JP3829968B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a document image scanner, an image printer, and an image forming process controller that outputs an image signal of the scanner to the printer and connects to an external device such as a host computer or a network. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus combined with an external access controller having a function.
[0002]
The external access controller, for example, develops print output data provided by an external personal computer by direct connection or by indirect connection via a communication network in its own image memory, and prints it out with an image printer. -Facsimile reception mode, which receives image data by facsimile communication, develops it in the image memory, and prints it out in the same manner. Converts the image signal read by the original image scanner of the image forming apparatus into transmission data. Facsimile transmission mode for transmitting by facsimile communication and image transmission mode for transmitting an image signal read by the document image scanner of the image forming apparatus to an external personal computer by direct connection or indirect connection through a communication network. Selectively.
[0003]
[Prior art]
A typical example of the image forming apparatus is a digital copying machine in which a document scanner and a laser printer are combined. The laser printer exposes a charged photoreceptor surface with a laser beam modulated by image data to form an electrostatic latent image, which is developed with a developer, and transferred onto a transfer paper (recording paper). The image is transferred to the sheet, and the transfer paper is heated and pressurized with a fixing device to weld and fix the developer onto the transfer paper. The fixing device includes a fixing heater for heating the fixing roller, and this power consumption is large. Therefore, even when the power of the copying machine is on, for example, when the standby state waiting for the user's copy instruction input exceeds the set time, the operation voltage is continuously supplied to the circuit necessary for reading the user's input. However, power saving control such as cutting off the power supply to other electric circuits or supplying the fixing heater with a small amount of power to keep the fixing roller warm in this case is a copy. It is built into the machine. In the case of a laser printer alone, the same power saving control is generally performed.
[0004]
As a method of realizing the conventional power saving mode,
1. In the image forming system in which the above-described external access controller is assembled to the above-described image forming apparatus (digital copying machine), as long as the main power switch is on, both the external access controller and the image forming apparatus are always on. activated, the respective control section (CPU, MPU), method for realizing power saving in contrivance in Do slowing the operating clock,
2. In the standby state, only the sequence control unit such as the mechanism including the fixing control of the image forming apparatus is activated, and the external access controller is always activated as long as the main power switch is on, and
3. A dedicated CPU that monitors only the return condition from the power saving mode is provided. During power saving, the CPU that controls the entire system is turned off, and the monitoring CPU directly controls the power supply.
Etc. are known.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
1. In this case, since all the control units are activated, the return time from the power saving mode is the shortest, but there is a problem that the power during power saving does not decrease so much. In addition, 2. In this case, the power at the time of power saving can be suppressed to a certain extent, but when returning from the power saving mode, the system control unit takes too much time to start and the operation response is not so good. 3. In this case, the power is the lowest because only the dedicated MPU is energized, but the cost is increased by providing the dedicated MPU. As with, there was a problem with the return response.
[0006]
In view of the above points, the present invention activates a control unit for performing overall control such as system control and inactivates a control unit for performing sequence control such as a mechanism in order to realize power saving. Therefore, it is intended to realize low power consumption and improved recovery time.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) image signal is a reveal image sheet - first control means (200) which controls the sequence control of the image forming process to fixing processing by the fixing means including the recorded fixing heater on preparative, power saving standby condition is satisfied The operating voltage (+ 5V, + 24V) to the image forming process element of the first control means and its controlled object is cut off when the first control means and its controlled object are imaged. applying an operating voltage to the process elements, the main power switch is between on constantly operating voltage (+ 5VE) is turned off is applied when the second control means said operating voltage Ru is blocked (225), and said main power supply switch in an image forming apparatus including but when constantly operating voltage during the on (+ 5VE) is turned off is applied said operating voltage is interrupted, the memory the first control means to read and write information (223), a
The second control means (225) powers the energy saving signal (228) to the first control means (200) in response to application of the operating voltage (+ 5VE) by switching the main power switch from OFF to ON. The first control means (200) initializes the memory (223) as soon as the operating voltage (+ 5V) is added thereto and the energy saving signal indicates power-on activation . However, the image forming apparatus returns to the state stored in the memory (223) when it does not indicate power-on activation .
[0008]
In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, the symbol or corresponding matter of the corresponding element of the Example which is shown in drawing and mentioned later in parentheses is added for reference.
[0009]
In initialization by on the loose main power switch said (power on reset), the state information is initialized and sets the state information in accordance with the newly detected state. Therefore, the continuity of state information is impaired. In the present invention, the first control means (200) of the image forming apparatus is turned off to save power, and the operating voltage is applied when the return condition is satisfied. In response to this application, the first control means (200) performs initialization (power-on reset), but the memory (223) from which the first control means (200) reads and writes information is not initialized. Since the return operation is determined according to the information, the continuity of the state information is maintained when returning from the power saving mode, and the first control means (200) immediately before switching to the power saving mode. state and start the continuity high control, continuity of control is also impaired, such it has.
[0010]
The operation voltage (+ 5V) is applied to the first control means (200) of the image forming apparatus by the second control means (225) to which the operation voltage (+ 5VE) is applied from the power saving mode. Not only when the application of the operating voltage (+ 5V) to the first control means (200) is started for recovery, but also the main power switch of the image forming system is turned on from the off state, and the first control means (200 ) And the second control means (225), when the operating voltage is applied substantially simultaneously.
[0011]
In this case, the information in the memory (223) is, although the main power switch is missing reliability by being off (stopping the operating voltage of the memory refresh), first control means (200), first 2. When the energy saving signal (228) given by the control means (225) is due to the main power switch being turned on, the memory (223) etc. is initialized (so-called initialization immediately after the power is turned on), so that the initial state Control can be started from When representing the return from OFF for power saving, the first control means (200) starts control with high continuity with the state immediately before the power saving standby according to the state information of the memory (223). Can do.
[0012]
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
【Example】
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an image forming apparatus in which an external access controller is incorporated in a digital copying machine. As shown in the figure, the digital copying machine includes a laser printer PRR, a document scanner SCR equipped with an automatic document feeder [ADF], an operation board OPB having a surface display, a stapler and a shift tray. The finisher FIR, the double-side reversing unit USR, the standard paper feed trays ST1 and ST2, the extended paper feed tray OPT, and the large capacity paper feed tray LCT. The laser printer PRR has a first paper discharge route PR1 for discharging a sheet (recording paper) on which an image is formed on the paper discharge tray surface of the paper conveyance unit PTR, and a paper conveyance unit PTR. There is a second paper discharge route PR2 for discharging to the finisher FIR, and it is possible to select and set to which route the paper is discharged according to the operation mode. Standard operating modes include copy mode, personal computer output mode, personal computer input mode, facsimile transmission mode, and facsimile reception mode.
[0014]
FIG. 2 shows an electrical system configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. The control body of the document reading and image forming process control unit is composed of one MPU 200 and one CPU 201. The MPU 200 controls the image forming sequence, fixing control and image forming process elements, and the CPU 201 controls the original image. The image reading-related control is performed. The MPU 200 and the CPU 201 are connected by an image data bus and a serial interface (RS232C).
[0015]
In FIG. 2, 204 is an I / O control board, 205 is a scanner control board, 206 is a main control board, 207 is an LD control board, 208 is a paper feed control board, and 209 is a reading control board on which a CCD is mounted. . SY C, the external access control an application extension unit for implementing multiple functions - a la, 210 is a motherboard. Reference numeral 211 denotes an FCU (facsimile control unit) equipped with a FAX function, and reference numeral 212 denotes a printer application board, that is, a printer controller, for controlling the combined operation mode of the printer function and copying, FAX, and printer. As peripheral devices, reference numeral 215 denotes an electric circuit board of the duplex unit USR, and 216 denotes a paper feed bank.
[0016]
FIG. 3 shows an outline of the configuration of the main control board 206 that controls the image forming process and the printer controller 210. The main control board 206 includes an MPU 200, a CPU peripheral ASIC 221, a program storage flash ROM 222, a state storage and work SRAM 223, an image processing ASIC 220, and an ASIC 224 having an interface with a printer controller and an image data compression / decompression function. It is installed. The portions that are shaded in each block, that is, the SRAM 223 and ASIC 224 on the main control board 206, and the printer controller 212 are all activated even in the power saving mode. .
[0017]
FIG. 4 shows a fixing temperature control system formed by the MPU 200 and the fixing heater electric circuit. The MPU 200 digitally converts and reads the temperature detection signal of the thermistor TH that detects the temperature of the surface of the fixing roller, and turns the AC input fixing heater trigger signal ON / OFF compared with a threshold value. The trigger signal turns on the triac TR on the primary side via the photocoupler PC in order to insulate it from the input primary side. On the other hand, a zero-cross detection circuit for detecting the zero-cross point of the AC input waveform is provided, and the MPU 200 is interrupted (INT1) by the zero-cross signal. The ON duty of the fixing heater is determined by the time from this zero cross point. Although not shown, a pulse transformer can be used instead of the photocoupler PC. If the temperature does not rise even if the fixing heater is kept on due to thermistor disconnection or the like, the MPU 200 stops outputting the trigger signal. Further, the AC input relay RA is turned OFF.
[0018]
FIG. 5 shows a system control main routine of the MPU 225 of the printer controller 212 that performs system control of the image forming system. It should be noted that items related to power saving mode control, which is the gist of the present invention, are mainly shown, and other processes are omitted. First, when the main power switch of the digital copying machine of FIG. 1 is turned on by a user and an operating voltage is applied to the printer controller 212 and the main control board 206, initialization processing immediately after power-on (power-on reset) Thus, after the MPU 225 starts booting, the MPU 225 first initializes the inside and the periphery of the MPU 225 and an interface with the control unit for sequence control. Thereafter, the energy saving port to which the energy saving signal line 228 is connected is set to H (step S1). This H means power-on activation, and L means activation (going back and forth) from the power saving mode. The MPU 200 can determine from the signal level of the energy saving signal line 228 immediately after activation (power on to it) whether it is activated by turning on the main power switch or from the power saving mode.
[0019]
Next, the + 24V and + 5V power supplies of the normal power supply are turned on (step S2). As a result, the power source of the sequence control MPU 200 is turned on. Then, after performing the normal process (step S3), when the standby state continues for a preset time, the mode shifts to the power saving mode (steps S4 to S7). At this time, the normal power supplies + 24V and + 5V are turned off (step S5), and the energy saving output port is set to L (step S6). Thereby, the power source of the MPU 200 for sequence control is turned off.
[0020]
Note that the MPU 225 for system control uses + 5VE, which is not turned off even in the power saving mode, and therefore remains activated. The power saving mode is continued until an operation as a return condition from the power saving mode by the operation unit OPB or the like occurs (steps S7 and S8). When return conditions such as operation of the operator on the operation board OPB and communication from the outside to the printer controller 212 are established, the + 24V and + 5V power supplies of the normal power supply are turned on (steps S8 and S9). . Thereafter, normal operation is performed (step S3).
[0021]
FIG. 6 shows a main routine of image forming process control of the MPU 200 on the sequence control side. It should be noted that items related to the power saving mode control, which is the gist of the present invention, are mainly shown, and other processes are omitted. When the voltage of the operating voltage + 5V is applied, the MPU 200 performs initialization (step S11). When the initialization of the MPU 200 and peripheral circuits is completed, the MPU 200 checks the signal level of the energy saving signal line (energy saving port) (S12). If it is L at this time, since it is the return from the power saving mode, the previous state stored in advance from the RAM 223, such as an abnormal state, is read (step S15). If it is determined that there is an abnormality at this time, an abnormality is issued to the controller 212, that is, the system control MPU 225, and stopped (steps S16 and S22).
[0022]
If no abnormality is confirmed, normal fixing heater control and other controls are performed (steps S17 and S18). Thereafter, when any abnormality is detected, an abnormal state is written in the RAM 223, and the fixing heater is turned off and stopped (steps S19, S20, S21, S22). If there is no abnormality, the normal operation is repeated (S17 to S19).
[0023]
When the state of the energy saving port is H, power-on activation (power-on by turning on the main power switch) is performed, so the data in the RAM 223 may be lost during the previous main power switch-off. Therefore, initialization is necessary (step S13). After that, necessary information is obtained from the MPU 225 of the controller 212, and the image forming process control system is initialized (step S14). Thereafter, fixing heater control and other controls are performed (steps S17 to S19). In this case, compared with the start-up from the power saving mode, it takes time for internal initialization, so that the start-up of the fixing heater is delayed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical system configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing an outline of electrical elements of a main control board 206 and a printer controller 212 shown in FIG.
4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system related to fixing temperature control of the MPU 200 shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing an outline of control operations related to energy saving mode control of the MPU 225 shown in FIG. 3;
6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the control operation of the MPU 200 shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
PRR: Laser printer SCR: Document scanner OPB: Operation board FIR: Finisher USR: Duplex reversing unit ST1, ST2: Standard tray OPT: Extended paper feed tray LCT: Large capacity paper feed tray PTR: Paper transport unit PR1: First discharge route PR2: Second discharge route SYS: External access controller 211: Facsimile control unit RA: Relay TH: Thermistor TR: Triac PC: Photocoupler

Claims (1)

Image signal to reveal the image - first control means which controls the sequence control of the image forming process to fixing processing by the fixing means including the recorded fixing heater on bets, first control when the power saving standby condition is satisfied cut off the operating voltage of the device and an image forming process elements of the controlled object, applying an operating voltage to the first control means and the image forming process elements of the control object when the activation condition is satisfied, the main power switch second control means for the constantly operating voltage during the oN is turned off is applied it said operating voltage Ru blocked, and, said operating voltage is cut off when the main power switch is always in the operating voltage between on turned off is applied , memory the first control means to read and write information, the image forming apparatus including,
The second control means represents power-on activation with an energy-saving signal to the first control means in response to application of an operating voltage by switching the main power switch from off to on, and the first control means includes: Immediately after the operating voltage is applied to it, the memory is initialized if the energy saving signal indicates power-on activation, but when it does not represent power-on activation, it returns to the state stored in the memory . An image forming apparatus .

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