JP3347574B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates is related <br/> the image forming equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus as an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system is connected to another image communication apparatus through a communication line. In addition, an image is recorded and read in order to perform a communication or copy operation. Furthermore, it is connected to an external computer and used as a communication, recording or reading device. When such an operation is not being performed, the facsimile machine is in a standby state.

In a facsimile apparatus, when the power supply switching means is turned on by the user, the output of the commercial AC power supply or the privately generated AC power supply is supplied to each control element via the power supply, regardless of whether the apparatus is in a standby mode or an operation mode. (Stabilized output voltage). Conventionally, the converted stabilized output voltage has been supplied to all control elements in the device.

For this reason, even in a recording standby state in which no recording operation is performed, power is consumed as in a normal operation.

As one method for suppressing power consumption in the recording standby state, during recording standby, a stabilized output voltage is supplied to only one control element (control element for recording standby control), There is a method of not energizing the control element and other units related to the recording operation. The operation of suppressing power consumption as described above is called a low power consumption operation mode, and the operation of supplying normal power is called a normal operation mode.

When the power supply unit shifts from the normal operation mode to the low power consumption operation mode, the power supply unit stops supplying power to the recording unit and operates the recording standby control control element. When a return signal to the normal operation mode is input during the low power consumption operation mode, the operation returns to the normal operation mode from the low power consumption operation mode.

Returning to the normal operation mode is performed by receiving a CI signal through a communication line, detecting a document presence / absence signal, or by a start command from an external computer through an external interface. Then, when returning to the normal operation mode, the stabilized output voltage is supplied to the recording control element. Thus, power consumption can be reduced during the recording standby state.

In the facsimile apparatus, when the power is turned on, the recording control control element reads out the contents of the ROM in which various instructions are described, and operates a program routine when the power is turned on. In this operation, first, a jam detection and a state check of the opening / closing lid of the apparatus are performed. If the state is normal, the transfer material transport motor is driven to perform initial rotation. Then, initialization of the electrophotographic process unit, failure detection by temperature detection during short-time energization to the fixing device, toner presence check, and the like are performed. To complete this operation, at least the photosensitive drum of the electrophotographic
It takes time to rotate.

[0009]

However, the above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus has the following problems, and improvement thereof has been demanded. That is, since the return from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode has been performed by receiving a CI signal through a communication line, detecting a read document presence / absence signal, or by a start command from an external computer through an external interface, In spite of no facsimile reception, the operation returns to the normal operation mode or returns to the normal operation mode by detecting a read document presence / absence signal for a transmission operation, and each time power is consumed excessively.

Also, when the normal operation mode is restored, energization of the recording control element is resumed, and even if the element is in the operating state, is the operating state a transition from the recording standby state, or is the apparatus started up? It was not possible to determine whether or not the initial rotation was caused, and the same program routine was performed each time the power was turned on to perform the initial rotation.

Therefore, the recording operation cannot be started immediately even after returning from the standby state to the operating state. For example, if facsimile reception with a short communication time is performed, recording cannot be performed due to the initial rotation. was there. As a result, there is a problem that a function called memory substitute reception is used because recording is not possible even though there is no error state such as failure or no recording.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of effectively reducing wasteful power consumption in order to solve the above problem.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can immediately start a recording operation when a transition is made from a recording standby state to an operation state.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing useless operation such as performing initial rotation in a state where recording is not possible.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit for storing image data, and a recording operation for storing the stored image data. A normal operation mode for energizing the recording control means and operating with normal power, and a low power consumption operation for operating with low power consumption than the normal power without energizing the recording control means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a power control unit that controls power consumption by switching between a mode and a power mode; and a storage start detection unit that detects that storage of the image data has started in the storage unit; , if said was started is detected, while the low power consumption operation mode Ru comprising a switching means for switching to the normal operation mode, further, recording
Conveys a transfer material to transfer the image to be formed on the medium
Transfer material transporting means, and driving for driving the transfer material transporting means
Means and the normal operation mode from the low power consumption operation mode.
When the mode is switched to the mode, the drive of the transfer material conveyance unit is prohibited.
Generating means for generating a prohibition signal to perform, and the generated prohibition signal
Prohibits driving by the driving means according to a signal
Prohibiting means .

[0016]

[0017]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising:
Storage means for storing data, and a record of the stored image data.
Recording control means for controlling the recording operation;
Before the normal operation mode in which
The recording control means is not energized and the power consumption is lower than the normal power.
Switches between low power consumption operation mode, which operates with power consumption.
Image having power control means for controlling power consumption instead
In the forming apparatus, the storage unit stores the image data.
Accumulation start detecting means for detecting that the product has started,
Power connection means for switching the connection and disconnection of the power supply.
The power control means starts storing the image data.
If the low power consumption operation mode is detected,
Switching means for switching from the operating mode to the normal operation mode.
The power supply means switches the power supply from disconnection to connection.
When the mode is switched, the mode shifts to the normal operation mode and
After a lapse of a fixed time, the mode shifts to the low power consumption operation mode.
A transfer material transporting means for transporting a transfer material for transferring an image to be formed on a recording medium; a driving means for driving the transfer material transporting means; and the normal operation from the low power consumption operation mode. Generating means for generating a prohibition signal for prohibiting driving of the transfer material transporting means when switching to the mode; prohibiting means for prohibiting driving by the driving means in accordance with the generated prohibition signal; And a permitting means for permitting driving by the driving means regardless of the generated inhibition signal when the power supply is switched from disconnection to connection.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the second aspect.
Te image forming apparatus odor according to, comprising a clogging state detecting means for detecting a clogging state in the apparatus of the transfer material, wherein the inhibiting means, when the power supply is switched to the connection from the cutting by said power supply connection means, When the clogging state detecting means detects the clogging state of the transfer material, a second prohibiting means for prohibiting the driving by the driving means is provided.

[0020] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect is the second aspect.
The image forming apparatus odor according to Te, with fault detection means for detecting a failure in the apparatus, said prohibiting means, when the power supply is switched to the connection from the cutting by said power source connecting means, the failure by the failure detecting means A third prohibition unit for prohibiting the drive by the drive unit when the is detected.

[0021]

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An image forming equipment according to the embodiment of this invention will be described.

[First Embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to a facsimile machine. FIG.
1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the appearance of the facsimile machine. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus main body. Inside the apparatus main body 1, mainly a document transport unit 2, a reading unit 3, an optical unit 4, an image forming unit 5, a transfer material transport unit 6,
An image fixing unit 7, a communication unit 8 (see FIG. 4), an operation unit 9, a display unit 10, and a control unit 11 are provided.

The original transport unit 2 is configured to feed a plurality of originals S stacked on the original mounting table 12 one by one by a preliminary transport roller 2b pressed against the preliminary transport pressing piece 2a and a separation roller 2d pressed against the separation pressing piece 2c. The sheet is separated, and is conveyed to the reading unit 3 by a sheet feeding roller 2f which is in pressure contact with the sheet feeding roller 2e.

The reading unit 3 is a contact type image sensor 1
4. Document holding plate 15 and the like. The contact image sensor 14 irradiates the image information surface of the original S with light using the LED array as a light source, and forms an image of the reflected light on a sensor element by a selfoc lens to read the image information. The image information read by the sensor element is sent to the control unit 11 and subjected to processing such as shading correction and analog-to-digital conversion.

Thereafter, the digitized image signal is
It is sent to the optical unit 4 or the communication unit 8 and used for recording processing or image communication processing.

In the optical section 4, a laser diode (not shown) of the laser scanner 16 emits light in accordance with an image signal sent from the control section 11, and a modulated laser beam is generated. The modulated laser beam is converted into parallel light by a collimator lens (not shown), and then enters a polyhedral mirror 19 rotating at a constant speed. The image is focused on a photosensitive drum 21 by an imaging lens 20 disposed in front of the polyhedral mirror 19.

When the polygon mirror 19 rotates at a constant speed, the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 21 scans the photosensitive drum 21 at a constant speed. The photosensitive drum 21 rotates at a constant speed, and the laser beam
When the upper side is scanned, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

In the image forming section 5, a primary charger 2 is provided around a photosensitive drum 21 composed of a conductive drum and a photoconductive layer.
2, a developing unit 23, a transfer charger 24, a blade-type cleaning unit and a static eliminator are provided. Here, the photosensitive drum 21, the primary charger 22, the developing device 23, the cleaning device and the static eliminator are integrally housed together with the developer collecting container 27 in a process cartridge 28 which is detachably attached to a mounting member of the apparatus main body. I have.

The photosensitive drum 21, the primary charger 22, the developing sleep in the developing unit 23, and the transfer charger 24 are driven by a motor M2. The driven photosensitive drum 21
After passing through the primary charger 22, the surface thereof is uniformly and directly negatively charged, and then exposed by receiving a laser beam from a laser diode.

The irradiation of the laser beam neutralizes the negative charges in the bright portions, and forms an electrostatic latent image. When the electrostatic latent image approaches the developer in the developing device 23, the negatively charged developer jumps to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 due to a potential difference between the latent image and the developing device 23, and a visible image is formed. . Further, when a positive charge is applied by the transfer charger 24,
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the transfer material P.

On the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the transfer, the residual toner is removed by the cleaning device 25, and thereafter, the drum potential is made uniform by the primary charger 22 to prepare for the formation of the next electrostatic latent image. . Photoconductor drum 2
Residual toner removed from the surface of the developer collecting container 1
Collected in 8.

In the transfer material transport section 6, a first cassette 29 and a second cassette 30 are removably mounted on predetermined portions of the apparatus main body 1. The transfer material P set in each of the first cassette 29 and the second cassette 30 is selectively conveyed.

First, when the transfer material P set in the first cassette 29 is transported, the drive of the motor M2 is transmitted to the semicircular paper feed roller 29a by the drive of the feed solenoid SL1, and the transfer material is rotated by the rotation thereof. P is separated one by one. Then, the separated transfer material P is transported by the transport roller 31a. At this time, the registration sensor detects the leading end position of the transfer material P being fed, and the transfer timing is set so that the leading end of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 and the leading end of the transfer material P coincide. Material P is transport roller 3
1a transports between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer charger 24.

Next, when the transfer material P set in the second cassette 30 is transported, the drive of the motor M2 is transmitted to the semicircular paper feed roller by the drive of the paper feed solenoid SL2, and the transfer material is rotated by the rotation thereof. P is separated one by one and transported to the transport roller 31a by the cassette transport roller.

Thereafter, the transfer material P is transported by the transport roller 31a. At this time, the registration sensor detects the leading end position of the transfer material P being fed, and the leading end of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer material P are transferred. By setting the transfer timing so that the leading end of the transfer material P coincides with the leading end of the transfer roller 3,
1a transports between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer charger 24.

In the image forming section 5, the transfer material P to which the image has been transferred is further conveyed by a fixing roller 32 and a paper discharge roller 33 driven by a motor M2, and discharged onto a transfer material discharge tray 34. . Note that a paper feed sensor 35 and a paper discharge sensor 36 are provided in a paper feed unit that executes a paper feed process and a paper discharge unit that executes a paper discharge process, respectively.
Then, the arrival or passage of the transfer material P is detected. Each of the paper feed sensors 35 and the paper ejection sensor 3
If the transfer material 6 does not reach or pass through, it is determined that a transfer failure of the transfer material P has occurred, and a display to that effect is displayed on the display unit.

A first opening / closing cover 37, a second opening / closing cover 38, a third opening / closing cover 39, and an upper cover 40 are attached to the apparatus main body 1 so as to be openable and closable. The first opening / closing cover 37 is used to remove a transfer material jam in the paper discharge unit, the second opening / closing cover 38 and the third opening / closing cover 39 are used to remove the transfer material jam in the paper feed unit, and the upper cover 40 is It is used for removing the transfer material clogging in the process cartridge 28 and for attaching and detaching the process cartridge 28.

The image fixing section 7 includes a heater 41, a fixing film 42, a fixing pressure roller 32, a paper discharge roller 33, and the like. The heater 41 detects its surface temperature based on a change in the resistance value of the thermistor 43 in close contact with itself, and is controlled so that the surface temperature becomes constant. The fixing film 42 is heated by the heat of the surface temperature. The heat capacity of the heater is small, and reaches a predetermined fixing temperature before the transfer material P reaches the fixing device.

In the image forming unit 5, the transfer material P, which receives the transfer of the toner image and is separated and conveyed from the photosensitive drum 21, is transferred to a fixing nip formed by the heater 41 and the fixing pressure roller 32. Then, the fixing pressure roller 32 presses the toner on the transfer material P into contact with the heater 41 via the fixing film 42. At this time, the toner is softened by heat conduction from the heater 41, melted, and fixed on the transfer material. The transfer material P on which the toner image has been fixed is discharged onto a recording paper discharge tray 34.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the facsimile machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the facsimile machine. The communication unit 8 connects a communication device such as a communication line or a telephone to the apparatus main body 1, and modulates / demodulates image communication data, detects a significant signal,
The connection of the signal path is switched. The operation unit 9 includes a plurality of key input switches, a circuit for detecting key input, and the like, and performs operation instructions of the apparatus and inputs various information. The display unit 10 displays the status of the apparatus, the telephone number of the caller, time information, operation procedures, and the like.

The control section 11 controls each section and various mechanisms. The control unit 11 is a CPU that controls the entire facsimile apparatus, and is an MPU that operates according to a program.
(Microprocessor unit) 111, this MPU1
A ROM 112 storing, as a program, an instruction group in which the operations of 11 are described, a RAM 113 used as a work area for various data processing by the program and a primary storage unit of image information, an image processing for scaling an image, converting a resolution, etc. It is composed of a part 114 and the like.
Further, the control unit 11 has functions such as a calendar and a clock, and the RAM 113 is protected by a battery backup from an accident such as a power failure. The control system of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment
Are connected to each other through an interface.

The operation unit 9 includes various key switches such as a ten key 115, a function key 116, a one-touch key 117, a start key 118, and a stop key 119. The display unit 10 includes an LCD 120 for displaying various messages, various LEDs 121 for displaying a transmission mode, and the like. The reading unit 3
The driving unit 122 includes a driving unit 122 such as a reading motor, a reading sensor 123 that reads an image, an image processing unit 124 that performs shading and binarization processing of a read image, and various sensors 125 that perform document detection and the like.

The recording unit 51 includes a driving unit 12 such as a recording motor.
6, a control element 127 for controlling a laser scanner and an electrophotographic process, an image processing unit 128 for performing processing such as smoothing of an image to be recorded, and various sensors 129 for detecting the presence or absence of recording paper. The communication unit 8 makes a call,
Communication processing unit 130 that performs incoming calls, encoding of image data, etc.
And a connection unit 13 composed of a DSU (Digital Service Unit) and an NCU (Network Control Unit)
The communication unit 107 and the handset 108 are connected to the connection unit 131.

The control unit external interface 54 is an interface for directly transmitting and receiving data from the control unit 11, and can be connected to a computer outside the device by, for example, RS232C, SCSI, LAN, or the like.
Used as a scanner, printer, and communication means for an external computer. The hard disk drive (HD
D) 55 is used as a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device for holding image information and the like. The sound device 56 includes the control unit 11
, And has a sound source for performing transmission / reception notification and error by audible sound.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply unit of the facsimile machine. In the figure, a recording control element 44 controls an MPU 11 for controlling the entire facsimile apparatus.
1 and a recording unit 51 for controlling the optical unit 4, the image forming unit 5, the transfer material conveying unit 6, the image fixing unit 7, and the like.

The recording control element 44 has a timer (not shown)
Is used for measuring the time of the initial rotation.

The MPU 111 operates by receiving power supply even in the recording standby state. That is, the MPU 111 is a control element for recording standby control that operates not only in the normal operation mode but also in the low power consumption operation mode.

The recording control control element 44 is provided with an RO that describes various instructions for performing recording control.
M, reading means for reading instructions from the ROM, processing means for processing the read instructions, RAM for storing information required by the processing means and being externally inputtable, and output means for outputting signals generated by the processing means And control is performed by the interaction of these means.

The power supply unit 47 is a switching power supply. When the AC power supply connection unit 46 serving as a power switch is in a connected state, the power supply unit 47 receives power from a commercial AC power supply or a self-generated AC power supply, and each unit of the apparatus is required. Converts to voltage and supplies power.

The DC power supply connection section 48 switches between the normal operation mode and the low power consumption operation mode in accordance with a signal from the MPU 111 and stores the power from the power supply section 47 into the recording section 5.
1 or not.

The reading control element 61 digitizes an image read by the contact type image sensor (CS) 14 at an appropriate level, and performs binarization processing by image processing. C
The ODEC-IC 62 encodes the binary data output from the read control element 61 by a predetermined MH or MR method, and stores the encoded data in the image RAM 113.

The image data stored in the image RAM 113 is used for transmitting or recording an image. As described later, the transition to the low power consumption operation mode is performed by the image RAM 11
The MPU 111 transmits a power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 when the image data to be recorded in No. 3 is not stored or when the recording operation is not performed.

The return from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode is performed by temporarily disconnecting the AC power supply connection unit 46 or by starting accumulation of image data to be recorded in the RAM 113. Done and at the same time MP
The transmission of the power supply stop signal from U111 to the DC power supply connection unit 48 is stopped.

Next, the operation of the facsimile machine will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the facsimile machine. This operation processing is performed by the MPU 11
1 shows the overall control by 1 and the control by the recording control control element 44, and each operation is executed by each unit.

First, when the AC power supply connection section 46 is connected (step S1), the power supply section 47 starts up (step S2), and power supply to the MPU 111 is started.

When the MPU 111 starts operating, it sends an L-level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 (step S3). As a result, the DC power supply connection unit 48 is connected (step S4), the control element 44 for recording control rises, and the recording operation is enabled (step S5).

The control element 44 for recording control starts a timer counter to perform initial rotation, and at the same time, starts driving the recording motor M2 (step S).
6). Thus, the recording motor M2 performs an initial rotation operation until the timer counter counts a predetermined time T1.

When the value of the timer counter reaches the predetermined time T1, the recording control control element 44 stops driving the recording motor M2, and simultaneously resets the value of the timer counter to "0". Thus, the initial rotation operation ends (step S7).

The MPU 111 stores the recorded image in the RAM 113.
It is detected whether or not the data is being accumulated (step S8). If the storage is detected, the process returns to step S8, and the storage of the recorded image is continued.

On the other hand, the MPU 111 stores the recorded image in the RAM 1
If it is detected that the image is not being stored in the RAM 13, it is detected whether or not at least one page of recorded image is already stored in the RAM 113 (step S 9). When it is detected that one page of recorded image is stored, the recording operation is started (step S10). Then, it waits until the recording operation is completed (step S11), and when the recording operation is completed, the process returns to step S8.

On the other hand, if the recorded image for one page is not stored in the RAM 113 in step S9, the MPU 111 sends an H level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection section 48 (step S12). Upon receiving the H-level power supply stop signal, the DC power supply connection unit 48 transitions from the connected state to the disconnected state (step S13), and stops supplying power to the recording control control element 44. The recording control control element 44 ends the operation (step S14), and the facsimile apparatus shifts from the normal operation mode to the standby power consumption operation mode.

In the standby power consumption operation mode, the MPU 11
1 detects whether a recording image is being stored in the RAM 113 (step S15). If it is detected that the data is being stored, the process returns to step S3, and the facsimile apparatus shifts from the standby power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode.

On the other hand, if the MPU 111 detects in step S15 that a recorded image is not being stored, the MPU 111
11 detects whether at least one page of recorded images is stored in the RAM 113 (step S16). If the storage is detected, the process returns to step S3, and the facsimile machine shifts from the standby power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode. If one page of recorded images has not been stored in step S16, the process returns to step S15 to continue the standby power consumption operation mode.

Here, the details of the recording operation in step S10 will be described. When the recorded image of at least one page is stored in the RAM 113, the MPU 111
The image data in 113 is decoded by the CODEC-IC 62 again. Then, the decoded image data is
The data is transferred to a ring buffer 65 including a plurality of line buffers via the recording image data control element 64. When the ring buffer 65 is filled with image data, the recording control element 44 is activated for recording and the recording operation is started.

When the recording is started, the recording control control element 4 is activated.
4 starts the motor M2. At the same time, the recording control control element 44 notifies the MPU 111 that the recording operation is being performed. When the slow-up of the motor M2 is completed, the transfer materials P set in the first cassette 29 or the second cassette 30 are separated and conveyed one by one by the paper feed rollers 29a or 30a rotated by the paper feed solenoids SL1 or SL2. I do.

When recording on the conveyed transfer material P, timing is taken by the registration sensor. The transfer material P activates the actuator, and the actuator obstructs the optical path of the photointerrupter used as the registration sensor. Thus, the recording control element 44 detects the leading end of the transfer material P. At the same time as detecting the leading edge of the transfer material P, the recording control control element 44 starts the timer counter T2. When the value of the timer counter T2 reaches a predetermined value, the recording control element 44 outputs a vertical synchronization signal to the MPU 111.

The MPU 111 starts the timer counter T3 upon receiving the vertical synchronizing signal. Timer counter T3
When the value reaches a predetermined value, the MPU 111 sends a horizontal synchronizing signal generated from the recording control element 44 to the recording image data control element 64 by laser light incident on the fixed mirror 45 installed in the laser beam path. Allow the reception of.

The recording image data control element 64 sends out one line of binary data from the line buffer in the ring buffer 65 in accordance with the horizontal synchronizing signal inputted at predetermined time intervals from the recording control element 44. The control element 44 for recording control turns on / off the laser diode 17 according to the binary data of one line sent from the line buffer in the ring buffer 65.

At the same time, the image forming section 5 is operated to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21. The transmission timing of the vertical synchronizing signal is set such that when the photosensitive drum 21 on which the toner image is formed rotates to the transfer position on the transfer material P, the transfer starts at a desired position on the transfer material P.

When the transfer material P is further conveyed together with the recording of the image and the rear end passes the actuator and the actuator returns to the home position, the actuator releases the optical path of the photo-interrupter used for the registration sensor, and thereby the recording is performed. The control element for control 44 detects the rear end of the transfer material P.

At the same time as detecting the trailing end of the transfer material P, the recording control element 44 starts a timer counter T4. Then, when the counter value reaches a predetermined value, the recording control control element 44 sends a page break request signal to the MPU 111.

In the above-described process of step S11, it is determined whether or not a page feed request signal has been sent. If the page feed request signal has been sent, the process returns to step S8 and the MPU 11
In step 1, it is determined whether or not there is an image to be printed in response to a page feed request signal from the print control control element 44. And, if present, the recording control control element 4
Then, a page break signal is sent to the control unit 4.

The control element 44 for recording control separates the transfer material P set in the first cassette 29 or the second cassette 30 again according to the page feed signal received from the MPU 111, conveys and records.

In response to a page break request signal from the recording control element 44, the MPU 111 does not send a page break signal to the recording control element 44 when there is no image to be recorded. When the control element for recording control 44 does not receive a page feed signal within a predetermined value of the timer counter, it performs a recording end procedure. Then, after the end of the recording procedure, MP
It notifies U111 that the recording operation is not being performed.

When the MPU 111 receives a notification from the print control control element 44 that the print operation is not being performed, the image RAM
It is checked whether the storage of the image data to be recorded in the storage 113 has been completed or started. If image data exists, image data processing for a recording operation is started.

On the other hand, when there is no image data in the RAM 113, an H level power supply stop signal is sent from the MPU 111 to the DC power supply connection unit 48 as described above, and the power supply unit 47 supplies power to the recording control control element 44. Is stopped. As a result, the facsimile machine shifts from the normal operation mode to the low power consumption operation mode.

In the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, the low power consumption operation mode is set except when the recording operation is being performed and the recording image is not being accumulated, and the transition to the normal operation mode starts the accumulation of the recorded image. Since the recording operation and the recording image accumulation operation are not performed, unnecessary power is not consumed in the recording standby state.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a facsimile apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described. In the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, an initial rotation control is added to the operation processing according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply unit of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment. In addition to the signals shown in FIG. 5, an initial rotation prohibition signal is input to the recording control control element 44 from the MPU 111 through a signal line. In addition, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the operation processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, when the AC power supply connection unit 46 is in the connected state (step S101), M
Power supply is started to the PU 111 (step S10).
2). The MPU 111 to which power has been supplied starts operation and controls the entire apparatus.

The MPU 111 sends an H level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 continuously from the start of the operation. When detecting the H level power supply stop signal, the DC power supply connection unit 48 does not supply power to the recording unit 51 including the recording control element 44 and the recording motor M2. Also, the MPU 111 includes the recording control control element 4.
No initial rotation prohibition signal is sent to 4
That is, the state where the initial rotation prohibition signal is set to the L level is continued (step S103).

The MPU 111 to which the power is supplied is R
According to the procedure described in the OM 112, the initial procedure is executed from the start address of the program. During this initial procedure, the MPU 111 stops sending the H-level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 (step S104).

When the transmission of the H-level power supply stop signal is stopped, the DC power supply connection unit 48
4 and the power supply to the recording unit 51 is started (step S105). As a result, the facsimile machine shifts from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode. The recording control element 44 to which the power supply has been started performs an operation for enabling a recording operation (step S106).

In the facsimile apparatus using the electrophotographic system, when the power is turned on, first, a jam detection and a state check of the opening / closing lid are performed, and if normal, the transfer material conveying motor is driven to perform initial rotation. . As a result, initialization of the electrophotographic process unit, failure detection by detecting the temperature when the fixing unit is energized for a short time, and toner presence check are performed. In order to complete this operation, at least a time for rotating the photosensitive drum of the electrophotographic process unit by one rotation is required.

The control element 44 for recording control reads the contents of the ROM in which various instructions for the recording operation are described, and checks whether or not the MPU 111 has sent an H-level initial rotation inhibition signal (step S107). When the H level initial rotation prohibition signal is not transmitted from the MPU 111, the recording control control element 44 performs the above-described operation including the initial rotation by a program routine at the time of turning on the power (step S10).
8).

The control element 44 for recording control starts operation,
Until the initial rotation ends, the recording control control element 44 continues to notify the MPU 111 that the recording operation is being performed.

Then, when the initial rotation is completed (step S109) and the recorded image for one page is not stored in the RAM 113, as in steps S8 to S11 in FIG. 6, the notification during the recording operation is stopped. .

The MPU 111 has a control element 44 for recording control.
When it is detected that the notification during the recording operation from is stopped, the transmission of the H level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 is started (step S114). As a result, the DC power supply connection unit 48 stops supplying power to the recording control control element 44 and the recording unit 51 (step S1).
15, step S116). Then, the facsimile machine shifts from the normal power operation mode to the low power consumption operation mode. Thus, the initial rotation control when the AC power supply connection unit 46 is in the connected state is performed.

In the low power consumption operation mode, an image is to be recorded in the image RAM 113 by receiving a facsimile image through a telephone line, reading image data for a copy operation, or transferring a recorded image from an external computer through an external interface. The accumulation of the image data to be started is started.

When the accumulation of the image data is started (step S117) or when the image data of one page is accumulated (step S118), the MPU 111
Sends an H-level initial rotation prohibition signal to the recording control element 44 (step S119), and at the same time stops sending the H-level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 (step S104). .

When detecting the release of the power supply stop signal from the MPU 111, the DC power supply connection section 48 restarts the power supply to the recording section 51 including the recording control element 44 and the recording motor M2 (step S105).

When the power supply is resumed, the facsimile machine shifts from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode,
Further, the control element 44 for recording control rises (step S106), and the recording operation becomes possible.

As described above, the control element 44 for recording control reads out the contents of the ROM describing various instructions for the recording operation by executing the power supply start, and executes the start procedure.

In the procedure, the recording control control element 44
Checks whether an initial rotation prohibition signal is sent from the MPU 111 (step S107).
When detecting that the MPU 111 has transmitted the H-level initial rotation prohibition signal, the recording control control element 44 skips step S110 without executing the initial rotation processing procedure and starts executing the recording procedure. .

As described above, in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, the initial rotation is prohibited when switching from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode. When shifting to the operation mode, initial rotation is not performed.

Therefore, in addition to the effect obtained in the first embodiment, by performing the initial rotation only when the power is turned on, when the facsimile machine returns from the standby state to the operation state, the recording operation starts immediately. be able to.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply unit of a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In addition to the signals shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the MPU 111 has a transfer material clogging detection signal indicating a clogging state of the transfer material from a sensor (not shown), and a failure detection signal indicating various unrecordable failure states. A signal is being input through a signal line.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the operation processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus in the third embodiment. When the AC power supply connection unit 46 is connected (step S201), power supply to the MPU 111 is started (step S202), and the MPU 111 starts operating, and control of the entire apparatus becomes possible.

The MPU 111 sends an H level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 continuously from the start of the operation. Upon detecting the H-level power supply stop signal, the DC power supply connection unit 48 does not supply power to the recording control unit 44 and the recording unit 51 including the recording motor M2. Further, the MPU 111 is provided with the recording control control element 44.
, The state in which the H-level initial rotation prohibition signal is not transmitted is continued (step S203).

The MPU 111 stops sending the H-level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 (step S204). By stopping the transmission of the H-level power supply stop signal, the DC power supply connection unit 48 starts power supply to the recording control control element 44 and the recording unit 51 (step S205). Accordingly, the facsimile machine shifts from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode (Step S206).

The MPU 111 to which the power is supplied is R
According to the procedure described in the OM 112, the initial procedure is executed from the start address of the program. In this initial procedure, the MPU 111 detects whether or not the transfer material is clogged by the transfer material in the transport system from the paper supply unit to the paper discharge unit of the recording system, or whether or not there is a failure (step S1). S207). If either one of the transfer material clogging detection signal and the failure detection signal is detected by the MPU 111, it is determined that the recording cannot be performed, the initial rotation is prohibited, and the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, the recording control control element 44 to which the power supply has been started checks whether or not there is a cause for which the recording control is impossible other than the state which causes the recording to be disabled detected by the MPU 111. Perform the action. In order to perform this operation, the recording control control element 44 reads the contents of the ROM describing various instructions for the recording operation at the start of power supply, and determines whether or not the MPU 111 has transmitted the H-level initial rotation prohibition signal. Check if. When it is confirmed that the MPU 111 has transmitted the H-level initial rotation prohibition signal, the state is checked without performing the initial rotation by a program routine at the time of turning on the power. The motor M2 will maintain the non-operating state.

The recording control element 44 starts to operate, checks the state of the apparatus, and notifies the MPU 111 of the state until the processing is completed.
Keeps informing the MPU 111 during the recording operation. Then, after the end of the status check processing, the notification during the recording operation is stopped (step S208).

The MPU 111 has a control element 44 for recording control.
When it is detected that the notification during the recording operation is stopped, the transmission of the H-level power supply stop signal to the DC power supply connection unit 48 is started (step S216).

The DC power supply connection section 48 stops supplying power to the recording control control element 44 and the recording section 51 (step S217). Then, the facsimile machine shifts from the normal power operation mode to the low power consumption operation mode.

Steps S219 to S2 after this
The process in step S117 is performed in steps S117 to S1 in FIGS.
Since the processing is the same as the processing in step 19, the description thereof is omitted. If neither the transfer material clogging detection signal nor the failure detection signal is detected by the MPU 111 in step S207, the process proceeds to step S209. However, the processing in steps S209 to S215 is performed in steps S107 to S107 in FIGS. Since the processing is the same as that in S113, the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the initial rotation when an abnormality is detected in advance can be prohibited. Thus, it is possible to prevent a useless operation such as performing an initial rotation in a state where recording is not possible.

In the above embodiment, a power switch is used as the AC power supply connecting means 46. However, a power cable may be connected to the inlet inside the power supply unit 47 without using the power switch.

In the above embodiment, the image RAM 1
A facsimile apparatus which performs a recording operation for each of a plurality of pages by transmitting an H-level power supply stop signal and shifting to a low power consumption operation mode when a recording image for one page is not stored in the storage device 13 In, the low power consumption operation mode may be continued until a plurality of pages of recorded images are stored in the image RAM, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0112]

According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, it can be effectively reduced wasted power consumption. Also,
When returning from the recording standby state to the operation state,
The transfer of the transfer material transfer means is prohibited, and the initial rotation
The recording operation can be started immediately after the ban
You.

[0113]

[0114]

[0115] According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, electrostatic
Initial rotation is performed when the power is turned on.
It is possible to secure the initialization of the main part and the execution of failure detection. Ma
In addition, it is possible to distinguish whether the transition to the low power consumption operation mode or the normal operation mode is due to the power-on or the transition from the recording standby state. Therefore, even if the facsimile reception has a short communication time, the recording operation can be immediately started. This can eliminate unnecessary operations such as performing memory alternate reception even if it is not a failure, and also prevent waste of time such as taking out of the memory for an urgent facsimile.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect , when the transfer material is jammed, useless operation can be prevented and power consumption can be effectively reduced.

[0117] According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, can be effectively reduced preventing power consumption wasteful operation when late <br/> disabilities were detected.

[0118]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the facsimile machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the facsimile machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply unit of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply unit of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the facsimile machine continued from FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply unit of the facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the facsimile machine continued from FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 44 Recording control control element 47 Power supply unit 48 DC power supply connection unit 111 MPU 113 Image RAM

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing image data, a recording control unit for controlling a recording operation of the stored image data, and a normal operation mode in which the recording control unit is energized to operate with normal power. A power control unit that controls power consumption by switching between a low power consumption operation mode in which operation is performed with lower power consumption than the normal power without energizing the recording control unit. Storage start detecting means for detecting that the accumulation of the image data has been started, and the power control means switches from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode when the start is detected. while Ru comprising a switching means for switching, further, transfer for transferring an image to be formed on a recording medium
Transfer material transporting means for transporting the material , driving means for driving the transfer material transporting means, and switching from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode.
Prohibition of driving of the transfer material transporting means upon replacement
Generating means for generating a signal, and the driving means according to the generated inhibit signal.
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a prohibition unit for prohibiting a driving operation . 2. A storage means for storing image data, and recording control for controlling a recording operation of the stored image data.
Means and means for energizing the recording control means to operate with normal power
Normal operation mode and the normal operation without energizing the recording control means
Low power consumption that operates with lower power consumption than the power of
Power control that controls power consumption by switching between operation modes
The image data is started to be stored in the storage unit.
And a power connection means for switching connection and disconnection of power.
The power control means starts accumulating the image data.
If the low power consumption operation mode is detected,
Comprising a switching means for switching to al the normal operation mode, before
The power supply is switched from disconnection to connection by the power supply connection means
If it is obtained, it shifts to the normal operation mode, and
After the elapse, the mode shifts to the low power consumption operation mode, and further, a transfer material transport unit that transports a transfer material for transferring an image to be formed on the recording medium, and a driving unit that drives the transfer material transport unit Generating means for generating a prohibition signal for prohibiting driving of the transfer material transporting means when switching from the low power consumption operation mode to the normal operation mode; and the driving means according to the generated prohibition signal. Prohibiting means for prohibiting driving, and permitting means for permitting driving by the driving means regardless of the generated prohibiting signal when the power supply is switched from disconnection to connection by the power supply connecting means. images forming device shall be the features. 3. A clogging state detecting means for detecting a clogging state of the transfer material in the apparatus, wherein the prohibiting means comprises a clogging state when the power supply is switched from disconnection to connection by the power supply connection means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a second prohibiting unit that prohibits driving by the driving unit when a clogging state of the transfer material is detected by a detecting unit. 4. A failure detecting means for detecting a failure in the apparatus, wherein the prohibiting means detects a failure by the failure detecting means when the power supply is switched from disconnection to connection by the power supply connection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a third prohibition unit that prohibits the driving by the driving unit when the driving is performed.