JP4619970B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a power control means for switching the power control state of the apparatus from a normal mode to a power saving mode when the first set time elapses, and a display of an operation unit that is set for operation after the second set time elapses. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: an auto-clearing unit that returns a menu to an initial menu; and a time change setting unit that can change and set either the first set time or the second set time from an initial set value. .

  In the image forming apparatus, when a predetermined condition such as no operation on the operation unit is satisfied, when the second set time elapses, the display menu of the operation unit that has been previously set by the auto-clearing unit is initialized. The menu has an auto-clear function that is controlled to return.

  Further, when a predetermined condition such as no operation on the operation unit is satisfied after the power is turned on, the power control state of the device is changed from the normal mode to the power consumption by the power control means when the first set time elapses. When the power control mode is switched to the power saving mode and a predetermined condition such as some operation is performed on the operation unit in the power saving mode, the power control state of the device is changed from the power saving mode to the normal by the power control means. It has a power saving function that can be switched to a mode.

  When the power control state of the apparatus is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode by the power control means, power supply to the heater is normally stopped or the power supply amount is reduced, and power is supplied to the display device of the operation unit. However, when the auto-clear function is configured to be activated at the same time, and the power supply to the display device of the operation unit is resumed after returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the initial menu is displayed. Is displayed.

  Normally, the first set time is initially set to a time relationship that is longer than the second set time, but these times can be changed automatically or manually at the installation site of the device. In the apparatus provided with the setting means, there is a possibility that the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time.

  In Patent Document 1, the first or second setting is performed when the frequency of use of the device is high so that the first or second set time becomes long when the frequency of use of the device is low at a predetermined time. There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that includes a time change setting unit that automatically sets time to be set short, and in which case the first setting time is automatically set to a time relationship that is longer than the second setting time. It was.

JP-A-2005-151587

  However, in the image forming apparatus configured to include a time change setting unit capable of changing and setting either the first setting time or the second setting time from an initial setting value, and any of which can be changed and set manually. In some cases, the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time.

  In this case, since the power saving mode is increased after a short time, the power saving effect is enhanced. At the same time, the display menu is automatically cleared, so that the next operation is performed using the same display menu as the previously set display menu. In this case, there is a problem that it is necessary to perform operation setting from the beginning.

  In view of the above-described conventional drawbacks, the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has improved operability without simultaneously operating an auto-clear function when shifting to a power saving mode.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the first characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a predetermined condition including that the operation unit is not operated as described in claim 1 of the document of the claims. The power control means for switching the power control state of the apparatus from the normal mode to the power saving mode to reduce the power consumption as a result of the elapse of the first set time that is timed when satisfied, and that the operation unit is not operated auto clear means and said first set time or the second to return the display menu of the operating unit operated set with the passage of the second setting time measured on the initial menu when a predetermined condition is satisfied, including An image forming apparatus comprising a time change setting unit capable of changing any of the set times from an initial set value, wherein at least the first set time When set to become time relationship shorter time than the second set time, until said course of first setting the second set time even after the lapse of time, the memory for display with respect to the operating unit data corresponding to said stored display menu is configured to be retained, after the transition to the power saving mode, the time count of the second set time is stopped, from the power saving mode to the normal mode After the return, the setting value of the second setting time is set to a predetermined time shorter than the setting value by the time change setting means or the initial setting value, and the time measurement of the second setting time is resumed. There is in point.

According to the above configuration, in order to enhance the power saving effect, even when the image forming apparatus is frequently in the power saving state by setting the first setting time to a short time, the operator is in the power saving state. Since the data corresponding to the display menu is retained, the set value of the second set time is set to a predetermined time shorter than the set value by the time change setting means or the initial set value after returning to the normal mode. Immediately after the return, the operability is improved by preventing the operator's troublesome operation using the same display menu as the previously set display menu, and the initial menu is displayed after a short time after the return. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of an operator who operates with a display menu different from the display menu set and operated last time.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with improved operability without simultaneously operating the auto-clear function when shifting to the power saving mode.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, a copying machine A that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention has an image reading unit 1 that reads a document image as document image data, and a predetermined amount of document image data that is read by the image reading unit 1. The output image data generation unit 2 that generates the output image data by performing the above process, and the image formation that forms and outputs the image on the recording paper that is the output paper based on the output image data from the output image data generation unit 2 Unit 3, a hard key group such as a print key for starting a copying operation of the copying machine A and a numerical key for setting the number of copies, an operation unit 4 comprising a touch panel type color liquid crystal display unit, and a control unit for each unit And a system control unit 5 that controls the control unit (not shown) of each unit.

  The image forming unit 3 includes a toner image forming unit 30 that forms a toner image on a photoconductor serving as an image carrier based on the output image data, a transfer unit 31 that transfers the toner image to a recording sheet, and the transfer A conveyance unit 32 that conveys the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred to the unit 31 from a paper tray; a heater (not shown) in which the toner image transferred on the recording paper is inserted and installed; and a temperature sensor A fixing unit 33 that is heated and melted and fixed by a fixing roller (not shown) heated to a predetermined temperature, and an image formation control unit 34 that controls each part of the image forming unit 3 are provided. The control of each unit is performed in cooperation with a single CPU or a plurality of CPUs, a RAM that is a work area of the CPU, and a ROM that stores an execution program of each function executed by the CPU. Do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 4 switches a print key 400 for starting the copying operation of the copying machine A, a numeric key 401 for setting the number of copies, and the like to a power saving mode described later. A hard key group 40 such as a power saving switch 402 and an initial setting switch 403, a touch panel type color liquid crystal display unit 41, and an operation control unit 42 for controlling each unit of the operation unit 4 are provided in the operation control unit 4. A single CPU or a plurality of CPUs, a RAM that is a work area of the CPU, a ROM that stores an execution program of each function executed by the CPU, and the like cooperate to control each unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the functional block of the system control unit 5 consumes the power control state of the apparatus from the normal mode after the first set time T1 and the system control means 50 for controlling the control units of the respective units. The power control means 51 for switching to the power saving mode for reducing the power and the display menu displayed on the color liquid crystal display unit 41 of the operation unit 4 that has been set by the elapse of the second set time T2 are returned to the initial menu. The auto-clearing means 52 and the time change setting means 53 capable of changing and setting either the first set time T1 or the second set time T2 from an initial set value are provided in the system control unit 5. Alternatively, a plurality of CPUs, a RAM that is a work area of the CPU, a ROM that stores an execution program for each function executed by the CPU, and the like cooperate. It realizes the functions of the functional blocks and.

  The time change setting unit 53 includes a timer setting button 411 arranged in an initial setting menu 410 as shown in FIG. 4A displayed on the color liquid crystal display unit 41 when the initial setting switch 403 is pressed. The time change setting unit 53 is operated by being pressed, and instructs the operation control unit 42 to display a time change setting screen 412 on the color liquid crystal display unit 41 via the system control unit 50. To do. In the present embodiment, the time change setting means 53 is operated with the above-described configuration, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the time change setting means 53 is operated directly on the operation unit 4. For this reason, a configuration may be adopted in which hard keys are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the time change setting screen 412 is displayed so as to overlap the initial setting menu 410, and a “pull-down key” in which a pull-down list is displayed when pressed by an operator, and “to power saving mode”. "Time setting frame 413" for setting the first set time T1 displayed as "transition time" and the second set time T2 displayed as "auto clear time", and the first set by the operator “Reset button 414” for returning the one set time T1 and the second set time T2 to the initial set values, and the “Cancel button 415” for returning the selected first set time T1 or the second set time T2 to the values before the selection. And a “setting button 416” for setting the selected desired first setting time T1 and second setting time T2 in timers 510 and 520 described later.

  When the pull-down key is operated, a plurality of selectable times are displayed in a pull-down list, and a time selected from the selected times is displayed in a “time setting frame 413”. As for the time displayed in the pull-down list, “0 to 60 minutes” is prepared in 1 minute units in the first set time T1, and “0 to 10 minutes” is 30 in the second set time T2. Available in seconds. Here, when “0 minutes” is selected as the first set time, the shift to the power saving mode is not performed, and when “0 minutes” is selected as the second set time, the auto-clear means 52 does not operate. It is configured as follows.

  The time increment displayed in the pull-down list is not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate. Furthermore, the configuration may be set at the time of shipment from the factory in accordance with various conditions such as the installation location and application of the copying machine A, or may be a configuration that can be changed by an operator. Further, the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 may be configured to be directly input by an operator operating the numerical key 401 of the control unit 4 or the like.

  When the “set button 416” is pressed after the desired first set time T1 and second set time T2 are selected, the time change setting means 53 includes the power control means 51 and the auto clear means. 52 and a command to the effect that the setting operation has been completed to the operation control unit 42 via the system control means 50. As a result, the power control means 51 sets the desired first set time T1 in the timer 510, the auto-clear means 52 sets the second set time T2 in the timer 520, and the operation control unit 42. Deletes the time change setting screen 412 from the color liquid crystal display unit 41.

  The auto-clearing means 52 includes a timer 520, and when a timing start condition such as after the operation of the operation unit 4 by an operator or after the end of an image forming operation by the operation of the operation unit 4 by an operator is satisfied, When the timer 520 starts counting up and the counted value reaches the second set time T2, the operation control unit 42 displays the operation on the color liquid crystal display unit 41 via the system control unit 50. The updated display menu is instructed to update and display the initial menu.

  When the timer 520 counts up the second set time T2 and the auto-clear operation is executed, or when the operation unit 4 is operated during the count-up, the count value counted by the timer 520 is an initial value, That is, it is reset to “0”.

  The timer 520 is not limited to a configuration that starts counting up when the timing start condition is satisfied, and starts counting down when the timing start condition is satisfied. When the count value becomes “0”, the auto-clear means 52 updates the display menu displayed on the color liquid crystal display section 41 to the operation control section 42 via the system control means 50 as an initial menu. When the timer 520 counts down from the second set time T2 to “0” and the auto-clear operation is executed, or when the operation unit 4 is operated during the countdown, the timer 520 counts. The counted value may be reset to the initial value, that is, the second set time T2.

  The power control means 51 is provided with a timer 510, and when the same timing start condition as the auto-clear means 52 is satisfied, the timer 510 starts timing, and the measured time is the first set time. When T1 is reached, the power control means 51 commands the reduction of power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control means 50, and switches the copier A to the power saving mode. Even when the power saving switch 402 provided in the operation unit 4 is pressed, the power control unit 51 is connected to the control unit of each unit of the copier A via the system control unit 50 in each unit. A command to reduce power consumption is issued, and the copier A is switched to the power saving mode.

  When receiving the power consumption reduction command, the control unit of each unit shifts to a predetermined low power consumption mode. For example, the image forming unit 3 reduces or stops power supply to a heater (not shown) or the like of the fixing unit 30. In the operation unit 4, the operation control unit 42 includes the color liquid crystal display unit. The power supply to the backlight 41 etc. is stopped. However, in the operation unit 4, data corresponding to the display menu displayed on the color liquid crystal display unit 41 stored in the RAM provided in the operation control unit 42 until at least an instruction from the auto-clearing means 52 is received. Is retained.

  Further, the power control means 51 is configured such that when the copying machine A is in the power saving mode, the power saving switch 402 is pressed, the operation unit 4 is operated, or the door of the copying machine A is opened. If the end condition of the power saving mode is satisfied, such as when the sheet is closed after the sheet is fed or the sheet is supplied to the sheet tray of the copying machine A, the time counted by the timer 510 is reset, and the copying machine A The control unit of each unit is instructed to cancel the reduction of power consumption in each unit via the system control means 50, and the copier A is switched to the normal mode.

  When the control unit of each unit receives the power consumption reduction release command, for example, the image forming unit 3 resumes power supply in a normal state to the heater of the fixing unit 30 and the operation unit 4. Then, the power consumption reduction in each unit is canceled, such as restarting the power supply to the backlight of the color liquid crystal display unit 41.

  In this way, when the first set time T1 elapses, the power control means 51 shifts to the power saving mode, and when the second set time T2 elapses, the auto-clear means 52 updates the display menu to the initial menu. However, when at least the first set time T1 is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time T2, the second set time is even after the first set time T1 has elapsed. Data corresponding to the display menu is held until T2 elapses.

  The power saving operation of the multifunction peripheral A will be described along the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the timing condition is satisfied, the timers 510 and 520 start timing (S1).

  Hereinafter, when the first set time T1 is equal to or longer than the second set time T2, that is, the transition time to the power saving mode is equal to the auto clear time, or the auto clear time is longer than the transition time to the power saving mode. The short time will be described.

  First, the case where the first set time T1 is set to be equal to or greater than the second set time T2 and the power saving button 402 is not pressed before the measured time T becomes the second set time T2 will be described. To do.

  The time change setting means 53 sets the first set time T1 to be equal to or greater than the second set time T2 (S2), the power saving button 402 is not pressed (S3), and the timed time T is When the second set time T2 is not reached (S4), when the operation unit 4 is operated (S5), the time T is reset, and the time is again measured when the time start condition is satisfied. Start (S1).

  When the power saving button 402 is not pressed (S3), the time T that has been timed does not reach the second set time T2 (S4), and the operation unit 4 is not operated (S5), time keeping is continued. When the measured time T reaches the second set time T2 (S4), the operation control unit 42 rewrites display menu data set by the operator to initial menu data, and the color liquid crystal display unit. The initial menu is displayed at 41 (S6).

  After the initial menu is displayed, the power saving button 402 is not pressed (S7), the time T that has been measured does not reach the first set time T1 (S8), and the condition for ending the power saving mode is satisfied. (S9), the time T that has been timed is reset, and time measurement is started again when the time start condition is satisfied (S1).

  After the initial menu is displayed, the power saving button 402 is not pressed (S7), the time T measured does not reach the first set time T1 (S8), and the condition for ending the power saving mode is not satisfied. When the time is counted (S9), the time keeping is continued, and when the time T reaches the first set time T1 (S8), the power control means 51 passes the system control means 50 through the system control means 50. A command to reduce power consumption in each unit is issued, and the copying machine A is shifted to the power saving mode (S10). Even when the power saving button 402 is pressed after the initial menu is displayed (S7), the power control means 51 reduces the power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control means 50. The copier A is shifted to the power saving mode (S10).

  When the power saving mode end condition is not satisfied after the transition to the power saving mode (S11), the power control unit 51 maintains the power saving mode (S13), and the power saving mode end condition is satisfied. (S11) The power control means 51 commands the reduction release of power consumption in each part of the copying machine A through the system control means 50, and switches the copying machine A to the normal mode (S12).

  Next, a case where the first set time T1 is set to be equal to or greater than the second set time T2 and the power saving button 402 is pressed before the measured time reaches the second set time T2 will be described. .

  When the time setting means 53 sets the first setting time T1 to be equal to or longer than the second setting time T2 (S2) and the power saving button 402 is pressed (S3), the power control means 51 is connected to the system. The controller 50 is instructed to reduce power consumption in each part of the copying machine A through the control means 50, and the copying machine A is shifted to the power saving mode (S17).

  After the transition to the power saving mode, when the end condition of the power saving mode is not satisfied (S18), the time measurement is continued, and the power control means 51 maintains the power saving mode (S20), and the power saving mode ends. When the condition is satisfied (S18), the power control means 51 commands the reduction release of power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control means 50, and switches the copier A to the normal mode ( In step S19, the operation control unit 42 causes the color liquid crystal display unit 41 to display a display menu set by the operator.

  When the power saving mode end condition is not satisfied (S18), and the power saving mode is maintained (S20), and the measured time T does not reach the second set time T2 (S21). When the end condition of the power saving mode is satisfied (S22), the measured time T is reset, and the power control unit 51 determines the power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control unit 50. A command to cancel the reduction is issued, the copying machine A is switched to the normal mode (S19), and the operation control unit 42 causes the color liquid crystal display unit 41 to display a display menu set by the operator.

  The end condition of the power saving mode is not satisfied (S18), and the time saving time T does not reach the second set time T2 (S21) while the power saving mode is maintained (S20). When the power saving mode end condition is not satisfied (S22), the time keeping is continued in the state where the power saving mode is maintained (S20), and when the time T reaches the second set time T2. (S21) The operation control unit 42 rewrites the display menu data set by the operator to the initial menu data (S23).

  After the rewriting to the initial menu data, when the end condition of the power saving mode is not satisfied (S24), the power control unit 51 maintains the power saving mode (S25), and the end condition of the power saving mode is When satisfied (S24), the timed time T is reset, and the power control means 51 commands the reduction release of power consumption in each part of the copying machine A via the system control means 50, and the copying machine A is switched to the normal mode (S19), and the operation control unit 42 causes the color liquid crystal display unit 41 to display the initial setting menu.

  Hereinafter, a case where the first set time T1 is less than the second set time T2, that is, a case where the transition time to the power saving mode is shorter than the auto clear time will be described.

  The first set time T1 is set to be less than the second set time T2 by the time change setting means 53 (S2), the power saving button 402 is not pressed (S14), and the timed time T is When the first set time T1 is not reached (S15), when the power saving mode end condition is satisfied (S16), the time T is reset, and the time start condition is satisfied again. Timing is started (S1).

  When the power saving button 402 is not pressed (S14), the measured time T does not reach the first set time T1 (S15), and the termination condition of the power saving mode is not satisfied (S16), the time is measured. When the measured time T reaches the first set time T1 (S15), the power control means 51 reduces the power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control means 50. The copier A is shifted to the power saving mode (S17). When the first setting time T1 is set to be less than the second setting time T2 by the time change setting means 53 (S2) and the power saving button 402 is pressed (S14), the power control means 51 A command to reduce power consumption in each part of the copying machine A is issued via the system control means 50, and the copying machine A is shifted to the power saving mode (S17).

  After the transition to the power saving mode, when the end condition of the power saving mode is not satisfied (S18), the time measurement is continued, and the power control means 51 maintains the power saving mode (S20), and the power saving mode ends. When the condition is satisfied (S18), the power control means 51 commands the reduction release of power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control means 50, and switches the copier A to the normal mode ( In step S19, the operation control unit 42 causes the color liquid crystal display unit 41 to display a display menu set by the operator.

  When the end condition of the power saving mode is not satisfied (S18), and the power saving mode is maintained (S20), and when the measured time T does not reach the second set time T2 (S21), When the end condition of the power saving mode is satisfied (S22), the measured time T is reset, and the power control means 51 reduces the power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control means 50. An instruction to cancel is issued, the copying machine A is switched to the normal mode (S19), and the operation control unit 42 causes the color liquid crystal display unit 41 to display a display menu set by the operator.

  The termination condition of the power saving mode is not satisfied (S18), the power saving mode is maintained (S20), and the measured time T does not reach the second set time T2 (S21). When the power mode end condition is not satisfied (S22), the time keeping is continued in the state where the power saving mode is maintained (S20), and the time T reaches the second set time T2 (S20). In step S21, the operation control unit 42 rewrites display menu data set by the operator to initial menu data (S23).

  After the rewriting to the initial menu data, if the power saving mode end condition is not satisfied (S24), the power control means 51 maintains the power saving mode (S25), and the power saving mode end condition. Is satisfied (S24), the time T thus counted is reset, and the power control means 51 instructs the reduction of power consumption in each part of the copier A via the system control means 50 to The machine A is switched to the normal mode (S19), and the operation control unit 42 causes the color liquid crystal display unit 41 to display the initial setting menu.

  Another embodiment will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, when the first setting time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second setting time, the first setting time has elapsed, and after the transition to the power saving mode, the first setting time continues. Although it is configured to keep time for two set times, the operability of the operator who operates with the display menu similar to the display menu set last time even after returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode for a long time In order to improve, at least when the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time, the timing of the second set time is stopped after the transition to the power saving mode. It is good also as a structure.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the first setting time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second setting time, the first setting time has elapsed, and after the transition to the power saving mode, the first setting time continues. In order to improve the operability of the operator who operates with the display menu similar to the display menu set last time, after returning to normal mode and taking time to operate, When at least the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time, after the transition to the power saving mode, the timing of the second set time is stopped, and the power saving mode The second set time may be measured from the beginning after returning from normal mode to normal mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the first setting time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second setting time, the first setting time has elapsed, and after the transition to the power saving mode, the first setting time continues. Although it is configured to continue counting two set times, when at least the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time, after the transition to the power saving mode, the second set time is set. The display set for the previous operation immediately after returning to the normal mode by stopping the timing of the set time and restarting the timing of the second set time after returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The operability is improved by preventing troublesome operations of the operator who operates with the display menu similar to the menu, and the initial menu is displayed after a short time after returning, so the display menu set last time is displayed. The operator of the operability of operating in different display menus and-menu can also be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the first setting time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second setting time, the first setting time has elapsed, and after the transition to the power saving mode, the first setting time continues. Although it is configured to continue counting two set times, when at least the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time, after the transition to the power saving mode, the second set time is set. Stops counting the set time, restarts counting the second set time after returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and sets the set value of the second set time by the time change setting means or the initial setting By setting it to a predetermined time shorter than the value, immediately after returning to the normal mode, it is possible to prevent the complicated operation of the operator who operates with the display menu similar to the display menu set last time. Improve further the since the initial menu in the course of a short time after the return is displayed, it is possible to improve also the operator of the operability of operating the View menu and different display menu of operating the previously set.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the description, and the specific configuration of each part is appropriately changed within the scope of the effects of the present invention. It goes without saying that it can be done.

Functional block diagram of the system controller of a copier Illustration of copier Illustration of the operation unit (A) explanatory diagram of the initial setting menu, (b) explanatory diagram of the time change setting screen Flowchart used for explaining power saving operation of copying machine

5: System control unit 50: System control means 51: Power control means 52: Auto clear means 53: Time change setting means 510: Timer 520: Timer

Claims (1)

Power control that switches the power control state of the device from the normal mode to the power saving mode that reduces power consumption when the first set time measured when a predetermined condition including that the operation unit is not operated is satisfied auto to return means, the display menu of the operating unit operated set with the passage of the second setting time measured when a predetermined condition including that the operation on the operation unit is not performed are met in the initial menu An image forming apparatus comprising: a clearing unit; and a time change setting unit capable of changing and setting either the first set time or the second set time from an initial set value.
When at least the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time , the operation continues until the second set time elapses even after the first set time elapses. Data corresponding to the display menu stored in the display memory for the unit is held,
After the transition to the power saving mode, the second set time of the timer is stopped, after returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, setting a set value of the second set time by the time changing setting means The image forming apparatus is configured to be set to a predetermined time shorter than the value or the initial set value, and to start counting the second set time .