JP6295779B2 - Facsimile device, option unit and option unit control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, an option unit, and an option unit control system.

  There is known a configuration in which a user can arbitrarily add a sheet feeding cassette (sheet feeding unit) as an optional unit to a main body of a multifunction machine or the like having a facsimile function, a copy / print function, and the like. A driving voltage is supplied to the sheet feeding unit from the main body side. However, if an inrush current occurred in each option unit at the same timing when the power was turned on, the current value output from the main body side was temporarily excessive due to the total inrush current, and the burden on the main body side was heavy.

  The IP phone terminal and each option unit are provided with a switch and a timing generation circuit having different time constants. When the power is turned on, the drive power supply timing to the load circuit in each unit is set between the IP phone terminal and each option unit. A configuration for shifting is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-199886 A

  As described in Document 1, in order to shift the drive power supply timing to the load circuit in each unit, each option unit needs to have a timing generation circuit having different time constants. Therefore, the business of mass-producing optional units with the same specifications and purchasing an arbitrary number of units and mounting them on the main body is not established.

  Although it is conceivable for the user to change the time constant for each option unit by providing a variable resistor in the timing generation circuit, the operation is complicated for the user and there is a possibility that an incorrect setting is made.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a facsimile machine, an option unit, and an option unit control system in which adverse effects of inrush current are suppressed.

  One aspect of the present invention is a scanner unit that reads an original to generate image data, a facsimile unit that can execute transmission / reception of image data using a facsimile standard, and a sheet supplied with an image based on the image data. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a main body unit including a printing unit; and a paper feeding unit for supplying the paper, wherein at least one of the paper feeding units is mounted, A power feeding unit that receives electricity from the paper feeding unit, a power distribution unit that distributes electricity to the lower paper feeding unit, a motor that operates with electricity fed from the power feeding unit, and the power feeding unit started feeding And a control unit that causes the power distribution unit to start power distribution when the supplied voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, and stores the accumulated paper or the lower paper feed unit. La supplied sheet, the power the motor causes, supplied to the feeding unit or the printing unit of the upper.

  According to the present invention, electricity (electric power, current, charge) is supplied from the uppermost sheet feeding unit to the lowermost sheet feeding unit via the power feeding unit and the power distribution unit of each sheet feeding unit. However, the control unit starts power distribution from the power distribution unit to the power supply unit of the lower paper feed unit in response to the voltage supplied from the power supply unit to the motor side exceeding a predetermined threshold. For this reason, the timing at which power feeding from the power feeding unit to the motor side is started differs for each paper feeding unit, and the generation timing of the inrush current for each paper feeding unit does not overlap. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect of shifting the generation timing of the inrush current for each paper feed unit only by mounting a plurality of paper feed units having the same configuration in the facsimile apparatus. Therefore, the problem assumed by the said literature 1 does not arise.

One aspect of the present invention is that the control unit includes a switch interposed between the power feeding unit and the power distribution unit, and a voltage supplied from the power feeding unit to the motor side exceeds the threshold value. A switch control circuit that switches the switch from a non-conductive state to a conductive state according to the situation may be provided.
According to this configuration, since the timing at which the switch is turned on is shifted for each paper feed unit, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of inrush currents for each paper feed unit from overlapping.

In one aspect of the present invention, the control unit includes a capacitor having one end connected between the power feeding unit and the motor and the other end connected to a ground terminal, and the switch is a MOSFET. The switch control circuit includes a Zener diode having a cathode connected to the power supply unit side, a base connected to the anode side of the Zener diode, a collector connected to the gate of the MOSFET, and an emitter connected to a ground terminal. And the bipolar transistor is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state after the breakdown, after the breakdown, the bipolar transistor is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state, When the bipolar transistor becomes conductive, the MOSFET switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state. Rutoshite may be.
According to this configuration, in each paper feed unit, the current (inrush current) input from the power feeding unit to the motor side disappears when charging of the capacitor is finished, and such inrush current for each paper feed unit Occurs at a shifted timing.

As one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may provide resistors in all paths between the power feeding unit and the switch.
According to this configuration, since resistance is provided in all paths through which current can flow from the power supply unit to the parasitic capacitance existing in the switch, a type of inrush current called spike wave or the like may flow to the parasitic capacitance. It is suppressed.

As one aspect of the present invention, the sheet feeding unit includes a common voltage receiving unit that receives a common voltage applied to each sheet feeding unit, and the control unit includes the common voltage receiving unit and the power distribution unit. An intervening switch, and a switch control circuit that switches the switch from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to a voltage supplied from the power supply unit to the motor side exceeding the threshold value. Good.
According to this configuration, the level of the voltage generated in the lower paper feed unit by the power distribution from the power distribution unit can be kept equal in any paper feed unit.

  The technical idea of the present invention is not realized only by the above-described facsimile apparatus, but widely realized by an option unit connected to a power supply apparatus (for example, the main body), a system including the option unit, or the like. . As an example, an optional unit connected to a power supply device, a power supply unit that receives power from the power supply device or a higher option unit, a power distribution unit that distributes electricity to a lower option unit, and the power supply unit A configuration comprising: an operation unit that operates with electricity to be fed; and a control unit that causes the power distribution unit to start power distribution when a voltage to be fed exceeds a predetermined threshold after the power feeding unit starts power feeding. Can be regarded as an invention.

  An option unit control system comprising a power supply device and an option unit connected to the power supply device, wherein the power supply device includes a first power distribution unit that distributes electricity to the option unit having the highest connection. The option unit is operated by electricity supplied from the power supply device or the upper option unit, a second power distribution unit that distributes electricity to the lower option unit, and electricity supplied from the power supply unit. A configuration comprising an operation unit to perform and a control unit that causes the second power distribution unit to start power distribution when a voltage to be fed exceeds a predetermined threshold after the power supply unit starts power feeding. Can be caught.

  The system may exist in a single independent product or may exist across multiple products. In addition, the invention of each method including processing steps corresponding to each of the facsimile machine, the option unit, the power feeding device (for example, the main body), and the system, and the hardware (computer) execute each process step. The present invention may be realized in various categories such as a computer program and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

It is a figure showing roughly the device composition concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the change to the time of the voltage and current concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the change to the time of the voltage and current concerning a 2nd embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
1. 1. Outline of device configuration 1. First embodiment Second Embodiment 4. Other embodiments

1. FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of a facsimile machine 10 according to the present embodiment. The facsimile machine 10 is also called a multifunction machine 10. The multifunction machine 10 has a main body 11. The main body 11 includes, for example, a power supply circuit 12, a power distribution circuit 13, a facsimile unit 20, a scanner unit 30, and a printing unit 40. Further, the multifunction machine 10 is equipped with one or more paper feed units 50 as a kind of “optional unit” that can be added by the user to the main body 11. The paper feed unit 50 may be called a paper feed cassette or the like. FIG. 1 shows an example in which three paper feeding units 50 are mounted.

  The paper feed unit 50A closest to the printing unit 40 when installed in the multifunction machine 10 is the paper feed unit 50A, and the paper feed unit 50 one level lower than the paper feed unit 50A is the paper feed unit 50B. The paper feed unit 50 that is one level lower than the paper feed unit 50B is also referred to as a paper feed unit 50C. The sheet feeding unit 50 may be further added at a position lower than the sheet feeding unit 50C (see the position indicated by the broken-line rectangle in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, when referring to the upper and lower positions between the paper feeding units 50 in relation to the printing unit 40, the one closer to the printing unit 40 is regarded as the higher order, but does not necessarily mean the vertical direction in the vertical direction. . Further, as will be described later, regarding the positional relationship between the paper feeding units 50 connected in series to the power distribution circuit 13, the side closer to the power distribution circuit 13 is regarded as the upper level.

  In the main body 11, the power supply circuit 12 performs transformation, AC / DC conversion, or the like on the AC voltage input from the AC plug 14, thereby obtaining a predetermined level (for example, a voltage for driving each load). DC of about 42 V) is generated and output to the power distribution circuit 13. The power distribution circuit 13 supplies the voltage output from the power supply circuit 12 to each load such as the facsimile unit 20, the scanner unit 30, the printing unit 40, and the paper feeding unit 50.

  The facsimile unit 20 includes a modem connected to a facsimile communication line (not shown), and can transmit and receive image data using a predetermined facsimile standard. The facsimile unit 20 receives image data transmitted from the outside via the communication line, decompresses the received image data, and compresses the image data generated by reading by the scanner unit 30 or image data after compression. Facsimile transmission to the outside via the communication line.

  The scanner unit 30 reads an original set on an original table, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or the like with an optical sensor, and generates image data (for example, bitmap data) of the original. The image data generated by the scanner unit 30 is a target of printing by the printing unit 40 or a target of facsimile transmission by the facsimile unit 20 as described above.

  The printing unit 40 is a unit (printing engine) that prints an image on a sheet using a color material such as ink or toner. The printing unit 40 receives image data received and decompressed by the facsimile unit 20, image data generated by the scanner unit 30, and other image data input sources (personal computer (PC) connected to the multifunction machine 10, Printing is performed based on image data received from a portable terminal, a digital still camera, or the like. A paper feed tray (not shown) may be provided in the printing unit 40. That is, the printing unit 40 performs printing on the paper accumulated in the paper feed tray of the printing unit 40 or the paper M supplied from the paper feeding unit 50. Therefore, the multifunction device 10 operates normally only with the main body 11 even if the paper feeding unit 50 is not installed. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, one or more paper feed units 50 are mounted on the multifunction machine 10.

  Each paper feed unit 50 has the same configuration, and includes a unit-side power control unit 51, a roller 57, and the like. The unit side power supply control unit 51 controls the operation of the roller 57 and the like by the supplied electricity. The paper feed unit 50 accumulates the paper M in a built-in tray, and supplies the paper M to the upper level by rotating a roller 57 by power generated by a motor 53 described later. In the example of FIG. 1, the lowermost paper feed unit 50C supplies the paper M stored therein to the upper paper feed unit 50B. The paper feed unit 50B supplies the paper M stored therein or the paper M supplied from the lower paper feed unit 50C to the upper paper feed unit 50A. The uppermost paper feed unit 50A supplies the printing unit 40 with the paper M stored therein or the paper M supplied from the lower paper feed unit 50B. In FIG. 1, the flow of the sheet M is illustrated by a dashed arrow (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-255382 as appropriate).

  In the following, the unit-side power control unit 51 provided in the paper feed unit 50A is provided as a unit-side power control unit 51A, and the unit-side power control unit 51 provided in the paper feed unit 50B is provided as a unit provided in the unit-side power control unit 51B and the paper feed unit 50C. The side control power source control unit 51 is also referred to as a unit side power source control unit 51C. The multifunction device 10 has a display unit (liquid crystal panel or the like) and an operation unit (buttons, keys, touch panel, etc.) (not shown) that receive various instructions from the user or present the state of the multifunction device 10 to the user. It is good. The multifunction machine 10 may have a call (telephone) function.

2. 1st Embodiment Based on the above-mentioned structure, 1st Embodiment for delaying the generation | occurrence | production timing of an inrush current for every option unit is described.
FIG. 2 illustrates a connection mode between the power distribution circuit 13 and each unit-side power control unit 51. In the power distribution circuit 13, for example, a power distribution line L0 that outputs the voltage of 42V is provided. Further, a distribution line L01 for distributing power to an optional unit to be added extends from the distribution circuit 13, and the tip of the distribution line L01 serves as an output terminal T0.

  The unit-side power control unit 51 has an input terminal (“T1” for the unit-side power control unit 51A, “T11” for the unit-side power control unit 51B, “T21” for the unit-side power control unit 51C. "Hereafter, the same writing method is used as appropriate.) And output terminals (T2, T12, T22). As shown in FIG. 1, when the paper feeding units 50A, 50B, and 50C are added to the main body 11, the input terminal T1 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51A of the uppermost paper feeding unit 50A is connected to the power distribution circuit 13. Connect to output terminal T0. Similarly, the input terminal T11 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51B of the paper feeding unit 50B is connected to the output terminal T2 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51A. The input terminal T21 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51C of the paper feeding unit 50C is connected to the output terminal T12 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51B.

  In the unit side power supply control unit 51, the input terminals (T1, T11, T21) are connected to the power supply lines (L1, L11, L21), and the power supply lines (L1, L11, L21) are connected to the unit side power supply control unit. Outside 51, it connects with the motor drive part 52 with which each paper feed unit 50 is provided. The motor driving unit 52 is a circuit that controls the driving of the motor 53 for rotating the roller 57. The motor 53 corresponds to an example of an “operation unit” in the claims. The output terminals (T2, T12, T22) are connected to the distribution lines (L2, L12, L22). As will be described in detail later, when the distribution circuit 13 outputs the voltage of 42V to the distribution line L0, the distribution line L0, the distribution line L01, the output terminal T0, the input terminal T1, the feed line L1, the distribution line L2, and the output terminal T2. Electricity is supplied to each unit-side power control unit 51 through a path of the input terminal T11, the feeder line L11, the distribution line L12, the output terminal T12, the input terminal T21, the feeder line L21,.

  In the unit-side power supply control unit 51, the power supply lines (L1, L11, L21) are connected to the sources of MOSFETs (QF11, QF21, QF31) as switches via resistors (R16, R26, R36). The drains of (QF11, QF21, QF31) are connected to the distribution lines (L2, L12, L22). MOSFET is a kind of field effect transistor. In addition, current limiting units (62A, 62B, 62C) including resistors (R16, R26, R36) are provided between the feeder lines (L1, L11, L21) and the MOSFETs (QF11, QF21, QF31). Yes.

  The current limiter (62A, 62B, 62C) is a connection point (first connection) between the input terminal (T1, T11, T21) of the feeder line (L1, L11, L21) and the resistor (R16, R26, R36). And a PNP bipolar transistor (Q12, Q22, Q32) having an emitter connected through a resistor (R15, R25, R35). The transistor (Q12, Q22, Q32) has a base connected to a connection point (second connection point) between the resistor (R16, R26, R36) and the source of the MOSFET (QF11, QF21, QF31), and a collector connected to the MOSFET It is connected to the gates of (QF11, QF21, QF31). Resistors (R17, R27, R37) are provided between the bases of the transistors (Q12, Q22, Q32) and the second connection point, and the collectors of the transistors (Q12, Q22, Q32) and MOSFETs (QF11, QF21, QF31). ) Are provided with resistors (R18, R28, R38). The function (current limiting function) of such a current limiting unit (62A, 62B, 62C) will be described later.

  In the unit side power supply control unit 51, switch drive delay units (60A, 60B, 60C) are provided for the power supply lines (L1, L11, L21). For the feeder lines (L1, L11, L21), an electrolytic capacitor (C10, C20, C30) is provided between the connection point to the switch drive delay unit (60A, 60B, 60C) and the motor drive unit 52. Is connected at one end, and the electrolytic capacitor (C10, C20, C30) has the other end connected to the ground terminal. The ground terminal is grounded directly or indirectly.

  In the switch drive delay units (60A, 60B, 60C), the Zener diodes (Z11, Z21, Z31) have their cathodes connected to the feeder lines (L1, L11, L21) side. On the other hand, two resistors (R11 and R12, R21 and R22, R31 and R32) are connected in series between the anode of the Zener diode (Z11, Z21, Z31) and the ground terminal. Between the two resistors (between the resistor R11 and the resistor R12, between the resistor R21 and the resistor 22, and between the resistor R31 and the resistor R32), an NPN bipolar transistor (Q11, Q21, Q31) is provided. The base is connected. A capacitor (C11, C21, C31) has one end connected between the resistor (R11, R21, R31) and the base of the transistor (Q11, Q21, Q31), and the capacitor (C11, C21, C31). ) Is connected to the ground terminal. The switch drive delay units (60A, 60B, 60C) include such Zener diodes (Z11, Z21, Z31), resistors (R11, R21, R31), resistors (R12, R22, R32) and capacitors (C11, C21, C31) is included in whole or in part.

  In the unit-side power control unit 51, the switch drive units (61A, 61B, 61C) are connected to the switch drive delay units (60A, 60B, 60C). In the switch driver (61A, 61B, 61C), the transistors (Q11, Q21, Q31) have their collectors connected to the gates of the MOSFETs (QF11, QF21, QF31) via resistors (R13, R23, R33). The emitter is connected to the ground terminal. Further, one end of a resistor (R14, R24, R34) is connected to the gate side of the resistor (R13, R23, R33), and the other end of the resistor (R14, R24, R34) is connected to a power supply line ( L1, L11, L21). The switch drive unit (61A, 61B, 61C) includes all or part of such transistors (Q11, Q21, Q31), resistors (R13, R23, R33) and resistors (R14, R24, R34). Has been.

  The switch drive delay unit 60A and the switch drive unit 61A included in the unit-side power control unit 51A of the paper feed unit 50A are circuits that control the drive timing of the switch (MOSFET QF11) included in the unit-side power control unit 51A. Corresponds to the “switch control circuit” in the range. Similarly, the switch drive delay unit 60B and the switch drive unit 61B included in the unit-side power control unit 51B of the paper feed unit 50B are circuits (switch control) that control the drive timing of the switch (MOSFETQF21) included in the unit-side power control unit 51B. Circuit). Similarly, the switch drive delay unit 60C and the switch drive unit 61C included in the unit-side power control unit 51C of the paper feed unit 50C are circuits (switch control) that control the drive timing of the switch (MOSFETQF31) included in the unit-side power control unit 51C. Circuit).

  In the present embodiment, the power distribution circuit 13 also includes a switch drive delay unit 15, a switch drive unit 16, a current limiting unit 17, and a switch (MOSFET QF1). These circuit configurations include a switch drive delay unit (60A, 60B, 60C), a switch drive unit (61A, 61B, 61C), and a current limiting unit (62A, 62B) included in the unit side power supply control unit (51A, 51B, 51C). 62C) and MOSFETs (QF11, QF21, QF31).

  That is, in the switch drive delay unit 15 of the power distribution circuit 13, the Zener diode Z1 connects the cathode to the power distribution line L0 side. Two resistors (R1, R2) are connected in series between the anode of the Zener diode Z1 and the ground terminal. A base of an NPN-type bipolar transistor Q1 is connected between the two resistors R1 and R2. Further, a capacitor C1 has one end connected between the resistor R1 and the base of the transistor Q1, and the other end of the capacitor C1 is connected to a ground terminal. The switch drive delay unit 15 includes all or part of the Zener diode Z1, the resistor R1, the resistor R2, and the capacitor C1.

  In the switch driver 16 of the power distribution circuit 13, the transistor Q1 has a collector connected to the gate of the MOSFET QF1 via a resistor R3, and an emitter connected to the ground terminal. Further, one end of the resistor R4 is connected to the gate side of the resistor R3, and the other end of the resistor R4 is connected to the distribution line L0. The switch driving unit 16 includes all or part of the transistor Q1, the resistor R3, and the resistor R4.

  The current limiting unit 17 of the power distribution circuit 13 includes a PNP-type bipolar transistor Q2 having an emitter connected via a resistor R5 to a connection point (third connection point) between the distribution line L0 and the resistor R6. The transistor Q2 has a base connected to a connection point (fourth connection point) between the resistor R6 and the source of the MOSFET QF1, and a collector connected to the gate of the MOSFET QF1. A resistor R7 is provided between the base of the transistor Q2 and the fourth connection point, and a resistor R8 is provided between the collector of the transistor Q2 and the gate of the MOSFET QF1.

The operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
As described above, when the output of the voltage to the distribution line L0 of the distribution circuit 13 is started, first, in the distribution circuit 13, when the voltage of the distribution line L0 rises to a predetermined level, the Zener diode Z1 breaks down, and the anode side from the cathode Current flows to Thereby, a voltage corresponding to the ratio of the resistors R1 and R2 is generated between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q1 is switched from the non-conductive (off) state to the conductive (on) state. The capacitor C1 stabilizes the switching operation of the transistor Q1 to the on state or delays the switching timing.

  When the transistor Q1 is turned on, a current flows from the distribution line L0 to the transistor Q1 through a path passing through the resistors R4 and R3, and a voltage corresponding to the ratio of the resistors R4 and R3 is applied between the gate and the source of the MOSFET QF1. Switches from off to on. That is, after the voltage output to the distribution line L0 is started, the MOSFET QF1 is driven (turned on) with a certain delay by the functions of the switch drive delay unit 15 and the switch drive unit 16. As a result, a current (inrush current IB1) flows from the distribution line L0 to the distribution line L01 through the resistor R6 and between the source and drain of the MOSFET QF1, and the inrush current IB1 passes through the output terminal T0 and the input terminal T1. Then, it flows into the power supply line L1 of the unit-side power control unit 51A of the uppermost sheet feeding unit 50A. Further, the voltage VB1 is generated in the power supply line L1 due to the conduction of the MOSFET QF1.

  In the unit-side power supply control unit 51A, electric charge is stored in the electrolytic capacitor C10 by the inrush current IB1, and when the electrolytic capacitor C10 is fully charged, the inrush current IB1 disappears. Thereafter, the voltage VB1 is stably applied to the motor drive unit 52 to which the feeder line L1 is connected, and the motor drive unit 52 controls the motor 53 using the applied voltage.

  The voltage VB1 is also applied from the feeder line L1 to the switch control circuit (switch drive delay unit 60A and switch drive unit 61A) side of the unit side power supply control unit 51A. That is, when the voltage VB1 rises to a predetermined level, the Zener diode Z11 breaks down. Thereafter, operations similar to the operations after the Zener diode Z1 of the power distribution circuit 13 breaks down occur in order. That is, after the breakdown of the Zener diode Z11, a voltage corresponding to the ratio of the resistors R11 and R12 is generated between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q11, and the transistor Q11 is switched from the off state to the on state with a certain delay. Similar to the function of the capacitor C1, the capacitor C11 stabilizes the switching operation of the transistor Q11 to the on state or delays the switching timing. When the transistor Q11 is turned on, a current flows from the power supply line L1 to the transistor Q11 through a path passing through the resistors R14 and R13, and a voltage corresponding to the ratio of the resistors R14 and R13 is applied between the gate and source of the MOSFET QF11. Switches from off to on.

  As a result, a current (inrush current IB2) flows from the feeder line L1 to the distribution line L2 through the resistor R16 and the source-drain of the MOSFET QF11, and the inrush current IB2 passes through the output terminal T2 and the input terminal T11. Then, it flows into the power supply line L11 of the unit-side power control unit 51B of the lower paper feed unit 50B. Further, the voltage VB2 is generated in the feeder line L11 due to the conduction of the MOSFET QF11. In the unit-side power supply control unit 51B, electric charge is stored in the electrolytic capacitor C20 by the inrush current IB2, and when the electrolytic capacitor C20 is fully charged, the inrush current IB2 disappears. Thereafter, the voltage VB2 is stably applied to the motor driving unit 52 connected to the power supply line L11.

  The voltage VB2 is also applied from the power supply line L11 to the switch control circuit (switch drive delay unit 60B and switch drive unit 61B) side of the unit side power supply control unit 51B. After the breakdown of the Zener diode Z21, the transistor Q21 is switched on after a certain delay, and then the MOSFET QF21 is switched on. As a result, a current (inrush current IB3) flows from the power supply line L11 to the distribution line L12 through the resistor R26 and between the source and drain of the MOSFET QF21, and the inrush current IB3 passes through the output terminal T12 and the input terminal T21. And flows into the power supply line L21 of the unit-side power control unit 51C of the lower paper feed unit 50C. Further, the voltage VB3 is generated in the power supply line L21 due to the conduction of the MOSFET QF21. In the unit-side power supply control unit 51C, electric charge is stored in the electrolytic capacitor C30 by the inrush current IB3, and when the electrolytic capacitor C30 is fully charged, the inrush current IB3 disappears. Thereafter, the voltage VB3 is stably applied to the motor drive unit 52 to which the feeder line L21 is connected. Even if the unit-side power control unit 51 is further connected to the lower side of the unit-side power control unit 51C, the same operation occurs in order.

  The current limiting function by the current limiting unit (17, 62A, 62B, 62C) will be described. Here, the current limiting unit 62A will be described as an example, but the other current limiting units 17, 62B, and 62C also exhibit a similar current limiting function. When the MOSFET QF11 conducts as described above, a voltage is generated in the resistor R16 due to the current flowing through the feeder line L1. As a result, a voltage is generated between the base and emitter of the transistor Q12, and the transistor Q12 is turned on. When the transistor Q12 is turned on, a current flows from the power supply line L1 through a path passing through the resistor R15, the transistor Q12, and the resistor R18, and the amount of current flowing through the resistor R16 decreases as the current increases. When the amount of current flowing through the resistor R16 decreases, the transistor Q12 returns to the off state. Thereafter, the transistor Q12 is repeatedly turned on and off, so that the current flowing into the MOSFET QF11 through the resistor R16 is limited (equilibrium) below a certain level.

  2, the input terminals (T1, T11, T21) correspond to power supply units that are supplied with electricity from the main body unit 11 or the upper sheet feeding unit 50, and output terminals (T2, T12). , T22) corresponds to a power distribution unit that distributes electricity to the lower paper feed unit 50. The unit-side power control unit 51 (51A, 51B, 51C) is configured such that the voltage (VB1, VB2, VB3) supplied after the power supply unit (T1, T11, T21) starts power supply has a predetermined threshold value. If it exceeds, it can be said that it functions as a control part which makes a power distribution part (T2, T21, T22) start power distribution. Further, the switch control circuit included in the unit-side power control unit 51 (51A, 51B, 51C) has predetermined voltages (VB1, VB2, VB3) supplied from the power supply units (T1, T11, T21) to the motor 53 side. The switch (MOSFET QF11, 21, 31) is switched from the non-conducting state to the conducting state in response to exceeding the threshold value. The threshold value referred to here is, for example, the level of voltages (VB1, VB2, VB3) to the extent necessary to turn on the transistors (Q11, Q21, Q31).

  FIG. 3 illustrates the results from the configuration of FIG. FIG. 3A shows the change of the voltage with respect to time. The voltage (for example, 42V) output from the distribution circuit 13 to the distribution line L0 and the voltages VB1, VB2, generated at the unit-side power control units 51A, 51B, 51C, respectively. VB3 is shown. 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E all show changes in current with respect to time. FIG. 3B shows inrush current IB1 that flows when MOSFET QF1 is turned on, and FIG. 3C shows inrush current IB2 that flows when MOSFET QF11 is turned on. FIG. 3D shows the inrush current IB3 that flows when the MOSFET QF21 is turned on. FIG. 3E shows a change in the current I42 that the distribution circuit 13 flows to the distribution line L0. Such an inrush current is generated when, for example, a plurality of paper feeding units 50 are mounted on the main body 11 and then the main body 11 is turned on, or the main body 11 is turned on. This occurs when a plurality of paper feed units 50 are connected at one time (the paper feed unit 50 is connected in a state where the power distribution circuit 13 is distributing power from the distribution line L0. This is also referred to as hot-line insertion).

  As can be seen from the description of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, according to the present embodiment, the inrush current (IB2) flowing into a certain unit-side power control unit 51 (for example, the unit-side power control unit 51B) After the inrush current (IB1) flows into the upper unit side power control unit 51 (unit side power control unit 51A) of the power control unit 51, the upper unit side power control unit 51 (unit side power control unit 51A) It occurs only when the switch (QF11) is turned on when the generated voltage (VB1) exceeds a predetermined value. Therefore, the generation timing of the inrush current flowing into each of the paper feeding units 50 (unit-side power control unit 51) is off. Therefore, the peak value of the current I42 flowing through the power distribution circuit 13 of the main body 11 is not an excessive value obtained by summing the inrush currents of the plurality of paper feeding units 50, and is always less than a certain value (one unit-side power control). The value is suppressed to a value equal to or less than the maximum value of the inrush current flowing into the portion 51), and the burden on the main body portion 11 is reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, all the paper feeding units 50 have the same configuration. Therefore, the effects described with reference to FIG. 3 can be obtained simply by mounting the same number of the same number of paper feed units 50 as desired by the user on the main body 11. That is, the generation timing of each inrush current can be surely shifted without performing complicated design and operation such as setting different time constants for each option unit as in the above-mentioned document 1.

  Further, in the timing generation circuit of Document 1, the difference between the response speed that should be originally and the actual response speed varies for each timing generation circuit due to deterioration of the capacitor with time, change in environmental temperature, and the like. Therefore, in order to ensure a difference in the response speed of each timing generation circuit, it is necessary to provide a margin (difference in response speed between timing generation circuits) at the design stage that can absorb the variation of each timing generation circuit. As a result, it takes a long time to activate a plurality of option units. However, in this embodiment, the conduction of the switch of the lower option unit is controlled in accordance with the increase in voltage generated by the conduction of the switch of the upper option unit, and thus is independent of the deterioration of the capacitor or the like. It is certain that the conduction timing of the switch between the optional units is shifted. Therefore, the time required for starting up the plurality of option units as in the above-mentioned document 1 is not prolonged.

  As can be seen from FIG. 2, according to the configuration of the current limiting unit (62A, 62B, 62C), all paths between the input terminals (T1, T11, T21) and the switches (MOSFETs QF11, QF21, QF31). Is provided with resistance. A switching element such as a MOSFET has a so-called parasitic capacitance. In particular, when the sheet feeding unit 50 is hot-inserted into the main body 11, a kind of inrush current called a spike wave or the like instantaneously flows into such a parasitic capacitance, which may cause a malfunction. . In this embodiment, since resistors are provided in all the paths between the input terminals (T1, T11, T21) and the switches (MOSFETs QF11, QF21, QF31), the inrush current flowing to the parasitic capacitance is surely limited. Can do.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described first embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, embodiments described later can be employed. A configuration combining the embodiments also falls within the disclosure scope of the present invention. In each of the following embodiments, points different from the first embodiment will be basically described.

3. Second Embodiment FIG. 4 illustrates a connection mode between the power distribution circuit 13 and each unit-side power control unit 51 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 differs from FIG. 2 (first embodiment) in the number and form of signal lines and the like that connect elements. Specifically, a distribution line L02 that is directly connected to the distribution line L0 extends from the distribution circuit 13, and an output terminal U0 is provided on the distribution line L02. The unit-side power control unit 51A of the uppermost sheet feeding unit 50A connected to the power distribution circuit 13 has an input terminal U1 connected to the output terminal U0 and a signal line L3 connected to the input terminal U1. The signal line L3 is branched, and one is connected between the resistor R16 and the resistor R15 of the current limiting unit 62A, and the other is a distribution line L4. The resistor R16 and the resistor R15 of the current limiting unit 62A are not connected to the feeder line L1.

  Similarly, the output terminal U2 is provided in the distribution line L4 extended from the unit side power supply control part 51A. The unit side power control unit 51B of the paper feed unit 50B connected to the unit side power control unit 51A of the paper feed unit 50A has an input terminal U11 connected to the output terminal U2 and a signal line L13 connected to the input terminal U11. The signal line L13 is branched, and one is connected between the resistor R26 and the resistor R25 of the current limiting unit 62B, and the other is the distribution line L14. The resistor R26 and the resistor R25 of the current limiting unit 62B are not connected to the feeder line L11. Similarly, the output terminal U12 is provided in the distribution line L14 extended from the unit side power supply control part 51B. The unit side power control unit 51C of the paper feed unit 50C connected to the unit side power control unit 51B of the paper feed unit 50B has an input terminal U21 connected to the output terminal U12 and a signal line L23 connected to the input terminal U21. The signal line L23 is branched, and one is connected between the resistor R36 and the resistor R35 of the current limiting unit 62C, and the other is the distribution line L24. The resistor R36 and the resistor R35 of the current limiting unit 62C are not connected to the feeder line L21. Similarly, the output terminal U22 is provided in the distribution line L24 extended from the unit side power supply control part 51C.

  The input terminal U1 included in the unit-side power control unit 51A of the sheet feeding unit 50A, the input terminal U11 included in the unit-side power control unit 51B of the sheet feeding unit 50B, and the unit-side power control unit 51C of the sheet feeding unit 50C The input terminal U21 has a “common voltage receiving unit” that receives a common voltage (42V) applied to the paper feeding units 50. Further, it can be said that the MOSFETs (QF11, QF21, QF31) are interposed between the common voltage receiving unit (input terminals U1, U11, U21) and the power distribution unit (output terminals T2, T12, T22). .

  In the first embodiment described above, a drop due to the resistor R6 of the power distribution circuit 13 occurs in the voltage VB1 generated in the unit-side power supply control unit 51A. On the other hand, in the voltage VB2 generated in the unit side power supply control unit 51B, a drop due to the resistance R6 of the power distribution circuit 13 and a drop due to the resistance R16 of the unit side power supply control unit 51A occur, and the voltage VB3 generated in the unit side power supply control unit 51C. A drop due to the resistor R6 of the power distribution circuit 13, a drop due to the resistor R16 of the unit side power supply control unit 51A, and a drop due to the resistance R26 of the unit side power supply control unit 51B occur (see FIG. 3A). In the second embodiment, such a lower sheet feeding unit 50 improves the state in which the voltage drop due to resistance in the current limiting unit of the upper sheet feeding unit 50 is accumulated in the voltage.

  4, the distribution line L0, the distribution line L02, the output terminal U0, the input terminal U1, the signal line L3, the distribution line L4, the output terminal U2, the input terminal U11, the signal line L13, the distribution line L14, The voltage (eg, for example) in the distribution line L0 is passed through the path of the output terminal U12, the input terminal U21, the signal line L23,. 42V) is applied as it is. Therefore, the voltage VB2 generated in the unit-side power control unit 51B, the voltage VB3 generated in the unit-side power control unit 51C are both equal to the voltage VB1 generated in the uppermost unit-side power control unit 51A ( The accumulation of the voltage drop as described above does not occur. In the configuration of FIG. 4, the MOSFETs (QF11, QF21, QF31) are connected between the voltages of the input terminals (U1, U11, U21) and the two resistors (resistors R14, R13) of the switch driving units (61A, 61B, 61C). Between the resistors R24 and R23 and between the resistors R34 and R33).

  5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E illustrate the results of the second embodiment, similar to the manner in which FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E illustrate the results of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the inrush current (IB2) flowing into a certain unit-side power control unit 51 (for example, the unit-side power control unit 51B) After the inrush current (IB1) flows into the unit-side power control unit 51 (unit-side power control unit 51A), the voltage (VB1) generated in the upper unit-side power control unit 51 (unit-side power control unit 51A) It occurs only when the switch (QF11) is turned on by exceeding a predetermined value. Therefore, the generation timing of the inrush current flowing into each of the paper feeding units 50 (unit-side power control unit 51) is off. Therefore, the peak value of the current I42 flowing through the power distribution circuit 13 of the main body 11 is not an excessive value obtained by summing the inrush currents of the plurality of paper feeding units 50, and is always less than a certain value (one unit-side power control). The value is suppressed to a value equal to or less than the maximum value of the inrush current flowing into the portion 51), and the burden on the main body portion 11 is reduced.

  Further, the second embodiment has an effect that the accumulation of the voltage drop for each lower-level paper feeding unit 50 does not occur as compared with the first embodiment. On the contrary, the first embodiment Compared to the second embodiment, the product can be reduced in size and cost. That is, according to the first embodiment, the signal lines and terminals that connect the power distribution circuit 13 and the uppermost sheet feeding unit 50 (unit-side power control unit 51A), and between the sheet feeding units 50 (unit-side power control unit 51A). 4 and the unit side power supply control unit 51B, the unit side power supply control unit 51B and the unit side power supply control unit 51C... This contributes to downsizing and cost reduction of the circuit configuration for adding the paper feed unit 50. Of course, also in the second embodiment, since all the paper feed units 50 have the same configuration, the user simply installs the desired number of paper feed units 50 of the same configuration on the main body 11 and will be described with reference to FIG. The effect which was done can be acquired.

4). Other Embodiments “Connections” between elements shown in the figures merely indicate electrical connections between the elements. Therefore, as long as electrical connection between the elements is possible, another configuration (not shown) may be interposed between the elements, or physical connection (wired connection) may be cut off.
When the optional unit is grasped as the paper feeding unit 50 as described above, the present invention can be applied to any product in which the paper feeding unit 50 can be added. That is, a product to which the present invention is applied may be a product such as a printer that requires paper feeding and does not correspond to a facsimile machine or a multifunction peripheral.

  Moreover, the main-body part 11 can be called a electric power feeding apparatus at the point which supplies electricity in order to drive each option unit. Such a system including the power supply device and the option unit may be realized as an independent product such as a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, a printer, or the like, and is constructed across a plurality of products and apparatuses. It may be.

  Further, the option unit is not limited to the paper feeding unit. In other words, the relationship between the power supply device and the option unit proposed by the present invention is based on the side (master) that controls the system for power supply and communication constructed in a certain scene, and the side that is connected to the system and controlled Widely applied in relation to (slave). For example, assuming a plurality of batteries (batteries) mounted on an electric vehicle, an in-vehicle controller that controls the operation of the battery corresponds to the power supply apparatus proposed by the present invention, and each battery controlled by the controller is This corresponds to the optional unit proposed by the present invention. Alternatively, assuming a PC and an additional device that is arbitrarily added by the user, the PC corresponds to the power supply device proposed by the present invention, and the additional device corresponds to the option unit proposed by the present invention. To do.

From such a wide viewpoint that does not stop with a product equipped with a paper feeding unit, this embodiment is an optional unit connected to a power feeding device, and electricity is fed from the power feeding device or a higher-order option unit. A power supply unit, a power distribution unit that distributes electricity to a lower option unit, an operation unit that operates with electricity supplied from the power supply unit, and a voltage to be supplied after the power supply unit starts power supply. It can be said that the structure provided with the control part which starts the power distribution to the said power distribution part when the threshold value of this is exceeded is disclosed.
Furthermore, the present embodiment is an option unit control system including a power feeding device and an option unit connected to the power feeding device, wherein the power feeding device distributes electricity to the option unit having the highest connection. 1 power distribution unit (output terminal T0), the option unit supplies electricity to the power supply unit (input terminals T1, T11, T21) to which electricity is supplied from the power supply device or a higher-order option unit, and a lower-order option unit A second power distribution unit (output terminals T2, T12, T22) for power distribution, an operation unit that operates with electricity supplied from the power supply unit, and a voltage to be supplied after the power supply unit starts power supply It can be said that the structure provided with the control part which starts a power distribution to the said 2nd power distribution part when a threshold value is exceeded is disclosed.

  Also, some or all of the wiring between the power supply device and the option unit or between the option units may be replaced with wireless. The type of radio is arbitrary, but for example, the voltage supply may be replaced by electromagnetic induction wireless power feeding, and the notification signal may also be made wireless by using light that generates a light amount corresponding to the voltage.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fax machine (multifunction machine), 11 ... Main part, 12 ... Power supply circuit, 13 ... Power distribution circuit, 14 ... AC plug, 20 ... Facsimile unit, 30 ... Scanner unit, 40 ... Printing unit, 50, 50A, 50B, 50C: Paper feed unit, 51, 51A, 51B, 51C: Unit-side power control unit, 52 ... Motor drive unit, 53 ... Motor, 57 ... Roller, 60A, 60B, 60C ... Switch drive delay unit, 61A, 61B, 61C ... switch drive unit, 62A, 62B, 62C ... current limiting unit, M ... paper, Q11, Q12, Q21, Q22, Q31, Q32 ... transistor, QF11, QF21, QF31 ... MOSFET, T1, T11, T21 ... input terminal, T2, T12, T22 ... Output terminals

Claims (5)

A main body including a scanner unit that reads an original and generates image data, a facsimile unit that can transmit and receive image data using a facsimile standard, and a printing unit that prints an image based on the image data on a supplied paper And
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a paper feeding unit for supplying the paper;
The paper feeding unit is
One or more installed,
A power feeding unit to which electricity is fed from the main body or the upper sheet feeding unit;
A power distribution unit that distributes electricity to the lower paper feed unit;
A motor that operates with electricity supplied from the power supply unit;
A control unit that causes the power distribution unit to start power distribution when a voltage to be fed exceeds a predetermined threshold after the power supply unit starts power feeding; and
The control unit includes a switch interposed between the power supply unit and the power distribution unit, and the switch is turned off in response to a voltage supplied from the power supply unit to the motor side exceeding the threshold value. A switch control circuit for switching from a state to a conductive state,
The facsimile apparatus characterized in that the paper supply unit supplies the accumulated paper or the paper supplied from the lower paper supply unit to the upper paper supply unit or the printing unit by the power generated by the motor. . The control unit includes a capacitor having one end connected between the power feeding unit and the motor and the other end connected to a ground terminal;
The switch is a MOSFET;
The switch control circuit has a Zener diode having a cathode connected to the power supply unit side, a base connected to the anode side of the Zener diode, a collector connected to the gate of the MOSFET, and an emitter connected to a ground terminal. Including bipolar transistors,
The Zener diode breaks down in response to an increase in voltage fed from the power feeding unit to the motor side, and after the breakdown, the bipolar transistor is switched from a non-conducting state to a conducting state, and the bipolar transistor is conducting. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the MOSFET is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state. Wherein the control unit, the facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the resistor provided on all routes between the switch and the power source. An optional unit connected to the power supply device,
A power feeding unit fed with electricity from the power feeding device or a higher-order option unit;
A power distribution unit that distributes electricity to the lower option unit;
An operation unit that operates with electricity supplied from the power supply unit;
A control unit that causes the power distribution unit to start power distribution when a voltage to be fed exceeds a predetermined threshold after the power supply unit starts power feeding ; and
The control unit includes a switch interposed between the power feeding unit and the power distribution unit, and switches off the switch in response to a voltage supplied from the power feeding unit to the operation unit side exceeding the threshold value. option unit, wherein Rukoto and a switch control circuit for switching from a conductive state to a conductive state. An option unit control system comprising a power supply device and an option unit connected to the power supply device,
The power supply apparatus includes a first power distribution unit that distributes electricity to an option unit having the highest connection,
The option unit operates with electricity supplied from the power supply device or a higher option unit, a second power distribution unit that distributes electricity to a lower option unit, and electricity supplied from the power supply unit. An operation unit, and a control unit that causes the second power distribution unit to start power distribution when a voltage to be fed exceeds a predetermined threshold after the power feeding unit starts power feeding ;
The control unit includes a switch interposed between the power supply unit and the second power distribution unit, and the switch in response to a voltage supplied from the power supply unit to the operation unit side exceeding the threshold value. and a switch control circuit for switching from a nonconducting state to a conducting state, Ru provided with,
An optional unit control system.

Images