JPH08249144A - Picture recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To start/end power supply to respective parts of a main body by very small power consumption based upon a remote instruction from an external device by storing a very small current from a control signal allocated from a prescribed interface means to any one of lines in an electrostatic charging means, and when potential exceeds prescribed potential, transitting a power supply control means to an operatable state by a transition means. CONSTITUTION: When an interface cable is connected between a host and a printer and a power supply for the host is turned on, respective control signal lines in initial states are started from non-logic states. Namely a /STB signal is turned to an 'H' level. At the time, a very small current is charged from the /STB signal to a capacitor C1 through a diode D1 and a resistor R1 and the voltage of the capacitor C1 is gradually boosted with the lapse of time. When the voltage of the capacitor C1 reaches power supply voltage necessary for allowing a sufficiently enough current to flow into an IC1 for driving a photocoupler and a light emitting side diode in the photocoupler, the ON/OFF of the power supply can be optionally controlled from the host side by the use of a REMOTE signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus which receives output information from an external device such as a host computer via a predetermined interface and records an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been a demand for energy saving in this type of image recording apparatus such as a printer.
In particular, technological development for reducing the power consumption during standby is actively being carried out. For example, there have been printers of about 5 W in standby.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a power supply circuit around an engine controller of this type of image recording apparatus.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 is an AC power source, which is full-wave rectified by a diode bridge 2 and smoothed by a smoothing capacitor 3. Reference numeral 4 is a power supply control IC, which is activated by resistors 5 and 6. After the power is turned on, the power control IC 4 is FET7
ON / OFF control.

When the FET 7 is ON, the voltage represented by the winding ratio of the main winding 27 and the auxiliary winding 29 is peak-charged by the diode 9 and the capacitor 8, and the auxiliary power supply for the power supply control IC 4 after the power supply is started. Becomes At the same time FET
Main winding 2 via diode 16 when 7 is ON
The voltage represented by the ratio of the 7 and 12V windings 28 charges the choke coil 14 and the capacitor 20, and the energy stored in the choke coil 14 when the FET 7 is ON charges the capacitor 20 through the regenerative diode 17.
10 is a resistor.

At the same time, when the FET 7 is ON, the diode 1
The voltage represented by the ratio of the main winding 27 and the winding 30 of 5V through 8 charges the choke coil 15 and the capacitor 21, and the energy stored in the choke coil 15 when the FET 7 is OFF and when the FET 7 is ON. The capacitor 21 is charged via the regenerative diode 19.

A shunt regulator 24 has a voltage of 5V.
A current is passed from the cathode to the anode so that the value obtained by dividing the voltage by the resistors 25 and 26 becomes equal to the reference voltage of the shunt regulator 24.

Reference numeral 23 is a current limiting resistor, and 12 and 13 are photocouplers. When a current flows through the light emitting portion, the light receiving portion is turned on and the current flows out from the FB portion of the power control IC 4. When this current flows out, the power supply control IC 4 controls the duty to stabilize the power supply.

Reference numeral 22 denotes an engine controller, which performs all electric control of the printer such as driving the engine of the printer, controlling the engine, and communicating with a host computer (not shown).

[0010]

However, in a printer or the like, the engine driving power supply (for example, 12V) is not used during standby and the load fluctuation of the power supply during printing and standby is so severe that the engine control power supply (for example, 12V) is not used. 5V) is much lighter than when printing.
Therefore, in the standby mode, the dummy resistor must consume unnecessary power in order to stabilize the main power supply system. This dummy resistor consumes about 4 W even when there is no load on the engine controller 22.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to fifth inventions of the present invention is to provide an interface for performing communication with an external device. By charging a weak current based on one signal and changing the power supply of the main body to a controllable state,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording device capable of significantly reducing power consumption when the main body is in a standby state and reliably shifting the main body to an operable state.

[0012]

The first aspect of the present invention is to provide a predetermined interface means for receiving output information while communicating with an external device via a plurality of control signals.
Any one of a power supply means for supplying a predetermined power to each part of the main body, a power supply control means for controlling the power supply from the power supply means to each part of the main body based on an instruction from the external device, and the predetermined interface means. Charging means for storing a weak current from the control signals assigned to the two lines, and transition means for transitioning the power supply control means to the operable state when the potential stored in the charging means exceeds a predetermined potential. It is provided.

A second aspect of the present invention is a predetermined interface means for receiving output information while communicating with an external device via a plurality of control signals, and a power supply means for supplying predetermined power to each part of the main body. A power source control means for controlling power supply from the power source means to each part of the main body; a charging means for storing a weak current from a control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means; And a transition means for transitioning the power supply control means to an operable state when the potential stored in the means exceeds a predetermined potential.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the output information is not received from the external device through a predetermined interface within a predetermined time, the transition means causes the power supply control means to transit to a dormant state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined interface means is a general-purpose parallel interface.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the charging means is
It is composed of a capacitor having a predetermined capacity.

[0017]

In the first aspect of the invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means is stored in the charging means, and when the potential exceeds the predetermined potential due to the charging, the transition means. Switches the power supply control means to an operable state, and thereafter turns on / off the power supply control means based on a remote instruction from the outside, and starts / stops power supply to each part of the main body by remote control from an external device with weak power consumption. It is possible to do by instruction.

In the second invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means is stored in the charging means, and when the potential exceeds the predetermined potential due to the charging, the transition means. Switches the power supply control means to the operable state, the power supply control means is turned on, and it is possible to automatically start the power supply to each part of the main body with weak power consumption.

In the third aspect of the invention, when the output information is not received from the external device through the predetermined interface within a predetermined time, the transition means causes the power supply control means to transition to the hibernation state, and an interface from which an external remote instruction cannot be given. Even in the case of using, it is possible to surely shift the power supply control means to the idle state after the power supply control means is changed to the operable state.

In the fourth invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the general-purpose parallel interface is stored in the charging means, and when the potential exceeds a predetermined potential due to the charging, the transition means operates. The power supply control means is transited to the operable state, the power supply control means is turned on, and it is possible to automatically start the power supply to each part of the main body with weak power consumption.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means is stored in the capacitor, and when the potential exceeds the predetermined potential due to the charging, the transition means is It is possible to change the power supply control means to the operable state.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of an interface section of an image recording apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to a case where remote power control is performed from the printer side via a Centronics interface, for example.
The same parts as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

First, when an interface cable is connected between the host side and the printer side and the power of the host is turned on, the initial control signal lines start from a non-logical state. That is, the / STB signal becomes "H" level. At this time,/
Small current from STB signal is diode D1, resistor R1
Is charged to the capacitor C1 via
Voltage gradually increases with time.

Then, when the power supply voltage required to pass a sufficient current to the IC1 for driving the photocoupler 13 and the light emitting diode of the photocoupler 13 is reached, the power is turned on / off by the REMOTE signal from the host side.
Can be freely controlled. That is, REM on the host side
When the OTE signal is turned on, the driver IC1 output turns on.
Then, a current flows from the capacitor C1 to the signal line PCCONT + through the light emitting side diode of the photocoupler 13 and the signal line PCCONT−, and the power supply control IC (regulator IC) 4 is turned on to operate the power supply.

At this time, the charge current of the capacitor C1 supplied from the / STB signal line until now is 5V of the power source.
It is supplied from the output through the resistor R2 and the diode D2. Similarly, when the signal REMOTE from the host is L, the driver IC1 is turned off to turn on the regulator IC4.
Turns off mode and stops the operation of the power supply.

As described above, 1 output from the host
By storing an electric charge in the capacitor C1 from the signal line and creating a power source for the remote circuit of the power source, the power consumption of the power source during standby is about 0.3 W, and a remarkable energy saving can be realized.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining the state of each signal of the interface section shown in FIG. 1. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in this figure, the host uses the data D0.
After D7 is confirmed, the strobe signal / STB is issued to the printer side. After confirming the data, the printer that received it must be in the process of printing. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of an interface section of an image recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention. For example, when remote power control is performed from the printer side through a Centronics interface. Correspond. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

When a cable is connected between the host side and the printer side and the power of the host is turned on, the initial control signal lines start from a non-logical state. That is, the / STB signal becomes "H" level. At this time, a minute current from the / STB signal passes through the diode D1, the resistor R1, and the capacitor C1.
In addition, a minute current is charged from the capacitor C1 to the capacitor C2 through the resistor R3 and the diode D3, and the voltages of the capacitors C1 and C2 gradually increase with time.

Then, the power supply voltage required to flow a sufficient current through the flip-flop IC2 and the light emitting diode of the photocoupler 13 is reached. At this time, the power can be turned on and off freely by the / STB signal from the host side. That is, when the / STB signal on the host side is turned on at the timing shown in the timing chart of FIG. 2, the flip-flop IC2 is reset and the transistor Q1 is turned on, and the capacitor C2 is discharged and the signal is output from the capacitor C1. Line PC
From CONT + to the light emitting diode of the photocoupler 13,
A current flows through the path of the signal line PCCONT- and the transistor Q1, the regulator IC4 is turned on, and the power supply operates.

At this time, the charge current of the capacitor C1 which has been supplied from the / STB signal line until now is supplied from the 5V output of the power supply which is turned on through the resistor R2 and the diode D2. Then, a BUSY signal indicating that the printing process is being performed from the printer side, and / ACK indicating the print permission
Output signals to the host respectively.

Then, the rising edge of the / ACK signal causes the / Q output of the flip-flop IC2 to go low, turning off the transistor Q1. At this time, the next / S
Unless the TB signal becomes active, a minute current flows through the capacitor C2 through the path of the capacitor C1 → the resistor R3 → the diode D3, and the potential of the capacitor C2 gradually increases. That is, if the next / STB signal becomes active during this period, the potential of the capacitor C2 is discharged,
When the / STB signal is kept in the non-active state by repeating the above operation, the potential of the capacitor C2 becomes high, the photocoupler 13 is turned off, the regulator IC4 is in the off mode, and the operation of the power supply is stopped.

In this way, REMOTE from the host side
Even in a general-purpose Centronics interface without a control signal, the charge is stored in the capacitor from one signal line output from the host, and the power supply for the remote circuit of the power supply is created, so the power consumption of the power supply during standby is 0.3.
It will be about W, and amazing energy saving can be realized.

Correspondence between the first and second embodiments and each means of the first to fifth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Etc. will be described.

The first invention is a predetermined interface means (a Centronics interface having a remote signal in FIG. 1) for receiving output information while communicating with an external device (a host computer not shown) via a plurality of control signals. (Corresponding to the case of configuration), power supply means for supplying predetermined power to each part of the main body, and power supply control means (regulator for controlling power supply from the power supply means to each part of the main body based on an instruction from the external device). IC4),
Charging means (capacitor C) for storing a weak current from a control signal (strobe signal in this embodiment) assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means.
1) and transition means (driver IC1) for transitioning the power supply control means to an operable state when the potential stored in the charging means exceeds a predetermined potential, and any one of predetermined interface means is provided. A weak current from the strobe signals assigned to the two lines is stored in the capacitor C1 and when the potential exceeds a predetermined potential due to the charging, the driver IC1 transitions the regulator IC4 to the operable state, and thereafter a remote instruction from the outside. Based on the above, the regulator IC 4 is turned on / off, and it is possible to start / end the power supply to each part of the main body by a remote instruction from an external device with weak power consumption.

The second invention is a predetermined interface means for receiving output information while communicating with an external device (host computer) via a plurality of control signals (a Centronics interface not equipped with a remote signal in FIG. 3). (Corresponding to the case of configuration), power supply means for supplying predetermined power to each part of the main body, power supply control means (regulator IC4) for controlling power supply from the power supply means to each part of the main body, and the predetermined interface means. Charging means (capacitor C1) for storing a weak current from the control signal assigned to any one of the lines, and the power supply control means can be operated when the potential stored in the charging means exceeds a predetermined potential. A transition means (flip-flop IC2) for transitioning to a state, and one of predetermined interface means The weak current from the control signal assigned to the line is stored in the capacitors C1 and C2, and when the potential exceeds a predetermined potential due to the charging, the flip-flop IC2 shifts the regulator IC4 to the operable state and the regulator IC4 is turned on. In this state, the power supply to each part of the main body can be automatically started with weak power consumption.

In the third invention, when the output information is not received from the external device via the predetermined interface within the predetermined time, the capacitor C2 of FIG. 3 which also functions as the transition means is the power supply control means (regulator IC4). It is possible to reliably shift the regulator IC 4 to the hibernate state after transitioning the power supply control means to the operable state even when an interface that does not allow a remote instruction from the outside is used.

The fourth invention is any one of general-purpose parallel interfaces (Centronics interface in each embodiment).
A weak current from the control signals assigned to the two lines is stored in the charging means (capacitor C1), and when the potential exceeds a predetermined potential due to the charging, the transition means transitions the power supply control means to the operable state and the power supply. The control means is turned on, and it is possible to automatically start the power supply to each part of the main body with weak power consumption.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means is stored in the capacitor, and when the potential exceeds the predetermined potential due to the charging, the driver IC1 is The regulator IC 4 can be transitioned to the operable state.

[0040]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means is stored in the charging means, and when the potential exceeds the predetermined potential due to the charging, the transition means controls the power supply. Since the means is transited to the operable state, thereafter, the power control means is turned on / off based on the remote instruction from the outside, and the start / end of the power supply to each part of the main body can be controlled by a remote instruction from an external device with a weak power consumption. It can be carried out.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means is stored in the charging means, and when the potential exceeds the predetermined potential by the charging, Since the transition means transitions the power supply control means to the operable state, the power supply control means is turned on, and the power supply to each part of the main body can be automatically started with weak power consumption.

According to the third invention, when the output information is not received from the external device through the predetermined interface within the predetermined time, the transition means causes the power supply control means to transit to the dormant state. Even when an interface that cannot be used is used, it is possible to reliably transition the power supply control means to the sleep state after the power supply control means is transitioned to the operable state.

According to the fourth invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the general-purpose parallel interface is stored in the charging means, and when the potential exceeds a predetermined potential due to the charging, transition occurs. Since the means shifts the power supply control means to the operable state, the power supply control means is turned on, and the power supply to each part of the main body can be automatically started with weak power consumption.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the weak current from the control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means is stored in the capacitor, and when the potential exceeds the predetermined potential due to the charging, transition occurs. Since the means shifts the power supply control means to the operable state, thereafter, the power supply control means is turned on / off based on a remote instruction from the outside, and the start / end of power supply to each part of the main body is transmitted from the external device with weak power consumption. Can be done with remote instructions.

Therefore, the power consumption when the main body is in the standby state can be remarkably suppressed, and the main body can be surely transitioned to the operable state.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an interface unit of an image recording apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining a state of each signal of the interface section shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an interface unit of an image recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply circuit around an engine controller of this type of image recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 C1 capacitor IC1 driver R1 resistor R2 resistor R3 resistor

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A predetermined interface means for receiving output information while communicating with an external device via a plurality of control signals, a power supply means for supplying predetermined power to each part of the main body, and an instruction from the external device. A power supply control means for controlling power supply from the power supply means to each part of the main body based on the above, and a charging means for storing a weak current from a control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means, An image recording apparatus comprising: a transition unit that transitions the power supply control unit to an operable state when the potential stored in the charging unit exceeds a predetermined potential. 2. A predetermined interface means for receiving output information while communicating with an external device via a plurality of control signals, a power supply means for supplying predetermined power to each part of the main body, and the main body from the power supply means. A power supply control means for controlling power supply to each part, a charging means for storing a weak current from a control signal assigned to any one line of the predetermined interface means, and a potential stored in the charging means are predetermined. And a transition unit that transitions the power supply control unit to an operable state when the potential exceeds the electric potential. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transition means transitions the power supply control means to a sleep state when the output information is not received from the external device via the predetermined interface within a predetermined time. apparatus. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined interface means is a general-purpose parallel interface. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charging means is composed of a capacitor having a predetermined capacity.