 outputs a PS2-ON signal to shift to the normal mode. (Step 18), the main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 and the engine load 43 are energized, and the main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 supplies the main power.
In order to shift to the normal mode, the SAVING FLAG indicating the energy saving state in the RAM 24 is turned OFF (step 19), and the controller power management 32 stops the transmission of the BAT-ON signal to the battery switch 51. The power supply from the secondary battery 52 to the PTR 35 or the controller 20 is stopped, and the process returns to Step 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process in the first embodiment when the power supply from the controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42 is stopped and the power supply from the secondary battery 52 is performed.
The controller power management 32 determines whether or not to detect a BAT-DET signal (a signal indicating that the secondary battery 52 is attached to the image forming apparatus 400) from the secondary battery control 54 (step 41).
If the BAT-DET signal is OFF (not detected) (step 41; N), the process is terminated.
When the BAT-DET signal is ON (detected) (step 41; Y), it is determined whether or not to detect a CHARGE signal (charge start signal) from the controller power management 32 (step 42).
When the CHARGE signal is received (step 42; Y), the secondary battery 52 is charged by the charger 53, and the process ends.

On the other hand, when the CHARGE signal is not received (step 42; N), a BAT-LOW signal indicating that the secondary battery 52 has reached the discharge stop voltage is detected (step 43).
Here, when the BAT-LOW signal is OFF (not detected) (step 43; N), it is detected whether or not the SAVING FLAG in the RAM 24 is ON (whether or not it is in the energy saving mode) (step 43). 44).
When the result of detection in step 44 is OFF (that is, in the operation mode) (step 44; N), it is detected whether or not the BAT-ON signal in use of the secondary battery is ON (step 45). )
If the BAT-ON signal is ON (step 45; Y), the controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42 is started up (step 47), and then BAT-ON is turned OFF (step 48). That is, the power supply from the secondary battery 52 to the operation unit 44 and the controller 20 is stopped.
In step 45, when the BAT-ON signal is OFF (step 45; N), the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the result of detection in step 44 is ON (step 44; Y), it is detected whether or not the BAT-ON signal in use of the secondary battery is ON (step 46).
If the BAT-ON signal is OFF (step 46; N), the BAT-ON is turned ON (step 49), the PS1-ON signal is turned OFF (step 50), and the controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42 is turned on. Stop power supply from.
If the BAT-ON signal is ON (step 46; Y), the process ends.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the power supply in the energy saving mode and the normal mode can be switched. By using the secondary battery 52 in the energy saving mode, the main power supply (main power supply / cutoff circuit 41 is used. And power from the controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42) is stopped by using the secondary battery 52 such as nighttime power with a low power generation ratio by fossil fuel or leveling of power demand that increases in the summer. Supply can be used effectively.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process when the secondary battery 52 is charged by the charger 53 in the first embodiment.
The controller power management 32 determines whether or not to detect a BAT-DET signal (a signal indicating that the secondary battery 52 is attached to the image forming apparatus 400) from the secondary battery control 54 (step 51).
If the BAT-DET signal is OFF (not detected) (step 51; N), the charging process is terminated.
When the BAT-DET signal is ON (detected) (step 51; Y), it is determined whether or not to detect the CHARGE signal (charge start signal) from the controller power management 32 (step 52).
When the CHARGE signal is received (step 52; Y), the secondary battery 52 is charged by the charger 53.
The secondary battery control 54 determines whether or not the secondary battery 52 is fully charged (step 58). If not fully charged, charging is continued (step 58; N), and when the charger 53 detects full charge (step 58; Y), the secondary battery control 54 outputs a BAT-FULL signal, Receiving this, the controller power management 32 turns off the CHARGE signal (step 59).

On the other hand, if the CHARGE signal from the controller power management 32 is not received in step 52 (step 52; N), whether or not the BAT-LOW signal indicating that the secondary battery 52 has reached the discharge stop voltage is detected. Is determined (step 53).
If the BAT-LOW signal is OFF (not detected), the process ends without doing anything (step 53; N).
If the BAT-LOW signal is ON (detected) at step 53 (step 53; Y), the controller power management 32 indicates that the secondary battery 52 is supplying power. It is determined whether or not an ON signal is detected (step 54).
If the BAT-ON signal is ON in the secondary battery 52 (step 54; Y), the PS1-ON signal is supplied to supply power (main power) from the controller power supply / cutoff circuit 42. Is turned on and the controller power supply / shut-off circuit 42 is started up (step 55), BAT-ON is turned off (step 56), the use of the secondary battery 52 is stopped, and the CHARGE signal is turned on to start charging. (Step 57).
If the BAT-ON signal when the secondary battery is not in use is OFF, the controller power supply management 32 turns on the CHARGE signal and starts charging.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the discharge stop voltage decreases during use of the secondary battery 52, the power supply of the secondary battery 52 is immediately stopped and the power supply from the main power is performed. Since the secondary battery 52 is charged at a proper timing, deterioration due to excessive use of the secondary battery 52 can be prevented.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 680 includes an LP / MFP (laser printer multifunction peripheral) 660 and an auxiliary power supply module 670.
The LP / MFP 660 can be switched between an operation state in which image formation is possible (normal mode) and an operation state in which power consumption is suppressed as compared with the normal mode (energy saving mode).
Then, LP / MFP (laser printer multifunction device) 660 outputs an energy saving signal to secondary battery control unit 600 in the energy saving mode, and outputs a non-energy saving signal to secondary battery control unit 600 in the operating state. To do.
The auxiliary power supply module 670 includes a secondary battery control unit 600, a voltage monitoring unit-1605, a voltage monitoring unit 2610, an AC-DC power supply 615, a charger 620, a secondary battery 625, a DC-DC power supply-1630, and a relay driving unit. 635, a power source selection unit 640, a DC-DC power source-2645, an AC outlet 650, and an AC relay 655.

The secondary battery 625 includes power storage means that stores power using the power from the charger 620. For example, an electric double layer capacitor, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like can be charged. The battery can be used.
The voltage monitoring unit-1605 monitors the output voltage of the secondary battery 625 when the secondary battery 625 is supplying power, and determines whether the discharge stop voltage has been reached. As a result of the determination, when the discharge stop voltage is reached, a discharge detection-1 signal is output. If the discharge stop voltage has not been reached as a result of the determination, a non-discharge detection-1 signal is output although not shown.
The voltage monitoring unit 2610 monitors the output voltage of the secondary battery 625 when the secondary battery 625 is not supplying power, and determines whether the discharge stop voltage has been reached. As a result of the determination, when the discharge stop voltage is reached, a discharge detection-2 signal is output. If the result of determination is that the discharge stop voltage has not been reached, a non-discharge detection-2 signal is output, although not shown.
The charger 620 has a function of charging the secondary battery 625 according to a charge instruction signal from the secondary battery control unit 600, and outputs a full charge detection signal when the battery reaches full charge.
The secondary battery control unit 600 generates a charge instruction signal to the charger 620, a full charge detection signal from the charger 620, a discharge detection-1 signal from the voltage monitoring unit-1605, and an energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660. Based on this, the auxiliary power supply module 670 is controlled.
Relay drive unit 635 is a drive unit that switches the relay ON / OFF in accordance with control from secondary battery control unit 600. The AC relay 655 is a relay that is switched ON / OFF by the relay driving unit 635, and supplies power from the main power supply in the ON state.
AC outlet 650 outputs the output from AC relay 655 to LP / MFP 660. The AC-DC power source 615 generates a DC power source from the AC output of the AC relay 655.
The power source selection unit 640 selects one or both of the power output from the AC-DC power source 615 and the power output from the secondary battery 625. The DC-DC power supply-1630 and the DC-DC power supply-2645 generate a DC output based on the power supply output selected by the power supply selection unit 640.

  Note that the discharge stop voltage determined by the voltage monitoring unit-1605 and the discharge stop voltage determined by the voltage monitoring unit-2610 are different from each other and are selectively used according to the state of charge of the secondary battery 625. The voltage detection accuracy can be further increased.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating state transition of the secondary battery control unit 600 according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the secondary battery control unit 600 receives a non-energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 and enters a normal operation mode in which an image can be formed. In the normal operation mode, “the power source selection unit 640 selects a power output from the AC-DC power source 615”, “the secondary battery control unit 600 does not output a charging instruction signal to the charger 620”, and “ The AC relay 655 is configured to perform image formation using the power output from only the AC-DC power supply 615 without using the secondary battery 625 by “turning on the energized (ON) state” (step 700). ).
Here, when the voltage monitoring unit 2610 detects a voltage drop of the secondary battery 625 and outputs a discharge detection-2 signal (step 730), the secondary battery control unit 600 sends a charge instruction signal to the charger 620. Output, starts charging the secondary battery 625, and transitions from the normal operation mode to the charge mode (step 300). After charging in the charging mode, when the secondary battery control unit 600 receives the full charge signal from the charger 620 and the non-energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660, the secondary battery control unit 600 transitions to the normal operation mode of Step 700. (Step 370).

In the charging mode of step 300, the secondary battery control unit 600 “the power source selection unit 640 selects the power output from the AC-DC power source 615”, “the secondary battery control unit 600 is connected to the charger 620. “A charging instruction signal is output” and “AC relay 655 is energized (ON)”. Thereby, the charger 620 is configured to charge the secondary battery 625 with electric power.
After charging in the charging mode of step 300, when the secondary battery control unit 600 receives the energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 and receives the full charging signal from the charger 620 (step 350), the secondary battery control unit 600 switches from the charging mode to the transition mode. A transition is made (step 500).
Here, the transition mode is an operation state in which power consumption is suppressed as compared with the normal operation mode, but power is supplied by both the AC-DC power source 615 (main power source) and the secondary battery 625. Mode.
In the transition mode of step 500, the secondary battery control unit 600 selects “the power source selection unit 640 selects the power output from the AC-DC power source 615 and the power output from the secondary battery 625”, “secondary battery”. The battery control unit 600 does not output a charging instruction signal to the charger 620 ”and“ AC relay 655 is energized (ON) ”, whereby the secondary battery is supplied to the power output from the AC-DC power source 615. It is configured to use 625 power outputs.
When the voltage monitoring unit -1605 detects a voltage drop of the secondary battery 625 and the secondary battery control unit 600 receives the discharge detection-1 signal (step 530), the state transitions to the charging mode of step 300.

In the transition mode of step 500, when the secondary battery control unit 600 receives the non-energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 and the non-discharge detection-1 signal from the voltage monitoring unit-1605 (step 570), the step Transition to 700 normal mode.
In the normal mode, when the secondary battery control unit 600 receives the energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 and the non-discharge detection-2 signal from the voltage monitoring unit 2610 (step 750), the step 500 is performed. Transition to the transition mode.
In the transition mode, when the secondary battery control unit 600 receives the energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 and the non-discharge detection-1 signal from the voltage monitoring unit-1605 (step 540), step 400 is performed. Transition to the energy saving mode.

In the energy saving mode of step 400, the secondary battery control unit 600 “the power source selection unit 640 selects the power output from the secondary battery 625”, “the secondary battery control unit 600 sends to the charger 620. The charging instruction signal is not output ”and“ the AC relay 655 is turned off (OFF) ”to supply power only by the power output of the secondary battery 625.
When the secondary battery control unit 600 receives the non-energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 and the discharge detection-1 signal from the voltage monitoring unit-1605 in the energy saving mode (step 450), Transition to transition mode.

Thus, in the second embodiment, the power source selection unit 640 includes the power output (main power source) from the AC-DC power source 615 according to the mode of the LP / MFP 660 and the storage state of the secondary battery 625. Either one or both of the power output from the secondary battery 625 is selected.
The power source selection unit 640 supplies power from the secondary battery 625 or both of the AC-DC power source 615 (main power source) and the secondary battery 625, particularly in two modes, the transition mode and the energy saving mode. The power supply by can be selected.
Thereby, since the power from the main power supply can be stopped by using the secondary battery 625, the power supply can be used effectively.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the presentation unit 840 in the third embodiment.
In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 680 includes an LP / MFP 660 and an auxiliary power supply module 670. However, the auxiliary power supply module 670 further includes a presentation unit 840. ing.
The presenting unit 840 includes a lighting unit 800, a rotation key 810, a display unit 820, and an operation unit 830.
The presentation unit 840 is connected to the secondary battery control unit 600 and turns on the lighting unit 800 when power is supplied from the secondary battery 625.
Accordingly, the presentation unit 840 can present the usage state of the secondary battery 625 to the user by lighting the lighting unit 800.
Further, in the third embodiment, a capacity detection unit (not shown) is provided, and whether or not the secondary battery 625 has a predetermined capacity (full capacity, medium capacity, low capacity, or capacity less than low capacity). It is possible to detect and determine whether or not.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process in the third embodiment.
First, the secondary battery control unit 600 receives an energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 and transitions to the energy saving mode (step 900). When there is power supply from the secondary battery 625 (step 905), the presentation is performed. The lighting unit 800 of the unit 840 is turned on (step 910).
Next, the secondary battery control unit 600 detects the capacity of the secondary battery 625 (step 915), and determines whether or not the secondary battery 625 is full (step 920).
If the capacity is full (step 920; Y), the lighting unit 800 is lit in green (step 935).
If the capacity is not full (step 920; N), it is determined whether the capacity is medium (step 925). And when it is medium capacity (step 925; Y), the secondary battery control part 600 makes the lighting part 800 light yellow (step 940).
If the capacity is not medium (step 925; N), it is determined whether the capacity is low (step 930). When the capacity is low (step 930; Y), the secondary battery control unit 600 lights the lighting unit 800 in orange (step 945).
Further, when the capacity is not low (the capacity is lower than the low capacity) (step 930; N), the display unit 820 displays, for example, “the secondary battery needs to be charged or replaced” and the secondary battery control unit. 600 turns on the lighting unit 800 in red (step 950).

As described above, in the third embodiment, the use of the secondary battery 625 is presented to the user by the lighting unit 800, so that it is possible to notify the charging timing and the timing of replacement (or damage) of the secondary battery. .
Further, in the third embodiment, a means for predicting the lifetime of the secondary battery 625 is provided, and the display unit 820 can be charged, for example, “remaining xx times. By displaying “can be used up to × day” or the like, the predicted life of the secondary battery 625 can be presented to the user.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in a modification of the third embodiment.
First, the secondary battery control unit 600 receives an energy saving signal from the LP / MFP 660 (step 1000), and turns on the lighting unit 800 of the presentation unit 840 when power is supplied from the secondary battery 625 (step 1005). (Step 1010).
Next, the secondary battery control unit 600 detects the capacity of the secondary battery 625 (step 1013).
Then, according to the capacity of the secondary battery 625, the brightness of the content displayed on the display unit 820 is reduced (step 1015).
Further, the luminance of the operation unit 830 is lowered according to the capacity of the secondary battery 625 (step 1020).
For example, in step 1015, it is possible to notify the user of the capacity detection status by displaying the maximum brightness at the full capacity, the medium brightness at the medium capacity, and the minimum brightness at the low capacity.
Note that in step 1020, the start button of the operation unit 830 originally has a display method corresponding to operations such as waiting for printing during printing, printing, and printing disabled, but lowers the brightness displayed on the start button. Thus, the state of the secondary battery 625 can be notified to the user.

As described above, in the modification of the third embodiment, the luminance of the conventional display unit 820 and the operation unit 830 can be reduced, and the remaining amount of the secondary battery 625 can be presented to the user.
Further, in the modified example of the third embodiment, it is not necessary to newly provide the lighting unit 800 as compared with the third embodiment, so that an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed and an increase in cost can be suppressed.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration in the fourth embodiment.
In the fourth embodiment, an image forming apparatus 1150 includes an engine PSU (Engine Power Supply Unit) 1100, an engine 1105, a controller 1110, a controller PSU (Controller Power Supply Unit) 1115, and a selector 1 135. And a battery unit (Battery Unit) 1140.

The engine PSU 1100 and the controller PSU 1115 are supplied with AC power (main power) from a commercial power source. Engine PSU 1100 further supplies the supplied AC power to engine 1105. The controller PSU 1115 supplies main power to the controller 1110 via the selector 1135. The engine 1105 is an engine that controls input / output of image data. The controller 1110 includes an energy saving processor (Processor) 1145 and a RAM 1150. The energy saving processor 1145 can be set in an energy saving mode in which power supply is reduced when the image forming apparatus is on standby. The RAM 1150 temporarily stores image data for image formation.
The energy saving processor 1145 enters the energy saving mode, for example, when the standby state of the image formation state continues for a certain time, and the controller 1110 transmits the SMBCLK signal and the SMBDAT signal indicating the energy saving state.

The battery unit 1140 includes a charge / discharge detection 1120, a secondary battery 1125, and a control microcomputer 1130.
In the present embodiment, there are a plurality of secondary batteries 1125, and each of the plurality of secondary batteries 1125 includes a charge / discharge detection 1120. The control microcomputer 1130 controls charging and discharging of the secondary battery 1125 in accordance with the SMBCLK signal from the controller 1110 and SMBDAT. The secondary battery 1125 supplies power from the secondary battery to the controller 1110 via the selector 1135 in accordance with the energy saving mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating state transition in the fourth embodiment.
First, when a start button (not shown) is pressed from the user and the image forming apparatus is activated, the process proceeds to the “standby mode” (step 1215). Here, the presence / absence of the secondary battery 1125, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 1125, and the like are detected. If there is no secondary battery 1125 or there is no remaining battery, the “conventional energy saving mode” ( The process proceeds to step 1205). In the “conventional energy saving mode”, power is supplied from the main power supply (AC).
In Step 1215, when there are a plurality of secondary batteries 1125 and the plurality of secondary batteries 1125 have a predetermined remaining amount or more, the process proceeds to “AC: 0 W energy saving mode” (Step 1210). In the “AC: 0 W energy saving mode”, power from the main power supply (AC) is charged in the secondary battery 1125, and power is supplied only from the secondary battery 1125.
In step 1210, when the number of usable secondary batteries 1125 becomes one and the remaining usage amount falls below a predetermined amount (for example, 5%), the process proceeds to step 1205.
In step 1205, step 1210, or step 1215, for example, when an instruction for an image forming apparatus is received from the user and an operation start request is received, the process proceeds to the “normal mode” (step 1220).
In step 1205, step 1210, or step 1215, when the user presses a start button (not shown) and the main power is turned off (AC OFF), the process proceeds to “SHUT DOWN” (step 1200). .

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the charging and use state of the secondary battery 1125 in the “AC: 0 W energy saving mode” of the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the fourth embodiment, the secondary battery 1125 is charged in step 1210 (“AC: 0 W energy saving mode”).
At this time, in the charging procedure, first, the battery 1 (for example, the secondary battery 1125a) is used, and the battery 2 (for example, the secondary battery 1125b) is charged (step 1300).
Then, when the charging of the battery 2 is completed (step 1305), the battery 1 is charged and the battery 2 is in use (step 1310).
When the charging of the battery 1 is completed (step 1315), the battery 1 is used again and the battery 2 is charged (step 1300).

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the detected capacity (remaining amount) falls below the predetermined capacity in step 1210, power is supplied from the controller PSU 1115 (main power supply), and the process proceeds to step 1205.
In step 1210, when the secondary battery 1125 is fully charged, the power from the controller PSU 1115 (main power supply) is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 1205.
Thereby, since the power supply from the controller PSU 1115 is properly used according to the capacity of the secondary battery 1125, the power supply can be used more effectively.
In addition, by providing the secondary battery 1125 at a plurality of locations, for example, in step 1210, one secondary battery 1125 a can be discharged while the other secondary battery 1125 b is charged. Since the “0 W energy saving mode” (step 1210) can be maintained for a long time, the power use efficiency can be improved.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the first to fourth embodiments, and can be combined.
For example, by using the presentation unit 840 in the third embodiment in the fourth embodiment, “AC: 0 W energy saving mode. Battery 1 is being used. Battery 2 is being charged.”, “Battery Do not turn off the AC switch because 1 is charging. ”“ Battery 1 can be used for xx hours. It can be recharged xx times and can be used until xx months xx days. ” And the state of the secondary battery may be presented.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment in more detail. In the first embodiment, it is a flowchart showing the process of shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process when power supply from a secondary battery is performed by stopping power supply from a controller power supply / cutoff circuit in the first embodiment. In 1st Embodiment, it is the flowchart which showed the process of the process at the time of a secondary battery being charged with a charger. It is the block diagram which showed the structure in 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the transition of the state of the secondary battery control part in 2nd Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the presentation part in 3rd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process of the process in 3rd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process in the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure in 4th Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the transition of the state in 4th Embodiment. It is the figure shown about the charge of a secondary battery and the use condition in "AC: 0W energy saving mode" of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Printer system 200 Host PC
300 Network 400 Image forming apparatus

Claims (11)

In an image forming apparatus comprising: a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit; and a secondary battery that charges power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit.
Switching means for switching between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode;
Power supply control means for supplying power from the secondary battery and stopping the power supply from the main power supply when the switching means is switched to the energy saving mode;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Voltage drop detection means for detecting whether or not the discharge voltage of the secondary battery is lower than a predetermined voltage;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondary battery is charged from the main power supply when a discharge voltage of the secondary battery falls below a predetermined voltage by the voltage drop detection unit. A full charge detection means for detecting a full charge of the charged secondary battery;
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondary battery is stopped from being charged with electric power from the main power supply when the full charge detection unit detects full charge. 4. . In an image forming apparatus comprising: a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit; and a secondary battery that charges power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit.
Switching means for switching between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode;
When the switching means is switched to the energy saving mode, the power supply by the secondary battery, or selection means for selecting the power supply by both the main power source and the secondary battery,
Power supply control means for supplying power from the secondary battery and stopping power supply from the main power supply when the selection means selects power supply from the secondary battery;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Voltage drop detection means for detecting whether or not the discharge voltage of the secondary battery is lower than a predetermined voltage;
The selection means selects supply of electric power by both the main power source and the secondary battery when the discharge voltage of the secondary battery falls below a predetermined voltage by the voltage drop detection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. In an image forming apparatus comprising: a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit; and a secondary battery that charges power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit.
Switching means for switching between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode;
A capacity detecting means for detecting the capacity of the secondary battery when the energy saving mode is switched by the switching means;
Presenting means for presenting the state of the secondary battery according to the capacity detected by the capacity detecting means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the capacity detected by the capacity detection unit is a full capacity, a medium capacity, a low capacity, or a capacity less than a low capacity.   In the case where the capacity detected by the capacity detecting means is one of a full capacity, a medium capacity, and a low capacity, the presenting means uses the display color or luminance corresponding to the capacity to use the secondary battery. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the capacity is presented.   The presenting means performs a display prompting charging of the secondary battery or replacement of the secondary battery when the capacity detected by the capacity detecting means is a capacity lower than a low capacity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. In an image forming apparatus comprising: a main power source that supplies power from a commercial power source to each unit; and a secondary battery that charges power from the main power source and supplies the charged power to each unit.
Switching means for switching between a normal mode in which image formation is possible and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed compared to the normal mode;
Capacity detecting means for detecting the capacity of the secondary battery;
Power supply control means for supplying power from the secondary battery and stopping power from the main power supply according to the capacity detected by the capacity detection means when the energy saving mode is switched by the switching means. When,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The power supply control means stops the supply of power from the secondary battery when the capacity detected by the capacity detection means falls below a predetermined capacity,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the secondary battery is charged from the main power source.

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