JP2015136858A - Control method for image forming device and control device for image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect whether or not a printing drive system is displaced in a power-saving mode by a comparatively simple circuit configuration.SOLUTION: A printer control device includes: a driving source (SP motor driver 37, for example) operated by a power source voltage supplied from a power supply unit having a power-saving mode; a driving system device (SP motor 16, for example) operated by a phase signal S37a supplied from the driver 37; and a detection part 40 for detecting a change in an electric potential at a detection point N50 generated between the driver 37 and the motor 16. In normal time and standby time, the detection part 40 detects an abnormal operation of the driver 37 and the motor 16 according to whether or not an electric potential at the detection point N50 exceeds a Zener voltage of a Zener diode 71, switches the electric potential at the detection point N50 to a ground electric potential (0 V) in the standby time before the transition to a power-saving mode, and detects the presence or absence of an operation of the motor 16 according to whether or not the electric potential at the detection point N50 becomes higher than 0 V in the power-saving mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control method and control apparatus for an image forming apparatus (for example, a printer) having a power saving mode, and more particularly to a method for returning from a power saving mode.

  Conventionally, for example, in the printer control method and control apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the standby time for waiting for data input becomes long, the main power supply is turned off and the sub power supply is turned on to reduce the standby power consumption. It has a power saving mode to reduce. When data is input, control is performed such that the power saving mode is canceled, the main power is turned on, and the printing operation is started.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-127082

  However, with the conventional printer control method and control device, it has been difficult to realize whether or not the print drive system has changed during the power saving mode with a relatively simple circuit configuration.

  The control method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention operates when a power supply is supplied in a normal state and outputs a drive signal, and when the mode is shifted to a power saving mode in a standby state, the supply of the power supply is cut off and A drive source that stops operation and stops outputting the drive signal, a drive system device that is connected to the drive source and operates according to the drive signal output from the drive source, the drive source, and the drive system device A drive-system device operation detection unit that detects a change in potential at a detection point that occurs in between, and a control method for an image forming apparatus.

  The drive system device operation detection means detects an abnormal operation of the drive source and the drive system device depending on whether the potential at the detection point exceeds a first reference potential during the normal time and the standby time. An abnormal operation detection process to perform, a potential switching process for switching the potential at the detection point to a second reference potential lower than the first reference potential before shifting to the power saving mode in the standby state, and the power saving Drive mode device operation detection processing for detecting presence or absence of operation of the drive system device depending on whether or not the potential of the detection point becomes higher than the second reference potential in the mode.

  The control device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention operates when a power supply is supplied in a normal state and outputs a drive signal. When the power transfer mode is shifted to a standby mode, the supply of the power supply is cut off and the power supply is cut off. A drive source that stops operation and stops outputting the drive signal, a drive system device that is connected to the drive source and operates according to the drive signal output from the drive source, the drive source, and the drive system device Drive system device operation detection means for detecting a change in potential at a detection point between them.

  The drive system device operation detection means detects an abnormal operation of the drive source and the drive system device depending on whether the potential at the detection point exceeds a first reference potential during the normal time and the standby time. In the standby mode, before shifting to the power saving mode, the potential at the detection point is switched to a second reference potential that is lower than the first reference potential. In the power saving mode, the potential at the detection point is The presence / absence of the operation of the drive system device is detected based on whether or not the voltage becomes higher than the second reference potential.

  According to the image forming apparatus control method and control apparatus of the present invention, the drive system device operation detection means for detecting the abnormal state of the drive source and the drive system device can detect the back electromotive voltage generated by the transition of the drive system device. It has a simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the drive system device has changed during the power saving mode with a relatively simple circuit configuration.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the detection unit 40 and the like in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus (for example, a printer) in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the access cover of FIG. 2 is opened so that the internal structure can be seen. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer control apparatus according to the first embodiment housed in the printer 1 of FIGS. FIG. 5 is a voltage waveform diagram during normal operation of the detection unit 40 in FIG. FIG. 6 is a voltage waveform diagram at the time of abnormality in the detection unit 40 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the transition operation from the standby state to the power saving mode in the circuit of FIG. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the transition operation from the power saving mode to the power saving cancellation in the circuit of FIG. FIG. 9 is a voltage waveform diagram showing the operation of FIG. 7 and FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the detection unit reset process in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the detection unit confirmation process in FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a line feed mechanism in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a ribbon feed mechanism in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer control apparatus according to the second embodiment housed in the printer 1 of FIGS. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG.

  Modes for carrying out the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in light of the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are only for explanation and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

(Configuration of Example 1)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus (for example, a printer) according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a perspective view in which the access cover of FIG. 2 is opened so that the internal structure can be seen.

  The printer 1 as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is, for example, a dot impact printer that is one of serial printers. The serial printer is a method of printing at the current print head position every time a print command for one character is received. The dot impact printer, which is one of the serial printers, is a system in which thin pins corresponding to dots arranged vertically and horizontally are struck against a band-shaped ink ribbon that has adsorbed ink to print, such as overprinting on copy paper. It has the characteristics that can be.

  The printer 1 has a housing 2 in which a printing unit and the like are accommodated. An openable / closable access cover 3 is attached to the top of the housing 2. When the access cover 3 is opened, the printed part can be seen. A carriage unit 10 is provided in the printing unit. The carriage unit 10 is mounted with a print head 11, is attached to a carriage shaft 12, and moves the print head 11 left and right by rotating the carriage shaft 12 by a motor (not shown). An ink ribbon 13a is disposed at the tip of the print head 11 via a ribbon protector. The ink ribbon 13a is wound around the ribbon cartridge 13 by a ribbon motor (not shown). At a position facing the print head 11, a rotatable platen 14 for transporting cut sheets is disposed. The platen 14 is configured to rotate by a motor or a platen knob 15 (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printer control apparatus according to the first embodiment housed in the printer 1 of FIGS. 2 and 3.

  The printer control device 30 is a device that controls the operation of the printer 1 by transmitting and receiving data to and from a host device 80 such as an external personal computer. The printer control device 30 includes a carriage unit 10, a power supply unit 31, a control unit 32 as a control unit, an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “I / F unit”) 33 connected to a host device 80, and an operation. An operation panel unit (hereinafter referred to as “OP unit”) 35 connected to the unit 34, a head driver 36, an SP motor driver 37 as a drive source for driving a space motor (hereinafter referred to as “SP motor”), And a detection unit 40 as drive system device operation detection means.

  The carriage unit 10 includes a print head 11, an SP motor 16 as a drive system device for rotating the carriage shaft 12 to move the print head 11 to the left and right, and a sensor by detecting the rotation of the SP motor 16. And a motor sensor 17 that outputs a signal S17. The SP motor 16 is a DC motor that operates according to a three-phase signal S37a as a drive signal.

  The power supply unit 31 includes an alarm circuit 31a and the like, and outputs, as power supply power, a drive system power supply voltage Vdv that is a high main voltage and two logic power supply voltages Vlg1 and Vlg2 that are low sub-voltages. is there. The drive system power supply voltage Vdv is supplied to the head driver 36 and the SP motor driver 37. The logic power supply voltage Vlg1 is supplied to the motor sensor 17 and the detection unit 40. The drive system power supply voltage Vdv and the logic power supply voltage Vlg1 can be cut off at any timing by a power-off signal S32c supplied from the control unit 32. The logic power supply voltage Vlg2 is supplied to the control unit 32, the I / F unit 33, and the OP unit 35. The alarm circuit 31a has a function of forcibly cutting off the output of the drive system power supply voltage Vdv and the logic power supply voltages Vlg1 and Vlg2 when the alarm signal ALM_N that is an alarm signal output from the detection unit 40 is input.

  The control unit 32 outputs a control signal S32a given to the head driver 36, a control signal S32b given to the SP motor driver 37, a clear signal S32c given to the detection unit 40, and the like, and the I / F unit 33 and the OP unit 35 Data is transmitted and received between them, and the entire printer is program-controlled, and is constituted by a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 32 is provided with an analog / digital converter (hereinafter referred to as “ADC”) 32a that converts an analog detection signal S40a as an operation presence signal into a digital signal, an MV flag 32b that indicates a movement state, and the like. ing. The MV flag 32b is an arbitrarily assigned bit of, for example, a general-purpose register in the control unit 32. When returning from the power saving mode, the MV flag 32b has a value when it is detected that the carriage unit 10 has moved during the power saving mode. Set.

  The I / F unit 33 has a function of monitoring input of print data from the host device 80. The OP unit 35 has a function of monitoring reception of key data from the operation unit 34. The head driver 36 drives the print head 11 in accordance with a control signal S32a given from the control unit 32. The SP motor driver 37 outputs a three-phase signal S37a as a drive signal and a discharge pulse signal S37b in accordance with a control signal S32b given from the control unit 32, and the SP motor is generated by the three-phase signal S37a. 16 is driven.

  The detection unit 40 receives the phase signal S37a and the pulse signal S37b given from the SP motor driver 37, and the discharge clear signal S32c given from the control unit 32, and drives the SP motor driver 37 by the phase signal S37a. An analog detection signal S40a that is detected and applied to the ADC 32a is output, and when an abnormal state of the phase signal S37a is detected, an alarm signal ALM_N that is applied to the alarm circuit 31a is output.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the detection unit 40 and the like in FIG.
The control unit 32 includes an ADC 32a that receives the detection signal S40a, an MV flag 32b, three control terminals SPU, SPV, and SPW that output three control signals S32b, a clear terminal CLR that outputs a clear signal S32c as a control signal, and the like. have. The SP motor driver 37 connected to the control terminals SPU, SPV, SPW of the control unit 32 outputs three input terminals U, V, W for inputting three control signals S32b, and a three-phase signal S37a. It has two output terminals HU, HV, HW, a pulse terminal PLS for outputting a pulse signal S37b, and the like.

  The detection unit 40 includes a charging unit 50 as a charging unit that is charged by the input three-phase signal S37a, a discharging unit 60 as a discharging unit that discharges the charge charged in the charging unit 50, and a three-phase unit. And an alarm detector 70 as detection means for detecting an abnormal state of the SP motor driver 37 or SP motor 16 from the phase signal S37a and outputting an alarm signal ALM-N.

  The charging unit 50 outputs the three-phase signal S37a output from the SP motor driver 37 to the SP motor 16, the detection point N50 for outputting the three forward diodes 51 to 53, the resistor 54, and the detection signal S40a. It is configured to be input to the capacitor 55 via The detection point N50 is connected to the ADC 32a in the control unit 32. The control unit 32 can read the detection signal S40a (that is, an analog potential) on the detection point N50 as a digital value.

  The discharge unit 60 inputs a clear signal S32c output from the clear terminal CLR of the control unit 32 and a pulse signal S37b output from the pulse terminal PLS of the SP motor driver 37 every time the SP motor 16 is phase-switched 2 An input OR circuit (hereinafter referred to as “OR circuit”) 61 is provided. The output terminal of the OR circuit 61 is connected to the base of the NPN transistor 62. The transistor 62 has an emitter connected to the ground (0 V) as the second reference potential, and a collector connected to the detection point N50 via the resistor 63.

  The alarm detection unit 70 includes a Zener diode 71 having a cathode connected to the detection point N50. The Zener diode 71 is a diode that is turned on between the cathode and the anode when the potential at the detection point N50 on the cathode side exceeds the Zener voltage Vzd as the first reference potential. The anode of the Zener diode 71 is connected to the base of the NPN transistor 72. The transistor 72 has an emitter connected to the ground (0 V) and a collector pulled up by the logic power supply voltage Vlg1 through the resistor 73. An alarm signal ALM-N is output from the collector of the transistor 72.

(Printer control method of embodiment 1)
Normal operation (1) of the operation, standby, and power saving mode of the printer 1, transition operation from the standby state of the printer 1 to the power saving mode, and transition operation (2) from the power saving mode to canceling the power saving mode. Will be described below.

(1) Normal Operation in Operation, Standby, and Power Saving Mode of Printer 1 FIG. 5 is a voltage waveform diagram during normal operation in the detection unit 40 in FIG. Further, FIG. 6 is a voltage waveform diagram at the time of abnormality in the detection unit 40 in FIG.

  5 and 6, the horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents voltage, the three-phase signal S37a output from the three output terminals HU, HV, and HW of the SP motor driver 37, the pulse signal S37b output from the pulse terminal PLS, and the Zener voltage of the Zener diode 71. Vzd and the potential at the detection point N50 are shown.

  In FIG. 4, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the drive system power supply voltage Vdv and the logic power supply voltages Vlg1 and Vlg2 are output from the power supply unit 31. The drive system power supply voltage Vdv is supplied to the head driver 36 and the SP motor driver 37, the logic power supply voltage Vlg1 is supplied to the motor sensor 17 and the control unit 40, and the logic power supply voltage Vlg2 is supplied to the control unit 32, I / O. It is supplied to the F unit 33 and the OP unit 35. As a result, the printer 1 becomes operable.

  For example, when print data is sent from the host device 80 to the printer control device 30, the print data is input to the control unit 32 via the I / F unit 33. The control unit 32 outputs control signals S32a, S32b and a clear signal S32c based on the input print data, inputs the control signal S32a to the head driver 36, and inputs the control signal S32b to the SP motor driver 37. Further, the clear signal S32c is input to the detection unit 40. The head driver 36 drives the print head 11 in the carriage unit 10 based on the input control signal S32a.

  Further, the SP motor driver 37 outputs a three-phase signal S37a and a pulse signal S37b based on the input control signal S32b, and inputs the three-phase signal S37a to the detection unit 40 and the SP motor 16. At the same time, the pulse signal S37b is input to the detection unit 40. Then, the detection unit 40 operates and the SP motor 16 in the carriage unit 10 rotates. As the SP motor 16 rotates, the carriage shaft 12 in FIG. 3 rotates and the carriage unit 10 moves to the left and right. As a result, characters and the like corresponding to the print data input to the printer control device 30 are printed on the paper by the print head 11.

  1 and 5, during the printing operation, the detection unit 40 monitors a three-phase phase signal S37a that is output in order from the three output terminals HU, HV, and HW of the SP motor driver 37. The three-phase signal S37a is limited by the resistor 54 through the diodes 51 to 53, and the limited current flows into the capacitor 55, and the capacitor 55 is charged. The potential at the detection point N50 increases according to the amount of charge of the capacitor 55. From the pulse terminal PLS of the SP motor driver 37, a pulse signal S37b corresponding to switching of the three-phase signal S37a is output. When the pulse signal S37b changes from a low level (hereinafter referred to as “L” level) to a high level (hereinafter referred to as “H” level), the transistor 62 is turned on through the OR circuit 61.

  When the transistor 62 is turned on, the charge charged in the capacitor 55 is discharged to the ground side of the second reference potential through the resistor 63, and the potential at the detection point N50 falls. The discharge amount of the capacitor 55 is limited by the constant of the resistor 63. During normal operation, the Zener diode 71 is off because the potential at the detection point N50 does not exceed the Zener voltage Vzd.

  In FIG. 6, during the printing operation, when an abnormality such that the three-phase signal S37a does not switch for some reason and is fixed, the pulse signal S37b output from the SP motor driver 37 is at the “L” level. Will remain. Therefore, the transistor 62 is maintained in the OFF state through the OR circuit 61, and the accumulated charge in the capacitor 55 is not discharged, so that the potential at the detection point N50 increases. When the potential at the detection point N50 exceeds the Zener voltage Vzd, the Zener diode 71 is turned on and the transistor 72 is turned on (abnormal operation detection process). When the transistor 72 is turned on, the collector potential of the transistor 72 becomes “L” level near 0V. As a result, the alarm signal ALM_N output from the collector of the transistor 72 changes from the “H” level to the “L” level. The “L” level alarm signal ALM_N is input to the alarm circuit 31a in the power supply unit 31 of FIG. Therefore, the output of the drive system power supply voltage Vdv and the logic power supply voltages Vlg1 and Vlg2 is cut off by the alarm circuit 31a, and the operation of the printer 1 is stopped.

  In FIG. 4, when print data is not input to the printer control device 30, the printer control device 30 enters an operable standby state and waits for input of print data from the host device 80. The control unit 32 monitors the input of print data from the host device 80 via the I / F unit 33 and the reception of key data from the operation unit 34 via the OP unit 35, and determines whether or not the standby state has continued for a certain period of time. If a predetermined time is reached, a predetermined detection unit reset process is performed, and then the mode shifts to the power saving mode.

  In the case of shifting to the power saving mode, the control unit 32 outputs, for example, an “H” level power-off signal S32d and inputs the power-off signal S32d. The power supply unit 31 stops outputting the drive system power supply voltage Vdv and the logic power supply voltage Vlg1. As a result, the operations of the head driver 36 and the SP motor driver 37 are stopped, and the operations of the motor sensor 17 and the detection unit 40 are stopped, and the power saving mode is set to reduce the power consumption.

  In the power saving mode, the power supply unit 31 outputs the logic power supply voltage Vlg2 to operate the control unit 32, the I / F unit 33, and the OP unit 35. During the power saving mode, the control unit 32 monitors the input of print data from the host device 80 via the I / F unit 33 and the reception of key data from the operation unit 34 via the OP unit 35, and sets the power saving mode. When an event to be canceled occurs, a predetermined detection unit confirmation process is performed, and then the process proceeds to power saving mode cancellation. When canceling the power saving mode, the control unit 32 outputs, for example, an “L” level power-off signal S 32 d and inputs the power-off mode S 32 d. As a result, the drive system power supply voltage Vdv and the logic power supply voltage Vlg1 are output from the power supply unit 31, and the printer control device 30 is released from the power saving mode and returns to the standby state.

  (2) The operation of shifting the printer 1 from the standby state to the power saving mode, and the movement operation from the power saving mode to the power saving mode canceling.

  FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an operation of shifting from the standby state to the power saving mode in the circuit of FIG.

  In FIG. 7, when the printer control device 30 is in a standby state, the clear signal S32c output from the control unit 32 is “L” level, and the pulse signal S37b output from the SP motor driver 37 is “L” level. . Therefore, the output signal of the OR circuit 61 is at the “L” level, and the transistor 62 is kept off. Since the SP motor driver 37 sequentially outputs the three-phase phase signal S37a, the three-phase phase signal S37a passes through the diodes 51 to 53 and the resistor 54 as shown by the arrows in FIG. It flows to the capacitor 55, and this capacitor 55 is charged.

  When shifting to the power saving mode, the clear signal S32c output from the control unit 32 changes from the “L” level to the “H” level. Then, the output signal of the OR circuit 61 becomes “H” level, and the transistor 62 is turned on. As a result, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 7, the charge accumulated in the capacitor 55 is discharged to the ground (0 V) side via the resistor 63 and the transistor 62, and the potential at the detection point N50 becomes the second reference potential. Is approximately 0V (potential switching process).

  FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an operation of shifting from the power saving mode to the power saving cancellation in the circuit of FIG.

  In FIG. 8, when the carriage unit 10 is shifted for some reason during the power saving mode and the SP motor 16 rotates, a counter electromotive voltage is generated in the SP motor 16. The generated back electromotive voltage causes a current to flow to the capacitor 55 via the diodes 51 to 53 and the resistor 54 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 8, and the capacitor 55 is charged. When the capacitor 55 is charged, the potential at the detection point N50 increases, so that the detection signal S40a with the increased potential is input to the ADC 32a in the control unit 32. Thereby, the control part 32 can detect whether the carriage part 10 changed during the power saving mode (driving system device operation detection process).

FIG. 9 is a voltage waveform diagram showing the operation of FIG. 7 and FIG.
In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents time, and shows a standby state, a power saving mode, and a state in which the power saving mode is released. The vertical axis represents voltage, the three-phase signal S37a output from the three output terminals HU, HV, and HW of the SP motor driver 37, the pulse signal S37b output from the pulse terminal PLS, the potential at the detection point N50, In addition, a clear signal S32c output from the clear terminal CLR of the control unit 32 is shown.

  In the standby state, as shown in FIG. 7, since the capacitor 55 is charged, the potential at the detection point N50 is at the “H” level. When shifting from the standby state to the power saving mode, before entering the power saving mode, as shown in FIG. 9, the clear signal S32c output from the clear terminal CLR of the control unit 32 is changed from “L” level to “H”. Launch to level. As a result, the transistor 62 is turned on through the OR circuit 61, the charge charged in the capacitor 55 is discharged to the ground (0V) side through the resistor 63 and the transistor 62, and the potential at the detection point N50 is the second reference potential. It drops to some 0V equivalent.

  In the power saving mode, as shown in FIG. 8, when the carriage unit 10 is shifted due to some factor, the capacitor 55 is charged through the diodes 51 to 53 and the resistor 54 by the back electromotive voltage of the SP motor 16, and the detection point N50 is detected. Increases to Va1. In this state, the power saving mode is canceled to return to the standby state.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations of FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the detection unit reset process in FIG. Further, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the detection unit confirmation processing in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows processing from the standby state of the printer 1 to entering the power saving mode and from the cancellation of the power saving mode to returning to the standby state (that is, standby → power saving mode → power saving mode release → standby processing). ing.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, the processes of steps ST1 to ST10 in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the processes of steps ST21 to ST24 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, and the processes of steps ST31 to ST34 of the flowchart of FIG. , Will be explained.

  In FIG. 10, step ST <b> 1 is a standby state of the printer 1. The control unit 32 monitors the input of print data from the host device 80 in FIG. 4 through the I / F unit 33, and from the operation unit 34. The control unit 32 monitors reception of the key data through the OP unit 35.

  In step ST2, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the standby state in step ST1 has continued (ie, elapsed). If the predetermined time has not been reached (N), step ST1 is continued and the constant time is reached. If it has reached (Y), the detection unit reset process of step ST3 is started.

  The detection unit reset process in step ST3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the circuit diagram of FIG.

  First, in the detection unit reset process, in step ST21 of FIG. 11, the clear signal S32c output from the clear terminal CLR of the control unit 32 of FIG. 7 is changed from the “L” level to the “H” level. When the CLR signal S32c becomes “H” level, the output signal of the OR circuit 61 becomes “H” level, and the transistor 62 is turned on. Thereby, the electric charge charged in the capacitor 55 is discharged, and the potential of the detection point N50 approaches 0V (potential switching process). In step ST22, the potential of the detection point N50 is read by the ADC 32a in the control unit 32 (Va). In step ST23, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the potential of the detection point N50 is sufficiently discharged. In step ST23, when the value Va read by the ADC 32a is Va ≠ 0V (N), step ST22 is repeated. When Va≈0V is satisfied (Y), the read value Va is stored in the control unit 32. In step ST24, the control unit 32 changes the clear signal S32c from the “H” level to the “L” level to stop the discharge, and ends the detection unit reset process of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, when the detection unit reset process of step ST3 is completed, the power saving mode of step ST4 is entered. In step ST5, during the power saving mode, the control unit determines whether an event to cancel the power saving mode (for example, input of print data from the host device 80 or reception of key data from the operation unit 34) has occurred. When the event which cancels | emits power saving mode which 32 monitors and generate | occur | produces (Y), it transfers to the detection part confirmation process of step ST6.

  The detection unit confirmation processing in step ST6 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12 and the circuit diagram in FIG.

  In step ST31 of FIG. 12, the detection signal S40a indicating the potential of the detection point N50 is read again by the ADC 32a in the control unit 32. In step ST32, the read value Va1 is compared with the value Va read in the detection unit reset process in step ST3 of FIG. If the comparison result is the value Va1≈Va (Y), in step ST33, “0” is set to the MV flag 32b in the control unit 32, and if the comparison result is the value Va1 ≠ Va (N), step ST34. Then, “1” is set in the MV flag 32b, and the detection unit confirmation process is terminated.

  A case where the comparison result is the value Va1 ≠ Va in step ST32 will be described with reference to the circuit diagram of FIG. 8 and the operation waveform diagram of FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the potential of the sufficiently discharged detection point N50 is increased because the carriage unit 10 is shifted for some reason during the power saving mode. When the carriage unit 10 changes, the SP motor 16 rotates with the change and a back electromotive voltage is generated. Due to the generated back electromotive force, current flows from the SP motor 16 to the capacitor 55 through the diodes 51 to 53 and the resistor 54, as shown by the arrow, and the capacitor 55 is charged to increase the potential at the detection point N50. FIG. 9 shows a change in potential at the detection point N50 when the standby state is shifted to the power saving mode and the carriage unit 10 changes during the power saving mode. As shown in FIG. 9, by comparing the potential (0 V) of the detection point N50 before entering the power saving mode with the potential (Va1) of the detection point N50 before canceling the power saving mode, power saving is achieved. It is possible to detect whether the carriage unit 10 has changed during the mode (drive system device operation detection process).

  When the detection unit confirmation process in step ST6 of FIG. 10 is completed, the control unit 32 cancels the power saving mode in step ST7, and sets the MV flag 32b in step ST8 before returning to the standby state in step ST9. Check. In step ST8, when the MV flag 32b is “0” (that is, when the carriage unit 10 has not changed during the power saving mode), the control unit 32 returns to the standby state in step ST9. When the MV flag 32b is “1” (that is, when the carriage unit 10 is changed for some reason during the power saving mode), the control unit 32 performs the homing process of the carriage unit 10 in step ST10, After resetting the home position of 10, the process returns to the standby state of step ST9.

(Effect of Example 1)
According to the first embodiment, the following effect (b) is obtained as compared with the comparative example (a).

(A) Comparative Example In the serial printer control method and control apparatus of the comparative example, an I / F unit that monitors input of print data from an external device of the serial printer, and an OP that monitors reception of key data from the operation unit A power supply voltage is supplied from a sub-power source with a small power capacity such as a battery power source to the printer unit, and a print control system is driven and controlled, and an AC / DC converter or the like is used for a printer control unit that controls the entire printer. The power supply voltage is supplied from the main power supply having a large power capacity. While waiting for data input, the main power supply is turned off and the sub power supply is turned on to have a power saving mode for reducing power consumption during standby. When print data is input or key data is received, the power saving mode is canceled, and the main power is turned on to perform a control to enter a print operation.

  However, the serial printer control method and control apparatus of the comparative example have the following drawbacks.

  If an operator opens the access cover of the serial printer during the power saving mode, the carriage portion on which the print head that is the print drive system is mounted can be easily moved. However, during the power-saving mode, the power supply other than the input of print data to the I / F part and the reception of key data to the OP part is turned off, so that the carriage part on which the print head is mounted has changed. I cannot judge whether or not.

  Therefore, when returning from the power saving mode, the carriage unit must perform an initial operation (ie, a homing operation) regardless of whether the carriage unit is moving or not in the power saving mode. As a result, if there is no movement of the carriage unit during power saving, unnecessary operations will be performed, and the time and power to return will be wasted, and the carriage unit will not be used when returning from the power saving mode. When the initial operation is not performed, if the carriage unit is moved during the power saving mode, printing is performed with the print position after the return being shifted.

(B) Effects of First Embodiment According to the first embodiment, the detection unit 40 that detects abnormal states of the SP motor driver 37 and the SP motor 16 can detect the back electromotive voltage generated by the displacement of the carriage unit 10. It has a configuration. Therefore, the detection unit 40 can detect that the carriage unit 10 has moved for some reason during the power saving mode, and can determine whether or not the initial processing of the carriage unit position is necessary when returning from the power saving mode.

  As a result, when the carriage unit 10 changes during the power saving mode, the carriage unit 10 performs an initial operation to prevent print misalignment. On the other hand, the carriage unit 10 changes during the power saving mode. If not, it is not necessary to perform the initial operation of the carriage unit 10, so that wasteful power consumption can be suppressed. Therefore, the drawbacks of the comparative example can be solved with a relatively simple circuit configuration.

(Configuration of Example 2)
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a line feed mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIGS. 2 and 3 showing the printer 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals. Has been.

  The line feed mechanism 20 according to the second embodiment is a paper transport mechanism provided in the printer 1 shown in FIGS. The line feed mechanism 20 is driven by a line feed motor (hereinafter referred to as “LF motor”) 21 through a platen gear 22, a tractor gear 23, a belt 24, etc. The platen 14 for transporting the cut sheet is rotated. The LF motor 21 is configured by a synchronous motor such as a stepping motor. The platen 14 can also be rotated by a platen knob 15 attached to the axis of the platen 14.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a ribbon feed mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIGS. 2 and 3 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals. .

  The ribbon feed mechanism 26 of the second embodiment is a mechanism that is provided in the printer 1 of FIGS. 2 and 3 and winds up the ink ribbon 13 a in the ribbon cartridge 13. The ribbon feed mechanism 26 is configured to take up the ink ribbon 13a in the ribbon cartridge 13 by rotating the ribbon drive gear 28 via the attached gear 27a by the driving force of the ribbon motor 27. The ribbon motor 27 is configured by a synchronous motor such as a stepping motor. The ribbon drive gear 28 is also connected to a drive roller 29 of the ribbon cartridge 13, and the ink ribbon 13a can be loosened by manually rotating the drive roller 29.

  FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer control apparatus according to the second embodiment housed in the printer 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and shows the printer control apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment in FIG. Elements common to elements are denoted by common reference numerals.

  In the printer control apparatus 30A according to the second embodiment, the power supply unit 31, the I / F unit 33, and the OP unit 35 connected to the operation unit 34 as in the first embodiment and the control unit 32 in the first embodiment are configured. The control unit 32 </ b> A is different, and the same carriage unit 10, head driver 36, SP motor driver 37, and detection unit 40 as those in the first embodiment are provided. Further, in the printer control apparatus 30A of the second embodiment, a line feed mechanism 20 and a ribbon feed mechanism 26, a motor driver 37a1 and a detection unit 40a1 connected to the line feed mechanism 20, and a ribbon feed mechanism 26 are newly provided. And a motor driver 37a2 and a detection unit 40a2 connected to each other.

  The control unit 32A includes the same ADC 32a and MV flag 32b as in the first embodiment, and two newly added ADCs 32a1 and 32a2.

  The line feed mechanism 20 has an LF motor 21 that transports paper. The LF motor 21 is driven by the excitation phase signal S37a1 output from the motor driver 37a1 in accordance with the phase signal from the control unit 32A. The excitation phase signal S37a1 and the pulse signal S37b1 output from the motor driver 37a1 are input to the detection unit 40a1 that monitors the excitation state of the phase. The detection unit 40a1 receives the excitation phase signal S37a1 and the pulse signal S37b1 output from the motor driver 37a1, and the clear signal S32c1 output from the control unit 32A, and receives the detection signal S40a1 supplied to the control unit 32A, and the power supply unit The alarm signal ALM_N1 to be given to the alarm circuit 31a in 31 is output, and has the same configuration as the control unit 40 of the first embodiment.

  The ribbon feed mechanism 26 has a ribbon motor 27 that winds up the ink ribbon 13 a in the ribbon cartridge 13. The ribbon motor 27 is driven by the excitation phase signal S37a2 output from the motor driver 37a2 in accordance with the phase signal from the control unit 32A. The excitation phase signal S37a2 and the pulse signal S37b2 output from the motor driver 37a2 are input to the detection unit 40a2 that monitors the excitation state of the phase. The detection unit 40a2 receives the excitation phase signal S37a2 and pulse signal S37b2 output from the motor driver 37a2, and the clear signal S32c2 output from the control unit 32A, and receives the detection signal S40a2 supplied to the control unit 32A, and the power supply unit The alarm signal ALM_N2 to be given to the alarm circuit 31a in 31 is output and has the same configuration as the control unit 40 of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Printer control method of embodiment 2)
The operation when the platen knob 15 of FIG. 13 is turned during the power saving mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the line feed mechanism 20 of FIG. 13, when the platen knob 15 is rotated during the power saving mode, the LF motor 21 connected via the platen 14 and the platen gear 22 rotates, and a back electromotive voltage is generated. By this counter electromotive voltage, the capacitor of the charging unit in the detection unit 40a1 is charged and the potential at the detection point N50 is increased, so that it can be detected that the platen knob 15 is turned.

  Next, the operation when the drive roller 29 of FIG. 14 is rotated during the power saving mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the ribbon feed mechanism 26 of FIG. 14, when the drive roller 29 is rotated during the power saving mode, the ribbon motor 27 connected via the ribbon drive gear 28 and the gear 27a rotates to generate a back electromotive voltage. . Due to this back electromotive voltage, the capacitor of the charging unit in the detection unit 40a2 is charged, and the potential of the detection point N50 is increased, so that it can be detected that the drive roller 29 has been rotated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. 15, and elements common to the elements in FIG. 10 showing the flowchart of the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  In FIG. 16, the process from the standby state of the printer 1 according to the second embodiment to the power saving mode and from the cancellation of the power saving mode to the return to the standby state (that is, standby → power saving mode → power saving mode release → standby processing). )It is shown.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 16, the processes from step ST1 to ST9 until the standby state, the power saving mode, the power saving mode release, and the return to the standby state are the same as the processes of the flowchart of FIG.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a motor initial process is performed in step ST10A instead of the carriage homing process in step ST10 of the first embodiment. Step ST10A of the second embodiment is processing when the LF motor 21 or the ribbon motor 27 is changed for some reason during the power saving mode in the MV flag confirmation in step ST8 after the power saving mode is removed in step ST7. . In step ST10A, the initial phase of the LF motor 21 or the ribbon motor 27 is established before returning to the standby state in step ST9.

(Effect of Example 2)
According to the second embodiment, the detection unit 40a1 that detects the abnormal state of the motor driver 37a1 and the LF motor 21 is configured to be able to detect the back electromotive voltage generated by the transition of the line feed mechanism 20, and the motor driver 37a2. In addition, the detection unit 40a2 that detects an abnormal state of the ribbon motor 27 is configured to be able to detect the back electromotive voltage generated by the transition of the ribbon feed mechanism 26.

  Therefore, the detection units 40a1 and 40a2 can detect that the platen knob 15 is manually turned and the drive roller 29 of the ribbon cartridge 13 is turned manually during the power saving mode. When returning from, it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to establish an initial (initial setting) phase for each of the motors 21 and 27. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent printing misalignment and suppress wasteful power consumption. Therefore, the drawbacks of the comparative example can be solved with a relatively simple circuit configuration.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various usage forms and modifications are possible. For example, the following forms (1) and (2) are used as the usage form and the modification examples.

  (1) Although the detection part 40 of FIG. 1 is comprised by the charging part 50, the discharge part 60, and the alarm detection part 70, these charging part 50, the discharge part 60, and the alarm detection part 70 are circuits other than illustration. You may comprise. In FIG. 9, the second reference potential set before canceling the power saving mode is set to 0V, but may be another potential lower than the Zener voltage Vzd which is the first reference potential.

  (2) In the first and second embodiments, a serial printer is exemplified as the printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to other printers that are movable in a power saving mode such as an image drum cartridge of an electrophotographic printer and that include a drive system device that is connected to a drive source such as a motor. Further, the present invention can be applied to all image forming apparatuses having a printing function, such as a copying machine other than the printer 1, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 10 Carriage part 20 Line feed mechanism 26 Ribbon feed mechanism 30, 30A Printer control apparatus 31 Power supply part 32, 32A Control part 37 SP motor driver 37a1, 37a2 Motor driver 40, 40a1, 40a2 Detection part

Claims (9)

When power supply is supplied during normal operation, it outputs a drive signal, and when it shifts to a power saving mode during standby, the supply of power supply is cut off, the operation stops, and the drive signal is output. A driving source to stop,
A drive system device connected to the drive source and operated by the drive signal output from the drive source;
Drive system device operation detection means for detecting a change in potential of a detection point generated between the drive source and the drive system device;
An image forming apparatus control method comprising:
The drive system device operation detecting means is
An abnormal operation detection process for detecting an abnormal operation of the drive source and the drive system device according to whether or not the potential of the detection point exceeds a first reference potential during the normal time and the standby time;
A potential switching process for switching the potential at the detection point to a second reference potential lower than the first reference potential before shifting to the power saving mode during the standby;
A drive system device operation detection process for detecting presence or absence of operation of the drive system device according to whether or not the potential of the detection point is higher than the second reference potential in the power saving mode;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: In the abnormal operation detection process,
When the potential at the detection point exceeds the first reference potential during the normal time and the standby time, an alarm signal indicating the abnormal operation of the drive source and the drive system device is output,
In the drive system device operation detection process,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the power saving mode, when the potential at the detection point becomes higher than the second reference potential, an operation presence signal indicating that the drive system device is in operation is output. Control method. When power supply is supplied during normal operation, it outputs a drive signal, and when it shifts to a power saving mode during standby, the supply of power supply is cut off, the operation stops, and the drive signal is output. A driving source to stop,
A drive system device connected to the drive source and operated by the drive signal output from the drive source;
Drive system device operation detection means for detecting a change in potential of a detection point generated between the drive source and the drive system device;
A control device for an image forming apparatus comprising:
The drive system device operation detecting means is
Depending on whether the potential at the detection point exceeds the first reference potential during the normal time and the standby time, an abnormal operation of the drive source and the drive system device is detected, and the power saving mode is entered during the standby time. Before the transition, the potential at the detection point is switched to a second reference potential lower than the first reference potential, and whether the potential at the detection point is higher than the second reference potential in the power saving mode. Thus, the control device of the image forming apparatus, wherein the presence or absence of the operation of the drive system device is detected. The drive system device operation detecting means is
When the potential at the detection point exceeds the first reference potential during the normal time and the standby time, an alarm signal indicating the abnormal operation of the drive source and the drive system device is output, and the saving is performed during the standby time. Before the transition to the power mode, the potential of the detection point is switched to the second reference potential, and when the potential of the detection point becomes higher than the second reference potential in the power saving mode, the operation of the drive system device 4. The control device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an operation presence signal indicating presence is output. The control device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
Comprising control means for inputting the operation presence signal;
The control means includes
When the operation presence signal is input during the power saving mode, the drive system device and the drive source are initially operated before the power saving mode is released, and then the power saving mode is released and the standby is performed. A control device for an image forming apparatus, wherein the control device is restored to the current state. The drive system device operation detecting means is
Charging means having a capacitor charged by the charge of the detection point;
Detecting means for outputting the alarm signal when the potential at the detection point exceeds the first reference potential;
Based on the control signal of the control means, the accumulated charge of the capacitor is discharged to switch the potential of the detection point to the second reference potential, and when the potential of the detection point becomes higher than the second reference potential, the detection Discharging means for outputting the operation presence signal to the control means from a point;
6. The control device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: The drive system device is a space motor that operates a carriage unit,
7. The control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the driving source is a driver for driving the space motor. The drive system device is a line feed motor that operates a line feed mechanism,
7. The control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the drive source is a driver that drives the line feed motor. The drive system device is a ribbon motor that operates a ribbon feed mechanism,
7. The control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the driving source is a driver for driving the ribbon motor.

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