JP6364801B2 - 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 for reading a document, a facsimile unit capable of executing facsimile transmission of image data generated by the reading to the outside, and reception of image data transmitted from the outside by facsimile. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a main body unit that prints an image based on the received image data on a supplied paper; and a paper feeding unit for supplying the paper. One or more paper units are mounted with the side closer to the printing unit as the upper level, a voltage receiving unit that receives a driving voltage from the main unit or the upper level paper feeding unit, and a voltage receiving unit of the lower level paper feeding unit A voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to the unit, a motor that is driven based on the voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit, and the main body Alternatively, a notification input unit that inputs a notification signal from the upper sheet feeding unit, and a notification output unit that outputs the voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit to the motor as the notification signal to the notification input unit of the lower sheet feeding unit And a control unit that starts supplying a voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the motor in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold, The supplied paper or the paper supplied from the lower paper supply unit is supplied to the upper paper supply unit or the printing unit by the power generated by the motor.

  According to the present invention, the driving voltage is supplied from the uppermost sheet feeding unit to the lowermost sheet feeding unit via the voltage receiving unit and the voltage supply unit of each sheet feeding unit. On the other hand, the control unit starts supplying the voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the motor in response to the voltage of the notification signal input from the upper side by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value. The voltage supplied from the unit to the motor is also output as a notification signal for the lower-level paper feeding unit. For this reason, the timing at which the voltage starts to be supplied from the voltage receiving unit to the motor side is shifted for each sheet feeding unit, and the generation timing of the inrush current for each sheet 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 in the above-mentioned document 1 does not occur, and it is not necessary to take special measures (measures that increase the cost and increase the size) of the inrush current on the main body side of the facsimile apparatus.

In one aspect of the present invention, the control unit includes a switch interposed between the voltage receiving unit and the motor, and a voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeds the threshold value. A switch control circuit that switches the switch from a non-conducting state to a conducting state 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 switch and the motor and the other end connected to the ground, the switch being a MOSFET, The switch control circuit includes a Zener diode having a cathode connected to the notification input 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 the ground. The zener diode breaks down in response to a rise in the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit, and after the breakdown, the first bipolar transistor switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state. Instead, after conduction of the first bipolar transistor, the MOSFET is introduced from a non-conducting state. By switched to the state, the source of the MOSFET from the voltage receiving unit - by current through the drain to enter to the motor side may charge is stored in the capacitor.
According to this configuration, in each paper feed unit, the current (inrush current) that passes through the MOSFET from the voltage receiving unit and is input to the motor side disappears when the charging of the capacitor is finished, and such a paper supply unit. The inrush current for each paper unit is generated at a shifted timing.

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

As one aspect of the present invention, in the control unit, the switch is a MOSFET, and has a first resistor between the voltage receiving unit and the source of the MOSFET, and the voltage receiving unit and the first A second node having an emitter connected to a first node between the resistor, a base connected to a second node between the first resistor and the source of the MOSFET, and a collector connected to the gate of the MOSFET; A bipolar transistor, a second resistor between the base of the second bipolar transistor and the second connection point, and a third resistor between the collector of the second bipolar transistor and the gate of the MOSFET. It may have resistance.
According to the said structure, the electric current which passes the said MOSFET can be restrict | limited exactly, and the inrush current which can be generated due to presence of the said parasitic capacitance can be suppressed.

  The technical idea of the present invention is not realized only by the above-described facsimile apparatus, but an optional unit connected in series to a power supply apparatus (for example, the main body) that supplies a driving voltage, or the optional unit. Widely realized by a system including As an example, an option unit connected in series to a power supply device that supplies a driving voltage, the power supply device or a voltage receiving unit that receives the supply of the voltage from an upper option unit, and a lower connection A voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to the voltage reception unit of the option unit, an operation unit that operates based on the voltage supplied by the voltage reception unit, and a notification signal from the power supply device or a higher option unit A notification input unit that outputs a voltage supplied from the voltage reception unit to the operation unit as the notification signal to a notification input unit of a lower option unit, and the notification input by the notification input unit A control unit for starting supply of voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the operating unit in response to the voltage of the signal exceeding a predetermined threshold; The obtaining configuration, can be regarded as one invention.

  An option unit control system comprising a power supply device for supplying a driving voltage and an option unit connected in series to the power supply device, wherein the power supply device is connected to the highest option unit. A first voltage supply unit configured to supply the voltage; and a first notification output unit configured to output a notification signal to the highest-order option unit. The option unit receives the voltage from the power supply device or a higher-order option unit. A voltage receiving unit that receives the supply; a second voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to a voltage receiving unit of a lower option unit; an operating unit that operates based on the voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit; A notification input unit that inputs a notification signal from a device or a higher-order option unit, and is supplied from the voltage reception unit to the operation unit A second notification output unit that outputs the pressure as the notification signal to a notification input unit of a lower option unit, and the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value A configuration including a control unit that starts supply of a voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the operating unit can be regarded as one invention.

  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 the connection mode etc. between unit side power supply control parts. It is a figure which illustrates the change with time of a voltage and an electric current. It is a figure which illustrates the circuit structure containing a current limiting circuit.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
1. 1. Outline of device configuration 2. Configuration for delaying inrush current generation timing 3. Suppression of inrush current generation due to parasitic capacitance 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). 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 based on the supplied voltage. 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. Configuration for Delaying Inrush Current Generation Timing Based on the above configuration, a configuration for delaying (shifting) the inrush current generation timing for each option unit will be described.
FIG. 2 illustrates the connection mode between the unit-side power control units 51 (51A, 51B, 51C) and the like. All of the unit side power control units 51 have the same configuration, and are input terminals (“T1” for the unit side power control unit 51A, “T11” for the unit side power control unit 51B, unit side power control). If it is the part 51C, “T21” (hereinafter, the same way of writing is used as appropriate), the input terminals (S1, S11, S21), the output terminals (T2, T12, T22), and the output terminals (S2, S12, S22). Further, a voltage supply line L0 extends from the power distribution circuit 13 of the main body 11, and the tip of the voltage supply line L0 branches to output terminals T0 and S0.

  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 output terminal T0. The input terminal S1 is connected to the output terminal S0. Similarly, the input terminal T11 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51B of the paper feed unit 50B is connected to the output terminal T2 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51A, and the input terminal S11 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51B of the paper feed unit 50B. Are respectively connected to the output terminal S2 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 feed unit 50C is connected to the output terminal T12 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51B, and the input terminal S21 provided in the unit-side power control unit 51C of the paper feed unit 50C is used as the unit side. Each is connected to an output terminal S12 included in the power supply control unit 51B.

  In the unit-side power control unit 51, the input terminals (T1, T11, T21) are connected to the input signal lines (L1, L11, L21), and the input signal lines (L1, L11, L21) are the voltage supply lines. Branches to (L3, L13, L23). Further, the voltage supply lines (L3, L13, L23) are connected to the output terminals (T2, T12, T22). Therefore, when the power distribution circuit 13 outputs, for example, the voltage of 42V to the voltage supply line L0, the voltage supply line L0, the output terminal T0, the input terminal T1, the input signal line L1, the voltage supply line L3, the output terminal T2, the input The voltage is supplied to each unit-side power supply controller 51 through a continuous path of terminal T11, input signal line L11, voltage supply line L13, output terminal T12, input terminal T21, input signal line L23,.

  In the unit-side power control unit 51, the input signal lines (L1, L11, L21) are connected to the sources of MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21) as switches through resistors (R1, R11, R21). The drains of the MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21) are connected to the output signal lines (L2, L12, L22). MOSFET is a kind of field effect transistor. Further, resistors (R2, R12, R22) are interposed between the resistors (R1, R11, R21) and the MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21) and between the gates of the MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21). ing. The output signal lines (L2, L12, L22) are connected to the motor drive units 52 provided in the respective paper feed units 50. 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.

  In the unit-side power control unit 51, the input terminals (S1, S11, S21) are connected to the cathodes of the Zener diodes (Z1, Z11, Z21). The anodes of the Zener diodes (Z1, Z11, Z21) are connected to the bases of the NPN bipolar transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21) via resistors (R3, R13, R23). The transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21) correspond to the “first bipolar transistor” in the claims. Transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21) have their collectors connected to the gates of MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21) and their emitters connected to ground. However, resistors (R0, R10, R20) are interposed between the collectors of the transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21) and the gates of the MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21). The resistor (R2, R12, R22) having one end connected between the resistor (R1, R11, R21) and the MOSFET (QF1, QF11, QF21) is connected to the resistor (R0, R10, R20) at the other end. It is connected between the gates of the MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21). Also, one end of each of the capacitors (C1, C11, C21) and the resistors (R4, R14, R24) is connected between the resistors (R3, R13, R23) and the bases of the transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21). ing. The capacitors (C1, C11, C21) and resistors (R4, R14, R24) have the other ends connected to the emitters of the transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21), respectively.

  Further, in the unit-side power control unit 51, the output signal lines (L2, L12, L22) are branched into notification lines (L4, L14, L24), and the notification lines (L4, L14, L24) are output terminals. (S2, S12, S22). Further, one end of the electrolytic capacitors (C2, C12, C22) is connected to the output signal lines (L2, L12, L22) before the motor drive unit 52, and the electrolytic capacitors (C2, C12, C22). Has the other end connected to ground.

  Under such a configuration, when voltage is supplied from the power distribution circuit 13 as described above, first, in the unit-side power supply control unit 51A, input from the input terminal S1 (via the voltage supply line L0 and the output terminal S0). When the applied voltage rises to a predetermined level, the Zener diode Z1 breaks down and a current flows from the cathode to the anode side. As a result, the base potential of the transistor Q1 rises, and a voltage corresponding to the ratio of the resistor R3 and the resistor R4 is generated between the base and the emitter of the transistor Q1, and the transistor Q1 is switched from the non-conductive state (off state) to the conductive state (on state). State). The capacitors (C1, C11, C21) stabilize the switching operation of the transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21) and delay the switching timing. However, the presence of the capacitors (C1, C11, C21) is not essential.

  When the transistor Q1 is turned on in the unit-side power control unit 51A, a current flows from the input terminal T1 through the resistors R1, R2, and R0 to the transistor Q1, and a voltage corresponding to the ratio of the resistors R2 and R0 is applied to the gate of the MOSFET QF1. -Applied between the sources, the MOSFET QF1 is switched from the off state to the on state. As a result, a current (rush current IB1) flows from the input terminal T1 to the output signal line L2 through the resistor R1 and the source and drain of the MOSFET QF1, and the voltage VB1 is generated in the output signal line L2. Charge is stored in the electrolytic capacitor C2 by the inrush current IB1, and when the electrolytic capacitor C2 is fully charged, the inrush current IB1 disappears. Thereafter, the voltage VB1 is stably supplied to the motor drive unit 52 to which the output signal line L2 is connected, and the motor drive unit 52 controls the motor 53 using the supplied voltage.

  The voltage VB1 is also output to the output terminal S2 via the notification line L4. The output terminal S2 is connected to the input terminal S11 of the unit-side power control unit 51B provided in the lower paper feed unit 50B. Therefore, the voltage VB1 is input from the output terminal S2 through the input terminal S11 to the unit-side power control unit 51B. Thereafter, operations similar to those already described with reference to the unit-side power control unit 51A as an example occur in order below the unit-side power control unit 51B. That is, in the unit-side power supply control unit 51B, when the transistor Q11 is turned on in response to an increase in the voltage (voltage VB1) input from the input terminal S11, and then the MOSFET QF11 is turned on, the resistor R11 is connected from the input terminal T11. The current (rush current IB2) flows through the MOSFET QF11 to the output signal line L12, and the voltage VB2 is generated on the output signal line L12. Charge is stored in the electrolytic capacitor C12 by the inrush current IB2, and when the electrolytic capacitor C12 is fully charged, the inrush current IB2 disappears. Thereafter, the voltage VB2 is stably supplied to the motor drive unit 52 connected to the output signal line L12.

  Further, in response to a rise in voltage (voltage VB2) input to the unit-side power control unit 51C via the notification line L14, the output terminal S12, and the input terminal S21, the transistor Q21 is turned on in the unit-side power control unit 51C. It becomes. Thereafter, when the MOSFET QF21 is turned on, a current (inrush current IB3) flows from the input terminal T21 through the resistor R21 and the MOSFET QF21 to the output signal line L22, and a voltage VB3 is generated in the output signal line L22. Charge is stored in the electrolytic capacitor C22 by the inrush current IB3, and when the electrolytic capacitor C22 is fully charged, the inrush current IB3 disappears. Thereafter, the voltage VB3 is stably supplied to the motor drive unit 52 to which the output signal line L22 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.

  2, the input terminals (T1, T11, T21) correspond to the voltage receiving unit that receives the driving voltage supplied from the main body unit 11 or the upper sheet feeding unit 50, and the output terminal. (T2, T12, T22) corresponds to a voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to the voltage receiving unit of the lower sheet feeding unit 50. The input terminals (S1, S11, S21) receive notification signals (voltages output from the power distribution circuit 13 to the voltage supply line L0 or voltages VB1, VB2,...) From the main body 11 or the upper sheet feeding unit 50. The output terminals (S2, S12, S22) correspond to notification inputs (voltages VB1, VB2, VB3) from the voltage receiving unit to the output terminals (S2, S12, S22). This corresponds to the notification output unit that outputs to the notification input unit.

  Then, the unit-side power control unit 51 (51A, 51B, 51C) receives the voltage in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit (S1, S11, S21) exceeding a predetermined threshold value. Supply of voltage from the units (T1, T11, T21) to the motor 53 is started. Further, among the unit side power supply control units 51 (51A, 51B, 51C), Zener diodes (Z1, Z11, Z21), resistors (R3, R13, R23), transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21), capacitors (C1, C11, C21) and at least a part of the configuration including resistors (R4, R14, R24) in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit (S1, S11, S21) exceeding the threshold value. This corresponds to a switch control circuit for switching the switches (QF1, QF11, QF21) from the off state to the on state. The threshold value referred to here is, for example, the level of the notification signal required to turn on the transistors (Q1, Q11, Q21).

  FIG. 3 illustrates the results from the configuration of FIG. FIG. 3A shows a change in voltage with respect to time. The voltage (for example, 42 V) output from the power distribution circuit 13 to the voltage supply line L0 and the voltages VB1, VB2 output from the unit-side power control units 51A, 51B, 51C, respectively. , VB3. 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E all show changes in current with respect to time. FIG. 3B shows the inrush current IB1 that flows when the MOSFET QF1 of the unit-side power control unit 51A is turned on, and FIG. 3C shows the unit side. FIG. 3D shows an inrush current IB3 that flows when the MOSFET QF11 of the power supply control unit 51B is turned on, and FIG. 3D shows an inrush current IB3 that flows when the MOSFET QF21 of the unit side power supply control unit 51C is turned on. FIG. 3E shows a change in the current I42 that the power distribution circuit 13 flows to the voltage supply 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 once (the paper feed unit 50 is connected while the power distribution circuit 13 supplies voltage to the voltage supply 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) in a certain unit-side power control unit 51 (for example, the unit-side power control unit 51B) is the unit-side power control. After the inrush current (IB1) is generated in the upper unit side power control unit 51 (unit side power control unit 51A) of the unit 51, the upper unit side power control unit 51 (unit side power control unit 51A) outputs It occurs only when the switch (QF11) is turned on when the voltage (VB1) exceeds a predetermined value. Therefore, the generation timing of the inrush current generated in each of the paper feeding units 50 (unit-side power control unit 51) is off. Accordingly, 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 peak value of the inrush current generated in the portion 51) is suppressed to a value that is suppressed, and the burden on the main body 11 is reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the effect as described with reference to FIG. 3 can be obtained only by mounting the same number of the same number of paper feed units 50 as the user desires 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 by the level of the voltage (notification signal) generated by the conduction of the switch of the upper option unit. Regardless, the conduction timing of the switch between the optional units is surely shifted. Therefore, the time required for starting up the plurality of option units as in the above-mentioned document 1 is not prolonged.
On the main body side, adopting a design specification that can sufficiently withstand a sudden increase in inrush current due to an option unit that has been conventionally seen leads to an increase in size and cost of the product. In particular, how many optional units are installed in the main unit is up to each user, and there are users who do not use any optional units, so avoid increasing the design specifications on the main unit. It is desirable. In the present embodiment, even if the number of the paper feeding units 50 is increased, it is not necessary to take measures against the increase of the inrush current on the main body 11 side. Therefore, the power distribution circuit 13 and the like of the main body 11 can be configured simply, and the main body 11 is not expensive and large.

3. Suppression of Inrush Current Occurrence due to Parasitic Capacitance FIG. 4 shows an example different from FIG. In FIG. 4, the unit-side power control circuit 51B is shown on behalf of each unit-side power control circuit 51. However, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be adopted for the other unit-side power control circuits 51A and 51C. 4 differs from FIG. 2 in that a current limiting circuit 60 surrounded by a broken line is provided instead of the resistors R11, R12, and R10 (resistors R1, R2, and R0, resistors R21, R22, and R20) in FIG. However, the entire range enclosed by the broken line is not called the current limiting circuit 60, but a part thereof may be called the current limiting circuit 60.

  In the current limiting circuit 60, a resistor R7 is provided on the input signal line L11. The resistor R7 corresponds to a first resistor provided between the voltage receiving unit (input terminal T11) and the source of the MOSFET QF11. The current limiting circuit 60 connects the emitter to a connection point (first connection point) between the voltage receiving unit (input terminal T11) and the first resistor (resistor R7), and the base to the first resistor (resistor R7). ) And the source of the MOSFET QF11, a PNP-type bipolar transistor Q2 (second bipolar transistor) having a collector connected to the gate of the MOSFET QF11. A second resistor (resistor R8) is provided between the base of the transistor Q2 and the second connection point, and a third resistor (resistor R9) is provided between the collector of the transistor Q2 and the gate of the MOSFET QF11. .

  Further, one end of the resistor R5 is connected to a connection point on the input terminal T11 side of the first signal point in the input signal line L11, and the other end of the resistor R5 is a line connecting the collector of the transistor Q11 and the gate of the MOSFET QF11. Are connected to a connection point closer to the transistor Q11 than a connection point between the gate of the MOSFET QF11 and the resistor R9. Further, a resistor R6 is provided on the line connecting the collector of the transistor Q11 and the gate of the MOSFET QF11 and closer to the transistor Q11 than the connection point with the resistor R5. As described above, in the unit-side power supply control circuit 51, resistors (R5, R7, R8, R9) are provided in all paths between the voltage receiving unit (input terminal T11) and the switch (MOSFET QF11).

  The current limiting function by the current limiting circuit 60 will be described. As described above, in a situation where the voltage (for example, 42V) output from the power distribution circuit 13 is supplied to the input terminal T11 and the notification signal (voltage VB1) from the upper paper feeding unit is supplied to the input terminal S11, The transistor Q11 is turned on over a period of time according to the rise in the potential of the notification signal. When the transistor Q11 is turned on, a current flows from the input terminal T11 through the resistors R5 and R6 to the transistor Q11, and a voltage corresponding to the ratio of the resistors R5 and R6 is applied between the gate and source of the MOSFET QF11 to turn on the MOSFET QF11. Switch to state. As a result, as in the configuration of FIG. 2, an inrush current IB2 passing through the MOSFET QF11 flows from the input signal line L11, and the voltage VB2 rises on the output signal line L12.

  When the MOSFET QF11 becomes conductive as described above, a voltage is generated in the resistor R7 by the current flowing through the input signal line L11. As a result, a voltage is generated between the base and emitter of the transistor Q2, and the transistor Q2 is switched to the ON state. When the transistor Q2 is turned on, a current flows from the input terminal T11 to the transistor Q11 through a path passing through the transistor Q2 and the resistors R9 and R6, and the amount of current flowing through the resistor R7 decreases as the current increases. When the amount of current flowing through the resistor R7 decreases, the transistor Q2 returns to the off state. Thereafter, the transistor Q2 is repeatedly turned on and off, so that the current flowing into the MOSFET QF11 through the resistor R7 is limited (equilibrium) below a certain level. The resistors R1, R11, R21 shown in FIG. 2 are not as large as the current limiting circuit 60, but can be said to be circuits that limit the current flowing into the MOSFETs (QF1, QF11, QF21).

  Here, a so-called parasitic capacitance exists in the switch element such as the MOSFET QF11. 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 the present embodiment, since the resistors (R5, R7, R8, R9) are provided in all the paths between the input terminal T11 and the MOSFET QF11, the inrush current flowing to the parasitic capacitance can be surely limited. It can be said that the resistor R9 is an unnecessary resistor for performing the above-described current limiting function by the current limiting circuit 60. However, in the present embodiment, the resistor R9 is also provided in order to surely suppress the inrush current flowing through the path from the input terminal T11 to the MOSFET QF11, which occurs at the time of hot line insertion as described above.

4). Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, embodiments described below can be employed. A configuration combining the embodiments also falls within the disclosure scope of the present invention.

  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.

  The main body 11 can be referred to as a power feeding device in that it supplies a driving voltage to 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 a broad viewpoint that does not stop with such a product equipped with a paper feeding unit, the present embodiment is an optional unit connected in series to a power feeding device that supplies a driving voltage. Alternatively, a voltage receiving unit that receives supply of the voltage from a higher-order option unit, a voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to a voltage receiving unit of a lower-order option unit, and a voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit An operation unit that operates based on the above, a notification input unit that inputs a notification signal from the power supply device or a higher-order option unit, and a lower-level option that uses the voltage supplied from the voltage reception unit to the operation unit as the notification signal. A notification output unit that outputs to a notification input unit of the unit, and a voltage that the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Te, a configuration and a control unit for starting the supply of a voltage to the operation unit from the voltage receiving unit, it can be said to disclose.
Furthermore, the present embodiment is an option unit control system including a power supply device that supplies a driving voltage and an option unit connected in series to the power supply device, and the power supply device is most connected. A first voltage supply unit (output terminal T0) for supplying the voltage to a higher-order option unit; and a first notification output unit (output terminal S0) for outputting a notification signal to the uppermost option unit. The unit includes a voltage receiving unit (input terminals T1, T11, T21) that receives the voltage supplied from the power supply device or a higher-order option unit, and a second voltage supply that supplies the voltage to the voltage receiving unit of a lower-order option unit. Unit (output terminals T2, T12, T22), an operating unit that operates based on the voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit, and the power supply Or a notification input unit (input terminals S1, S11, S21) for inputting a notification signal from a higher-order option unit, and a voltage supplied from the voltage reception unit to the operation unit as the notification signal. A second notification output unit (output terminals S2, S12, S22) that outputs to the notification input unit, and the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value; It can be said that the structure provided with the control part which starts supply of the voltage from the reception part to the said operation | movement part 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 feeding unit, 51, 51A, 51B, 51C ... Unit side power supply control unit, 52 ... Motor drive unit, 53 ... Motor, 57 ... Roller, M ... Paper, Q1, Q11, Q21, Q2 ... Transistor, QF1, QF11, QF21 ... MOSFET, S1, S11, S21, T1, T11, T21 ... input terminal, S2, S12, S22, T2, T12, T22 ... output terminal

Claims (6)

A scanner unit that reads a document, a facsimile unit that can perform facsimile transmission of image data generated by the reading to the outside, and reception of image data transmitted from the outside by facsimile; and based on the received image data A main unit including a printing unit for printing an image on a supplied paper;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a paper feeding unit for supplying the paper;
The paper feeding unit is
One or more units are mounted with the side closer to the printing unit as the upper level,
A voltage receiving unit for receiving a driving voltage from the main body unit or the upper sheet feeding unit;
A voltage supply unit for supplying the voltage to the voltage receiving unit of the lower sheet feeding unit;
A motor driven based on the voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit;
A notification input unit that inputs the voltage as a notification signal supplied from the main body unit or inputs a notification signal from an upper sheet feeding unit;
A notification output unit that outputs the voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit to the motor as the notification signal, to a notification input unit of a lower sheet feeding unit;
A control unit for starting the supply of voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the motor in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold,
The controller is
MOSFET as a switch interposed between the voltage receiving unit and the motor,
A capacitor having one end connected between the MOSFET and the motor and the other end connected to ground;
A circuit for switching the MOSFET from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding the threshold value, the cathode being connected to the notification input unit side; A switch control circuit including a Zener diode, a first bipolar transistor having 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 the ground,
The Zener diode breaks down in response to a rise in voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit, and after the breakdown, the first bipolar transistor is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state, and the first bipolar transistor When the MOSFET is switched from the non-conducting state to the conducting state after the conduction, the electric charge is stored in the capacitor by the current that passes between the source and drain of the MOSFET and is input to the motor side from the voltage receiving unit. And
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. . A scanner unit that reads a document, a facsimile unit that can perform facsimile transmission of image data generated by the reading to the outside, and reception of image data transmitted from the outside by facsimile; and based on the received image data A main unit including a printing unit for printing an image on a supplied paper;
  A facsimile apparatus comprising: a paper feeding unit for supplying the paper;
  The paper feeding unit is
    One or more units are mounted with the side closer to the printing unit as the upper level,
    A voltage receiving unit for receiving a driving voltage from the main body unit or the upper sheet feeding unit;
    A voltage supply unit for supplying the voltage to the voltage receiving unit of the lower sheet feeding unit;
    A motor driven based on the voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit;
    A notification input unit that inputs the voltage as a notification signal supplied from the main body unit or inputs a notification signal from an upper sheet feeding unit;
    A notification output unit that outputs the voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit to the motor as the notification signal, to a notification input unit of a lower sheet feeding unit;
    A control unit for starting the supply of voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the motor in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold,
  The controller is
    MOSFET as a switch interposed between the voltage receiving unit and the motor,
    A switch control circuit that switches the MOSFET from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding the threshold value,
  The control unit provided with resistors in all paths between the voltage receiving unit and the MOSFET,
    A first resistor between the voltage receiving unit and the source of the MOSFET;
    An emitter is connected to a first connection point between the voltage receiving unit and the first resistor, a base is connected to a second connection point between the first resistor and the source of the MOSFET, and a collector is connected to the MOSFET A second bipolar transistor connected to the gate of
    A second resistor between the base of the second bipolar transistor and the second connection point; and a third resistor between the collector of the second bipolar transistor and the gate of the MOSFET;
  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. . An optional unit connected in series to a power supply device that supplies a driving voltage,
A voltage receiving unit that receives the supply of the voltage from the power supply device or a connection option unit;
A voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to the voltage receiving unit of the lower-order option unit; and
An operating unit that operates based on the voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit;
A notification input unit for inputting the voltage as a notification signal supplied from the power supply apparatus or inputting a notification signal from an upper option unit;
A notification output unit that outputs the voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit to the operation unit as the notification signal to a notification input unit of a lower option unit;
A control unit that starts supply of a voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the operating unit in response to a voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold ;
The controller is
MOSFET as a switch interposed between the voltage receiving unit and the operation unit,
A capacitor having one end connected between the MOSFET and the operating unit and the other end connected to ground;
A circuit for switching the MOSFET from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding the threshold value, the cathode being connected to the notification input unit side; A switch control circuit including a Zener diode, a first bipolar transistor having 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 the ground,
The Zener diode breaks down in response to a rise in voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit, and after the breakdown, the first bipolar transistor is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state, and the first bipolar transistor When the MOSFET is switched from the non-conducting state to the conducting state after the conduction, the electric charge is applied to the capacitor by the current that passes between the source and drain of the MOSFET and is input to the operating unit side from the voltage receiving unit. An optional unit characterized by being stored . An optional unit connected in series to a power supply device that supplies a driving voltage,
  A voltage receiving unit that receives the supply of the voltage from the power supply device or a connection option unit;
  A voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to the voltage receiving unit of the lower-order option unit; and
  An operating unit that operates based on the voltage supplied by the voltage receiving unit;
  A notification input unit for inputting the voltage as a notification signal supplied from the power supply apparatus or inputting a notification signal from an upper option unit;
  A notification output unit that outputs the voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit to the operation unit as the notification signal to a notification input unit of a lower option unit;
  A control unit that starts supply of a voltage from the voltage receiving unit to the operating unit in response to a voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold;
  The controller is
    MOSFET as a switch interposed between the voltage receiving unit and the operation unit,
    A switch control circuit that switches the MOSFET from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding the threshold value,
  The control unit provided with resistors in all paths between the voltage receiving unit and the MOSFET,
    A first resistor between the voltage receiving unit and the source of the MOSFET;
    An emitter is connected to a first connection point between the voltage receiving unit and the first resistor, a base is connected to a second connection point between the first resistor and the source of the MOSFET, and a collector is connected to the MOSFET A second bipolar transistor connected to the gate of
    A second resistor between the base of the second bipolar transistor and the second connection point; and a third resistor between the collector of the second bipolar transistor and the gate of the MOSFET. Feature optional unit. An option unit control system comprising: a power supply device that supplies a driving voltage; and an option unit connected in series to the power supply device,
The power supply apparatus includes a first voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to the highest option unit that is connected, and a first notification output unit that outputs the voltage as a notification signal to the highest option unit,
The option unit includes a voltage receiving unit that receives the voltage supplied from the power supply apparatus or a higher option unit, a second voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to a voltage receiving unit of a lower option unit, and the voltage receiving unit. The operation unit that operates based on the supplied voltage, the notification input unit that inputs a notification signal from the power supply device or a higher-order option unit, and the voltage supplied from the voltage reception unit to the operation unit A second notification output unit that outputs to a notification input unit of a lower option unit as a signal, and the voltage reception in response to a voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value. A control unit for starting supply of voltage from the unit to the operating unit ,
The controller is
MOSFET as a switch interposed between the voltage receiving unit and the operation unit,
A capacitor having one end connected between the MOSFET and the operating unit and the other end connected to ground;
A circuit for switching the MOSFET from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding the threshold value, the cathode being connected to the notification input unit side; A switch control circuit including a Zener diode, a first bipolar transistor having 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 the ground,
The Zener diode breaks down in response to a rise in voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit, and after the breakdown, the first bipolar transistor is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state, and the first bipolar transistor When the MOSFET is switched from the non-conducting state to the conducting state after the conduction, the electric charge is applied to the capacitor by the current that passes between the source and drain of the MOSFET and is input to the operating unit side from the voltage receiving unit. An optional unit control system that can be stored . An option unit control system comprising: a power supply device that supplies a driving voltage; and an option unit connected in series to the power supply device,
  The power supply apparatus includes a first voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to the highest option unit that is connected, and a first notification output unit that outputs the voltage as a notification signal to the highest option unit,
  The option unit includes a voltage receiving unit that receives the voltage supplied from the power supply apparatus or a higher option unit, a second voltage supply unit that supplies the voltage to a voltage receiving unit of a lower option unit, and the voltage receiving unit. The operation unit that operates based on the supplied voltage, the notification input unit that inputs a notification signal from the power supply device or a higher-order option unit, and the voltage supplied from the voltage reception unit to the operation unit A second notification output unit that outputs to a notification input unit of a lower option unit as a signal, and the voltage reception in response to a voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding a predetermined threshold value. A control unit for starting supply of voltage from the unit to the operating unit,
  The controller is
    MOSFET as a switch interposed between the voltage receiving unit and the operation unit,
    A switch control circuit that switches the MOSFET from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the voltage of the notification signal input by the notification input unit exceeding the threshold value,
  The control unit provided with resistors in all paths between the voltage receiving unit and the MOSFET,
    A first resistor between the voltage receiving unit and the source of the MOSFET;
    An emitter is connected to a first connection point between the voltage receiving unit and the first resistor, a base is connected to a second connection point between the first resistor and the source of the MOSFET, and a collector is connected to the MOSFET A second bipolar transistor connected to the gate of
    A second resistor between the base of the second bipolar transistor and the second connection point; and a third resistor between the collector of the second bipolar transistor and the gate of the MOSFET. Feature optional unit control system.

Images