JP4883769B2 - Image forming apparatus, power supply control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and an MFP. More specifically, in addition to processing an accepted processing request within the own machine, an operation of a so-called connection method that requests processing from an external machine is also possible. In an image forming apparatus having an auxiliary power supply having a power storage device, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a mechanism for supplying auxiliary power to an external coupler, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program.

In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals), when a job requesting a large amount of print output is received at once, the received process is completed in a short time. In addition to processing a request within the own machine, a function has been developed that enables a so-called connection-type operation in which a request is made to a communication-connected external machine for processing.
In order to perform the operation of the connection method, of course, an interface for communicating output data and control signals is required between the master machine that has accepted the job and the slave machine that is requested to process, At the time of starting the connecting operation, a procedure such as confirming that the slave unit is in an operable state must be performed and put into practice. If the slave machine requested by the master machine and performing the connection operation is not activated at the time when the job is requested, it may not be executed immediately.
Considering such a state of the slave machine, the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-10003) is exemplified as a conventional technique that enables management so that job processing can be completed in a shorter time. be able to.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-260688, when a document is read and print output is performed on the obtained image, processing is performed by a master machine that accepts a job based on settings such as the number of documents and the number of output copies, Find the completion time when operating and processing slave units in parallel using the function, compare the results, and if the completion time can be shortened by parallel operation, operate the slave unit using the link function The mechanism is shown.

By the way, in recent years, environmental problems have become important, and energy saving (power saving) is progressing also in apparatuses that perform image forming processing such as copying machines and printers.
Among these types of apparatuses, power saving of a fixing apparatus that fixes toner onto a recording medium cannot be ignored when considering energy saving in an apparatus that performs electrophotographic image forming processing. The fixing device for standby in power saving mode reduces the power consumption by keeping the temperature of the fixing heating roller at a low temperature and immediately raising it to a usable temperature at the time of use. At this time, the start-up time of the heating roller is set so as not to make the user feel long waited.
In order to meet this requirement, it is required to quickly raise the temperature of the fixing heating roller. For this purpose, it is necessary to increase the input energy per unit time, that is, the rated power. However, in general, since the commercial power source is 100V · 15A, the upper limit of the input energy cannot be increased even if the temperature of the fixing heating roller is increased in a short time.
Therefore, when there is a margin in power consumption during standby or the like, the power storage device stores power, and has an auxiliary power source that generates DC power from the power, and the fixing heating unit is set to a predetermined fixing temperature from standby. A method of securing a large amount of power required by assisting the main power supply when starting up rapidly has been proposed, and an example thereof can be shown in the following Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-184554).
Patent Document 2 discloses a heating device that includes a main heating element that is heated using the power of the main power source and an auxiliary heating element that is heated using the power of the auxiliary power source. The auxiliary heating element using the auxiliary power supply is driven together with the main heating element when starting up from the standby state, and is quickly raised to the fixing temperature. It is operated to maintain the fixing temperature by turning on / off at.
JP 2002-10003 A JP 2002-184554 A

Since the operation of the connection method is performed for the purpose of completing the processing in a short time, when the master machine or the slave machine is in a state where it cannot output immediately such as the energy saving mode when accepting the job, There is a strong demand to start up quickly in a state where output is possible.
The bottleneck in rapidly starting up to the output state is in starting up the fixing heater and the like, and using the method of using the auxiliary power source as described above is an effective solution for speeding up the startup. It is.
However, depending on the specifications of the device, there may be a case where the auxiliary power source is not provided, or even if the auxiliary power source is provided, the device may be in a device state where the power source is insufficient when it cannot be used. At this time, there may be a state where the main power source is sufficient and the device does not need to be used even if the equipped auxiliary power source can be used with respect to the coupling device in which the power source is not assisted. It is negative for the system to cause a delay in processing while keeping the supply / demand balance of the power supply between the coupling machines as it is.
The object of the present invention is to enable the operation of the connection method, and eliminates the above-mentioned problems caused by the unsatisfactory power supply and demand that may occur between devices in the image forming apparatus provided with the auxiliary power supply having the power storage device, The start-up time to the output state is made faster so that the system can be used effectively.

The invention of claim 1 includes an external machine monitor means for detecting the outside, meet the image forming apparatus capable of requesting also outside machine, the device status of the external device for processing a processing request received by the apparatus itself, Auxiliary power source provided with a power storage device, power source switching means for switching the supply destination of the auxiliary power source between the external unit and the inside, and the external unit monitoring unit when the processing request to the external unit is requested detected by, principal supply of auxiliary power of the detection result to the original to the external device, to determine the required, in accordance with the judgment result, the operating the power supply switching means for supplying to the external device the auxiliary power supply power supply control means, characterized by comprising a.
The invention according to claim 2 is capable of requesting an external device in addition to processing the accepted processing request within the own device, and requesting a processing request requested from an external device having an auxiliary power source equipped with a power storage device. An image forming apparatus capable of receiving and processing , an external unit monitoring means for detecting a device state of an external unit, an auxiliary power source provided with a power storage device, and a supply destination of the auxiliary power to an external unit and an internal unit a first power supply switching means for switching between at the time of processing request to the external device, the device status of the external device detected by said external device monitoring means, the detection result of the auxiliary power to the original to the outside machine main supply, it is determined unnecessary, in accordance with the judgment result, the auxiliary power supply and the first power supply control means for operating the first power supply switching means for supplying to said external device, responding to a request from an external apparatus, device Means to notify the status and auxiliary power supply of external unit The second power source switching means for switching the power source between the power source supplied from the external unit and the internal power source, and when the processing request from the external unit is received, the auxiliary power source of the external unit is supplied according to the instruction from the external unit second power supply control means for operating the second power supply switching means to receive power that, characterized by comprising a.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the determination of whether the auxiliary power supply for performing power supply control is necessary or not is based on whether the received processing request is processed or not. rather than processing request only, and the detection by the external machine monitor unit results, when in the state in which the external device is not activated, the it is necessary auxiliary power supply, characterized in that a.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the power supplied from the auxiliary power source to the external unit is converted into a DC power source having a constant voltage that can be used by the external unit. Means are provided.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising means for converting power supplied from the auxiliary power source to an external device into AC.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, an electric double layer capacitor is used for the power storage device.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a storage battery is used for the power storage device.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the power supplied from the auxiliary power source to the external unit is used for the driving power of the halogen heater in the external unit. To do.
The invention of claim 9, accepts the processing request is a request from an external device having an auxiliary power supply with power storage device, meet the image forming apparatus capable of performing processing, response to a request from an external apparatus, device Means for notifying the state, power source switching means for switching the power source between the power source supplied from the auxiliary power source of the external unit and the internal power source, and an instruction from the external unit when receiving a processing request from the external unit according, characterized by comprising a power supply control means for operating the front Symbol power switching means to receive power supplied from the auxiliary power of the external device.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the power supply control means in the image forming apparatus according to the first or ninth aspect.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as the first power supply control means and the second power supply control means in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect.
The invention of claim 12 has an outer to process the processing request accepted by the apparatus itself, it is possible to request even outside machine, met the power supply control method in an image forming apparatus having an auxiliary power supply with power storage device Te, determination during processing request to the external device, the step of detecting a device state of the external device, a main supply of auxiliary power to said external apparatus based on the result of detecting a device state of the external apparatus, unwanted a step of, essential supply of auxiliary power to the external device, in accordance with result of the determination unnecessary, switching the auxiliary power supply to be supplied to the external machine, the destination of the auxiliary power source from the inside to the outside machine process, It is characterized by having.
The invention according to claim 13 is capable of requesting an external device in addition to processing the accepted processing request within the own device, having an auxiliary power source provided with the power storage device, and having the power storage device. A method for controlling power supply in an image forming apparatus capable of accepting a processing request requested from an external device having a function and performing processing, and detecting a device state of the external device when processing is requested to the external device When a result of the determination is needed for supply of the auxiliary power to the external device based on the result of detecting a device state of the external device, the step of determining required, principal supply of auxiliary power to the external device, the unnecessary according, the auxiliary power supply to be supplied to the external device, the step of operating the power supply switching means for switching to the external device the destination of the auxiliary power source from the inside, responds to requests from the external device, and notifies the device status Receive process requests and processing requests from external devices When digits, in accordance with an instruction from the external device, characterized by having a step, to operate the power supply switching means to receive power from the auxiliary power of the external device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to supply power from an auxiliary power source of a master machine equipped with an auxiliary power source to an external slave machine that requests a job in a linked operation, and mutual assistance between the external slave machine and the master machine. By making it possible to supply power, it is possible to effectively use the auxiliary power supply between the devices that make up the connection system, to increase the startup time to the output state, and to improve the performance of the connection system. become.
In addition, by converting the power supplied to the external device to a DC power source having a constant voltage, it is easy to use the external device, and it is possible to cope with general-purpose parts.
In addition, by converting the power supplied to the external unit to an AC power source, it can be easily used in the external unit, and can be handled with inexpensive general-purpose parts compared to a large-current DC power source.
In addition, the power storage device of the auxiliary power source can be charged and discharged in a short time, and the performance can be improved by using a long-life electric double layer capacitor or storage battery.
In addition, by using auxiliary power supplied to the external machine for the halogen heater, it is possible to use the power more effectively by shortening the rise of the fixing temperature, which is the key to achieving output. It becomes possible.
Further, since the auxiliary power supply control function is provided by the program, the function realizing means can be easily configured.

Embodiments of the present invention relating to an image forming apparatus will be described below.
The embodiment described below is an embodiment in which a digital color copying machine is integrated into an MFP (multifunction machine) that combines a FAX (facsimile) function, a printer function, a scanner function, a document box function, and the like. However, the image forming apparatus may be a single-function device or a monochrome device, and can be implemented in the same manner as in this example.
“Outline of MFP (Composite Image Forming Device)”
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an MFP based on an electrophotographic color copier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the MFP shown in FIG. 1, an image forming unit 1 is disposed in the approximate center of the apparatus, and a paper feeding unit 2 is disposed below the image forming unit 1. The sheet feeding unit 2 includes a sheet feeding tray 21 at each stage, and another sheet feeding device 22 can be added as necessary. Above the image forming unit 1, a reading unit 3 for reading a document is disposed. A paper discharge storage unit 4 is formed on the left side of the image forming unit 1, and the recording paper on which the image is formed is discharged and stored.
The image forming unit 1 is a so-called tandem type, and each color component (usually yellow: Y, magenta: M, cyan: C, black: BK) is formed on an intermediate transfer belt 5 which is a belt-like intermediate transfer member. The image forming units 6 are arranged in parallel, and each includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging device 62, a scanning exposure device 7 using laser light, a developing device 63 using toner, and a toner cleaning device 64 around the photosensitive drum 61.
As an image forming process, first, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. This process controls the light emission of an LD: laser diode (not shown) in the scanning exposure device 7 based on the print output data, whereby optical writing is performed on the photosensitive drum 61, and the photosensitive drum surface is electrostatically charged. After forming the latent image, the toner image of each color component is developed by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image. The optical writing is performed by the main / sub two-dimensional scanning method, and the light beam from the LD is swung in the main scanning direction via a rotating polygon mirror and a lens, and is rotated on the photosensitive drum 61 rotating in the sub scanning direction. The surface of the photoreceptor is exposed.
Further, in the process of transferring the toner images of the respective color components formed on the photosensitive drum 61 to the intermediate transfer belt 5 that rotates synchronously, the color images are synthesized. Thereafter, the color image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 is transferred onto a recording sheet.
The recording paper on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer device 51 is fixed on the recording paper through the fixing device 8 disposed in the processing path to the paper discharge storage unit 4. In the fixing process, the toner image is pressed onto the recording paper by passing the recording paper on which the toner image is placed between rollers heated to a high temperature by a fixing heater such as a halogen lamp.

The reading unit 3 enables both book reading and sheet-through reading operations. In book reading, a document (not shown) placed on a document table (contact glass) 33 is scanned by a reading optical system, and a document image is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as an image sensor placed on an imaging surface. Convert. Sheet-through reading is performed by a CCD via a reading optical system clamped at a reading position while conveying a sheet document by an automatic document feeder (ADF) 36 mounted on the upper portion of the reading unit 3 (shared with book reading). Convert the original image.
The image signal read by the CCD is digitized and subjected to image processing such as correction and conversion in order to obtain image formation output data.
When copying is instructed, the image forming process on the recording paper is performed according to the above-described image forming process starting from optical writing on the photosensitive drum 61 based on the print output data obtained by this image processing. Done and a copy made according to the instructions is obtained.
The image forming apparatus of this embodiment has functions as MFPs such as a FAX, a printer, a scanner, and a document box in addition to the copying function described above. These functions enable data processed in the MFP machine to be transmitted to an external machine via a communication interface (I / F) in accordance with an instruction from the operation panel of the MFP.
Further, in response to a processing request or access request made from an external device via the communication I / F, print output is performed in the MFP device, or document data or the like is transmitted to the request source in accordance with the access request. Since these functions themselves are existing techniques, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

“Concatenation function”
The MFP shown in this embodiment has a connection function. The linkage function requests an external device connected from the MFP via a communication I / F to perform print output processing, operates the external device as a slave device, and performs the print output processing simultaneously in parallel between the MFP and the external device. This function aims to increase productivity.
When the number of printouts and the number of copies are large, the user can instruct the output process by the connection operation by setting the connection mode on the operation panel of the MFP instructing the output process. When the connection mode is set, the MFP searches for an image forming apparatus to be used as a slave machine from an external machine connected to the MFP, and requests an output process from the found apparatus, whereby output processing by the connection operation in the slave machine is performed. To do.
The master machine needs to have a monitor function in order to search for an image forming apparatus used as a slave machine. The master machine obtains information for determining whether or not the external machine can be used for the requested output process by the monitor function when the connection mode is set.
Here, the slave machine need not be an MFP as long as it can perform output processing equivalent to the master machine. However, when the master machine requests a job, it uses the monitor function to inquire about the status of the device. Therefore, the slave device needs to have means for notifying the status of the device in response to this inquiry. .
In addition, as means for realizing the connection function, communication of data necessary for the procedure for requesting a job from the MFP to an external device serving as a slave device, image data for print output, various setting data, control signals, timing In order to transmit signals and the like, an I / F that connects the MFP to an external slave device is provided. This I / F can use a general-purpose network I / F or the like for connecting to an external device when using the above-mentioned MFP composite function, but even if a dedicated I / F is used for the connection function good. Since the connecting function itself is basically an existing technology, a detailed description is omitted here.

“Auxiliary power”
In addition, the MFP shown in this embodiment includes an auxiliary power source.
The auxiliary power source here means that there is a margin in power consumption, for example, during standby, storing power in the power storage device, generating DC power from the power, and using the power source efficiently by assisting commercial power, It is used to increase the maximum power consumption.
In an image forming apparatus, such an auxiliary power supply has been conventionally used in order to quickly start up to a state where output processing can be performed when the power is on or in an energy saving mode. In particular, in the above-described electrophotographic image forming process, an auxiliary power source is used so as to directly or indirectly increase the power for driving the fixing heater that takes the longest time to start up to the use state.
By the way, when an image forming apparatus provided with an auxiliary power source is used in the coupled operation mode, the following situation may occur. That is, when the connection mode process is instructed, the master machine or the slave machine may be in an energy saving state or the like, and cannot be output immediately. In such a case, if there is an auxiliary power supply, it is possible to start up in a state where it can be output as soon as possible by assisting the commercial power supply.
However, depending on the specifications of the device, either the master machine or the slave machine may not have an auxiliary power supply, or even if it has an auxiliary power supply, it may be in an unusable state due to insufficient capacity.
At this time, there is a case where the main power supply is sufficient even if the equipped auxiliary power supply can be used for the other connection machine where the power supply is not assisted, and there is no need to use it. . It is a negative for the system to cause a delay in the connection process while keeping the power supply / demand balance between the connected machines unchanged.

“Utilization of auxiliary power supply between coupling machines”
Therefore, a connection is intended to complete processing in a short time by providing a mechanism for supplying auxiliary power from one coupling machine provided with auxiliary power to the other coupling machine that requires power between the coupling machines. Make processing more efficient.
Since the coupling machine provided with the auxiliary power source may be used in the own machine or in the external coupling machine, the coupling machine is provided with a power switching device or a power synthesizing device to change the supply path. This power source switching / combining device switches / combines auxiliary power to / from the main power source.
Similar to the coupling machine with auxiliary power, the external coupling machine also has a power switching device or power synthesizing device, and between the power supplied from the coupling machine with auxiliary power and the main power in its own machine. To switch / combine the power.
Here, the procedure for supplying auxiliary power to the coupling machine is performed as part of the coupling operation mode. Therefore, in the procedure for requesting output processing in the coupling operation, the equipment required for supplying auxiliary power is included. When the state is checked and the supply condition is set, the power supply switching / combining device is operated to execute the target auxiliary power supply control.
In addition, the information exchanged between the coupling machines necessary for this procedure is performed through the I / F between the coupling machines, as in the output processing by the coupling operation described above.

Next, an embodiment related to a system in which image forming apparatuses that can use an auxiliary power source are connected between connecting machines will be described.
This system is a system that performs a power supply operation that makes it possible to use an auxiliary power source between coupling machines in order to start the coupling machine to a use state when a coupling operation is required.
In the following, a system capable of supplying auxiliary power in only one direction ("Embodiment 1" to "Embodiment 3") and a system capable of supplying auxiliary power in both directions ("Embodiment 4", "implementation"). The configuration and operation of the system will be described separately in the form 5 ”).
In each of the one-way and two-way systems, the power stored in the auxiliary power storage device that can be used between the coupling machines is supplied by the stored DC power or supplied by the power after AC conversion. In addition, variations from the viewpoint of a system configuration that considers the relationship with the supply destination of auxiliary power (for example, a fixing heater) are shown.

“Embodiment 1”
This embodiment shows a form related to a system capable of supplying auxiliary power only in one direction as a basic form of a system in which image forming apparatuses that can use auxiliary power are connected between connecting machines.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a connection system according to the present embodiment.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, an image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 and an image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200 that perform a connecting operation are connected via a communication I / F, and control each of the MFP. The system control device (1) 101 and the system control device (2) 201 perform control for supplying auxiliary power between the connecting operation and the connecting machine. In this example, for convenience of explanation, the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 receives a print output request in which the connection mode is set, and becomes a master device for the connection operation, and the connection processing of the received output request is performed by the slave device. System controller (2) acting as Further, it is assumed that the master machine includes the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121.
The system control device (1) 101 of the master machine controls the switching device (1) 115 and the switching device (11) 118, thereby supplying power to be supplied to the controlled object (1) 105 to the main power supply device (1) 111. Auxiliary power supply (1) Switch with 121.
The system control device (2) 201 of the slave machine controls the switching device (2) 215 so that the power to be supplied to the control target (2) 205 is supplied to the main power supply device (2) 211 and the auxiliary machine provided in the master machine Switch to power supply unit (1) 121.
When switching from the main power source to the auxiliary power source, it is a condition that the auxiliary power source is not used by the partner coupling machine, so that both system control devices monitor the device status of the partner coupling machine at the time of switching.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply are switched. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the power from the auxiliary power supply and the power from the main power supply are added and supplied in parallel. It is also possible to adopt a method. In this case, the switching device (1) 115 and the switching device (2) 215 of FIG. 2 can be replaced with the synthesis device (1) 117 and the synthesis device (2) 217 shown in FIG.

The configuration of the auxiliary power supply (1) 121 has an internal configuration as shown in FIG.
The auxiliary power supply (1) 121 stores the electric power from the commercial power supply in the power storage device 121b by the charging device 121g. Charging is performed by power from the commercial power supply common to the main power supply device (1) 111. Therefore, there is a margin in power consumption in balance with the main power supply, for example, during standby.
The charging device 121g converts the commercial power source into a DC power source and supplies the power source device 121b. In addition, an output device 121p is provided for outputting electric power charged in the power storage device 121b.
The auxiliary power supply control device 121c is provided with communication means with the system control device (1) 101 for controlling the entire device, and under this control, the charging operation and the power output operation are controlled according to the operation state of the device. . When receiving the charge request from the system control device (1) 101, the auxiliary power supply control device 121c monitors the charging voltage and controls the charging device 121g so as to obtain a predetermined charging power. Also, upon receiving an output request from the system controller (1) 101, the output device 121p is operated, and the discharge output from the charging device 121g is controlled.
The power storage device (BAT) 121b used in the auxiliary power supply device 121b can be charged / discharged in a short time, can be supplied with a relatively large current, is required to have a long life with little performance deterioration due to charging / discharging, A capacitor composed of an electric double layer capacitor can be employed as a power storage device that meets these conditions. As for the characteristics of the electric double layer capacitor, the terminal voltage decreases with discharge, so it is necessary to use DDC. In consideration of charge / discharge characteristics and a life that can be supplied at a constant voltage, a lithium ion battery may be applied as the power storage device. Since this battery has a higher energy density than the electric double layer capacitor, the device can be miniaturized.

In the above system (FIG. 2 or 3) in which an image forming apparatus that can use an auxiliary power source is connected between the coupling machines, the operation when the coupling machine is brought up to the use state in response to a print output request in which the coupling mode is set. This will be described based on the control flow shown in FIG.
The master machine that has received the print output request on the operation panel first checks whether or not the connection mode is set in the output request (step S101). If the connection mode is not set, this control flow is performed. And wait for the next output request input operation.
If the connection mode is set as a result of the check, it is next checked whether or not the master machine is ready to output (step S102).
Here, when the output is not ready in an energy saving state or the like, the image forming unit 6 raises the fixing heater of the fixing device 8 to the use temperature, starts up the scanning exposure device 7, or makes a copy. If it is a request, control necessary for starting up the lamp adjustment of the reading unit 3 and the correction operation of the signal processing system, etc. is performed, and preparation is made so that output is possible (step S103).
If it can be confirmed that the master device is ready to output (step S103-YES), then it is checked whether the slave device is ready to output (step S104). It should be noted that the output process in the master machine is started when the master machine is ready to output.

The status check of the slave machine is performed using the monitor function of the master machine. That is, the system controller (1) 101 inquires about the status of the device detected by the system controller (2) 201 of the slave unit via the communication I / F, and the slave unit can be output from the obtained response. Know if it is up or not.
As a result, if the slave device is ready to output, it immediately transfers the output operation request and output image data to the slave device, and the slave device starts output processing in parallel with the master device (step S105).
On the other hand, when a monitoring result is obtained that the slave unit is not ready for output in an energy saving state or the like, auxiliary power is supplied to the slave unit and the start-up is accelerated (step S108).
However, since it is premised that the power for supplying auxiliary power from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121 to the slave unit is charged, the charge state is checked first (step S107), and the charge state that can be supplied Then, auxiliary power is supplied to the slave unit (step S108).
At this time, for example, if the master machine itself also uses the auxiliary power supply for starting up from the energy saving state, the auxiliary power supply cannot be used. In this case (step S107-NO), the power supply to the slave machine Without this assistance, the control flow is exited.
In addition, based on the above-described control flow, it is possible to realize an intended control function for starting up the coupling machine to a use state using an auxiliary power source between the coupling machines. Means for realizing this function is that a control program for executing the above control flow is mounted in the system control device (1) 101 of the MFP (image forming device (1)) 100, and the CPU of this control device has It can be implemented by operating the program and managing the procedure shown in the control flow.

As shown in the operation according to the control flow, how to use the auxiliary power varies depending on the state of the master machine at the time of print output request. In practice, the available power varies depending on the state of charge at that time.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the start-up time of each coupling machine from the time of request until the printing operation becomes possible.
This figure shows a case where the master machine is up at the time of print output request (A) and a case where it is not up (B).
In contrast, (A) shows that the master machine has already started up, so the slave machine to which auxiliary power is supplied is started up much faster than the slave machine without assistance, and the auxiliary power supply is most effectively used. The case where it was done is shown.
On the other hand, in (B), since the master machine has not been started up yet, the auxiliary power is consumed by the master machine, and in the worst case where the auxiliary power is not supplied, the slave machine has its own power without assistance. Rise is delayed. However, if the remaining power of the auxiliary power supply can be used after the master machine is started up, the speed is faster than the worst case, as shown in the state diagram of the slave machine (with assistance).

“Embodiment 2”
This embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and relates to a system in which a DC power source generated from a commercial power source is supplemented by a DC power source supplied from an auxiliary power source and can be used. The form is shown.
As described in the first embodiment, the DC auxiliary power supply used for the slave machine varies depending on the state of the master machine at that time.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how the power supply is used and how the usage state changes when the available auxiliary power supply changes. Here, a part of the commercial power source is AC / DC converted by the main power supply device, supplied from the main power source to a supply destination that requires DC power, and the rest is supplied to the fixing heater as AC. It is an example. Moreover, since auxiliary power is supplied by DC, it assists main power.
FIG. 6A shows a state when the auxiliary power source is not used. In this state, a part of the commercial power supply for which the maximum power that can be used is determined is converted to DC by the main power supply device, used at the supply destination that requires the converted DC power supply, and the rest is fixed as AC. Use with a heater.
FIG. 5B assists a part of the supply destination to which the DC power from the main power supply device was supplied before the assistance by the aided DC power. As a result, the total power consumed by the device is increased by the amount of auxiliary power, and the state in which the commercial power source is used at the maximum power does not change, so the power supplied to the fixing heater is also increased by the amount of auxiliary power.
In FIG. 5C, the number of DC power sources to be supplemented is increased, and all of the supply destinations to which the DC power source from the main power supply device was supplied before assistance are supported. As a result, the total power consumed by the device is increased by the amount of auxiliary power, and the state in which the commercial power source is used at the maximum power does not change, so that the fixing heater is driven using the full commercial power source.

The connection system that enables the DC power supplied from the auxiliary power source to be used by the method shown in FIG. 7 can be implemented by the system having a schematic configuration shown in FIG.
Since the configuration shown in FIG. 8 is based on the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 and 3), there is basically no change.
The difference is that in each of the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 and the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200 performing the connecting operation, a control target (1) supplied with DC power from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121 is provided. ) 105, the control target (2) 205, the fixing heater (1) 125 to which AC power is supplied, and the fixing heater (2) 225 are divided to clarify the supply system of the fixing heater that supplies AC power. Note that the control target (1) 105 and the control target (2) 205 to which the DC power is supplied include various control actuators, drive systems such as motors, read / write light sources, various sensors, and the like.
Further, in the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100, the main power supply (1) 111, the auxiliary power supply (1) 121, the fixing heater (1) 125, and the like from one commercial power supply 150 having a restriction on the maximum power to be used. Similarly, in the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200, the main power supply device (2) 211 and the fixing heater (2) 225 are used from one commercial power source 250 in the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200. It is clear that AC power is being supplied.
The system control device (1) 101 of the master machine controls the switching device (1) 115 or the synthesizing device (1) 117 and the switching device (11) 118 to control the power supplied to the controlled object (1) 105. Switch or combine between power supply (1) 111 and auxiliary power supply (1) 121. By using the auxiliary power supply, the power of the fixing heater (1) 125 can be indirectly increased as described with reference to FIG. 7, and the start-up to the output state can be accelerated.
The system control device (2) 201 of the slave machine controls the switching device (2) 215 to supply the power to be supplied to the control target (2) 205 to the main power supply device (2) 211 and the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121. To switch between. When the auxiliary power source is used on the slave unit side, naturally, it is necessary to operate the master unit switching device (11) 118 in conjunction with it. By using the auxiliary power supply, the power of the fixing heater (2) 225 can be indirectly increased as described with reference to FIG. 7, and the start-up to the output state can be accelerated.

Here, a switching device, a synthesizing device, and an auxiliary power supply device having a DDC, which are elements for controlling the supply of auxiliary power in the connection system shown in FIG. 8, will be described.
“Switching device”
FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of a switching device used for auxiliary power supply control.
The switching device shown in the figure performs a switching operation for outputting one of two inputs, and is used for the switching device (1) 115 in the connection system shown in FIG.
The system control device (1) 101 controls ON / OFF of the SW1 and SW2 of the switching device (1) 115, and controls the main power supply device (1) 111 and the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121, which are power supply sources. Switch. SW1 and SW2 use relays and semiconductor switches. D1 and D2 are backflow prevention diodes.
Although the switching device (1) 115 is taken as an example in the device of FIG. 9, a device having the same configuration can also be used for the switching device (2) 215.
Moreover, the apparatus which switches the supply destination of electric power can also be implemented by the structure which reversed the input side and output side of FIG. In the connection system shown in FIG. 8, a device for switching the supply path (destination) is used as the switching device (11) 118.
“Synthesizer”
FIG. 10 shows an example of a configuration of a synthesizing apparatus used for auxiliary power supply control.
The synthesizing device shown in the figure performs an operation of synthesizing two inputs and outputting at a constant voltage. In the connection system shown in FIG. 8, the synthesizing device (1) 117 is used.
The output of the main power supply (1) 111 is constant voltage control, and the output of the auxiliary power supply (1) 121 is constant current control. Current detection circuit (1) 117b detects the total load current. Current detection circuit (1) The constant current target value of auxiliary power supply (1) 121 is determined based on the feedback value from 117b, and current detection circuit (2) 117a is connected to auxiliary power supply ( 1) A feedback value for controlling 121 is detected. As a result, the main power supply (1) 111 satisfies the power not supplied by the auxiliary power supply (1) 121, and performs constant voltage control with the feedback value from the voltage detection circuit (1) 117c. D1 and D2 are backflow prevention diodes.
“Auxiliary power supply with DDC”
The auxiliary power supply (1) 121 basically has the internal configuration described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, it is desirable to connect a DC-DC converter 121d for making the charging voltage of the power storage device constant at the subsequent stage of the power storage device 121b. By connecting the DC-DC converter 121d, even if the voltage of the power storage device 121b is not suitable for the control target (1) 105 and control target (2) 205 of the supply destination, the auxiliary power supply side is matched and output. It is possible to improve the usability by eliminating the need for processing on the receiving side.
By configuring the connection system shown in FIG. 8 as described above, the DC power supplied from the auxiliary power can be used by the method shown in FIG. In the system shown in FIG. 8 in which an auxiliary power source can be used between the coupling machines, the operation when the coupling machine is started up to the use state in response to the print output request in which the coupling mode is set is shown in FIG. By executing the control flow procedure shown in FIG.

“Embodiment 3”
This embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and after the DC power stored in the auxiliary power source is converted to AC, the power source such as a fixing heater that is driven by a commercial power source in the coupling device of the supply destination is supplemented and used. The form related to the enabled system is shown.
Here, the AC power source from the auxiliary power source is used only for the fixing heater, so that an operation for increasing the electric power for driving the fixing heater by the auxiliary amount is possible.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of using the power supply and a change in the usage state and the unused state of the auxiliary power supply in the present embodiment. Here, a part of the commercial power source is AC / DC converted by the main power supply device, supplied from the main power source to a supply destination that requires DC power, and the rest is supplied to the fixing heater as AC. It is an example. The auxiliary power supply converts DC of the power storage device into AC and then supplies the power to the fixing heater with AC to assist only the heater driving power. Therefore, the power supply to the supply destination that requires the DC power supply is performed from the main power supply regardless of the auxiliary power supply.
FIG. 6A shows a state when the auxiliary power source is not used. In this state, a part of the commercial power supply for which the maximum power that can be used is determined is converted to DC by the main power supply device, used at the supply destination that requires the converted DC power supply, and the rest is fixed as AC. Use with a heater.
In FIG. 5B, the auxiliary AC power supply assists only the driving power of the heater. As a result, the total power consumed by the device is increased by the amount of auxiliary power, and the state in which the commercial power source is used at the maximum power does not change, so the power supplied to the fixing heater is also increased by the amount of auxiliary power.

The connection system that enables the AC power supplied from the auxiliary power source to be used by the method shown in FIG. 13 can be implemented by the system having a schematic configuration shown in FIG.
The configuration shown in FIG. 12 is based on the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 and 3), so that the auxiliary power source of the master machine is not only used in the master machine but also used in the slave machine by switching the supply path. This is basically the same as the configuration of the first embodiment in that it includes a configuration for performing the above.
The difference is that in each of the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 and the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200 that perform the connecting operation, the AC power from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a can be used as the AC power. Means are provided for supplying to the fixing heater. In the example shown in the figure, the fixing heater is a two-heater system including main fixing heaters 127 and 227 and auxiliary fixing heaters 129 and 229 for each coupling machine. The AC power supply from the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121a It is designed to assist only the power of the auxiliary fixing heaters 129 and 229.
Therefore, the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 has an AC power supply path from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a to the auxiliary fixing heater (12) 129 and the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200. A switching device (1) 118a corresponding to an AC power source that switches between them is provided. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200 that receives the supply of auxiliary power includes an AC power compatible switching device that switches power between the AC power from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a and the commercial power supply 250 ( 2) Provide 215a.
The system control device (1) 101 of the master machine supplies the AC power from the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121a to the auxiliary fixing heater (12) 129 by controlling the switching device (1) 118a, to the fixing heater. The total power can be increased, and the start-up of the master machine to the output state can be accelerated.
The system control device (2) 201 of the slave machine controls the switching device (2) 215a and supplies power supplied to the auxiliary fixing heater (22) 229 from the commercial power supply 250 to the AC power supply from the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121a. By switching, as described in FIG. 13 above, the total power to the fixing heater can be increased, and the start-up of the slave machine to the output state can be accelerated. When the auxiliary power source is used on the slave machine side, it is naturally necessary to operate the master machine switching device (1) 118a in conjunction with it.

Incidentally, in the connection system shown in FIG. 12, the auxiliary power source is used as an AC power source.
In other words, when using the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121a, the power stored in the power storage device in the auxiliary power supply device is discharged and output, and the obtained DC power is converted into AC power, which can be used as AC power. Supplied to a proper fixing heater.
Originally, since the power supplied to the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a is AC, reconverting the DC power charged in the power storage device into an AC voltage is efficiently reduced. However, the following problems arise when the current increases in the case of supplying with DC power so as not to reduce the efficiency.
That is, when a power supply is supplied, a switch function is always required on the supply path. However, a mechanical contact type switch such as a relay has few parts with a large current rating, is expensive, and increases costs. In the case of an AC power source, since the direction of current changes, even a contact-type switch can be easily turned ON / OFF reliably, and the components are not as expensive as those compatible with DC.
Therefore, in the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a DC-AC converter 121n for converting the DC power output from the power storage device downstream of the power storage device 121b to AC, as shown in FIG. Are connected. By connecting the DC-AC converter 121n, the auxiliary power supply (1) The power supply can be switched to the switching device (1) 118a for switching the supply path of the AC power supplied from 121a or the auxiliary fixing heater (22). Switching device to perform (2) It becomes possible to make 215a compatible with AC power supply.
By configuring the connection system shown in FIG. 12 as described above, AC power supplied from the auxiliary power supply can be used with the auxiliary fixing heater by the method shown in FIG. In the system shown in FIG. 12 in which an auxiliary power source can be used between the coupling machines, the operation when the coupling machine is started up to the use state in response to the print output request in which the coupling mode is set is shown in FIG. By executing the control flow procedure shown in FIG.

“Embodiment 4”
This embodiment shows an embodiment relating to a system capable of supplying auxiliary power in both directions as a form of a system in which image forming apparatuses that can use auxiliary power are connected between connecting machines.
FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of a connection system according to the present embodiment.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, an image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 and an image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200 that perform a connecting operation are connected via a communication I / F, and control each of the MFP. The system control device (1) 101 and the system control device (2) 201 perform control for supplying auxiliary power between the connecting operation and the connecting machine. Note that this example shows an example in which MFPs having the same configuration are connected, so that a print output request in which the connection mode is set becomes the master device for the connection operation, and the connection processing of the received output request is a slave device. The operation of requesting the other connecting machine to work is performed. Each coupling machine includes an auxiliary power unit (1) 121 and an auxiliary power unit (2) 221, and the auxiliary power source included in each coupling machine can be used between the coupling machines. Enables power assistance for slave units and slave units → master units. However, in this example, a configuration in which both auxiliary power supplies can be used simultaneously by one coupling machine is not adopted.
The system controller (1) 101 of one coupling machine controls the switching device (1) 115 or the synthesizing device (1) 117 and the switching device (11) 118, thereby supplying power to the control target (1) 105. Is switched between the main power supply (1) 111 and the auxiliary power supply (1) 121 or synthesized. Similarly, the system controller (2) 201 of the other coupling machine also controls the switching device (2) or the synthesizing device (2) and the switching device (21) to supply power to be supplied to the controlled object (2). Switch or synthesize between main power supply (2) and auxiliary power supply (2).
When switching / combining between the main power supply and the auxiliary power supply, it is a condition that the auxiliary power supply to be used is not used in the other coupling machine. Monitor the equipment status of the coupling machine.

In the above-described system (FIG. 15) in which image forming apparatuses that can use an auxiliary power supply between the coupling machines are connected to each other, the operation when the coupling machine is brought up to use in response to a print output request in which the coupling mode is set. This will be described based on the control flow shown in FIGS.
The master machine that has received the print output request on the operation panel confirms that the connection mode is set in the output request, and starts this control flow. (Step S201). If the master machine is not started up, the master machine is started up first, and the startup operation is advanced according to the control flow of FIG.
At this time, since the master machine is in a state of waiting for startup in an energy saving state or the like, it is activated and starts up (step S301).
Next, the charging state of the auxiliary power source used for quickly starting up the master machine is checked (step S302).
Here, if the battery is charged, the auxiliary power supply can be used (step S302-YES). If the scanning exposure apparatus 7 is started up or a copy request is made using the auxiliary power supply, lamp adjustment of the reading unit 3 or Control necessary for starting up the correction operation or the like of the signal processing system is performed to enable output (step S303).
If it can be confirmed that the master machine is ready for output (YES in step S304), the process returns to the first step of the control flow.
When the auxiliary power supply of the master machine cannot be used (step S302-NO), it is checked whether the master machine can use the auxiliary power supply of the slave machine (step S312).
Here, if the auxiliary power source of the slave unit can be used (step S312—YES), using this power source, if the scanning exposure apparatus 7 is started up or if a copy is requested, the lamp adjustment of the reading unit 3 and the signal processing system Control necessary for starting up the correction operation or the like is performed to enable output (step S313).
If the auxiliary power source can be used, the power supply can be output, and if it can be confirmed that the master device is ready to output (YES in step S314), the control flow returns to the first step. .
If the auxiliary power from the slave unit cannot be obtained (step S312-NO), the process returns to the first step of the control flow.

In step S201, it is checked whether or not the master machine is ready to output.
If it can be confirmed that the slave unit has also started up, the output process can be started in parallel with the master unit, so that the process returns to the first step of this control flow in order to respond to the next output request (step S202-YES). ).
On the other hand, if the slave unit is not started up (step S202-NO), the startup operation is advanced according to the startup control flow of the slave unit. At this time, since the slave unit is in a state of waiting for startup in an energy saving state or the like, the slave unit is activated and starts up (step S203).
Next, the state of charge of the auxiliary power source used for quickly starting up the slave unit is checked (step S204).
Here, if the battery is charged, the auxiliary power supply can be used (step S204-YES). If the scanning exposure apparatus 7 is started up or a copy request is made using the auxiliary power supply, the lamp adjustment of the reading unit 3 can be performed. Control necessary for starting up the correction operation or the like of the signal processing system is performed to enable output (step S205).
Thereafter, it is confirmed that the slave unit has been set in a state where it can output, and if it can be confirmed (step S206-YES), the process returns to the first step of the control flow.
When the auxiliary power source of the slave unit cannot be used (step S204-NO), it is checked whether the slave unit can use the auxiliary power source of the master unit (step S212).
Here, if the auxiliary power source of the master machine is available (step S212-YES), using this power source, if the scanning exposure apparatus 7 is started up or if a copy is requested, the lamp adjustment of the reading unit 3 and the signal processing system Control necessary for starting up the correction operation or the like is performed to enable output (step S213).
If the auxiliary power source can be used, it is started up to a state where output is possible, and if it can be confirmed that the slave unit is ready to output (step S214-YES), it returns to the first step of this control flow. .
If an auxiliary power source cannot be obtained from the master machine (step S212—NO), the process returns to the first step of this control flow.
In addition, based on the above-described control flow, it is possible to realize an intended control function for starting up the coupling machine to the use state by using the auxiliary power supply between the coupling machines. As a means for realizing this function, a control program for executing the above control flow is stored in the system control device (1) 101 of the MFP (image forming apparatus (1)) 100 or the system control device (2 of the MFP 200). ) The program can be implemented by being installed in 201, operating a program by the CPU of the control device, and managing the procedure shown in the control flow.

As described above, the coupling machine includes the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121 and the auxiliary power supply device (2) 221, and the auxiliary power source included in each coupling machine can be used between the coupling machines. The power supply can be assisted in both directions from the master machine to the slave machine and from the slave machine to the master machine. For this purpose, a switching device for the supply path of the auxiliary power is provided.
Here, a specific circuit of the switching device will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 18 shows a connection system that can supply auxiliary DC power in both directions. Although the configuration itself is the same as that of the connection system shown in FIG. 15, a configuration portion that is an embodiment of a specific circuit of the switching device is shown as a switching circuit 301 surrounded by a broken line frame.
FIG. 19 shows the operation state different from the configuration of the embodiment of the switching circuit 301 as (A) to (D). As shown in FIG. 19, the switching circuit 301 has a branch path for sending DC power in both directions and SW that performs ON / OFF operation at the input / output terminals.
In FIG. 19A, all the SWs of the circuit are opened with no auxiliary power supplied anywhere.
FIG. 19B shows a state in which the power from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121 can be supplied to the image forming apparatus (2) 200, from left to right as indicated by a broken line in the drawing. The SW of the circuit is closed so as to form a branch path through which current flows. A diode for preventing backflow is provided on the branch path.
FIG. 19C shows a state in which power from the auxiliary power supply (2) 221 can be supplied to the image forming apparatus (1) 100, from right to left as indicated by a broken line in the drawing. The SW of the circuit is closed so as to form a branch path through which current flows. A diode for preventing backflow is provided on the branch path.
FIG. 19D shows a state in which the power from each auxiliary power supply is used in the own device. As shown in the drawing, the supply path is indicated by a broken line, and the SW for supplying current to the branch path is opened. The SW on the route to the aircraft is closed. Of course, the operation when the auxiliary power source is used in the own machine is performed independently in each machine.

“Embodiment 5”
This embodiment is based on Embodiment 4 described above, and after the DC power stored in the auxiliary power source is converted to AC, the power source such as a fixing heater that is driven by the commercial power source in the coupling device of the supply destination is supplemented and used. The form related to the enabled system is shown.
Here, the AC power source from the auxiliary power source is used only for the fixing heater, so that an operation for increasing the electric power for driving the fixing heater by the auxiliary amount is possible.
A connection system that enables driving of the fixing heater by an AC power source supplied from an auxiliary power source can be implemented by a system having a schematic configuration shown in FIG.
The configuration shown in FIG. 20 is based on the fourth embodiment (FIG. 15), so that the auxiliary power source of the master machine is not only used in the master machine but also used in the slave machine by switching the supply path. The configuration of the fourth embodiment is basically the same as that of the fourth embodiment in that the configuration is provided.
The difference is that in each of the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 and the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200 performing the connecting operation, the AC from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a or the auxiliary power supply (2) 221a is different. Means are provided for supplying power to a fixing heater that can use AC power. In the example shown in the figure, the fixing heater is a two-heater system including main fixing heaters 127 and 227 and auxiliary fixing heaters 129 and 229 for each coupling machine, and the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a or auxiliary power supply (2) 221a. The AC power supply from is designed to assist the power of only the auxiliary fixing heaters 129 and 229.
Therefore, the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 has an AC power supply path from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a to the auxiliary fixing heater (12) 129 and the image forming apparatus (MFP) (2) 200. A switching device (1) 118a corresponding to an AC power source that switches between them is provided. On the other hand, an AC power supply switching device (2) 218a that switches the supply path of AC power from the auxiliary power device (2) 221a between the auxiliary fixing heater (22) 229 and the image forming apparatus (MFP) (1) 100 is provided. Provide.
Further, the switching device (1) 118a performs an operation of switching the auxiliary power between the auxiliary power device (1) and the auxiliary power device (2) of the own machine and the coupling machine, and the switching device (2) 218a is also switched by the switching device ( 1) Has the same function as 118a.
The image forming apparatus that performs the coupling operation (1) The system control device (1) 101 of 100 controls the switching device (1) 118a so that the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121a or the auxiliary power supply device (2) 221a The AC power is supplied to the auxiliary fixing heater (12) 129, the total power to the fixing heater can be increased, and the start-up to the output state can be accelerated. Further, the image forming apparatus (2) 200 that performs the concatenation operation can also perform the same control operation in the system controller (2) 201 of the 200, and the total power to the fixing heater can be increased by the auxiliary power source, and the output state can be reached. Can start up quickly.
In the operation when using the auxiliary power source, when the auxiliary power source is used not on the own machine but on the coupling machine side, naturally, the switching apparatus (1) 118a or switching apparatus (2) 218a on the coupling machine side is interlocked. Need to operate.

By the way, in the connection system shown in FIG. 20, an auxiliary power source is used as an AC power source.
In other words, when using the auxiliary power supply (1) 121a and the auxiliary power supply (2) 221a, the power stored in the power storage device in the auxiliary power supply is discharged and the obtained DC power is converted into AC power. This is supplied to a fixing heater that can use AC power.
Originally, the power supplied to the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121a and the auxiliary power supply device (2) 221a is AC, so reconverting the DC power charged in the power storage device into an AC voltage is effectively reduced. To do. However, the following problems arise when the current increases in the case of supplying with DC power so as not to reduce the efficiency.
That is, when a power supply is supplied, a switch function is always required on the supply path. However, a mechanical contact type switch such as a relay has few parts with a large current rating, is expensive, and increases costs. In the case of an AC power source, since the direction of current changes, even a contact-type switch can be easily turned ON / OFF reliably, and the components are not as expensive as those compatible with DC.
Therefore, in the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121a and the auxiliary power supply device (2) 221a of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the DC power source discharged from the power storage device is converted into AC after the power storage device 121b. For this purpose, a DC-AC converter 121n is connected. By connecting the DC-AC converter 121n, a switching device (1) 118a for switching the supply path of AC power supplied from the auxiliary power device (1) 121a and the auxiliary power device (2) 221a (2) ) It becomes possible to make 218a compatible with AC power supply.
By configuring the coupling system as described above, the AC power supplied from the auxiliary power source can be used by the coupling machine and the auxiliary fixing heater. In the system shown in FIG. 20 in which the auxiliary power source can be used between the coupling machines, the operation when the coupling machine is started up to the use state in response to the print output request in which the coupling mode is set is shown in FIG. 16 and the procedure of the control flow shown in FIG. 17 can be executed in the same manner.

As described above, the coupling machine includes the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121 and the auxiliary power supply device (2) 221, respectively, and AC power from the auxiliary power supply included in each coupling machine can be mutually used between the coupling machines. In other words, power supply assistance is possible in both directions of master machine → slave machine and slave machine → master machine, and for this purpose, a switching device for the supply path of auxiliary power is provided.
Here, a specific circuit of the switching device will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 21 shows a connection system that can supply auxiliary AC power in both directions. Although the configuration itself is the same as that of the connection system shown in FIG. 20, a configuration part that is an embodiment of a specific circuit of the switching device is shown as a switching circuit 303 surrounded by a broken line frame.
FIG. 22 shows the operation state different from the configuration of the embodiment of the switching circuit 303 as (A) to (D). As shown in FIG. 22, the switching circuit 303 uses the input terminals as the output terminals of the DC-AC converter of the auxiliary power supply device (1) 121 and the DC-AC converter of the auxiliary power supply device (2) 221, respectively. In this configuration, an SW that performs an ON / OFF operation and a SW that performs an ON / OFF operation are provided in the supply path between the coupling machines.
In FIG. 22A, all the SWs of the circuit are opened with no auxiliary power supplied anywhere.
FIG. 22B shows a state in which the power from the auxiliary power supply (1) 121 can be supplied to the image forming apparatus (2) 200, from left to right as indicated by a broken line in the drawing. The SW of the circuit is closed so as to form a power supply path.
FIG. 22C shows a state in which the power from the auxiliary power supply (2) 221 can be supplied to the image forming apparatus (1) 100, from right to left as indicated by a broken line in the drawing. The SW of the circuit is closed so as to form a power supply path.
FIG. 22D shows a state where the power from each auxiliary power unit is used in the own machine, and the SW provided in the supply path between the coupling machines is indicated by a broken line in the figure. Open and close the SW of the route to the aircraft. Of course, the operation when the auxiliary power source is used in the own machine is performed independently in each machine.

1 shows a schematic configuration of an MFP (image forming apparatus) based on an electrophotographic color copier according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system in which image forming apparatuses that can use an auxiliary power source are coupled between coupling machines. The schematic diagram of the connection system which enabled operation | movement which synthesize | combines an auxiliary power supply with a main power supply is shown. An example of an internal structure of an auxiliary power supply device is shown. The control flow at the time of starting a coupling machine to a use state according to the output request | requirement of a connection mode setting is shown. It is a figure explaining the starting time of each coupling machine until printing operation becomes possible from the time of a request. It is a figure explaining the change of a use condition when the usage method of the power supply and the auxiliary power which can be used change. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a connection system that enables use of a DC power source supplied from an auxiliary power source by the method shown in FIG. 7. An example of a configuration of a switching device used for auxiliary power supply control is shown. An example of the composition of a composition device used for auxiliary power supply control is shown. An example of a structure of the auxiliary power supply device having a DC-DC converter is shown. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a connection system that enables use of an AC power source supplied from an auxiliary power source in the manner shown in FIG. 13. It is a figure explaining the usage method of an electric power supply, the non-use of an auxiliary power supply, and the change of a use state. An example of the structure of the auxiliary power supply device having a DC-AC converter is shown. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system in which image forming apparatuses that can use an auxiliary DC power source in both directions are coupled between coupling machines. The control flow (1 part) when starting a coupling machine to a use state using an auxiliary power supply bidirectionally between coupling machines according to the output request of a coupling mode setting is shown. The control flow (remaining part) when starting a coupling machine to a use state using an auxiliary power supply bidirectionally between coupling machines according to the output request of a coupling mode setting is shown. In the system of FIG. 15, a component (switching circuit) that is an embodiment of the embodiment of the switching device is surrounded by a broken line frame. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation state of the switching circuit of FIG. 18. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system in which image forming apparatuses that can use an auxiliary AC power source in both directions are coupled between coupling machines. In the system of FIG. 20, components (switching circuits) which are examples of the embodiment of the switching device are surrounded by a broken line frame. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operating state of the switching circuit of FIG. 21.

Explanation of symbols

1 .... Image forming unit 2 .... Feeding unit 3 .... Reading unit 4 .... Discharge storage unit 6 .... Image forming unit 7 .... Scanning exposure device 8 .... Fixing device 36 ... ADF (automatic document feeder), 100, 200, Image forming apparatus (MFP), 101, 201, System controller, 105, 205, Control target, 111, 211, Main power unit, 115, 118 , 215, 215a, 218, 218a, switching device, 117, 217, combining device, 121, 121a, 221, 221a, auxiliary power device, 121g, charging device, 121b, power storage device, 121n, DC AC converter, 121c, auxiliary power control device, 121d, DC-DC converter, 121p, output device, 150, 250, commercial power supply, 301, 303, switching circuit.

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus capable of requesting an external device outside of processing the received processing request within the own device,
External unit monitoring means for detecting the device status of the external unit,
An auxiliary power source with a power storage device;
Power supply switching means for switching the supply destination of the auxiliary power source between the external unit and the inside;
When processing a request to the external device, the device status of the external device detected by said external device monitoring means, a main supply of auxiliary power of the detection result to the original to the external device, to determine the required, in accordance with the determination result , the power supply control means for operating said power switching means for supplying the auxiliary power to said external device,
An image forming apparatus comprising: In addition to processing the received processing request within the own machine, it is possible to request an external machine, and accept a processing request requested from an external machine having an auxiliary power source equipped with a power storage device and perform processing A possible image forming apparatus,
External unit monitoring means for detecting the device status of the external unit,
An auxiliary power source with a power storage device;
First power supply switching means for switching a supply destination of the auxiliary power source between the external unit and the inside;
When processing a request to the external device, the device status of the external device detected by said external device monitoring means, a main supply of auxiliary power of the detection result to the original to the external device, to determine the required, in accordance with the determination result , the auxiliary power supply and the first power supply control means for operating the first power supply switching means for supplying to said external device,
A means for responding to requests from external devices and notifying device status;
A second power source switching means for switching the power source between the power source supplied from the auxiliary power source of the external unit and the internal power source;
Second power supply control means for operating the second power supply switching means to receive power supply supplied from the auxiliary power supply of the external machine in accordance with an instruction from the external machine when receiving a processing request from the external machine;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Whether or not the auxiliary power supply for performing power supply control is necessary or not is determined based on the result of detection by the external unit monitoring means that the processing of the received processing request is not a processing request only within the own unit and The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power supply is necessary when the printer is not activated. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for converting power supplied from the auxiliary power source to an external device into a DC power source having a constant voltage that can be used by the external device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for converting power supplied from the auxiliary power source to an external device into AC. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus using an electric double layer capacitor for the power storage device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus using a storage battery for the power storage device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An image forming apparatus, wherein power supplied to the external unit from the auxiliary power source is used for driving power of a halogen heater in the external unit. An image forming apparatus capable of accepting a processing request requested from an external device having an auxiliary power source equipped with a power storage device and performing processing,
A means for responding to requests from external devices and notifying device status;
A power source switching means for switching the power source between the power source supplied from the auxiliary power source of the external unit and the internal power source;
When accepting the processing request from an external device, in accordance with an instruction from the external device, the power supply control means for operating the front Symbol power switching means to receive power supplied from the auxiliary power of the external device,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   A program for causing a computer to function as the power supply control unit in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   A program for causing a computer to function as the first power supply control unit and the second power supply control unit in the image forming apparatus according to claim 2. It is a power supply control method in an image forming apparatus having an auxiliary power source equipped with a power storage device, which can be requested to an external device outside processing the received processing request within the own device,
A step of detecting the device status of the external device at the time of processing request to the external device;
Main supply of auxiliary power of the result of detecting a device state of the external apparatus to the original to the external device, the step of determining required,
Main supply of the auxiliary power supply to the external apparatus, in accordance with result of the determination unnecessary, switching the auxiliary power supply to be supplied to the external machine, the destination of the auxiliary power source from the inside to the outside machine process,
A power supply control method comprising: In addition to processing the received processing request within the own machine, it is possible to request an external machine, and has an auxiliary power source equipped with a power storage device,
And a power supply control method in an image forming apparatus capable of accepting a processing request requested from an external unit having an auxiliary power source equipped with a power storage device and performing processing,
A step of detecting the device status of the external device at the time of processing request to the external device;
Main supply of auxiliary power of the result of detecting a device state of the external apparatus to the original to the external device, the step of determining required,
Main supply of the auxiliary power supply to the external apparatus, in accordance with result of the determination unnecessary, the auxiliary power supply to be supplied to the external device to operate the power supply switching means for switching a supply destination of the auxiliary power supply from the inside to the outside machine Process,
In response to a request from an external device, a process for notifying the device status;
When receiving a processing request from an external machine, in accordance with an instruction from the external machine, operating a power supply switching means to receive power supply from the auxiliary power supply of the external machine;
A power supply control method comprising:

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