JP6516913B2 - Image forming system and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus has a plurality of power saving functions as described below, for example, by the improvement of the power saving function. The auto sleep timer is a function to put the image forming apparatus into the sleep state when the user does not use the image forming apparatus continuously for a certain period of time. The auto sleep time is a function to automatically put the image forming apparatus into the sleep state at the time designated by the user. The auto-shutdown timer is a function of executing a shutdown process of the image forming apparatus to turn off the image forming apparatus when the user does not use the image forming apparatus continuously for a certain period of time. Further, the auto shutdown time is a function of executing a shutdown process of the image forming apparatus to turn the image forming apparatus off when the time specified by the user is reached.

  Further, in an image forming apparatus having a finisher with staples, printed sheets can be stapled. This finisher with staples provides a function such as a function of stapling printed sheets, and a function such as a manual stapling function in which a user inserts a sheet bundle into a sheet insertion port and staples it regardless of the printing operation of the image forming apparatus. There is.

  In the finisher apparatus having a stapling function, the invention described in Patent Document 1 switches between automatic stapling and manual stapling with a mode switching switch.

JP, 2005-107322, A

  In the image forming apparatus provided with the above-described manual stapling function, if the manual stapling function and the power saving function are simultaneously enabled, there is a possibility that the power saving state is entered during manual stapling. For example, while the user sleeps manually, the auto sleep timer times up, or when the auto sleep time comes, the image forming apparatus enters a power saving state, and the manual stapling function is interrupted. In addition, when the user shuts down the image forming apparatus when the automatic shutdown timer times out or the automatic shutdown time comes during manual stapling, the image forming apparatus is turned off. Also in this case, interruption of the manual stapling function occurs.

  Besides this, in the image forming apparatus connected to the finisher, when the image forming apparatus shifts to the sleep state or the shutdown state, a situation occurs in which the execution of the function being executed by the finisher is interrupted. Further, in the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, when it is desired to use only the finisher alone, it is necessary to return the image forming apparatus from the sleep mode, which is not convenient.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

  A feature of the present invention is to provide a technology for preventing the finisher function from being interrupted due to the image forming apparatus entering a power saving state.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system according to an aspect of the present invention is set by an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a staple unit that staples a sheet conveyed from the image forming unit, and a user. A sheet setting unit in which a sheet to be stapled by the staple unit is set at a predetermined position, a detection unit that detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit, a reception unit that receives a power saving shift instruction Power control means for stopping supply of power to a predetermined device based on a detection result of the detection means in response to the power saving shift instruction received by the reception means .

  According to the present invention, when the finisher is being operated, the image forming apparatus does not enter the power saving state such as sleep or shutdown, and the image forming apparatus enters the power saving state so that the function of the finisher is interrupted. It can prevent.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, constitute a part thereof, show embodiments of the present invention, and are used together with the description to explain the principle of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of an image forming apparatus (MFP) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a mechanism diagram for explaining the mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the finisher according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the stapler according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a power supply system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a power supply state when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is in the sleep state. FIG. 8 is a block diagram focusing on the configuration shown in FIG. 7 only around the power control / reset circuit of the control unit. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment transitions to the sleep state (power saving state). A flowchart (A) for explaining the process according to the first embodiment when executing the power saving function in S1004 of FIG. 10 and a flowchart for explaining the process according to the second embodiment when executing the power saving function in S1004 of FIG. B). A flow chart (A) explaining processing of an image forming apparatus concerning a 3rd embodiment, and a flow chart (B) explaining processing of an image forming apparatus concerning a 4th embodiment. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the power supply system of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. .

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of an image forming apparatus (MFP) 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 2, a control unit 3, a printer unit 4, an operation unit 5, a FAX unit 7 and the like. The scanner unit 2 reads a document and generates image data corresponding to the document image. The printer unit 4 prints an image on a sheet based on image data. The hard disk 6 stores image data, control programs, and the like. The FAX unit 7 is connected to a telephone line or the like to transmit and receive image data (facsimile data). The control unit 3 outputs an instruction to each of these units to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 can also input / output image data to / from a computer (PC) 9 via the LAN 8, issue a job, or give an instruction of an apparatus.

  The scanner unit 2 has a document feeding unit 21 for loading a bundle of documents and transporting the documents one by one to the scanner unit 22, and a scanner unit 22 for optically scanning the documents and converting them into digital image data. The obtained image data is transmitted to the control unit 3. The printer unit 4 includes a sheet feeding unit 42 capable of sequentially feeding sheets one by one, a marking unit 41 for printing an image on the fed sheets, and a sheet discharging unit 43 for discharging sheets after printing. .

  The finisher 100 performs post-processing such as sheet ejection, sorting, stapling, punching, and cutting on the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge unit 43 of the printer unit 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. The power switch 101 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus 1.

Hereinafter, the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
Copy Function The image data obtained by the scanner unit 2 is stored in the hard disk 6 or printed by the printer unit 4.
Image Transmission Function The image data obtained by the scanner unit 2 is transmitted to the computer 9 or the like via the LAN 8.
Image storage function The image data obtained by the scanner unit 2 is stored in the hard disk 6, and the image data is transmitted and printed as necessary.
Image Printing Function A print job received from the computer 9 and described in, for example, a page description language is analyzed and printed by the printer unit 4.

  FIG. 2 is a mechanism diagram for explaining the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  In the scanner unit 2, the document feeding unit 1250 feeds documents one sheet at a time to the platen glass 1211, and discharges the document on the platen glass 1211 onto the discharge tray 1219 after the document reading operation is completed. When the document is conveyed to the platen glass 1211, the lamp 1212 is turned on to start the movement of the optical unit 1213 to expose and scan the document. Reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, CCD) 1218 by mirrors 1214 to 1216 and a lens 1217. In this way, the image of the scanned original is converted into image data by the CCD 1218, and the image data is transferred to the control unit 3 after being subjected to predetermined processing.

  The laser driver 1321 of the printer unit 4 drives the laser emission unit 1322 to cause the laser emission unit 1322 to emit a laser beam corresponding to the image data output from the control unit 3. The laser beam irradiates the photosensitive drum 1323, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1323. A developer adheres to the portion of the latent image on the photosensitive drum 1323 by the developing device 1324. Then, the sheet is fed from any of the cassettes 1311 to 1314 and the manual sheet feed tray 1315 at a timing synchronized with the start of the laser beam irradiation. Thereafter, the sheet is sent to the transfer unit 1325 through the conveyance path 1331, where the developer adhering to the photosensitive drum 1323 is transferred to the sheet. The sheet on which the developer has been transferred in this way is conveyed by the conveyance belt 1326 to the fixing unit 1327, and the developer is fixed to the sheet by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 1327. Thereafter, the sheet having passed through the fixing unit 1327 passes through the conveyance paths 1335 and 1334 and is discharged to the sheet discharge bin 1328. Alternatively, when the printing surface is reversed and discharged to the discharge bin 1328, the fixed sheet is guided to the transport paths 1336 and 1338, from which the sheet is transported in the reverse direction and passes through the transport paths 1337 and 1334. And the paper is discharged. The delivery bin 1328 is removable and can be delivered to the finisher 100 via a folding device (not shown).

  When duplex printing is set, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 1327, and then is guided from the conveyance path 1336 to the conveyance path 1333 by the flapper 1329. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed in the reverse direction, and is guided by the flapper 1329 to the conveyance path 1338 and the re-feed conveyance path 1332. The sheet thus guided to the sheet re-feed conveyance path 1332 is fed to the transfer unit 1325 through the conveyance path 1331 at the above-described timing.

  Subsequently, the finisher 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the finisher 100. As shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the stapler 601. As shown in FIG.

  First, the finisher unit of the finisher 100 will be described. The finisher 100 sequentially takes in the discharged sheets via the folding device 400. The finisher 100 performs a process of aligning and bundling a plurality of taken-in sheets into one bundle, a stapling process of stapling the rear end of the bundled sheet bundle with a staple, and a punching process of forming a hole in the vicinity of the rear end of the taken-in sheet . Further, the finisher 100 performs sheet post-processing such as sorting processing, non-sorting processing, and bookbinding processing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the finisher 100 has an inlet roller pair 502 and a paper thickness detection sensor unit 909 for guiding the sheet discharged from the printer 4 to the inside through the folding device 400. A switching flapper 551 for guiding the sheet to the finisher path 552 or the first bookbinding path 553 is provided downstream of the inlet roller pair 502. The sheet guided to the finisher path 552 is sent to the buffer roller 505 via the conveyance roller pair 503. The transport roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505 are configured to be capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions. An inlet sensor 531 is provided between the inlet roller pair 502 and the transport roller pair 503. In the vicinity of the upstream of the entrance sensor 531 in the sheet conveyance direction, a second bookbinding pass 554 branches from the finisher pass 552. The branch point forms a branch to the conveyance path for conveying the sheet from the inlet roller pair 502 to the conveyance roller pair 503. Further, when the transport roller pair 503 reversely rotates and transports the sheet from the transport roller pair 503 side to the entrance sensor 531 side, it forms a branch having a one-way mechanism transported only to the second bookbinding path 554 side. A punch unit 550 is provided between the transport roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505, and the punch unit 550 operates as needed to punch near the trailing edge of the transported sheet.

  The buffer roller 505 is a roller capable of stacking and winding a predetermined number of sheets sent to the outer periphery thereof, and the pressing rollers 512, 513, 514 wind around the outer periphery of the roller as necessary. The sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 is conveyed in the rotation direction of the buffer roller 505. The sheet is wound around the buffer roller 505 when the subsequent sheet is temporarily buffered while the staple processing is performed on the processing tray 630. The predetermined number of sheets wound is conveyed to the processing tray 630 with the predetermined number of sheets being stacked at an appropriate time when no collision with the previous bundle occurs.

  A switching flapper 510 is disposed between the pressing rollers 513 and 514, and a switching flapper 511 is disposed downstream of the pressing roller 514. The switching flapper 510 is a flapper for peeling the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 from the buffer roller 505 and guiding it to the non-sorting path 521 or the sorting path 522. The switching flapper 511 is a flapper for peeling the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 from the buffer roller 505 and guiding it to the sort path 522 or guiding the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 to the buffer path 523. The sheet guided to the non-sorting path 521 by the switching flapper 510 is discharged onto the sample tray 701 via the discharge roller pair 509. Further, the sheets guided to the sort path 522 by the switching flapper 510 are stacked on an intermediate tray (hereinafter, processing tray) 630 via the conveyance rollers 506 and 507. The sheets stacked in a bundle on the processing tray 630 are subjected to alignment processing, stapling processing, and the like as necessary, and then discharged onto the stack tray 700 by the discharge rollers 680a and 680b. A stapler 601 is used for staple processing for binding sheets stacked in a bundle on the processing tray 630. The stack tray 700 is configured to be capable of self-propelled in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the stapler 601. As shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the driver portion 821 as the contact portion moves in the arrow direction at the time of staple operation, contacts the sheet bundle P and presses the upper surface, and almost simultaneously, the needle is driven into the sheet bundle P from the needle driving portion 822 Be The driven needle is bent by the driver portion 821 to complete the stapling process. The needle driving unit 822 may be provided integrally with the driver unit 821 and move toward the fixed needle bending unit. In addition, a sensor is provided in the driver unit 821 and the needle driving unit 822 to detect that the sheet bundle P is inserted into the insertion port of the document.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the switch 450 is a mechanical switch that operates the stapler 601. By pressing the switch 450 while the sheet bundle P is detected by the sensor of the driver unit 821 and the needle driving unit 822, the stapler 601 is operated to perform manual stapling. The switch 450 can be substituted by providing a software switch in the operation unit 5, but the description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the saddle portion of the finisher 100 will be described. The sheet conveyed through the first bookbinding pass 553 and the second bookbinding pass 554 is stored in the storage guide 820 by the conveyance roller pair 813, and is further conveyed until the leading end of the sheet contacts the movable sheet positioning member 823. A bookbinding entrance sensor 817 is disposed on the upstream side of the conveyance roller pair 813. Further, two pairs of staplers 818 are provided at an intermediate position of the storage guide 820, and the staplers 818 are configured to bind the center of the sheet bundle in cooperation with the anvil 819 opposed thereto. At the downstream position of the stapler 818, a folding roller pair 826 is provided. At the opposing position of the folding roller pair 826, a projecting member 825 is provided. The sheet bundle is pushed out between the pair of folding rollers 826 by projecting the projecting member 825 toward the sheet bundle stored in the storage guide 820. Then, the sheet bundle is folded by the folding roller pair 826 and then discharged to the saddle discharge tray 832 via the discharge roller 827. A bookbinding discharge sensor 830 is disposed downstream of the discharge roller 827. When the sheet bundle stapled by the stapler 818 is folded, the positioning member 823 is lowered by a predetermined distance so that the staple position of the sheet bundle is at the central position of the folding roller pair 826 after the stapling process is completed.

  Finally, the inserter unit of the finisher 100 will be described.

  The inserter 900 is provided at the upper portion of the finisher 100, sequentially separates a sheet bundle which is a cover sheet or interleaf sheet stacked on the tray 901, and conveys it to the finisher path 552 or the bookbinding path 553. Here, the special sheet is stacked on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 in a normal-viewing state as viewed from the operator. That is, the special sheet is stacked on the tray 901 with its surface directed upward. The special sheet stacked on the tray 901 is conveyed by the paper feed roller 902 to a separation unit including the conveyance roller 903 and the separation belt 904, sequentially separated from the topmost sheet one by one, and conveyed. The determination of the special sheet is made by a sheet set sensor 910 between the sheet feeding roller 902 and the conveyance roller 903 for detecting whether or not the special sheet is set on the tray 901. A drawing roller pair 905 is disposed downstream of the separation unit, and the special sheet separated by the drawing roller pair 905 is stably guided to the conveyance path 908. A sheet feeding sensor 907 is provided downstream of the drawing roller pair 905, and between the sheet feeding sensor 907 and the inlet roller pair 502, conveyance for guiding the special sheet on the conveyance path 908 to the inlet roller pair 502. A roller 906 is provided.

  FIG. 5 is a top view of the operation unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The operation unit 5 is connected to the control unit 3 and has a display unit having a function such as a touch panel, a hard key, and the like, and provides a user interface for operating the image forming apparatus 1. A display unit 1500 is a display unit having a touch panel function, and main mode setting and status display are performed here. A ten key 1501 is used to input numerical values from 0 to 9. The ID key 1502 is used to input the department number and password mode when the image forming apparatus 1 is managed by a department. The reset key 1503 resets the set mode. The guide key 1504 instructs to display an explanation screen for each mode. A user mode key 1505 is a key for entering a user mode screen. The interrupt key 1506 is used when performing interrupt copy. A start key 1507 is a key for starting a copying operation, and a stop key 1508 is a key for stopping a copy job being executed. When the power saving key 1509 is pressed, the backlight of the display unit 1500 is turned off, and the state shifts to the sleep state. The contrast adjustment key 1510 is a key for adjusting the contrast of the display unit 1500. When the counter confirmation key 1511 is pressed, the display unit 1500 displays a count screen for displaying a total of the number of copies used so far. The LED 1512 indicates that image storage in the image memory is in progress during job execution. The error LED 1513 lights up when a device such as jam or door open is in an error state. The power supply LED 1514 is an LED that indicates that the main switch of the image forming apparatus 1 is on. Reference numerals 1551 to 1556 denote software buttons for shifting to copy, scan and save, print of stored document, scan and send, fax, and power visualization. A button 1551 is a transition button to the screen of the copy function. A button 1552 is a transition button to a screen of a scan to save image data scanned by the scanner unit 2 in the hard disk 6. A button 1553 is a transition button to a stored document print function for printing the image data stored in the hard disk 6 by the printer unit 4. A button 1554 is a transition button to a scan and transmission function by sending image data obtained by the scanner unit 2 from the control unit 3 to the computer 9 via the LAN 8. A button 1555 is a transition button to a fax function for sending image data obtained by the scanner unit 2 from the control unit 3 to the telephone line via the fax unit 7. A button 1556 is a transition button to a power visualization function for confirming the power state of the image forming apparatus 1 on the display unit 1500.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a power supply system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The power supply control unit 303 is constantly supplied with power via the all-night power supply line 302 from the power supply 301. However, since the power consumption of the power control unit 303 is limited to a very small amount of power, power control is performed so that power is supplied only to the power control unit 303 and the part that becomes the recovery factor from sleep during sleep. A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) 304 is a hardware logic circuit that controls supply and stop of power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 1. The CPLD 304 is preprogrammed to perform the desired operation described below. That is, by turning on / off the relay switch 308 by the IO signal V_ON 307, power supply from the power source 301 to the controller 3 via the emergency night power source line 309 is controlled. Further, a plurality of timer values are set by the CPU 201, and when the timer is activated, the operation set by the CPU 201 is executed. Further, the relay switch 311 is turned on / off by the IO signal P_ON 310 to control power supply from the power supply 301 to the printer unit 4 via the emergency night power supply line 312. Further, according to an instruction of the CPU 201, a predetermined IO signal can be operated. The IO signal includes a DCON_LIVEWAKE signal 305 connected to the CPU 320 of the printer unit 4. When the power of the printer unit 4 is turned on with the signal 305 asserted, the printer unit 4 returns silently without performing a specific operation of controlling the movable unit or using power. This specific operation includes, for example, control such as rotation operation of a motor, a roller, and a polygon, temperature control of the drums 321 to 324, and exhaust heat treatment by the FAN 325.

  The CPU 320 of the printer unit 4 notifies the CPLD 304 of an interrupt such as a sensor according to the INT_DCON signal 306 notifying the interrupt. When receiving the notification of the interrupt, the CPLD 304 turns on the switch 311 by the P_ON signal 310 of the IO signal, and supplies power from the power source 301 to the printer unit 4 via the emergency night power source line 312.

  The CPU 330 of the finisher 100 notifies an interrupt from a sensor or the like to the CPU 320 of the printer unit 4 by an INT_ACC signal 335 for interrupt notification, and the CPU 320 further notifies the CPLD 304 by an INT_DCON signal 306. The CPLD 304 receives this interrupt and turns on the switch 311 by P_ON 310 of the IO signal. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply 301 to the finisher 100 via the emergency night power supply line 312, the printer unit 4 and the emergency night power supply line 336. By supplying power to the finisher 100 in this manner, power can also be supplied to the stapler 601. Note that the CPLD 304 can also control power feeding as needed, without receiving an interrupt. Similar to the description of the printer unit 4, the scanner unit 2 can control the power supply thereof by the CPLD 304. However, since the description is the same, the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of the control unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The control unit 3 has a main board 200 and a sub board 220. The main board 200 is a so-called general-purpose CPU circuit. The main board 200 has a CPU 201 that controls the entire system, a boot ROM 202 that includes a boot program, a memory 203 that the CPU uses as a work memory, a bus controller 204 that has a bridge function with an external bus, and a non-volatile memory 205. . Furthermore, it has a disk controller 206 for controlling the storage device, a flash disk 207 which is a relatively small-capacity storage device composed of semiconductor devices, and a USB controller 208 for controlling USB. Further, a USB memory 209, an operation unit 5, a hard disk 6 and the like are connected to the main board 200. The CPU 201 is connected to a CPLD 304 that controls interrupts from the devices and power supply to the devices. Furthermore, the main board 200 has a network controller 211, a real time clock (RTC) 212, and a USB controller 208, and is connected to the operation unit 5, the scanner unit 2, the printer unit 4, the FAX unit 7, the finisher 100 and the like. .

  The sub board 220 has a relatively small general purpose CPU system and hardware for image processing. The sub board 220 includes a CPU 221, a memory 223 used by the CPU 221 as a work memory, a bus controller 224 having a bridge function with an external bus, a non-volatile memory 225, an image processing unit 227, a device controller 226, and the like. The scanner unit 2 and the printer unit 4 exchange digital image data via the device controller 226. The CPU 221 directly controls the FAX unit 7.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram and is simplified. For example, the CPU 201, the CPU 221, etc. include many CPU peripheral hardware such as a chip set, a bus bridge, a clock generator, etc., but they are omitted because they are unnecessary in terms of the granularity of the description. There is no limitation on the present invention.

  Next, the operation of the control unit 3 will be described by taking copying of an image as an example.

  When the user instructs copying of an image from the operation unit 5, the CPU 201 sends a document reading command to the scanner unit 2 via the CPU 221. Thus, the scanner unit 2 optically scans an original, converts the image into image data, and inputs the image data to the image processing unit 227 via the device controller 226. The image processing unit 227 executes image processing on the image data, transfers the processed image data to the memory 223 by DMA, and temporarily stores the image data. When the CPU 201 confirms that the image data has been stored in the memory 223 in a fixed amount or all in this manner, the CPU 201 issues a print instruction to the printer unit 4 via the CPU 221. At this time, the CPU 221 instructs the image processing unit 227 the address of the image data in the memory 223. The image data stored in the memory 223 is sent to the printer unit 4 by the image processing unit 227 and the device controller 226 in accordance with the synchronization signal from the printer unit 4 and printed.

  When printing a plurality of copies, the CPU 201 stores the image data of the memory 223 in the hard disk 6 and reads out the image data from the memory 223 for printing after the second copy.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the power supply state when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is in the sleep state. Note that this block diagram corresponds to the block diagram of FIG. 7, and the portions common to FIG. 7 are indicated by the same symbols.

  The sleep state is a state in which the start-up time can be made earlier than at the time of normal start-up while suppressing the power consumption. The power saving function is started when, for example, a predetermined time has passed without the user's operation, or when the software switch of the operation unit 5 is pressed, and finally the state transitions to the sleep state.

  Power supply in the sleep state is limited to the minimum necessary places such as the memory 203 of the control unit 3 and the CPLD 304. That is, portions other than the shaded portions in FIG. 8 indicate portions to which power is supplied in the sleep state. However, even in places shown by hatching, power is supplied to places necessary to recover from the sleep state.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit 3 in the sleep state according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The power supply points in the sleep state are the network controller 211 that sends an interrupt from the sleep state to the CPLD 304, the RTC 212, the USB controller 208, and the like. Also, the soft switch of the operation unit 5, the various sensors of the scanner unit 2, the printer unit 4 and the finisher 100, the switch 450 of the finisher 100 (FIG. 3) It is done.

  The CPLD 304 receives one or more interrupts from the power supply destination during the aforementioned sleep state. As a specific example, for example, when a document is inserted into a document insertion port in a state where power is supplied to the driver unit 821 of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100 and the sensors of the needle driving unit 822, the CPLD 304 receives an interrupt. Also, for example, when the switch 450 is pressed in a state where power is supplied to the switch 450 of the finisher 100, the CPLD 304 receives an interrupt. Thus, when the CPLD 304 receives an interrupt, the CPU 201 is notified that the interrupt has occurred. In response to the notification of the interrupt, the CPU 201 performs recovery processing from the sleep state in which the state of power supply or software is returned to the normal state. However, since the recovery factor from the sleep state differs depending on the system, the power supply in the sleep state is not limited to this configuration.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram focusing only on the periphery of the power supply control / reset circuit of the control unit 3, and the other parts are simplified and shown.

  The reset circuit 350 is a reset circuit of the main board 200. The boot ROM 202 includes a BIOS that controls basic parts of the hardware. The CPLD 304 monitors interrupts and controls power supply as described above. The reset circuit 352 is a reset circuit on the sub board 220. The hardware circuits 351 and 353 are hardware circuits of the boards 200 and 220, and include the controller shown in FIG.

  Since the synchronous hardware resets the internal state by the reset signal, the hardware circuit built in the synchronous circuit resets the hardware after the power is supplied to each chip after the power is turned on. There is a need to. Since a plurality of hardware chips have a master-slave relationship, design a reset sequence and sequentially reset. Therefore, generally, as shown in FIG. 9, one board has one reset circuit, and each reset circuit performs the reset operation in each board.

  The main board 200 is a main board in the image forming apparatus 1 and has a CPLD 304. The CPLD 304 receives an input such as a switch state from the power supply switch 101 and controls the power supply to the main board 200 and the sub board 220 using the relay switch 308. The CPLD 304 can reset the system according to the instruction of the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 can operate normally. Conversely, when the power is not supplied to the CPU 201, the CPLD 304 turns on the relay switch 308 to supply power to the control unit 3 when receiving the input of the power switch 101.

  The boot ROM 202 is a BIOS that includes a low level hardware control library and the like. Generally, it is intended to ensure compatibility with IBM compatible machines and the like, and although it is not essential on a so-called computer system, it has been described because it can execute part of the power saving function according to the ACPI standard, for example. In the image forming apparatus 1 having the above hardware configuration, the CPU 201 receives the state of the power switch 101 via the CPLD 304 when the power switch 101 is turned off. That is, normally, when detecting the power-off, the CPU 201 operates a shutdown sequence and instructs the CPLD 304 to shut down. As a result, the relay switch 308 is turned off by the IO signal V_ON 307, and the power supply 301 is completely shut down by stopping the power supply to the control unit 3 via the emergency power supply line 309. Since the shutdown of the program by the CPU 201 is completely completed by this shutdown, the program of the CPU 201 is started as usual when the power switch 101 is turned on next time.

  Next, the power supply at the time of activation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be supplemented. When the operator uses the image forming apparatus 1, the power switch 101 is turned on. When detecting the power on, the CPLD 304 turns on the relay switch 308 by the IO signal N_ON 307 to feed power from the power source 301 to the control unit 3 via the emergency night power source line 309. Thus, the CPU 201 performs hardware initialization. This hardware initialization includes register initialization, interrupt initialization, registration of a device driver at kernel startup, initialization of a display unit, and the like. Next, the CPU 201 performs software initialization. The initialization of the software includes a call to an initialization routine of each library, activation of a process or thread, activation of a software service communicating with the printer unit 4 or the scanner unit 2, drawing of a display unit, and the like. In this way, when the initialization process is completed, the state shifts to the idle state. Thereafter, power is supplied to the scanner unit 2, the printer unit 4, the finisher 100, and the like. In the printer unit 4, the scanner unit 2, and the finisher 100, each CPU starts an initialization operation when the power is turned on.

  Next, power supply in a normal state in which the printer unit 4 and the scanner unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 are not used will be supplemented. In the normal state, not only the state where power is supplied to all the units but, for example, the state where power is not supplied to the printer unit 4 when printing is not performed, or the display of the operation unit 5 is turned off If not, the scanner unit 2 may not be powered. In order to accelerate the completion of printing by the printer unit 4 and the completion of reading by the scanner unit 2, power is constantly supplied to the printer unit 4 and the scanner unit 2. However, there are a state in which the motor and polygon for printing are not operated, a state in which the temperature of the transfer unit for printing is not adjusted, and an operation waiting state in which home position detection for document reading is not operated.

  Next, power supply in a state in which the printer unit 4 and the scanner unit 2 are used when the image forming apparatus 1 receives and prints PDL data will be supplemented.

  The power on / off of the printer unit 4 in the printing function will be described. When receiving the print data from the computer 9 via the LAN 8, the CPU 201 of the control unit 3 stores the print data in the memory 203. The CPU 201 analyzes the received print data, and generates a print job when executing printing. The CPU 201 turns on the switch 311 by the IO signal P_ON 310 to supply power to the printer unit 4. The CPU 201 executes the print job when the printer unit 4 becomes available. The CPU 201 transmits data from the memory 203 to the printer unit 4 via the bus controllers 204 and 224, the image processing unit 227, and the device controller 226. The printer unit 4 prints the received data, and when the printing is completed, notifies the CPU 201 of the result. When printing is completed, the CPU 201 causes the CPLD 304 to output the IO signal P_ON 310 to turn off the relay switch 311, and stops the power supply 301 from the power supply 301 to the printer unit 4 by the power supply line 312.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment transitions to the sleep state (power saving state). The program for executing this process is realized by being developed from the HDD 6 to the memory 203 at the time of execution and the CPU 201 executing the program.

  First, in step S1001, the CPU 201 determines whether it is time to start the power saving function. The timing for starting the power saving function is, for example, the time when the auto sleep timer has timed out, the auto sleep time has come, the auto shutdown timer has timed out, the auto shutdown time has come, or the like. If it is determined that it is time to start the power saving function, the process advances to step S1002 to turn on a flag (not shown) indicating the start of the power saving function. This flag indicates that it is time to execute the power saving function, and is provided in the memory 203.

  Next, in step S1003, the CPU 201 determines whether the prohibition conditions for actually shifting to the power saving state are met. As this prohibition condition, for example, there is a condition such as executing a print job when it is time to start the power saving function. This is set as a prohibiting condition in order to prevent occurrence of a problem that the target printed matter can not be obtained when the print job being executed is interrupted by the power saving function. If it is determined in S1003 that the state meets the prohibition condition, the process waits for the state not meeting the prohibition condition in S1003 and proceeds to S1004. In step S1004, the CPU 201 executes the power saving state and shifts to the sleep state.

  In this manner, when it is time to start the power saving function and the state can be shifted to the power saving state, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the sleep state (power saving state).

  A process of executing the power saving function in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11A is a flowchart for explaining the process according to the first embodiment when the power saving function is executed in S1004 of FIG.

  Here, in step S1101, the CPU 201 determines whether the sensor of the document insertion slot of the manual stapler has detected a document. If a document is detected, the process advances to step S1102, and the CPU 201 does not execute the power saving function. At this time, the flag set in S1002 described above may be turned off. On the other hand, when the document is not detected in step S1101, the processing proceeds to step S1103 and the CPU 201 performs control to execute the power saving function.

  As a result, even when the manual stapling function and the power saving function are simultaneously enabled, it is possible to solve the problem of shifting to the power saving state during manual stapling. That is, when the manual stapling function is being executed, the power saving state is maintained as long as the document for manual stapling is set even if it is informed that the conditions for shifting to the power saving state are satisfied by the shutdown operation or the sleep timer. There is no transition to The trigger to shift to the power saving state occurs as described above due to the auto sleep timer, the auto sleep time, the auto shutdown timer, the auto shutdown time, and the like.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 11B is a flowchart for explaining the process according to the second embodiment when the power saving function is executed in S1004 of FIG. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the power saving function can be executed even if the power saving start time is notified by, for example, the auto sleep timer in a state where the power saving function is not executed because the power saving function is satisfied. The process when there is no will be described.

  In step S1110, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a document in the document insertion slot of the manual stapler, as in the above-described step S1101. If there is a document, the process advances to step S1111 to disable the power saving function. On the other hand, when the document is not detected in S1110, the process proceeds to S1112, and the CPU 201 detects the document and determines whether the start time of the power saving function such as the shutdown timer or the sleep timer is reached when the power saving function is not executed. Do. If so, the process advances to step S1113 and the CPU 201 immediately executes the power saving function that has not been executed although the start time has come, and ends this processing. Thus, when the sensor of the manual stapler detects the document and the power saving function can not be executed, the power saving function can be immediately executed when the start of the power saving function is instructed by the shutdown timer or the sleep timer. . On the other hand, if the start time has not come, the process advances to step S1114, and the CPU 201 executes the power saving function according to the normal procedure.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when there is a document in the insertion port of the document of the stapler 601, the execution of the power saving function of the stapler 601 can be stopped. In addition, when there is no document in the document insertion port of the stapler 601, it is possible to execute the power saving function that has not been executed because the document is in the insertion port.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The problems of the third embodiment are an image forming apparatus having a state in which the finisher 100 is powered on, a state in which the finisher 100 is powered off, and an intermediate state thereof. If the user tries to execute the manual stapler 601 while the image forming apparatus is in the middle state of transitioning from the power on state to the power off state, the power of the finisher 100 is turned off during the execution.

  Therefore, in order to solve this problem, in the third embodiment, when the document is sandwiched between the document insertion ports of the stapler 601, the stapler 601 is delayed from being turned off.

  FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.

  This processing is started by transitioning the stapler 601 to the power-off state by power saving processing such as shutdown processing and sleep processing. In step S1201, when the CPU 201 starts shutdown, the document detection sensor detects whether there is a document in the document insertion port of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100, and determines whether the document exists. Here, if it is determined that there is an original, the process advances to step S1202, and the CPU 201 reserves power-off of the stapler 601 without immediately executing power-off of the stapler 601, and ends the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1201 that no document is present in the document insertion slot, the process advances to S1203 and the CPU 201 turns off the stapler 601. Also, when the power off is reserved, the power off is executed immediately.

  Thus, according to the third embodiment, when there is an original at the insertion port of the original of the stapler 601, the execution of the power saving process of the stapler 601 can be delayed.

Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 12B is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  The problem of the fourth embodiment is that when the manual stapler is shut down when the display unit 1500 of the image forming apparatus 1 is off, the user suddenly can not use the finisher 100 without knowing anything. In the fourth embodiment, when shutdown is performed in a state where the display unit 1500 is off and the document is detected at the document insertion port of the manual stapler, power is supplied to the display unit 1500 to turn on the display. Display a message etc. to the user. As a result, the user can recognize that the manual stapler has shut down by the content displayed on the display unit 1500.

  In step S1210, the CPU 201 determines whether a document is present in the document insertion port of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100. If there is no document, the processing ends. On the other hand, when a document is detected, the process advances to step S1211, and the CPU 201 determines whether the backlight of the display unit 1500 is off. If it is not off, the process proceeds to S1213, but if the backlight of the display unit 1500 is off, the process proceeds to S1212 and the CPU 201 turns on the backlight of the display unit 1500 and proceeds to S1213. In step S1213, the CPU 201 causes the display unit 1500 to display a message instructing removal of the document from the document insertion port of the stapler 601, and ends this processing.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, shutdown of the manual stapler can be notified to the user of the image forming apparatus.

Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, in the power saving state, stapling can not be performed even if the user inserts a document into the document insertion port of the stapler 601 to perform manual stapling.

  This process is started when the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the sleep state. First, in step S1301, the CPU 201 executes the power saving function, and the image forming apparatus 1 enters the sleep state. Next, in step S1302, the CPU 201 determines whether a document has been detected in the document insertion port of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100. As described above, this is notified to the CPLD 304 when the finisher CPU 330 detects a document in the document insertion slot. As a result, the switch 308 is turned on by the CPLD 304 signal V_ON 307, power feeding to the control unit 3 is started, and it is recognized that the CPU 201 is activated and a document is detected. If the CPU 201 detects that the document has been inserted into the document insertion port of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100 in step S1302, the process advances to step S1303. In step S1303, the CPU 201 returns from the power saving state, and ends this processing.

  That is, when the sensor of the stapler 601 detects a document in S1303, the CPU of the finisher 100 notifies the CPLD 304 by the interrupt signal INT_ACC 335. As a result, the CPLD 304 turns on the relay switch 308 by the IO signal V_ON 307 to energize the control unit 3 and the CPU 201 recovers from the sleep state.

  According to the fifth embodiment, when using the stapler 601 when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the power saving state, the stapler can be used simply by setting the document on the stapler 601 without pressing the power saving key to return. Become.

Sixth Embodiment
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the sixth embodiment. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the sixth embodiment, when there is no needle in the stapler 601, the power saving function is executed even if the insertion original of the document in the stapler 601 is detected. For example, while the stapler 601 has no needle and the user prepares a needle, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the sleep state if the condition for shifting to the sleep state is satisfied.

  First, in step S <b> 1401, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a document in the document insertion port of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100. If a document is detected, the process advances to step S <b> 1402 and the CPU 201 determines whether the needle driving unit 822 of the stapler 601 has a needle. If it is determined that there is a needle, the processing proceeds to step S1403 and the CPU 201 prohibits the execution of the power saving function, and ends this processing. At this time, the timer of the power saving function is not stopped.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1401 that there is no document, or if it is determined in S1402 that there is no needle in the needle driving unit 822 of the stapler 601, the process advances to S1404. In step S1404, the CPU 201 detects a document and determines whether the start time of a power saving function such as a shutdown timer or a sleep timer has been reached in the state where the power saving function is not executed as in step S1112 in FIG. Do. If so, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1403 to immediately execute the power saving function which has not been executed although the start time has come, whereas when the start time has not come, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1406 and proceeds as usual. Perform the power saving function according to the procedure.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, when there is no needle in the needle driving unit 822 of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100, the power saving function can not be stopped. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the power saving function can not be executed for the finisher processing even though the stapler can not be used.

Seventh Embodiment
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the seventh embodiment, when the finisher 100 is a separate power supply, the finisher 100 can perform manual stapling alone, so that the image forming apparatus 1 can shift to the power saving state.

  Specifically, if a power saving time such as a shutdown or a sleep timer has come while the power saving function from the power saving stop to the power saving start is stopped, the power saving function is immediately executed when the finisher 100 has a separate power supply. In the seventh embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the execution of the power saving function is delayed. However, the execution of the power saving function can be prohibited as in the first embodiment, instead of delaying the execution of the power saving function, but this will be omitted because the contents will be duplicated.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining the power supply system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the seventh embodiment. Note that portions common to the block diagram of FIG. 6 described above are denoted by the same symbols, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 15, when the power switch 338 of the finisher 100 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply 337 to the finisher 100 via the power supply line 339. Here, as in the first embodiment described above, the power supply 301 does not supply power to the finisher 100.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the seventh embodiment. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  This process starts when the document detection sensor of the driver unit 821 and the needle impact unit 822 detects that a document has been inserted into the document insertion port of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100 by the user, and the CPU 201 receives a sensor notification. . First, in step S <b> 1601, the CPU 201 determines whether a document is present in the document insertion port of the stapler 601 of the finisher 100. If it is determined that a document is present, the process advances to step S1602 and the CPU 201 inquires of the finisher 100 whether the power supply of the finisher 100 is another power supply and determines it. Specifically, the CPU 201 communicates with the CPU 221 of the sub board 220 via the bus controllers 204 and 224. Furthermore, communication is performed with the CPU 330 of the finisher 100 via the image processing unit 227, the device controller 226, and the CPU 320 of the printer unit 4. Then, the CPU 201 inquires the presence or absence of the power switch 338 of the finisher 100, and determines whether the power supply of the finisher 100 is another power supply by receiving the response. If the CPU 201 determines in step S1602 that the power source is not a separate power source, the process advances to step S1603 and the CPU 201 prohibits the execution of the power saving function and ends this processing. In this case, the timer of the power saving function is not stopped.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1601 that the document is not detected, or if the finisher 100 has another power supply in S1602, the process proceeds to S1604, and the CPU 201 executes the same processing as S1112 in FIG. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the time-out of the power-saving function timer or the designated time of the power-saving function has been reached from the time when the execution of the power-saving function is prohibited until the power-saving function is started. The process advances to step S1605. In step S1605, the CPU 201 immediately executes the power saving function and ends the processing. If not, the processing proceeds to step S1606, and the CPU 201 executes the power saving function as usual and ends the processing.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 and the finisher 100 are separate power supplies, even if the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the sleep state, the finisher is not affected. The device 1 can immediately execute the power saving function.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, when the condition for transitioning to the power saving state is satisfied (S1003: Yes), the power saving function is executed, and the sensor of the stapler detects the document when the power saving function is executed. In this case, an example of prohibiting the execution of the power saving function has been described. However, in the present invention, the condition that the sensor of the stapler does not detect the document may be the condition to shift to the power saving state. That is, in S1003, when the sensor of the stapler does not detect the document (S1003: No), the processing of S1004 may be executed.

  The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to execute.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to disclose the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Scanning part, 3 ... Control part, 4 ... Printer part, 5 ... Operation part, 101 ... Power switch, 201 ... CPU, 203 ... Memory, 304 ... CPLD

Claims (49)

An imaging system,
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
Stapling means for stapling the sheet conveyed from the image forming means;
A sheet setting unit in which sheets to be stapled by the stapler are set at a position set by a user;
A detection unit that detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit;
Receiving means for receiving a power saving transition instruction from the user;
Power control means for stopping supply of power to a predetermined device based on the detection result of the detection means in response to the power saving shift instruction received by the reception means;
An image forming system comprising:   The image forming system may supply power to the predetermined device even if the reception unit receives the power saving transition instruction while the detection unit detects that the sheet is set in the sheet setting unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system does not stop.   The power control unit stops power supply to the predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit in response to the power saving transition instruction. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system does not.   The power control unit stops power supply to the predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit has not detected that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit in response to the power saving transition instruction. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the stapler unit does not staple the sheet set in the sheet setting unit by the user when the power is not supplied to the predetermined device. The receiving unit can receive a return instruction from a user in a state where power is not supplied to the predetermined device.
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power control unit starts power supply to the predetermined device based on the return instruction.   7. The power supply control unit according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control unit stops the power supply to the staple unit based on the detection result of the detection unit in response to the power saving shift instruction received by the reception unit. An image forming system according to any one of the preceding claims.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stapler unit staples the sheets set in the sheet set unit in a state where power is supplied to the predetermined device. system. It further has display means for displaying an image,
9. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display means does not display an image based on a detection result of the detection means in response to the power saving shift instruction received by the reception means. Imaging system.   10. The image according to claim 9, wherein the power control unit turns off the backlight of the display unit based on the detection result of the detection unit in response to the power saving shift instruction received by the reception unit. Formation system.   11. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the display unit displays an image prompting removal of the sheet based on the sheet being set in the sheet setting unit.   The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the receiving unit is a power saving key. The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, and a finisher capable of binding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus is
The image forming unit, the receiving unit, and the power control unit;
The finisher is
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising the sheet setting unit, the detection unit, and the staple unit.   The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined device is a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit on the sheet. A staple unit that staples a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus, a sheet setting unit in which a sheet to be stapled by the staple unit is set at a position set by a user, and a sheet being set in the sheet setting unit An image forming apparatus to which a finisher having a detection unit to be detected can be attached,
Receiving means for receiving a power saving transition instruction from the user;
Power control means for stopping supply of power to a predetermined device based on the detection result of the detection means in response to the power saving shift instruction received by the reception means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The power control unit stops power supply to the predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit in response to the power saving transition instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image forming apparatus does not.   The power control unit stops power supply to the predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit has not detected that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit in response to the power saving transition instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the predetermined device is a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit on the sheet. Having display means for displaying an image;
19. The display device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the display means does not display an image based on the detection result of the detection means in response to the power saving shift instruction received by the reception means. Image forming apparatus. An imaging system,
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
Stapling means for stapling the sheet conveyed from the image forming means;
A sheet setting unit in which sheets to be stapled by the stapler are set at a position set by a user;
A detection unit that detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit;
Accepting means for accepting user operations;
Power control means for stopping power supply to a predetermined device based on the detection result of the detection means according to the time when the user operation is not received by the reception means;
An image forming system comprising:   The power control unit is configured to send the predetermined device according to a time when the user operation is not received by the reception unit while the detection unit detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit. 21. The image forming system according to claim 20, characterized in that the power supply to the device is stopped.   The power control unit is configured to detect that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit by the detection unit according to a time when the user operation is not received by the reception unit. 22. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein power supply to a predetermined device is not stopped.   The power control unit is configured to detect that the sheet is not set in the sheet setting unit by the detection unit according to a time when the user operation is not received by the reception unit. The image forming system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein power supply to a predetermined device is stopped.   The detection unit detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit even after the supply of power to the predetermined device is stopped, based on the time when the user operation is not received by the reception unit. 24. An imaging system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that it can.   25. The image according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the stapler unit does not staple the sheet set in the sheet setting unit in a state where power supply to the predetermined device is not performed. Formation system. The power control unit is configured to supply power to the predetermined device according to detection that the sheet is set in the sheet setting unit by the detection unit in a state where power is not supplied to the predetermined device. To supply
26. The image forming system according to claim 25, wherein the stapler staples the sheet set in the sheet set unit after power is supplied to the predetermined device. It further has display means for displaying an image,
The display unit displays an image prompting the user to remove the sheet from the sheet setting unit based on the fact that the detection unit detects that the sheet is present in the sheet setting unit. 20. The image forming system according to any one of 20 to 26. The image forming system comprises an image forming apparatus and a finisher.
The image forming apparatus is
Comprising the image forming means and the power control means;
The finisher is
The image forming system according to any one of claims 20 to 26, comprising the stapler and the detector.   The image forming system according to claim 28, wherein the predetermined device is a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit to the sheet. A staple unit for stapling a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus, a sheet setting unit in which a sheet to be stapled by the staple unit is set at a position set by a user, and a sheet set in the sheet setting unit An image forming apparatus to which a finisher having a detection unit for detecting
An image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet;
Accepting means for accepting user operations;
Power control means for stopping power supply to a predetermined device based on the detection result of the detection means according to the time when the user operation is not received by the reception means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The power control unit is configured to detect that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit by the detection unit according to a time when the user operation is not received by the reception unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 30, wherein power supply to a predetermined device is stopped.   The power control means is configured to detect that the sheet has not been set by the detection means according to a time when the user operation is not received by the reception means. 32. The image forming apparatus according to claim 30, wherein power supply to a predetermined device is stopped.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the predetermined device is a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit on the sheet. Having display means for displaying an image;
34. The display device according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the display means does not display an image based on the detection result of the detection means according to the time when the user operation is not received by the reception means. Image forming apparatus as described. An imaging system,
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
Stapling means for stapling the sheet conveyed from the image forming means;
A sheet setting unit in which sheets to be stapled by the stapler are set at a position set by a user;
A detection unit that detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit;
Power control means for stopping power supply to a predetermined device based on the detection result of the detection means at a time designated by a user;
And an image forming system characterized by having.   The image forming system stops the power supply to the predetermined device even at the time designated by the user while it is detected that the sheet is set in the sheet setting unit by the detection unit. The image forming system according to claim 35, wherein the image forming system does not.   The power control unit is configured to supply power to the predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit at a time designated by the user. 37. An imaging system according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that it does not stop.   The power control unit supplies power to the predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit has not detected that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit at a time designated by the user. An imaging system according to any of the claims 35 to 37, characterized in that it is stopped. It further has display means for displaying an image,
The display unit displays a screen prompting the user to remove the sheet from the sheet setting unit based on detection that the sheet is set in the sheet setting unit by the detection unit. An image forming system according to any one of claims 35 to 38.   The power control means supplies power to the predetermined device in response to the fact that the detection means is not detected to be set in the sheet setting unit after the time instructed by the user. The image forming system according to any one of claims 35 to 39, which is stopped.   The image formation according to any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein the time indicated by the user is a time indicated to cause the predetermined device to be turned off at the time. system. It further comprises reservation means for reserving the stop of the power supply to the predetermined device according to the detection means detecting the presence of the sheet in the sheet setting unit at the time designated by the user.
The power control unit may stop power supply to the predetermined device in response to the detection unit not detecting that there is a sheet in the sheet setting unit based on the reservation by the reservation unit. 42. An imaging system according to any of the claims 35-41, characterized in that:   43. The image forming system according to any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the predetermined device is a fixing unit for fixing the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit to the sheet. The image forming system comprises an image forming apparatus and a finisher.
The image forming apparatus is
Comprising the image forming means and the power control means;
The finisher is
The image forming system according to any one of claims 35 to 43, comprising the sheet setting unit, the detection unit, and the staple unit. A staple unit for stapling a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus, a sheet setting unit in which a sheet to be stapled by the staple unit is set at a position set by a user, and a sheet set in the sheet setting unit An image forming apparatus to which a finisher having a detection unit for detecting
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
Power control means for stopping power supply to a predetermined device based on the detection result of the detection means at a time designated by a user;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The power control unit stops power supply to a predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit detects that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit at a time designated by the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the image forming apparatus does not.   The power control unit supplies power to the predetermined device based on the fact that the detection unit has not detected that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit at a time designated by the user. 47. The image forming apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the image forming apparatus stops operation.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the predetermined device is a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit to the sheet. It further has display means for displaying an image,
The display unit does not display the image based on the fact that the detection unit does not detect that a sheet is set in the sheet setting unit at a time designated by the user. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 48.

Images