JPH07226815A - Communication equipment and image-forming device with this equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To considerably reduce power consumption in a standby state and to conduct an operation if necessary in a communication equipment and an image-forming device provided with the equipment. CONSTITUTION:Even when the main switch 253 of a manual operation is turned off and a DC power source 254 is not fed, an energy-saving device 258 being an automatic switching means operates by signals on the start of the transmission or reception of data and closes the regular opening contact points 267a and 267b of a relay. A commercial power source (AC 100V) feeds power to the DC power source 254. Since a power detection circuit 255 detects the turning- off of a main switch 253, a control part 256 permits the DC power source 254 to automatically feed power to a part of circuits (including a circuit which is directly related to communication and the circuit of an image-forming part which image-forms and outputs received data).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus or a digital copying machine having the communication apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A variety of electronic devices including a communication device or an image forming apparatus having the communication device are provided with a plurality of circuits each operated by power supply from a power source, and a manual switch (switching between power supply and cutoff to all the circuits). Power switch).

In such an electronic device, if the user forgets to turn on the manual switch, even if data is sent, it cannot be received. So, if you turn on the manual switch and leave all circuits powered from the power supply,
Since power is consumed even when this device is not used by the user, for example, the following (1) to
There were problems or requests as shown in (3).

(1) At present, there is a demand for energy saving of machines due to environmental problems, and it is necessary to develop machines with low power consumption in the future. (2) The device having a heat source has a built-in cooling fan and constantly sends cooling air, but it is claimed that the noise of the cooling fan is noisy when it is used in a quiet environment. (3) Hot air comes out from the rear of the device such as a copying machine, but since the hot air contains ozone, it is desirable to stop the hot air fan as much as possible so as not to deteriorate the working environment of the user located behind the device. There is a request.

Therefore, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-223873, power is automatically supplied from the power source (power is turned on) by inputting a signal relating to the start of transmission / reception of facsimile communication (data). , When the transmission / reception of the facsimile communication is completed and the signal regarding the start / reception of the transmission / reception of the facsimile communication is not input within a certain time, the power supply from the power supply is automatically cut off, and the manual switch is turned off at night, etc. There has been proposed a facsimile apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication even when the power supply is cut off and saving power consumption.

[0006]

However, even in such an electronic device, since automatic power supply from the power source is performed to all circuits, if there is a circuit that is not used at the time of power supply, it is wasteful. Leads to power consumption. This invention was made in view of the above points,
In the communication device or the image forming apparatus including the communication device,
The purpose is to reduce the power consumption of each circuit as much as possible.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a communication device having a plurality of circuits each operated by power supply from a power source, and a manual switch means for switching between power supply and interruption to all the circuits and a communication device therefor. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the provided image forming apparatus is characterized as follows.

A first aspect of the present invention is a communication device provided with automatic switch means which is activated by a signal relating to the start of data transmission or reception and automatically feeds power from a power source to a part of each of the circuits. A second aspect of the present invention is a communication device, wherein the automatic switch means is provided with means for automatically cutting off power supply to a part of each circuit after a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of data transmission or reception. is there.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the communication device according to the second aspect, wherein the end of reception in the communication device is after the image forming unit forms and outputs the received data. is there.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the communication device according to the first aspect, wherein a heating means for heating a specific area in the apparatus, a manual switch means and an automatic switch means are all connected to a power source. Switch means is provided for supplying power from the power supply to the heating means when power is not supplied to all the circuits or a part of the circuits. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the specific area is an area in which a lens and a mirror or a photoconductor forming an optical system for image formation are installed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the communication device according to the first aspect, wherein an image forming section for forming an image of a circuit directly related to communication and received data is formed in a part of each of the circuits. And the circuit of. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, even when power is supplied from the power source to a part of each circuit by the automatic switch means, the power is collectively supplied from the power source to all the circuits by the manual switch means. The circuit configuration can be switched as described above.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including the communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the automatic switch means is operated by power supply from a power source different from the power source. . According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, at least the circuit directly related to the communication and the circuit of the image forming section that forms and outputs the received data by the automatic switch means even when the other power source fails. In addition, it is configured so that power can be supplied from the power source. The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9,
The contact of the automatic switch means is a normally closed contact of the relay.

[0013]

According to the communication device of the present invention, the automatic switch means is activated by a signal relating to the start of data transmission or reception to automatically supply power from a power source to a part of the above circuits (minimum necessary circuits). Therefore, power consumption is reduced.

If the automatic switch means automatically cuts off the power supply to a part of each of the above circuits after a lapse of a predetermined time from the end of data transmission or reception, the power consumption will be further reduced. . In this case, if the reception in the communication device is ended after the image forming unit has formed and output the received data, a part of each circuit (including the circuit of the image forming unit is included before the image forming and outputting is completed). There is no possibility that the power supply to () will be cut off.

Further, there is provided heating means for heating a specific area in the apparatus, for example, an area in which a lens and a mirror or a photoconductor forming an optical system for image formation are installed.
When neither the manual switch means nor the automatic switch means is supplying power from the power supply to all or some of the circuits, the power is supplied from the power supply to the heating means. Therefore, when the environmental temperature is low, the manual switch means and the automatic switch means are provided. Immediately after power is supplied from the power source to all or some of the circuits by any of the above, image formation can be performed immediately.

Further, if a circuit directly related to communication and a circuit of an image forming unit for forming and outputting received data as an image are included in a part of each of the above circuits, when a signal relating to the start of data reception is received, Since power is supplied from the power supply to the circuit of the image forming unit by the switch means, data can be reliably received and image formation output can be performed. Furthermore, even when power is supplied from the power source to a part of each of the circuits by the automatic switch means, if the power is switched from the power source to all the circuits collectively by the manual switch means, the usability is improved. Get better.

Further, the automatic switch means is operated by power supply from a power source different from the above power source, and the automatic switch means receives at least a circuit directly involved in communication and received data even when the other power source fails. If the circuit of the image forming unit for image formation and output can be fed from the power source (for example, the contact of the automatic switch means is the normally closed contact of the relay), the data can be supplied regardless of the state of the other power source. Can be received and image formation output can be performed.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. 2 is a diagram showing the internal construction of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the optical writing section thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, this digital copying machine is composed of four units: a copying machine main body A, an automatic document feeder B, a sorter C, and a double-sided reversing unit D.

<Copier main body> Among them, the main body A of the copier includes a scanner section, an optical writing section, a photoconductor section, a developing section and a conveying section. Here, the configuration and operation of each unit will be specifically described.

Scanner Unit The scanner unit 15 is equipped with a first mirror that is equipped with a reflecting mirror 1, a light source 3 and a first mirror 2 and that moves at a constant speed, and a second scanner that is equipped with a second mirror 4 and a third mirror 5. 1 in 1 Scanner
Second moving at a speed of / 2 following the first scanner
And a scanner.

An original document (not shown) on the contact glass 9 is optically scanned by the first scanner and the second scanner, and the reflected image is guided to the lens 7 through the color filter 6 and then on the one-dimensional solid-state image pickup device 8. It is imaged. A fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp is used as the light source 3, and a fluorescent lamp is generally used because of its stable wavelength and long life. Although the reflecting mirror 1 is attached to one light source 3 in this embodiment, two or more light sources may be used.

Since the one-dimensional solid-state image pickup device 8 has a constant sampling clock, the light source 3 adversely affects the image unless it is turned on at a higher frequency. A CCD image sensor is generally used as the one-dimensional solid-state image sensor 8. Since the image signal read by the one-dimensional solid-state image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD image sensor”) 8 is an analog value, it is A / D converted, and various image processes (binarization, binarization, etc.) are performed by the circuit of the image processing board 10. Multi-value, gradation processing,
It is converted to a digital signal as a set of spots after being subjected to scaling processing, editing, etc.).

In order to obtain the color image information, in this embodiment, a color filter 6 that transmits only the necessary color information is arranged so that it can be taken in and out along the optical path guided from the original to the CCD image sensor 8. A wide variety of copies can be created by inserting / removing the color filter 6 in accordance with the scanning of the original and operating the functions such as multiple transfer and double-sided copy each time.

Optical writing unit The image information after the image processing is carried out by the optical writing unit 16 in the form of a set of light spots in the raster scanning of the laser beam, and the photosensitive drum 4 is formed.
Written above zero. As a laser light source, a He-Ne laser has been generally used conventionally. This He-Ne
The wavelength of the laser is 633 nm, and it has been used because it matches well with the sensitivity of conventional photoconductors for copying machines. However, the laser light source itself is very expensive and the device becomes complicated because direct modulation is not possible. Has the problem of.

In recent years, semiconductor lasers, which are inexpensive and capable of direct modulation, have come to be used due to the increased sensitivity of the photoconductor in the long wavelength region. This semiconductor laser is also used in this embodiment. In this optical writing unit 16, as shown in FIG. 3, the semiconductor laser 2 mounted on the housing 31 is mounted.
The laser light emitted from 0 is converted into a parallel light flux by the collimator lens 21 and shaped into a constant light flux by the aperture 32.

The shaped laser beam is incident on the polygon mirror 24 in a form compressed by the first cylinder lens 22 in the sub-scanning direction. The polygon mirror 24 has an accurate polygonal shape and is rotated by a polygon motor 25 (see FIG. 2) in a fixed direction at a fixed speed. This rotation speed is determined by the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 40, the writing density, and the number of faces of the polygon mirror 24.

The reflected light of the laser light incident on the polygon mirror 24 is deflected by the rotation of the mirror 24. The deflected laser light is reflected by the fθ lenses 26a and 26a.
b and 26c are sequentially incident. Each of the fθ lenses converts scanning light having a constant angular velocity so as to scan the photosensitive drum 40 at a constant speed, and forms an image so as to have a minimum light spot on the photosensitive drum 40, and further has a face tilt correction mechanism. are doing.

The laser light that has passed through the fθ lenses 26a, 26b, 26c is guided outside the image area by the synchronization detection mirror 29 to the synchronization detection sensor 30, and is kept constant after the synchronization signal for issuing the cue signal in the main scanning direction is issued. After one hour, the image data for one line is output.
Will form two images.

Photosensitive Member A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40 shown in FIG. OPC (organic photoreceptor), α-S as a photosensitive layer having sensitivity to a semiconductor laser (wavelength 780 nm)
Although i, Se-Te and the like are known, OPC is used in this embodiment. Generally in the case of laser writing,
Negative / positive (N / P) process of shining light on the image area,
2 of positive / positive (P / P) process of shining light on the background
There is a street, and in this embodiment, the former negative / positive process is adopted.

The charging charger 41 is of the scorotron type having a grid on the photoconductor side, and is a photoconductor drum 40.
The surface of (1) is uniformly (-) charged, and the image area is irradiated with laser light to reduce the potential of that area. As a result, the background portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 40 is -750 to -800V, and the image portion is-.
The potential is about 500 V, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 40. This is the developing device 42a and 4
In 2b, a bias voltage of -500 to -600 V is applied to each developing roller, and toner charged in (-) is attached to visualize the toner.

Developing Unit The developing unit of this digital copying machine main body A is a main developing unit 42.
Two developing devices, namely a and a sub-developing device 42b are provided.
Then, in the case of a black color, the sub-developing device 42b and its toner replenishing device 43b are removed.

In this embodiment having two developing devices, black toner is put in the toner replenishing device 43a paired with the main developing device 42a, and color toner is put in the toner replenishing device 43b paired with the sub developing device 42b. As a result, during the development of one color, the development is selectively performed by changing the main pole position of the developing device for the other color. By using this development to read color information by switching the color filter 6 of the scanner, and by combining the paper transfer system multiple transfer and double-sided copying functions, multifunctional color copying and color editing are possible.

Development of three or more colors can be achieved by a method of arranging three or more developing devices around the photosensitive drum 40 and a revolver system in which three or more developing devices are rotated and switched. The images visualized by the developing devices 42a and 42b are transferred onto the paper sent in synchronization with the rotation of the photoconductor drum 40 from the back surface of the paper by a (+) charge by the transfer charger 44. It

The sheet on which the image has been transferred is subjected to AC charge removal by a separation charger 45 which is integrally held with a transfer charger 44, and is separated from the photosensitive drum 40 by a separation claw 46.
Separated from. The photoconductor drum 40 is not transferred to the paper.
The toner remaining on the surface is scraped off from the photoconductor drum 40 by the cleaning blade 47, and the attached tank 48
Will be collected. Further, the potential pattern remaining on the photoconductor drum 40 is erased by the irradiation light from the static elimination lamp 49.

Conveying Section In the main body A of the digital copying machine, sheet feeding cassettes 60a, 60b, 60c capable of accommodating sheets of different sizes are detachably mounted. Each of the paper feed cassettes 60a,
When either 60b or 60c is selected and a start button (not shown) is pressed, the paper feed rollers 61 (61a, 61b, 6) arranged in the vicinity of the selected paper feed cassette.
1c) starts rotating, the topmost sheet in the sheet feeding cassette is fed, and stops at a position where the leading end of the sheet hits the registration roller 62.

Although the registration roller 62 is not rotating at this time, the registration roller 62 starts rotating at the timing of the position of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 40, and feeds the paper to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. After the toner image is transferred on the sheet, the sheet is sucked and conveyed by the separating and conveying section 63, and the toner image transferred by the fixing roller composed of a pair of the heat roller 64 and the pressure roller 65 is transferred onto the sheet. Heat fixed.

The fixed sheet is guided by the switching claw 67 to the sheet discharge port on the sorter C side by the switching claw 67 at the time of normal copying, and the path direction is changed by the switching claws 68, 69 at the time of multiple copying. , Is not discharged to the sorter C side, passes through the lower sheet re-feeding loop 72, and is again fed to the image transfer portion. In the case of double-sided copying, there are two cases, that is, the case where the copying machine main body A alone is used and the case where the double-sided reversing unit D is used.

The sheet guided downward by the switching claw 67 is further guided downward by the switching claw 68, and then guided by the next switching claw 69 to the double-sided tray 70 further below the refeeding loop 72. After that, the conveyance direction is reversed by the reverse rotation of the roller 71, the sheet is guided to the sheet re-feeding loop 72 by the switching of the switching claw 69, and is fed again to the image transfer portion.

<Automatic Document Feeding Device> Automatic Document Feeding Device B
Is an automatic operation for guiding the originals one by one onto the contact glass 9 and discharging them after copying. The stack of documents placed on the document feeder 100 is aligned in the width direction of the documents by the side guides 101. The originals are separated and fed one by one by a feeding roller 104,
When the conveyor belt 102 is rotated, it is carried to a predetermined position on the contact glass 9 and positioned.

When a predetermined number of copies have been completed, the original is conveyed again by the rotation of the conveyor belt 102 and is ejected onto the ejection tray 103. The size of the document can be detected by counting the position of the side guide 101 and the document feed time.

<Sorter> The sorter C is a device for selectively discharging the copy paper discharged from the copying machine main body A, for example, in the order of pages, for each page, or to the preset bins 111a to 111x. Copy paper sent by a plurality of rollers that are rotationally driven by the motor 110 is discharged to the selected bin 111 by switching the claws arranged near the entrance of each bin 111.

<Double-Sided Reversing Unit> The copying machine main body A can only perform double-sided copying for each sheet, but by providing the double-sided reversing unit D, it is possible to perform double-sided copying collectively. When making a double-sided copy for a plurality of sheets collectively, the sheet guided downward by the switching claw 67 is sent to the double-sided reversing unit D by the next switching claw 68.

The paper that has entered the double-sided reversing unit D is conveyed by the paper discharge rollers 120 and is transferred to the tray 123.
Accumulated on top. At that time, the feed roller 121 and the side surface alignment guide 122 align the paper vertically and horizontally. The sheets accumulated on the tray 123 are re-fed by the re-feeding roller 124 at the time of back side copying, and at this time, the switching claw 69 directly guides them to the re-feeding loop 72. 2 and 3, 23 is a soundproof glass, 27 is a mirror, 28 is a dustproof glass, 73 is a main motor, and 74 is a fan motor.

<Control Unit> Next, the control unit of the digital copying machine will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. 4 and 5 are block diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of the entire digital copying machine, which is divided into two diagrams for convenience of illustration.

The control unit of the copying machine main body A has two CPs.
U130 and U131 are provided to share and control the sequence relation and the operation relation, respectively. The CPUs 130 and 131 are connected to each other by a serial interface (RS-232C). First, the sequence control will be described.

The sequence control CPU 130 includes, in addition to the main CPU 131, a paper size sensor, other sensors such as discharge detection and registration detection, sensor switches such as dip switches, a high-voltage power supply unit, and a relay. , A solenoid, a motor, etc., a laser beam scanner unit (optical writing section) 16, an image control circuit 132, external units such as a sorter unit (sorter) C and a double-sided unit (double-sided reversal unit) D. , I / O, a timer counter, etc., respectively.

Regarding the sensor, a paper size sensor for detecting the size and orientation of the paper stored in each of the paper feed cassettes 60a, 60b, 60c shown in FIG. 2 and outputting an electric signal according to the result, There are sensors related to paper transport such as registration detection and paper discharge detection, sensors that detect the presence or absence of supplies such as oil ends and toner ends, and sensors that detect machine abnormalities such as door open and fuse blown. Voltage signal is I / O
And the like to the CPU 130.

The high-voltage power supply unit includes the charging charger 41, the transfer charger 44, and the separation charger 4 shown in FIG.
Predetermined high-voltage power is applied to each of the chargers 5 and developing bias electrodes. The driver is related to the paper feed clutch,
Registration clutch, counter, main motor 73 (Fig. 2
Motors such as), toner replenishment solenoids, power relays, fixing heaters, etc.

In the duplex unit D, there are a motor for aligning the width of the paper, a paper feed clutch, a home position sensor of a side fence for changing the transport path, a sensor for transporting the paper, and the like. The sorter unit C is connected to the main body A of the copying machine via a serial interface, and conveys a sheet at a predetermined timing according to a signal from the sequence and discharges the sheet to each bin.

The CPU 130 for sequence control inputs as analog inputs an input from a thermistor installed in the vicinity of the fixing unit, a monitor input of the laser diode, a reference voltage signal of the laser diode, and the like, for example, the input from the thermistor. The ON / OFF control is performed so that the temperature of the fixing unit becomes constant. As an adjusting mechanism for keeping the emission power of the laser diode constant, A /
The analog inputs of the D converter and the CPU are used. This is controlled so that the monitor voltage when the laser diode is turned on matches a preset reference voltage (this voltage is set so that the laser diode becomes 3 mW).

Further, the CPU 130 for sequence control
Controls ON / OFF control of the toner replenishment solenoid based on toner consumption amount calculation data, which will be described later, sent from the scanner unit 15. The image control circuit 132 generates timing signals such as masking, trimming, and erasing, counts ON signals of laser diodes,
Video signals (VDATA0 to 3) are given to the laser diode.

The gate array 134 is provided with binary data DATA1, 2 and 16-value (multi-value) data DATA10-13, DATA20-2 sent from the scanner section 15.
The laser beam scanner unit 1 converts each image data of 3
The image control circuit 1 is synchronized with the synchronization signal PMSYNC from 6 and further converted into a 4-bit serial signal (ODATA 0 to 3) synchronized with the image writing signal FGATE.
To 32.

Binary data DATA1 and DATA2
Is 1-bit data corresponding to each of the odd-numbered and even-numbered pixels (dots), and the respective data are collectively made into 2-bit parallel data. Also,
16-value data DATA10-13, DATA20-23
Is also 4-bit data corresponding to each of the odd-numbered and even-numbered pixels, and the respective data are collectively made into 8-bit parallel data.

Next, the operation-related control will be described. The main CPU 131 controls a plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 135. In addition to the CPU 130 for sequence control, the plurality of serial ports include an operation unit 136, a scanner unit 15, a fax transmission / reception unit (FAX) 137, and an interface unit 13.
8, a CG card 139, an editor 140, etc. are connected.

The operation unit 136 has an input key for the operator and a display for displaying the status of the copying machine. The key input information is serially transmitted to the main CPU 131 and serially received from the CPU 131. Turn on the display. The scanner unit 15 serially transmits information regarding image processing and image reading, and the fax transmission / reception unit 137 and the interface unit 138 exchange preset information contents with the CPU 131.

The calendar IC 135 stores the date and time, and the on / off control of the apparatus can be performed based on this information. A CG (character generator) card (font card) 139 is a removable memory card used when externally supplying font data corresponding to a code data file. The font data includes outline fonts and bitmap fonts.

The editor 140 is a unit for inputting an editing function, and serially transmits image editing data (masking, trimming, image shift, etc.) input by the operator to the main CPU 131.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control circuit of the scanner section 15 shown in FIG. Document 15 output from CCD image sensor 8 which is a one-dimensional solid-state image sensor
The analog image signal corresponding to the image of 0 is a signal processing circuit 15
The signal is amplified by 1 and converted into a digital multilevel signal by the A / D converter 152. This signal is subjected to correction processing by the shading correction circuit 153, and the signal separation circuit 154
Entered in.

The signal separation circuit 154 processes the input image information and separates it into a binary image component signal such as a character and a halftone image component signal, and the binarization processing circuit 156 and the multi-value conversion processing circuit 155, respectively. To enter. Binarization processing circuit 1
Reference numeral 56 converts the input binary image component signal into binary data by a preset fixed threshold value.

The multi-value conversion processing circuit 155 determines the input data by the threshold value set in advance for each scanning position, and converts it into 16-value data including halftone information. The scan control circuit 160 uses the lamp control circuit 158 and the timing control circuit 15 according to the instruction from the CPU 131 shown in FIG.
9, electric scaling circuit 161, and scanner drive motor 1
65 are controlled respectively.

The lamp control circuit 158 controls the on / off control and light amount control of the exposure lamp 3 which is a light source in accordance with the instruction from the scan control circuit 160. A rotary encoder 166 is connected to the drive shaft of the scanner drive motor 165, and the position sensor 162 detects the reference position of the sub-scanning drive mechanism. The electrical scaling circuit 161 performs electrical scaling processing on the multi-valued image data and the binarized image data according to the main-scanning side magnification data set by the scan control circuit 160.

The multi-value data conversion circuit 167 converts the binary data from the electric scaling circuit 161 into multi-value data. For example, if the input binary data is "0" or "1", each of the data is converted into parallel data "0000" and "1111" of 4 bits. The toner consumption amount calculation circuit 200 takes in the multi-valued data in the image area for each page sent from the electric scaling circuit 161 and the multi-valued data conversion circuit 167, and the toner amount consumed by the multi-valued data Is calculated and the calculation result is input to the CPU 130 as toner consumption amount data.

The timing control circuit 159 outputs each signal according to an instruction from the scan control circuit 160. That is, when reading is started, a transfer signal for transferring data for one line to the shift register and a shift clock pulse for outputting the data in the shift register bit by bit are given to the CCD image sensor 8. Also,
An image reproducing system unit, that is, a fax transmitting / receiving unit 137, an interface unit 138 and a gate array 134 shown in FIG.
K, main scanning synchronizing pulse LSYNC and main scanning effective period signal LGATE are output.

The pixel synchronization clock pulse CLK is
The signal is substantially the same as the shift clock pulse given to the CCD image sensor 8. Main scanning sync pulse LSYNC
Is a signal substantially the same as the main scanning synchronization signal PMSYNC output from the beam sensor of the optical writing unit 16 shown in FIG. 2, but the output is prohibited when the image is not read.

The main scanning effective period signal LGATE is the output data DATA1, DATA2, DATA10-13, D.
It becomes high level at the timing when ATA 20 to 23 are regarded as valid data. In this example, CCD
The image sensor 8 outputs 4800 bits of effective data per line.

The scan control circuit 160 has a CPU 131.
When a reading start instruction is received from the lamp control circuit 15
8, the exposure lamp 3 is turned on, the scanner driving motor 165 is started, the timing control circuit 159 is controlled, and the reading by the CCD image sensor 8 is started. Further, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE is set to a high level.

The sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE becomes low level when the time required to scan the maximum reading length (for example, the dimension in the longitudinal direction of A size) in the sub-scanning direction after being set to high level. .

FIG. 7 shows the fax transmission / reception unit 137 of FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of FIG. This fax transmission / reception unit 137 has a G3 facsimile function, and CP
U201, ROM202, RAM203, dual port RAM204, data compression reproduction circuit (DCR) 20
5, scaling circuit 206, modem 207, network control circuit (NC
U) 208, speaker 209, voice circuit 210, and RO
It is composed of an M211, a RAM 212, and a SAF memory 213.

Since the fax transmission / reception unit 137 is basically based on memory transmission / reception, at the time of transmission, the image information sent from the scanner unit 15 of FIG. 4 is temporarily stored in the SAF memory 213 and then sent. When receiving, the image information is temporarily stored in the SAF memory 213 and then C
The image is output to the PU 131 and is output (printed out) by the image forming unit including the optical writing unit 16 described above.

FIG. 8 is a layout diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation unit 136 of FIG. This operation unit 13
Reference numeral 6 includes an operation unit 220 including a hard key group 222 including a start key 221, and an application-specific operation unit 230 including a hard key group 231 and a liquid crystal touch panel 232. The operation unit 220 performs the normal operation of the copying machine and the operation of the application including the fax transmission / reception unit 137, and the operation unit 230 performs the operation dedicated to the application.

When the power of the copying machine is turned on, the CPU 131 shown in FIG. 4 displays the screen shown in FIG. 9 on the liquid crystal touch panel 232 of FIG. After that, when the user (user) performs normal facsimile transmission, by pressing the "Fax" key on the screen,
The CPU 131 switches the screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 232 to the screen shown in FIG. 10, for example.

Next, the user specifies the fax number of the other party by using the ten-key pad (numerical keys of 0 to 9), and FIG.
By pressing the start key 221 of
Reference numeral 31 causes the fax transmission / reception unit 137 to perform facsimile transmission. At this time, when the user presses the “transmission condition” key, the CPU 131 causes the liquid crystal touch panel 2 to operate.
The screen of 32 is switched to the screen for designating the transmission condition, and the user can specify the transmission reading condition of the document on which the image information to be facsimile-transmitted is formed by the key operation on the screen.

By the way, in recent years, as an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine (FAX), an electrostatic copying function is increasingly used. Such an image forming apparatus is equipped with a fixing mechanism for fixing an image generated by toner onto a sheet of paper, and power consumption is increasing due to higher functionality, but the surrounding environment is energy saving. Is being screamed, and the gap with the device is emerging. This embodiment is intended to solve this conflicting situation.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure around the power source of this digital copying machine, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the energy saving device 258 thereof. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 251 denotes a noise filter, which is a commercial power source (AC100) so that this digital copying machine can operate stably.
Various noises on the AC power from V) are removed.

Reference numeral 252 denotes a breaker, which supplies power to the DC power source 254 from the commercial power source through the noise filter 251, two normally open contacts 267a and 267b of the relay described later or the main switch 253 (manual switch means), and the current value thereof. When the value exceeds the set maximum value (when an excessive current flows), the power supply to the DC power source 254 is cut off. The main switch 253 and the power supply detection circuit 255 are manual switch means for switching between power supply and interruption to all circuits by the user (operator) by the DC power supply 254 and the control unit 256.

The DC power source 254 converts the supplied AC power into a predetermined DC power by an internal circuit and controls the control circuit 2.
Supply to 56. Reference numeral 255 denotes a power supply detection circuit, which is connected to the filter 2 from the commercial power supply when the main switch 253 is in the OFF state shown in FIG. 1 (a pair of movable contacts are respectively connected to the NC terminals and the NO terminal is open).
The electric power supplied via 51, the breaker 252, and the main switch 253 is detected, and a power supply detection signal for notifying it is output to the control unit 256.

The control unit 256 controls the CP shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
The U130 and 131, the fax transmission / reception unit 137, and the like are used to save energy such as a polygon activation signal for activating the polygon motor 25 shown in FIG. 2 and a transmission operation signal for notifying a user's operation when performing facsimile transmission. The digital copier as a whole is controlled in a comprehensive manner such as outputting to the device 258. 257 is an AC adapter, which converts AC power from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V) into predetermined DC power to save energy 258
Supply to.

As shown in FIG. 11, the energy saving device 258 includes a ringer detection circuit 261, a current detection circuit 262, a polygon activation detection circuit 263, a delay circuits 264, 26.
5, timer 266, and relay 267, and these circuits also function as automatic switch means.

The ringer detection circuit 261 is called by a partner machine (multifunction machine such as a facsimile machine or a digital copying machine), and a ring tone signal (16H
z or 1300 Hz ringer signal) is sent, it is detected and a ringer detection signal is output.

Since the ringing tone signal reaches the fax transmission / reception unit 137 (FAX) shown in FIG. 4 in the control unit 256 through the ringer detection circuit 261, the fax transmission / reception unit 137 detects the signal and communicates. When the (data reception) operation is started, the public line is captured and the line is closed (a loop is formed).

The current detection circuit 262 detects a current (current exceeding a predetermined value) flowing when the line is closed by the fax transmitter / receiver 137 and communication is performed, and outputs a close detection signal. When a polygon activation signal is sent from the control unit 256 of FIG. 1, the polygon activation detection circuit 263 detects the polygon activation signal and outputs a polygon activation detection signal.

The delay circuit 264 is the current detection circuit 26.
2 or the signal from the polygon activation detection circuit 263 is delayed by time t ₁ (here, t ₁ = 700 mS), and the signal (noise) for the time t ₁ is removed from the beginning. The delay circuit 265 outputs the signal from the delay circuit 264 or the ringer detection circuit 261 at time t ₂ (here, t ₂ = 8 m).
S), and the signal (noise) for the time t ₂ from the beginning is removed.

The timer 266 outputs a relay actuation signal when the output signal of the delay circuit 265 is input from the input terminal A, and when the input is released (“L”), it starts the time measurement. Then, when the measured value reaches a preset time t ₃ (here, either t ₃ = _3, 10, or 15 minutes), the output of the relay operation signal is released. However, when a signal is again input from the input terminal A before reaching the time t ₃ , the signal is reset, and when the signal is released, the time measurement is restarted from the beginning by using it as a trigger.

The relay 267 is activated by the input of a relay activation signal from the timer 266 to operate the normally open contact 2
67a and 267b (see FIG. 1) are closed, and power is supplied to the DC power supply 254 from the commercial power supply through the noise filter 251. Further, when the relay operation signal is not input, the normally open contacts 267a and 267b are opened, and the DC power source 254
Cut off the power supply to. However, the switching between power supply and cutoff is performed when the main switch 253 is in the off state.

Next, the facsimile receiving operation when the main switch 253 of FIG. 1 in this digital copying machine is in the OFF state shown in the figure will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Now, when the partner machine makes a call to this digital copying machine by dialing as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the exchange in the public line network sends a ring tone signal (ringer) to this digital copying machine. Signal) is output.

In this digital copying machine, when the ringing tone signal is sent, the energy saving device 2 shown in FIG.
When the ringer detection circuit 261 in 58 detects a ringing tone from the exchange, it outputs a ringing tone detection signal (to a high level “H”) as shown in FIG. 12B. In addition, the current detection circuit 262 is used by the fax transmission / reception unit 137.
When the line closure (actually the current flowing at that time) due to (FIG. 4) is detected, a closure detection signal is output (high level “H”) as shown in FIG. 12 (c).

When the ringing tone detection signal becomes "H", the timer 266 actuates the relay 267 to close the normally open contacts 267a and 267b in FIG. 1, and noise from the commercial power source as shown in FIG. 12 (f). DC through the filter 251
Power is supplied to the power supply 254 (DC power is turned on).

When the line is closed, the fax transmission / reception unit 137 starts communication with the partner machine as shown in FIG. 12 (a) and is sent from the partner machine as shown in FIG. 12 (d). Facsimile data (image information) for the next three pages is sequentially received, and is temporarily stored in the SAF memory 213 (FIG. 7) and transferred to the image forming unit.
0 outputs a polygon activation signal at a predetermined timing to activate the polygon motor 25, thereby outputting a polygon activation detection signal to the polygon activation detection circuit 263 of FIG. 11 as shown in (e) of FIG. ”)
Facsimile data is printed out by driving the image forming device in the image forming section as shown in FIG.

After that, when the communication with the partner machine is finished as shown in FIG. 12A and the facsimile data is no longer received from the partner machine as shown in FIG. 12D, the current detection circuit 262. When the output of the closing detection signal is released (to the low level “L”) as shown in FIG. 7C and the print output by the image forming unit is completed as shown in FIG. Cancels the output of the polygon start signal and stops the polygon motor 25.

As a result, the polygon activation detection circuit 26
3 when the output of the polygon activation detection signal is canceled (set to “L”) as shown in FIG. 12E and the timer 266 does not receive the signal from the delay circuit 265 (set to “L”). Then, the time measurement is started, and when the measured value reaches the time t ₃ , the power supply to the DC power supply 254 is cut off (the DC power supply is turned off) as shown in (f) of the figure.

Next, in the digital copying machine, the main switch 253 shown in FIG.
A facsimile transmission operation in the case of FF will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. In order for the user to perform facsimile transmission, the main switch 253 is turned on as shown in FIG. 13 (a) (a pair of movable contacts are respectively connected to the NO terminals and the NC terminals are opened).
Then, as shown in (d) of the figure, power is supplied from the commercial power source to the DC power source 254 through the noise filter 251.

Then, the user sets an original on the original feeding table 100 shown in FIG. 2 and, using the operation unit 136 shown in FIG. 8, sends the fax number of the other party and the transmission if necessary as described above. After entering the conditions, start key 22
The transmission operation of pressing 1 is performed, and then the main switch 253 is turned off. At this time, the CPU 131 (FIG. 4) in the control unit 256 performs the following control.

That is, from the time the "fax" key in the screen shown in FIG. 9 is pressed until the start key 221 is pressed, the energy saving device 258 shown in FIG. Holds the transmission operation signal of "H". In the energy saving device 258, when the transmission operation signal becomes “H”, the timer 266 of FIG.
Is operated to close the normally open contacts 267a and 267b in FIG.

After that, when the start key 221 is pressed and the transmission operation signal becomes "L", the timer 266 starts the time measurement at the time when the signal from the delay circuit 265 becomes "L". As shown in (e), if the line is connected to the partner machine as shown in (f) of the figure by the calling operation of the fax transmitting / receiving unit 137 before the measured value reaches the time t ₃ , The transmission operation is performed as shown in (e).

That is, the CPU 131 in the control unit 256
Guides the original document on the original feed table 100 onto the contact glass 9 of the scanner unit 15 to cause the scanner unit 15 to read the image, and sends the data to the fax transmission / reception unit 137 for facsimile transmission (memory transmission). .

When the transmission operation is performed by closing the line, the current detection signal output from the current detection circuit 262 becomes "H", so that the timer 266 causes the delay circuit 2 to operate.
Relay 267 can be left active by inputting the output signal of 65. Therefore, even if the main switch 253 is turned off midway,
As shown in FIG. 13D, the power supply to the DC power supply 254 can be continued.

Here, the transmission control of this embodiment is different from the system in which the logic is utilized even if the main switch 253 is turned off as in the night mode, after a predetermined time (about 10 to 20 SEC) has elapsed since the user performed the transmission operation. Since the transmission state is entered, immediately after the transmission operation is completed, the main switch 253
Even if the power is cut off, it is necessary to maintain the power supply to the DC power supply 254 for at least that time.

Further, this embodiment has a recalling function of calling again the telephone number when the partner machine cannot transmit the message due to busy or the like at the time of immediate memory transmission. Since the interval is 10, 5 minutes, this time D
Recalling can be dealt with by maintaining the power supply to the C power source 254. If the holding period is too long, the recall interval may be changed.

After that, when the transmission operation is completed as shown in FIG. 13E and the line is closed as shown in FIG. 13F, the current output from the current detection circuit 262. since the detection signal becomes "L", the timer 266 starts time measurement when the signal becomes "L" from the delay circuit 265, in the same figure when the measured value reaches the time t ₃ (d The power supply to the DC power supply 254 is shut off as shown in ().

FIG. 14 shows a CPU in the control unit 256 of FIG.
13 is a flowchart showing power supply control directly related to the present invention during a facsimile transmission / reception operation by 131. This routine starts by calling from the main routine when power is supplied to the DC power supply 254. First, it is checked whether or not the power supply detection signal from the power supply detection circuit 255 is input, and the power supply detection signal is not input (main switch 25
(3 is ON), power is supplied to all circuits from the DC power supply 254.

When the power supply detection signal is input (main switch 253 is OFF), the process proceeds to the judgment as to whether the mode is the facsimile reception mode. In the facsimile reception mode, the operation shown in FIG. The circuits other than the respective circuits of the unit unit 136 and the scanner unit 15 (a part of each circuit) are supplied with power, and in the facsimile transmission mode instead of the facsimile reception mode, the DC power source 254 to the operation unit 136 and each circuit of the image forming unit. Supply power to circuits other than (part of each circuit).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the energy-saving device 258 constituting the automatic switch means is activated by the signal relating to the start of data transmission or reception, and the commercial power source (DC power source 254) removes each circuit. Section (minimum necessary circuit) is automatically powered, and power supply to part of each circuit is automatically cut off after a lapse of a predetermined time after data transmission or reception is completed. Considerably reduced.

Further, since the reception is ended after the image forming unit outputs and forms the received data, the power supply to a part of each circuit (including the circuit of the image forming unit) is cut off before the completion of the reception. There is no such thing as being done. Further, in the reception mode, a part of each of the above circuits includes a circuit directly related to communication and a circuit of the image forming unit for forming and outputting the received data, so that the energy saving device is provided when the signal regarding the start of data reception is received. Since the circuit of the image forming unit is supplied with power from the DC power supply 254 by 258, data can be reliably received and image formation and output can be performed.

Further, even when power is supplied from the DC power source 254 to a part of each circuit by the energy saving device 258, power is collectively supplied from the DC power source 254 to all circuits by the main switch 253 which constitutes the manual switch means. You can switch to
Very easy to use.

In this embodiment, the start signal of the polygon motor 25 is used as the signal indicating that the machine is operating, but it indicates that the signal indicating the operation of the image forming unit or the output preparation of the received data of the fax transmission / reception unit 137 is being prepared. A signal may be used.

In this embodiment, the energy saving device 2 is also used.
58 is an adapter 25 that is a power source different from the DC power source 254.
The normally open contacts (normally open contacts) 267a and 267b are used as the contacts of the relay 267, but when the contacts are used, the relay 257 is used when the adapter 257 fails. Two
There is a risk that 67 will not operate and cannot be used unless the main switch 253 is turned on.

Therefore, even if the adapter 257 fails, the energy-saving device 258 can be supplied with power from the DC power source 254 to at least the circuit directly related to communication and the circuit of the image forming unit for image forming and outputting the received data. As shown in FIG. 15, normally closed contacts (normally closed type contacts) 267c and 267d are used as contacts of the relay 267.
By using, there are the following effects.

That is, even if the adapter 257 fails and the voltage disappears, the circuit is always closed, and the DC power supply 254 operates to supply power to each circuit. Therefore, regardless of the state of the adapter 257, It is possible to receive data and form and output an image. Further, if the main switch 253 is OFF at that time, power supply to unnecessary circuits is prohibited by the output of the power supply detection circuit 255, which results in partial power saving.

Further, the mirror, lens and photoconductor of the optical writing unit 16 having the mirror and lens of the scanner unit 15 using the optical system and the polygon mirror 24 are very sensitive to humidity.
If water drops adhere to the surface, the image will be disturbed. this is,
This often occurs when the machine is suddenly heated in cold regions. Therefore, in order to eliminate such a problem, the mirror,
A power-saving dehumidifying heater may be provided in the vicinity of the lens and the photoconductor to heat the mirror, the lens and the photoconductor by energizing the heater to prevent water droplets from adhering due to a sudden temperature difference.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the power supply and its surroundings including the dehumidifying heater of this digital copying machine, and the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG.
270 is a dehumidifying heater which is a heat generating means,
Mirror, lens and mirror of the optical writing unit 16, lens,
The main switch 253 is arranged near the photoconductor.
Is OFF and the relay 267 shown in FIG. 11 is also OFF (when the normally-closed contact 267e is closed), power is supplied (powered) from the commercial power source to heat.

In this digital copying machine, both the relay 267 and the main switch 253 are turned off in the energy saving mode.
Since it is in the state, power is not supplied from the commercial power source to the DC power source 254, and all the units that generate heat are stopped. However, the noise filter 25
1, the breaker 252, the main switch 253, and the normally closed contact 267e of the relay 267 through the dehumidifying heater 270.
Is energized.

That is, both the relay 267 and the main switch 253 are switched from the commercial power source to the DC power source 254 (DC
Even if the power supply 254 does not supply power to all circuits or a part of the circuits), the breaker 252 energizes the dehumidification heater 270 from the commercial power supply. Therefore, the dehumidifying heater 270 heats up,
Since the lens or the photoconductor warms, there is no sharp temperature difference, and it is possible to prevent water droplets from adhering.

Incidentally, when the main switch 253 is turned on, the power supply to the dehumidifying heater 270 is turned off.
Since power is supplied to the DC power source 254, it is possible to prevent water droplets from adhering to the mirror, the lens, or the photoconductor due to the amount of heat generated. Further, a dehumidification sensor is provided in the vicinity of the dehumidification heater 270, and the dehumidification heater 2 is provided with its output.
The energization of 70 may be ON / OFF controlled.

The embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine equipped with a communication device have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various image formations such as a single communication device or a facsimile device equipped with the communication device. It is applicable to a device.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the communication device or the image forming apparatus including the communication device, the automatic switch means is turned off even when the manual switch means is turned off and the power supply from all the circuits is cut off. Automatically supplies power to a part of each circuit from the power supply by a signal regarding start of data transmission or reception, so that power consumption can be significantly reduced and necessary minimum operation can be performed. The power consumption can be further reduced by automatically shutting off the power supply to a part of each circuit after a predetermined time has elapsed after the data transmission or reception is completed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example around a power source of the digital copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital copying machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration example of an optical writing section in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing a part of a control unit of the entire digital copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the remaining part of the same.

6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control circuit of the scanner unit in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a fax transmission / reception unit.

8 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation unit of FIG.

9 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel shown in FIG. 8 when the power is turned on.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen when the fax key is pressed.

11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the energy saving apparatus of FIG.

12 is a timing chart showing a facsimile receiving operation when the main switch of the digital copying machine of FIG. 1 is in an OFF state.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a facsimile transmission operation after the main switch is turned off.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing power supply control directly related to the present invention during a facsimile transmission / reception operation by the control unit of FIG.

15 is a block diagram showing another configuration example around the power source of the digital copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: Basic copy unit B: Automatic document feeder C: Sorter D: Double-sided reversing unit 15: Scanner unit 16: Optical writing unit 130, 131, 201: CPU 136: Operation unit unit 137: Fax transmission / reception unit 213: SAF memory 221: Start key 251: Noise filter 252: Breaker 253: Main switch 254: DC power supply 255: Power supply detection circuit 256: Control unit 257: AC adapter 258: Energy saving device 261: Ringer detection circuit 262: Current detection circuit 263: Polygon start detection circuit 264, 265: Delay circuit 266: Timer 267: Relay 267a, 267b: Normally open contact 267c, 267d, 267e: Normally closed contact 270: Dehumidifying heater

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A signal relating to the start of data transmission or reception in a communication device comprising a plurality of circuits each operated by power supply from a power source and a manual switch means for switching between power supply and interruption to all the circuits. The communication device is provided with automatic switch means that is activated by the power source to automatically supply power to a part of each circuit from the power source. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic switch means automatically cuts off power supply to a part of each of the circuits after a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of data transmission or reception. A communication device comprising means. 3. An image forming apparatus provided with the communication device according to claim 2, wherein the image forming unit finishes the reception in the communication device after the reception data is image-formed and output. Forming equipment. 4. An image forming apparatus comprising the communication device according to claim 1, wherein a heating means for heating a specific area in the apparatus, the manual switch means and the automatic switch means are both connected to the power source to supply the power. An image forming apparatus comprising a switch means for supplying power from the power supply to the heating means when power is not supplied to all circuits or a part of the circuits. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the specific area is an area in which a lens and a mirror or a photoconductor forming an optical system for image formation are installed. 6. An image forming apparatus comprising the communication device according to claim 1, wherein a part of each of the circuits includes a circuit directly related to communication and a circuit of an image forming unit for image-forming and outputting received data. An image forming apparatus comprising: 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6,
Even when power is supplied from the power supply to a part of each circuit by the automatic switch means, the manual switch means has a circuit configuration that is switched so that power is collectively supplied from the power supply to all the circuits. A characteristic image forming apparatus. 8. An image forming apparatus including the communication device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic switch means is operated by power supply from a power source different from the power source. Forming equipment. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
The automatic switch means is configured such that, even when the other power source fails, at least a circuit directly related to communication and a circuit of an image forming unit for image-forming and outputting received data can be supplied from the power source. Image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the contact of the automatic switch means is a normally closed contact of a relay.