JP4146968B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus configured by combining an image reading apparatus and an image writing apparatus. In place Related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, an image forming apparatus (for example, a digital copying machine) configured by combining an image reading apparatus and an image writing apparatus has been developed.
[0003]
In this type of image forming apparatus, the image reading apparatus and the image writing apparatus can be physically separated by separating the control system of the image reading apparatus and the image writing apparatus.
[0004]
With this configuration, it is possible to enrich the product lineup of image forming apparatuses by enriching the types of image reading apparatuses and image writing apparatuses, and selecting and combining any one of them. .
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since the total power amount of the entire apparatus has an upper limit, when the image reading apparatus and the image writing apparatus are arbitrarily combined, the total power consumption of both is calculated as the total power amount of the entire apparatus. In this case, there is a risk of failure or malfunction.
[0006]
In the conventional image forming apparatus, power to the image reading apparatus is normally supplied from a power supply apparatus installed in the image writing apparatus, and the current consumption of the image reading apparatus varies depending on the type. The limit value of the current supplied from the device to the image reading device is set according to the image reading device with the largest current consumption, and when an image reading device with a small current consumption is combined, the rating of the image reading device Even if power is supplied exceeding the current, the power supply may not be shut down.
[0007]
Further, in the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, the power supply devices installed in each image writing apparatus only output a predetermined voltage value (fixed value). The reading device is inevitably determined (since only an image reading device that can operate at the output voltage value can be selected), the combination of the image reading device and the image writing device is limited.
[0008]
The present invention has been made paying attention to this point, and in an image forming apparatus configured by combining an image reading apparatus and an image writing apparatus, the degree of freedom of the combination of the image reading apparatus and the image writing apparatus is further improved. Image forming equipment that can further expand the product lineup Place The purpose is to provide.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus configured by combining an image reading apparatus and an image writing apparatus, and the image writing apparatus supplies power to the image reading apparatus. Power supply means to Above Stores power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the image writing device First Storage means; In the first storage means First control means for transmitting stored power consumption information to the image reading device, the image reading device comprising: A second storage unit that stores power consumption information indicating power consumption of the image reading device, a scanner unit that irradiates a document, a motor that moves the scanner unit, a motor driver that drives the motor, Power consumption information transmitted from the first control means If the sum of the power consumption of the image writing device obtained from the power consumption information of the image reading device obtained from the power consumption information stored in the second storage means exceeds a predetermined power value, As a control, a low power consumption mode for driving the motor by reducing the power supplied from the power supply means to the motor is set. Second control means When It is characterized by having.
[0011]
Good Preferably, the image reading device uses power consumption. Different multiple of low Power consumption mode The And the second control means includes When the total power consumption of the image reading apparatus and the image writing apparatus exceeds the predetermined power value, the use of the image forming apparatus is prohibited and the prohibition of use of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit. It is characterized by that.
[0016]
Preferably, even when the setting is changed to the power consumption mode with the lowest power consumption by the control means, when the current consumption exceeds the maximum rated current of the power supply means, the image reading device is combined. It has the display means which displays that it is impossible.
[0017]
In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 9 is an image forming apparatus configured by combining an image reading apparatus and an image writing apparatus, wherein the image writing apparatus supplies power to the image reading apparatus. And a power supply means capable of variably supplying the power supply voltage value and a transmission means for transmitting range information of the power supply voltage supplied by the power supply means to the image reading apparatus, the image reading apparatus Determining whether or not the image reading device is operable within a voltage range indicated by the received power supply voltage range information, and receiving means for receiving the power supply voltage range information transmitted from the transmission means; And control means for controlling to determine the operating state.
[0018]
Preferably, the transmission means transmits information indicating an upper limit value of power supplied by the power supply means, and the reception means receives information indicating the upper limit value of the transmitted power, and the control means Is characterized by determining whether or not the image reading apparatus is operable within a range of the upper limit value indicated by the information indicating the upper limit value of the received power, and determining the operation state.
[0048]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0049]
FIG. 1 is an internal structure diagram showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus reads an image information reading unit (for reading image information drawn on a document). (Hereinafter referred to as “reader unit”) 1, an image forming system 3 that forms an image on the recording paper 2 based on image information read by the reader unit 1, and the recording paper 2 is supplied to the image forming system 3 And a sheet feeding / conveying unit 4. In this embodiment, the image forming system 3 and the paper feeding / conveying section 4 constitute a copying section (image information writing section; hereinafter referred to as “printer section”) 5.
[0050]
Specifically, the reader unit 1 includes an original feeding unit 6 on which an appropriate number of originals are placed, an original conveying mechanism (not shown), an original lamp glass 8 that moves in the direction of arrow A and is moved by an exposure lamp 7. A scanner unit 9 that irradiates a document placed on the document, a plurality of reflecting mirrors 10a, 10b, and 10c, a condenser lens 11, and a CCD (charge coupled device) image to which image information drawn on the document is input. The sensor 12 is comprised.
[0051]
The image forming system 3 includes an exposure control unit 13 that converts image information (electrical signal) input to the CCD image sensor 12 into an optical signal, and a photosensitive member that is irradiated with light emitted from the exposure control unit 13. 14, a developing unit 15 that develops a latent image formed on the photoconductor 14 with a desired color, a transfer unit 16 that transfers image information onto the recording paper 2, a conveyor 17, and a pair of upper and lower drums The fixing unit 18 having a main part, a plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 19 including a pair of rollers, and a pair of registration rollers 20.
[0052]
The paper feeding / conveying section 4 is composed of paper feeding cassettes 22a and 22b containing recording paper 2, recording paper pressers 23a and 23b, and a plurality of sets of conveying rollers 24.
[0053]
In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the originals stacked on the original feeding unit 6 are sequentially conveyed onto the original table glass 8 one by one by the original conveying mechanism. When the document is conveyed onto the document table glass 8, the exposure lamp 7 is turned on, and the scanner unit 9 moves in the direction of arrow A to irradiate the document. Thereafter, the reflected light from the document passes through the condenser lens 11 via the reflecting mirrors 10 a to 10 c and is input to the image sensor 12. Next, the image information input to the image sensor 12 is subjected to predetermined processing by an image processing unit to be described later, input to the exposure control unit 13, and converted into an optical signal. Next, the image information converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 13 is irradiated onto the photoconductor 14 through the lens 25 and the reflecting mirror 26. Then, the latent image formed on the photosensitive member 14 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing unit 15 in which a predetermined developing device is set.
[0054]
On the other hand, the recording paper 2 is conveyed from the paper feed cassettes 22a and 22b to the transfer unit 16 via the conveying roller 24 in synchronization with the latent image on the photosensitive member 14, and the developed image is transferred to the recording paper 2. The Next, the recording sheet 2 is conveyed on the conveyor 17 in the direction of arrow B and sent to the fixing unit 18, and the transferred image is fixed to the recording sheet 2 by the fixing unit 18.
[0055]
In the case of monochrome copying, the paper is discharged to the sorter 30 as indicated by an arrow C through a set of paper discharge rollers 27. On the other hand, in the case of multi-color copying, the recording paper 2 is conveyed in the direction of arrow D through the sorting mechanism 28, passes through the lower conveyance unit 29, and is temporarily stopped by a pair of registration rollers 20, and the development unit 15 After the developing unit is converted into a predetermined developing unit and developed, the process proceeds to the transfer unit 16 again, and after passing through the transfer unit 16 and fixing at the fixing unit 18, a predetermined multicolor copy is made. After that, the paper is discharged to the sorter 30 as indicated by an arrow C through the paper discharge roller 27.
[0056]
The recording paper 2 discharged to the sorter 30 is discharged to each bin 32 when the sorter 30 operates, and is discharged to the uppermost bin 31 when the sorter 30 does not operate. The
[0057]
The developing unit 15 includes a black developing unit 15K that contains black toner and a red developing unit 15R that contains red toner, and development is performed so that development is possible with the colors of these toners. One of the developing devices is disposed close to the photoconductor 14 by the device switching device 21 and the other is retracted from the photoconductor. Further, a heater (not shown) is incorporated in any one of the drums of the fixing unit 18, and the image is fixed by the heater.
[0058]
Next, a method for recording sequentially read image information on both sides of one recording sheet will be described.
[0059]
The recording sheet 2 on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 18 is once transported to the paper discharge roller 27, and then the transport direction is reversed and transported in the direction of arrow D through the sorting mechanism 28, and passes through the lower transport unit 29. Then, the set of registration rollers 28 temporarily stops. Then, when the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process. However, since the recording paper 2 is fed from the lower transport unit 29, 2 is eventually applied to the front and back surfaces of the same recording paper. One sheet of original image can be recorded.
[0060]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control elements of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIG.
[0061]
In the figure, image data that has been photoelectrically converted in the CCD 12 and appropriately subjected to analog amplification and A / D conversion is sent to a reader / controller (hereinafter abbreviated as “R-con”) 40 via a line L1. The R converter 40 performs shading correction on the received image data, and then sends it to the controller 50 via the image transfer bus B1.
[0062]
Various timing pulses for driving the CCD 12 generated in the R converter 40 are sent to the CCD 12 via the line L2.
[0063]
Further, a stepping motor 41 is connected to the R-con 40, and the stepping motor 41 is rotated forward / reversely by the control of the R-con 40, and as described above, the scanner unit 9 moves forward / backward, and the original platen glass 8 Scan the original document.
[0064]
The controller 50 is a unit that comprehensively controls the printer unit 5 and the reader unit 1, and transmits and receives various control data to and from the R controller 40 via the data bus B2.
[0065]
A user interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “Ui”) 51 includes a display unit such as a key or an LCD. The user interface unit 51 transmits key input information to the controller 50 or receives display data output from the controller 50. Display is performed according to the display data.
[0066]
A low-voltage power supply unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “LVT”) 52 generates a low-voltage power supply from an AC voltage supplied by a commercial power supply (not shown) based on an instruction from the controller 50. As the low-voltage power source, a control power source (for example, 3.3 V or the like) for supplying power to a control unit such as a CPU or a power power source (for example, 24 V or the like) for driving a motor or a solenoid is generated.
[0067]
The control power is supplied to the R converter 40 via the power supply line L3 and is also supplied to each necessary unit in the printer unit 5. The power power is supplied to the R converter 40 through the power supply line L4 and is also supplied to each necessary unit in the printer unit 1.
[0068]
The image data received from the R-con 4 is subjected to image processing such as scaling, edge emphasis, binarization and the like in the controller 50, and then a printer controller (hereinafter referred to as "P-con") via the image data bus B3. Abbreviated to 53).
[0069]
The P controller 53 is a unit that controls the paper feed system of the printer unit 5 and the charging system necessary for image formation, and transmits and receives various control data to and from the controller 50 via the data bus B4. The P controller 53 adds various timing signals necessary for printing to the image data received via the image data bus B3, and outputs the result to the image data bus B3.
[0070]
The exposure control unit 13 emits a laser (not shown) with a predetermined amount of light according to the image data received via the image data bus B3 and a timing signal, and irradiates the photoconductor 14, thereby causing the photoconductor 14 to be irradiated. A latent image is formed.
[0071]
The external interface 54 is an interface for communicating with an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, for example, a personal computer (not shown), and is connected to the controller 50.
[0072]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the R-con 40, and the same elements as those in FIG.
[0073]
The CPU 40a is a one-chip CPU including a ROM and a RAM (not shown). The CPU 40a controls the operation of the reader unit 1 and sets the pulse generator 40c and the initial image processor 40e via the local data bus LB1. Timing is given. In addition, information is transmitted to and received from the controller 50 via the data bus B2.
[0074]
Further, the CPU 40a sends a motor control signal to the motor driver 40b via the line L5 'to control the stepping motor 41.
[0075]
The motor driver 40b drives the stepping motor 41 via the motor drive line L5 in accordance with the motor clock signal indicating the rotation speed of the stepping motor included in the motor control signal, the rotation direction signal, and the drive enable signal. As a driving power source for the stepping motor 41, a power power source is used via the power source line L4.
[0076]
The pulse generator 40c receives the clock from the oscillator 40d, generates a CCD timing signal according to the setting by the CPU 40a, drives the CCD 12 via the line L2, and simultaneously sends image data sent from the CCD 12 via the line L1. Is generated and sent to the initial processor 40e via the line L11. The speed of the image clock can be selectively switched by the CPU 40a while maintaining the correlation with the CCD timing signal.
[0077]
The initial image processor 40e performs shading processing on the image data transmitted from the CCD 12, and then sends the image data to the image transfer bus B1 in synchronization with the image clock. Information signals relating to image data passing through the data bus B2 are directly supplied to the initial image processor 40e, and critical timing signals related to the image data are transferred.
[0078]
In the present embodiment, the operation clock of the CPU 40a and the image clock generated by the pulse generator 40c do not need to be synchronized, and therefore can be arbitrarily selected including the synchronized state. it can.
[0079]
FIG. 4 is a plan view of Ui 51 in FIG.
[0080]
As shown in the figure, the Ui 51 is provided with various keys and a display unit 51a composed of a dot matrix composed of a liquid crystal display device.
[0081]
The display unit 51a displays the state of the image forming apparatus, the number of copies, the magnification, the selected paper, and various operation mode screens, and is operated by various control keys described later.
[0082]
The start key 51b is a key for starting a copy operation. The return (reset) key 51c is a key for returning (resetting) the setting mode to the standard state. The key group 51d is composed of numeric keys 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies, zoom magnification, and the like, and a clear key for clearing the input. The density adjustment keys 51e and 51f are keys for increasing / decreasing the density, and the density state to be adjusted by the density adjustment keys 51e and 51f is displayed on the bar-scale density display portion 51g. The Reference numeral 51h denotes a key for turning on / off the automatic density adjustment function and a display portion thereof. Reference numeral 51i denotes a key for selecting a paper feed stage and an automatic paper selection mode, and the selection state is displayed on the display unit 51a. Reference numerals 51j, 51k, and 51l denote keys for setting a standard reduction mode, an equal magnification mode, and an enlargement mode, respectively. 51m is a key for setting the auto scaling mode, and the setting state is displayed on the display unit 51a.
[0083]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the controller 50 of FIG.
[0084]
In the figure, a CPU 50a performs overall control based on a program in a ROM 50b.
[0085]
The RAM 50 c is used as a work area for the CPU 50 a and a storage area for image information read by the reader unit 1.
[0086]
The SCi 50d is a serial communication interface, and the CPU 50a transmits / receives information to / from the R-con 40, the LVT 52, and the P-con 53 via the SCi 50d.
[0087]
The PCI / F unit 50e is an interface such as Bicentro, and receives print data from a personal computer or notifies the personal computer of the state of the image forming apparatus.
[0088]
The compression / decompression unit 50f compresses and decompresses image data at high speed and supports formats such as JBIG and MMR.
[0089]
The NIC 50g is an interface with a network such as 10base. Through the NIC 50g, the CPU 50a receives print data from a computer on the network and notifies the computer of the state of the image forming apparatus.
[0090]
The fax unit 50h includes a modem and a line processing circuit, and transmits and receives image data compressed in a predetermined format via a communication line (PSTN).
[0091]
The interface unit 50j is for interfacing with the Ui 51 and includes an LCD controller. The CPU 50a sends display data to the Ui 51 and receives key input data via the interface unit 50j.
[0092]
The image processing unit 50m receives image data from the reader unit 1 via the image transfer bus B1, performs image processing (described later), and then outputs the image data to the video input I / F unit 50k.
[0093]
The video input I / F unit 50k converts the timing of the input image data and stores it in the RAM 50c. On the other hand, the timing of the image data stored in the RAM 50c is converted via the video output I / F unit 50l, subjected to image processing (described later) by the image processing unit 50m, and then sent via the image transfer bus B3. It is sent to P-Con 53.
[0094]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image processing unit 50m. As shown in FIG. 6, 8-bit image data is sent as it is to the video input I / F unit 50k as 8-bit data. In some cases, the following image processing may be performed.
[0095]
That is, the image processing means enlargement / reduction scaling processing performed by the scaling unit 50m4, filter processing performed by the filter unit 50m3, and Log conversion performed by the log conversion / γ compensation unit 50m2 in accordance with the characteristics of the printer or the like. Processing refers to binarization processing performed by the binarization unit 50m1 based on an algorithm such as error diffusion, and the amount of image data information is reduced by these processing.
[0096]
The 600 dpi image data output from the video output I / F 50l is converted into pseudo 2400 dpi data by the smoothing unit 50m5.
[0097]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the P-con 53 of FIG.
[0098]
In the figure, a CPU 53a performs mechanical control of the printer unit 5, and performs control according to a program stored in the ROM 53b. The RAM 53c is used by the CPU 53a. The I / O 53d is an input / output port, and signals from various sensors (not shown) are read into the CPU 53a via the I / O 53d.
[0099]
Examples of various sensors include a paper sensor that detects the presence or absence of transfer paper. The output of the output port of the I / O 53d is supplied to the driver 53e. The driver 53e converts the output of the output port into a necessary drive voltage and supplies it to various loads (not shown). Examples of various loads include a fixing heater, a paper feed motor, a clutch, and a solenoid.
[0100]
The SCi 53f is a real communication interface, and the CPU 53a transmits / receives information to / from the controller 50 via the SCi 53f.
[0101]
A temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the fixing unit 18 is connected to an A / D input of the CPU 53a, and the CPU 53a controls a fixing heater (not shown) according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Do.
[0102]
The image processing unit 53g outputs the image data from the controller 50 to the exposure control unit 13 in accordance with the timing in the main scanning direction.
[0103]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the LVT 52 of FIG.
[0104]
In the figure, a CPU 52a is a one-chip CPU including a ROM and a RAM (not shown) that controls the operation of the LVT. The CPU 52a transmits / receives information to / from the controller 50 via the line L6.
[0105]
The commercial power supply is smoothed by the smoothing circuit 52b, and its output is connected to the DC / DC converter units 52c to 52f.
[0106]
The DC / DC converter unit 52c (CNV1) always operates and generates a control power supply voltage 3.3VA. The power supply voltage 3.3VA is supplied by the CPU 52a.
[0107]
The DC / DC converter unit 52d (CNV2) generates the power supply voltage 3.3VB. This power source is configured to be able to be turned on / off by the CPU 52a.
[0108]
The DC / DC converter unit 52e (CNV3) generates a power supply (24V). This power source is also configured to be on / off controlled by the CPU 52a.
[0109]
The DC / DC converter unit 52f (CNV4) generates a power supply (2 variable). This power supply can be turned on / off by the CPU 52a and can be set to an output voltage. Further, a current limiter circuit (not shown) is provided in the CNV 4, and the limiter current value for operating the current limiter circuit can be set by the CPU 52 a.
[0110]
Control processing executed by the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0111]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of power setting processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, particularly the CPU 50a of the controller 50 and the CPU 40d of the R controller 40.
[0112]
In the figure, first, after the power is turned on, the CPU 50a reads information on the power consumption of the printer unit 5 from the ROM 50b and transmits it to the reader unit 1 (specifically, the CPU 40a) (step S1).
[0113]
Next, the CPU 40a determines that the sum of the power consumption of the printer unit 5 obtained from this information and the power consumption of the reader unit 1 (this power value is stored in advance in the ROM in the CPU 40a, for example) is a predetermined value ( For example, it is determined whether or not it is 1.5 kW or less (step S2). If 1.5 kW or less, the motor control of the reader unit 1 is set to the normal power consumption mode (step S3). If the power consumption exceeds 5 kW, of the power consumption corresponding to the plurality of low power consumption modes set in the reader unit 1, is there a power value that makes the total of the power consumption of the printer unit 5 less than 1.5 kW? Is determined (step S4).
[0114]
In step S4, when there is a low power consumption mode with a power value of 1.5 kW or less, the power consumption mode of the reader unit 1 is set to the low power consumption mode with the highest performance (step S5). When there is no low power consumption mode with a power value of .5 kW or less, use of the image forming apparatus configured by combining the printer unit 5 and the reader unit 1 is prohibited (step S6), and the display 51a is not used. And the fact that the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 5 cannot be combined is displayed (step S7).
[0115]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the power consumption of the reader unit 1 is changed according to the power consumption of the printer unit 5 connected to the reader unit 1, so that no failure or malfunction occurs. The combination of the printer unit 5 and the reader unit 1 to be connected is increased as much as possible, and an image forming apparatus having a rich product lineup can be provided to the user.
[0116]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0117]
Since the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment only in the control processing method, the hardware is the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Use the same equipment. Therefore, description of hardware is omitted.
[0118]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of current limit value (limit current value) setting processing executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, particularly the CPU 50a of the controller 50 and the CPU 40a of the R controller 40.
[0119]
In the figure, first, when the power is turned on, the CPU 40a reads information on the current consumption of the reader unit 1 from the ROM in the CPU 40a and transmits it to the printer unit 5 (specifically, the CPU 50a) (step S11).
[0120]
Next, the CPU 50a determines whether or not the total consumption current of the received reader unit 1 is less than or equal to the maximum rated value of the power power supply CNV4 (step S12). Current consumption information is transmitted to the CPU 52a of the LVT 52 (step S13). In response to this, the CPU 52a sets a limit current value of the current limiter circuit based on the received current consumption information (step S14).
[0121]
On the other hand, when the maximum rated value is exceeded in step S12, it is determined whether or not the reader unit 1 has a low power consumption operation mode that does not exceed the maximum rated value (step S15). If it has a mode, the reader unit 1 is set to the low power consumption operation mode (step S16).
[0122]
Then, the CPU 40a of the reader unit 1 transmits again the current consumption in the low-consumption operation mode to the printer unit 5 (step S17), and the CPU 52a of the LVT 52 is based on the received current consumption information in the same manner as in step S14. A limit current value of the current limiter circuit is set (step S18).
[0123]
On the other hand, if the reader unit 1 does not have a low power consumption mode that does not exceed the maximum rated value in step S15, the display unit 51a in FIG. Displayed (step S19).
[0124]
Thus, in the present embodiment, even when a plurality of reader units with different current consumption are connected to the printer unit, the limit current value of the power source is set in accordance with the rated current consumption of the reader unit. When a reader unit with low current consumption is connected to the printer unit, the limit current value is set low, so that if the current supplied from the power source exceeds the rated current of the reader unit, it can be quickly and safely Power supply output can be shut down.
[0125]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0126]
Since the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment also differs from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment only in the control processing method, the hardware is the same as that of the image apparatus according to the first embodiment. The description of the hardware is omitted.
[0127]
FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts showing a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 11 is executed by the CPU 52d of the LVT 52 shown in FIG. The process of FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 50a of the controller 50 of FIG. 5, and the process of FIG. 13 is executed by the CPU 40a of the R controller 40 of FIG.
[0128]
In FIG. 11, first, a voltage range Vv that can be output by the power source (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52 is transmitted to the controller 50 (step S21). This voltage range Vv is a value such as 18 v to 40 v, for example.
[0129]
Next, the power Wv that can be output by the power source (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52 is transmitted to the controller 50 (step S22).
[0130]
The voltage range Vv and the power Wv are fixed values determined by the design of the LVT 52.
[0131]
In FIG. 12, first, the data Vv and Wv received from the LVT 52 are transmitted to the R controller 40 (step S31).
[0132]
Next, it waits for a reply from the R-con 40 (step S32). When a reply comes from the R-con 40, the process proceeds from step S32 to step S33.
[0133]
In step S33, it is determined whether or not the reply from the R-con 40 is an error. If there is an error, the process proceeds to step S35, and the error is displayed on the display unit 51a of FIG. Then, the data Vr received from the R converter 40 is transmitted to the LVT 52. In response to this, the LVT 52 outputs a voltage according to Vr (not shown).
[0134]
In FIG. 13, first, the voltage range Vv that can be output from the power source (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52 and the power Wv that can be output, which are transmitted by the controller 50, are received (step S41).
[0135]
Next, it is determined whether or not the power Vr required by the reader unit 1 (transmitted by the controller 50) is within the range of Vv. If min (Vv) ≦ Vr ≦ max (Vv), the process proceeds to step S43. Then, the power Wr required in the reader unit 1 is compared with the power Wv that can be output from the power source (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52.
[0136]
In step S43, when Wr ≦ Wv, the LVT 52 can supply the power required by the reader unit 1, so the process proceeds to step S44, and the value of Vr is transmitted to the controller 50. In response to this, the controller 50 transmits Vr to the LVT 52 as described above, and the LVT 52 outputs this power.
[0137]
On the other hand, when Vr is not within the range of Vv in step S42, or when Wr> Wv in step S43, the process proceeds to step S45, and the LVT 52 cannot supply the power required by the reader unit 1, so the display of FIG. An error is displayed on the part 51a.
[0138]
In this embodiment, the error is displayed as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the necessary Vr and Wr may be displayed so that the service person can replace the LVT unit. . Alternatively, the controller 50 may have replaceable LVT unit data, and an appropriate LVT unit type name may be displayed.
[0139]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the voltage range Vv that can be output from the power source CNV4 is notified to the reader unit 1, and the reader unit 1 determines the operation state based on the notified voltage range Vv. As a result, the degree of freedom in combining the reader unit and the printer unit is increased, so that an image forming apparatus having a rich product lineup can be provided to the user.
[0140]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the power Wv that can be output from the power supply CNV4 is also notified to the reader unit 1, and the reader unit 1 determines the operating state in consideration of the notified power Wv. Therefore, the reader unit that can be combined with the printer unit having the power source CNV4 can be selected more accurately.
[0141]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0142]
Since the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment also differs from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment only in the control processing method, the hardware is the same as that of the image apparatus according to the first embodiment. The description of the hardware is omitted.
[0143]
14 to 16 are flowcharts showing a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 14 is executed by the CPU 40a of the R converter 40 shown in FIG. The process of FIG. 15 is executed by the CPU 52a of the LVT 52 of FIG. 8, and the process of FIG. 16 is executed by the CPU 50a of the controller 50 of FIG.
[0144]
In FIG. 14, first, the voltage Vr required by the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the controller 50 (step S51). This voltage Vr is a fixed value determined by the design of the reader unit 1.
[0145]
Next, the power Wr required by the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the controller 50 (step S52). This power Wr is also a fixed value determined by the design of the reader unit 1.
[0146]
In FIG. 15, first, a voltage range Vv that can be output by the power supply (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52 is transmitted to the controller 50 (step S61). This voltage range Vv is a value such as 18 v to 40 v, for example.
[0147]
Next, the power Wv that can be output from the power source (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52 is transmitted to the controller 50 (step S62).
[0148]
The voltage range Vv and the power Wv are fixed values determined by the design of the LVT 52.
[0149]
In FIG. 16, first, the voltage range Vv that can be output from the power supply (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52 is compared with the voltage Vr required by the reader unit 1 (step S71), and min (Vv) ≦ Vr ≦ max (Vv). In step S7, the power Wr required by the reader unit 1 is compared with the power Wv that can be output from the power source (variable) CNV4 of the LVT 52.
[0150]
In step S72, when Wr ≦ Wv, the LVT 52 can supply the power required by the reader unit 1. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S73, and the value of Vr is transmitted to the LVT 52. In response to this, the LVT 52 outputs this voltage.
On the other hand, when Vr is not within the range of Vv in step S71, or when Wr> Wv in step S72, the process proceeds to step S74, and the LVT 52 cannot supply the power required by the reader unit 1, so the display of FIG. An error is displayed on the part 51a.
[0151]
In this embodiment, an error is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the service person may be able to replace the LVT unit by displaying necessary Vr and Wr. Alternatively, the controller 50 may have replaceable LVT unit data, and an appropriate LVT unit type name may be displayed.
[0152]
As described above, in this embodiment, the reader unit 1 notifies the printer unit 5 of the necessary voltage Vr, and the printer unit 5 sends the notified voltage Vr from the power supply CNV4 installed therein to the reader unit. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the combination of the reader unit and the printer unit is increased, thereby providing the user with an image forming measure having a rich product lineup.
[0153]
Note that a storage medium in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU (in each embodiment, CPU 40a, It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by 50a, 52a, 53a) and MPU).
[0154]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0155]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used. Further, the program code may be supplied from a server computer via a communication network.
[0156]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code performs the actual processing. It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the above and the processing thereof is included.
[0157]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0158]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, Book According to the invention , Painting The degree of freedom of the combination of the image reading device and the image writing device is further improved, so that the product lineup can be further expanded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an internal structure diagram showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of control elements of the image forming apparatus in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an R-con in FIG. 2;
4 is a plan view of Ui in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the controller of FIG. 2;
6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit in FIG. 5;
7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a P-con in FIG. 2;
8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the LVT of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of power setting processing executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, particularly the CPU of the controller and the CPU of the R-con.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of current limit value setting processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, particularly the CPU of the controller and the CPU of the R controller.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, particularly an LVT CPU;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, particularly a CPU of a controller.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, particularly an R-con CPU.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, particularly an R-con CPU.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, particularly an LVT CPU;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of voltage setting processing executed by the CPU of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, particularly a controller.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Reader section
5 Printer section
12 CCD
13 Exposure control unit
40 R Con (Reader / Controller)
40a CPU
41 Stepping motor
50 controller
50a CPU
51 Ui (user interface part)
52 LVT (Low Voltage Power Supply Unit)
52a CPU
53 P computer (printer controller)
53a CPU

Claims (2)

In an image forming apparatus configured by combining an image reading apparatus and an image writing apparatus,
The image writing device includes:
Power supply means for supplying power to the image reading device;
First storage means for storing power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the image writing apparatus,
First control means for transmitting power consumption information stored in the first storage means to the image reading device;
The image reading device includes:
Second storage means for storing power consumption information indicating power consumption of the image reading device;
A scanner unit for irradiating a document;
A motor for moving the scanner unit;
A motor driver for driving the motor;
The total value of the power consumption of the image writing device obtained from the power consumption information transmitted from the first control means and the power consumption of the image reading device obtained from the power consumption information stored in the second storage means If There exceeding a predetermined power value, as the control of the motor, and a second control means for said from the power supply means to reduce the power supplied to the motor to set the low power consumption mode to drive the motor <br An image forming apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus has a plurality of different low-power modes of power consumption,
The second control unit prohibits the use of the image forming apparatus and prohibits the use of the image forming apparatus when the total power consumption of the image reading apparatus and the image writing apparatus exceeds the predetermined power value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus displays the image on a display unit.

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