JP4095004B2 - Power supply device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device and an image forming apparatus provided with power storage means such as a capacitor.

  In recent years, copiers, printers, facsimile machines using an electrophotographic process, and multi-function machines equipped with a plurality of these functions have become multi-functional, resulting in a complicated structure and a tendency to increase the maximum power consumption. It can be seen. However, environmental problems are important, and image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are becoming more energy saving, and image forming apparatuses that operate in an energy saving mode with reduced power consumption are also widespread.

  In considering the energy saving of the image forming apparatus, what cannot be ignored is the power saving of the fixing apparatus for fixing the toner to the recording medium. In order to reduce the power consumption of the fixing device during standby of the image forming apparatus, the temperature of the heating roller is maintained at a constant temperature slightly lower than the fixing temperature during standby, so that the temperature can be immediately raised to a usable temperature during use. The temperature of the fixing roller is not waited for. In this case, extra energy is consumed by supplying a certain amount of power even when the fixing device is not used. It is said that the energy consumption during standby increases from about 70% to 80% of the energy consumption of the device.

  However, it is desired to reduce power consumption during standby and further reduce power consumption, and there is a demand for zero power supply when not in use. If energy consumption is reduced to zero during standby, the heating roller mainly uses a metal roller such as iron or aluminum and has a large heat capacity. Therefore, it takes several minutes to a dozen to raise the temperature to a usable temperature of about 180 ° C. A long heating time such as minutes is required.

  As a method of shortening the heating time of the heating roller, there is a method of increasing the input energy per unit time, but there is a limit to the power capacity supplied from a normal commercial AC power supply. Therefore, a technology has been proposed in which an auxiliary power source is provided in addition to the main power source, and a large amount of power can be supplied by supplying power from the auxiliary power source to the heating element, thereby shortening the time required for temperature increase. Yes.

  By the way, it is conceivable to use an electric double layer capacitor as an auxiliary power supply for supplying a large amount of power as described above. In order to detect an abnormality of the auxiliary power supply device having the electric double layer capacitor, the abnormal current flow is detected by monitoring the current on the ground terminal side of the electric double layer capacitor, and the ground side of the electric double layer capacitor is detected. A technique for protecting an electric double layer capacitor by opening a terminal has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in the technique described in this document, a method of detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality by monitoring the current on the ground terminal side of each of the two sets of electric double layer capacitors and detecting the occurrence of an open abnormality such as disconnection Is disclosed.

JP 2002-159135 A

  However, in the technique described in the above-mentioned patent document, an abnormality such as an overcurrent of the ground-side terminal of the electric double layer capacitor can be detected, but each part of the power supply device including the charging circuit and the discharging circuit including the electric double layer capacitor can be detected. Abnormality cannot be detected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is capable of more accurately detecting an abnormality in each part of a power supply device including a power storage unit, and image formation capable of detecting an abnormality in each part related to a power source such as a power storage unit. The object is to obtain a device.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a power supply device, which is a rechargeable power storage unit that stores electric power, and a voltage detection that detects a voltage value of the power storage unit. Means, storage means for storing discharge information indicating a change in the voltage value during a discharge time when the power storage means is discharged, discharge information stored in the storage means, and the storage means is discharged. A determination means for periodically determining the presence or absence of an abnormality based on a relationship between a voltage value periodically detected by the voltage detection means and a discharge time, and discharge information stored in the storage means Update instruction means for instructing update, and when discharge from the power storage means is started after an instruction by the update instruction means is performed, the voltage detection means periodically detects the voltage value of the power storage means, The periodic inspection Characterized by comprising a control means for storing in said memory means the the voltage value and the discharge time as the discharge information in association to be.

According to the invention of the claim 1, the presence or absence of the voltage value of the storage means and the relationship between the discharge time, by comparing the discharge data stored in the storage means abnormal when the power storage means is being discharged Therefore, if there is an abnormality in any part of the power supply device, there is a high possibility that it can be detected. In addition, since it has a control means that updates the discharge information used for abnormality determination by an instruction from the update instruction means , even if there is a situation where characteristics such as parts replacement change, Appropriate discharge information can be set, and more accurate abnormality detection is possible.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to perform the voltage unit when normal discharge control is performed as an apparatus after an instruction is given by the update instruction unit. The voltage value of the storage means is periodically detected, and the periodically detected voltage value and the discharge time are associated with each other and stored in the storage means as the discharge information.
According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to detect an abnormality with higher accuracy.

Further, according invention in claim 3, in the configuration of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the update instruction unit, when the load unit to receive power supply from said power storage means or the storage means has been replaced, the The control means is instructed to update the discharge information stored in the storage means .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the load unit or the power storage means is replaced, the relationship between the normal discharge time and the voltage value may be different before and after the replacement. Since the discharge information stored in the means is updated, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of an abnormality caused by the difference as described above.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the update instruction means has a predetermined timing to be updated with respect to the control means . Acquiring information indicating the relationship between the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means and the discharge time while the power storage means is discharging, and storing the acquired information as new discharge information Is instructed to be updated .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the relationship between the voltage value actually obtained during the discharge at the timing to be updated and the discharge time is acquired, and the information is updated as new discharge information. . Therefore, even when parts are replaced, the information acquired in the state after the replacement becomes the update information, so that it is possible to update the discharge information suitable for the state after the characteristics such as replacement have changed. it can.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply device, the power storage means for storing power, the charging means for charging the power storage means with electric energy, and the voltage detection means for detecting a voltage value of the power storage means. Storage means for storing charging information indicating a change in the voltage value during a charging time when the charging means is charged by the charging means, and charging to the power storage means is performed by the charging means. Determination means for periodically determining the presence / absence of an abnormality based on the relationship between the voltage value periodically detected by the voltage detection means and the charging time during charging and the charging information stored in the storage means When the update instruction means for instructing the update of the discharge information stored in the storage means, the charging from the power storage means is started after the instruction by the update instruction means is performed, the voltage detecting means Periodically allowed to detect a voltage value of the storage means, characterized by comprising a control means for storing in the storage means as the charging information in association with the charging time and said periodic detected voltage value .

According to the invention of claim 5 , the relationship between the voltage value of the power storage means and the charging time when the power storage means is charged is compared with the charging information stored in the storage means to determine whether there is an abnormality. Since the determination is made, there is a high possibility that an abnormality can be detected in any part of the power supply device. In addition, since it has a control means that updates the discharge information used for abnormality determination by an instruction from the update instruction means , even if there is a situation where characteristics such as parts replacement change, Appropriate charging information can be set, and more accurate abnormality detection is possible.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the control unit includes the voltage unit when normal charge control is performed as an apparatus after an instruction is given by the update instruction unit. The voltage value of the power storage unit is periodically detected, and the periodically detected voltage value and the charging time are associated with each other and stored as the charging information in the storage unit.
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to detect an abnormality with higher accuracy.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fifth or sixth aspect of the invention, the update instructing unit is a discharge stored in the storage unit when the power storage unit or the charging unit is replaced. The control means is instructed to update information .

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the charging means and the power storage means are replaced, the relationship between the normal charging time and the voltage value may be different before and after the replacement. Since the charging information stored in the means is updated, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of an abnormality caused by the difference as described above.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the invention according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, when the update instruction means has a predetermined update timing, the control means Acquiring information indicating a relationship between a voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit and a charging time while the power storage unit is being charged by the charging unit, and storing the acquired information as new charging information. Instructing to update the stored contents of the means.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the relationship between the voltage value actually obtained during charging at the timing to be updated and the charging time is acquired, and the information is updated as new charging information. . Therefore, even when parts are replaced, the information acquired in the state after the replacement becomes the update information, so that it is possible to update the charging information suitable for the state after the characteristics such as replacement have changed. it can.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, a chargeable power storage unit that stores electric power, and a fixing that heats a medium on which a toner image is formed by receiving power supply from the power storage unit. A voltage detection means for detecting a voltage value of the power storage means, a storage means for storing discharge information indicating a change in the voltage value during a discharge time when the power storage means is discharged, and a storage means The presence / absence of abnormality is periodically determined based on the stored discharge information and the relationship between the discharge time and the voltage value periodically detected by the voltage detection means while the storage means is discharging. A determination means; an update instruction means for instructing an update of discharge information stored in the storage means; and when the discharge from the power storage means is started after an instruction is given by the update instruction means, the voltage detection means Zhou Manner by sensing the voltage value of the storage means, characterized by comprising a control means for storing in the storage means as the discharge information in association with the discharge time said periodic detected voltage value.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, similarly to the first aspect of the invention, there is a high possibility that an abnormality can be detected when there is an abnormality in the configuration for supplying power to the fixing unit. Even when there is a situation in which characteristics such as replacement are changed, discharge information suitable for the situation at that time can be set, and a more accurate abnormality detection can be performed.

The invention according to claim 10 is an image forming apparatus , comprising: a power storage unit that stores power; a fixing unit that receives power supplied from the power storage unit and heats a medium on which a toner image is formed; Charging means for charging the energy storage means with electric energy, voltage detection means for detecting the voltage value of the electricity storage means, and the voltage value at the charging time when the electricity storage means is charged by the charging means . Storage means for storing charging information indicating a change , update instruction means for instructing update of discharge information stored in the storage means, and the voltage while the power storage means is charged by the charging means. the relationship between the voltage value and the charging time is periodically detected by the detection means, a determining means on the basis of the charging information stored in the storage means, for periodically determining the presence or absence of an abnormality, the update When charging from the power storage means is started after an instruction is given by the indicating means, the voltage detection means periodically detects the voltage value of the power storage means, and the periodically detected voltage value and charging time And control means for storing the information as the charging information in the storage means .

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, as in the case of the fifth aspect of the present invention, when there is an abnormality in the configuration for supplying power to the fixing unit, there is a high possibility that it can be detected. Even when there is a situation in which characteristics such as replacement are changed, it is possible to set charging information suitable for the situation at that time, and to detect an abnormality with higher accuracy.

According to the present invention , there is a high possibility that an abnormality can be detected, and even when there is a situation where characteristics such as component replacement change, the discharge information suitable for the situation at that time Can be set, and an effect is obtained that it is possible to detect an abnormality with higher accuracy.

In addition, according to the present invention , even when the load unit and the power storage unit are replaced, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of abnormality caused by component replacement.

In addition, according to the present invention , even when parts are replaced, the information acquired in the state after the replacement becomes the update information, so that the discharge information suitable for the state after the characteristics such as replacement have changed. There is an effect that can be updated.

In addition, according to the present invention , when there is an abnormality in the configuration for supplying power to the fixing unit, there is a high possibility that it can be detected, and there is a situation in which characteristics such as part replacement change. In addition, it is possible to set discharge information suitable for the state at that time, and it is possible to detect an abnormality with higher accuracy.

In addition, according to the present invention , when there is an abnormality in the configuration for supplying power to the fixing unit, there is a high possibility that it can be detected, and there is a situation in which characteristics such as part replacement change. In addition, it is possible to set charging information suitable for the state at that time, and it is possible to detect an abnormality with higher accuracy.

  Exemplary embodiments of a power supply apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a view showing an appearance of a copying machine 1 including an auxiliary power supply device (power supply device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the copying machine 1 includes a main body 10 that performs a copying operation, a large-capacity paper feeding unit 11 that accommodates a large amount of paper and supplies it to the main body 10, and paper on which copying has been performed. A finisher 12 for sorting, punching, binding, and the like is provided for the sheets, and the paper on which copying, sorting, and the like have been performed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 17.

  The main body 10 has an automatic document feeder 13 disposed on the upper part thereof, and a document set on the automatic document feeder 13 is scanned by a scanner unit 101 described later by the automatic document feeder 13. It is conveyed so that it may pass.

  In addition, a display panel for displaying various information to the user, an interface such as buttons for the user to input various instructions, and an operation unit 14 on which the display panel is arranged are provided at the upper part of the main body unit 10. ing. The operation unit 14 includes a main power switch for turning on / off the main power of the copying machine 1, and the user can start the copying machine 1 by turning on the main power switch. Further, by turning off the main power switch, the power supply to the copying machine 1 can be turned off and the operation can be stopped.

  In addition, a paper feeding unit 15 is provided below the main body unit 10, and image formation is performed on an image forming target sheet such as a sheet or an OHP sheet stored in the paper feeding unit 15. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 10 includes a scanner unit 101, a writing unit 102a, a photosensitive unit 103, a charging unit 104, a developing unit 105, a transfer unit 106, a paper feeding unit 108, and a fixing unit. A unit 111.

  The scanner unit 101 is disposed on the upper side of the copying machine, irradiates light on a document placed on a contact glass (not shown) installed above, and photoelectrically converts the reflected light. Scan the original image. The automatic document feeder 13 also reads a document image that is passed over the contact glass.

  Laser light corresponding to the document image read by the writing unit 102 a and the scanner unit 101 is irradiated and projected onto each photosensitive drum of the photosensitive unit 103.

  The photoconductor unit 103 includes photoconductor drums corresponding to four colors such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and Bk (black). The charging unit 104 is disposed around the photosensitive drum and charges the photosensitive drum. The developing unit 105 forms a toner image by attaching toner onto the photosensitive drum on which the latent image is formed by the writing unit 102a.

  The transfer unit 106 has a transfer belt that conveys the paper along the horizontal direction of the drawing, which is the arrangement direction of the photosensitive drums corresponding to the colors, and the transfer belt writes the paper to the transfer position by the photosensitive drum. It arrives. As a result, the image of that color is transferred to the paper at the transfer position of each photosensitive drum.

  The paper feed unit 15 includes a plurality of paper feed trays, and feeds a predetermined size of paper from the paper feed tray onto the transfer belt during copying. As a result, the fed paper is conveyed to the transfer position by the transfer unit 106 as described above, and the image is transferred onto the paper.

  The fixing unit 111 is a unit that heats and pressurizes the sheet on which the image has been transferred as described above to fix the transferred toner onto the sheet, and includes a fixing roller 112 and a pressure roller 113. A plurality of heating elements are arranged in the hollow portion of the cylindrical fixing roller 112. By supplying electric power to these heating elements, the heating elements generate heat, and thereby the surface temperature of the fixing roller 112 rises. In this way, the sheet on which the toner image is transferred is passed between the fixing roller 112 and the pressure roller 113 whose surface temperature is equal to or higher than a certain temperature, so that the sheet is heated and pressurized. ing.

  In the copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a heating element driven by an auxiliary power supply device is disposed in addition to a heating element driven by power supplied from a main power source that is a commercial AC power source. As a result, when it is necessary to rapidly increase the temperature of the fixing unit 111 such as after the power is turned on, in addition to driving the heating element by supplying power from the main power supply, the heating element is driven by supplying power from the auxiliary power supply. By doing so, the temperature of the fixing unit 111 can be raised in a short time.

  The heating element may be disposed in the hollow portion of the fixing roller, but may be disposed in another position as long as the heating element can be heated. For example, the heating element is disposed in the hollow portion of the pressure roller 113. May be equal.

  Next, a circuit configuration of an auxiliary power supply device that supplies electric power to the heating element disposed in the fixing roller 112 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the auxiliary power supply device 102 includes a charging circuit 42, a cutoff circuit 43, an electric double layer capacitor 44, an inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45, a cutoff circuit 47, and a discharge circuit 46. ing.

  The charging circuit 42 performs constant current charging of the electric double layer capacitor 44 with the power supplied from the AC power supply 41 under the control of the control unit 120. As a feature of the electric double layer capacitor 44 used as the power storage means in the present embodiment, the voltage between the terminals changes according to the charging time or the discharging time. If the charging current and load at the time are constant, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the relationship between the charging or discharging time and the change in the voltage between the terminals is almost constant.

  However, when the electric double layer capacitor 44 is almost discharged, that is, when the voltage between the terminals is small, if the electric double layer capacitor 44 is charged simply by supplying power, an excessive current will flow first. Therefore, the relationship between the charging time and the voltage shown in FIG. 5 is different. In order to prevent such an excessive current from flowing, in the present embodiment, charging is performed by the duty control of the charging circuit 42. That is, charging control is performed such that the duty is small at the beginning of the charging period, and gradually increases the duty to approach 100% over time.

  Note that power from the AC power supply 41 is supplied to another load in the copying machine 1 (not shown).

  The cutoff circuit 43 is a circuit that is set to either a cutoff state in which the connection between the charging circuit 42 and the electric double layer capacitor 44 is cut off or a non-cut-off state in which the connection is not cut off. A normally open relay that is set to a cut-off state is used. The cutoff circuit 43 is set to either a cutoff state or a non-cutoff state under the control of the control unit 120.

  The electric double layer capacitor 44 is charged by the charging circuit 42 at the time of charging, and supplies the charged electric power to the heating element of the fixing unit 111 that is the load unit 48 via the discharging circuit 46 at the time of discharging. As the power storage means in the auxiliary power supply device 102, a secondary battery such as a nickel cadmium battery can be used. However, paying attention to the excellent characteristics of the electric double layer capacitor such as a long life and a short charging time, In the embodiment, an electric double layer capacitor is used as the power storage means.

  The inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 is a circuit that detects an inter-terminal voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 44, that is, a residual voltage, and includes, for example, an A / D converter that converts an analog voltage into digital data.

  The discharge circuit 46 supplies the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load unit 48 under the control of the control unit 120, that is, discharges the electric double layer capacitor 44. As described above, the electric double layer capacitor 44 has a characteristic that the discharge time and the voltage between the terminals vary so as to be substantially proportional as shown in FIG. However, in the case where electric power is supplied to a resistive load such as a heater for discharging, the resistance value decreases when the temperature of the heater is low, so when electric power is simply supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 44, As shown in FIG. 7, an excessive current flows first, and the voltage between the terminals is rapidly reduced. In order to prevent such an excessive current from flowing, in the present embodiment, charging is performed by the duty control of the charging circuit 42. That is, charging control is performed such that the duty is small at the beginning of the charging period, and gradually increases the duty to approach 100% over time.

  The cutoff circuit 47 is a circuit set in either a cutoff state in which the connection between the electric double layer capacitor 44 and the load unit 48 is cut off or a non-cut off state in which the connection is not cut off. A normally open relay that is set to a non-blocking state when it is off is used. The cutoff circuit 47 is set to either a cutoff state or a non-cutoff state under the control of the control unit 120.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 120 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 221, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 222, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 223, a non-volatile memory 224, an IO control unit 225, and the like. And a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control unit 226.

  The ROM 222 stores a program to be executed by the CPU 221, and various controls as described later are performed by reading out the program and executing the program by the CPU 221. The RAM 223 is used as a working area.

  The nonvolatile memory 224 (storage means) is a memory that can retain the stored contents even when the power is turned off, such as a RAM with a backup function and a flash memory. In the nonvolatile memory 224, in addition to various control information and adjustment values, the relationship between the charging time and the inter-terminal voltage when the electric double layer capacitor 44 is normally charged (the relationship as shown in FIG. 5). And a discharge information table showing the relationship between the discharge time and the voltage between the terminals when the discharge from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load 48 is performed (the relationship as shown in FIG. 6). Is stored.

  In other words, the non-volatile memory 224 stores information indicating the relationship of how long the terminal voltage changes when charging or discharging is performed when there is no abnormality. The charge information table and the discharge information table include a charge (or discharge) time and a range of values that can be taken by the amount of change in the voltage between the terminals when normal charging is performed for that time (charge time ΔΔ seconds: XX V−XXV etc.) is included, and if the charging time is Y by referring to this, the acquisition time is such that the amount of change in the inter-terminal voltage falls within the range of Z1 to Z2. In (Y), it is possible to know the normal range that the amount of change in the terminal voltage should take.

  The IO control unit 225 controls whether the blocking circuits 43 and 47 are set to a blocking state or a non-blocking state under the control of the CPU 221. The PWM control unit 226 controls the PWM output for determining the duty of charging / discharging performed by the charging circuit 42 and the discharging circuit 46 under the control of the CPU 221. Since each of these units has a known configuration, a description thereof will be omitted, and the characteristic control contents executed by the control unit 120 including the CPU 221 and the like will be described in detail below.

  First, the abnormality detection control for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the auxiliary power supply device 102 when charging the electric double layer capacitor 44 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit 120 controls the charging circuit 42 to perform charging by setting the blocking circuit 47 to a blocking state (open) and the blocking circuit 43 to a blocking state (connection) (step Sa1). As a result, the electric double layer capacitor 44 is charged. As described above, duty control is performed during this charging.

  And the control part 120 acquires the voltage between terminals (residual voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 44) which is a detection result of the voltage detection circuit 45 between terminals periodically by polling etc. (step Sa2), and memorize | stores it in the non-volatile memory 224. The relationship between the terminal voltage and the charging time shown in the normal charging information table (see FIG. 5) is compared with the relationship between the acquired terminal voltage and the charging time (step Sa3).

  And the control part 120 judges the presence or absence of abnormality generation based on this comparison result (step Sa4). In the present embodiment, the control unit 120 obtains a relationship with the charging time of the inter-terminal voltage from the acquired inter-terminal voltage. Specifically, when the terminal voltage acquired in the past (predetermined time) and the amount of change between the currently acquired terminal voltages are obtained, and the amount of change is charged for the predetermined time indicated in the normal charge information table The presence / absence of an abnormality is determined based on whether or not the amount of change in the voltage between terminals belongs to a normal range. For example, when the charging time actually obtained at the time of charging is Y, the amount of change in the voltage between terminals is within the range of the amount of voltage change (Z1 to Z2) that would be obtained when normal charging is performed for time Y. Whether it belongs or not is discriminated. When the acquired inter-terminal voltage is outside the normal range, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and when it is within the range, it is determined that there is no abnormality. In this way, the control unit 120 determines whether there is an abnormality based on the acquired voltage across the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor 44. In addition, information (Z1 to Z2) indicating the range of the voltage change amount may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 as the normal charging information as described above, but one voltage value (corresponding to the charging time ( Z) may be held, and it may be determined that there is an abnormality when the voltage value differs from the acquired inter-terminal voltage by a predetermined value or more in the determination of the presence or absence of abnormality.

  Here, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, control at the time of abnormality described later is performed, and when it is determined that there is no abnormality, whether or not charging of the electric double layer capacitor 44 is completed, that is, full charge is performed. It is determined whether or not it is completed (step Sa5). Here, when the charging is not completed, the process returns to step Sa2, and the above-described processing for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred is performed. Even when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the abnormality determination based on the voltage between the terminals acquired in step Sa2, the acquired voltage value is retained to specify the abnormality content at the time of abnormality determination or abnormality later.

  On the other hand, when the full charge is completed, the control unit 120 stops the charging by the charging circuit 42 and sets the cutoff circuit 43 in the cutoff state (opened) (step Sa6).

  The above is the control at the time of charging, and the control at the time of discharging, that is, when supplying the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load unit 48 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the control unit 120 sets the shut-off circuit 43 in a shut-off state (opened), the shut-off circuit 47 in a non-cut-off state (connected), and the electric power from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load unit 48 by the discharge circuit 46. Control is performed to supply, that is, discharge (step Sb1). As a result, electric power is supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load section 48 (here, the heating unit for heating the fixing unit 111). Duty control is performed during this discharge.

  Then, the control unit 120 periodically acquires the inter-terminal voltage (residual voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 44) as a detection result of the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 by polling or the like (step Sb2) and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 224. The relationship between the terminal voltage and the discharge time shown in the normal discharge information table (see FIG. 6) is compared with the relationship between the acquired terminal voltage and the discharge time (step Sb3).

  And the control part 120 judges the presence or absence of abnormality generation based on this comparison result (step Sb4). More specifically, the control unit 120 obtains a relationship with the discharge time of the inter-terminal voltage from the acquired inter-terminal voltage. Specifically, when the amount of change between the terminal voltage acquired in the past (predetermined time) and the amount of current voltage between the terminals acquired are obtained, and the amount of change is discharged for the predetermined time indicated in the normal discharge information table Whether or not there is an abnormality is determined based on whether or not the change amount of the voltage between the terminals belongs to a normal range. For example, when the discharge time actually obtained at the time of discharge is Y, the change in voltage between the terminals is in the range of voltage change (Z1 to Z2) that would be obtained when normal discharge is performed for time Y. Whether it belongs or not is discriminated. When the acquired inter-terminal voltage is outside the normal range, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and when it is within the range, it is determined that there is no abnormality. In this way, the control unit 120 determines whether there is an abnormality based on the acquired voltage across the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor 44.

  Here, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, control during abnormality described later is performed, and when it is determined that there is no abnormality, it is determined whether or not the fixing unit 111 has reached the target temperature ( Step Sb5). Whether or not the fixing unit 111 has reached the target temperature is determined based on a detection result of a temperature sensor (not shown). Here, if the fixing unit 111 has not reached the target temperature, it is necessary to continue driving the heating element to heat the fixing unit 111. Therefore, the process returns to step Sb2, and an abnormality occurs while discharging as described above. Performs processing to determine whether or not it has occurred. Even when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the abnormality determination based on the inter-terminal voltage acquired in step Sb2, the acquired voltage value is retained to specify the abnormality content at the time of abnormality determination and abnormality later.

  On the other hand, when the fixing unit 111 reaches the target temperature, there is no need to heat the fixing unit 111, so the control unit 120 controls the discharge circuit 46 to supply power from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load unit 48. That is, the discharge is stopped and the cutoff circuit 47 is set in the cutoff state (opened) (step Sb6).

  The above is the control at the time of discharging. In the present embodiment, whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the auxiliary power supply device 102 based on the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor 44 during charging or discharging. Judgment can be made.

  Next, an abnormality control performed when it is determined that there is an abnormality during charging or discharging as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, in the control at the time of abnormality, the control unit 120 sets the shut-off circuits 43 and 47 to the shut-off state (open) so that the electric double layer capacitor 44 is not charged and the electric double layer capacitor 44 is not discharged. The charging circuit 42 and the discharging circuit 46 are controlled (step Sc1). That is, the electric double layer capacitor 44 is separated from other circuit elements for charging and discharging, such as the charging circuit 42 and the discharging circuit 46.

  When it is determined that there is an abnormality in this way, the control unit 120 first disconnects the electric double layer capacitor 44 from other elements for charging and discharging, and then performs a process for specifying the content of the abnormality.

  Specifically, first, the control unit 120 identifies an abnormality occurrence state such as whether an abnormality has occurred during charging or an abnormality has occurred during discharging, and the terminal voltage when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred is normal. It is specified whether it is smaller or larger than the normal range shown in the charge information table or the normal discharge information table (step Sc2).

  Here, whether it is an abnormality during charging or an abnormality during discharging is whether the voltage between the terminals acquired during the charge control (the processing of step Sa1 or less in FIG. 8) is abnormal, It can be determined whether or not the voltage between the terminals acquired during the discharge control (the process after step Sb1 in FIG. 9) is abnormal.

  When the abnormality occurrence state and the magnitude of the acquired inter-terminal voltage relative to the normal range are specified, the control unit 120 determines whether the electric double layer capacitor has a voltage for the past certain period, the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor, or both. Is used to predict the location and content of the abnormality in the auxiliary power supply device 102 based on the relationship between the voltage between the terminals actually obtained during charging or discharging and the charging (or discharging time) (step Sc3).

  When an abnormality occurs, the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor 44 and the charging time or discharging time tends to differ from that during normal charging or discharging (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) depending on the content and location of the abnormality. Will be shown. In the present embodiment, when the relationship between the actual inter-terminal voltage and the charging (or discharging) time shows a tendency with respect to the relationship between the inter-terminal voltage and the charging (or discharging) time that should be taken in advance In addition, information for specifying what kind of abnormality has occurred at what position is stored in the nonvolatile memory 224. Then, the control unit 120 compares the relationship between the actually acquired inter-terminal voltage and the charging (or discharging) time with reference to the information and the original relationship, and acquires the acquired inter-terminal voltage and the charging (or discharging). ) The location of occurrence of abnormality is predicted based on how the relationship with time differs from the original relationship.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, (1) between the charging circuit 42 and the cutoff circuit 43 in the auxiliary power supply 102, (2) between the cutoff circuit 43 and the electric double layer capacitor 44, and (3) the charging circuit. When a disconnection or the like occurs at a position such as between 42 and the electric double layer capacitor 44 and the charging system circuit in the auxiliary power supply device 102 is in an open state, the electric double layer capacitor 44 is used even if a charging operation is performed. Thus, the inter-terminal voltage does not change even when the charging time is increased, as shown by the solid line in the graph of FIG. On the other hand, if the circuit is normal, the terminal voltage should increase in proportion to the charging time as shown by the broken line in the graph of FIG.

  Therefore, when it is determined that there is an abnormality because the inter-terminal voltage obtained at the time of charging is less than the normal range, the acquired inter-terminal voltage has hardly changed since the start of charging, or the past constant acquired before the abnormality determination When there is a tendency that the inter-terminal voltage acquired by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 does not change such that the inter-terminal voltage during the period hardly changes, the charging system such as (1), (2), (3) It can be predicted that an abnormality such as disconnection has occurred in this circuit. In addition, since the tendency that the voltage between terminals does not change as described above also appears when the cutoff circuit 43 cannot be disconnected (connected), it is predicted that an abnormality such as the control of the cutoff circuit 43 has occurred. be able to.

  Further, when the interruption circuit 43 is in the non-interruption state (connection), (1) when a ground fault or the like occurs between the charging circuit 42 and the interruption circuit 43, charging is performed as indicated by a solid line in the graph of FIG. The voltage between the terminals will decrease despite the operation. Therefore, when a tendency that the voltage between the terminals decreases despite the charging is performed, it can be predicted that a ground fault has occurred at the position (1) in the auxiliary power supply apparatus 102.

  In addition, in the auxiliary power supply device 102 shown in FIG. 11, (2) if a ground fault occurs between the cutoff circuit 43 and the electric double layer capacitor 44, the current cannot be turned off, so an overcurrent flows. In order to prevent this, it is preferable to provide an overcurrent protection means such as a fuse on the positive side of the electric double layer capacitor 44 in advance.

  Further, (4) between the cutoff circuit 47 and the electric double layer capacitor 44, (5) between the cutoff circuit 47 and the load unit 48, and (6) the electric double layer capacitor 44 in the auxiliary power supply apparatus 102 shown in FIG. (7) When a disconnection or the like occurs at a position such as between the discharge circuit 46 and the load portion 48 and the discharge system circuit in the auxiliary power supply device 102 is opened, the discharge is performed. Even if it is going to be performed, power is not supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load section 48, so that the voltage between the terminals does not change even if the discharge time increases as shown by the solid line in the graph of FIG. On the other hand, if the circuit is normal, the voltage between the terminals should decrease in proportion to the discharge time as shown by the broken line in the graph of FIG.

  Therefore, when it is determined that there is an abnormality because the inter-terminal voltage obtained at the time of discharge is larger than the normal range, the acquired inter-terminal voltage has hardly changed since the start of discharge, or the past constant acquired before the abnormality determination When there is a tendency that the inter-terminal voltage acquired by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 does not change such that the inter-terminal voltage hardly changes during the period (4), (5), (6), (7 It can be predicted that an abnormality such as disconnection has occurred in the discharge system circuit. Note that even when the cutoff circuit 47 cannot be disconnected (connected), the terminal voltage does not change as described above. Therefore, it is predicted that an abnormality such as inability to control the cutoff circuit 47 has occurred. be able to.

  Further, in the case where the interruption circuit 47 is in the non-interruption state (connection), (5) when a ground fault or the like occurs between the interruption circuit 47 and the load section 48, the terminal as shown by the solid line in the graph of FIG. The inter-voltage will be greatly reduced from the normal value (indicated by the broken line in the graph of FIG. 15). Therefore, when a tendency is observed such that the decrease in the inter-terminal voltage during discharge is larger than usual, it can be predicted that a ground fault has occurred at the location (5) in the auxiliary power supply device 102.

  Further, when the interruption circuit 47 is in the non-interruption state (connection), (7) when a ground fault or the like occurs between the discharge circuit 46 and the load section 48, the discharge control by the discharge circuit 46 cannot be performed, so the heater When the temperature of the load section 48 is low, a large inrush current flows, so that the voltage between the terminals is greatly reduced in the initial stage as compared with the normal (broken line) as shown by the solid line in the graph of FIG. Therefore, when the temperature of the heater which is the load unit 48 is detected as low as a certain temperature or less by a temperature sensor (not shown), the terminal voltage tends to decrease greatly at the beginning of discharge. , (7), it can be predicted that a ground fault or the like has occurred.

  In the auxiliary power supply device 102 shown in FIG. 11, (4) if a ground fault occurs between the cutoff circuit 47 and the electric double layer capacitor 44, the current cannot be turned off, and an overcurrent flows. In order to prevent this, it is preferable to provide an overcurrent protection means such as a fuse on the positive side of the electric double layer capacitor 44 in advance.

  As described above, the control unit 120 predicts an abnormality occurrence point in the auxiliary power supply apparatus 102 based on the relationship between the actual voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor and the charging time or discharging time.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when the location and content of the abnormality are specified, the control unit 120 is nonvolatile as information indicating the content of the abnormality such as the abnormality occurrence flag indicating the occurrence of the abnormality and the specified abnormality as logging data. Record in the memory 224 (step Sc4). In addition, the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality and the specified abnormality content on the display panel or by generating sound. Further, when the copying machine 1 has a communication means, the occurrence of an abnormality, the contents of the abnormality, information for identifying the copying machine 1 and the like may be transmitted to a service center or the like via a communication network. It should be noted that the error flag is deleted when a maintenance operation is performed by a maintenance staff and then a predetermined operation is performed by the maintenance staff or when a repair is automatically detected by monitoring the terminal voltage. You can do it.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, during charging and discharging, the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor 44 that is a power storage unit is detected, and the detected voltage is in accordance with the charging (or discharging) time at the time of detection. By determining whether or not it is in the normal range, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the auxiliary power supply device 102 during charging or discharging.

  Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the relationship between the acquired terminal voltage of the electric double layer capacitor and the charging (or discharging) time is the relationship between the terminal voltage and the time at normal time. Similarly, the occurrence of an abnormality and the content of the abnormality in the auxiliary power supply apparatus 102 are predicted depending on whether they are different. Accordingly, it is possible to more accurately identify the abnormality occurrence location (or a plurality of candidate locations) and the content of the abnormality (opening, ground fault, etc.).

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the user is notified of the location and content of the abnormality, so that the user can quickly perform a task such as requesting dispatch of maintenance personnel, and further maintenance. It is also possible to inform the staff of the location and content of the abnormality In this case, since the maintenance staff can know the location and contents of the abnormality before heading to the location where the copying machine 1 where the abnormality may have occurred, take appropriate measures in advance. And head to the installation site.

  Also, when maintenance personnel perform repair work, etc., the location and content of an abnormality reported from the user at the time of dispatch request or the logging data recorded in the nonvolatile memory 224 should be read and displayed. Since the confirmation work can be performed with the abnormality occurrence location and the abnormality content known in (4) as a guideline, it contributes to speeding up the work.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the electric double layer capacitor 44 is separated from other circuit elements for charging and discharging such as the charging circuit 42 and the discharging circuit 46 ( 10 (see step Sc1 in FIG. 10), the charging circuit 42, the discharging circuit 46, and the like can be protected, and the occurrence of abnormality can be suppressed. Therefore, repair work performed later can be facilitated, and repair costs can be reduced.

  Further, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the electric double layer capacitor 44 is separated from the charging circuit 42, the discharge circuit 46, the load unit 48, and the like, thereby protecting the electric double layer capacitor 44 from some ground faults and the like. In addition, the repair work for the abnormality can be facilitated and the repair cost can be reduced.

  Next, discharge information update control performed by the control unit 120 when updating the contents of the discharge information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, first, the control unit 120 determines whether or not there is an instruction to shift to the discharge information update mode (step Sd1).

  When there is an instruction to shift to the discharge information update mode from the user via the operation unit 14, the control unit 120 sets the cutoff circuit 43 to a cutoff state (open) and sets the cutoff circuit 47 to a non-cutoff state (connection). Control is performed by the discharge circuit 46 so that electric power is supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load section 48, that is, discharge is performed (step Sd2). As a result, electric power is supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load section 48 (here, the fixing unit 111 is a heating element for heating).

  When power supply (discharge) from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the fixing unit 111 is started in this way, the control unit 120 periodically acquires the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 and acquires the acquired voltage. The value is stored in the RAM 223 in association with the discharge time (step Sd3). That is, the elapsed times t1, t2, t3,... From the start of discharge and the inter-terminal voltages v1, v2, v3,.

  Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the discharge has ended (step Sd4). That is, it is determined whether or not the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 has become smaller than a preset value. If the discharge has not ended, that is, a certain amount of power is generated by the electric double layer capacitor. If the battery 44 is still charged, the discharge is continued and the relationship between the discharge time and the inter-terminal voltage is periodically acquired and stored.

  On the other hand, when the discharge ends, the control unit 120 displays information indicating the relationship between the discharge time stored in the RAM 223 and the voltage between the terminals ((t1, v1), (t2, v2),...) At the time, the discharge information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 is overwritten, and the discharge information table is updated (step Sd5).

  In addition, although discharge may be started as it is when there is a user instruction as described above, discharge may be started at the following timing. That is, the control unit 120 acquires a temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the fixing unit 111 or the like when an update instruction is given, and determines whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined set value. Is determined. When the temperature is lower than the set value, discharge is started. When the temperature is higher than the set value, the process waits until the detected temperature is lower than the set value. Let it begin.

  By starting discharge for acquiring information set in the discharge information table at such timing, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the fixing unit 111 from exceeding the temperature in the normal range. That is, the information to be set in the discharge information table as described above is information corresponding to a wider range of voltages that the electric double layer capacitor 44 is discharged in a range in which the amount of stored electricity is almost lost from the fully charged state. Is preferable. Therefore, the discharge takes a long time. However, if the temperature of the fixing unit 111 is high at the start of the discharge, the temperature of the fixing unit 111 exceeds the normal range due to the discharge, resulting in a malfunction. There is a fear. Therefore, the above-described problems can be avoided by starting the discharge only when the temperature in the fixing unit 111 is equal to or lower than the set value as described above.

  Next, charging information update control performed by the control unit 120 when updating the contents of the charging information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, first, the control unit 120 determines whether or not there is an instruction to shift to the charging information update mode (step Se1).

  When there is an instruction to shift to the charging information update mode from the user via the operation unit 14, the control unit 120 sets the cutoff circuit 47 to the cutoff state (open) and sets the cutoff circuit 43 to the cutoff state (connection), and performs charging. Control is performed so that the circuit 42 is charged (step Se2). As a result, the electric double layer capacitor 44 is charged.

  When charging of the electric double layer capacitor 44 is started in this way, the control unit 120 periodically acquires the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45, and corresponds the acquired voltage value to the charging time. And stored in the RAM 223 (step Sd3). That is, the elapsed times T1, T2, T3,... From the start of charging and the terminal voltages V1, V2, V3,.

  Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the charging is finished (step Se4). That is, it is determined whether or not the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 has reached a preset full charge value. Thus, the relationship between the discharge time and the voltage between terminals is acquired and stored.

  On the other hand, when charging is completed, the control unit 120 displays information indicating the relationship between the charging time stored in the RAM 223 and the voltage between the terminals ((T1, V1), (T2, V2),...) At this time, the discharge information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 is overwritten, and the discharge information table is updated (step Se5).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 120 functions as an update unit that updates the discharge information table and the charge information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224. Therefore, it is possible to update the discharge information table, the charge information table, and both used for determining whether there is an abnormality, as necessary. In this way, by making it possible to update the discharge information table and the charge information table, it is possible to more accurately determine whether there is an abnormality, and the reason will be described below.

  The relationship between the discharge time during discharge and the storage voltage value (characteristic during discharge), and the relationship between the charge time during charge and storage voltage value (characteristic during charge) are based on the load being supplied and the discharge path. If the characteristics of the components in the charging path change, it will change accordingly. For example, when the electric double layer capacitor 44 as the power storage means is replaced, when the charging circuit 42 is replaced, when the discharging circuit 46 is replaced, the characteristics during discharging and the characteristics during charging change. . Even when the parts are not replaced, the characteristics may change due to changes over time.

  Here, FIG. 19 shows an example of a characteristic (solid line) at the time of charging before replacing a component (for example, the charging circuit 42) in the charging path and a characteristic (broken line) at the time of charging after the replacement. Shows an example of characteristics (solid line) at the time of discharging before replacing a part (for example, the discharge circuit 46) in the discharge path, and characteristics (broken line) at the time of discharging after replacement. As shown in FIG. 19, it can be seen that when the characteristics (capability, etc.) of the charging circuit 42 before replacement and the charging circuit 42 after replacement change, the characteristics during charging change.

  More specifically, even when the electric double layer capacitor 44 is not replaced (even when the capacity or the like does not change), when the charging capacity of the charging circuit 42 after replacement is smaller than that before replacement, The charging time required to store a certain amount of power is longer than before replacement, that is, the amount of charge per unit time is reduced. On the contrary, when the charging capacity of the charging circuit 42 after replacement increases compared to before replacement, the charging time is shortened, that is, the amount of charge per unit time increases. Thus, the characteristics during charging vary depending on the variation in the charging capacity of the charging circuit 42.

  Even when the charging capacity does not change, when the capacity of the electric double layer capacitor 44 changes, the charging characteristic changes such as the charging time increases or decreases.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the characteristics at the time of discharging can be said to be the same as the characteristics at the time of charging. That is, if the discharge capacity changes by replacing the discharge circuit 46 or the load unit 48, the discharge time changes even if the characteristics of the electric double layer capacitor 44 do not change. More specifically, when the discharge capacity is reduced (such as a reduction in power consumption of the load unit 48), the discharge time is increased, and when the discharge capacity is increased, the discharge time is shortened.

  Even when the discharge capacity does not change, when the capacity of the electric double layer capacitor 44 changes, the characteristics during discharge such as increase or decrease of the discharge time will occur.

  As described above, when the characteristics of the components in the discharge path or the charging path change due to the replacement of the parts, the characteristics at the time of discharging and the characteristics at the time of charging change. Therefore, when the characteristic at the time of discharge or the characteristic at the time of charging changed due to parts replacement etc., refer to the discharge information table or the charging information table in which the characteristic that should be originally before replacement is stored. If the presence / absence of abnormality is determined, there is a risk of erroneous determination.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the discharge information table and the charge information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 can be updated as necessary. When the user replaces the charging circuit 42, if the user instructs to update the charging information table via the operation unit 14, the characteristics at the time of charging with the new charging circuit 42 attached are acquired. It is updated as a charging information table. That is, the table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 is updated to table information suitable for the state after the characteristic change.

  In addition, when the discharge circuit 46 or the load unit 48 (such as the heating member of the fixing unit 111) is replaced, if the user instructs to update the discharge information table via the operation unit 14, a new charging circuit 42 is attached. The characteristic at the time of charging in the state obtained is acquired, and it is updated as a charging information table.

  In addition, when the electric double layer capacitor 44 is replaced, if the user instructs to update the discharge information table and the charge information table via the operation unit 14, both tables are updated to a table adapted to the state after replacement. The In addition, although the structure which can instruct | indicate the update of a charge information table and a discharge information table separately in this way may be sufficient, it is good also as a structure which can instruct | indicate both update collectively.

  Accordingly, even when the characteristic change occurs due to the replacement of parts as described above, the nonvolatile memory 224 holds the discharge information table and the charge information table suitable for the state after replacement by updating. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in accuracy of abnormality determination caused by component replacement or the like.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications as exemplified below are possible.

(Modification 1)
In the embodiment described above, the updating process of the discharge information table and the charging information table (see FIGS. 17 and 18) is performed at a timing when an update instruction is given from the user via the operation unit 14. In this way, when there is an update instruction, charging or discharging may be performed for updating. However, after the instruction is given, the device is in parallel with normal charging or discharging at a timing when discharging or charging is necessary. Then, processing may be performed for updating.

  For example, when there is an update instruction from the user via the operation unit 14, the control unit 120 does not immediately execute the update process, but records a flag indicating that there is an update instruction in the nonvolatile memory 224. .

  And what is necessary is just to perform an update process as shown in FIG.21 and FIG.22 in the timing which performs normal discharge control or charge control. As shown in FIG. 21, the control unit 120 determines whether the power source of the image forming apparatus or the like is turned on or has returned from the low power mode to the normal mode (step Sf1).

  In this determination, if it is determined that the power is turned on or the normal mode is restored, the control unit 120 sets the shut-off circuit 43 in the shut-off state (opened) and the shut-off circuit 47 in the non-cut-off state (connected). Control is performed so that power is supplied from the capacitor 44 to the load section 48, that is, discharge is performed (step Sf2). As a result, electric power is supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the load section 48 (here, the fixing unit 111 is a heating element for heating).

  When power supply (discharge) from the electric double layer capacitor 44 to the fixing unit 111 is started in this way, the control unit 120 periodically acquires the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 and acquires the acquired voltage. The value is stored in the RAM 223 in association with the discharge time (step Sf3).

  Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the discharge has ended (step Sf4). That is, it is determined whether or not the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 has become smaller than a preset value. If the discharge has not ended, that is, a certain amount of power is generated by the electric double layer capacitor. If the battery 44 is still charged, the discharge is continued and the relationship between the discharge time and the inter-terminal voltage is periodically acquired and stored.

  On the other hand, when the discharge is completed, the control unit 120 determines whether or not a flag for updating the discharge information table is stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 (step Sf5). If the flag is stored as a result of this determination, information indicating the relationship between the discharge time stored in the RAM 223 and the voltage between the terminals ((t1, v1), (t2, v2)...) At the time, the discharge information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 is overwritten, and the discharge information table is updated (step Sf6). If the flag is not stored, the discharge control is terminated as it is.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 22, when the charging timing arrives, the control unit 120 sets the cutoff circuit 47 to the cutoff state (open) and the cutoff circuit 43 to the cutoff state (connection) so that the charging circuit 42 performs charging. Control (step Sg1). As a result, the electric double layer capacitor 44 is charged.

  When charging of the electric double layer capacitor 44 is started in this way, the control unit 120 periodically acquires the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45, and corresponds the acquired voltage value to the charging time. And stored in the RAM 223 (step Sg2).

  Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the charging is finished (step Sg3). That is, it is determined whether or not the inter-terminal voltage detected by the inter-terminal voltage detection circuit 45 has reached a preset full charge value. Thus, the relationship between the discharge time and the voltage between terminals is acquired and stored.

  On the other hand, when the charging is finished, the control unit 120 determines whether or not a flag for updating the charging information table is stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 (step Sg4). If the flag is stored as a result of this determination, the control unit 120 determines the relationship between the charging time stored in the RAM 223 and the voltage between the terminals ((T1, V1), (T2, V2)...). The information shown is overwritten on the discharge information table stored in the nonvolatile memory 224 at that time, and the discharge information table is updated (step Sg5). If the flag is not stored, the charging control is terminated as it is.

  Instead of performing the update process immediately after the update instruction as described above, when the device is discharged or charged at a timing that requires charging or discharging, the discharging characteristics or charging characteristics are acquired and discharged. The information table and the charging information table may be updated.

  In the case of discharge control, the above-mentioned characteristics at the time of discharge are acquired at the power-on timing or the return timing from the low power mode to the normal mode as described in the above embodiment. This is because it is necessary to obtain a wide range of information. That is, in order to obtain a wider range of information, it is preferable to perform a long-time discharge. Therefore, a process that takes place at the time of power-on or return to the normal mode, which is a low-temperature state with little trouble even if long-time discharge is performed. Like to do.

  For the reasons described above, the discharge is started when the fixing unit 111 is not at a high temperature. However, the auxiliary power supply device 102 is used for other than the configuration in which power is supplied to the heating element of the fixing unit 111. In some cases, it is not always necessary to limit the discharge start timing as described above. In other words, when there is no problem in the function of the device even when the discharge is performed for a long time and the load portion becomes too hot, there is no need to provide the above limitation.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the user is instructed to perform the update when the part is replaced. However, the update process is automatically performed when a predetermined state is reached. May be. For example, a sensor that detects the attachment / detachment of components such as the charging circuit 42, the discharge circuit 46, the load unit 48, and the electric double layer capacitor 44 is provided, and the control is performed when the sensor detects that the components are attached / detached. The unit 120 may automatically perform update processing. In addition, the number of abnormalities detected within a certain period (for example, 10 days) is counted, and if the counted number exceeds a certain value, it is considered that the characteristics of the component have changed due to changes over time, etc. The unit 120 may automatically perform update processing.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the update process, the relationship between the voltage value acquired at the time of discharging (or charging) and the discharging time (or charging time) is used as a new discharging information table (or charging information table). In addition to using the measured values as information to be updated in this way, discharge information, charging information, etc. prepared in advance are input to the device, and the input information is used as new table information. You may make it update. For example, when parts such as the charging circuit 42 are to be replaced, charging information data or the like prepared in advance according to the type of the part after replacement is acquired via a recording medium or a network, and this is obtained as an image forming apparatus. It is also possible to update by inputting into

(Modification 3)
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the copying machine 1 having the fixing unit 111 has been described. However, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine other than the copying machine. The present invention can be applied to a power supply device mounted on an electric device that supplies electric power to some load unit. In such a case, the control unit of the electric device main body such as the control unit 120 of the copying machine 1 as described above may perform control such as charging, discharging, and abnormality determination. You may make it provide the control part to perform in a power supply device.

  As described above, the power supply device according to the present invention is useful as a device that supplies power to a load that requires rapid power supply, and is particularly suitable for a power supply device that supplies power to a fixing device of an image forming apparatus. ing.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a copying machine including an auxiliary power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the main-body part of the said copying machine. It is a figure which shows the structure of the auxiliary power supply apparatus of the said copying machine. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part of the said copying machine. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor and the charging time when the electric double layer capacitor of the auxiliary power supply is normally charged. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor and the discharge time when the electric double layer capacitor performs normal discharge. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between terminals of an electric double layer capacitor, and discharge time in the case of supplying electric power from the electric double layer capacitor to a heater with low temperature. It is a flowchart which shows the control content at the time of charge to the said electrical double layer capacitor by the said control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the electromagnetic of the said electric double layer capacitor by the said control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the control at the time of abnormality performed by the said control part when abnormality is detected in the said auxiliary power supply device. It is a figure for demonstrating the process for pinpointing the abnormality occurrence location of the said auxiliary power supply device. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the said electric double layer capacitor, and charging time when abnormality generate | occur | produces in the said auxiliary power supply device. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the said electric double layer capacitor, and charging time when abnormality generate | occur | produces in the said auxiliary power supply device. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor, and the discharge time when an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary power supply. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor, and the discharge time when an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary power supply. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between the terminals of the electric double layer capacitor, and the discharge time when an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary power supply. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which updates the discharge information table memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of the said control part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which updates the charge information table memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of the said control part. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between terminals of an electric double layer capacitor, and charging time when the characteristic of the component in a charging path changes. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage between terminals of an electric double layer capacitor, and the discharge time when the characteristic of the component in a discharge path | route changes. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the modification of the process which updates the discharge information table memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of the said control part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the modification of the process which updates the charge information table memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of the said control part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main body part 11 Large-capacity paper feed part 12 Finisher 13 Automatic document feeder 14 Operation part 15 Paper feed part 17 Paper discharge part 41 AC power supply 42 Charging circuit 43 Shut-off circuit 44 Electric double layer capacitor 45 Terminal voltage detection circuit 46 Discharge circuit 47 Interrupting circuit 48 Load unit 101 Scanner unit 102 Auxiliary power supply device 103 Photosensitive unit 104 Charging unit 105 Developing unit 106 Transfer unit 108 Paper feeding unit 111 Fixing unit 112 Fixing roller 113 Pressure roller 120 Control unit 224 Non-volatile memory

Claims (10)

Rechargeable power storage means for storing power; and
Voltage detection means for detecting a voltage value of the power storage means;
Storage means for storing discharge information indicating a change in the voltage value during a discharge time when the power storage means is discharging;
Based on the discharge information stored in the storage means and the relationship between the voltage value periodically detected by the voltage detection means and the discharge time while the storage means is discharging, the presence / absence of abnormality is determined. A determination means for periodically determining;
Update instruction means for instructing update of discharge information stored in the storage means;
When discharging from the power storage means is started after the instruction by the update instruction means is performed, the voltage detection means periodically detects the voltage value of the power storage means, and the periodically detected voltage value And a control unit that stores the discharge information in the storage unit in association with a discharge time .   The control means causes the voltage means to periodically detect the voltage value of the power storage means when the normal discharge control is performed as an apparatus after the update instruction means is instructed, and periodically detects the voltage value. The stored voltage value is associated with the discharge time and stored in the storage means as the discharge information.
  The power supply device according to claim 1. The update instruction unit instructs the control unit to update the discharge information stored in the storage unit when the power storage unit or a load unit that receives power supply from the power storage unit is replaced. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2 . The update instructing means indicates a relationship between a voltage value detected by the voltage detecting means and a discharge time while the power storage means is discharging, at a predetermined update timing. 4. The power supply according to claim 1 , further comprising: instructing to acquire information to be displayed and to update the storage content of the storage unit using the acquired information as new discharge information. apparatus. Power storage means for storing power;
Charging means for charging the energy storage means with electrical energy;
Voltage detection means for detecting a voltage value of the power storage means;
Storage means for storing charging information indicating a change in the voltage value during a charging time when the power storage means is charged by the charging means;
The relationship between the voltage value periodically detected by the voltage detection means and the charging time while the power storage means is being charged by the charging means, and the charging information stored in the storage means A determination means for periodically determining the presence or absence of an abnormality,
Update instruction means for instructing update of discharge information stored in the storage means;
When charging from the power storage means is started after an instruction is given by the update instruction means, the voltage detection means periodically detects the voltage value of the power storage means, and the periodically detected voltage value And a control unit that stores the charging information in the storage unit in association with a charging time .   The control means causes the voltage means to periodically detect the voltage value of the power storage means when the normal charge control is performed as an apparatus after the update instruction means is instructed, and periodically detects the voltage value. The stored voltage value and the charging time are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit as the charging information.
  The power supply device according to claim 5. The update instruction means, when said storage means or said charging means has been replaced, wherein the updating of the discharge information stored in said storage means to claim 5 or 6, wherein the instructing said control means Power supply. When the update instruction means reaches a predetermined update timing, a voltage value and a charging time detected by the voltage detection means while the power storage means is being charged by the charging means to the control means. and obtaining information indicating the relationship between any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that an instruction and updating the stored contents of said memory means the obtained information as a new charge information The power supply device described in 1. Rechargeable power storage means for storing power; and
A fixing unit that receives power supply from the power storage unit and heats the medium on which the toner image is formed;
Voltage detection means for detecting a voltage value of the power storage means;
Storage means for storing discharge information indicating a change in the voltage value during a discharge time when the power storage means is discharging;
Based on the discharge information stored in the storage means and the relationship between the voltage value periodically detected by the voltage detection means and the discharge time while the storage means is discharging, the presence or absence of abnormality is periodically determined. a judging means for to determine,
Update instruction means for instructing update of discharge information stored in the storage means;
When discharging from the power storage means is started after the instruction by the update instruction means is performed, the voltage detection means periodically detects the voltage value of the power storage means, and the periodically detected voltage value An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that associates a discharge time with the discharge unit and stores the discharge information in the storage unit . Power storage means for storing power;
A fixing unit that receives power supply from the power storage unit and heats the medium on which the toner image is formed;
Charging means for charging the energy storage means with electric energy;
Voltage detection means for detecting a voltage value of the power storage means;
Storage means for storing charging information indicating a change in the voltage value during a charging time when the power storage means is charged by the charging means;
Update instruction means for instructing update of discharge information stored in the storage means;
The relationship between the voltage value periodically detected by the voltage detection means and the charging time while the power storage means is being charged by the charging means, and the charging information stored in the storage means A determination means for periodically determining the presence or absence of an abnormality,
When charging from the power storage means is started after an instruction is given by the update instruction means, the voltage detection means periodically detects the voltage value of the power storage means, and the periodically detected voltage value And a control unit that stores the charging information in the storage unit in association with a charging time .

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