JP5211965B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a power storage unit that can be charged and discharged.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, facsimiles, and apparatuses that combine these functions have been developed. The image forming apparatus usually includes an image forming unit that forms a toner image on a recording medium, and a fixing device that fixes the toner image by pressurizing and heating the recording medium on which the toner image is formed. Yes.

  The fixing device is provided with a fixing member for heating the recording medium, for example, a fixing roller. The fixing roller is heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater (heater heater) that generates heat by electric power from a commercial power source. The

  For this reason, it is impossible to perform image formation for a period of time until the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature after the energy saving mode is canceled. This reduces copy productivity. This waiting time is also unsatisfactory for users of the image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, a circuit for supplying power to the heater of the fixing device and a low-temperature detection circuit are provided separately from the control unit having a program, and the energy saving mode is canceled. Then, when the temperature of the heater is lower than the threshold temperature, an image forming apparatus capable of supplying power from the power supply circuit to the heater without waiting for control from a control unit is disclosed.

JP 2006-58824 A

  However, if you want to control the heater of the fixing device directly from the control unit, the control unit operates by being supplied with power from a constant voltage power source that stabilizes the commercial power supply. A waiting time (power supply rising time) is required until the constant voltage power supply rises and the supply voltage from the constant voltage power supply becomes a voltage that can be operated by the control unit.

  On the other hand, when using an electronic device, there is a survey result that the waiting time during which the user does not feel dissatisfied is within 3 seconds.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the time until the fixing device can be used when the constant voltage power supply is turned on when the energy saving mode is released. It is an object.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a fixing unit that heats a toner image formed on a recording medium and fixes the toner image on the recording medium; A heating unit that is provided in the fixing unit and that heats the fixing unit, a fixing control unit that controls the fixing unit, a heating control unit that controls the heating unit, and a first unit that generates a constant voltage from the output power of a commercial power source. The voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means after the energy saving mode with less power consumption than during normal operation is canceled after the constant voltage generating means of 1 Output switching means for outputting the stored power of the power storage means to the heating control means until a predetermined voltage is reached, a part of the heating means is a DC heater heated by DC power, Said The switching unit further stores the electric power stored in the power storage unit until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage after the energy saving mode is canceled. It outputs to a heater .

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention heats a toner image formed on a recording medium and fixes the toner image on the recording medium, and is provided in the fixing unit and heats the fixing unit. Heating means, fixing control means for controlling the fixing means, first constant voltage generating means for generating a constant voltage from the output power of the commercial power supply, power storage means capable of charging / discharging, and consumption than during normal operation After the energy saving mode with less power is released, the stored power of the power storage unit is output to the fixing control unit until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage. Output switching means, a part of the heating means is a direct current heater heated by direct current power, the output switching means is the first constant voltage generation means after the energy saving mode is canceled Raw During voltage generating power up to a predetermined voltage, the power stored in said storage means, further, be output to the DC heater, characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the output switching unit heats the stored power of the power storage unit until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generation unit becomes a predetermined voltage after the energy saving mode is canceled. Since it can be output to the control means, the heating control means can be started and the heating of the heating device by the heating control means can be started without waiting for the completion of the start-up of the first constant voltage generating means, and the fixing means There is an effect that it is possible to shorten the time until the device becomes usable.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output switching means stores the power stored in the power storage means until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means becomes a predetermined voltage after the energy saving mode is released. Can be output to the fixing control means, so that the fixing control means can be started and the heating of the heating device by the fixing control means can be started without waiting for completion of the start-up of the first constant voltage generating means, There is an effect that the time until the fixing unit can be used can be shortened.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus includes a controller control unit 1, an engine control unit 2, a scanner control unit 3, a writing control unit 4, an operation control unit 5, an HDD control unit 6, a LAN interface circuit 7, and a power supply voltage monitoring circuit 8. It is configured.

  The controller control unit 1 controls the entire image forming apparatus. The controller control unit 1 includes a CPU 1a that controls the entire image forming apparatus, a ROM (not shown) that controls the system controller board, a RAM (not shown) that is a working memory used by the CPU 1a, a lithium battery, An NV-RAM (not shown) that incorporates a clock and backs up the RAM, an ASIC (not shown) that controls the CPU peripherals such as system bus control, frame memory control, and FIFO of the system controller board, and its interface A circuit (not shown) and the like are mounted.

  The engine control unit 2 is connected to the controller control unit 1 via a general-purpose PCI bus and performs an image forming operation. The engine control unit 2 includes a CPU 2a that mainly controls image formation, an input / output board 2b that is connected to the CPU 2a via an internal bus and controls input / output of the image forming apparatus, a serial controller (not shown), and an A / D converter. (Not shown), interrupt control circuit (not shown), NV-RAM (not shown), ROM (not shown), RAM (not shown), timer (not shown), etc. are mounted. .

  The scanner control unit 3 optically reads a copy original (image). The writing control unit 4 writes image data on the drum. The operation control unit 5 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the operation control unit 5 has a CPU 5a, and the CPU 5a is connected to the CPU 1a of the controller control unit 1, and a user operates a panel (not shown) to input system settings, or The operation of the image forming apparatus is controlled by displaying the setting contents of the system on the panel to the user.

  The HDD control unit 6 stores image data. The LAN interface circuit 7 is a communication interface board between the controller control unit 1 and the in-house LAN, and performs communication with the outside. The power supply voltage monitoring circuit 8 is a power supply voltage monitoring circuit that generates a power-on reset signal when the power supply voltage is momentarily interrupted or instantaneously reduced, or when the power supply is turned on.

  When the main power supply is turned on and power is supplied to the power supply voltage monitoring circuit 8, the power supply voltage monitoring circuit 8 sends a reset signal 9 at power-on to the CPU 1a and peripheral circuits of the controller control unit 1, the CPU 2a of the engine control unit 2 and The data is output to the peripheral circuit, the CPU 5a of the operation control unit 5, and the peripheral circuit. With this reset signal 9, each CPU performs an initial setting operation and a starting operation of the peripheral circuits.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus also includes a belt fixing unit (fixing unit) 10 that fixes and fixes a toner image by pressurizing and heating a recording medium on which the toner image is formed. . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the belt fixing unit 10. The belt fixing unit 10 is provided with a heating device 12 for heating the heating roller 11. The heating device 12 includes an AC heater 13 that is heated by AC power and a DC heater 14 that is heated by DC power. In this example, the AC heater 13 and the DC heater 14 are halogen heaters, but any heater that heats the heating roller 11 may be used. The supply of AC power to the AC heater 13 is performed from an AC 25 described later, and the supply of DC power to the DC heater 14 is performed from an AC / DC converter 24 described later.

  Each of the heating roller 11, the fixing roller 15, and the pressure roller 16 is provided with a temperature detection sensor 17 for detecting the temperature of each roller. From the temperature data, the AC heater 13 and the DC heater are provided. 14 (power supply) is controlled.

  Further, although not shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus also includes a heating device controller 18 for controlling the heating device 12 (AC heater 13 and DC heater 14). The heating device control unit 18 is usually composed of a heater driving element such as a relay or a triac. By using the relay as a switch (by turning on / off), the heating device 12 (AC heater 13 and DC heater). 14) Control power supply to (connect / cut off power). In this example, the triac is used for power supply to the heating device 12 after the relay. In addition, it is also possible to use elements other than a relay and a triac for the heating apparatus control part 18. FIG.

  Actually, the output from the AC 25 is connected to the input side of the relay in the heating device control unit 18, and AC power is supplied to the AC heater 13 when the relay is turned on. The output from the AC / DC converter 24 is also connected to the input side of the relay in the heating device control unit 18, and when the relay is turned on while the AC / DC converter 24 supplies DC power, to the DC heater 14. DC power is supplied. Note that the relay in the heating device control unit 18 remains in an OFF state unless a fixing control unit 21b in the image forming device control unit 21 described later is activated and an instruction is issued to the heating device control unit 18. . The heating device control unit 18 is often provided in the heating device 12, but may be provided in the engine control unit 2 or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a functional diagram showing power supply in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment and other embodiments described below, power supply to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (fixing control unit 21b) and the heating device 12 when shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is mainly performed. explain.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the start-up of the constant voltage circuit (AC / DC converter 24) is started by the energy saving mode release signal 36 described later, and at the same time, the voltage stored in the power storage unit 26 is generated as a constant voltage. The voltage is made constant by the circuit 31 and power supply to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (fixing control unit 21b) is started. Then, without waiting for completion of start-up of the AC / DC converter 24, the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (fixing control unit 21b) is activated, and transmits a heating control signal 39 to the heating device control unit 18, and the heating device control unit. 18 starts the power supply to the heating device 12 (AC heater 13), and the time until the belt fixing unit 10 becomes usable can be shortened. Hereinafter, each part will be described.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 21 is a combination of the controller control unit 1, the engine control unit 2, the scanner control unit 3, and the writing control unit 4 described above for convenience. The image forming apparatus control unit 21 will be described in a unified manner. The image forming apparatus control unit 21 includes an energy saving control unit 21a and a fixing control unit 21b. The energy saving control unit 21a controls the image forming apparatus in the energy saving mode.

  The fixing control unit 21b controls the belt fixing unit 10 as a whole. As one of the controls, the fixing control unit 21b controls the heating device control unit 18 to control power supply to the heating device 12 (AC heater 13 and DC heater 14). The fixing control unit 21b stores all control information for controlling the belt fixing unit 10 in a storage unit (not shown).

  The fixing control unit 21 b includes a detection circuit that detects the high temperature of the heating device 12 based on a feedback signal from the temperature detection sensor 17. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the detection circuit. When the detection circuit detects that the heating device 12 is at a high temperature based on a feedback signal from the temperature detection sensor 17, the detection circuit notifies the heating device control unit 18 to turn off the relay in the heating device control unit 18. While transmitting (heating control signal 39), a high temperature detection signal is transmitted to the other part in the image forming apparatus control part 21. FIG.

  The ADF control unit 22 controls an automatic document feeder (ADF). The drive system load 23 is a drive system, for example, a load such as a motor or a fan.

  In the normal mode, the AC / DC converter (constant voltage circuit) 24 converts the AC voltage from the AC 25 that is a commercial AC power source into a predetermined DC voltage, stabilizes it, and supplies it to the subsequent load. The AC / DC converter 24 enters an energy saving mode by an external signal, supplies power only to a load required in the energy saving mode, and cancels the energy saving mode by an external signal, and requires a load in the normal mode. It also has a function of supplying power to the. Note that the load that receives power supply from the AC / DC converter 24 specifically includes the operation control unit 5, the HDD control unit 6, the LAN interface circuit 7, the DC heater 14, the image forming apparatus control unit 21, and the ADF control. Part 22 and drive system load 23. In FIG. 3, for the sake of omission, only the drive system load 23 is shown. The AC / DC converter 24 includes a power factor correction circuit that improves the power factor of the electric power input from the AC 25.

  The power storage unit 26 stores electricity (electric power) and discharges the stored electricity (electric power). The power storage unit 26 uses a capacitor bank in which a plurality of electric double layer capacitors are connected in series. Here, each electric double layer capacitor is called a cell. The capacitor bank has a cell configuration with a capacity that can sufficiently supply power to the load when the AC / DC converter 24 rises. In addition, the power storage unit 26 is not shown, but a bypass circuit that bypasses charging when each cell of the electric double layer capacitor is fully charged, a circuit that generates a single cell full charge signal when any of the cells is fully charged, An equalization circuit having a circuit for generating a full charge signal for all cells when all the electric double layer capacitors are fully charged is provided.

  The charge voltage detection circuit 27 detects the voltage charged in the capacitor bank. The charge voltage detection circuit 27 is constituted by a divided circuit constituted by resistors, and detects a voltage between terminals of the capacitor bank. The output of the charging voltage detection circuit 27 is input to a charging control circuit 29 described later.

  The charging current detection circuit 28 detects a current when charging the capacitor bank. The charging current detection circuit 28 detects a current flowing through a resistor connected in series with the capacitor bank as an inter-terminal voltage. The output of the charging current detection circuit 28 is input to the charging control circuit 29.

  The charging control circuit 29 performs constant current charging, constant power charging, and constant voltage charging for the power storage unit 26 by detecting the output of the charging voltage detection circuit 27 and the output of the charging current detection circuit 28. . The charge control circuit 29 includes a circuit that generates a DC voltage for charging the commercial AC power from the AC 25 to the capacitor bank, and an output voltage control circuit that controls the output voltage. In the present embodiment, charging control circuit 29 charges power storage unit 26 with commercial AC power from the previous stage of AC / DC converter 24.

  Charging of the power storage unit 26 by the charge control circuit 29 is performed as follows. First, the charge control circuit 29 detects the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor bank based on the output of the charge voltage detection circuit 27. If the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor bank is lower than a preset voltage value, the charge voltage detection is performed. The voltage of the circuit 27 is sequentially detected, and constant current charging is performed with a preset current value corresponding to the detected charging voltage.

  Next, when the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor bank becomes equal to or higher than a preset voltage value, the charge control circuit 29 detects the charging current of the capacitor bank and performs the detection of the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor bank in order to perform constant power charging. Detection is sequentially performed, and constant power charging is performed with a preset power value corresponding to the detected charging current and charging voltage.

  Next, when the charge control circuit 29 detects any single cell full charge signal output from the equalization circuit, the charge control circuit 29 performs constant current charging again with a preset current value. The constant current charging is performed at a lower current than the above-described constant current charging. Finally, when the charge control circuit 29 detects the full charge signals of all the capacitor cells, the charge control circuit 29 performs constant voltage charging at a preset voltage value for a certain period, and then stops the charging operation.

  The above-described charging is started when the charging instruction signal 30 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus control unit 21 to the charging control circuit 29. However, actually, the image forming apparatus is not performing the image forming operation. It is performed when there is a margin in power.

  When returning from the energy saving mode, the constant voltage generation circuit 31 transforms the DC voltage discharged from the power storage unit 26 into a predetermined DC voltage, and supplies the DC voltage to a subsequent load via a power storage supply circuit 35 described later. Note that the load that receives power supply from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 specifically includes the operation control unit 5, the HDD control unit 6, the LAN interface circuit 7, the image forming apparatus control unit 21, and the ADF control unit 22. It is. Hereinafter, only power supply to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 will be described for ease of explanation. Therefore, in FIG. 3, the power from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is depicted as being supplied only to the image forming apparatus control unit 21.

  The ADF document detection switch 32 is provided in an automatic document feeder (ADF), and detects that a document is set when the document is inserted into the document tray. Specifically, when a document is inserted into the document tray, the document is set with its leading end abutted against the document stopper, and the filler of the ADF document detection switch 32 is lifted, whereby the document is set. Detected. A detection signal from the ADF document detection switch 32 is transmitted to the energy saving control unit 21a, and is also transmitted to the base of a transistor 35a of the AC / DC converter 24 and a power storage supply circuit 35 described later via the diode D5.

  The pressure plate opening detection switch 33 is provided on the pressure plate of the ADF, and detects the opening when the pressure plate of the ADF is opened. Specifically, when the pressure plate is opened, shielding of the light receiving element of the transmission type sensor which is the pressure plate open detection switch 33 is released, and the pressure plate opening is detected. A detection signal from the pressure plate open detection switch 33 is transmitted to the energy saving control unit 21a, and is also transmitted to the base of the AC / DC converter 24 and a transistor 35a of the power storage supply circuit 35 described later via the diode D4.

  The energy saving release switch 34 is provided in the operation unit. When the energy saving release switch 34 is pushed down by the user, the energy saving release switch 34 detects that an energy saving release request has been made. A detection signal from the energy saving cancel switch 34 is transmitted to the energy saving control unit 21a, and is also transmitted to the base of a transistor 35a of the AC / DC converter 24 and a power storage supply circuit 35 described later via the diode D3.

  The power storage supply circuit 35 supplies the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (the subsequent load) when returning from the energy saving mode. The stored power supply circuit 35 includes a transistor 35a, resistors R1 and R2, and a diode D1. An output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is input to the emitter of the transistor 35a.

  Further, as described above, the base of the transistor 35a is connected to the detection signal from the ADF document detection switch 32, the pressure plate release detection switch 33, and the energy saving release switch 34, and from the LAN interface circuit 7 via the diode D6. A signal is input. Here, these detection signals and communication signals are collectively referred to as an energy saving mode release signal 36.

  The collector of the transistor 35a is connected to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (the subsequent load) via the diode D1.

  When the energy saving mode release signal 36 is input to the base of the transistor 35a, the transistor 35a is turned on, and the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 flows from the emitter to the collector. Furthermore, the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is supplied to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (the subsequent load) via the diode D1.

(Power supply when energy saving mode is canceled)
Next, a power supply mechanism when shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode will be described. FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart for explaining a power supply mechanism when shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. In the energy saving mode, the AC / DC converter 24 supplies the energy saving mode power 37 only to the LAN interface circuit 7, the energy saving control unit 21a, the ADF document detection switch 32, the pressure plate release detection switch 33, and the energy saving release switch 34. .

  First, the energy saving mode of the image forming apparatus is canceled (step S101). Specifically, when the energy saving mode release signal 36 is transmitted to the energy saving control unit 21a, the AC / DC converter 24, and the power storage supply circuit 35, the energy saving mode is ended, and the image forming apparatus enters the normal mode. Start the migration.

  Next, the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 and the transformation of the constant voltage generation circuit 31 are started (step S102). Specifically, when the AC / DC converter 24 receives the energy saving mode release signal 36, the AC / DC converter 24 starts generating electric power necessary for the normal mode.

  Further, when the energy saving control unit 21 a receives the energy saving mode release signal 36, the energy saving control unit 21 a sends a constant voltage control signal 38 to the constant voltage generation circuit 31 so as to start transforming the discharge voltage of the power storage unit 26 to a predetermined DC voltage. When the constant voltage control circuit 38 receives the constant voltage control signal 38, the constant voltage generation circuit 31 starts transformation. At this time, the time until the constant voltage generation circuit 31 transforms the discharge voltage of the power storage unit 26 to a predetermined DC voltage rather than the time until the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 is stabilized and the predetermined power is generated. Is shorter.

  Next, the power storage supply circuit 35 starts power supply to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (step S103). Specifically, when the output of the constant voltage generation circuit 31 reaches the emitter of the transistor 35a of the power storage supply circuit 35, and when the energy saving mode release signal 36 reaches the base of the transistor 35a of the power storage supply circuit 35. The transistor 35a is turned on, and the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 flows from the emitter to the collector. Further, the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is supplied to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 via the diode D1.

  Next, the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (fixing control unit 21b) is activated when the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is supplied (step S104).

  Next, the fixing controller 21b determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heating device 12 (step S105). Specifically, it is determined whether or not error information of the heating device 12 is stored in the storage unit, or whether or not an error has occurred in the heating device 12 from the information at the previous power-off time. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the heating device 12 (step S105: Yes), the power supply to the heating device is stopped (step S106), and an error release waiting state is entered.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the heating device 12 (step S105: No), power supply to the heating device is started (step S107). Specifically, the fixing control unit 21 b transmits a heating control signal 39 instructing power supply to the AC heater 13 of the heating device 12 to the heating device control unit 18. Upon receiving the heating control signal 39, the heating device control unit 18 turns on the relay and starts supplying power to the AC heater 13. When the heating roller 11 is sufficiently heated by the AC heater 13, the belt fixing unit 10 can be used.

  However, in order to enable the belt fixing unit 10 to be used quickly, the fixing control unit 21b transmits a heating control signal 39 instructing the heating device control unit 18 to start power supply, and then an abnormality occurs in the heating device 12. If it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred, a heating control signal 39 for instructing the heating device controller 18 to stop supplying power may be transmitted. In that case, consideration must be given to prioritizing items for judging errors so that the heating device 12 can be heated safely.

  Next, the image forming apparatus control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 is stable and predetermined power is generated regardless of whether or not power is supplied to the heating device 12. (Step S108). When it is determined that the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 is not stable and the predetermined power has not yet been generated (step S108: No), the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is continuously transformed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 is stable and a predetermined power is generated (step S108: Yes), the transformation of the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is stopped (step S109). Specifically, the image forming apparatus control unit 21 transmits a constant voltage control signal 38 so as to stop the transformation to the constant voltage generation circuit 31, and the constant voltage generation circuit 31 outputs the constant voltage control signal 38. When receiving, the transformer is stopped.

  Through the above steps, the power supply to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 is performed by the AC / DC converter 24, and the image forming apparatus completes the transition to the normal mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart of each unit when shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the AC / DC converter 24 starts to supply output to the drive system load 23. This is because it is assumed that there is a problem that unnecessary operation of the drive system occurs if the drive system power supply is started before the control system power supply is started, but if this problem can be addressed, Output supply to the drive system load 23 may be started when the AC / DC converter 24 generates power necessary for the normal mode.

  As described above, when the energy saving mode is canceled, the fixing control unit 21b can be started without waiting for the AC / DC converter 24 used in the normal mode to start, and the heating device control unit 18 can be switched to the AC heater 13. It is possible to promptly instruct the power supply control.

  In the present embodiment, the constant voltage generation circuit 31 starts the voltage transformation when receiving the constant voltage control signal 38 from the energy saving control unit 21a after the energy saving mode is canceled, but may continue the voltage transformation during the energy saving mode. Even in such a configuration, since the transistor 35a of the stored power supply circuit 35 is not turned on and no current flows, the power of the power storage unit 26 is not so much lost. When the constant voltage generation circuit 31 receives the constant voltage control signal 38 from the energy saving control unit 21a, the constant voltage generation circuit 31 can immediately supply the transformed output to the image type device control unit 21 (fixing control unit 21b).

  Furthermore, the constant voltage generation circuit 31 may be continuously transformed regardless of the energy saving mode and the normal mode. Even in such a configuration, since the transistor 35a of the stored power supply circuit 35 is not turned on and no current flows, the power of the power storage unit 26 is not so much lost.

(Modification)
FIG. 7 is a functional diagram illustrating a modification of power supply of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the modification, the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is not provided, and the output from the power storage unit 26 is directly input to the power storage supply circuit 35. In this case, it is necessary to design in advance so that the voltage stored and output by the power storage unit 26 is the same as the voltage used by the image forming apparatus control unit 21. In the modification, the image forming apparatus control unit 21 transmits a discharge control signal 40 instructing the power storage unit 26 to start or stop the discharge operation depending on circumstances.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the power storage supply circuit cancels the energy saving mode directly from the ADF document detection switch, the pressure plate open detection switch, the energy saving release switch, or the LAN interface circuit. When the signal is received, the stored power of the power storage unit can be output to the image forming apparatus control unit until the voltage of the generated power generated by the AC / DC converter reaches a predetermined voltage. Without waiting for completion of startup, the fixing control unit of the image forming apparatus control unit is activated, the fixing control unit transmits a control signal to the heating device control unit, and the heating device control unit starts supplying power to the AC heater. The time until the belt fixing unit can be used can be shortened.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled and the mode is shifted to the normal mode, the fixing control unit in the image forming apparatus control unit is activated. However, in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus control unit is independent. Start the sub-fixing control unit. A second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. The other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, the parts having the same reference numerals are referred to the above description, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 8 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the start of the constant voltage power supply (AC / DC converter 24) is started by the energy saving mode release signal 36, and at the same time, the voltage stored in the power storage unit 26 is converted to the constant voltage generation circuit 31. Then, the voltage is made constant, and power supply to the sub-fixing control unit 41 is started. Then, without waiting for the completion of start-up of the AC / DC converter 24, the sub-fixing control unit 41 is activated, transmits a heating control signal 39 to the heating device control unit 18, and the heating device control unit 18 transmits the heating device 12 (AC The power supply to the heater 13) can be started and the time until the belt fixing unit 10 can be used can be shortened. Hereinafter, each part will be described.

  The sub-fixing control unit 41 controls the heating device control unit 18 to control power supply to the heating device 12 (AC heater 13 and DC heater 14). Accordingly, as compared with the fixing control unit 21b, only the minimum necessary control information for controlling the power supply to the heating device 12 is stored in the storage unit (not shown). For this reason, the storage unit of the sub-fixing control unit 41 may have a smaller storage capacity than the storage unit of the fixing control unit 21b. The sub-fixing control unit 41 is equipped with devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

  Note that a detection circuit that detects that the heating device 12 is at a high temperature may be provided in either the fixing control unit 21b or the sub-fixing control unit 41. However, the fixing control unit 21b and the sub-fixing control unit may be provided. When both are provided in 41, the temperature can be monitored in duplicate, which is safer.

  In the present embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled, the power storage supply circuit 35 starts supplying power not only to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 but also to the sub-fixing control unit 41. The sub-fixing control unit 41 is activated when the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is supplied, and controls the power supply to the heating device 12 instead of the fixing control unit 21b. Specifically, the sub-fixing control unit 41 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heating device 12, and when determining that no abnormality has occurred, supplies power to the AC heater 13 of the heating device 12. Is transmitted to the heating device controller 18. Upon receiving the heating control signal 39, the heating device control unit 18 turns on the relay and starts supplying power to the AC heater 13.

  When the image forming apparatus control unit 21 determines that the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 is stable and the predetermined power is generated, the image forming apparatus control unit 21 causes the constant voltage generation circuit 31 to stop the transformation. When the control signal 38 is transmitted and the constant voltage generation circuit 31 receives the constant voltage control signal 38, the constant voltage generation circuit 31 stops the voltage transformation. Accordingly, the power supply from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 to the sub-fixing control unit 41 is also stopped, so that the sub-fixing control unit 41 is stopped, and the subsequent control of the belt fixing unit 10 is performed by the fixing control unit 21b.

  Note that the sub-fixing control unit 41 may be stopped by transmitting a stop signal 42 from the image forming apparatus control unit 21 to the sub-fixing control unit 41 before the constant voltage generation circuit 31 stops the transformation. In this case, for example, a transistor (not shown) is provided in the sub-fixing control unit 41, and the sub-fixing control unit 41 can be stopped by the switch function of the transistor that has received the stop signal 42.

  In addition, since the other mechanism of power supply when shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, when the power storage supply circuit receives the energy saving mode release signal, the voltage of the generated power generated by the AC / DC converter becomes a predetermined voltage. Since the power stored in the power storage unit can be output to the sub-fixing control unit until the AC / DC converter is started up, the sub-fixing control unit is activated and the sub-fixing control unit is heated. By transmitting a control signal to the control unit, the heating device control unit can start supplying power to the AC heater, and the time until the belt fixing unit can be used can be shortened.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a signal capable of controlling on / off of the stored power supply circuit is transmitted from the image forming apparatus control unit to the stored power supply circuit, and the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is used even in the energy saving mode. Is supplied to the sub-fixing control unit constantly or at regular intervals. A third embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the second embodiment. The other parts are the same as those in the second embodiment, and therefore, the parts having the same reference numerals are referred to the above-described explanation, and the explanation here is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the power storage supply signal 43 can be transmitted from the image forming apparatus control unit 21 (energy saving control unit 21a) to the base of the transistor 35a of the power storage supply circuit 35. ing.

  For this reason, when the constant voltage generation circuit 31 continues to transform constantly, even in the energy saving mode, when the energy saving control unit 21a transmits the stored power supply signal 43 to the base of the transistor 35a constantly or at a constant cycle, the transistor 35a is turned on. Then, the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is sent to the sub-fixing control unit 41, and the sub-fixing control unit 41 is activated, and the power supply of the heating device 12 can be controlled. This is possible as long as the power storage unit 26 can be discharged.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between the transistor 35a and the sub-fixing control unit 41 when the power storage supply signal 43 is transmitted at a constant period. Here, the period during which the transistor 35 a is on and the period during which the transistor 35 a is off can be changed in accordance with the power stored in the power storage unit 26.

  In addition, when the power storage unit 26 has a large amount of stored power, it is possible to always supply power to the sub-fixing control unit 41 in the energy saving mode. Since it is not necessary to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred, the power supply of the heating device 12 can be controlled more quickly.

  When the energy saving mode is canceled while the sub-fixing control unit 41 is activated, the sub-fixing control unit 41 immediately instructs the heating device 12 to start supplying power without requiring an initialization time. can do. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart of each unit when shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus control unit 21 determines that the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 is stable and the predetermined power is generated, the image forming apparatus control unit 21 stores the power to the power storage supply circuit 35. By transmitting the power supply signal 43, the power storage supply circuit 35 can be stopped.

  In addition, since the other mechanism of power supply when shifting from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, the power storage supply circuit can store the power stored in the power storage unit when the image forming apparatus control unit transmits the power storage supply signal even in the energy saving mode. Is output to the sub-fixing control unit, and the sub-fixing control unit can be activated, so that the sub-fixing control unit transmits a control signal to the heating device control unit when the energy saving mode is canceled, and the heating device control unit sends the AC heater to the AC heater Power supply can be started, and the time until the belt fixing unit can be used can be shortened.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled and the mode is shifted to the normal mode, not only the power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the sub-fixing control unit but also the heating device until the AC / DC converter starts up. Also supplied to the DC heater. A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the second embodiment. The other parts are the same as those in the second embodiment, and therefore, the parts having the same reference numerals are referred to the above-described explanation, and the explanation here is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the output from the power storage unit 26 is connected to the input side of the relay in the heating device control unit 18, and the relay operates while the power storage unit 26 supplies DC power. The power is supplied to the DC heater 14 when turned on. Then, the sub-fixing control unit 41 controls the heating device control unit 18 to control power supply to the heating device 12 (AC heater 13 and DC heater 14).

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled, the power storage supply circuit 35 starts to supply power to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 and the sub-fixing control unit 41. The sub-fixing control unit 41 is activated when the output from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 is supplied, and controls power supply to the heating device 12. Specifically, the sub-fixing control unit 41 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heating device 12, and when determining that no abnormality has occurred, the AC heater 13 and the DC heater 14 of the heating device 12. A heating control signal 39 instructing the power supply to is transmitted to the heating device control unit 18. When the heating device control unit 18 receives the heating control signal 39, the heating device control unit 18 turns on the relay and starts supplying power to the AC heater 13 and the DC heater 14.

  When the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 is stabilized and predetermined power is generated, the power supply to the DC heater 14 is switched from the power storage unit 26 to the AC / DC converter 24. Thereby, the electric power of the electrical storage part 26 can be used effectively, and the influence of the power drop etc. at the moment of switching can be eliminated. When the heating roller 11 is sufficiently heated by the AC heater 13 and the DC heater 14, the belt fixing unit 10 can be used.

  In this way, when the energy saving mode is shifted to the normal mode, not only the AC heater 13 but also the DC heater 14 is heated, so that more power can be supplied to the heating device 12 and the heating device 12 can be heated quickly. Can do. Moreover, since the electric power supplied from the electrical storage unit 26 is DC electric power, after the DC electric power is AC converted by an inverter or the like, the AC heater 13 is not heated by the AC electric power but the DC heater 14 is heated by the DC electric power. However, the power stored in the power storage unit 26 can be used more efficiently.

  In addition, when the power stored in the power storage unit 26 is supplied to the DC heater 14, it is preferable that the charge (discharge) voltage of the power storage unit 26 and the rated voltage of the DC heater 14 be equal. When the discharge from the power storage unit 26 is started, the discharge voltage of the power storage unit 26 gradually decreases. However, by using the DC heater 14 as an auxiliary role, an excessive supply of power or the like does not occur.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge power from the power storage unit 26 is directly supplied to the DC heater 14, but the power that has been converted to a constant voltage by the constant voltage generation circuit 31 may be supplied to the DC heater 14. In this case, if the output voltage of the constant voltage generating circuit 31 is equal to the rated voltage of the DC heater 14, the power is continuously supplied to the DC heater 14 while the constant voltage generating circuit 31 is generating power. Can do.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled, the stored power of the power storage unit can be supplied to the DC heater of the heating device. The time until it can be used can be shortened.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled and the mode is shifted to the normal mode, a circuit for monitoring the voltage of the power storage unit supplied to the DC heater of the heating device until the AC / DC converter starts up is provided. I have. A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regarding the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, portions different from those of the fourth embodiment will be described. The other parts are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and therefore, the parts having the same reference numerals are referred to the above description, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 13 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, a voltage monitoring circuit 44 that monitors the discharge voltage from the power storage unit 26 to the DC heater 14 is provided and connected to the sub-fixing control unit 41. If the specification does not include the sub-fixing control unit 41, the voltage monitoring circuit 44 is connected to the fixing control unit 21b in the heating device control unit 18.

  When the discharge voltage from the power storage unit 26 becomes lower than the threshold value, the voltage monitoring circuit 44 transmits a signal to that effect to the sub-fixing control unit 41, and the sub-fixing control unit 41 A heating control signal 39 for instructing to stop power supply to the DC heater 14 is transmitted to the heating device controller 18. An arbitrary value can be set as the threshold value. When the heating device control unit 18 receives the heating control signal 39, the heating device control unit 18 turns off the relay and stops the power supply to the AC heater 13. As described above, when the amount of power discharged from the power storage unit 26 to the DC heater 14 increases and the voltage value becomes low, the power supply to the DC heater 14 can be cut off.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, since the discharge voltage from the power storage unit can be monitored, when the discharge voltage from the power storage unit becomes low, The power supply can be cut off.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled and the mode is shifted to the normal mode, the power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the sub-fixing control unit and the DC heater of the heating device until the AC / DC converter starts up. As well as driving system loads. A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regarding the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, portions different from those of the fifth embodiment will be described. The other parts are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and therefore, the portions denoted by the same reference numerals are referred to the above description, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 14 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the power storage supply circuit 35 is designed to supply the power from the constant voltage generation circuit 31 to the drive system load 23.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled, the power storage supply circuit 35 starts supplying power not only to the image forming apparatus control unit 21 and the sub-fixing control unit 41 but also to the drive system load 23. . When the operation of the AC / DC converter 24 becomes stable and predetermined power is generated, power is supplied to the drive system load 23 from the stored power supply circuit 35 (constant voltage generation circuit 31) to AC. / Switch to DC converter 24. Thereby, the start-up of the drive system load 23 can be accelerated.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the sixth embodiment, when the energy saving mode is canceled, the stored power of the power storage unit can be supplied to the drive system load, so that the image forming apparatus can be used. Time to become can be shortened.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to any of a copying machine, a printer, a scanner device, a facsimile device, or a multifunction device having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. be able to.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of a structure of a belt fixing unit. FIG. 3 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed the circuit diagram of a detection circuit. It is a flowchart explaining the mechanism of the electric power supply in the case of shifting from an energy saving mode to a normal mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing chart of each part in the case of shifting to a normal mode from an energy saving mode. It is a functional diagram showing a modification of power supply of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a transistor and a sub-fixing control unit when a stored power supply signal is transmitted at a constant period. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing chart of each part in the case of shifting to a normal mode from an energy saving mode. FIG. 10 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional diagram illustrating power supply in an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Controller control part 1a, 2a, 5a CPU
2 Engine control unit 2b Input / output board 3 Scanner control unit 4 Write control unit 5 Operation control unit 6 HDD control unit 7 LAN interface circuit 8 Power supply voltage monitoring circuit 9 Reset signal 10 Belt fixing unit (fixing unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Heating roller 12 Heating device 13 AC heater 14 DC heater 15 Fixing roller 16 Pressure roller 17 Temperature detection sensor 18 Heating device control part 21 Image forming apparatus control part 21a Energy saving control part 21b Fixing control part 22 ADF control part 23 Drive system load 24 AC / DC converter (constant voltage circuit)
25 AC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 26 Power storage part 27 Charging voltage detection circuit 28 Charging current detection circuit 29 Charging control circuit 30 Charging instruction signal 31 Constant voltage generation circuit 32 ADF document detection switch 33 Pressure plate open detection switch 34 Energy saving release switch 35 Power storage supply circuit 35a Transistor 36 Energy saving mode Release signal 37 Energy saving mode power 38 Constant voltage control signal 39 Heating control signal 40 Discharge control signal 41 Sub-fixing control unit 42 Stop signal 43 Power storage supply signal 44 Voltage monitoring circuit

Claims (12)

Fixing means for heating a toner image formed on a recording medium and fixing the toner image on the recording medium;
A heating means provided in the fixing means for heating the fixing means;
Fixing control means for controlling the fixing means;
Heating control means for controlling the heating means;
First constant voltage generating means for generating a constant voltage from the output power of the commercial power supply;
Power storage means capable of charging and discharging;
After the energy saving mode, which consumes less power than during normal operation, is released, the stored power of the power storage unit is stored until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage. Output switching means for outputting to the heating control means;
With
A part of the heating means is a direct current heater heated by direct current power,
The output switching means, after the energy saving mode is canceled, until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means reaches a predetermined voltage, Outputting to the DC heater;
An image forming apparatus. Voltage monitoring means for monitoring the voltage value of the stored power of the power storage means output to the DC heater,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . The output switching means, after the energy saving mode is canceled, until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means reaches a predetermined voltage, Outputting to the fixing control means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in. The output switching means outputs the generated power of the first constant voltage generating means to the fixing control means when the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means reaches a predetermined voltage.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in. The output switching means outputs the stored power of the power storage means to the heating control means even before the energy saving mode is canceled.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, any one of 4, characterized in. A second constant voltage generating means for making the stored power of the power storage means constant to a predetermined voltage;
The output switching unit generates the second constant voltage generation unit after the energy saving mode is canceled until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage. Outputting electric power to the heating control means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in. A drive system load that is a load of a motor, a fan, etc. is further provided,
The output switching means, after the energy saving mode is canceled, until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means reaches a predetermined voltage, Outputting to the drive train load;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 6, characterized in. Fixing means for heating a toner image formed on a recording medium and fixing the toner image on the recording medium;
A heating means provided in the fixing means for heating the fixing means;
Fixing control means for controlling the fixing means;
First constant voltage generating means for generating a constant voltage from the output power of the commercial power supply;
Power storage means capable of charging and discharging;
After the energy saving mode, which consumes less power than during normal operation, is released, the stored power of the power storage unit is stored until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage. Output switching means for outputting to the fixing control means;
With
A part of the heating means is a direct current heater heated by direct current power,
The output switching means, after the energy saving mode is canceled, until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means reaches a predetermined voltage, Outputting to the DC heater;
An image forming apparatus. Voltage monitoring means for monitoring the voltage value of the stored power of the power storage means output to the DC heater,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 . The output switching means outputs the generated power of the first constant voltage generating means to the fixing control means when the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means reaches a predetermined voltage.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A second constant voltage generating means for making the stored power of the power storage means constant to a predetermined voltage;
The output switching unit generates the second constant voltage generation unit after the energy saving mode is canceled until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generation unit reaches a predetermined voltage. Outputting electric power to the fixing control means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. It is further equipped with a drive system load that is a load of a motor, a fan, etc.
The output switching means, after the energy saving mode is canceled, until the voltage of the generated power generated by the first constant voltage generating means reaches a predetermined voltage, Outputting to the drive train load;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 11, characterized in.

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