JP4902180B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming equipment.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer includes an image forming unit including a photoconductor, a charger unit provided around the photoconductor, an exposure unit, a development unit, a transfer unit, and the transfer unit. A fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the transfer paper. The fixing device is provided with a fixing roller incorporating a heater. In addition, a heater control device that controls energization to the heater is provided in order to keep the temperature of the fixing roller constant (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-236492 A

  Such an image forming apparatus is required to have a fast rise time until printing is possible when the power is turned on or when the energy saving mode is restored. In general, the factor that most affects the rise time is the rise time of fixing, and shortening the rise time of fixing leads to shortening the rise time until printing becomes possible.

  Recently, an image forming apparatus that can be connected to an external device via a network has become common, and the image forming apparatus is often used while being always energized. Has been.

  Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to shorten the fixing rise time after the energy saving mode is restored in the image forming apparatus. A secondary object of the present invention is to sufficiently supply power to the fixing device.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, the main power supply device, and the auxiliary power supply. And a control unit that supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using a power supply device, wherein the control means is configured to return from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode. When DC power is supplied and there is a predetermined process at the time of starting up the apparatus, power is supplied from the main power supply apparatus without shifting from the auxiliary power supply apparatus to the DC power supply, and the predetermined process is: It is an image alignment process .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the control means can supply the maximum power supply to the fixing device by supplying the DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode. When the control means has a predetermined process at the time of starting up the apparatus, the main power supply is not transferred from the auxiliary power supply to the supply of DC power when the return time from the low power mode to the normal power mode can be shortened. By supplying power from the apparatus, it is possible to prevent wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply apparatus, and since the predetermined processing is image alignment processing, it does not shift to supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus. , Ru can prevent wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, and a predetermined amount using the main power supply device and the auxiliary power supply device. And a control unit that supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply for a period of time. The control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode. If there is a predetermined processing at the time of start-up, said have line power supply from the main power supply without transition to the supply of the auxiliary power supply from the DC power, the predetermined processing is image registration process It is characterized by.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit can supply the DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode, thereby supplying the maximum supply power to the fixing device. The return time from the sleep mode to the normal power mode can be shortened, and when the control means has a predetermined process when the apparatus is started up, the main power supply apparatus does not shift from the auxiliary power supply apparatus to the DC power supply. By supplying power, wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device can be prevented, and since the predetermined processing is image alignment processing, it does not shift to supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply device. it is Ru can be prevented wasteful discharge of the power supply.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, and a predetermined amount using the main power supply device and the auxiliary power supply device. And a control unit that supplies DC power from the auxiliary power unit for a period of time. The control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power unit when the power is turned on, and the control unit is configured to start up the apparatus. If there is a predetermined process, have lines supplying electric power from the main power supply without the transition from the auxiliary power unit to supply the DC power, the predetermined processing, and characterized in that an image registration process To do.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the control means supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on, the maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device. The rise time can be shortened, and when the control means has a predetermined process at the time of starting up the apparatus, by supplying power from the main power supply apparatus without shifting from the auxiliary power supply apparatus to the supply of DC power, The wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device can be prevented, and the predetermined process is the image alignment process, so that the transition to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply device is not performed, thereby preventing the wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device. it is Ru can be.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined process is characterized in that it comprises a processing condition processing.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined process is the process condition process, the process does not shift to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply device, so that the wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device can be prevented. .

The invention of claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined process is characterized in that it comprises a controller startup process.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined process is the controller start-up process, the process does not shift to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply device, so that the wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device can be prevented. it can.

The invention of claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined process is characterized in that it comprises a toner supply request process.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined process is the toner replenishment request process, the process does not shift to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus, and therefore, the wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply apparatus can be prevented. it can.

The invention according to claim 7, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined process is characterized in that it comprises a sheet supply request process.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined process is the paper supply request process, when there is a paper supply request process, the process does not shift to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus. Wasteful discharge can be prevented.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the predetermined process is a waste toner disposal request process.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the predetermined process is the waste toner disposal request process, the process does not shift to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply device, and therefore, the wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device is prevented. Can do.

The invention of claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined process is characterized in that it comprises removing paper discharge request processing.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined process is the discharge removal request process, the process does not shift to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply device, and therefore, the wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device is prevented. Can do.

  According to the present invention, when the control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode, the maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device. The return time to the normal power mode can be shortened.

  One embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention uses a main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, a main power supply device, and an auxiliary power supply device. And a control unit that supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period. The control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode. It is characterized by performing.

AC electric power is commercial electric power, for example, AC 100V50Hz (or 100V60Hz) is mentioned.
The DC power is direct current power, and examples thereof include + 24V and + 5V. The DC power is obtained by a switching regulator, for example.
A capacitor power supply unit using a capacitor is used for the auxiliary power supply.
A microprocessor is used as the control means.

  According to another embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, a main power supply device, and an auxiliary power supply. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the device, wherein the control unit is configured to supply DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode. It is characterized by supplying.

  According to another embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, a main power supply device, and an auxiliary power supply. An image forming apparatus including a control unit that supplies DC power from an auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the device, wherein the control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on. .

  According to another embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the control unit shifts from the auxiliary power supply to supply of DC power when there is a predetermined process at the time of starting the apparatus. Alternatively, power may be supplied from the main power supply device.

  According to another embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the predetermined processing includes image alignment processing, process condition processing, controller startup processing, toner supply request processing, and paper supply request processing. , Waste toner disposal request processing or paper discharge removal request processing.

  One embodiment of the image forming method of the present invention is an image forming method in which AC power and DC power are supplied from a main power supply device to the image forming apparatus and DC power is supplied from an auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period. Then, DC power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode.

  According to another embodiment of the image forming method of the present invention, the image forming method supplies AC power and DC power from the main power supply device to the image forming apparatus, and supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period. In this case, DC power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode.

  According to another embodiment of the image forming method of the present invention, the image forming method supplies AC power and DC power from the main power supply device to the image forming apparatus, and supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period. In this case, DC power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on.

  According to an embodiment of the image forming program of the present invention, a process of supplying AC power and DC power from a main power supply device to a substantial computer of the image forming apparatus, and DC power from a power supply device for a predetermined period. An image forming program that executes a process of supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the computer returns from the low power mode to the normal power mode.

  According to another embodiment of the image forming program of the present invention, a process of supplying AC power and DC power from a main power supply device to a substantial computer of the image forming apparatus, and a predetermined period DC from the auxiliary power supply device. An image forming program for executing a process of supplying power, wherein the computer executes a process of supplying DC power from an auxiliary power supply device when returning from a sleep mode to a normal power mode.

  According to another embodiment of the image forming program of the present invention, a process of supplying AC power and DC power from a main power supply device to a substantial computer of the image forming apparatus, and a predetermined period DC from the auxiliary power supply device. An image forming program for executing a process for supplying electric power, wherein the computer is caused to execute a process for supplying DC power from an auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on.

  According to one embodiment of the storage medium of the present invention, a process of supplying AC power and DC power from a main power supply device to a substantial computer of an image forming apparatus, and DC power from an auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period. An image forming program for executing a process of supplying DC power from an auxiliary power supply when returning from a low power mode to a normal power mode Is memorized.

  According to another embodiment of the storage medium of the present invention, a process for supplying AC power and DC power from a main power supply device to a substantial computer of an image forming apparatus, and DC power for a predetermined period from an auxiliary power supply device. And an image forming program for executing a process of supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode. Is memorized.

  According to another embodiment of the storage medium of the present invention, a process for supplying AC power and DC power from a main power supply device to a substantial computer of an image forming apparatus, and DC power for a predetermined period from an auxiliary power supply device. In a storage medium storing an image forming program that executes a process of supplying DC power, an image forming program that causes a computer to execute a process of supplying DC power from an auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on is stored.

Here, examples of the storage medium include computer-readable storage media such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (CD Recordable), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Semiconductor memory such as HDD (Hard Disc Driver), flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), FeRAM (ferroelectric memory), and the like.
As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to shorten the fixing rise time after the energy saving mode is restored in the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to sufficiently supply power to the fixing apparatus.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an external appearance of a full-color digital multi-function copier MF1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The full-color copying machine MF1 is roughly composed of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 120, an operation board 10, a color scanner 100, and each unit of a color printer 200.
The operation board 10 and the color scanner 100 with the ADF 120 are units that are separable from the printer 200. The color scanner 100 includes a control board having a power device driver, sensor input, and controller, and an engine controller. (CPU 508: FIG. 3) communicates directly or indirectly to read the document image under timing control.

  A controller board (501: FIG. 3) to which the scanner 100, the printer 200, and the engine (510: FIG. 3) are connected is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) to which a personal computer PC is connected, and a facsimile control unit (FCU 506). : FIG. 3) is connected to an exchange PBX connected to a telephone line PN (facsimile communication line).

FIG. 2 shows the mechanism of the color printer 200 of the multi-function copying machine MF1.
The color printer 200 of this embodiment is a laser printer. The laser printer 200 includes four toner image forming units a to d for forming images of each color of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (black: K). They are arranged in this order along the feeding direction of the transfer belt 208 (from left to right y in the figure).
That is, the color printer 200 is a four-drum type (tandem type) full-color image forming apparatus.
A neutralizing device, a cleaning device, a charging device 202 and a developing device 204 are arranged on the outer periphery of the photosensitive member 201 that is rotatably supported and rotates in the direction of the arrow. A space for storing optical information emitted from the exposure device 203 is secured between the charging device 202 and the developing device 204. The number of photoconductors 201 is four, but the configuration of image forming components provided around each is the same as that described above.
The color of the color material (toner) handled by the developing device 204 is different. A part of each photoconductor 201 (four) is in contact with the first transfer belt 208. In this embodiment, the case where the photoconductor is cylindrical is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a belt-like photoconductor may be adopted.

The first transfer belt 208 is supported and stretched between a rotating support roller and a driving roller so that the first transfer belt 208 can be fed in the direction of the arrow y, and the first transfer roller is disposed on the back side (inside the loop) of the first transfer belt 208. Are arranged in the vicinity of the photoconductor 201. A cleaning device for the first transfer belt 208 is disposed outside the belt loop. The cleaning device wipes off unnecessary toner remaining on the surface after the toner image is transferred from the first transfer belt 208 to the transfer paper (paper) or the second transfer belt.
The exposure apparatus 203 irradiates the surface of the uniformly charged photoconductor 201 as a latent image with optical information corresponding to full-color image formation by a known laser system. In the present embodiment, the case where the exposure apparatus is a laser system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an exposure apparatus including an LED array and an imaging unit may be employed.

In FIG. 2, a second transfer belt 215 is disposed on the right side of the first transfer belt 208. The first transfer belt 208 and the second transfer belt 215 come into contact with each other to form a predetermined transfer nip.
The second transfer belt 215 is supported and stretched between a support roller and a drive roller so that it can be fed in the direction of the arrow. A second transfer means is disposed on the back side (inside the loop) of the second transfer belt 215. ing.
Outside the belt loop of the second transfer belt 215, a cleaning device for the second transfer belt, a charger, and the like are arranged. This cleaning device wipes away the remaining unnecessary toner after transferring the toner onto the paper.
Transfer sheets (sheets) are stored in sheet feeding cassettes 209 and 210 in the lower part of the drawing, and the uppermost sheet is conveyed one by one by a sheet feeding roller to a registration roller 233 through a plurality of sheet guides.
Above the second transfer belt 215, a fixing device 214, a paper discharge guide 224, a paper discharge roller 225, and a paper discharge stack 226 are arranged.
A storage unit 227 that can store replenishment toner is provided above the first transfer belt 208 and below the paper discharge stack 226. There are four colors of toner, magenta, cyan, yellow, and black, corresponding to the form of the cartridge. The developing device 204 of the corresponding color is appropriately supplied from each cartridge by a powder pump or the like.

Here, the operation of each unit in duplex printing in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
First, image formation by the photoconductors 201a to 201d is performed. That is, by the operation of the exposure device 203, light from an LD light source (not shown) passes through an optical component (not shown) and is uniformly charged by the charging device 202 on the photoconductor of the image forming unit a. Thus, a latent image corresponding to the writing information (information corresponding to the color) is formed.
The latent image on the photoconductor 201 is developed by the developing device 204, and a visible image with toner is formed and held on the surface of the photoconductor 201. This toner image is transferred to the surface of the first transfer belt 208 sent in synchronization with the photosensitive member 201 by the first transfer unit. The surface of the photoconductor 201 is cleaned by the cleaning device with the remaining toner, and is neutralized by the static eliminator to prepare for the next image forming cycle.
The first transfer belt 208 carries the toner image transferred on the surface and is fed in the direction of the arrow. A latent image corresponding to another color is written on the photoconductor 201 of the image forming unit b, and developed with a toner of the corresponding color to become a visible image. This visualized image is superimposed on the visualized image of the previous color already on the first transfer belt 208, and finally four colors are superimposed.
In some cases, only monochrome black is formed. At this time, the second transfer belt 215 is fed in the direction of the arrow in synchronization, and the image formed on the surface of the first transfer belt 208 is transferred onto the surface of the second transfer belt 215 by the action of the second transfer means 117. The
Since the first transfer belt 208 and the second transfer belt 215 are sent and images are formed while images are formed on the respective photosensitive members 201 of the four image forming units a to d in a so-called tandem format. That time can be shortened.
When the first transfer belt 208 is fed to a predetermined feeding position, a toner image to be created on another side of the paper is formed again by the photosensitive member 201 in the process as described above, and feeding is started. The
The uppermost sheet in the sheet feeding cassette 121 or the sheet feeding cassette 122 is pulled out and conveyed to the registration roller 233. The toner image on the surface of the first transfer belt 208 is transferred by the second transfer unit 117 to one side of the sheet conveyed between the first transfer belt 208 and the second transfer belt 215 via the registration roller 233. The
Further, the recording medium is conveyed upward, and the toner image on the surface of the second transfer belt 215 is transferred to the other surface of the sheet by the charger. At the time of transfer, the sheet is conveyed at a timing so that the position of the image is normal.

The paper on which the toner images are transferred on both sides in the above steps is sent to the fixing device 214, and the toner images (both sides) on the paper are melted and fixed at one time. Are discharged to the paper discharge stack 226.
As shown in FIG. 2, when the paper discharge units 224 to 226 are configured, the side (page) of the double-sided image that is transferred to the paper later, that is, the surface that is directly transferred from the first transfer belt 208 to the paper Therefore, since the image is placed on the paper discharge stack 226, the second page image is created first and the toner image is held on the second transfer belt 215 in order to align the pages. The eye image is directly transferred from the first transfer belt 208 to the sheet.
The image directly transferred from the first transfer belt 208 to the paper becomes a normal image on the surface of the photoconductor, and the toner image transferred from the second transfer belt 215 to the paper becomes a reverse image (mirror image) on the surface of the photoconductor. It is exposed to become. Such image forming order for page alignment and image processing for switching between normal image and reverse image (mirror image) are also performed by image data read / write control on the memory on the controller 501. After the transfer from the second transfer belt 215 to the paper, a cleaning device including a brush roller, a collection roller, a blade, and the like removes unnecessary toner and paper dust remaining on the second transfer belt 215.

In FIG. 2, the brush roller of the cleaning device for the second transfer belt 215 is in a state separated from the surface of the second transfer belt 215. The brush roller is swingable about a fulcrum and has a structure capable of contacting and separating from the surface of the second transfer belt 215.
Before the transfer onto the paper, the second transfer belt 215 is separated when carrying a toner image, and when cleaning is required, it is swung in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The removed unnecessary toner is collected in a toner storage unit.
The image forming process in the duplex printing mode in which the “duplex transfer mode” is set has been described above. In the case of duplex printing, printing is always performed by this image forming process.

  In the case of single-sided printing, there are two modes, a “single-sided transfer mode by the second transfer belt 215” and a “single-sided transfer mode by the first transfer belt 208”, and the single-sided transfer mode using the former second transfer belt 215. Is set, the visible image formed in three colors, four colors superimposed or single color black on the first transfer belt 208 is transferred to the second transfer belt 215 and transferred to one side of the paper. There is no image transfer on the other side of the paper. In this case, there is a print screen on the upper surface of the printed paper discharged to the paper discharge stack 226. When the single-sided transfer mode using the latter first transfer belt 208 is set, a visible image formed in three colors, four colors, or single color black is transferred to the second transfer belt 215 on the first transfer belt 208. Instead, it is transferred to one side of the paper. There is no image transfer on the other side of the paper. In this case, there is a print screen on the lower surface of the printed paper discharged to the paper discharge stack 226.

FIG. 3 shows the system configuration of the electrical system of the multifunction copying machine MF1 shown in FIG.
The electrical system communicates with the outside using a system controller 501 that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus, an operation board 10 of the image forming apparatus connected to the controller 501, an HDD 503 that stores image data, and an analog line. Communication control device interface board 504, LAN interface board 505, FAX control unit 506, IEEE1394 board, wireless LAN board, USB board, etc. 507 connected to general-purpose PIC bus, and engine control 510 connected to the controller via PCI bus An I / O board 513 for controlling I / O of the image forming apparatus, a scanner board (SBU: Sensor Board Unit) 511 for reading a copy original (image), and image data connected to the engine control 510 Representation Projecting the image light on a photosensitive drum (light writing) LDB composed (laser diode board) 512 and the like.

  An image scanner 100 that optically reads an original scans the original with an original illumination light source, and forms an original image on the CCD 520. An original image, that is, reflected light of light irradiation on the original is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 520 to generate R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) image signals.

  The communication control device interface board 504 immediately notifies an external remote diagnosis device when a failure occurs in the device, and allows a serviceman to recognize the contents and situation of the failure part and repair them immediately. . In addition, it is also used for sending out the usage status of the device.

  The CCD 520 shown in FIG. 3 is a three-line color CCD, which generates R, G, and B image signals of EVENch (even-numbered pixel channel) / ODDch (odd-numbered pixel channel), and outputs it to an analog ASIC (Application Specific IC) of the SBU board. input. The SBU board 511 is provided with a circuit for generating an analog ASIC, CCD, and analog ASIC drive timing. The output of the CCD 520 is sampled and held by a sample and hold circuit inside the analog ASIC, then A / D converted, converted into R, G and B image data, and shading corrected, and an output I / F (interface) At 520, the data is sent to an image data processor IPP (Image Processing Processor; hereinafter simply referred to as IPP) via an image data bus.

  IPP is a programmable arithmetic processing means that performs image processing, separation generation (determination of whether an image is a character area or a photographic area: image area separation), background removal, scanner gamma conversion, filter, color correction, scaling, image processing Printer gamma conversion and gradation processing are performed. The image data transferred from the SBU to the IPP is corrected by the IPP for signal deterioration due to quantization of the optical system and the digital signal (signal deterioration of the scanner system) and written in the frame memory 521.

  The system controller 501 includes a ROM that controls the CPU 502 and the system controller board, a RAM that is a working memory used by the CPU 502, a lithium battery, an NV-RAM that includes an SRAM backup and a clock, and a system controller. An ASIC for controlling the CPU periphery, such as a system bus control of the board, frame memory control, and FIFO, and its interface circuit are mounted.

  A system controller 501 has functions of a plurality of applications such as a scanner application, a facsimile application, a printer application, and a copy application, and controls the entire system. The input of the operation board 10 is decoded, and the setting of this system and the contents of the state are displayed on the display unit of the operation board 10.

Many units are connected to the PCI bus, and image data and control commands are transferred in a time division manner by the image data bus / control command bus. The communication control device interface board 504 is a communication interface board between the communication control device and the controller 501. Communication with the controller 501 is connected by, for example, full-duplex asynchronous serial communication. The communication control device 522 is multi-drop connected according to the RS-485 interface standard. Communication with the remote management system is performed via the communication controller device interface board 504.
The LAN interface board 505 is connected to an in-house LAN, is a communication interface board between the in-house LAN and the controller 501, and is equipped with a PHY chip. The LAN interface board 505 and the controller 501 are connected by standard communication interfaces of a PHY chip I / F and an I2C bus I / F. Communication with an external device is performed via the LAN interface board 505.

  The HDD 503 is used as an application database for storing system application programs and device activation information of printers and image forming process devices, and as an image database for storing image data of read images and written images, that is, image data and document data. . Both the physical interface and the electrical interface are connected to the controller through an interface compliant with ATA / ATAPI-4.

The operation board 10 is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, LCD, and ASIC (LCDC) for controlling key input. In the ROM, a control program for the operation board 10 that controls input reading and display output of the operation board 10 is written.
The RAM is a working memory used by the CPU. Through communication with the system controller 501, an input for the user to input system settings by operating the panel and display and input control for displaying the system setting contents and status to the user are performed.

  The black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) write signals output from the work memory of the system controller 501 are Bk, C, M of LDB (Laser Diode control Board) 512. , Y are input to each LD (Laser Diode) writing circuit. Each LD writing circuit performs LD current control (modulation control) and outputs the result to each LD.

  The engine control 510 mainly performs image formation control for image formation. The CPU 508, the IPP for performing image processing, the ROM containing the necessary programs for controlling copying and printing, the RAM necessary for the control, and the NV -RAM is installed. The NV-RAM includes an SRAM and a memory that detects that the power is turned off and stores it in the EEPROM. It also has a serial interface that transmits and receives signals to and from other CPUs that perform control. The I / O ASIC is an ASIC that controls a nearby I / O (counter, fan, solenoid, motor, etc.) on which an engine control board is mounted. The I / O control board 513 and the engine control board 510 are connected via a synchronous serial interface.

  The I / O control board 513 is equipped with a sub CPU 515, which converts and reads analog signals from the fixing temperature sensor, the output voltage Vco of the capacitor power supply device, the P sensor, the T sensor, etc., and drives the output device. I / O control of the image forming apparatus including jam detection referring to a paper sensor and paper conveyance control is performed. The interface circuit 516 is an interface circuit with various sensors and actuators (motors, clutches, solenoids).

  The power supply unit PSU 514 is a unit that supplies power to control the image forming apparatus. Commercial power is supplied by turning on (closing) the main SW 79 (FIG. 4). Commercial AC is supplied from the commercial power source to the AC control circuit 540, and the AC control circuit 540 supplies AC power to the main heater 518 (FIG. 4) of the fixing device 214. The power supply PSU 514 includes a main power supply circuit that supplies a DC voltage to each part of the copier and a capacitor power supply 80 (FIG. 4) as an auxiliary power supply that supplies a DC power to each part of the copier.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of the power supply circuit 514.
When the main SW (original power switch) 79 is closed, commercial AC 100 V is applied to the rectifying / smoothing circuit 81 and the AC control circuit 540 of the power circuit 514. The direct current output of the rectifying / smoothing circuit 81 is applied to the DC / DC converter 82. In this example, the DC / DC converter 82 generates two stabilized DC voltages + 24VE and + 5VE of + 24V and + 5V.

In the power supply circuit 514, the switches 84 and 85 are connected to the converter output at + 24VE (+ 24V voltage) and + 5VE (+ 5V voltage) via the connection switching circuit 90d of the capacitor power supply device 80, respectively. The AC control circuit 540 that energizes the main heater 518 of the fixing device 214 includes a power relay that is closed by + 24V given through the switch 83. By closing the power relay, the main heater 518 in the AC control circuit 540 is closed. A commercial AC AC is applied to an AC energization circuit that energizes.
This AC energization circuit is a phase control AC energization circuit using a triac (registered trademark: phase control switching element), and refers to the temperature detection signal of the fixing temperature sensor read by the I / O control 513 to fix the fixing temperature. The conduction phase of the triac is controlled so that becomes the target temperature.

The above-described switch 85 is a self-holding switch, and is turned on (conducted) in response to an on-instruction signal from the CPU 502 of the controller board 501 to self-hold on, and an off-instruction signal (reset) from the CPU 508 of the engine control 510 In response to the instruction signal), it is turned off (non-conducting) to release the self-holding.
The + 5V output from the self-holding switch 85 is supplied to the control circuits of the respective parts in the copying machine. + 5VE applied to the switch 85 is applied to the CPU 502 and a circuit that monitors whether the return condition to the operation mode (standby mode) is established in the energy saving mode (pause mode). Since the output voltage + 5V of the switch 85 is applied to the CPU 508 (and the I / O control 513) of the engine control 510, the CPU 502 of the engine control 510 (the CPU 508) and the I / O control 513 are operated by the CPU 502 of the controller board 501. When the switch 85 is turned on to return from the (pause mode) to the operation mode (standby mode), the switch 85 is energized by +5 V and starts its operation.

A control signal for turning on / off the above-described switches 83 and 84 is given from the CPU 508 of the engine control 510 to the switches 83 and 84 via the I / O control 513, and this on / off switching instruction is given to the controller board 501. The CPU 502 instructs the CPU 508 of the engine control 510 when the energy saving mode / operation mode needs to be switched.
The fixing temperature of the fixing device 214 is maintained at a target temperature or a temperature slightly lower than the target temperature determined for the fixing process of the transfer paper to which the toner image is transferred, and the image is substantially delayed in response to the copy start or print command. In the “standby mode” (standby mode; normal mode) where formation can be started, the switches 83, 84 and 85 are all on.

  In the “low power mode” (energy saving mode), the CPU 502 of the controller board 501 supplies the ON instruction voltage + 24V to the power relay in the AC control circuit 540 that energizes the main heater 518 of the fixing device 214 via the CPU 508 of the engine control 510. The switch 83 for supplying is switched off. That is, the CPU 502 cuts off the power supply to the AC control circuit 540. In the “low power mode”, the scanner 100 and the ADF 120 can be operated for image reading stored or registered in the HDD 503, image reading for facsimile transmission, image reading of a document sent to a personal computer PC without print output. Therefore, the switch 84 that supplies + 24V to the power system and the switch 85 that supplies + 5V to the control system and the communication system are kept on.

  In the “pause mode”, the CPU 502 of the controller board 501 turns off both the switch 84 that supplies + 24V and the switch 85 that supplies + 5V via the CPU 508 of the engine control 510. That is, the CPU 502 turns off all the switches 83 to 85.

  However, in the sleep mode, the switches 83 to 85 are off, but + 5VE is applied to the detection signal lines of the pressure plate switch of the scanner 100, the document sensor of the ADF 120, and the power key switch of the operation board 10. Further, + 5VE is continuously applied to the electric circuit that detects the print command of the personal computer PC and the facsimile reception detection circuit of the facsimile control unit FCU.

Next, FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the above-described energy saving switching modes and the on / off of the power supply switches 83 to 85, and FIG. 6 shows information processing items that are possible in each of the above-described modes.
“Transmission / reception” in FIG. 6 is FCU facsimile transmission / reception without printout, and data retention is retention of stored image data in the memory 406.

The power supply circuit 514 includes a capacitor power supply device 80 that supplies + 24VE instead of + 24VE of the main power supply. The main body of the capacitor power supply device 80 is a capacitor unit 89. The configuration will be described later with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the capacitor unit.
The capacitor unit 89 is connected to a DC output terminal of a DC / DC converter 88 that is a charging unit and a DC input terminal of a DC / DC converter 90 that is a power feeding unit. A DC voltage obtained by rectifying the commercial AC voltage fed through the AC relay 86 by the rectifying and smoothing circuit 87 is applied to the DC / DC converter 88.
The constant current control circuit 88ic gives a switching pulse (PWM pulse) to a chopper circuit (switching circuit) that energizes the primary side of the voltage regulating transformer in the DC / DC converter 88. The constant current control circuit 88ic is a switching regulator that performs PWM control (feedback constant current control) on switching of the chopper circuit.
Charging current detection is performed on the voltage (current detection voltage) proportional to the output current of the current detection resistor 88r inserted in the output current feedback path of the rectifying and smoothing circuit on the output side of the voltage regulating transformer in the DC / DC converter 88. The circuit 88id amplifies and feeds back to the constant current control circuit 88ic. The constant current control circuit 88ic operates the pulse width of the PWM pulse so that the fed back charging current signal matches the target level, and gives it to the chopper circuit. That is, the constant current control circuit 88ic performs constant current control.

The charging current detection circuit 88id selects an amplifier circuit that generates a first feedback signal having a low amplification factor and a second feedback signal having a high amplification factor, and outputs the selected signal as a feedback signal to the constant current control circuit 88ic. And an analog gate circuit.
In this charging current detection circuit 88id, a monitor signal Cst of a capacitor unit 89, which will be described later, has a high level H indicating that all capacitors in a capacitor group in which a plurality of electric double layer capacitors are connected in series are all less than a predetermined voltage Vs2. In the meantime, the first feedback signal with a low amplification factor is output to the constant current control circuit 88ic, and when the monitor signal Cst becomes a low level L indicating that the charging voltage of at least one capacitor has reached the predetermined voltage Vs2, The second feedback signal having a high amplification factor is output to the constant current control circuit 88ic.
By this charging current detection circuit 88id, the constant current control circuit 88ic supplies a high current value to the capacitor unit 89 with constant current while all the capacitors are less than the predetermined voltage Vs2, and the charging voltage of at least one capacitor is predetermined. When the voltage Vs2 is reached, a constant current is supplied to the capacitor unit 89 with a low current value.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the capacitor unit 89.
In this embodiment, the capacitor unit 89 is formed by connecting 18 electric double layer capacitors C1 to Cn (n = 18) having a rated charging voltage of 2.5 V and a capacity of 600 F in series, and between the charge / discharge lines Lh / Le. It is connected to the. The voltage Vco between both ends of the series connection capacitor group between the charge / discharge lines Lh / Le, that is, the rated voltage between the charge / discharge lines Lh / Le is 2.5 × 18 = 45V.
Monitor circuits MN1 to MNn having substantially the same configuration and the same characteristics are connected to the capacitors C1 to Cn. The monitor circuit MN1 includes resistance voltage dividing circuits R1 and R2 that detect the charging voltage of the capacitor, comparison and bypass circuits SR, R3, Q1, and R4 that detect whether or not the charging voltage has reached a reference value, and an LED driver R5. , Q2, R6, photocoupler PC1, and current limiting resistor R7.
The output terminals of the monitor circuits MN1 to MNn are commonly connected (logical sum connection). While the monitor signal Cst is at the high level H indicating that the output of all the monitor circuits MN1 to MNn is less than the predetermined voltage Vs2, the level of the monitor signal Cst is H. When the voltage of the capacitor Ci reaches the predetermined value Vs2 and the monitor signal of the monitor circuit PCi connected thereto is inverted to the low level L, the level of the monitor signal Cst is inverted to the low level L.

At the time of charging, a charging voltage, for example, 45V is applied from the DC / DC converter 88 between the charging / discharging lines Lh / Le, and the constant current control circuit 88ic performs constant current control of the charging current to, for example, about 10A. When the capacitors C1 to Cn are charged with a constant current, the charging voltage of any one of the capacitors C1 to Cn reaches the predetermined voltage Vs2. Then, the shunt regulator SR of the monitor circuit MNi connected to the capacitor Ci is turned on (conducted), thereby turning on the PNP transistor Q1, thereby bypassing the charging current to the capacitor Ci and completing the charging to the capacitor Ci.
Further, when the PNP transistor Q1 is turned on, the NPN transistor Q2 is turned on, whereby the light emitting diode of the photocoupler PCi is turned on and the phototransistor is turned on, so that the level of the monitor signal Cst is switched from H to L. .

The predetermined voltage Vs2 is a voltage value that bypasses the charging current when reaching this value, and is set to be slightly smaller than the rated voltage of the electric double layer capacitor. The predetermined voltage Vs2 is determined by the following equation based on the reference voltage VR1 of the shunt regulator SR and the resistance values of the voltage dividing resistors R2 and R1:
Vs2 = VR1 (1 + R2 / R1).
The power supply circuit 514 includes a connection switching circuit 90d, which switches between + 24VE of the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply and + 24VE of the DC / DC converter 90 of the capacitor power supply apparatus 80 and is connected to the SW84.

Next, control of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a flowchart of the image forming apparatus.
It is determined whether or not the rise of the image forming apparatus is a return from the low power mode (step S801). If it is determined that the image forming apparatus is returned from the low power mode (step S801 / Y), the connection shown in FIG. + 24VE is supplied from the auxiliary power supply (capacitor power supply 80) by the switching circuit 90d. That is, + 24VE from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device is not connected (step S802).
At this time, the heater of the fixing unit 214 is controlled by increasing the maximum power supply by the AC control circuit. Therefore, the temperature rise of the fixing device 214 can be accelerated (step S803).
When the maximum power supply becomes large, the timer starts (step S804), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S805). Wait until the predetermined time elapses (step S805 / N), and after the predetermined time elapses (step S805 / Y), since the fixing device 214 is also heated to a sufficient temperature, control is performed by reducing the maximum power supply to the heater. (Step S806). At this time, the connection switching circuit 90d switches the connection from + 24VE supply from the auxiliary power supply device (capacitor power supply device 80) to + 24VE supply from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device. Discharging is stopped (step S807).

  When the rise of the image forming apparatus is not the return from the low power mode (step S801 / N), + 24VE is supplied from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply apparatus by the connection switching circuit 90d shown in FIG. At this time, the heater of the fixing unit 214 is controlled by the AC control circuit while reducing the maximum power supply (step S809).

  Here, the low-power mode is a first low-power state that is automatically set when there is no operation for a certain period of time after the copy operation is completed.

Next, control of the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a flowchart of the image forming apparatus.
It is determined whether or not the rise of the image forming apparatus is a return from the sleep mode (step S901). If it is determined that the image formation apparatus is returned from the sleep mode (step S901 / Y), the connection switching circuit shown in FIG. At 90d, + 24VE is supplied from the auxiliary power supply device (capacitor power supply device 80). That is, + 24VE from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device is not connected (step S902).
At this time, the heater of the fixing unit 214 is controlled by increasing the maximum power supply by the AC control circuit. Therefore, the temperature rise of the fixing device can be accelerated (step S903).
When the maximum power supply to the fixing device 214 increases, the timer starts (step S904), waits until a predetermined time elapses (step S904 / N), and after the predetermined time elapses (step S904 / Y), the fixing device 214 is heated to a sufficient temperature, and the maximum supply power to the heater is reduced and controlled (step S906). At this time, the connection switching circuit 90d switches the connection from + 24VE supply from the auxiliary power supply (capacitor power supply 80) to + 24VE supply from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply, and discharges from the auxiliary power supply. Is stopped (step S907).

  When the rise of the image forming apparatus is not the return from the pause mode (step S901 / N), + 24VE is supplied from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply apparatus by the connection switching circuit 90d shown in FIG. 4 (step S908). At this time, the heater of the fixing unit 214 is controlled by the AC control circuit while reducing the maximum power supply (step S909).

  Here, the hibernation mode is an off mode (Off Mode) that is a power state that is set automatically when a copy is not performed for a certain period of time, or a low power mode in the case of a multifunction device. Subsequently to the sleep mode (Sleep Mode), which is a second low power state continuously realized when the output operation is not performed.

Next, control of the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
It is determined whether or not the start-up of the image forming apparatus is when the power is turned on (step S1000). When the power is turned on (step S1000 / Y), an auxiliary power supply (capacitor power supply) is connected by the connection switching circuit 90d shown in FIG. + 24VE is supplied from the device 80). That is, + 24VE from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device is not connected (step S1001).
At this time, the heater of the fixing unit 214 is controlled by increasing the maximum power supply by the AC control circuit. Therefore, the temperature rise of the fixing device can be accelerated (step S1002).
When the maximum supply power is supplied to the fixing device 214, the timer starts (step S1003), waits until a predetermined time elapses (step S1003 / N), and after the predetermined time elapses (step S1003 / Y), the fixing device 214. Is heated to a sufficient temperature, and the maximum supply power to the heater is reduced and controlled (step S1005).
At this time, the connection switching circuit 90d switches the connection from + 24VE supply from the auxiliary power supply device (capacitor power supply device 80) to + 24VE supply from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device. Discharging is stopped (step S1006).

  When the start-up of the image forming apparatus is not when the power is turned on (step S1000 / N), + 24VE is supplied from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply apparatus by the connection switching circuit 90d shown in FIG. 4 (step S1007). At this time, the heater of the fixing device 214 is controlled by the AC control circuit while reducing the maximum power supply (step S1008).

  Control of the image forming apparatus according to claims 4 to 7 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In the following description, the case where the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 returns from the low power mode will be described. However, the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 returns from the sleep mode or image formation according to claim 3. The same applies when the device is turned on.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a flowchart of the image forming apparatus.
In FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the rise of the image forming apparatus is a return from the low power mode (step S1100), and if it is determined that the image forming apparatus is returned from the low power mode (step S1100 / Y), It is determined whether there is a predetermined process (step S1101).
When there is no predetermined processing (step S1101 / N), + 24VE is supplied from the auxiliary power supply device (capacitor power supply device 80) by the connection switching circuit 90d shown in FIG. That is, + 24VE from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device is not connected (step S1102).
At this time, the heater of the fixing unit 214 is controlled by increasing the maximum power supply by the AC control circuit. Therefore, the temperature rise of the fixing device 214 can be accelerated (step S1103).

When the maximum power supply to the fixing device 214 is increased, a timer is started (step S1104), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S1105). Waiting for a predetermined time (step S1105 / N), and after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S1105 / Y), the fixing device 214 is sufficiently heated and controlled by reducing the maximum power supply to the heater (step S1106).
At this time, the connection switching circuit 90d switches the connection from the auxiliary power supply (capacitor power supply 80): + 24VE to the + 24VE supply from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply, and discharges from the auxiliary power supply. Stop (step S1107).

  When it is determined that there is a predetermined process (step S1100 / N), + 24VE is supplied from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device by the connection switching circuit 90d shown in FIG. 4 (step S1108). At this time, the heater of the fixing device 214 is controlled by the AC control circuit while reducing the maximum power supply (step S1109).

In the above, since this predetermined process requires time, there is no need to increase the temperature of the fixing device, and wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply device can be prevented.
Similarly, when it is determined that the rise of the image forming apparatus is not the return from the low power mode (step S1100 / NO), + 24VE is output from the DC / DC converter 82 of the main power supply device by the connection switching circuit 90d shown in FIG. Is supplied (step S1108). At this time, the heater of the fixing device 214 is controlled by the AC control circuit while reducing the maximum power supply (step S1109).

  Here, the predetermined processing includes, for example, image alignment processing (Claim 5), process condition processing (Claim 6), controller startup processing (Claim 7), and toner supply request processing (Claim 8). , Paper replenishment request processing (claim 9), waste toner disposal request processing (claim 10), and paper discharge removal request processing (claim 11).

Next, an example of image alignment processing will be described.
Unlike a black and white image, a color image forming apparatus that forms a multi-color image superimposes each color image. Therefore, if the image position of each color shifts, the color of line drawings or characters changes, or image unevenness (color unevenness). ) May occur, leading to a reduction in image quality. Therefore, it is necessary to match the image positions of the respective colors as much as possible.
For this reason, in an image forming apparatus that forms a color image using a plurality of photoconductors, the main scanning direction (recording paper transport direction) that occurs due to various factors such as changes in environmental temperature and changes in internal temperature. And the positional deviation in the direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the transfer belt) is corrected as follows.

First, a reference portion formed of a straight line extending in the main scanning direction and a diagonal line extending obliquely with respect to the transfer belt feeding direction are formed on the transfer belt. After that, the reference line and the oblique line are detected by the sensor, and based on the measured value of the main scanning direction interval between the reference portion and the oblique line obtained based on the detection signal from the sensor and the reference value stored in the memory. Then, the CPU calculates the amount of deviation of the oblique lines in the main scanning direction, and corrects at least one of the writing start timing and the writing clock frequency in the main scanning direction based on the calculation result.
By such correction, it is possible to correct not only environmental changes but also positional shifts due to changes over time, and high-quality images without color shifts can be obtained.
The above processing requires approximately 1 to 5 minutes. The presence / absence of processing is determined by a change in environmental temperature or the like every predetermined number of sheets or for a predetermined time or more.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart when the predetermined process is an image alignment process.
The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that “determining whether there is a predetermined process” in step S1101 in FIG. : Step S1201 ”.
That is, step S1200 in FIG. 12 corresponds to step S1100 in FIG. 11, and steps S1202 to S1209 in FIG. 12 correspond to steps S1102 to S1109 in FIG. For this reason, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 12 is omitted.

Next, an example of process condition processing will be described.
In image forming apparatuses, devices such as charging devices, exposure devices, photoconductors, developers, and consumables are used. These devices and consumables cause characteristic changes due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, and characteristic changes due to changes over time. For this reason, the formation state of the image obtained by charging and exposing the photosensitive member becomes unstable due to changes in the characteristics of the apparatus and the consumables.

Therefore, the image forming process conditions are controlled in accordance with changes in the characteristics of the charging device, the exposure device, the photoconductor, the developer, and the like to stabilize the image forming state. A pattern toner image is carried on an image carrier such as a transfer belt, the toner density is detected by a photosensor, and a bias voltage, an exposure light amount, etc. are adjusted based on the detected value.
The above processing requires approximately 1 to 4 minutes. The presence / absence of processing is determined by a change in environmental temperature or the like every predetermined number of sheets or for a predetermined time or more.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart when the predetermined process is a process condition process.
The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that “determining whether there is a predetermined process” in step S1101 in FIG. 11 is “determining whether there is a process condition process: This is a point replaced with “Step S1301”.
That is, step S1300 in FIG. 13 corresponds to step S1100 in FIG. 11, and steps S1302 to S1309 in FIG. 13 correspond to steps S1102 to S1109 in FIG. For this reason, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 13 is omitted.

Next, an example of controller startup processing will be described.
In the controller, there are ROM, RAM check, RAM, work memory, frame memory, ASIC initialization, data load from NV-RAM, and the like. In the case of an expensive ROM, the program is stored in a compressed format, and the program is expanded on the RAM at the time of execution. OS startup and the like are also included. The above processing varies depending on the contents to be implemented, and requires a time of several seconds to several minutes. The presence or absence of processing is determined by the controller state (low power mode / hibernation mode / power off).

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart when the predetermined process is a controller startup process.
The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that “determining whether there is a predetermined process” in step S1101 in FIG. : Step S1401 ”.
That is, step S1400 in FIG. 14 corresponds to step S1100 in FIG. 11, and steps S1402 to S1409 in FIG. 14 correspond to steps S1102 to S1109 in FIG. For this reason, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 14 is omitted.

Next, an example of toner supply request processing will be described.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart when the predetermined process is a toner supply request process.
The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that “determination of whether or not there is a predetermined process” in step S1101 in FIG. It is a point that replaced.
That is, step S1500 in FIG. 15 corresponds to step S1100 in FIG. 11, and steps S1502 to S1509 in FIG. 14 correspond to steps S1102 to S1109 in FIG. For this reason, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 15 is omitted.
In the image forming apparatus using the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, it is preferable to display a message such as “The toner has run out. Replace the toner cartridge.” The presence or absence of processing is determined based on the amount of toner that is a consumable part of the image forming apparatus. In order to finish the processing, it is necessary to replace the toner cartridge with a new one.

Next, an example of paper supply request processing will be described.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart when the predetermined process is a paper supply request process.
The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that “determining whether there is a predetermined process” in step S1101 in FIG. 11 is “paper supply request process present ?: step S1601”. It is a point that replaced.
That is, step S1600 in FIG. 16 corresponds to step S1100 in FIG. 11, and steps S1602 to S1609 in FIG. 16 correspond to steps S1102 to S1109 in FIG. For this reason, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 16 is omitted.
In the image forming apparatus using the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, it is preferable to display a message such as “please supply paper to the tray” to the user. The presence or absence of processing is determined by the amount of paper in the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus. In order to finish the process, it is necessary to set paper in the tray.

Next, an example of waste toner disposal request processing will be described.
FIG. 17 shows an example of a flowchart when the predetermined process is a waste toner disposal request process.
The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that “determination of whether or not there is a predetermined process” in step S1101 in FIG. 11 is “waste toner disposal request process present: step S1701”. It is a point that replaced.
That is, step S1700 in FIG. 17 corresponds to step S1100 in FIG. 11, and steps S1702 to S1709 in FIG. 17 correspond to steps S1102 to S1109 in FIG. For this reason, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 17 is omitted.
In the image forming apparatus using the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, a message such as “Please replace the waste toner bottle” is displayed to the user. The determination of the presence or absence of processing is performed based on the amount of waste toner that has been removed during cleaning of the photosensitive member and transfer belt of the image forming apparatus. In order to finish the processing, it is necessary to replace a new waste toner bottle.

Next, an example of a paper discharge removal request process will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in a case where the predetermined process is a paper discharge removal request process.
The difference between the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is that “determination of whether or not there is a predetermined process” in step S1101 in FIG. It is a point that replaced.
That is, step S1800 in FIG. 18 corresponds to step S1100 in FIG. 11, and steps S1802 to S1809 in FIG. 18 correspond to steps S1102 to S1109 in FIG. For this reason, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 18 is omitted.
In the image forming apparatus using the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, it is preferable to display a message such as “Please remove the paper in the paper discharge tray” to the user. The presence or absence of processing is determined based on the sheet stacking amount of the paper discharge tray of the image forming apparatus. In order to finish the process, it is necessary to remove the paper in the paper discharge tray.

[Function and effect]
(1) According to the present invention, DC power is supplied by the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power and the auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored. In the image forming apparatus, by supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode, the maximum power supply can be supplied to the fixing device, and the return time from the low power mode to the normal power mode can be shortened. Can measure.

(2) According to the present invention, DC power is supplied by the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power and the auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored. In the image forming apparatus, when the DC power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the pause mode, the maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device, and the return time from the pause mode can be shortened.

(3) According to the present invention, DC power is supplied by the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power and the auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored. In the image forming apparatus, by supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on, the maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device, and the rise time of the device after the power is turned on can be shortened.

(4) According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration , when there is a predetermined process at the time of starting up the apparatus, the auxiliary power supply apparatus is not discharged by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus. Can be prevented.

(5) According to the present invention, when there is an image alignment process when the apparatus is started up, useless discharge of the auxiliary power supply apparatus can be prevented by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus.

(6) According to the present invention, when there is a process condition process at the time of starting the apparatus, useless discharge of the auxiliary power supply apparatus can be prevented by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus.

(7) According to the present invention, if there is a controller startup process at the time of startup of the apparatus, useless discharge of the auxiliary power supply apparatus can be prevented by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus.

(8) According to the present invention, when there is a toner replenishment request process when the apparatus is started up, it is possible to prevent wasteful discharge of the auxiliary power supply apparatus by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus. it can.

(9) According to the present invention, when there is a paper replenishment request process when the apparatus is started up, it is possible to prevent unnecessary discharge of the auxiliary power supply by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply. it can.

(10) According to the present invention, when there is a waste toner disposal request process at the time of starting up the apparatus, useless discharge of the auxiliary power supply apparatus can be prevented by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply apparatus. Can do.

(11) According to the present invention, when there is a paper removal request process when the apparatus is started up, it is possible to prevent unnecessary discharge of the auxiliary power supply by not shifting to the supply of DC power from the auxiliary power supply. Can do.

(12) According to the present invention, by supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode, the maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device. The return time to the normal power mode can be shortened.

(13) According to the present invention, the maximum power supply can be supplied to the fixing device by supplying the DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode. The return time to the mode can be shortened.

(14) According to the present invention, the maximum power supply can be supplied to the fixing device by supplying the DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on, and the rise time of the device after the power is turned on can be shortened. Can measure.

(15) According to the present invention, a maximum supply power is supplied to the fixing device by causing the computer to execute a process of supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the return time from the low power mode to the normal power mode.

(16) According to the present invention, a maximum supply power is supplied to the fixing device by causing the computer to execute a process of supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode. Thus, the return time from the sleep mode to the normal power mode can be shortened.

(17) According to the present invention, by causing the computer to execute a process of supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on, the maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device. The rise time of the apparatus can be shortened.

(18) According to the present invention, the computer uses a storage medium storing an image forming program for executing a process of supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode. The maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device, and the return time from the low power mode to the normal power mode can be shortened.

(19) According to the present invention, by using a storage medium storing an image forming program for executing a process of supplying DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the computer returns from the sleep mode to the normal power mode. The maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device, and the return time from the sleep mode to the normal power mode can be shortened.

(20) According to the present invention, the maximum supply power can be supplied to the fixing device by storing the image forming program for executing the process of supplying the DC power from the auxiliary power device when the power is turned on. It is possible to shorten the rise time of the apparatus after the power is turned on.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a storage medium.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a full-color digital multi-function copier MF1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism of a color printer 200 of a multifunction function copying machine MF1. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of the electrical system of multifunctional copying machine MF1 shown in FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a power supply circuit 514. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between each mode of energy saving switching, and ON / OFF of the power feeding switches 83-85. It is a figure which shows the information processing item possible in each mode. It is a figure which shows the structure of a capacitor unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart in case a predetermined process is an image position alignment process. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart in case a predetermined process is a process condition process. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart in case a predetermined process is an image position alignment process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in a case where a predetermined process is a toner supply request process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart when a predetermined process is a paper supply request process. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart when the predetermined process is a waste toner disposal request process. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart in case a predetermined process is a paper discharge removal request process.

Explanation of symbols

10 Operation board 100 Scanner 120 ADF
200 printer

Claims (9)

  A main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, and a DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the main power supply device and the auxiliary power supply device. In the image forming apparatus having the supply control unit, the control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when returning from the low power mode to the normal power mode, and has a predetermined process when the device is started up. In this case, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that power is supplied from the main power supply device without shifting from the auxiliary power supply device to supply of DC power, and the predetermined processing is image alignment processing.   A main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, and a DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the main power supply device and the auxiliary power supply device. In the image forming apparatus including the supply control unit, the control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply when returning from the sleep mode to the normal power mode, and there is a predetermined process when the apparatus is started up. An image forming apparatus characterized in that power is supplied from the main power supply device without shifting from the auxiliary power supply device to DC power supply, and the predetermined process is an image alignment process. A main power supply device that supplies AC power and DC power, an auxiliary power supply device that supplies DC power that can be stored, and a DC power from the auxiliary power supply device for a predetermined period using the main power supply device and the auxiliary power supply device. In the image forming apparatus including the supply control unit, the control unit supplies DC power from the auxiliary power supply device when the power is turned on. There line power from a power supply from the main power supply without transition to the supply of DC power, wherein the predetermined processing, the image forming apparatus, characterized in that the image registration processing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined processing, the image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a process condition processing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined processing, an image forming apparatus which comprises a controller startup process. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined processing, an image forming apparatus which comprises a toner supply request process. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined processing, an image forming apparatus which comprises a paper supply request process. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined processing, the image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a waste toner discarding request processing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined processing, the image forming apparatus characterized by comprising removing paper discharge request processing.

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