JP5004603B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that includes a main power source and an auxiliary power source for assisting the power supply, and that performs image forming operations upon receiving power supply from the main power source or the auxiliary power source. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be used in the present invention.

  In recent years, in view of the importance of environmental problems, power saving has been advanced also in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers. By the way, commercial power supply in Japan is generally rated power of 1500 W at 100 V, 15 A. Such a restriction on the rated power is a major limitation in designing the apparatus.

  As one approach to eliminate such restrictions, an auxiliary power supply is provided separately from the main power supply, and a means for monitoring the power supply of the main power supply is provided so that the power supply of the main power supply is smaller than a predetermined value. Sometimes the auxiliary power supply is charged, and when the power supplied to the main power supply is greater than a predetermined value, the energy stored in the auxiliary power supply is discharged, thereby leveling the power that changes sharply in a relatively short time. A technique is known (Patent Document 1).

  Further, as an improvement technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a power supply source for a part of a load is used by switching between a first power supply means and a second power supply means that is an auxiliary power source. When the power consumption predicted by the prediction means exceeds the power that can be supplied by the first power supply means, the switching control is performed so that the power supply to a part of the load is performed from the second power supply means. A technology is known that can cope with sudden output fluctuations without increasing the capacity of the auxiliary power supply more than necessary, and leveling the power used so as not to exceed the maximum suppliable power of the AC line ( Patent Document 2).

  However, the auxiliary power supply has a capacity limit. For this reason, if charging is not performed in a timely manner while the apparatus is continuously performing image forming operations, the capacity gradually decreases, and the system may eventually be stopped. Moreover, even when performing this charging, it is required to satisfy power saving. However, it is difficult to appropriately charge the auxiliary power supply while responding to the demand for power saving, and development of a new technology for solving such a problem has been awaited.

JP 2002-199588 A JP 2004-236492 A

  The problem to be solved is that it is difficult to properly charge the auxiliary power supply while responding to the demand for power saving.

The present invention includes a main power source and an auxiliary power source for assisting the auxiliary power source in order to appropriately charge the auxiliary power source in response to a request for power saving, and the power from the main power source or the auxiliary power source. rows that have an image forming operation by being supplied, an image forming apparatus including a stapler unit which performs stapling processing on the staple processing document bundle, time the time variation of the power consumption of the staple processing in the stapler unit The auxiliary power supply charging mode is set when the time change of the power consumption in the stapling process is small, based on the time change of the power consumption predicted and detected by the prediction detection means based on the length of the interval. time variation of power consumption in the stapling process with relatively charging power is reduced charging time is controlled to longer power saving charging mode When larger, characterized in that a charging mode control means for controlling the rapid charging mode is short large charging time relatively charging power is a charging mode of the auxiliary power supply.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a main power supply, an auxiliary power supply for assisting this, rows that have an image forming operation by receiving power supply from the main power source or said auxiliary power source, the stapling process An image forming apparatus including a stapler unit that performs a staple process on a document bundle, and a prediction detection unit that predicts and detects a time change in power consumption based on a length of a staple processing time interval in the stapler unit; Based on the time change of power consumption predicted and detected by the detection means, when the time change of power consumption in the staple process is small, the charge mode of the auxiliary power supply is set to a power saving power saving mode in which the charge power is relatively small and the charge time is long. the phases charging mode of the auxiliary power supply when the time change of the power consumption in the stapling process is greater controls to For and a charge mode control means to the charging power control to increase the charging time is short rapid charging mode, therefore, while meeting the demand for power saving, it is possible to appropriately charge the auxiliary power supply As a result, the auxiliary power source can be used efficiently.

  The purpose of appropriately charging the auxiliary power supply while responding to the demand for power saving is based on the time change of the power consumption predicted and detected by the prediction detection means when the time change of the power consumption is small. This was realized by a charge mode control means for controlling the charge mode to the power saving charge mode.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Image forming apparatus]
1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment reads image data of a document set on a platen glass (not shown) or sent from a document feeding device 4 by a scanner unit 5. The read image data is photoelectrically converted and sent to the image forming unit 6. The image forming unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the data input from the operation unit 3 on the recording material (copy paper, OHP film, etc.) supplied from the paper feed trays 7 and 8 or the duplex printing unit 10. It has a function of printing based on the received image data. Next, the image forming apparatus 1 sends the printed recording material to the post-processing device 2, performs post-processing including punching and stapling on the recording material in the post-processing device 2, and then performs this post-processing. The recording material is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 12 of the recording material discharge unit 11. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 can discharge the printed recording material onto the paper discharge tray 12 of the recording material discharge unit 11 through the bypass conveyance path 13 without performing post-processing.

  The post-processing apparatus 2 has a recording material introduction port 34 connected to a paper discharge port 35 of the image forming apparatus main body 1a, and is a punch unit for punching a printed recording material (corresponding to the “load” of the present invention). 36) and a stapler unit (corresponding to the “load” of the present invention) 20 for stapling the printed recording material. When performing the stapling process, the post-processing device 2 guides the recording material from the leading end side in the transport direction to the branch path 37 after the recording material introduced from the recording material introduction port 34 passes through the punch unit 36, and Placed on the intermediate tray 38 of the stapler unit 20 in a positioned state. When a predetermined number of recording materials are stored on the intermediate tray 38, the stapler unit 20 staples the ends of the plurality of recording materials. Thereafter, the stapled recording material is discharged from the intermediate tray 38 to the paper discharge tray 12 of the recording material discharge portion 11 through the recording material discharge port 40. Note that the recording material discharge unit 11 has a function of moving the plurality of paper discharge trays 12, 12,.

  Next, the functional members constituting the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main power source 21 and an auxiliary power source 23 for assisting the main power source 21. And having a function of receiving an electric power supply from the main power supply 21 or the auxiliary power supply 23 and performing an image forming operation. Here, as the auxiliary power source 23, for example, an electric double layer capacitor can be preferably employed. The electric double layer capacitor is characterized in that it can be charged / discharged with a large current and has a relatively long charge / discharge life (for example, on the order of several hundred thousand times), but the voltage drops rapidly. Therefore, in order to supply power for a long time, it is necessary to increase the capacity, which is expensive. The charging time of the electric double layer capacitor is, for example, about several tens of seconds.

  The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a stapler unit 20 that receives power supplied from the auxiliary power source 23 and performs stapling processing on a bundle of documents to be processed, and a charging mode control that includes a microcomputer and a dedicated hardware circuit. Part (corresponding to “charging mode control means” of the present invention) 25 and an operating part (corresponding to “predictive detection means” of the present invention) 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 3 emits a key input unit 31 such as a numeric keypad for inputting numerical data, a liquid crystal display unit 32 for displaying various job processing modes and various data, an operation button, and the like. LED display unit 33 for displaying. When the operation unit 3 is operated by a user, the number and the number of copies of the staple processing in the stapler unit 20 (for example, 100 sets of stapled document bundles of 5 sheets set or 50 sheets of stapled document sheets) 10 bundles etc.) are selectively set.

  The charging mode control unit 25 predicts and detects a time change in power consumption from the number and the number of staple processing operations set by the operation unit 3, and based on the time change in power consumption thus predicted and detected, the power consumption time When the change is small, the charging mode of the auxiliary power source 23 is controlled to the power saving charging mode, and when the time change of the power consumption is large, the charging mode of the auxiliary power source 23 is controlled to the rapid power charging mode.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus]
Next, with respect to the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, time variation in power consumption predicted and detected from the number and the number of staple processing operations set in the operation unit 3 using an electric double layer capacitor as the auxiliary power source 23. An example in which the charging mode control of the auxiliary power supply 23 is performed will be described based on the above.

  FIG. 4 shows an operation flowchart when the charging mode control of the auxiliary power source 23 is performed based on the temporal change of the power consumption predicted and detected from the number of sheets and the number of copies, and FIG. 5 shows different charging powers. Represents the transition of the charging capacity with respect to the charging time.

  After a desired document is copied, a user who desires a staple process for a staple-processed document bundle operates and sets the number of sheets to be stapled and the number of copies in the operation unit 3. A time change of power consumption: Pvr is predicted and detected from the number of copies and the number of copies (step S11). Specifically, for example, as shown in Table 1, the operation unit 3 performs a stapling process in the stapler unit 20 when a setting operation for stapling only 10 copies of a bundle of 50 sheets to be stapled is performed. Since the time interval is long (once every 50 copies), it is predicted that a change in power consumption over time: Pvr is small, while stapling is performed for only 100 copies of a 5-sheet set stapled document bundle. When the setting operation is performed, the time interval of stapling processing in the stapler unit 20 is short (once every five copies), so that the time change of power consumption: Pvr is predicted to be detected, and the prediction detection result is obtained. It is sent to the charging mode control unit 25.

  In response to this, the charging mode control unit 25 compares and calculates the magnitude relationship between the time change of the power consumption sent from the operation unit 3: Pvr and the preset power consumption threshold value Pth (step S12). ). Note that the power consumption threshold value Pth may be set to an appropriate value in consideration of various characteristics relating to the charging of the auxiliary power supply 23. In addition, a plurality of power consumption threshold values: Pth may be set, and an appropriate charge mode may be set for each of the three or more stages so that fine charge mode control can be performed.

  As a result of the comparison operation in step S12, when the power consumption time change Pvr is smaller than the power consumption threshold value Pth, specifically, for example, only 10 copies of a set of 50 sheets to be stapled are stapled. When a setting operation for processing is performed, it is considered that the time interval of stapling processing in the stapler unit 20 is long (once every 50 copies), and the charging mode control unit 25 saves the auxiliary power source 23. A charge mode command for performing charge control in the power charge mode is sent. In response to this, the auxiliary power source 23 receives power supply from the main power source 21 and executes a charging process in the power saving charging mode (step S13).

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison operation in step S12, when the power consumption time change Pvr is equal to or greater than the power consumption threshold value Pth, specifically, for example, 100 sets of stapled document bundles of 5 sheets are set. When the setting operation for stapling only is performed, it is considered that the time interval of stapling processing in the stapler unit 20 is short (once every five copies), and the charging mode control unit 25 controls the auxiliary power source 23. Then, a charge mode command for performing charge control in the quick charge mode is sent. In response to this, the auxiliary power supply 23 receives the power supply from the main power supply 21 and executes the charging process in the quick charge mode (step S14).

  Prior to the description of the effects according to the present embodiment, various characteristics relating to charging when an electric double layer capacitor is employed as the auxiliary power source 23 will be described.

  Table 2 shows characteristics related to the charging of the electric double layer capacitor as the auxiliary power source 23, and Table 3 shows the relationship between charging power and charging efficiency / full charging time.

  According to Table 2, when the charging power is large and the charging time is short (corresponding to the “rapid charging mode” of the present invention), the charging efficiency is low, while the charging power is small and the charging is performed. When the time is long (corresponding to the “power saving charging mode” of the present invention), it can be seen that the charging efficiency is increased.

  Further, according to Table 3, when the charging power is small (for example, 500 W), the charging efficiency is relatively high and the time required for full charging is increased, while the charging power is increased as the charging power is increased (for example, 800 W). It can be seen that the efficiency is relatively low and the time required for full charge is shortened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the electric double layer capacitor as the auxiliary power supply 23 is charged with 800 W charging power when the full charge capacity is 50 W, charging with 600 W charging power is performed. In comparison, it can be seen that the battery can be fully charged in a short charging time.

  In consideration of various characteristics relating to the charging of the electric double layer capacitor as the auxiliary power source 23, in this embodiment, for example, when a set of 50 sheets to be stapled is set for operation, the number of sets of document bundles is set. If there are many, it is considered that the time interval of the staple processing in the stapler unit 20 is long (once every 50 copies), and charging in the power saving charging mode is executed, while a set of five sheets to be stapled, for example When the set number of document bundles is small, such as when the processing document bundle is set to operate, it is considered that the time interval of stapling processing in the stapler unit 20 is short (once every five copies), and rapid. Since charging is performed in the charging mode, it is possible to appropriately control the charging mode of the auxiliary power source 23 while responding to the request for power saving. As a result of it is possible, it is possible to use an auxiliary power source 23 efficiently.

[Others]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or technical idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and an image forming apparatus with such a change. Are also included in the scope of the technical scope of the present invention.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the various processing procedures shown in the operation flowchart diagram have been described by taking an example in which the charging mode control unit 25 executes data exchange with the input / output device according to a predetermined program. It is needless to say that the function of the charging mode control unit 25 may be realized by hardware without being limited to an example.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart figure at the time of performing charge mode control of an auxiliary power supply. It is a figure showing transition of the charge capacity with respect to charge time when charging power is varied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Post-processing apparatus 3 Operation part (prediction detection means)
20 Stapler unit (load)
21 Main power supply 23 Electric double layer capacitor (auxiliary power supply)
25 Charging mode control unit (charging mode control means)
36 Punch unit (load)

Claims (1)

A main power supply, an auxiliary power supply for assisting this, the main line of have an image forming operation power supply or by receiving power supply from the auxiliary power supply, performs stapling processing on the staple processing document stack An image forming apparatus including a stapler unit ,
Prediction detection means for predicting and detecting the time change of power consumption based on the length of the staple processing time interval in the stapler unit ;
Based on the time change of power consumption predicted and detected by the prediction detection means, when the time change of power consumption in the stapling process is small, the charge mode of the auxiliary power source is relatively low and the power saving time is long. Charging mode control means for controlling the charging mode and controlling the charging mode of the auxiliary power source to a quick charging mode with a relatively large charging power and a short charging time when the time change of the power consumption in the stapling process is large .
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images