JP6031816B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing an appropriate operation according to a change in the state of a printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, in the image forming apparatus, when a recording paper jam occurs, the nonvolatile RAM jam variable is set to “1”, and when the image forming apparatus is turned on, the nonvolatile RAM jam variable is set to “1”. In the case where “1” is set, it is known that the operator is urged to generate an abnormal stay of the recording paper in the apparatus and to remove the recording paper in the apparatus (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-6-48613

Incidentally, when a jam occurs, the jam may be resolved while the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off.
However, according to the conventional image forming apparatus, even if the jam is resolved while the power is turned off, the jam variable remains “1”. Therefore, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, In spite of the fact that the jam has been resolved, there is a problem that the operator is urged to abnormally stay the recording paper in the apparatus and to remove the recording paper in the apparatus.

  The present specification discloses a technique capable of executing a predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover even when the opening / closing cover is opened / closed when the operation mode of the printing apparatus is the off mode.

  A printing apparatus disclosed in the present specification includes a main body casing having an opening, an opening / closing cover for opening / closing the opening, and an opening / closing cover sensor for detecting at least one of opening / closing of the opening / closing cover. A printing unit that is housed in the main body casing and prints an image on a sheet; a main control unit that controls the printing unit; a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit of the printing apparatus; and a power switch that is operated by a user And when the power switch is operated, the power supply unit is controlled, the operation mode of the printing apparatus is set, the on mode for supplying power necessary for the printing operation of the printing apparatus from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit A sub-control unit that switches between an off mode for stopping power supply from the power storage unit, and a power storage unit, wherein the power storage unit is connected to the power source unit during the on mode. And the sub control unit monitors the power switch and the open / close cover sensor during the off mode, and when the power switch is operated, the sub control unit supplies power to the sub control unit during the off mode. The operation mode is switched to the on mode, and when at least one of the opening / closing cover is detected by the opening / closing cover sensor, a predetermined control process for opening / closing the opening / closing cover is executed. To do.

  According to the printing apparatus, since power is supplied from the power storage unit to the sub-control unit in the off mode, even when the open / close cover is opened / closed in the off mode, a predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the open / close cover can be executed. it can.

  The printing apparatus includes a voltage detection circuit that detects a voltage of the power storage unit, and the sub-control unit monitors a detection result of the voltage detection circuit in the off mode, and the voltage is a first reference voltage. The operation mode is switched to a charging mode for supplying power to at least the power storage unit when the operation mode is below to charge the power storage unit, and the operation mode when the voltage becomes equal to or higher than a second reference voltage higher than the first reference voltage. May be switched to the off mode.

  According to the printing apparatus, power can be supplied to the sub-control unit even if the off mode continues for a long time.

  The printing apparatus includes a memory, and the printing unit prints a color image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method, and exposes the photosensitive drum and the photosensitive drum provided on the opening / closing cover. And the predetermined control process stores in the memory information indicating that at least one of opening / closing of the opening / closing cover has been detected by the opening / closing cover sensor in the off mode. The main control unit determines whether or not the information is stored in the memory when the power switch is operated and the operation mode is switched to the on mode. In this case, the color misregistration correction process of the printing unit may be executed.

In the case where the exposure unit is provided on the opening / closing cover, when the opening / closing cover is opened / closed, the position of the exposure unit may be slightly shifted due to vibration at that time, which may cause a color shift. For this reason, it is desirable to execute color misregistration correction processing when the open / close cover is opened and closed.
According to the printing apparatus, when the open / close cover is opened or closed during the off mode, information indicating that at least one of the open / close cover is opened or closed is stored in the memory. Even if the open / close cover is opened and closed during the mode, the color misregistration correction process can be executed when the mode is switched to the on mode. On the contrary, when the information is not stored, the color misregistration correction process is not executed, so that the color misregistration correction process can be prevented from being performed unnecessarily.

  The printing apparatus includes a memory and an attachment / detachment sensor that detects attachment / detachment of a consumable part attached to the printing unit, and the opening / closing cover sensor detects at least that the opening / closing cover is opened. The predetermined control process is a partial on mode in which power is supplied to at least the main control unit until a predetermined condition is satisfied after the opening / closing cover sensor detects that the opening / closing cover is opened. The main control unit stores, in the memory, information indicating that the consumable part has been attached / detached when the attachment / detachment sensor detects the attachment / detachment of the consumable part in the partial on mode. When the power switch is operated and the operation mode is switched to the on mode, the information is stored in the memory. It is determined whether it is, if it is stored may perform a predetermined control processing according to the attachment and detachment of the consumable component.

  According to the printing apparatus, by detecting the attachment / detachment of the consumable part during the off mode, it is possible to execute a predetermined control process related to the attachment / detachment of the consumable part when the mode is switched to the on mode.

  The printing unit includes a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet, and the printing apparatus is conveyed by the memory, an attachment / detachment sensor that detects attachment / detachment of a consumable part attached to the printing unit, and the conveyance unit. A plurality of sheet sensors arranged apart from each other along the sheet conveyance path, and the opening / closing cover sensor detects at least opening / closing of the opening / closing cover, and the predetermined control The process is a process of controlling the power supply unit to switch the operation mode to at least a partial on mode for supplying power to the main control unit until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the main control unit is in the on mode. Based on detection signals output from the plurality of sheet sensors, it is determined whether or not the sheet has jammed. Information indicating that a consumable has occurred is stored in the memory, and when the attachment / detachment sensor detects attachment / detachment of the consumable part in the partial on mode, the information is deleted or the information is stored. Whether or not the information indicating that a jam has occurred is stored in the memory when the information is rewritten with information indicating that a jam has not occurred and the operation mode is switched to the on mode by operating the power switch. If it is stored, if it is stored, a predetermined control process corresponding to the occurrence of a jam may be executed.

If a jam occurs, the jam may be resolved during the off mode. In this case, if the printing device cannot know that the jam has been resolved during the off mode, when the printer switches to the on mode, a predetermined control process corresponding to the occurrence of the jam is executed. There is a risk of it.
By the way, generally, when clearing a jam, the opening / closing cover is opened and the consumable part is removed. For example, the toner cartridge and the process cartridge to which the toner cartridge is attached are removed. Accordingly, it can be assumed that the jam has been resolved when the opening / closing cover is opened and the consumable part is removed.
According to the printing apparatus, whether or not to execute a predetermined control process according to occurrence of a jam when switching to the on mode by detecting attachment / detachment of consumable parts during the off mode. Can be determined appropriately.

  The consumable part is a toner cartridge in which a light transmitting window is provided on each of two opposing walls of a toner storage chamber for storing toner, and the detachable sensor is connected to one of the light transmitting parts from the outside of the toner cartridge. A light emitting unit that emits light toward the window, and light that is emitted from the light emitting unit and transmitted through the two light transmitting windows are received, and a detection signal corresponding to the brightness of the received light is output to the main control unit It may be a toner remaining amount sensor having a light receiving portion.

  According to the printing apparatus, the toner remaining amount sensor can be used as an attachment / detachment sensor.

  In addition, the predetermined condition is that a certain time has elapsed since the opening / closing cover sensor detected that the opening / closing cover was opened, or the opening / closing cover was closed by the opening / closing cover sensor. It may be detected.

  According to the printing apparatus, the partial on mode can be prevented from continuing more than necessary.

  Further, the printing apparatus includes a state change detection sensor that detects a change in the state of the printing apparatus, the opening / closing cover sensor detects that the opening / closing cover is opened, and the predetermined control process includes: A process of switching the operation mode to the on mode may be performed.

  According to the printing apparatus, when the opening / closing cover is opened, the mode is switched to the on mode, so that the main control unit can monitor the change in the state of the printing apparatus.

  Further, the sub control unit detects a change in the state of the printing apparatus by the state change detection sensor after a predetermined time elapses after the operation mode is switched to the on mode by the predetermined control process. If not, the power supply unit may be controlled to switch the operation mode to the off mode.

  According to the printing apparatus, the on mode can be prevented from continuing more than necessary.

  The printing apparatus includes a power supply cover that covers the power supply unit, a power supply cover sensor that detects that the power supply cover is opened, and a warning unit that issues a warning to a user, and relates to opening and closing of the opening and closing cover. The predetermined control process is a process of switching the operation mode to at least a partial on mode for supplying power to the main control unit. The main control unit opens the power supply cover by the power supply cover sensor in the partial on mode. If it is detected that a warning has been made, the warning unit may be controlled to issue a warning to the user.

When the user opens the open / close cover, the user may open the power supply cover for some reason. In that case, even in the off mode, external power is supplied to the power supply unit itself, which is not necessarily safe.
According to the printing apparatus, since a warning is issued to the user when the power supply cover is opened during the off mode, the possibility of the user touching the power supply unit can be reduced.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes such as a printing method and a printing system.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side surface of a new toner cartridge. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a toner remaining amount sensor. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a color misregistration correction patch. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a sub control circuit when a power switch is operated at the time of on mode. The flowchart which shows the flow of the predetermined | prescribed control processing which concerns on opening / closing of an opening / closing cover.

<Embodiment 1>
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
(1) Schematic Configuration of Printing Apparatus First, the schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The printing apparatus 1 is an LED color printer that prints a color image on a sheet by electrophotography using four color toners of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C).

The main body casing 10 of the printing apparatus 1 is formed in a box shape and has an opening 13 that opens upward.
The opening / closing cover 11 is pivotally connected to the main body casing 10 around the front end side by a hinge (not shown), and opens and closes the opening 13. The opening / closing cover 11 is opened / closed for the purpose of replacing the toner cartridge 60 or eliminating the jam of the printing paper M. The printing paper M is an example of a sheet.

A printing unit 12 is accommodated in the main body casing 10. The printing unit 12 includes a paper storage unit 20, a conveyance unit 30, an image forming unit 40, and a cleaning unit 50.
The paper storage unit 20 has a paper tray 21 on which the printing paper M is stacked. The paper tray 21 is biased upward by a spring 22, and the printing paper M stacked on the top of the paper tray 21 is in pressure contact with the pickup roller 31. The printing paper M is an example of a sheet.

  The conveyance unit 30 includes a pickup roller 31, a belt unit 32, a registration roller 36, and other conveyance rollers. The belt unit 32 includes a driving roller 33, a driven roller 34, and an endless belt 35 wound around these rollers 33 and 34. The transport unit 30 transports the printing paper M stored in the paper storage unit 20 one by one along the transport path T.

The image forming unit 40 includes an exposure unit 41, a process unit 42, a transfer roller 43, and a fixing device 44.
The exposure unit 41 includes an LED head 41a in which a plurality of LEDs are linearly arranged in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and causes the LEDs to emit light according to an image signal output from the main control unit 73 (see FIG. 2). Thus, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c is exposed. The exposure unit 41 is provided on the opening / closing cover 11, and when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, the exposure unit 41 is lifted together.

The process unit 42 includes a process cartridge 42a, a charger 42b, and a photosensitive drum 42c.
The process cartridge 42a is detachably attached to the printing apparatus 1. The toner cartridges 60 (60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K) of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are detachably mounted on the process cartridge 42a. The toner cartridge 60 is an example of a consumable part. The configuration of the toner cartridge 60 will be described later.

  The charger 42b is, for example, a scorotron charger, and uniformly and positively charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c. After the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c is charged by the charger 42b, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c is exposed by the light emitted from the exposure unit 41, whereby the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c is electrostatically charged. A latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 42c is developed with toner supplied from the toner cartridge 60, and the toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 42c.

  The transfer roller 43 is provided at a position facing each photosensitive drum 42c with the belt 35 interposed therebetween. While the printing paper M conveyed by the belt unit 32 passes through each transfer position between the photosensitive drum 42 c and the transfer roller 43, a toner image carried on the surface of each photosensitive drum 42 c is transferred to the transfer roller 43. The images are sequentially transferred onto the printing paper M by the applied negative transfer bias.

The fixing device 44 includes a heating roller 44 a in which a heating source such as a halogen lamp is housed, and a driven roller 44 b that rotates while being pressed against the heating roller 44 a, and a toner image transferred to the printing paper M. Is thermally fixed to the printing paper M.
The printing paper M on which the toner image has been thermally fixed is discharged onto a paper discharge tray constituted by the opening / closing cover 11.

  The cleaning unit 50 is disposed below the belt unit 32. The cleaning unit 50 includes a plurality of rollers including a cleaning roller 51 that contacts the belt 35 and collects toner and paper dust remaining on the belt 35.

(2) Configuration of Toner Cartridge As shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 60 is provided on the toner storage chamber 61, the agitator 62, the supply roller 63, the developing roller 64, the layer thickness regulating blade 65, and the outer wall of the toner cartridge 60. A chipped gear 67 (see FIG. 3), a translucent window 66 (see FIG. 4) provided on two opposing walls of the toner storage chamber 61, and the like are provided.

The toner storage chamber 61 stores positively charged non-magnetic toner, and the toner in the toner storage chamber 61 is agitated when the agitator 62 rotates.
The toner stirred by the agitator 62 is supplied to the developing roller 64 by the rotation of the supply roller 63. The toner supplied to the developing roller 64 enters between the layer thickness regulating blade 65 and the developing roller 64 as the developing roller 64 rotates, and is carried on the outer periphery of the developing roller 64 as a thin layer having a certain thickness. . The toner carried on the developing roller 64 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 42c, whereby the toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 42c.

(3) Electrical Configuration of Printing Apparatus Next, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the solid line indicates the control line, and the dotted line indicates the power supply line.
The printing apparatus 1 includes a power supply unit 71, a power storage unit 72, a main control unit 73, a sub control circuit 74, the above-described printing unit 12, display unit 75, operation unit 76, sheet sensor 77, toner remaining amount sensor 78, new article detection sensor. 79, a power cover sensor 80, a voltage detection circuit 81, a power switch 82, and an open / close cover sensor 83.

  The power supply unit 71 is a switching power supply that is connected to a commercial power supply (AC 100 V) and supplies a DC voltage necessary for the operation of the printing apparatus 1 therefrom.

  The operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 includes an on mode, an off mode, and a partial on mode. The on mode is a mode in which the power supply unit 71 is operated to supply power necessary for the printing operation of the printing apparatus 1 to each unit. The off mode is a mode in which the power supply unit 71 is stopped and power supply to each unit is stopped. In the partial on mode according to the first embodiment, the power supply unit 71 is operated to supply power to the main control unit 73 and the toner remaining amount sensor 78, but most of the functions of the printing apparatus 1 are stopped.

  The power storage unit 72 is a secondary battery that is charged by the power supply unit 71 in the on mode or the partial on mode and supplies power to the sub-control circuit 74 in the off mode. The power storage unit 72 is not limited to a secondary battery as long as it can supply power to the sub-control circuit 74 in the off mode. For example, the power storage unit 72 may be an electric double layer capacitor (super capacitor). The on mode or the partial on mode is an example of the charging mode.

  The main control unit 73 includes a CPU 73a, a ROM 73b, a RAM 73c, and a setting storage unit 73d. The CPU 73a controls each unit of the printing apparatus 1 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 73b. The ROM 73b stores a control program executed by the CPU 73a and various data. The RAM 73c is used as a main storage device for the CPU 73a to execute various processes. The setting storage unit 73d is a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and stores various flags to be described later. The sub-control circuit 74 can also store information in the setting storage unit 73d. Further, the sub-control circuit 74 can read information stored in the setting storage unit 73d. The setting storage unit 73d is an example of a memory.

The sub control circuit 74 is configured as a partial circuit block in the ASIC, and controls the power supply unit 71 to switch the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1. The sub control circuit 74 is an example of a sub control unit.
A power switch 82 is connected to the sub control circuit 74. When the power switch 82 is operated in the on mode, the sub control circuit 74 controls the power supply unit 71 to switch to the off mode. Specifically, the sub control circuit 74 according to the first embodiment stops the power supply unit 71 and switches the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 to the off mode.

  Electric power is supplied from the power storage unit 72 to the sub control circuit 74 in the off mode, so that the sub control circuit 74 also operates in the off mode. The sub-control circuit 74 monitors the power switch 82 in the off mode, and when the power switch 82 is operated, controls the power supply unit 71 to switch to the on mode. Specifically, the sub control circuit 74 switches the operation mode to the on mode by starting the operation of the power supply unit 71.

The sub control circuit 74 monitors the open / close cover sensor 83 in the off mode, and executes a predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the open / close cover 11 when the open / close cover 11 is opened. Details of the predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11 will be described later.
The sub-control circuit 74 also has a clocking function that clocks the elapsed time since the opening / closing cover 11 was opened. Note that a time measuring unit may be provided separately from the sub-control circuit 74, and the elapsed time may be measured by the time measuring unit.

  The power supply unit 71 may supply power to the sub control circuit 74 in the partial on mode. That is, the sub control circuit 74 may be operated by the power supplied from the power supply unit 71 in the partial on mode.

The display unit 75 includes a liquid crystal display and a lamp, and displays various setting screens and messages. The display unit 75 is an example of a warning unit.
The operation unit 76 includes a plurality of buttons, and accepts various operations such as setting print conditions from the user.

  A plurality of sheet sensors 77 are arranged along the conveyance path T so as to be separated from each other. Each sheet sensor 77 detects the presence or absence of printing paper M within the detection range of the sheet sensor 77, and outputs the detection result to the main control unit 73. As the sheet sensor 77, for example, a photoelectric sensor can be used.

  The toner remaining amount sensor 78 is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge 60 and outputs the detected amount to the main control unit 73. The toner remaining amount sensor 78 is also used as an attachment / detachment sensor that detects attachment / detachment of a consumable part attached to the printing unit 12. Details of the toner remaining amount sensor 78 will be described later.

The new product detection sensor 79 is a sensor for determining whether or not the toner cartridge 60 is an unused product (hereinafter referred to as “new product”). Details of the new article detection sensor 79 will be described later.
The voltage detection circuit 81 is a circuit that detects the voltage of the power storage unit 72 and outputs the detected voltage to the sub-control circuit 74.

The power switch 82 is a switch operated by the user. When the user presses the power switch 82, an operation signal is output from the power switch 82 to the sub control circuit 74.
When the operation signal is output from the power switch 82, the sub control circuit 74 controls the power supply unit 71 to switch to the off mode when the current operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 is the on mode. On the other hand, when the current operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 is the off mode, the sub control circuit 74 controls the power supply unit 71 to switch to the on mode.

  The power switch 82 may be switched between an on state and an off state. For example, the power switch 82 outputs an ON signal to the sub-control circuit 74 when it is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, and outputs an OFF signal to the sub-control circuit 74 when it is switched from the ON state to the OFF state. Good. The configuration of the power switch 82 may be any configuration as long as the user can instruct the sub control circuit 74 to switch the operation mode.

  The open / close cover sensor 83 is a sensor that detects that the open / close cover 11 is opened and closed. The opening / closing cover sensor 83 according to the first embodiment is a switch that contacts when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened. When the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, an ON signal is output to the sub control circuit 74 until the opening / closing cover 11 is closed. The opening / closing cover sensor 83 is not limited to a contact switch as long as it can detect opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11. For example, the opening / closing cover sensor 83 may be a sensor that optically detects opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11. In this case, power is also supplied to the open / close cover sensor 83 during the partial on mode.

  The power supply cover sensor 80 is a sensor that detects whether or not a power supply cover (not shown) that covers the power supply unit 71 is opened so that the user does not touch the power supply unit 71. The power cover sensor 80 is a contact switch. When the power cover is opened, an ON signal is output to the sub control circuit 74 until the power cover is closed. The power supply cover sensor 80 is not limited to a contact switch as long as it can detect opening and closing of the power supply cover. For example, the power supply cover sensor 80 may be a sensor that optically detects opening and closing of the power supply cover. In this case, power is also supplied to the power supply cover sensor 80 in the partial on mode.

In addition to this, the printing apparatus 1 includes a communication interface unit, a drive motor, a photoelectric sensor 86 (see FIG. 5) for performing color misregistration correction and density correction, and the like.
A communication interface unit (not shown) is connected to the terminal device via a communication network, and receives a print job from the terminal device.
A drive motor (not shown) is, for example, a stepping motor, and rotationally drives a rotation mechanism provided in the printing apparatus 1 and a rotation mechanism provided in the toner cartridge 60. The rotation mechanism provided in the printing apparatus 1 is the transport unit 30, the image forming unit 40, the cleaning unit 50, or the like described above. On the other hand, the rotation mechanism provided in the toner cartridge 60 includes an agitator 62, a supply roller 63, a developing roller 64, a chipped gear 67 described later, and the like.

(4) Processing by Main Control Unit When the main control unit 73 receives a print job from the PC via the communication interface unit, the main control unit 73 controls the printing unit 12 to execute the print job.
In addition, the main control unit 73 also performs jam detection processing, new toner cartridge 60 detection processing, toner remaining amount detection processing, color misregistration correction processing, and density correction processing. Hereinafter, these processes will be described.

(4-1) Jam Detection Processing When a jam of the printing paper M occurs on the transport path T, printing is performed from the sheet sensor 77 to the main control unit 73 when the position where the jam occurs is within the detection range of the sheet sensor 77. A detection signal indicating that there is paper M is output, and the main control unit 73 determines that a jam has occurred. On the other hand, when the position where the jam occurs is between the sheet sensor 77 and the sheet sensor 77, the change in the detection signal of the sheet sensor 77 on the upstream side of the conveyance path T indicates that the printing paper M has passed. From the detection signal of the sheet sensor 77 on the downstream side of the conveyance path T, it is shown that the printing paper M has not reached even though a sufficient time has passed for the printing paper M to arrive. Yes. In this case, the main control unit 73 determines that a jam has occurred between the two sheet sensors 77.

(4-2) New Toner Cartridge Detection Processing FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a side surface of a new toner cartridge 60. As shown in the drawing, a chipped gear 67 is provided on the outer wall of the toner cartridge 60. When the toner cartridge 60 is new, the gear 85 provided on the printing apparatus 1 side and the chipped gear 67 are engaged with each other. In the new article detection process of the toner cartridge 60, the main control unit 73 rotates the gear 85 by rotating the drive motor. When the toner cartridge 60 is new, the rotation of the gear 85 is transmitted to the chipped gear 67, whereby the chipped gear 67 rotates. When the chipped gear 67 rotates by a certain angle, the gear 85 and the chipped gear 67 are not meshed with each other. For this reason, in the toner cartridge 60 once subjected to the new article detection process, even if the gear 85 is subsequently rotated, the rib 67a provided on the chipped gear 67 does not move on the moving track 67b.

  On the printing apparatus 1 side, a new article detection sensor 79 is provided for detecting the rib 67a at a detection position on the moving track 67b of the rib 67a. As the new article detection sensor 79, for example, a mechanical switch that is turned on when pressed by the rib 67a, an optical sensor that optically detects the rib 67a, or the like can be used. The new article detection sensor 79 outputs a rib detection signal to the main control unit 73 when detecting the rib 67a. When the rib detection signal is output from the new product detection sensor 79, the main control unit 73 determines that the toner cartridge 60 is a new one, and resets the cumulative rotation number counter for determining the life of the developing roller 64 to zero.

(4-3) Remaining Toner Detection Processing FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the remaining toner sensor 78. In FIG. 4, for ease of understanding, the width of the toner cartridge 60 in the main scanning direction is shown to be narrow, but in actuality, the toner cartridge 60 has a width corresponding to the axial length of the photosensitive drum 42c. have.
The toner cartridge 60 is provided with translucent windows 66 on two opposing walls. The remaining toner sensor 78 emits light from the outside of the toner cartridge 60 toward one light transmission window 66, and receives light emitted from the light emission part 78a and transmitted through the two light transmission windows 66. And a light receiving unit 78b that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the brightness of the received light to the main control unit 73. When the remaining amount of toner is large, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 78a is blocked by the toner, so that the level of the detection signal is lowered. The main control unit 73 controls the drive motor to rotate the agitator 62 and determines the remaining amount of toner from the length of time that the level of the detection signal output from the remaining toner sensor 78 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

(4-4) Color misregistration correction process When an image is printed on the printing paper M, the positions where the dots of the respective colors are formed on the printing paper M are deviated, and so-called color misregistration may occur. In the color misregistration correction, as shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 73 controls the printing unit 12 to print the color misregistration correction patches 92 and 94 on the surface of the belt 35, and the patches 92 and 94 are detected at the detection position E. The photoelectric sensor 86 detects the intensity of the reflected light L of the belt 35 in the range E1 in which is formed. Then, the main control unit 73 prints the printing unit 12 so that the position in the moving direction of the belt 35 in the range in which the detected reflected light intensity exceeds the predetermined threshold value matches the reference position. Change the condition. By performing this process for each toner color, the color shift can be corrected. Note that. This is an example of color misregistration correction, and color misregistration correction can be performed by various methods.

(4-5) Density Correction Processing When an image is printed on the printing paper M, the image may be printed at a density different from the density that should be originally printed. In the density correction, the CPU 73a prints the density correction patches 92 and 94 on the surface of the belt 35 in the same manner as the color misregistration correction, and the belts 92 in the areas 92 and 94 in which the patches 92 and 94 are printed at the detection position E. The intensity of the reflected light L is detected. Then, the main control unit 73 changes the printing condition of the printing unit 12 so that the width value of the range in which the detected reflected light intensity is larger than a predetermined threshold value matches the reference width value. . Note that. This is an example of density correction, and density correction can be performed by various methods.

(5) Predetermined control processing related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover As described above, the sub control circuit 74 monitors the opening / closing cover sensor 83 in the off mode, and when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, predetermined control related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11 is performed. Execute the process. In the first embodiment, as predetermined control processing related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11, processing for setting a value indicating that the color misregistration correction processing is executed in the color misregistration correction flag, and opening / closing cover 11 is opened by the opening / closing cover sensor 83. An example of processing for switching to the partial on mode from when it is detected until a predetermined condition is satisfied will be described.

(5-1) Processing for Setting Value to Perform Color Misregistration Correction Process in Color Misregistration Correction Flag In the off mode, the user may open and close the open / close cover 11 for some reason. In the case of the printing apparatus 1 in which the LED head 41a is provided on the opening / closing cover 11, the position of the LED corresponding to each color is slightly shifted due to vibration when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened / closed. It can happen. Therefore, when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, it is desirable to execute the color misregistration correction process regardless of the reason why the opening / closing cover 11 is opened. On the contrary, when the open / close cover 11 is not opened, the process is wasted if the color misregistration correction process is executed.

  When the open / close cover 11 is opened in the off mode, the sub control circuit 74 sets a value “ON” indicating that the color misregistration correction process is to be executed in the color misregistration correction flag. “On” is an example of information indicating that the opening / closing cover 11 is detected by the opening / closing cover sensor 83.

In the color misregistration correction flag, a value “off” indicating that the color misregistration correction is not executed is set as an initial value. When the open / close cover 11 is not opened, the value of the color misregistration correction flag remains “off”. It becomes.
When the power switch 82 is subsequently operated and the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 is switched to the on mode, the main control unit 73 refers to the color misregistration correction flag, and when “on” is set, the color misregistration correction processing. Execute.

(5-2) Processing for switching to the partial on mode from when it is detected that the opening / closing cover is opened by the opening / closing cover sensor until the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the opening / closing cover 11 is opened. Until a certain time elapses from the time of detection or until it is detected that the open / close cover 11 is closed.
There are multiple reasons for switching to the partial on mode when the open / close cover 11 is opened in the off mode. The reason will be described below.

(Reason a) To set a new article detection flag When the toner cartridge 60 is replaced, a new article detection process for the toner cartridge 60 should be executed. On the other hand, if the toner cartridge 60 has not been replaced, the process is wasted if the new toner cartridge 60 detection process is executed.

  When the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, the toner cartridge 60 may be replaced. However, there is a possibility that the toner cartridge 60 is not actually replaced simply by opening / closing the opening / closing cover 11.

Therefore, the sub control circuit 74 temporarily returns the main control unit 73 and the toner remaining amount sensor 78 by switching to the partial on mode when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened in the off mode.
Then, the returned main control unit 73 monitors the detection signal of the remaining toner sensor 78 to detect the attachment / detachment of the toner cartridge 60. Specifically, when the user removes the toner cartridge 60, the light output from the light emitting portion 78 a of the toner remaining amount sensor 78 is blocked by the side wall of the toner cartridge 60, thereby detecting the output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78. The signal level decreases. When the toner cartridge 60 is completely removed, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 78a is received by the light receiving portion 78b again, and the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 is increased.

  When the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 changes, the main control unit 73 cannot deny the possibility that the toner cartridge 60 has been replaced. Set the value “on” to indicate. “On” is an example of information indicating that the attachment / detachment of the consumable part is detected.

In the new product detection flag, a value “OFF” indicating that the new product detection process is not executed is set as an initial value. When “ON” is not set, the value of the new product detection flag remains “OFF”.
The sub-control circuit 74 controls the power supply unit 71 to return to the off mode when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed or when a certain time has elapsed since the opening / closing cover 11 was opened.

  When the power switch 82 is subsequently operated and the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 is switched to the on mode, the main control unit 73 refers to the new product detection flag, and when “ON” is set, the new toner cartridge 60 is installed. Execute detection processing. The new article detection process is an example of a predetermined control process related to attachment / detachment of a consumable part.

(Reason b) When the toner cartridge 60 is replaced in order to set the density correction flag, the property of the toner stored in the toner cartridge 60 before the replacement and the property of the toner stored in the toner cartridge 60 after the replacement May be different. This is because the toner properties may change depending on the use conditions and storage environment conditions. Alternatively, the material may be different due to improvement of the toner component. In such a case, if the density correction process is not performed after the toner cartridge 60 is replaced, there is a possibility that an image will not be printed with the color to be printed. Therefore, it is desirable to execute density correction processing when the toner cartridge 60 is replaced. On the other hand, if the toner cartridge 60 has not been replaced, extra toner will be consumed when the density correction process is executed.

When the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, the toner cartridge 60 may be replaced. However, there is a possibility that the toner cartridge 60 is not actually replaced simply by opening / closing the opening / closing cover 11.
When the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 changes, the main control unit 73 cannot deny the possibility that the toner cartridge 60 has been replaced, and therefore executes the density correction process on the density correction flag. Set the value “on” to indicate. “On” is an example of information indicating that the attachment / detachment of the consumable part is detected.

  In the density correction flag, a value “off” indicating that the density correction processing is not executed is set as an initial value. When “on” is not set, the value of the density correction flag remains “off”.

  The main control unit 73 refers to the density correction flag when the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 is switched to the on mode, and executes density correction processing when “ON” is set. The density correction process is an example of a predetermined control process related to attachment / detachment of consumable parts.

(Reason c) To clear the jam occurrence flag In general, when a jam occurs, printing is prohibited in order to prevent the jam from becoming serious. By the way, it is also conceivable that the user switches to the off mode by operating the power switch 82 without clearing the jam.

  Accordingly, when a jam occurs, the main control unit 73 sets a value “ON” indicating that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence flag. When the user clears the jam before switching to the off mode, the main control unit 73 sets a value “OFF” indicating that no jam has occurred in the jam occurrence flag.

  When the jam mode is switched to the off mode without being cleared, the value of the jam occurrence flag remains “on”, and when the power switch 82 is operated to switch to the on mode after that, the main control unit 73 generates the jam. Printing is prohibited when “ON” is set in the flag. Prohibiting printing is an example of a predetermined control process corresponding to the occurrence of a jam.

  However, the user may clear the jam during the off mode. In this case, if the jam occurrence flag is still set to “on”, the main control unit 73 may prohibit printing even when the jam is eliminated when the mode is switched to the on mode. .

By the way, when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened in the off mode, the jam may be eliminated. However, there is a possibility that the jam is not actually resolved simply by opening / closing the opening / closing cover 11.
Generally, when removing a jam, the process cartridge 42a is often removed. If the process cartridge 42a is removed, the toner cartridge 60 is also removed from the printing unit 12 as a result, and the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 changes. For this reason, when the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 changes, it is highly possible that the jam has been resolved.

  Therefore, when the open / close cover 11 is opened in the off mode and the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 changes, the main control unit 73 indicates that no jam has occurred in the jam occurrence flag. Set the value “off”. In other words, the jam occurrence flag is cleared. Note that the jam occurrence flag may be deleted instead of setting “off” to the jam occurrence flag.

(Reason d) Since a warning is issued when the power supply cover is opened, there is a possibility that the user or service worker opens the opening / closing cover 11 for some reason and disassembles the printing apparatus 1 in the off mode. In that case, since the commercial power supply is generally connected to the power supply unit 71 even in the off mode, it is dangerous if the user opens the power supply cover.

  Therefore, the sub control circuit 74 temporarily returns the main control unit 73 by switching to the partial on mode when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened in the off mode. Then, the restored main control unit 73 monitors the detection signal of the power supply cover sensor 80.

When the main control unit 73 detects that the power supply cover has been opened, the main control unit 73 issues a warning to the user by controlling the display unit 75 to display a warning message.
When the main control unit 73 detects that the power supply cover has been opened, the main control unit 73 instructs the sub control circuit 74 to supply power to the display unit 75, and the instruction is given. In response, the sub control circuit may control the power supply unit 71 to supply power to the display unit 75. This is because it is rare for a user to open the power supply cover in general, and thus power may be wasted if power is always supplied to the display unit 75 in the partial on mode.

  In the partial on mode, particularly when the power supply to the display unit 75 visible to the user is stopped, it is erroneously determined that the printing apparatus 1 is in the off mode, and disassembly is performed in the partial on mode. There is a risk that the power cover may be opened. Even in such a case, when it is detected that the power supply cover has been opened, the display unit 75 can be controlled to display a warning message. Therefore, in the partial on mode, the user touches the power supply unit. It is possible to reduce the risk of being lost.

(6) Processing of Sub Control Unit Next, processing of the sub control circuit 74 when the power switch 82 is operated in the on mode will be described with reference to FIG.

In S101, the sub control circuit 74 sets initial values for the flags other than the jam occurrence flag. Specifically, set as follows. Since the jam occurrence flag is set by the main control unit 73, the value is not changed in S102.
Color misregistration correction flag = OFF New article detection flag = OFF Density correction flag = OFF

  In S102, the sub control circuit 74 controls the power supply unit 71 to switch to the off mode. Even if the sub control circuit 74 is switched to the off mode, the operation is continued by supplying power from the power storage unit 72.

In S103, the sub control circuit 74 determines whether or not a power supply return trigger has been detected. The power recovery trigger is detected by the open / close cover sensor 83 that the voltage of the power storage unit 72 has dropped below the first reference voltage (referred to as “voltage drop of the power storage unit”) and that the open / close cover 11 has been opened. (Referred to as “open / close cover open”) and the fact that the power switch 82 has been operated (referred to as “operation of the power switch”) Here, the sub-control circuit 74 has a voltage detection circuit 81 in the off mode. It is assumed that the detection result is monitored.
The sub-control circuit 74 proceeds to S104 if any of the power recovery triggers is detected, and executes S103 again after a predetermined time has passed if not detected.

  In S104, the sub control circuit 74 determines whether the power recovery trigger detected in S103 is a voltage drop of the power storage unit, opening of the opening / closing cover, or operation of the power switch, and the voltage drop of the power storage unit. If YES, the process proceeds to S105. If the open / close cover is open, the process proceeds to S107. If the operation is the power switch 82, the process proceeds to S108.

In S105, the sub control circuit 74 switches the operation mode to the on mode. When switched to the on mode, the power storage unit 72 is charged by the power supply unit 71.
In S106, the sub control circuit 74 monitors the voltage of the power storage unit 72 detected by the voltage detection circuit 81, and charging is completed when the voltage of the power storage unit 72 becomes equal to or higher than the second reference voltage higher than the first reference voltage. Return to S101.

In S <b> 107, the sub control circuit 74 executes a predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11. After executing S107, the sub control circuit 74 returns to S102 and returns the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 to the off mode.
In S108, the sub control circuit 74 controls the power supply unit 71 to switch the operation mode to the on mode.

  Next, a predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11 executed in S107 described above will be described with reference to FIG.

In S201, the sub control circuit 74 starts measuring the elapsed time from when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened.
In S202, the sub-control circuit 74 controls the power supply unit 71 to switch the operation mode to the partial on mode.
In S203, the sub-control circuit 74 determines whether or not the open / close cover 11 is closed. If it is not closed, the process proceeds to S204, and if it is closed, the process proceeds to S212.

S204 to S210 are processes executed by the main control unit 73 that has temporarily returned.
In S204, the main control unit 73 determines whether or not the power supply cover is opened. If it is opened, the process proceeds to S205, and if it is not opened, the process proceeds to S206.

In S205, the main control unit 73 controls the display unit 75 to display a warning message.
In S206, the main control unit 73 determines whether or not the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 has changed. If changed, the process proceeds to S207, and if not, the process proceeds to S211.

In S207, the main control unit 73 determines whether or not the value “ON” indicating that a jam has occurred is set in the jam occurrence flag. If “ON” is set, the process proceeds to S208. If “OFF” is set, the process proceeds to S209.
In S208, the main control unit 73 sets a value “OFF” indicating that no jam has occurred in the jam occurrence flag.

In step S209, the main control unit 73 sets a value “ON” indicating that the new article detection process is to be executed in the new article detection flag.
In S210, the main control unit 73 sets a value “ON” indicating that the density correction processing is executed in the density correction flag.

In S211, the sub-control circuit 74 determines whether or not the elapsed time from when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened is equal to or longer than a certain time. If the elapsed time is less than the certain time, the process returns to S203 and repeats the process. If so, the process proceeds to S212.
In S212, the sub-control circuit 74 sets a value “ON” indicating that the color misregistration correction process is executed in the color misregistration correction flag.

(7) Effects of the Embodiment According to the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the sub control circuit 74 is operated by supplying power from the power storage unit 72 to the sub control circuit 74 in the off mode, and in the off mode. Since the sub control circuit 74 monitors the opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11, even if the opening / closing cover 11 is opened in the off mode, a predetermined control process related to the opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11 can be executed.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus 1, when the voltage of the sub control circuit 74 becomes equal to or lower than the first reference voltage, the operation mode is switched to the on mode and the power storage unit 72 is charged. 74 can be powered.

  Furthermore, according to the printing apparatus 1, when the open / close cover 11 is opened and closed during the off mode, the color misregistration correction flag is set to “on”, so that the color misregistration correction processing is executed when the mode is switched to the on mode. Can do. On the contrary, when the color misregistration correction flag is set to “OFF”, the color misregistration correction processing is not executed, so that the color misregistration correction processing can be prevented from being performed unnecessarily.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus 1, when the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 changes in the partial on mode, it is determined that the toner cartridge 60 has been attached and removed, and the new product detection flag and the density correction flag are turned on. ”Is set, the new article detection process and the density correction process can be executed when the mode is switched to the on mode.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus 1, whether or not to execute a predetermined control process according to the occurrence of a jam when switching to the on mode by detecting attachment / detachment of the toner cartridge 60 in the off mode. Can be determined appropriately.

  Furthermore, according to the printing apparatus 1, the toner remaining amount sensor 78 can also be used as an attachment / detachment sensor.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus 1, when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened and switched to the partial off mode, a certain time elapses from when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, or when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed, the off mode is set. Therefore, the partial on mode can be prevented from continuing more than necessary.

  Furthermore, according to the printing apparatus 1, since a warning is issued to the user when the power supply cover is opened in the partial on mode, the possibility that the user touches the power supply unit 71 can be reduced.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the case where the mode is switched to the partial on mode when the open / close cover 11 is opened in the off mode has been described as an example. On the other hand, when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened in the off mode, the on mode may be switched.
However, there are cases where the user does not intend to replace the toner cartridge 60 or open the power supply cover simply by opening the opening / closing cover 11. In that case, if the on mode is left, power is wasted.

  Therefore, the sub-control circuit 74 measures the elapsed time from when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened and switched to the on mode, and the opening / closing cover sensor 83, the power supply cover sensor 80, and the toner remaining amount are measured even after a certain time has elapsed. When none of the detection signals of the quantity sensor 78 changes, the mode may be switched to the off mode. The open / close cover sensor 83, the power supply cover sensor 80, and the toner remaining amount sensor 78 are examples of state change detection sensors.

  Alternatively, even if the detection signal of any one of the open / close cover sensor 83, the power supply cover sensor 80, and the toner remaining amount sensor 78 changes after switching to the on mode, the detection signal changes last. If the detection signals of the open / close cover sensor 83, the power supply cover sensor 80, and the toner remaining amount sensor 78 do not change even after a certain time has elapsed, the time may be switched to the off mode.

  Alternatively, the sub control circuit 74 may switch to the off mode when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed. In that case, when the open / close cover 11 is closed, the main control unit 73 refers to the value of each flag described above to execute a new article detection process and the like, and the sub control circuit 74 ends the processes by the main control unit 73. After that, it may be switched to the off mode. In other words, processing such as new article detection processing executed by the main control unit 73 closes the opening / closing cover 11 without waiting for the power switch 82 to be operated thereafter to switch the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 to the on mode. It may be executed at a specified timing.

  Alternatively, the sub control circuit 74 may remain in the on mode when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened. That is, when the open / close cover is opened in the off mode, the same treatment as when the power switch 82 is operated may be performed.

  According to the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment described above, when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, the mode is switched to the on mode, so that the main control unit 73 can monitor the change in the state of the printing apparatus 1.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the sub-control circuit 74 is constant from when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened in the off mode and the operation mode is switched to the on mode. When the time elapses or when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed, the mode is returned to the off mode, so that the on mode can be prevented from continuing more than necessary.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and the drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, one open / close cover 11 has been described as an example of the open / close cover. On the other hand, the main body casing 10 may be provided with a plurality of opening / closing covers. In that case, an open / close cover sensor 83 is provided for each open / close cover.

  When a plurality of opening / closing covers are provided, the predetermined control processing related to opening / closing of the opening / closing covers may be different depending on the opened / closed covers.

  For example, when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened, a process for setting the color misregistration correction flag to “ON” is executed as a predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover, while the opening / closing cover 11 is an opening / closing cover different from the opening / closing cover 11. When the opening / closing cover that can be opened when clearing the jam is opened, “off” may be set to the jam occurrence flag.

  When the opening / closing cover that can be opened to clear the jam is opened, it is estimated that the jam has been cleared. Therefore, the jam can be detected even if the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 does not change. “OFF” may be set in the generation flag.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the open / close cover sensor 83 can detect both opening and closing of the open / close cover 11, but the open / close cover sensor 83 detects only one of them. There may be. For example, it may be possible to detect that the opening / closing cover 11 has been opened and not to detect that it has been closed.

  Conversely, it may not be possible to detect that the opening / closing cover 11 has been opened, and it may be possible to detect that the opening / closing cover 11 has been closed. However, in that case, it is impossible to know a change in the level of the detection signal output from the toner remaining amount sensor 78 while the opening / closing cover 11 is opened. Therefore, in that case, only a process for setting the color misregistration correction flag to “ON” is performed as a predetermined control process related to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 11.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 that prints a color image on the printing paper M by the electrophotographic method is described as an example. On the other hand, the printing apparatus 1 may print an image on the printing paper M by an inkjet method. Further, the printing apparatus 1 may print an image in monochrome.

  In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 that exposes the photosensitive drum 42c by emitting light from a plurality of light emitting elements has been described as an example. On the other hand, the printing apparatus 1 may expose the photosensitive drum 42c by scanning the laser beam with a polygon mirror.

(4) In the above embodiment, the case where the toner remaining amount sensor 78 is used as an attachment / detachment sensor for detecting attachment / detachment of a consumable part has been described as an example. On the other hand, the attachment / detachment sensor may be provided exclusively for detecting attachment / detachment of a consumable part. For example, a contact switch that is mechanically turned on when the toner cartridge 60 is mounted may be provided as an attachment / detachment sensor.
Further, the attachment / detachment sensor may detect attachment / detachment of the process cartridge 42. When the process cartridge 42 is removed, there is a possibility that the toner cartridge 60 may be replaced in the removed state. Therefore, even when the process cartridge 42 is detached, the above-described new article detection process or the like is executed. Also good.

(5) In the above embodiment, the case where the opening and closing of the power supply cover is monitored in the off mode has been described as an example. On the other hand, in a configuration in which the fixing device needs to be removed in order to access the power supply unit 71, it may be determined that the user is accessing the power supply unit 71 when the fixing device 44 is removed. Whether or not the fixing device 44 has been removed can be determined by monitoring the detection result of the temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the fixing device 44. This is because when the fixing device 44 is removed, the signal line of the temperature sensor is disconnected and the detected temperature changes greatly.
Alternatively, when the user needs to remove the belt unit 32 in order to access the power supply unit 71, a sensor for detecting the attachment / detachment of the belt unit 32 may be provided.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the single-function printing apparatus 1 having only the printing function is described as an example of the printing apparatus. On the other hand, the printing apparatus may be a so-called multifunction machine having a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the case where the control unit has one CPU 73a has been described as an example. On the other hand, the control unit may be composed of two or more CPUs 73a, or one or more CPUs 73a and one or more ASICs. Further, the main control unit and the sub control unit may be configured in one ASIC.

(8) In the above embodiment, as one of the predetermined control processes related to opening / closing of the open / close cover, the partial open mode is switched until the predetermined condition is satisfied after the open / close cover sensor detects that the open / close cover is opened. Explained the process. On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 74 may execute part or all of the processing executed by the main control unit 73 when the partial on mode is switched in the above embodiment.
In the case of a configuration in which all of the processing executed by the main control unit 73 is executed by the sub-control circuit 74, the partial on mode may not be switched. This is because power is supplied to the sub control circuit 74 from the power storage unit 72. Even if the partial on mode is switched, power may not be supplied to the main control unit 73 but power may be supplied only to the sub-control circuit 74 and the sensor.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the case where the power switch 82 is operated in the on mode and the mode is switched to the off mode has been described as an example. In addition to this, or instead of this, it may be configured to automatically switch to the off mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when printing is not executed for a predetermined time or longer in the on mode, the mode may be automatically switched to the off mode to save power. Under what conditions, switching to the off mode can be selected as appropriate. Similarly, the on mode may be automatically switched when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which, for example, a company automatically switches to the on mode at the start time.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing apparatus, 10 ... Main body casing, 11 ... Opening / closing cover, 12 ... Printing part, 13 ... Opening, 41 ... Exposure part, 42 ... Process part, 60. ..Toner cartridge, 61... Toner storage chamber, 71... Power supply unit, 72 .. power storage unit, 73... Main control unit, 73 d. 75 ... Display unit, 77 ... Sheet sensor, 78 ... Toner level sensor, 79 ... New article detection sensor, 80 ... Power supply cover sensor, 81 ... Voltage detection circuit, ..Power switch, 83 ... Open / close cover sensor

Claims (7)

A printing device,
A body casing having an opening;
An opening and closing cover for opening and closing the opening;
An open / close cover sensor for detecting at least one of the open / close cover being opened and closed;
A printing unit housed in the main body casing and printing an image on a sheet;
A main control unit for controlling the printing unit;
A power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the printing apparatus;
A power switch operated by the user;
When the power switch is operated, the power supply unit is controlled to change the operation mode of the printing apparatus, the on mode for supplying power necessary for the printing operation of the printing apparatus from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit. A sub-control unit that switches between an off mode that stops power supply, and
A power storage unit;
Memory,
With
The power storage unit is charged by the power source unit during the on mode, and supplies power to the sub control unit during the off mode,
The printing unit prints a color image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method, and includes a photosensitive drum, and an exposure unit that is provided on the opening / closing cover and exposes the photosensitive drum,
The sub-control unit monitors the power switch and the open / close cover sensor during the off mode, and switches the operation mode to the on mode when the power switch is operated, and the open / close cover sensor detects the open / close cover by the open / close cover sensor. When at least one of the opening and closing is detected, it is detected that at least one of the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover is detected by the opening / closing cover sensor in the off mode. Executing the process of storing the information indicating in the memory;
When the power switch is operated and the operation mode is switched to the on mode, the main control unit determines whether or not the information is stored in the memory. Execute color misalignment correction processing,
Printing device. A printing device,
A body casing having an opening;
An opening and closing cover for opening and closing the opening;
An open / close cover sensor for detecting at least one of the open / close cover being opened and closed;
A printing unit housed in the main body casing and printing an image on a sheet;
A main control unit for controlling the printing unit;
A power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the printing apparatus;
A power switch operated by the user;
When the power switch is operated, the power supply unit is controlled to change the operation mode of the printing apparatus, the on mode for supplying power necessary for the printing operation of the printing apparatus from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit. A sub-control unit that switches between an off mode that stops power supply, and
A power storage unit;
Memory,
An attachment / detachment sensor for detecting attachment / detachment of a consumable part attached to the printing unit;
The power storage unit is charged by the power source unit during the on mode, and supplies power to the sub control unit during the off mode,
The open / close cover sensor detects at least that the open / close cover is opened,
The sub-control unit monitors the power switch and the open / close cover sensor during the off mode, and switches the operation mode to the on mode when the power switch is operated, and the open / close cover sensor detects the open / close cover by the open / close cover sensor. When at least one of opening or closing is detected, the operation mode is set at least until the predetermined condition is satisfied after the opening / closing cover sensor detects that the opening / closing cover is opened. Execute processing to switch to partial on mode to supply power to the main control unit,
The main control unit
When the attachment / detachment of the consumable part is detected by the attachment / detachment sensor in the partial on mode, information indicating that the attachment / detachment of the consumable part is detected is stored in the memory;
When the power switch is operated and the operation mode is switched to the on mode, it is determined whether or not the information is stored in the memory. A printing device that performs processing. A printing device,
A body casing having an opening;
An opening and closing cover for opening and closing the opening;
An open / close cover sensor for detecting at least one of the open / close cover being opened and closed;
A printing unit housed in the main body casing and printing an image on a sheet;
A main control unit for controlling the printing unit;
A power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the printing apparatus;
A power switch operated by the user;
When the power switch is operated, the power supply unit is controlled to change the operation mode of the printing apparatus, the on mode for supplying power necessary for the printing operation of the printing apparatus from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit. A sub-control unit that switches between an off mode that stops power supply, and
A power storage unit;
Memory,
A detachable sensor for detecting detachment of a consumable part mounted on the printing unit;
A plurality of sheet sensors arranged apart from each other along a conveyance path of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit;
With
The printing unit includes a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet,
The open / close cover sensor detects at least that the open / close cover is opened,
The power storage unit is charged by the power source unit during the on mode, and supplies power to the sub control unit during the off mode,
The sub-control unit monitors the power switch and the open / close cover sensor during the off mode, and switches the operation mode to the on mode when the power switch is operated, and the open / close cover sensor detects the open / close cover by the open / close cover sensor. When at least one of opening and closing is detected, the power supply unit is controlled to supply power to at least the main control unit until the predetermined condition is satisfied. Execute the process to switch to
The main control unit
It is determined whether or not a jam has occurred in the sheet based on detection signals output from the plurality of sheet sensors in the on mode. If a jam has occurred, it indicates that a jam has occurred. Storing information in the memory;
When the attachment / detachment of the consumable part is detected by the attachment / detachment sensor in the partial on mode, the information is deleted or the information is rewritten with information indicating that a jam has not occurred,
When the power switch is operated and the operation mode is switched to the on mode, it is determined whether or not the information indicating that a jam has occurred is stored in the memory. A printing apparatus that executes a predetermined control process according to occurrence of the error. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
The consumable part is a toner cartridge in which a light transmission window is provided on each of two opposing walls of a toner storage chamber for storing toner,
The attachment / detachment sensor receives and receives light emitted from the outside of the toner cartridge toward one of the light transmission windows, and light emitted from the light emission part and transmitted through the two light transmission windows. A printing apparatus, comprising: a toner remaining amount sensor including a light receiving unit that outputs a detection signal corresponding to light brightness to the main control unit. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The predetermined condition is that a certain period of time has elapsed since the opening / closing cover sensor detected that the opening / closing cover was opened, or the opening / closing cover sensor detected that the opening / closing cover was closed. That is the printing device. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A voltage detection circuit for detecting a voltage of the power storage unit;
The sub-control unit monitors a detection result of the voltage detection circuit during the off mode, and switches the operation mode to a charging mode that supplies power to at least the power storage unit when the voltage falls below a first reference voltage. A printing apparatus that charges the power storage unit and switches the operation mode to the off mode when the voltage becomes equal to or higher than a second reference voltage higher than the first reference voltage. A printing device,
A body casing having an opening;
An opening and closing cover for opening and closing the opening;
An open / close cover sensor for detecting at least one of the open / close cover being opened and closed;
A printing unit housed in the main body casing and printing an image on a sheet;
A main control unit for controlling the printing unit;
A power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the printing apparatus;
A power switch operated by the user;
When the power switch is operated, the power supply unit is controlled to change the operation mode of the printing apparatus, the on mode for supplying power necessary for the printing operation of the printing apparatus from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit. A sub-control unit that switches between an off mode that stops power supply, and
A power storage unit;
A power supply cover covering the power supply unit;
A power supply cover sensor for detecting that the power supply cover has been opened;
And a warning section that issues a warning to the user,
The power storage unit is charged by the power source unit during the on mode, and supplies power to the sub control unit during the off mode,
The sub-control unit monitors the power switch and the open / close cover sensor during the off mode, and switches the operation mode to the on mode when the power switch is operated, and the open / close cover sensor detects the open / close cover by the open / close cover sensor. When it is detected that the operation mode is opened, a process of switching the operation mode to at least a partial on mode that supplies power to the main control unit is executed.
The main control unit controls the warning unit to issue a warning to a user when it is detected that the power supply cover is opened by the power supply cover sensor in the partial on mode.

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