JP4016974B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium.

  In image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and copiers, when image data is printed out, a toner image is developed on a photosensitive drum based on the image data, and the toner image is transferred onto a recording medium such as paper. Then, the image is formed on the recording medium by heating and pressing with a fixing device. Since heating of the fixing device requires a predetermined time, conventionally, several configurations have been considered in order to shorten the time from when the power is turned on to when an image can be formed. Here, as an example of a configuration for shortening the time until the image can be formed, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a configuration for shortening the time from turning on the power to the image forming ready state in the copying machine 200. Will be explained. FIG. 10 shows a control configuration of the copying machine 300. FIG. 11 shows a conventional image formation activation process executed in the copying machine 300.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the copier 300 converts an AC (alternating current) power supply 11, a main power switch 12 for turning on / off the AC power supply 11, and an AC power supply input from the AC power supply 11 to convert DC ( DC power supply unit 13 that outputs a DC power supply output as first and second DC power supply outputs, an AC drive unit 14 that drives fixing heating unit 21 with heating power, and a sub power switch as a power switch in an operation panel or the like 15, a power control unit 16 B that controls the second DC power output output from the DC power supply unit 13, an overall control unit 17 C that controls image page creation, etc., and a control of a fixing system and a paper transport system (not shown) On the recording medium on which the toner image is transferred by a photoconductive drum (not shown), an engine control unit 18 for performing the above, a main relay 19 for switching the supply of power to the AC drive unit 14 A fixing roller 20 that heats and pressurizes, a fixing heating unit 21 that includes an induction heating coil for heating the fixing roller 20, a motor that rotates the fixing roller 20, and a motor 22 that rotates the fixing roller 20. And a temperature sensor 23 for detecting the temperature of the fixing roller 20.

  In FIG. 10, it is assumed that means relating to paper conveyance, means relating to image formation including a photosensitive drum, means relating to communication with an external device such as a personal computer, and image reading means for reading a document are omitted in the copying machine 300. . The fixing device includes a fixing roller 20, a fixing heating unit 21, a temperature sensor 23, a motor 22, and the like.

  Next, the operation of the copying machine 300 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, first, the AC power supply power output from the AC power supply 11 is converted by the power supply unit 13 triggered by the main power switch 12 being turned on, and the first DC power is supplied to the power supply control unit 16B. It is output as a DC power supply output (step S71). Then, the power controller 16B is activated by the first DC power output (step S72). Then, it is determined whether or not the sub power switch 15 is turned on by the operator (step S73).

  When the sub power switch 15 is not turned on (step S73; NO), the process proceeds to step S73. When the sub power switch 15 is turned on (step S73; YES), an activation signal is output from the sub power switch 15 and input to the power control unit 16B. A power supply control signal is generated and output from the power supply control unit 16 </ b> B according to the input of the activation signal, and is input to the DC power supply unit 13. In response to the input of the power control signal, a second DC power output of DC is generated and output from the DC power supply unit 13 and input to the overall control unit 17C and the engine control unit 18 (step S74).

  Then, the overall control unit 17C is activated and executed by the input of the second DC power output (step S75A), and the engine control unit 18 is activated and executed by the input of the second DC power output in parallel with step S75A (step S75A). Step S75B). When execution of at least one of steps S75A and S75B is completed, initial communication is attempted between the overall control unit 17C and the engine control unit 18 (step S76). Then, it is determined whether or not initial communication has been established between the overall control unit 17C and the engine control unit 18 (step S77). In order to establish initial communication between the overall control unit 17C and the engine control unit 18, it is necessary that both the overall control unit 17C and the engine control unit 18 have been activated.

  When the initial communication is not established (step S77; NO), the process proceeds to step S76. When the initial communication is established (step S77; YES), the main relay 19 is turned on, AC power supplied from the AC power supply 11 is input to the AC drive unit 14, and a control signal is output from the engine control unit 18. Generated and output, and input to the AC drive unit 14 and the motor 22. In response to the input of AC power and control signals, AC heating power is output from the AC drive unit 14 and input to the fixing heating unit 21, and the fixing roller 20 is heated and warmed up (step S78).

  After the initial communication is established, the overall control unit 17C generates a power control command and inputs it to the power control unit 16B. Based on the power control command, a power control signal is generated and output by the power control unit 16 </ b> B and input to the DC power supply unit 13. Then, preliminary operations such as preliminary rotation correction of the fixing roller 20 by the motor 22 to which the control signal is input and preliminary control of each part by the overall control unit 17C and the engine control unit 18 are executed (step S79), and conventional image formation is performed. The startup process is terminated.

  In this way, the start-up of the overall control unit 17C in step S75A and the start-up of the engine control unit 18 in step S75B are performed in parallel, so that the start-up image can be compared with the configuration in which both start-ups are executed in series. The time until the formation becomes possible can be shortened.

  A configuration is also considered in which the energy saving mode is once activated before the overall control unit and the engine control unit are activated after the power is turned on. Specifically, after the main power switch is turned on, the power control means of the main relay that energizes the fixing device is activated first, the main relay is turned on by the activated power control means, and the fixing device is heated to a predetermined temperature. The energy saving mode in which low power is supplied to the fixing device is executed. Next, the overall control unit and the engine control unit are automatically activated to perform initial communication, and the activated engine control unit performs various processes such as heating of the fixing device and correction of preliminary rotation of the fixing roller. . Since the fixing device is heated in advance before starting the overall control unit and the engine control unit, the time from when the power is turned on to when an image can be formed is shortened (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Similar to the configuration of the energy saving mode described above, there is also a configuration in which the energy saving mode is once activated after the power is turned on, and the overall control unit and the engine control unit are activated when an operation for canceling the energy saving mode is input. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
JP 2000-214734 A JP 2001-22234 A

  However, in recent years, the system of the image forming apparatus has become larger and more multifunctional, and the program read out by the overall control unit has become more complicated. The load time of the program is long, and it takes time to start up the overall control unit. Tend to take. For this reason, in the configuration of the copying machine 300 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the time required to complete the activation of the overall control unit 17C in step S75A of the conventional image formation activation process is the completion of the activation of the engine control unit 18 in step S75B. There was a possibility that it would be longer than the time required for. That is, although the engine control unit 18 has completed startup and the fixing device can be heated, it has been necessary to wait for the startup of the overall control unit 17C.

  In the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the fixing device is heated in advance with low power, the heating completion time can be shortened to a temperature required for image formation by the fixing device. Since the heating and preliminary operation of the apparatus are in series, similar to the configuration of the copying machine 300, after the start-up of the general control unit and the engine control unit and the initial communication are completed, the fixing of the fixing device by the engine control unit is completed. There was a problem that the start of preliminary operations such as heating and preliminary rotation correction would be delayed.

  In particular, in recent years, instead of a halogen heater having a long heating time up to a predetermined temperature, an electromagnetic induction heating (IH) heater having a short heating time has come to be used as a fixing heating portion of the fixing device. For this reason, as a factor that contributes to an increase in the time from when the power is turned on to when an image can be formed, the proportion of the increase in the startup time of the overall control unit is greater than the long heating time of the fixing unit. Yes.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to reduce the time from when power is turned on to when an image can be formed in an image forming apparatus by reducing the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit.

In order to solve the above problems, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium.
A main power switch for switching the AC power source from off to on;
A DC power supply unit that converts the AC power supplied from the AC power supply into a DC and outputs the power;
An overall control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus;
An engine control unit that performs predetermined control of the control of the image forming apparatus;
A first power control unit included in or managed by the overall control unit;
A second power control unit having a shorter startup time than the first power control unit ,
The DC power supply unit inputs the first DC power supply output to the first power supply control unit and the second power supply control unit when the main power switch is turned on, and the first power supply control unit And starting the second power supply control unit,
The second power supply control unit generates a power supply control signal and inputs it to the DC power supply unit before the start of the first power supply control unit is completed.
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a power supply control signal input from the second power supply control unit, inputs the generated DC power supply to the overall control unit and the engine control unit, and starts up the system.
The overall control unit is activated by a second DC power supply output input from the DC power supply unit after completion of activation of the first power supply control unit,
After initial communication is established between the overall control unit and the engine control unit, a power control command output from the first power control unit is input to the second power control unit, and the power control The power supply control of the DC power supply unit is performed by inputting a power supply control signal output from the second power supply control unit to the DC power supply unit based on a command .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The DC power supply unit may start the first power supply control unit and the second power supply control unit in parallel when the main power switch is turned on.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
A fixing device for fixing toner on a recording medium;
A startup time shorter than the engine control unit, and a fixing heating sub-control unit for controlling the heating of the fixing device,
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a power supply control signal input from the second power supply control unit, and the overall control unit, the engine control unit, and the fixing heating sub-control unit. Start by typing
The fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power supply before the start of the engine control unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect,
The fixing heating sub-control unit performs temperature control until the start of the engine control unit so as to maintain the predetermined temperature when the fixing device reaches a predetermined temperature before the start of the engine control unit is completed. ,
If the predetermined temperature is not reached when the engine control unit is started, the engine control unit heats the fixing device after the start is completed.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
A fixing permission signal generating unit for generating a fixing permission signal for permitting preliminary heating of the fixing device;
The DC power supply unit inputs a first DC power supply output to the first power supply control unit, the second power supply control unit, and the fixing permission signal generation unit when the main power switch is turned on. Start
The fixing permission signal generation unit generates a fixing permission signal when the fixing device can be preheated after the start-up is completed,
The fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device based on the generated fixing permission signal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
A starting means for switching the DC power output from off to on;
The second power supply control unit controls a second DC power supply output output from the DC power supply unit when the activation unit is turned on.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
The second power supply control unit is integrally included in the engine control unit.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The startup time of the second power supply control unit is 1 second or less.

The invention according to claim 9 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium.
A main power switch for switching the AC power source from off to on;
A DC power supply unit that DC converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply;
A power supply control unit that controls a DC power supply output from the DC power supply unit;
An overall control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus;
An engine control unit that performs predetermined control of the control of the image forming apparatus;
A fixing device for fixing the toner to the recording medium,
The DC power supply unit is activated by inputting a first DC power supply output to the power supply control unit when the main power switch is turned on,
The power supply control unit generates a first power supply control signal and inputs the first power supply control signal to the DC power supply unit.
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a first power supply control signal input from the power supply control unit, and inputs the second DC power supply output to the overall control unit and the engine control unit to perform the overall control. Start the engine and the engine control unit,
The power supply control unit generates a second power supply control signal after the start of the engine control unit is completed, and inputs the second power supply control signal to the DC power supply unit.
The DC power supply unit generates a third DC power supply output based on the second power supply control signal input from the power supply control unit,
The engine control unit that has completed the activation heats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power source, and does not require completion of activation of the overall control unit with the generated third DC power output. It is characterized by controlling execution of the operation.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect,
The DC power supply unit starts the activation of the overall control unit and the engine control unit in parallel.

The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein
A start-up time is shorter than that of the engine control unit, and a fixing heating sub-control unit that controls heating of the fixing device is provided.
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a first power supply control signal input from the power supply control unit, and the overall control unit, the engine control unit, and the fixing heating sub-control unit. Start by typing
The fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power supply before the start of the engine control unit.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect,
The fixing heating sub-control unit performs temperature control until the start of the engine control unit so as to maintain the predetermined temperature when the fixing device reaches a predetermined temperature before the start of the engine control unit is completed. ,
If the predetermined temperature has not been reached at the completion of startup of the engine control unit,
The engine control unit heats the fixing device after the start-up is completed.

The invention described in claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12,
A fixing permission signal generating unit for generating a fixing permission signal for permitting preliminary heating of the fixing device;
The DC power supply unit is activated by inputting a first DC power supply output to the power supply control unit and the fixing permission signal generation unit when the main power switch is turned on,
The fixing permission signal generation unit generates a fixing permission signal when the fixing device can be preheated after the start-up is completed,
The fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device based on the generated fixing permission signal.

The invention according to claim 14 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium.
A main power switch for switching the AC power source from off to on;
A DC power supply unit that DC converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply;
An overall control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus;
An engine control unit that performs predetermined control of the control of the image forming apparatus;
A fixing device for fixing the toner to the recording medium,
When the main power switch is turned on, the DC power supply unit generates a DC power output and inputs it to the overall control unit and the engine control unit to start up,
The engine control unit that has completed the activation heats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power source, and performs a preliminary operation that does not require completion of activation of the overall control unit with the generated DC power output Control
At least one of the heating time of the fixing device by the engine control unit and the execution time of the preparatory operation that does not require completion of the start of the overall control unit overlaps the startup time of the overall control unit. And

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects,
A starting means for switching the DC power output from off to on;
The power supply control unit controls a second DC power supply output output from the DC power supply unit when the activation unit is turned on.

The invention according to claim 16 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15 ,
A photosensitive drum that forms a toner image; a developing unit that stores a developer containing toner; a polygon motor that scans and irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light; a charging unit that charges the photosensitive drum; A first electrode; a transfer means for transferring a toner image; and a second electrode; a separation means for separating the transfer paper from the photosensitive drum; and a third electrode; a storage means for storing the transfer paper; And at least one of image reading means for reading an image from a document,
Preliminary operations that do not require completion of activation of the overall control unit include heating temperature adjustment in the fixing unit and preliminary rotation operation of the fixing roller, toner density correction in the developing unit, rotation of the polygon motor, and the first operation. Cleaning the second electrode, cleaning the second electrode, cleaning the third electrode, cooling the image forming apparatus, returning the home position of the image reading means, and returning the home position of the storage means. , And at least one of them.

The invention according to claim 17 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3, 4 and 9 to 16 ,
The fixing device is heated by electromagnetic induction.

The invention according to claim 18 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 15, wherein
The activation time from when the main power switch or the activation means is turned on until an image can be formed is 30 seconds or less.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the main power switch is turned on, the first power supply control unit and the second power supply control unit start to be activated, and the second power supply control unit that has completed the activation is Since the overall control unit and the engine control unit are activated by the second DC power supply output via the DC power supply unit, and the overall control unit starts activation by the second DC power supply output after the activation of the first power supply control unit is completed. When the first power supply control unit is not activated and the second power supply control unit is activated, the engine control unit is activated earlier than the overall control unit, and the activation time of the overall control unit is started. Can be reduced, and the time from when the power is turned on to when the image can be formed can be shortened.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the main power switch is turned on, the first power control unit and the second power control unit are started in parallel, so the second power control unit The engine control unit can be started more quickly than the overall control unit, reducing the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit, and reducing the time from turning on the power to enabling image formation. can do.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the fixing device is preheated by the fixing heating sub-control unit when the engine control unit is not started up and the fixing heating sub-control unit is started up. The heating start of the apparatus can be accelerated, the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit and the engine control unit can be reduced, and the time from when the power is turned on until the image can be formed can be shortened.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the fixing heater reaches a predetermined temperature before the start of the engine control unit is completed, the fixing heating sub-control unit controls the engine control unit so as to maintain the predetermined temperature. If the temperature control is performed until the start-up is completed and the predetermined temperature is not reached when the engine control unit is started, the engine control unit heats the fixing unit after the start-up is completed, so that the fixing unit can be heated more safely.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the fixing device is preheated based on the fixing permission signal from the fixing permission signal generation section by the fixing heating sub-control section, the preheating can be performed safely.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the activation unit is turned on, the second power source control unit generates and controls the second DC power source output output from the DC power source unit. It is possible to reduce power consumption when the power is off.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the second power supply control unit can be integrally included in the engine control unit.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the startup time of the second power control unit is 1 second or less, the time from when the power is turned on to when the image can be formed can be further shortened.

  According to the invention described in claim 9, when the main power switch is turned on, the power supply control unit is activated, and the activated power supply control unit starts activation of the overall control unit and the engine control unit, and the engine has been activated. Since the control unit controls the energization to the fixing unit and also controls the execution of the preliminary operation that does not require completion of the start of the overall control unit, the heating of the fixing unit and the overall control unit are performed earlier than the completion of the start of the overall control unit. Therefore, it is possible to execute a preliminary operation that does not require completion of activation, reduce the influence of the activation time of the overall control unit, and shorten the time from when the power is turned on to when an image can be formed.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, since the start of the overall control unit and the engine control unit is started in parallel, the engine control unit can be started earlier, and the influence of the start time of the overall control unit is reduced. The time from when the power is turned on until the image can be formed can be further shortened.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the fixing device is preheated by the fixing heating sub-control unit when the engine control unit is not started up and the fixing heating sub-control unit is started up. The heating start of the apparatus can be accelerated, the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit and the engine control unit can be reduced, and the time from when the power is turned on until the image can be formed can be shortened.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the fixing heating sub-control unit reaches a predetermined temperature before the engine control unit is completely started, the engine control unit is started so as to maintain the predetermined temperature. The temperature is controlled until completion, and when the engine control unit has not started up, the engine control unit heats the fuser after the start-up is completed, so the engine control unit heats the fuser safely. it can.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device based on the fixing permission signal from the fixing permission signal generation unit, the preheating can be performed safely.

  According to the invention described in claim 14, at least one of the heating time of the fixing device by the engine control unit and the execution time of the preliminary operation that does not require completion of the start of the overall control unit, and the startup time of the overall control unit, Since at least partly overlaps, before the start of the overall control unit, at least one of heating of the fixing device and a preliminary operation that does not require completion of the start of the overall control unit is started, and the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit Thus, the time from when the power is turned on to when the image can be formed can be shortened.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the activation means is turned on, the power supply control unit generates and controls the second DC power supply output output from the DC power supply unit. Power consumption can be reduced.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the preliminary operation that does not require completion of the start of the overall control unit includes the heating temperature adjustment in the fixing device and the preliminary rotation operation of the fixing roller, the correction of the toner density in the developing device, and the polygon motor. Rotation, cleaning of the first electrode of the charging unit, cleaning of the second electrode of the transfer unit, cleaning of the third electrode of the separating unit, cooling in the image forming apparatus, and home of the image reading unit It can be configured as at least one of position return and home position return of the storage means.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, since the fixing device is heated by electromagnetic induction, the heating time of the fixing device is short, and the rate of shortening the time from when the power is turned on to when the image can be formed is increased. Can do.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the activation time from when the main power switch or the activation means is turned on to when the image formation is possible to 30 seconds or less.

  Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described in order with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the features of the apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a control configuration of the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of the copying machine 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a copying machine 100 as an image forming apparatus includes an AC power source 11, a main power switch 12, a DC power source unit 13, an AC driving unit 14, a sub power switch 15, and a second power source. A control unit 16A, an overall control unit 17A, an engine control unit 18, a main relay 19, a fixing roller 20, a fixing heating unit 21, a motor 22, a temperature sensor 23, and an abnormality detection unit 24 are provided. Configured. The overall control unit 17A includes a first power supply control unit 171.

  The AC power supply 11 supplies AC power supply power. The main power switch 12 turns on / off the energization of AC power from the AC power supply 11 to the DC power supply unit 13 by the operation of the operator. The DC power supply unit 13 converts the AC power supply input from the AC power supply 11 and uses the DC power supply output as the first DC power supply output to the first power supply control unit 171 and the second power supply control unit 16A. Output. Further, the DC power supply unit 13 generates an appropriate DC power supply output as a second DC power supply output based on the power supply control signal input from the second power supply control unit 16A, and outputs it to the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18. To do. In addition, the DC power supply unit 13 generates an appropriate DC power supply output as a third DC power supply output by the power supply control signal input from the second power supply control unit 16A and outputs it to the motor 22 or the like.

  The AC drive unit 14 generates heating power for driving the fixing heating unit 21 based on the control signal input from the engine control unit 18 and the AC power supply power input from the AC power source 11, and outputs the generated heating power to the fixing heating unit 21. The sub power switch 15 is a power switch on an operation panel or the like, and outputs an activation signal to the first power control unit 171 and the second power control unit 16A when turned on by an operator's operation. When the main power switch 12 is turned on and the sub power switch 15 is further turned on, the copying machine 100 is started to an image formable state.

  The second power supply control unit 16A is a power supply control unit that is operated before the overall control unit 17A is activated. The second power control unit 16A includes a start signal input from the sub power switch 15, a detection signal input from the abnormality detection unit 24, a power control signal input from the first power control unit 171, A power supply control signal is generated based on the set predetermined setting condition and the like, and is output to the DC power supply unit 13. The second and third DC power outputs output from the DC power supply unit 13 are controlled by the power control signal output from the second power control unit 16A.

  The overall control unit 17A receives the second DC power supply output from the DC power supply unit 13, and performs overall operations such as image page creation for image formation, page management thereof, and communication management with an external device (not shown). The overall control unit 17 </ b> A communicates with the engine control unit 18 and manages various controls in the engine control unit 18. The first power supply control unit 171 receives the first DC power supply output from the DC power supply unit 13, generates and outputs a power supply control command based on the activation signal input from the sub power supply switch 15, and the like. To the power control unit 16A.

  The engine control unit 18 performs on / off control of the main relay 19 and control of a fixing device and a paper conveyance system (not shown). Further, the engine control unit 17B performs control based on the temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor 23, the detection signal input from the abnormality detection unit 24, and the second DC power output input from the DC power supply unit 13. A signal is generated and output to the AC drive unit 14 and the motor 22.

  The overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 perform control by reading and executing various control programs from a memory (not shown). The program for performing the overall control is large. In particular, if the copying machine 100 has multiple functions, the program becomes complicated and large in capacity. For this reason, the activation time of the overall control unit 17A requires a long time of several seconds to several tens of seconds, for example. On the other hand, the engine control unit 18 has only a relatively simple configuration because it only targets control that does not take much time, such as driving the motor 22. For this reason, the startup time of the engine control unit 18 requires only a short time of 1 second or less, for example.

  The main relay 19 turns on / off the energization of the AC drive power input from the AC power supply 11 to the AC drive unit 14. The fixing roller 20 heats and pressurizes the recording medium on which an unfixed toner image is formed by a photoconductor drum 51 described later. The fixing heating unit 21 is configured by an electromagnetic induction heating coil, and outputs a magnetic flux based on the heating power input from the AC driving unit 14, and the magnetic flux is applied to a heating roller 20 </ b> A (described later) of the fixing roller 20 to generate a vortex. Heat by Joule loss of current. When a halogen heater is used as the fixing heating unit, it takes a long time such as 5 minutes for the heating time of the fixing roller 20 to a predetermined temperature. On the other hand, the heating time by the fixing heating unit 21 using the induction heating coil may be a short time of about 30 seconds, for example.

  The motor 22 receives the third DC power output from the DC power supply unit 13 and rotates the fixing roller 20. As a preliminary operation that does not require completion of the activation of the overall control unit 17A, there is preliminary rotation correction of the fixing roller 20 by the motor 22.

  The temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature of the fixing roller 20 and outputs a temperature detection signal to the engine control unit 18. The abnormality detection unit 24 detects various abnormalities such as whether the external cover (door) of the copying machine 100 is not interlocked (whether the cover is open) and a paper jam or the like, and detects the detected signal as an engine control unit. 18 and the second power control unit 16A. The abnormality detection unit 24 outputs the third DC power supply output to the motor 22 or the like when the third DC power supply output is input from the DC power supply unit 13 and is not interlocked and there are no various abnormalities.

  Here, the overall configuration of the copying machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The copying machine 100 includes an image reading unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, an image forming unit 50, and a fixing device 60. The image reading unit 30 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 31 and a scanner 32. The ADF 31 includes a document tray T1. The scanner 32 includes a platen glass 33, a scanning unit 34 having a light source 34A, a reflecting mirror, and the like, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 35.

  In the image reading unit 30, a document on which an image is recorded is placed on the platen glass 33, the scanning unit 34 (light source 34A) is moved so as to scan the document, and the light emitted from the light source 34A is used as the document. The analog image signal corresponding to the image of the original is read from the reflected light by photoelectric conversion of the CCD 35, and the analog image signal is subjected to image processing in a reading processing unit (not shown) to obtain digital image data. The In the image reading unit 30, the ADF 31 can automatically convey the document O set on the document tray T <b> 1 onto the platen glass 33. The scanning unit 34 may include a CCD image sensor 35, and the CCD 35 may also move during scanning.

  The paper feed unit 40 includes paper feed trays 41 and 42 that feed recording paper (transfer paper) as recording media of different sizes and types. One or three or more paper feed trays may be provided. The copier 100 also includes a manual feed tray T2 for a user to manually supply recording paper.

  The image forming unit 50 is a laser type image forming unit, and forms image data on recording paper. The image forming unit 50 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a cleaner 52, a charging unit 53, an exposure unit 54, a developing device 55, and a transfer unit 56. The transfer unit 56 includes a transfer unit and a separation unit.

  The fixing device 60 includes, as the fixing roller 20, a heating roller 20A as a heating member that heats the recording paper, and a pressure roller 20B as a pressure member that presses the recording paper. The heating roller 20A and the pressure roller 20B are pressed to form a nip portion. A fixing heating unit 21 that is an induction coil is provided in the heating roller 20A. The fixing heating unit (induction heating coil) 21 generates a magnetic flux by supplying power, the magnetic flux hits the heating roller 20A, and the heating roller 20A generates heat due to Joule loss of eddy current generated on the surface thereof.

  In the case of printing an image, first, the recording paper P is supplied from the paper feed trays 41 and 42 to the photosensitive drum 51 via the transport path R1 or the manual feed tray under the control of the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18. The recording paper P is supplied from T2 to the photosensitive drum 51 via the transport path R2. Then, in the image forming unit 50, the photosensitive drum 51 is rotated, the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is charged by the charging unit 53, and the exposure unit 54 emits laser light to statically correspond to the image data to be printed. An electrostatic latent image is formed, and a toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image by a developing device 55 that stores a developer containing toner to form a toner image. Then, the toner image is transferred to the recording paper P by the transfer unit of the transfer unit 56, and the recording paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 51 by the separation unit of the transfer unit 56. Further, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 51 is removed by the cleaner 52.

  The recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 60 via the conveyance path R3, and the toner image on the recording paper is heated and pressed by the fixing device 60 to form an image. Specifically, the recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is heated when passing through the nip portion between the heating roller 20A rotated by the motor 22 and heated by the fixing heating unit 21 and the pressure roller 20B. Pressurized and unfixed toner images are fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper P on which an image has been formed is transported to the paper discharge tray T3 via the transport path R4 and discharged. In the case of double-sided printing, the recording paper P printed on one side is sent to the reverse path R5 by the separator 71, the front and back are reversed by the reversing unit 72, and re-conveyed to the photosensitive drum 51, and reversed. An image is formed on the subsequent surface.

  Further, the temperature of the fixing roller 20 (the heating roller 20A) is detected by the temperature sensor 23 under the control of the general control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18, and the fixing roller 20 is controlled to be kept at an appropriate temperature. In each of the transport paths R1 to R5, the recording paper is transported by transport rollers (not shown). In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it is assumed that means related to communication with an external device such as a personal computer are omitted in the copying machine 100.

  Next, the operation of the copying machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows the first image formation activation process. FIG. 4 shows a timing chart in the first image formation activation process. Moreover, the code | symbol of the corresponding step was attached | subjected to the timing chart of FIG.

  In the copying machine 100, the first image forming activation process starts up the general control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 by turning on the main power switch 12 and the sub power switch 15, and performs various preliminary operations. This is a process that is activated to enable an image forming operation.

  The various preliminary operations include a preliminary operation that does not require completion of activation of the overall control unit 17A and a preliminary operation that requires completion of activation of the overall control unit 17A. Preliminary operations that do not require completion of activation of the overall control unit 17A include preliminary rotation correction of the fixing roller 20 by the motor 22 by the engine control unit 18 and adjustment of the heating temperature of the fixing roller 20 using the temperature detection signal of the temperature sensor 23. A toner density correction operation in the developing unit 55, rotation of a polygon motor (not shown) that scans and irradiates the photosensitive drum 51 with laser light in the exposure unit 54, and cleaning of the electrodes of the charging unit 53 by a cleaning unit (not shown). Cleaning of the electrode of the transfer unit of the transfer unit 56 by a cleaning unit (not shown), cleaning of the electrode of the separation unit of the transfer unit 56 by a cleaning unit (not shown), and cooling of the copying machine 100 by a fan or the like as a cooling unit (not shown). The return of the home position of the scanning unit 34 of the image reading unit 30 and the paper feed tray as a storage means for storing the recording paper P. And the home position return of Yi 41 and 42, and the like. In addition, a third DC power source, which will be described later, is input to each unit that performs a preliminary operation that does not require completion of activation of the overall control unit 17A, and the preliminary operation is performed.

  Preliminary operations that require completion of activation of the overall control unit 17A include detection and correction of toner density accompanying image formation on the photosensitive drum 51 by the overall control unit 17A, shading correction of the CCD 35 of the image reading unit 30, and the like. Is mentioned.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the copying machine 100, the first image formation activation process is executed when the main power switch 12 is turned on as a trigger. First, the AC power supply output from the AC power supply 11 is converted by the DC power supply unit 13 and output as the first DC power supply output to the first power supply control unit 171 and the second power supply control unit 16A (step S11). ). Then, a part of the overall control unit 17A including the first power supply control unit 171 and the second power supply control unit 16A are activated by the first DC power supply output (step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the sub power switch 15 is turned on by the operator (step S13).

  When the sub power switch 15 is not turned on (step S13; NO), the process proceeds to step S13. When the sub power switch 15 is turned on (step S13; YES), an activation signal is output from the sub power switch 15 and input to the first power control unit 171 and the second power control unit 16A. A power supply control signal based on a predetermined setting condition set in advance from the second power supply control unit 16 </ b> A is generated and output by the input of the activation signal, and is input to the DC power supply unit 13. In response to the input of the power supply control signal, a DC second DC power supply output is generated and output from the DC power supply unit 13 and is input to the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 (step S14). In step S14, communication between the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 is not established, and the status information of the engine control unit 18 cannot be acquired on the overall control unit 17A side. Then, power control of the DC power supply unit 13 is not performed.

  Then, by the input of the second DC power supply output, the rest of the overall control unit 17A other than the part of the overall control unit 17A including the first power supply control unit 171 is activated and executed (step S15A), and in parallel with step S15A. Thus, the engine control unit 18 is activated and executed by the input of the second DC power supply output (step S15B). When execution of at least one of steps S15A and S15B is completed, initial communication is attempted between the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 (step S16). Normally, as shown in FIG. 4, the time required for completing the start of the engine control unit 18 in step S15B is shorter than the time required for completing the remaining start of the overall control unit 17A in step S15A.

  Then, it is determined whether or not initial communication has been established between the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 (step S17). In order to establish initial communication between the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18, it is necessary that both the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 have been activated. If the initial communication has not been established (step S17; NO), the process proceeds to step S16.

  On the other hand, upon completion of the start of the engine control unit 18 in step S15B, the engine control unit 18 causes the abnormality detection unit 24 to have the cover of the copier 100 in an interlock state and no other abnormality such as a paper jam. Is detected (step S18). If it is not detected that there is no abnormality (step S18; NO), any abnormality is detected, and the operator waits until the interlock state in which the cover is closed or waits for recovery from the abnormality (step S19). ), The process proceeds to step S18. In steps S18 and S19, the abnormality detection unit 24 generates a detection signal indicating that there is no abnormality or has an abnormality, and outputs the detection signal to the engine control unit 18 and the second power supply control unit 16A.

  When it is detected that there are no abnormalities (step S18; YES), the second power supply control unit 16A generates and generates a power supply control signal based on the detection signal indicating that there is no abnormality input from the abnormality detection unit 24. Is output and input to the DC power supply unit 13. Then, based on the power control signal input from the second power control unit 16A, the DC power unit 13 generates a third DC power output and inputs it to the motor 22 and the like (step S20). Further, the main relay 19 is turned on by the engine control unit 18, and AC power supply power output from the AC power supply 11 is input to the AC drive unit 14, and a control signal is output from the engine control unit 18 to output the AC drive unit. 14 and the motor 22 and the like. The AC heating power is generated and output from the AC drive unit 14 and input to the fixing heating unit (induction coil) 21 by the input of the AC power source power and the control signal, and is input to the fixing heating unit 21 (the heating roller 20A of the fixing roller 20A). ) Is heated and warmed up (step S21).

  Then, the engine control unit 18 executes various preliminary operations that do not require completion of the start of the overall control unit 17A, such as preliminary rotation correction of the motor 22 to which the third DC power supply output and the control signal are input (step S22). ). When initial communication is established (step S17; YES), the overall control unit 17A performs various preliminary operations that require completion of activation of the overall control unit 17A (step S23), and the first image formation activation process ends. Is done.

  After the initial communication is established, the first power supply control unit 171 generates and outputs a power supply control command and inputs it to the power supply control unit 16A. Based on the power control command, the second power control unit 16 </ b> A generates and outputs a power control signal and inputs it to the DC power supply unit 13. For example, when the sub power switch 15 is turned off, the first power supply control unit 171 generates a shutdown command and inputs it to the second power supply control unit 16A, and the second power supply control unit 16A generates a shutdown control signal. And input to the DC power supply unit 13.

  When the main power switch 12 is turned on and the sub power switch 15 is turned off, the image forming standby mode is set. For example, only a part of the overall control unit 17A including the first power control unit 171 is set. It is configured to perform only control related to a standby state such as communication management with an external device. In this standby mode, the entire control unit 17A is not activated, and energization (heating) of the fixing device 60 is not performed, so that power saving is realized.

  In addition, after the execution of step S21, the temperature sensor 23 periodically detects the temperature of the fixing roller 20, and a temperature detection signal is input to the engine control unit 18. The engine control unit 18 adjusts the control signal input to the AC drive unit 14 based on the temperature detection signal, and the heating power output from the AC drive unit 14 and input to the fixing heating unit 21 is adjusted to fix the fixing roller. The surface temperature of 20 is kept at an appropriate temperature.

  According to the present embodiment, when the main power switch 12 is turned on, the second power control unit 16A is activated, and the activated second power control unit 16A activates the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18. The engine control unit 18 that has started and completed the startup controls energization to the fixing and heating unit 21 via the AC drive unit 14 and uses the third DC power output of the DC power supply unit 13 to control the entire control unit 17A. Since the execution of the preliminary operation that does not require the completion of the start-up is controlled, the energization (heating) of the fixing device 60 and the preliminary operation that does not require the completion of the start-up of the overall control unit 17A are executed earlier than the completion of the start-up of the overall control unit 17A. In addition, it is possible to reduce the influence of the activation time of the overall control unit 17A, and to shorten the time from when the power is turned on to when an image can be formed.

  Moreover, since the overall control unit 17A and the engine control unit 18 are started in parallel, the engine control unit 18 can be started up earlier, and the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit 17A can be reduced. It is possible to further shorten the time until the formation is possible.

  In other words, at least one of the heating time of the fixing device 60 by the engine control unit 18 and the execution time of the preparatory operation that does not require completion of the activation of the overall control unit 17A and the activation time of the overall control unit 17A are at least one. Therefore, before the start of the overall control unit 17A, at least one of heating of the fixing device 60 and a preliminary operation that does not require completion of the start of the overall control unit 17A is started, and the start time of the overall control unit 17A Can be reduced, and the time from when the power is turned on to when the image can be formed can be shortened.

  Further, when the sub power switch 15 is turned on, the second power control unit 16A generates and controls the second DC power output that is output from the DC power unit 13, and therefore, when the sub power switch 15 is turned off. Power consumption can be reduced.

  In addition, when the abnormality detection unit 24 does not detect an abnormality, the heating of the fixing roller 20 by the engine control unit 18 and the execution of the preliminary operation that does not require completion of the activation of the overall control unit 17A are controlled. An image can be formed.

  In addition, since the fixing roller 20 (the heating roller 20A) is heated by the electromagnetic induction method by the fixing heating unit (induction heating coil) 21, the heating time of the fixing device is short, and from when the power is turned on until the image can be formed. The rate of time reduction can be increased.

  Further, in accordance with Japanese law, the return time from the energy saving mode to the state where image formation is possible is defined as 30 seconds or less for energy saving measures, and it is preferable to implement an image forming apparatus that satisfies this condition. In the configuration of the present embodiment, since the influence of the activation time of the overall control unit 17A is reduced, the time from when the main power switch 12 or the sub power switch 15 is turned on to when the image can be formed can be easily set to 30 seconds. It can be:

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows the second image formation activation process. FIG. 7 shows a timing chart in the second image formation activation process. Moreover, the code | symbol of the corresponding step was attached | subjected to the timing chart of FIG.

  Since this embodiment has many parts in common with the first embodiment, the present embodiment will be described mainly with respect to parts different from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the copying machine 100 according to the first embodiment is used.

  Next, a second image formation activation process as an operation of the copying machine 100 will be described. The second image formation activation process is the same as the first image formation activation process, but a part of the overall control unit 17A including the first power supply control unit 171 and the second power supply control unit 16A are activated. This is a process in which the parts that start in parallel are different. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the copying machine 100, the second image formation activation process is executed with the main power switch 12 being turned on as a trigger.

  First, step S31 is executed. Step S31 is the same as step S11 of the first image formation activation process of FIG. Then, a part of the overall control unit 17A including the first power supply control unit 171 is activated and executed by the first DC power supply output (step S32A), and in parallel with step S32A, the first DC power supply output The second power supply control unit 16A is activated and executed (step S32B).

  Then, after the activation of the second power supply control unit 16A is completed, steps S33 and S34 are executed in order. Steps S33 and S34 are the same as steps S13 and S14 of the first image formation activation process. And after execution of step S34, the engine control part 18 is started and executed by the input of the second DC power supply output (step S35B). In addition, after the execution of step S34 and when a part of the overall control unit 17A including the first power supply control unit 171 is started up, the first power supply control unit is input by the input of the second DC power supply output. The rest of the overall control unit 17A other than the part including 171 is activated (step S35A). Normally, if the sub power switch 15 is quickly turned on, as shown in FIG. 6, the time required for completing the activation of a part of the overall control unit 17A including the first power control unit 171 in step S32A is exceeded. Since the time required for completing the activation of the second power control unit 16A in step S32B is shorter, step S35B is executed earlier than step S35A. In addition, it is preferable that step S35B is executed earlier than step S35A, assuming that the time required to complete activation of second power supply control unit 16A is 1 second or less.

  Then, Steps S36 to S43 are executed, and the second image formation activation process is ended. Steps S36 to S43 are the same as steps S16 to S23 of the first image formation activation process, respectively.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the main power switch 12 is turned on, the first power supply control unit 171 (including a part of the overall control unit 17A) and the second power supply control unit 16A are started to start. Then, the second power control unit 16A that has completed the activation starts the engine control unit 18 by the second DC power output via the DC power source unit 13, and after the first power source control unit 171 has completed the activation, Since the rest of the overall control unit 17A starts to be activated by the DC power output, the engine control unit 18 is activated when the first power supply control unit 171 has not been activated and the second power supply control unit 16A has been activated. Can be started earlier than the overall control unit 17A, the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit 17A can be reduced, and the time from when the power is turned on to when the image can be formed can be shortened.

  Further, when the main power switch 12 is turned on, the first power supply control unit 171 and the second power supply control unit 16A are started in parallel, so that the second power supply control unit 16A is started up earlier. In addition, the engine control unit 18 can be started earlier than the overall control unit 17A, and the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit 17A can be reduced, and the time from when the power is turned on to when the image can be formed is further reduced. Can do.

  Further, if the activation time of the second power supply control unit 16A is set to 1 second or less, the time from when the power is turned on to when an image can be formed can be further shortened.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a control configuration of the copying machine 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the third image formation activation process. FIG. 9 shows a timing chart in the third image formation activation process. Moreover, the code | symbol of the corresponding step was attached | subjected to the timing chart of FIG.

  Since this embodiment has many parts in common with the second embodiment, the present embodiment will be described mainly with respect to parts different from the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, a copying machine 200 shown in FIG. 7 is used instead of the copying machine 100 of the second embodiment. The copying machine 200 includes a DC power supply unit 13A, an overall control unit 17B, an engine control unit 18A, a DC power supply unit 13A, an overall control unit 17A, an engine control unit 18, a main relay 19 and a temperature sensor 23. A main relay 19A and a temperature sensor 23A are provided, and a fixing heating sub-control unit 25 is further provided.

  The DC power supply unit 13A converts the AC power supply power input from the AC power supply 11 and uses the DC power supply output as the first DC power supply output. The first power supply control unit 171, the second power supply control unit 16A, This is output to the fixing permission signal generator 172. The DC power supply unit 13A generates an appropriate DC power supply output as the second DC power supply output based on the power supply control signal input from the second power supply control unit 16A, and controls the overall control unit 17B, the engine control unit 18A, and the fixing unit. Output to the heating sub-control unit 25.

  The overall control unit 17B is different from the overall control unit 17A in that it includes a fixing permission signal generation unit 172 that generates a fixing permission signal in addition to the first power supply control unit 171. The fixing permission signal is a signal indicating that the fixing heating unit 21 permits (preliminary) heating of the fixing roller 20. The fixing permission signal generation unit 172 refers to a memory (not shown) after the start-up, and indicates that a state (abnormality) in which it is better not to perform pre-fixing preheating at the next start-up at the end of the start-up of the previous copying machine 200 occurs. It is determined whether or not history information is stored. When the abnormality information is not stored, a fixing permission signal is generated and output to the fixing heating sub-control unit 25.

  The engine control unit 18A is different from the engine control unit 18 in that it is not connected to the main relay 19A and does not directly control the main relay 19A. The main relay 19A is connected to the fixing heating sub-control unit 25.

  The fixing heating sub-control unit 25 directly controls on / off of the main relay 19A, and before the copying machine 200 is ready to form an image, the fixing permission signal output from the overall control unit 17B and the temperature sensor 23A. The AC driving unit 14 is controlled based on the temperature detection signal input from the, and the fixing heating unit 21 is controlled to be heated. The fixing heating sub-control unit 25 has a very short time required for completion of activation, such as several milliseconds. The fixing heating sub-control unit 25 is provided exclusively, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be combined with an existing control unit such as the control unit of the image reading unit 30. The temperature sensor 23 </ b> A detects the temperature of the fixing roller 20 and outputs a temperature detection signal to the engine control unit 18 and the fixing heating sub-control unit 25.

  Next, a third image formation activation process as an operation of the copying machine 200 will be described. The third image formation activation process is the same as the second image formation activation process of the second embodiment, but in parallel with the activation of the engine control unit 18, the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 is activated, In this process, the fixing preheating of the fixing roller 20 is different. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the copying machine 200, the third image formation activation process is executed with the main power switch 12 being turned on as a trigger.

  First, step S51 is executed. Step S51 is the same as step S31 of the second image formation activation process in FIG. Then, the fixing permission signal generation unit 172 of the overall control unit 17B is activated by the first DC power supply output (step S52A). Then, after the activation of the fixing permission signal generation unit 172 is completed, a part of the overall control unit 17B including the first power supply control unit 171 other than the fixing permission signal generation unit 172 is activated and executed (step S53). Steps S52A and S53 may be started in parallel as shown in FIG.

  In parallel with step S52A, step S52B is executed, and steps S54, S55, S56B, and S56A are executed. Steps S52B, S54, S55, S56B, and S56A are the same as steps S32B, S33, S34, S35B, and S35A of the second image formation activation process, respectively. In parallel with the execution of step S56B, the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 is activated and executed by the second DC power output (step S56C). After the start of the fixing heating sub-control unit 25, the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 outputs a fixing permission signal from the fixing permission signal generation unit 172 of the overall control unit 17B that has been started up in step S52A, and the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 It is determined whether or not an input has been made to the control unit 25 (step S62).

  If the fixing permission signal has not been input (step S62; NO), the process proceeds to step S62. When the fixing permission signal is input (step S62; YES), the main relay 19A is turned on by the fixing heating sub-control unit 25, a fixing control signal is generated and output, and is input to the AC driving unit 14, and the AC driving unit 14 The fixing roller 20 is preheated by the supply of power from the AC power source 11 to the fixing heating unit 21 (step S63). In the preheating, the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 detects the temperature of the fixing roller 20 via the temperature sensor 23A, and the detection temperature of the fixing roller 20 is set in advance before the engine control unit 18 is started. When the temperature reaches, the temperature control of the fixing roller 20 is performed through the fixing heating unit 21 until the start of the engine control unit 18 so that the detected temperature is maintained at the predetermined temperature. Then, steps S57 to S61 and S64 to S66 are executed. Steps S57 to S61 and S64 to S66 are the same as steps S36 to S43 of the second embodiment, respectively.

  However, in step S64, the fixing preheating in step S63 is stopped until the execution of step S61 is completed, and communication is tried and established between the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 and the engine control unit 18A, and the communication is established. Later, when the detected temperature of the fixing roller 20 does not reach the predetermined temperature, the main body of the fixing control is switched from the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 to the engine control unit 18A, and the fixing heating unit 21 is controlled by the engine control unit 18A. Then, the fixing roller 20 is heated to warm up the fixing device 60.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the main power switch 12 is turned on, the fixing permission signal generation unit 172 and the second power supply control unit 16A of the overall control unit 17B are started to start in parallel, and the startup is completed. The second power control unit 16A activates the engine control unit 18A and the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 by the second DC power output via the DC power source unit 13, and after the first power control unit 171 has been activated, When the rest of the overall control unit 17B starts to be activated by the DC power output of 2, the engine control unit 18A has not been activated and the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 has been activated, the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 Since the fixing roller 20 is preheated via the fixing heating unit 21, the heating start of the fixing roller 20 can be accelerated, and the influence of the startup time of the overall control unit 17B and the engine control unit 18A can be reduced. , It is possible to shorten the time from power-on until the image formable state.

  If the fixing roller 20 reaches a predetermined temperature before the start of the engine control unit 18 is completed, the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 performs the fixing heating until the start of the engine control unit 18 so as to maintain the predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the fixing roller 20 is controlled via the unit 21 and the fixing roller 20 has not reached the predetermined temperature when the startup of the engine control unit 18 is completed, the engine control unit 18 performs the fixing heating unit 21 after the startup is completed. Since the fixing roller 20 is heated via this, the fixing roller 20 can be heated more safely.

  Further, since the fixing heating sub-control unit 25 preheats the fixing roller 20 via the fixing heating unit 21 based on the fixing permission signal from the fixing permission signal generation unit 172, preheating can be performed safely.

The description in the above embodiment is an example of a suitable image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.
Further, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the image forming apparatus in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the copying machines 100 and 200 have been described as image forming apparatuses. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be replaced with an image forming apparatus such as a printer. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the auxiliary power switch 15 that switches on / off of activation by an operator's operation has been described as activation means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and via a communication network (not shown) A power switch or the like by remote operation from an external device on the network may be used as the activation unit.

  In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the second power supply control unit 16A is separate from the engine control units 18 and 18A has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second power supply control unit 16A may be integrally included in the engine control units 18 and 18A. In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the first power supply control unit 171 is included in the overall control unit 17A has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first control unit separate from the overall control unit 17A. The power supply control unit 171 may be managed by the overall control unit 17A. In the third embodiment, the configuration in which the fixing permission signal generation unit 172 is included in the overall control unit 17B has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixing permission separate from the overall control unit 17B. The signal generation unit 172 may be managed by the overall control unit 17B.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the first power supply control unit 171 generates a power supply control command and inputs it to the second power supply control unit 16A after the start of the overall control unit 17A. The first power supply control unit 171 directly generates a power supply control signal after the start of the overall control units 17A and 17B is completed, and the DC power supply unit 13 via the second power supply control unit 16A. It is good also as a structure which inputs into.

  In addition, the configuration in which the fixing roller 20 is preheated before the start of the engine control unit in the third embodiment may be combined with the configuration in the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the copying machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a copying machine 100. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first image formation activation process. 6 is a timing chart in first image formation activation processing. 10 is a flowchart illustrating second image formation activation processing. 10 is a timing chart in second image formation activation processing. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the copying machine 200 of 3rd Embodiment based on this invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating third image formation activation processing. 12 is a timing chart in a third image formation activation process. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a conventional copying machine 300. It is a flowchart which shows the conventional image formation starting process.

Explanation of symbols

100, 200, 300 Copier 11 AC power supply 12 Main power switch 13, 13A DC power supply unit 14 AC drive unit 15 Sub power switch 16A Second power supply control unit 16B Power supply control units 17A, 17B, 17C Overall control unit 171 First Power supply control unit 172 Fixing permission signal generation unit 18, 18A Engine control unit 19, 19A Main relay 20 Fixing roller 21 Fixing heating unit 22 Motor 23, 23A Temperature sensor 24 Abnormality detection unit 25 Fixing heating sub-control unit 30 Image reading unit 31 ADF
32 Scanner 33 Platen Glass 34 Scanning Unit 34A Light Source 35 CCD Image Sensor 40 Paper Feed Units 41, 42 Paper Feed Tray 50 Image Forming Unit 51 Photosensitive Drum 52 Cleaner 53 Charging Unit 54 Exposure Unit 55 Developer 56 Transfer Unit 60 Fixing Unit 71 Separator 72 Reverse part T1 Document tray T2 Manual feed tray T3 Paper discharge tray

Claims (18)

In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A main power switch for switching the AC power source from off to on;
A DC power supply unit that converts the AC power supplied from the AC power supply into a DC and outputs the power;
An overall control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus;
An engine control unit that performs predetermined control of the control of the image forming apparatus;
A first power control unit included in or managed by the overall control unit;
A second power control unit having a shorter startup time than the first power control unit ,
The DC power supply unit inputs the first DC power supply output to the first power supply control unit and the second power supply control unit when the main power switch is turned on, and the first power supply control unit And starting the second power supply control unit,
The second power supply control unit generates a power supply control signal and inputs it to the DC power supply unit before the start of the first power supply control unit is completed.
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a power supply control signal input from the second power supply control unit, inputs the generated DC power supply to the overall control unit and the engine control unit, and starts up the system.
The overall control unit is activated by a second DC power supply output input from the DC power supply unit after completion of activation of the first power supply control unit,
After initial communication is established between the overall control unit and the engine control unit, a power control command output from the first power control unit is input to the second power control unit, and the power control An image forming apparatus , wherein power control of the DC power supply unit is performed by inputting a power control signal output from the second power supply control unit to the DC power supply unit based on a command .   2. The DC power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the first power supply control unit and the second power supply control unit are started in parallel when the main power switch is turned on. Image forming apparatus. A fixing device for fixing toner on a recording medium;
A startup time shorter than the engine control unit, and a fixing heating sub-control unit for controlling the heating of the fixing device,
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a power supply control signal input from the second power supply control unit, and the overall control unit, the engine control unit, and the fixing heating sub-control unit. Start by typing
3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power source before the start of the engine control unit is completed. Forming equipment. The fixing heating sub-control unit performs temperature control until the start of the engine control unit so as to maintain the predetermined temperature when the fixing device reaches a predetermined temperature before the start of the engine control unit is completed. ,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the predetermined temperature has not been reached when the start of the engine control unit is completed, the engine control unit heats the fixing device after the start of the engine control unit is completed. A fixing permission signal generating unit for generating a fixing permission signal for permitting preliminary heating of the fixing device;
The DC power supply unit inputs a first DC power supply output to the first power supply control unit, the second power supply control unit, and the fixing permission signal generation unit when the main power switch is turned on. Start
The fixing permission signal generation unit generates a fixing permission signal when the fixing device can be preheated after the start-up is completed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing unit based on the generated fixing permission signal. A starting means for switching the DC power output from off to on;
The said 2nd power supply control part controls the 2nd DC power supply output output from the said DC power supply part, when the said starting means is turned ON, The any one of Claim 1 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The image forming apparatus described in the item.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second power supply control unit is integrally included in the engine control unit.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a startup time of the second power supply control unit is 1 second or less. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A main power switch for switching the AC power source from off to on;
A DC power supply unit that DC converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply;
A power supply control unit that controls a DC power supply output from the DC power supply unit;
An overall control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus;
An engine control unit that performs predetermined control of the control of the image forming apparatus;
A fixing device for fixing the toner to the recording medium,
The DC power supply unit is activated by inputting a first DC power supply output to the power supply control unit when the main power switch is turned on,
The power supply control unit generates a first power supply control signal and inputs the first power supply control signal to the DC power supply unit.
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a first power supply control signal input from the power supply control unit, and inputs the second DC power supply output to the overall control unit and the engine control unit to perform the overall control. Start the engine and the engine control unit,
The power supply control unit generates a second power supply control signal after the start of the engine control unit is completed, and inputs the second power supply control signal to the DC power supply unit.
The DC power supply unit generates a third DC power supply output based on the second power supply control signal input from the power supply control unit,
The engine control unit that has completed the activation heats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power source, and does not require completion of activation of the overall control unit with the generated third DC power output. An image forming apparatus that controls execution of an operation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the DC power supply unit starts activation of the overall control unit and the engine control unit in parallel. A start-up time is shorter than that of the engine control unit, and a fixing heating sub-control unit that controls heating of the fixing device is provided.
The DC power supply unit generates a second DC power supply output based on a first power supply control signal input from the power supply control unit, and the overall control unit, the engine control unit, and the fixing heating sub-control unit. Start by typing
11. The image according to claim 9, wherein the fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power source before the completion of startup of the engine control unit. Forming equipment. The fixing heating sub-control unit performs temperature control until the start of the engine control unit so as to maintain the predetermined temperature when the fixing device reaches a predetermined temperature before the start of the engine control unit is completed. ,
If the predetermined temperature has not been reached at the completion of startup of the engine control unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the engine control unit heats the fixing device after the start-up is completed. A fixing permission signal generating unit for generating a fixing permission signal for permitting preliminary heating of the fixing device;
The DC power supply unit is activated by inputting a first DC power supply output to the power supply control unit and the fixing permission signal generation unit when the main power switch is turned on,
The fixing permission signal generation unit generates a fixing permission signal when the fixing device can be preheated after the start-up is completed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the fixing heating sub-control unit preheats the fixing device based on the generated fixing permission signal. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
A main power switch for switching the AC power source from off to on;
A DC power supply unit that DC converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply;
An overall control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus;
An engine control unit that performs predetermined control of the control of the image forming apparatus;
A fixing device for fixing the toner to the recording medium,
When the main power switch is turned on, the DC power supply unit generates a DC power output and inputs it to the overall control unit and the engine control unit to start up,
The engine control unit that has completed the activation heats the fixing device with AC power supplied from the AC power source, and performs a preliminary operation that does not require completion of activation of the overall control unit with the generated DC power output Control
At least one of the heating time of the fixing device by the engine control unit and the execution time of the preparatory operation that does not require completion of the start of the overall control unit overlaps the startup time of the overall control unit. An image forming apparatus. A starting means for switching the DC power output from off to on;
The power control unit, when said activation means is turned on, according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by controlling the second DC power supply output that is output from the DC power supply section Image forming apparatus. A photosensitive drum that forms a toner image; a developing unit that stores a developer containing toner; a polygon motor that scans and irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light; a charging unit that charges the photosensitive drum; A first electrode; a transfer means for transferring a toner image; and a second electrode; a separation means for separating the transfer paper from the photosensitive drum; and a third electrode; a storage means for storing the transfer paper; And at least one of image reading means for reading an image from a document,
Preliminary operations that do not require completion of activation of the overall control unit include heating temperature adjustment in the fixing unit and preliminary rotation operation of the fixing roller, toner density correction in the developing unit, rotation of the polygon motor, and the first operation. Cleaning the second electrode, cleaning the second electrode, cleaning the third electrode, cooling the image forming apparatus, returning the home position of the image reading means, and returning the home position of the storage means. the image forming apparatus according to any one of 15 claims 9, wherein at least is one of the. The fuser image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3, 4 and 9, characterized in that it is heated 16 by electromagnetic induction.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a startup time from when the main power switch or the startup unit is turned on to when an image can be formed is 30 seconds or less.

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