JP2019134306A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can achieve energy saving intended by a user.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 11 comprises: a first receiving unit; a display control unit 31; a second receiving unit; and a setting unit. The first receiving unit receives input of a predicted interval of image formation. When the first receiving unit receives input of the predicted interval of image formation, the display control unit 31 controls a display unit 21 to display information on a return priority mode and information on an energy-saving priority mode in the interval of image formation stored in the storage unit. The second receiving unit receives selection input of the transition time from a standby mode to the return priority mode or the energy-saving priority mode in the return priority mode or the energy-saving priority mode displayed on the display unit 21 by the display control unit 31. The setting unit sets the transition time received by the second receiving unit, the transition time from the standby mode to the return priority mode or the energy-saving priority mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus typified by a multi-function peripheral, after an image of a document is read by an image reading unit, light is irradiated on the photoconductor provided in the image forming unit based on the read image, and the photoconductor is irradiated on the photoconductor. An electrostatic latent image is formed. Thereafter, charged toner is supplied onto the formed electrostatic latent image to form a visible image, and then the toner is transferred and fixed on a sheet, and is output to the outside of the apparatus.

  Here, a technique relating to so-called energy saving (energy saving) of the image forming apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-65255 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-90470 (Patent Document 2).

  The power monitoring system for an image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a power monitoring apparatus that monitors the power used by the image forming apparatus via a network. A power monitoring system for an image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an energy saving mode in which power consumption is lower than that in a normal state in the image forming apparatus, and an energy saving mode in which the image forming apparatus shifts to the energy saving mode if the image forming apparatus is not used for a predetermined time or longer An energy saving mode canceling unit for canceling the energy saving mode, a monitoring unit for monitoring the usage status of the image forming apparatus for a certain period in the power monitoring device, and a storage unit for storing a monitoring result by the monitoring unit; Based on the monitoring result stored in the storage means, the power consumption calculating means for calculating the power consumption amount for the fixed period, and temporarily setting the energy saving mode transition time, the temporary energy saving mode transition time and the storage means And provisional power consumption calculating means for calculating virtual power consumption based on the contents of the monitoring result stored in.

  An image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 shifts the apparatus itself to an image forming unit that forms an image based on received print information and a preset power saving mode when a predetermined transition period has elapsed. Transition means, calculation means for calculating an occurrence frequency of processing relating to image formation by the image forming means, and change means for changing the predetermined transition period according to the occurrence frequency calculated by the calculation means. It is a feature.

JP 2007-65255 A JP 2009-90470 A

  In the above technology, the usage status within a certain period is confirmed, and the transition time to the energy saving mode is changed according to the usage status. However, in this case, the device is not used at regular intervals like a multifunction device or printer, and for those that are used irregularly, set them appropriately unless long-term confirmation is performed. I can't. For example, if there is a time zone in which printing is concentrated and a time zone in which printing is hardly performed, energy is saved in the time zone where the printing interval is long, but in the time zone where printing is concentrated, the transition time to the energy saving mode Becomes shorter with respect to the printing interval, which makes the user unusable. In addition, when the user simply sets the time for shifting to the energy saving mode, the influence of the shift time and the printing time cannot be grasped, so the time is set to the shortest time. As a result, the printing time becomes longer, and this setting is also unsatisfactory for the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of realizing energy saving intended by a user.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention stands by with the first power consumption, and in a standby mode in which image formation can be started immediately upon receiving an image formation request, and with less power consumption than the first power consumption. If the image forming apparatus waits for a request for image formation, the image forming apparatus has a sleep mode that requires a longer time than the standby mode to start image formation. The sleep mode waits with a second power consumption smaller than the first power consumption, and accepts a request for image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a power saving priority mode that waits for a third power consumption that is less than the power consumption and accepts a request for image formation, and takes a longer time than the return priority mode to start image formation.

  The image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit, a display unit, a storage unit, a first receiving unit, a display control unit, a second receiving unit, and a setting unit. The fixing unit includes a heat roller heated to a predetermined temperature, and fixes the toner image on the paper. The display unit displays information. The storage unit stores information related to the return priority mode and information related to the energy saving priority mode. The first receiving unit receives an input of an expected image formation interval. If the display control unit receives an input of the expected image formation interval by the first reception unit, the display control unit displays information on the return priority mode and information on the energy saving priority mode stored in the storage unit at the image formation interval. Control to display on the screen. The second receiving unit receives a selection input of a transition time from the standby mode in the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode displayed on the display unit by the display control unit to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode. The setting unit sets a transition time from the standby mode received by the second receiving unit to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode.

  According to such an image forming apparatus, energy saving intended by the user can be realized.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral when an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the multifunction peripheral. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a sleep mode is set in the multifunction machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral when an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the multifunction peripheral. Referring to FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 11 has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function regarding image processing.

  The multifunction machine 11 has a standby mode and a sleep mode. The standby mode is a mode in which image formation can be started immediately upon waiting for the first power consumption and receiving an image formation request. Specifically, for example, power is supplied and the backlight of the display screen 21 described later is kept on, and the temperature of the heat roller 24 described later is maintained at a fixable temperature. The sleep mode is a mode that takes a longer time than the standby mode to start the image formation when it waits with less power consumption than the first power consumption and accepts a request for image formation. Specifically, the backlight of the display screen 21 is turned off, and the temperature of the heat roller 24 is lower than the fixable temperature.

  The sleep mode further includes a return priority mode and an energy saving priority mode. The return priority mode is a mode that takes a longer time than the standby mode to start image formation when a standby is performed with a second power consumption smaller than the first power consumption and an image formation request is accepted. Further, the energy saving priority mode is a mode that takes a longer time than the return priority mode to start image formation if a standby state with a third power consumption smaller than the second power consumption is accepted and an image formation request is accepted. . That is, the return priority mode consumes more power than the energy saving priority mode, and the time required to start image formation is shorter.

  The multifunction machine 11 includes a control unit 12, an operation unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a paper feed cassette 16, a hard disk 17 as a storage unit, and a network interface for connecting to a network 26. Part 18. The control unit 12 includes a main memory 19 that temporarily stores data, and includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC, an MCU, or the like. When the control program stored in the ROM or the main memory 19 is executed by the processor, the control unit 12 functions as a receiving unit 31 and the like which will be described later, and controls the entire multifunction machine 11. In addition, each said component of the control part 12 may each be comprised by the hard circuit irrespective of the operation | movement based on the above-mentioned control program.

  The operation unit 13 receives input from the user regarding image formation, such as the number of image formations, that is, image formation conditions such as the number of prints and gradation. The operation unit 13 is provided with a sleep mode setting key for setting a sleep mode. The operation unit 13 functions as a first receiving unit that receives an input of an expected image formation interval. The operation unit 13 receives a selection input of a transition time from the standby mode in the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode displayed on the display screen 21 by the display control unit 31 to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode. It also functions as a part. Further, the operation unit 13 also functions as a third receiving unit that receives display of information at intervals before and after the expected image formation interval that has been input by the first receiving unit. The operation unit 13 includes a display screen 21 as a display unit that displays information transmitted from the multifunction machine 11 side and user input contents.

  The image reading unit 14 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 22 as a document transport device that transports a document set at the set position to the read position. The image reading unit 14 reads an image of a document set on the ADF 22 or a mounting table on which the document is mounted. The paper feed cassette 16 can store a plurality of sheets therein. The image forming unit 15 includes, for example, a heat roller 24 that is heated to a fixable high temperature such as 150 to 180 ° C., and includes a fixing unit 25 that fixes the formed toner image on a sheet. The image forming unit 15 forms an image on a sheet conveyed from the paper feed cassette 16 based on the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 14 or the image data transmitted via the network 26 and prints the image. To do. The hard disk 17 stores data relating to image formation such as image data received via the network 26 and input image formation conditions. The hard disk 17 stores information related to the return priority mode and information related to the energy saving priority mode. Specifically, the information on the return priority mode and the information on the energy saving priority mode are derived from the information on the transition time for shifting from the standby mode, the transition time and the interval between image formations for each of the return priority mode and the energy saving priority mode. Power consumption value information and time information required for image formation.

  The control unit 12 includes a display control unit 31 and a setting unit 32. If the display control unit 31 receives the input of the expected image formation interval by the first reception unit, the display control unit 31 displays information on the return priority mode and information on the energy saving priority mode stored in the hard disk 17 at the image formation interval. The display screen 21 is controlled to be displayed. The setting unit 32 sets a transition time from the standby mode received by the second receiving unit to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode. These configurations will be described later.

  Next, a flow of processing when the sleep mode is set in the multifunction machine 11 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when the sleep mode is set in the multi-function peripheral shown in FIG.

  Referring also to FIG. 2, the user presses the sleep mode setting key to set either the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode as the sleep mode. When the control unit 12 detects that the sleep mode setting key is pressed (YES in step S11 in FIG. 2; hereinafter, “step” is omitted), the operation unit 13 inputs an expected image formation interval. It functions as a first receiving unit for receiving. In this case, the display control unit 31 first displays a screen for inputting a scheduled printing interval on the display screen 21 on the display screen 21 (S12). Here, specifically, for example, the printing interval is input as 5 minutes in accordance with the actual situation grasped by the user. If the display control unit 31 receives an input of an image formation interval expected by the first reception unit, that is, if the control unit 12 detects an input of a print interval (YES in S13), the display control unit 31. Controls to display the sleep mode setting screen on the display screen 21 (S14).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 21 in this case. Referring to FIG. 3, the display screen 21 shows a setting 41 displayed as “current setting: printing interval 5 minutes”, an information display area 42 indicating information, and “OK”. And a key 43 for moving to the next screen by detecting this. Further, the display screen 21 displays keys 44 and 45 indicated as “<<” and “>>”. By detecting the pressing of the keys 44 and 45, the information in the setting 41 and the information display area 42 is switched. The user can grasp that the current setting is “printing interval 5 minutes” as the printing interval input on the previous screen by viewing the display of setting 41.

  In the information display area 42, as information on the energy saving priority mode, information on the transition time for shifting from the standby mode, information on the power consumption value derived from the transition time and the interval between image formations, and information on the time required for image formation. It is displayed. Specifically, information on the energy saving priority mode includes power consumption of 340 Wh when the transition time is 1 minute, printing time of 40 seconds, power consumption of 380 Wh when the transition time is 2 minutes, and printing time of 40 seconds. When the time is 3 minutes, the power consumption is 420 Wh, when the printing time is 40 seconds, when the transition time is 4 minutes, the power consumption is 460 Wh, when the printing time is 20 seconds, and when the transition time is 5 minutes, the power consumption is 500 Wh. This is information that the printing time is 10 seconds. Specifically, the information regarding the return priority mode includes power consumption of 400 Wh when the transition time is 1 minute, printing time of 15 seconds, power consumption of 420 Wh when the transition time is 2 minutes, and printing time of 15 seconds. When the transition time is 3 minutes, the power consumption is 440 Wh, the printing time is 15 seconds, the transition time is 4 minutes, the power consumption is 460 Wh, the printing time is 12 seconds, and the transition time is 5 minutes. The information is 500 Wh and the printing time is 10 seconds.

  The user looks at the information displayed on the display screen 21 and sets the sleep mode. That is, when the area displaying the information on the transition time to be selected in either the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode displayed in the information display area 42 of the display screen 21 is pressed, the area changes to a reverse display, and the selected state become. Then, the sleep mode is set by pressing the key 43 in the selected state. That is, the second receiving unit receives a selection input of a transition time from the standby mode in the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode displayed on the display screen 21 by the display control unit 31 to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode. Then, setting unit 32 accepts the setting (YES in S15). That is, the setting unit 32 sets the sleep mode with the set contents (S16). Specifically, the setting unit 32 sets the transition time from the standby mode received by the second receiving unit to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode.

  Before accepting the setting (NO in S15), if the third accepting unit accepts display of information at intervals before and after the expected image formation interval by pressing the keys 44 and 45 (in S17). YES), the display control unit 31 displays information at intervals before and after the printing interval (S18). That is, when the expected printing interval is 5 minutes, the transition time for shifting from the standby mode for each of the return priority mode and the energy saving priority mode when the printing interval before and after that is, for example, 4 minutes or 6 minutes. Information, power consumption value information derived from the transition time and image formation interval, and information about time required for image formation, and control to display the resulting information. Thereafter, the setting is accepted.

  According to such a multifunction machine 11, the user can set the sleep mode while actually knowing how much power can be saved and how long the printing time will be. Therefore, according to such a multifunction machine 11, energy saving intended by the user can be realized.

  In this case, the configuration further includes a third receiving unit that receives display of information at intervals before and after the expected image formation interval. Further, if the display control unit 31 accepts display of information at intervals before and after the image formation interval expected by the third reception unit, the return stored in the hard disk 17 at intervals before and after the image formation interval. Control is performed to display information on the priority mode and information on the energy saving priority mode on the display screen 21. Therefore, it is possible to perform energy saving settings more in line with the user's intention.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the energy saving priority mode, the power supplied to the heat roller 24 is turned off, and in the return priority mode, the heat of the heat roller 24 is maintained to be lower than the temperature in the standby mode. The power supplied to the roller 24 may be adjusted.

  In the above embodiment, the transition time information, the power consumption value information, and the time information required for image formation in the multifunction machine 11 may be reflected in the information stored in the hard disk 17. . That is, the control unit 12 includes a result reflecting unit that reflects information on transition time, information on power consumption values, and information on time required for image formation in the information stored in the hard disk 17. To do. By doing so, it is possible to display information that is more realistic and to allow the user to make energy saving settings.

  In the above embodiment, the sleep mode waits at the fourth power consumption which is different from the second power consumption or the third power consumption, and if an image formation request is received, the image formation is performed. It may be configured to further include a standby mode that requires a different time from either the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode. The hard disk 17 stores information related to the standby mode. The second accepting unit accepts a request for selecting one of the return priority mode, the energy saving priority mode, and the standby mode. When the second receiving unit accepts the selection request, the display control unit 31 displays the information on the return priority mode, the information on the energy saving priority mode, and the information on the standby mode stored on the hard disk 17 on the display unit. Control. The setting unit 32 sets any of the return priority mode, the energy saving priority mode, or the standby mode. By setting it as such a structure, a more detailed energy saving setting can be performed. Of course, the sleep mode may be configured to allow more detailed settings in the sleep mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, the third reception unit is further configured to receive display of information at intervals before and after the expected image formation interval for which input is received by the first reception unit. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the third receiving unit may not be provided.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive in any aspect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is particularly effectively used when energy saving intended by the user is required.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Multifunctional device, 12 Control part, 13 Operation part, 14 Image reading part, 15 Image formation part, 16 Paper feed cassette, 17 Hard disk, 18 Network interface part, 19 Main memory, 21 Display screen, 22 ADF, 23 Fixing part , 24 heat roller, 26 network, 31 display control unit, 32 setting unit, 41 setting, 42 information display area, 43, 44, 45 keys.

Claims (6)

Standby with first power consumption, standby mode that can start image formation immediately if a request for image formation is accepted, standby with less power consumption than the first power consumption, and request for image formation If accepted, an image forming apparatus having a sleep mode that takes longer than the standby mode to start image formation,
The sleep mode waits with a second power consumption smaller than the first power consumption, and if an image formation request is received, a return priority mode that takes a longer time than the standby mode to start image formation. , Standby with a third power consumption less than the second power consumption, and if an image formation request is accepted, an energy saving priority mode that requires a longer time than the return priority mode to start image formation,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A fixing unit that includes a heat roller that is heated to a predetermined temperature, and that fixes the toner image on the paper;
A display for displaying information;
A storage unit for storing information on the return priority mode and information on the energy saving priority mode;
A first receiving unit that receives an input of an expected image formation interval;
A display control unit that controls to display on the display unit information related to the return priority mode stored in the storage unit and information related to the energy saving priority mode stored in the image forming interval;
A second receiving unit that receives a selection input of a transition time from the standby mode to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode in the recovery priority mode or the energy saving priority mode displayed on the display unit by the display control unit; ,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to set a transition time from the standby mode received by the second receiving unit to the return priority mode or the energy saving priority mode. A third accepting unit for accepting display of information at an interval before and after the expected interval of image formation that has been accepted by the first accepting unit;
If the display control unit accepts display of information in the interval before and after the image formation interval expected by the third reception unit, the display control unit stores the information in the storage unit in the interval before and after the image formation interval. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that information related to the return priority mode and information related to the energy saving priority mode are displayed on the display unit. The storage unit includes information on a transition time for shifting from the standby mode, information on a power consumption value derived from the transition time and an interval of image formation, as information on the return priority mode and information on the energy saving priority mode, and The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information on time required for image formation is stored. The information processing apparatus further includes a result reflecting unit that reflects information on the transition time in the image forming apparatus, information on the power consumption value, and information on time required for the image formation in the information stored in the storage unit. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to Item 3. In the energy saving priority mode, the power supplied to the heat roller is turned off, and in the return priority mode, the power supplied to the heat roller so as to keep the temperature of the heat roller lower than the temperature in the standby mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is adjusted. The sleep mode waits at a fourth power consumption that is different from either the second power consumption or the third power consumption, and accepts a request for image formation. It further has a standby mode that requires a different time from any of the energy saving priority modes,
The storage unit stores information on the standby mode,
The second accepting unit accepts a request for selecting one of the return priority mode, the energy saving priority mode, or the standby mode,
If the display control unit receives the selection request by the second reception unit, the display control unit stores information on the return priority mode, information on the energy saving priority mode, and information on the standby mode stored in the storage unit. Control to display on the display unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets one of the return priority mode, the energy saving priority mode, and the standby mode.

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