JP2013207470A - Image formation device and power supply management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi function peripheral 100 capable of surely preventing tripping of the breaker caused by power shortage of a commercial power supply or occurrence of an overcurrent accident caused by excessive power supply, in connecting an image formation device to the commercial power supply on a predetermined floor to perform initial settings.SOLUTION: There is provided a multi function peripheral 100 comprising: collection means 404 which collects a maximum power use amount of the multi function peripheral 100 and a maximum power use amount of an electronic apparatus 301 receiving power supply from a commercial power supply 10 on a floor 300 when the multi function peripheral 100 has been connected to the commercial power supply 10, and calculates a total value of the collected maximum power use amounts; determination means 406 for determining whether or not the calculated total value exceeds a preset threshold; and warning means 407 for warning by displaying a warning screen 700 for urging review of connecting the multi function peripheral 100 to the commercial power supply 10, when the total value exceeds the threshold.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a power management method, and more particularly, when an image forming apparatus is connected to a commercial power supply on a predetermined floor and is initially set, a breaker is dropped or excessive power is generated due to power shortage of the commercial power supply. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a power management method capable of reliably preventing an occurrence of an overcurrent accident associated with supply.

  In recent years, energy conservation measures have been taken in various fields as environmental protection measures. There are no exceptions in the field of image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers, and various ideas for energy saving have been continued in the design.

  For example, when considering energy saving measures in an electronic device such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) or LP (Laser Printer), which is an example of the image forming apparatus, conventionally, energy saving is achieved in an energy saving mode by switching modes.

  However, even when this total power consumption is suppressed, only this is suppressed when the upper limit is exceeded, and no energy saving measures are taken unless the upper limit is exceeded.

  In addition to the above energy saving measures, various measures are implemented in the above electronic device in order to improve its operating rate, that is, to improve its productivity.

  For example, the recovery time from the standby state in the energy saving mode to the ready state in which operation is possible is shortened. This is because the shorter the return time, the higher the productivity and the higher the operating rate of the electronic equipment. That is, for example, if a job that takes 3 minutes is repeated with a waiting time of 1 minute and a return time of 10 seconds, 14.4 jobs are possible in one hour. If this is a return of 1 minute, there will be 12 jobs per hour, and there will be a difference in operating time of about 2 jobs and about 6 minutes.

  In addition, in order to shorten the return time of the electronic device, residual heat is always applied to the fixing unit of the engine unit even when the electronic device such as the standby mode or the energy saving mode is not operating. Furthermore, since the software scale of the controller is currently increasing, it takes time to load and initialize the object, and there is a tendency to prolong the return time of the electronic device. Therefore, the recovery time is also shortened by turning on the power of the controller while the software is resident in the memory.

  As described above, at the present time, some energy consumption is sacrificed in order to improve the operating rate of the electronic device while saving energy of the electronic device. Therefore, an energy saving measure that balances the operation rate of the electronic device and the energy saving is an issue, while maintaining the operating rate of the electronic device appropriately and energy saving.

  As an invention for solving such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-22559 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus that controls the return time from the energy reduction mode to the normal mode of the image forming apparatus. . Specifically, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation modes with different power supply states, a power amount accumulating unit that calculates power consumption consumed in the current operation mode, a return time calculation unit, A mode control unit. The return time calculation unit is configured to supply power to a part of the image forming apparatus from the calculated power consumption and an upper limit power amount that is predetermined as the maximum power consumption in a certain period. A return time from the energy reduction mode to the normal mode, which is an operation mode for supplying power to the entire image forming apparatus, is calculated. Further, the mode control unit returns the image forming apparatus from the energy reduction mode to the normal mode based on the calculated return time. As a result, the power consumption can be suppressed while maintaining the operating rate of the image forming apparatus appropriately.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-30576 (Patent Document 2) discloses an image forming apparatus configured to include a facsimile function and at least one of a copy function and a printer function. The image forming apparatus controls a first operation unit that operates a facsimile function, a second operation unit that operates at least one of a copy function and a printer function, and a first operation unit. A first control unit; and a second control unit that controls the second operation unit. The first and second control units independently set auto clear modes that shift to an initial state when each of the first and second operation means is not operated within a predetermined first time. Run. As a result, the operability is improved, and even when the operator interrupts the operation of one operation means and leaves it as it is, and operates the other operation means, the first and second operations are performed when a predetermined time elapses. Since the second operation means shifts to the initial state, the function of the image forming apparatus is not limited.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-65599 (Patent Document 3) performs a series of image forming processing operations by controlling operations of a plurality of detachable functional units and a plurality of mounted functional units. An image forming system including an operation control unit is disclosed. Further, the image forming system includes spec collecting means for collecting operation spec information relating to the processing operation relating to the image forming of the plurality of detachable functional units, spec input means for inputting the operation spec information desired by the user, Is provided. The image forming system satisfies the operation specification information input by the specification input unit based on the operation specification information collected by the specification collection unit and the operation specification information input by the specification input unit. Therefore, a unit search means for searching for a functional unit that can be installed in place of the currently installed functional unit is provided. The image forming system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a power supply needs to be changed when the currently installed functional unit is replaced with a mountable functional unit searched by the unit search unit. When it is determined that the power source needs to be changed by the determination unit, the display unit includes a display control unit that displays the fact on the display unit. As a result, the user can recognize whether or not the power supply needs to be changed by changing the operation specification, and can prompt the user to change the necessary power supply.

JP 2011-22559 A JP 2001-30576 A JP 2007-65599 A

  By the way, when a plurality of electronic devices are connected to a commercial power source disposed on a predetermined floor of a building such as a company or an office, a new image forming apparatus is used by being connected to the commercial power source. A so-called breaker that forcibly cuts off the power supply of the commercial power supply due to power shortage of the power supply may fall. Further, when the electronic apparatus is of various types such as a personal computer in addition to the image forming apparatus, an overcurrent accident may occur due to excessive power supply of the commercial power supply. When the breaker is dropped or an overcurrent accident occurs, a new image forming apparatus must be carried out from the floor, or a predetermined electronic device must be disconnected from the commercial power source, thereby reconfiguring the power connection. There is.

  Regarding such a problem, for example, when a user connects a new image forming apparatus to the commercial power source (at the time of initial setting), all the electronic devices that receive power supply from the commercial power source on the floor by the connection are connected. If the total value of the maximum power consumption of the device can be confirmed in advance, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the breaker and the overcurrent accident. However, at present, there is no image forming apparatus that can solve the problem, and of course, the invention described in Patent Documents 1-3 cannot solve the problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and when an image forming apparatus is connected to a commercial power source on a predetermined floor and is initially set, An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a power management method capable of reliably preventing the occurrence of an overcurrent accident due to excessive power supply.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is based on an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a commercial power source on a predetermined floor, and adopts the following configuration.

  When the image forming apparatus is connected to the commercial power source, the image forming apparatus calculates the maximum power usage amount of the own device and the maximum power usage amount of an electronic device receiving power supply from the commercial power source of the floor. Collecting means for collecting and calculating a total value of the collected maximum power consumption is provided. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the calculated total value exceeds a preset threshold value, and when the total value exceeds the threshold value, Warning means for displaying a warning screen prompting the user to review the connection to the power supply and providing a warning.

  As a result, when the image forming apparatus receives power supply from the commercial power supply of the floor, the user may cause a breaker failure due to power shortage of the commercial power supply or an overcurrent accident due to excessive power supply. It is possible to confirm in advance that the price is high. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the breaker drop and the overcurrent accident described above from occurring with high accuracy.

  The image forming apparatus further includes a power supply unit that supplies power received from the commercial power source to an operation unit, a communication unit, and a drive unit provided in the device. When connected to the commercial power source, power can be supplied to the operation unit and the communication unit, and when the total value is equal to or less than the threshold value, power can be supplied to the drive unit. .

  The warning means displays on the warning screen an approval key for approving the connection to the commercial power supply of the device itself and a reject key for not approving it, and the approval key is pressed. The warning means causes the power supply means to supply power to all of the drive units that have not yet supplied power, and when the rejection key is pressed, the warning means prompts resetting of the own device. Can be configured to display a reconfiguration screen.

  In addition, the collecting means collects the maximum power consumption of an electronic device that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply of the floor, with respect to the electronic device that can communicate with the own device by wired communication and / or wireless communication. The maximum power consumption is collected using the communication, and for the electronic device that cannot communicate with its own device, the maximum power consumption is obtained by using the number of electronic devices that cannot be communicated input by the user. Can be configured to collect usage.

  The present invention can be provided as a power management method for an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a commercial power supply on a predetermined floor.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus is connected to the commercial power source, the power management method is configured to use the maximum power consumption of the image forming apparatus and the maximum power of an electronic device receiving power supply from the commercial power source of the floor. A collecting step of collecting the power usage amount and calculating a total value of the collected maximum power usage amount. In addition, the power management method includes a determination step of determining whether the calculated total value exceeds a preset threshold value, and if the total value exceeds the threshold value, A warning step for displaying a warning screen prompting the user to review the connection to the power supply and warning. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the power management method of the present invention, when the image forming apparatus is connected to a commercial power source on a predetermined floor and is initially set, the breaker is dropped due to insufficient power of the commercial power source or excessive power supply is performed. It is possible to reliably prevent the accompanying overcurrent accident.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention, and an operation part. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral and an operation unit in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows an example of an initial setting screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 6A), and FIG. 6B shows an example of the power usage table of the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 6B). ). FIG. 7A shows an example of a warning screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and FIG. 7B shows an example of a reset screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 (B)).

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. Moreover, the alphabet S added before the number in a flowchart means a step.

<Image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus including a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multi-function machine including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like. Function as an image forming apparatus.

  The operation of the MFP 100 (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy function will be briefly described below.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction device 100, the power cord 12 of the multifunction device 100 is connected to the outlet 11 of the commercial power supply 10 on a predetermined floor, and the power switch of the multifunction device 100 is turned on. Then, the power supply unit 13 of the multi-function device 100 receives power from the commercial power supply 10 and supplies predetermined power to each drive unit of the multi-function device 100, and the multi-function device 100 is activated to form an image. Transition to the correct state. When the multifunction peripheral 100 receives power supply from the commercial power supply 10 on the floor for the first time, an initial setting is made as to whether or not power supply from the commercial power supply 10 is possible (described later).

  When the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts to a state where image formation is possible, the user places the document P on the document table 101 or the automatic document feeder 101a provided on the upper surface of the multifunction peripheral 100, and performs a copy function. Are input from the operation unit 102. The operation unit 102 displays an operation screen (such as an initial screen) related to the copy function provided by the multifunction peripheral 100, and a plurality of setting item keys related to the copy function are displayed in a selectable manner. The user inputs setting conditions related to the copy function via the operation screen.

  When the user completes the input of the setting conditions, the user presses the start key 205 provided on the operation unit 102 to cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to start the copy function process.

  When the multifunction peripheral 100 starts processing of the copy function, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the image reading unit 103 on the document placed on the document table 101. When a document is placed on the automatic document feeder 101a, the automatic document feeder 101a conveys the document one by one to the image reading position of the image reading unit 103, and the image reading position. When the light source 104 emits light, the light is reflected on the document.

  The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108 and subjected to basic correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like, and image data corresponding to the document is generated.

  An image forming unit 109 is a drive unit that transfers the image data as a toner image. The image forming unit 109 is provided with a photosensitive drum 110. The photosensitive drum 110 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 112, the developing unit 113, the transfer unit 114, the cleaning unit 115, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 111 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. The exposure unit 112 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 113 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet or paper) by the transfer device 114. The cleaning unit 115 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 110.

  The paper is transported from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 116 provided in the multifunction machine 100. When transported, the paper is pulled out from any one of the paper feed cassettes 116 to the transport path by a pickup roller 117. Each of the paper feed cassettes 116 stores different types of paper, and the paper is fed based on the setting relating to the output condition.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is sent between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114 by the conveyance roller 118 and the registration roller 119. When the paper is fed, the toner image is transferred to the paper by the transfer device 114 and conveyed to the fixing device 120. Note that the paper transported to the transport roller 118 may be transported from the manual feed tray 121 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes between a heating roller 122 and a pressure roller 123 provided in the fixing device 120, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed on the sheet. Is done. The heat amount of the heating roller 122 is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the paper, the image formation is completed, and the paper on which the visible image is fixed is conveyed to the folding device 124 via the fixing device 120.

  The conveyed sheet is folded by the folding device 124 in accordance with the setting conditions set by the user. When the folding process is not input, the sheet only passes through the folding device 124.

  Further, when the user inputs post-processing (for example, stapling, punching, bookbinding, etc.) as setting conditions, the passed paper is conveyed to the bookbinding device 125 and post-processing is executed. Among the post-processing, for example, in the case of bookbinding, the bookbinding apparatus 125 performs punching on each of a plurality of sheets by a punching unit (not shown), and performs stapling on all the sheets by a stapling unit (not shown). Apply.

  The post-processed paper or paper bundle is stacked and stored on the paper output tray 126 of the bookbinding apparatus 125. The folding device 124 and the bookbinding device 125 are collectively referred to as a post-processing device (finisher).

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a copy function to the user.

  The MFP 100 includes a communication unit 127 that can communicate with an electronic device existing on the floor where the apparatus 100 is installed. The communication unit 127 is connected to a network 129 via a predetermined communication cable 128. A wired communication unit 127a capable of communicating with an electronic device connected to the electronic device, and an electronic device existing within a predetermined distance from the device 100 using a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, for example. And a communicable wireless communication unit 127b. The electronic device capable of communicating with the wireless communication unit 127b is provided with a corresponding wireless communication unit in advance. The multi-function device 100 communicates with electronic devices existing on the floor via the communication unit 127 to exchange data.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 201 (operation panel), a touch pen 202, and operation keys 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing a key in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, a setting condition corresponding to the pressed key is input.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 201, and the display unit displays an operation screen such as the initial screen, for example. A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201. When the user brings the tip of the touch pen 202 into contact with the touch panel 201, a sensor provided under the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201. For example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power switch 209 (power key) are provided. Yes.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit, and a communication. The unit 127 and the power supply unit 13 are connected by an internal bus 308.

  The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like, and based on the execution result, outputs from the driver 305, the operation unit 102, and the communication unit 127. Data and instructions are exchanged to control the operation of each drive unit shown in FIGS. The CPU 301 transmits an instruction to the electronic device 301 installed on the floor 300 via the communication unit 127. Each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is also realized by the CPU 301 executing a program. The ROM 302 stores programs and data for realizing each means described below.

  The communication unit 127 includes a wired communication unit 127a and a wireless communication unit 127b. In the wired communication unit 127a, an electronic device 301a (for example, another multifunction device) connected to the network 129 via the communication cable 128 is provided. The wireless communication unit 127b communicates with an electronic device 301a (for example, a personal computer PC) provided with a corresponding wireless communication unit by the short-range wireless communication technology.

  The electronic device 301 existing on the floor 300 includes an electronic device 301a that can communicate with the multifunction device 100 and an electronic device 301b that cannot communicate with the multifunction device 100. It is connected to a provided commercial power supply 10 and is supplied with power.

  The power supply unit 13 is connected to the commercial power supply 10 via a power cord 12 and supplies power suitable for each drive unit.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, a user carries a predetermined multifunction device 100 onto a floor 300 on which a plurality of electronic devices 301 (for example, a personal computer PC, other multifunction devices, etc.) are installed in advance, and a wired communication unit 127a of the multifunction device 100. The communication cable 128 extended from the power supply unit 12 and the power cord 12 extended from the power supply unit 13 are connected to the network 127 (network connection unit) and the commercial power supply 10 (outlet) of the floor 300, respectively (FIG. 5: S101).

Next, when the user turns on the power switch 209 of the multifunction device 100 (FIG. 5: S102), the power supply unit 401 of the multifunction device 100 receives power supply from the commercial power supply 10, and the multifunction device 100 Power is supplied (energized) only to the operation unit 102 (display receiving unit 402) and the communication unit 127 (communication unit 403) (FIG. 5: S103). At this time, the power supply unit 401 does not supply power to a drive unit that requires power supply. The display reception unit 402 of the operation unit 102 that has received the power supply receives power from the commercial power supply 10. An initial setting screen for initial setting when receiving power supply for the first time is displayed on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S104).

  In the initial setting screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6A, a message 601 for calculating the total value of the maximum power consumption of the electronic device 301 on the floor 300 and the calculation of the total value are started. A calculation key 602 is displayed.

  Thereby, when the user newly installs the multifunction device 100 on the floor 300, the user confirms in advance the total value of the maximum power consumption of the electronic devices 301 in the floor 300 including the multifunction device 100. Is possible.

  Here, when calculating the total value of the maximum power consumption, the multi-function device 100 is installed on the floor 300 and can communicate with the electronic device 301a that can communicate with the own device 100 by the communication. Data on the maximum power usage or the maximum power usage for each electronic device 301a can be collected. However, for the electronic device 301b installed on the floor 300 and unable to communicate with the own device 100, it is not possible to collect the maximum power usage amount or data regarding the maximum power usage amount.

  Therefore, the initial setting screen 600 displays an input field 603 for inputting the number of electronic devices 301b incapable of communication corresponding to the types of electronic devices 301b incapable of communicating with the multifunction peripheral 100. As a result, the user looks over the floor 300 and inputs the number of electronic devices 301b that cannot communicate with the new multifunction device 100, thereby taking into account the maximum power usage of the electronic device 301b that cannot communicate, The total value can be calculated.

  In the input field 603 of FIG. 6A, among the electronic devices 301b that cannot communicate with the multifunction device 100, the PC input field 603a for inputting the number of personal computers, and the multifunction device having no post-processing device. A first MFP input field 603b for inputting the number of machines and a second MFP input field 603c for inputting the number of multifunction peripherals with post-processing devices are displayed.

  Further, the initial setting screen 600 displays a power usage amount input column 604 for inputting an allowable maximum power usage amount of the commercial power supply 10 in the floor 300. Thereby, when the allowable maximum power usage of the commercial power supply 10 is set in advance, the user can flexibly respond to various floor conditions and environments by inputting the allowable maximum power usage. It becomes possible.

  Here, for example, while viewing the initial setting screen 600, the user uses the operation key 203 of the operation unit 102 or the like to enter the MFP 100 in a predetermined input field 603 (for example, the PC input field 603a). The number (for example, “3”) of electronic devices 301b (PC) that cannot communicate is input and the calculation key 602 is pressed. Then, the display receiving means 402 receives the input number and the pressing of the calculation key 602 (FIG. 5: S105 YES), and notifies the collecting means 404 of that fact. Upon receiving the notification, the collecting unit 404 collects the maximum power usage of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the maximum power usage of the electronic device 301 receiving power supply from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300 (FIG. 5). : S106).

  Here, the collection unit 404 first refers to a power usage amount table stored in advance in the power usage amount storage unit 405.

  In the power consumption table 605, as shown in FIG. 6B, the type 606 of the electronic device 301 including the multifunction device 100 (for example, “PC” 606a, “multifunction device without a post-processing device” 606b, And the maximum power consumption 607 (for example, “Wa” 607a, “Wb” 607b, “Wc” 607c, etc.) of the electronic device 301 corresponding to the “multifunction machine having a post-processing device”. It is remembered.

  When the post-processing device is not attached to the own device 100, the collecting unit 404 that refers to the power usage table 605 determines the maximum power usage “Wb” 607b corresponding to the “multifunction device without the post-processing device” 606b. Is acquired as the maximum power consumption “Ws” (kWh) of the device 100 itself. On the other hand, when a post-processing device is attached to the own device 100, the collecting unit 404 obtains the maximum power usage “Wc” 607 c corresponding to the “multifunction device with the post-processing device” 606 c, Acquired as the maximum power consumption “Ws” (kWh) of 100 itself.

  Here, when the multi-function device 100 is equipped with a post-processing device and the multi-function device 100 and the post-processing device consume electric power at the same time, in general, compared with the case where the multi-function device 100 consumes electric power alone. The maximum power consumption is extremely high. Therefore, excessive power supply can be reliably prevented by considering the maximum power consumption of the entire MFP 100 including the post-processing device at the initial setting stage.

  Next, the collection unit 404 collects the maximum power usage of the electronic device 301 that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300. Specifically, the collection unit 404 uses the communication unit 403 to collect the maximum power usage amount of the electronic device 301 a that can communicate with the multifunction peripheral 100 on the floor 300.

  Here, when the communication unit 403 includes a wired communication unit 127a, the collection unit 404 is connected to the network 129 via the communication cable 128 of the wired communication unit 127a (for example, another device 301a). An instruction to request a return of the maximum power consumption of the electronic device 301a is transmitted to a multifunction device or the like. Then, when the collection means 404 transmits the instruction, it starts a predetermined timer provided in advance, measures the elapsed time from the transmission time point, and until the elapsed time exceeds a preset time The maximum power usage “Wy” (kWh) of the electronic device 301a returned from the electronic device 301a receiving the instruction is received and acquired.

  Further, when the communication unit 403 includes the wireless communication unit 127b, the collection unit 404 sends the maximum power usage amount of the electronic device 301a to the electronic device 301a existing in the vicinity of the MFP 100 on the floor 300. The broadcast transmission (simultaneous notification) is sent via the wireless communication unit 127b.

  Here, the wireless communication unit 127b corresponds to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, and the electronic device 301a capable of communicating with the multifunction device 100 includes, for example, the multifunction device 100 (wireless communication). The electronic device is included in the range of a distance having a radius of several meters (for example, 10 m, 100 m, etc.) centering on the portion 127b).

  Then, when the instruction is broadcast and transmitted, the collection unit 404 measures the elapsed time from the broadcast transmission time using the timer as described above, and the elapsed time exceeds a preset time. Until then, the maximum power usage “Wy” (kWh) of the electronic device 301a returned from the electronic device 301a receiving the instruction is received and acquired.

  When only the type of the electronic device 301a is acquired through the communication, for example, the collection unit 404 determines the maximum power usage “Wx” (kWh) of the electronic device 301a based on the power usage table 605. ), “Wy” (kWh).

  On the other hand, when the collecting unit 404 collects the maximum power usage amount of the electronic device 301 b that cannot communicate with the multifunction peripheral 100, the collecting unit 404 obtains it based on the user input and the power usage amount table 605. That is, the collection means 404 refers to the power usage table 605, and the type “PC” 606a of the electronic device 301b corresponding to the input field 603 (the PC input field 603a) in which the number (number of units) is input by the user. The maximum power consumption “Wa” 607a is acquired. Then, the collection unit 404 multiplies the acquired maximum power consumption “Wa” 607a by the input number (“3”), so that the multiplication value “3Wa” cannot be communicated with the MFP 100. As the maximum power consumption “Wz” (kWh) of the electronic device 301b. If a number is entered in each input field 603, the maximum power consumption is calculated for each input field 603, and the total value is the maximum of the electronic device 301b that cannot communicate with the multifunction peripheral 100. The power consumption is “Wz” (kWh).

  As described above, the collection unit 404 collects the maximum power usage of the electronic device 301 that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300 using the number input by the communication unit 403 or the user. To do.

  The collecting unit 404 determines that the maximum power usage “Ws” of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the maximum power usages “Wx” and “Wy” of the electronic device 301 that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300. ”And“ Wz ”are collected, and the collected maximum power consumptions“ Ws ”,“ Wx ”,“ Wy ”, and“ Wz ”are all added together to obtain a total value“ S ”(kWh) (= Ws + Wx + Wy + Wz) is calculated (FIG. 5: S107).

  When the collection unit 404 finishes calculating the total value “S”, the collection unit 404 notifies the determination unit 406 to that effect, and the determination unit 406 determines that the total value “S” is equal to the preset threshold value “Vc”. ] Is exceeded (FIG. 5: S108).

  The threshold “Vc” (kWh) is an allowable maximum power usage amount that indicates a power supply cutoff criterion preset in the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300, and is, for example, a predetermined memory provided in the determination unit 406 Is stored in advance. Here, as described above, when the user inputs a predetermined value “X” in the power usage amount input field 604 via the initial setting screen 600, the determination unit 406 performs the input. The obtained value “X” is adopted as the threshold value “Vc”.

  As a result of the determination, when the total value “S” is equal to or less than the threshold value “Vc” (FIG. 5: S108 NO), the determination unit 406 supplies power to all of the drive units of the multifunction peripheral 100. Also, it is determined that there is no shortage of power of the commercial power supply 10 on the floor 300 (no problem), and this is notified to the power supply means 401. Upon receiving the notification, the power supply unit 401 receives a drive unit that has not yet supplied power, such as an automatic document feeder 101a, an image reading unit 103, an image forming unit 109, a fixing device 120, a folding device 124, and a bookbinding device 125. Then, power is supplied to a post-processing device including the above (FIG. 5: S109).

  Thereby, even if the multifunction peripheral 100 receives power supply from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300, it does not cause a breaker drop due to power shortage of the commercial power supply 10 or an overcurrent accident due to excessive power supply, The user can install the multifunction device 100 with peace of mind.

  When the power supply unit 401 supplies power to all the drive units, the display reception unit 402 is notified of the fact, and the display reception unit 402 that has received the notification displays a screen related to the next initial setting (for example, , An initial setting value input screen corresponding to the paper size and print quality) is displayed on the touch panel 201 to allow the user to input the next initial setting value.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the total value “S” exceeds the threshold value “Vc” (FIG. 5: S108 YES), the determination unit 406 supplies the floor 300 with power to all of the drive units of the multifunction device 100. It is determined that there is a power shortage of the commercial power supply 10 (there is a problem), and that is notified to the warning means 407. Upon receiving the notification, the warning unit 407 displays a warning screen on the touch panel 201 for prompting a review of the connection of the multifunction peripheral 100 to the commercial power supply 10 (installation in the floor 300) (FIG. 5: S110). ).

  On the warning screen 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, the total value 701 (“S”) of the maximum power usage of all the electronic devices 301 installed on the floor 300 and the allowable maximum power usage are displayed. An amount 702 (“Vc”), a YES key 703 (approval key) for approving the connection of the multifunction peripheral 100 to the commercial power supply 10, and a NO key 704 (rejection key) for not approving are displayed. .

  As a result, can the user connect the MFP 100 to the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300 while viewing the total value 701 (“S”) and the allowable maximum power consumption 702 (“Vc”)? It becomes possible to examine specifically whether or not. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the breaker drop and the overcurrent accident described above from occurring with high accuracy.

  Here, for example, when the total value 701 (“S”) is close to the allowable maximum power consumption 702 (“Vc”), the user presses the YES key 703 while viewing the warning screen 700. . Then, the warning means 407 accepts pressing of the YES key (FIG. 5: S111 YES) and notifies the power supply means 401 to that effect. The power supply unit 401 that has received the notification supplies power to the drive unit that has not yet supplied power, as described above (FIG. 5: S109).

  As a result, if the above-described breaker failure or overcurrent accident is unlikely to occur, the user can flexibly respond to the condition by supplying the power of the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300 to the multi-function peripheral 100. It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, for example, when the total value 701 (“S”) is significantly larger than the allowable maximum power consumption 702 (“Vc”), the user presses the NO key 704 while viewing the warning screen 700. To do. Then, the warning means 407 accepts pressing of the NO key (FIG. 5: S111 NO), and displays a resetting screen for prompting resetting of the multi-function device 100 on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S112). .

  In the resetting screen 705, as shown in FIG. 7B, a message 706 that the MFP 100 cannot be connected to the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300 at the present time, and a response to the MFP 100 Method 707 is displayed. The coping method 707 includes, for example, a method in which the power switch 209 of the multi-function device 100 is turned off and the multi-function device 100 is transported from the floor 300 to another floor (another installation location). If it is, a method of detaching the post-processing apparatus and performing initial setting again is displayed.

  Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user with the countermeasure 707 described above and reliably prevent the occurrence of the breaker and the overcurrent accident.

  Now, the user who has confirmed the reset screen 705 turns off the power switch 209 of the multifunction device 100 (FIG. 5: S113), and transports the multifunction device 100 to another floor, for example, The post-processing device that increases the maximum power consumption is disconnected from the machine 100, and the initial setting is performed again.

  Thus, in the MFP 100 of the present invention, when the own device 100 is connected to the commercial power supply 10 (at the time of initial setting), the maximum power consumption “Ws” of the own device 100 and the floor The maximum power usage “Wx”, “Wy”, and “Wz” of the electronic device 301 that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 10 are collected, and the total value “S” of the collected maximum power usage is collected. Collecting means 404 for calculating, determination means 406 for determining whether or not the calculated total value “S” exceeds a preset threshold value “Vc”, and the total value “S” is the threshold value And a warning means 407 for displaying a warning screen 700 that prompts the user to review the connection to the commercial power supply 10 when the value of “Vc” is exceeded.

  As a result, when the MFP 100 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300, a breaker drop due to power shortage of the commercial power supply 10 or an overcurrent accident due to excessive power supply occurs. It is possible to confirm in advance that the possibility is high. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the breaker drop and the overcurrent accident described above from occurring with high accuracy.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 403 is configured to include the wired communication unit 127a and the wireless communication unit 127b. However, the network 129 may not exist depending on the arrangement of the electronic devices 301 in the floor 300. In some cases, the electronic device 301 including a wireless communication unit corresponding to the wireless communication unit 127b may not exist. Therefore, the communication unit 403 may include either the wired communication unit 127a or the wireless communication unit 127b.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the initial setting screen 600 is provided with the predetermined input field 603 and the power usage amount input field 604. However, these input fields may be omitted.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the floor 300 is configured to include one commercial power supply 10, but a plurality of sub-commercial power supplies from the one commercial power supply 10 to the floor 300 depending on the width and type of the floor 300. Although it may be installed, even in such a case, if the commercial power supply 10 is used as a reference, the present invention can be applied.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the collecting unit 404 collects the maximum power usage amount of the electronic device 301 that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300, the electronic device 301 has a predetermined amount. Although the configuration is such that the instruction is transmitted and the maximum power usage is directly received from the electronic device 301, other configurations may be used. For example, the collection unit 404 may receive data related to the maximum power usage from the electronic device 301 and calculate the maximum power usage based on the data. When the maximum power usage amount or data related thereto is stored in advance in the memory, the collecting unit 404 may directly acquire this.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the collection unit 404 uses the communication unit 403 as the electronic device 301 that receives power from the commercial power supply 10 of the floor 300 as it is. The maximum power consumption is acquired from these, but other configurations may be used. For example, the electronic device 301a that can communicate with the multifunction peripheral 100 exists on another floor, and the identification information (code) of the electronic device 301 receiving power from the commercial power supply 10 on the floor 300 is known in advance. In this case, the collecting unit 404 may use the communication unit 403 to acquire the maximum power usage amount from the electronic device 301a corresponding to the identification information. With this configuration, it is possible to collect the maximum power usage of the electronic device 301 receiving power from the commercial power supply 10 on the floor 300 with high accuracy.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the type 606 of the electronic device 301 in the power consumption table 605 includes “PC” 606a, “MFP without post-processing device” 606b, and “MFP with post-processing device” 606c. However, other configurations may be used. For example, the type 606 of the electronic device 301 may include the model, specifications, product number, and the like of the electronic device 301, and the corresponding maximum power consumption 607 may be associated.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the multifunction device 100 reads the program, and the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the power management method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction machines but also for copiers, printers, and the like. When an image forming apparatus is connected to a commercial power source on a predetermined floor and is initially set, it is possible to reliably prevent a breaker from being lost due to insufficient power of the commercial power source or an overcurrent accident due to excessive power supply. It is effective as an image forming apparatus and a power management method capable of

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 10 Commercial power supply 13 Power supply part 102 Operation part 127 Communication part 201 Touch panel 300 Floor 301 Electronic equipment 401 Electric power supply means 402 Display reception means 403 Communication means 404 Collection means 405 Electricity usage amount storage means 406 Determination means 407 Warning means

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a commercial power source on a predetermined floor,
When the own device is connected to the commercial power source, the maximum power usage amount of the own device and the maximum power usage amount of an electronic device that is supplied with power from the commercial power source of the floor are collected and collected. A collecting means for calculating the total value of the maximum power consumption,
Determination means for determining whether the calculated total value exceeds a preset threshold;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a warning unit that displays a warning screen that prompts the user to review the connection to the commercial power supply when the total value exceeds the threshold value. Furthermore, the power supply means for supplying the power received from the commercial power source to the operation unit, the communication unit, and the drive unit provided in the device itself,
The power supply means supplies power to the operation unit and the communication unit when the device is connected to the commercial power source,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied to the drive unit when the total value is equal to or less than the threshold value. The warning means displays, on the warning screen, an approval key for approving the connection to the commercial power supply of the device itself and a reject key for not approving the press,
When the approval key is pressed, the warning means causes the power supply means to supply power to all the drive units that have not yet supplied power,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the reject key is pressed, the warning unit displays a resetting screen for prompting resetting of the own apparatus. When collecting the maximum power usage of an electronic device that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply of the floor, the collecting means is configured for an electronic device that can communicate with its own device by wired communication and / or wireless communication. The maximum power consumption is collected using the communication, and the electronic power that cannot be communicated with its own device is collected using the number of electronic devices that cannot be communicated input by the user. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In a power management method for an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a commercial power source on a predetermined floor,
When the image forming apparatus is connected to the commercial power source, the maximum power usage amount of the image forming apparatus and the maximum power usage amount of an electronic device receiving power supply from the commercial power source of the floor are collected. A collection step for calculating a total value of the collected maximum power consumption,
A determination step of determining whether or not the calculated total value exceeds a preset threshold;
A power management method, comprising: a warning step of displaying a warning screen prompting the user to review the connection to the commercial power supply when the total value exceeds the threshold value.   A program for causing a computer to execute the power management method according to claim 5.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 6.

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