JP6911433B2 - Electronic devices and programs - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to electronic devices and programs.

In an image reader equipped with an automatic document feeder (hereinafter abbreviated as ADF), the temperature of the motor that is the power source of the ADF is estimated, and when the estimated temperature exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the motor Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using such a technique, it is possible to dissipate heat from the motor during the period in which the motor is inactive, and it is possible to prevent the temperature of the motor from becoming excessively high.

Japanese Patent No. 3908805

By the way, when the image reader is used in a high temperature environment (for example, an environment in which the atmospheric temperature of the motor exceeds 40 ° C.), the image reader is in a low temperature environment (for example, an environment in which the atmospheric temperature of the motor is 40 ° C. or less). The heat dissipation efficiency from the motor is lower than when it is used in. Therefore, the higher the environmental temperature, the easier it is for the actual motor temperature to rise.

Here, in order to ensure that the motor is stopped before the actual motor temperature exceeds the upper limit even in a high temperature environment, it is conceivable to simply estimate the temperature of the motor higher. However, if the temperature of the motor is estimated to be high, when the image reader is used in a low temperature environment, the temperature of the motor is estimated to be excessively high even though the actual temperature of the motor has not risen so much. Will be done. In this case, the control for suspending the motor is executed even though there is still sufficient margin before the actual temperature of the motor exceeds the upper limit, and the operating rate of the device is lowered. Invites the problem.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to provide electronic devices and programs that can prevent the temperature of the motor from becoming excessively high and that does not cause the motor to stop excessively.

One aspect of the present disclosure is an electronic device, which includes a motor, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature outside the motor, and a control unit that controls the motor, and the control unit is a temperature that estimates the temperature of the motor. During the estimation process and the operation of the motor, if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process exceeds the upper limit temperature range, the power supply to the motor is stopped or the power supplied to the motor is reduced. After executing the temperature rise suppression process that suppresses the temperature rise and the temperature rise suppression process, if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process falls below the upper limit temperature range, the temperature supply suppression of the power supply state to the motor is suppressed. When the return process for returning to the state before the execution of the process and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit are the first temperature, the first temperature range is set as the upper limit temperature range and the temperature detection unit detects the temperature. When the temperature is the second temperature higher than the first temperature, the upper limit temperature range change process for setting the second temperature range which is lower than the first temperature range as the upper limit temperature range is executed. It is configured.

According to the electronic device configured in this way, if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process exceeds the upper limit temperature range during the operation of the motor, the temperature rise suppression process is executed. As a result, heat generation in the motor is suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the temperature of the motor from becoming excessively high. Further, after the temperature rise suppression process is executed, if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process falls below the upper limit temperature range, the return process is executed. As a result, the state of power supply to the motor returns to the state before the execution of the temperature rise suppression process.

Further, in this electronic device, the upper limit temperature range change process is executed. As a result, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is the first temperature, the first temperature range is set as the upper limit temperature range. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is a second temperature higher than the first temperature, a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range is set as the upper limit temperature range.

Therefore, when the temperature outside the motor is high, the upper limit temperature range becomes lower, and the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process tends to exceed the upper limit temperature range. Therefore, the temperature rise suppression process is executed at an earlier timing, and the temperature rise of the motor is suppressed by that amount. Therefore, for example, even when the electronic device is used in a high temperature environment such as when the device is used in an area where the outside temperature is high or when there is a heat source near the motor, the temperature of the motor is excessively high. It can be appropriately prevented or suppressed.

Further, when the temperature outside the motor is low, the upper limit temperature range becomes higher, and the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process is less likely to exceed the upper limit temperature range. Therefore, the temperature rise suppression process is executed at a later timing, and the operable period of the motor is extended accordingly. Therefore, if the electronic device is used in a low temperature environment, for example, the device is used in an area where the outside temperature is low, or the heat source near the motor is not operating, the motor is frequently used. It is possible to avoid going into hibernation.

Further, another aspect of the present disclosure is a program, in which the control unit is an electronic device including a motor, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature outside the motor, and a control unit that controls the motor. The temperature estimation process that estimates the temperature of the motor, and if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process exceeds the upper limit temperature range during the operation of the motor, the power supply to the motor is stopped or the power supplied to the motor is stopped. After executing the temperature rise suppression process that suppresses the temperature rise of the motor by reducing it and the temperature rise suppression process, if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process falls below the upper limit temperature range, the power to the motor When the temperature detected by the temperature detector is the first temperature, the first temperature range is set as the upper limit temperature range. When the temperature detected by the temperature detector is the second temperature higher than the first temperature, the upper limit temperature range is changed to set the second temperature range, which is lower than the first temperature range, as the upper limit temperature range. It is a program for executing processing.

According to the program configured in this way, it is possible to configure an electronic device that exhibits the above-mentioned actions and effects.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the multifunction device. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the temperature control process. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the limit value correction process.

Next, one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments.
[Composite configuration]
An example of the following is a multifunction device 1 (MFP) having a configuration corresponding to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. The multifunction device 1 includes an image forming unit 2 and a reading unit 3 arranged above the image forming unit 2. An opening (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the image forming unit 2. The reading unit 3 is configured to be displaceable between a closed position in which the opening of the image forming unit 2 is closed and an open position in which the opening is opened. If the reading unit 3 is displaced to the open position, maintenance of the configuration provided inside the image forming unit 2 can be performed.

The reading unit 3 is referred to as a flatbed unit 5 (hereinafter referred to as FB unit 5; FB is an abbreviation for Flatbed) and an automatic document feeding unit 7 (hereinafter referred to as ADF unit 7) arranged above the FB unit 5. ADF is an abbreviation for Automatic Document Feeder.). A platen (not shown) made of a transparent plate material (for example, a glass plate or an acrylic resin plate) is provided on the upper surface of the FB portion 5. The ADF portion 7 is configured to be displaceable between a first position that covers the platen and a second position that exposes the platen to the outside. If the ADF unit 7 is displaced to the second position, the document to be read of the image can be placed on the platen or removed from the platen. Further, if the ADF unit 7 is displaced to the first position, the ADF unit 7 functions as a document cover for holding the document placed on the platen.

The image forming unit 2 is provided with a control unit 10, an image forming unit 11, a display / input unit 12, a communication unit 13, and the like. The control unit 10 includes a well-known CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, NVRAM 104, and the like. The CPU 101 executes a predetermined process according to a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the RAM 103, whereby each part of the multifunction device 1 is controlled. The RAM 103 stores data such as data temporarily used by the CPU 101 during execution of processing, which can be lost even if the power of the multifunction device 1 is turned off. The NVRAM 104 stores data necessary for managing the multifunction device 1, setting data that can be arbitrarily changed by the user, and other data to be retained even when the power of the multifunction device 1 is turned off.

The image forming unit 11 includes a recording head 111, a thermistor 112, a first motor 113, a second motor 114, and the like. In the case of the present embodiment, the recording head 111 is configured to be capable of forming an image on a recording medium such as cut paper by an inkjet method. However, the image forming unit 11 may be configured so that an image can be formed by a well-known recording method other than the inkjet method (for example, an electrophotographic method). The thermistor 112 is provided to detect the temperature of the recording head 111. The first motor 113 is a power source for reciprocating the first carriage (not shown) on which the recording head 111 is mounted. The second motor 114 is a power source for driving a transfer mechanism that conveys the recording medium.

The display / input unit 12 is composed of a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, and the like. Information about the multifunction device 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display. In addition, images of buttons and the like necessary for operation on the touch panel are displayed on the liquid crystal display, and it is detected by a transparent touch panel arranged on the liquid crystal display that a touch operation is performed on such an image. It is configured to be possible. The communication unit 13 is composed of a communication interface device corresponding to a wireless LAN and a communication interface device corresponding to a wired LAN.

The FB unit 5 is provided with a reading unit 15. The reading unit 15 includes an image sensor 151, a third motor 152, and the like. The image sensor 151 is a one-dimensional image sensor including a plurality of reading elements arranged in one direction. In the case of this embodiment, a contact image sensor (CIS) is adopted as the image sensor 151. The third motor 152 is a power source for reciprocating a second carriage (not shown) on which the image sensor 151 is mounted. The image sensor 151 is mounted on the second carriage with a plurality of reading elements facing the platen. The second carriage reciprocates along one side of the platen. The moving direction of the second carriage is a direction (secondary scanning direction) orthogonal to the arrangement direction (main scanning direction) of the reading elements of the image sensor 151.

The ADF unit 7 is provided with a transport unit 17. The transport unit 17 includes a fourth motor 171 and the like. The transport unit 17 is provided with various rollers (for example, a suction roller, a separation roller, a transport roller, a discharge roller, etc.) provided in a well-known ADF, and these rollers enable the sheet to be transported along a predetermined transport path. It is composed. The fourth motor 171 is a power source for rotationally driving the various rollers described above.

When reading an image of the object to be read supported by the platen on the upper surface of the FB unit 5, the image sensor 151 reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction together with the second carriage, for example, the object to be read through the transparent platen when moving forward. Read the image of.

When reading the image of the sheet transported by the transport unit 17, the image sensor 151 stands still at a predetermined reading position. A platen for ADF is arranged above the image sensor 151 stationary at the reading position. The sheet transported by the transport unit 17 is transported while being in contact with the upper surface of the platen for ADF when being transported along the transport path. The image sensor 151 reads the image of the sheet transported by the transport unit 17 through the platen for ADF.

In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 includes a configuration for inputting to the control unit 10 and a configuration for outputting from the control unit 10, but these configurations are well known and disclosed in the present invention. Since it is not related to the main part of the above, the description in this specification is omitted.

[Temperature control processing]
Next, the temperature control process for the fourth motor 171 executed in the multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The temperature control process is started when the power switch (not shown) of the multifunction device 1 is turned on, and thereafter, it is repeatedly executed until the power switch is turned off.

_{When the temperature control process is started, the CPU 101 sets an initial value θ int} with respect to the estimated value θ (hereinafter, simply referred to as the estimated value θ) of the temperature of the fourth motor 171 (S10). The estimated value θ is a variable having a value corresponding to the temperature of the fourth motor 171 estimated by the CPU 101. This estimated value θ may be a numerical value that can express the degree of temperature rise of the fourth motor 171 as a relative value with respect to _{the initial value θ int, and may be in a general temperature unit (for example, “° C.” or “K”).} The value may not match the value when the temperature of the fourth motor 171 is expressed. For example, in the case of this embodiment, the initial value θ _int is set to 0, but this does not mean a value of 0 ° C. or 0K. However, if the multifunction device 1 has sensors capable of measuring the actual room temperature, the measured value may be adopted as the _{initial value θ int.}

Subsequently, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the start condition for starting the operation of the fourth motor 171 is satisfied (S20). In S20, for example, the ADF unit 7 has a sheet to be transported, and the execution of a job such as scanning, copying, or facsimile transmission can be communicated with the input operation in the display / input unit 12 or the multifunction device 1. Instructed by an input operation on an external device (for example, a PC (Personal Computer) (not shown)), another job that interferes with the execution of the job is not being executed, and the state of each part does not interfere with the execution of the job. When all of the multiple judgment items are satisfied, such as that there is something (for example, the part that should be locked is not in the unlocked state) and that no other error has occurred in the hardware etc. It is determined that the start condition is satisfied (S20: YES). Further, if even one of these plurality of determination items is not satisfied, it is determined that the start condition is not satisfied (S20: NO).

When it is determined in S20 that the start condition is satisfied (S20: YES), the CPU 101 first sets the addition constant A, according to the operation mode and the detailed settings for each operation mode (hereinafter, referred to as the operation mode and the like). The correction constant R and the limit value θ _lim are set (S30). The addition constant A is a value set in advance in consideration of the temperature change when the fourth motor 171 is operated according to the operating conditions, and is a value that changes according to the estimated temperature rise rate. The correction constant R is a value set for finely adjusting the determination condition according to the characteristics of the actual machine. The limit value θ _lim is a threshold value for determining whether or not the estimated value θ exceeds the upper limit. The correction constant R and the limit value θ _lim are used when determining whether to stop the fourth motor 171.

Values corresponding to the operation mode and the like are set in the addition constant A, the correction constant R, and the limit value θ _lim. For example, even if the operation mode is the scan mode, the rotation of the fourth motor 171 is faster in the monochrome 300 dpi and the color 600 dpi is faster in the case where the monochrome 300 dpi is set and the case where the color 600 dpi is set. The rotation of the fourth motor 171 is slow. When the fourth motor 171 is driven at a low speed, the amount of heat generated by the fourth motor 171 per sheet to be conveyed becomes large. Therefore, each value of the addition constant A and the correction constant R is set according to the operation mode and the like, such as being larger in the case of color 600 dpi than in the case of monochrome 300 dpi.

Further, when the image forming unit 11 operates (for example, when the operation mode is the copy mode), the atmospheric temperature of the fourth motor 171 rises due to the heat generated by the image forming unit 11. _{Therefore, in such a case, the limit value θ lim} is set smaller than that in the case where the image forming unit 11 does not operate (for example, when the operation mode is the scan mode). As a result, when the image forming unit 11 operates, the estimated value θ _{reaches the limit value θ lim} earlier than when the image forming unit 11 does not operate, so that the temperature rise of the fourth motor 171 is increased. It can be suppressed.

In this way, the optimum addition constant A, correction constant R, and limit value θ _lim are set according to the operation mode, etc., so there are multiple values for each value. Based on this, those values are stored in the ROM 102. In S30, each value corresponding to the operation mode or the like is read from the ROM 102 based on the set operation mode or the like, and each value is used in the subsequent processing. The addition constant A, the correction constant R, and the limit value θ _lim. Set as.

Subsequently, the CPU 101 starts the operation of the fourth motor 171 (S40). As a result, the transfer of the sheet is started in the ADF unit 7. Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not _{the estimated value θ is less than the limit value θ lim (S50).} In S50, if the estimated value θ is _{less than the limit value θ lim} (S50: YES), it can be estimated that the temperature of the fourth motor 171 has not reached the limit value, and the state in which the fourth motor 171 continues to operate is continued. can do. That is, operations such as sheet transfer and reading are executed in the ADF unit 7.

Next, the CPU 101 executes an operation θ + A → θ in which the value θ + A obtained by adding the addition constant A to the estimated value θ is set as the new estimated value θ (S60). As a result, the value of the temperature rise associated with the operation of the fourth motor 171 is added to the estimated value θ.

Subsequently, the CPU 101 executes reading of the original by the image sensor 151 (S70). In S70, images for a predetermined number of lines are read. The number of lines of images to be read may differ depending on the operation mode and the like.

Subsequently, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the termination condition for terminating the operation of the fourth motor 171 is satisfied (S80). In S80, for example, as a result of all the sheets being conveyed in the ADF unit 7, the sheets are not detected by the sensor (not shown), an error such as a paper jam occurs, and other errors in hardware or the like. It is determined that the end condition is satisfied when any one of the plurality of determination items such as the occurrence of the above is satisfied (S80: YES). Further, when none of these plurality of determination items is satisfied, it is determined that the end condition is not satisfied (S80: NO).

If it is determined in S80 that the end condition is not satisfied (S80: NO), the process returns to S50. After that, when the estimated value θ is _{less than the limit value θ lim} (S50: YES) and the end condition is not satisfied (S80: NO), the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processing steps S50-S80. As a result, while the fourth motor 171 is operating and the ADF unit 7 is operating, each time the fourth motor 171 is driven by a predetermined amount (for example, a predetermined time or a predetermined number of pulses) with respect to the estimated value θ. The addition constant A is added (S60), and the estimated value θ is updated so as to correspond to the temperature rise of the fourth motor 171. Before or after the execution of S60, the cycle of executing the repetitive processing of S50-S80 is adjusted by executing the wait processing (not shown) for a predetermined time. The cycle of such repetitive processing is optimized based on the balance between the load applied to the CPU 101 and the calculation accuracy of the estimated value θ.

When it is determined in S80 that the end condition is satisfied (S80: YES), the CPU 101 stops the fourth motor 171 (S90). In S90, the energization of the fourth motor 171 is stopped. Then, when S90 is finished, the process returns to S20. As a result, the CPU 101 again determines whether or not the above-mentioned start condition is satisfied (S20). If it is determined in S20 that the start condition is not satisfied (S20: NO), the fourth motor 171 remains in the stopped state. In this case, the CPU 101 determines whether or not _{the estimated value θ is larger than the initial value θ int (S100).}

When it is determined in S100 that the estimated value θ is _{larger than the initial value θ int} (S100: YES), the CPU 101 subtracts the value θ / S obtained by dividing the estimated value θ by the subtraction constant S from the estimated value θ. The operation θ−θ / S → θ with θ−θ / S as the new estimated value θ is executed (S110). The subtraction constant S is a value preset in consideration of the temperature change of the fourth motor 171 (that is, the heat dissipation characteristic of the fourth motor 171) when the supply of the current to the fourth motor 171 is stopped, and is a value set in the ROM 102. It is remembered in.

After finishing S110, return to S20. If it is determined in S100 that the estimated value θ is equal to _{or less than the initial value θ int} (S100: NO), the process returns to S20 without executing S110. After that, when it is determined in S20 that the start condition is not satisfied (S20: NO), the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processing steps S20, S100, and S110. As a result, while the fourth motor 171 is stopped, S110 is repeatedly executed as long as _{the estimated value θ is larger than the initial value θ int (S100: YES).}

As a result, the estimated value θ is updated so as to correspond to the temperature drop of the fourth motor 171 due to the passage of time in the state where the fourth motor 171 is not driven. Before or after executing S110, the cycle for executing the iterative processing of S20, S100, and S110 is adjusted by executing the wait processing (not shown) for a predetermined time. The cycle of such repetitive processing is optimized based on the balance between the load applied to the CPU 101 and the calculation accuracy of the estimated value θ.

By the way, in the process as described above, as a result of repeated execution of S60 while the fourth motor 171 is operating, the estimated value θ may _{reach the limit value θ lim} or more. In that case, in S50, the estimated value θ is _{determined to be equal to or greater than the limit value θ lim} (S50: NO), and the CPU 101 sets the value θ−R obtained by subtracting the correction constant R from the estimated value θ as the new estimated value θ. The operation θ−R → θ is executed (S120). Then, the CPU 101 _redetermines whether or not the estimated value θ is less than the limit value θ lim (S130).

In S130, if the estimated value θ is _{less than the limit value θ lim} (S130: YES), the process returns to S60. As a result, _{even if the estimated value θ is determined to be equal to or greater than the limit value θ lim in} S50, the process returns to the state in which the processing steps S50-S80 are repeatedly executed. When such processing is performed, if it is found from the result of measuring the actual temperature of the fourth motor 171 with the actual machine that there is some discrepancy between the estimated value θ and the actual temperature of the fourth motor 171, it is determined. By setting the corresponding correction constant R, it is possible to suppress the immediate progress to the processing after S130. If there is no large discrepancy between the estimated value θ and the actual temperature of the fourth motor 171, 0 may be set as the correction constant R.

On the other hand, in S130, when the estimated value θ is equal to _{or greater than the limit value θ lim} (S130: NO), the process proceeds to S90. As a result, the CPU 101 stops the fourth motor 171 (S90) and returns to S20. In this case, it is determined that the start condition is not satisfied in S20 (S20: NO), and the process proceeds to S100. As a result, if the estimated value θ is _{larger than the initial value θ int} (S100: YES), S110 is executed and the process returns to S20.

In S20, in addition to the plurality of determination items already described, the fact that the estimated value θ is _{less than the threshold value (θ lim −} ΔT) is also one of the determination items, and starts when all of the plurality of items are satisfied. Judge that the conditions have been met. The threshold value (θ _{lim −} ΔT) is a value that is lower than the limit value θ _{lim by the temperature difference ΔT.} When the estimated value θ exceeds the limit value θ _lim and returns to S20 via S90, a negative judgment is made in S20 while the estimated value θ is equal to _{or greater than the threshold value (θ lim − ΔT).} S100-S110 is executed.

_{Then, when the estimated value θ becomes less than the threshold value (θ lim −} ΔT) as a result of repeated execution of S110, it is determined that the start condition is satisfied in S20 (S20: YES), and S30. Proceed to. As a result, the processing after S30 is restarted, and the power supply state to the fourth motor 171 is restored to the state before the temperature rise suppression processing by S130 and S90 is executed.

That is, in this multifunction device 1, the estimated value θ is based on the magnitude relationship between the upper limit temperature range in which the _{limit value θ lim} is the upper limit value and the threshold value (θ _{lim − ΔT) is the lower limit value and the estimated value θ.} When the temperature exceeds the upper limit temperature range, the fourth motor 171 is stopped, and when the estimated value θ falls below the upper limit temperature range, the operation of the fourth motor 171 is restarted. Accordingly, even if the limit value theta _lim threshold (θ _lim -ΔT) above, up to a limit theta _lim exceeds the limit value theta _lim it can actuate the fourth motor 171.

When the temperature difference ΔT is a small value, there is an advantage that the fourth motor 171 resumes operation early, but there is a drawback that the operation is stopped early even if the fourth motor 171 resumes operation. be. On the other hand, if the temperature difference ΔT is a large value, there is an advantage that the operation can be continued for a longer period of time when the fourth motor 171 resumes operation, but by the time the fourth motor 171 resumes operation. It has the disadvantage of taking time. Therefore, the value of the temperature difference ΔT is a balance between the time required from the operation stop to the operation restart of the fourth motor 171 and the time from the operation restart to the operation stop of the fourth motor 171. It should be optimized in consideration.

[Limit value correction processing]
Next, the limit value correction process executed in the multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When one job is executed in the ADF unit 7, the limit value correction process is executed prior to the execution of the job. When the limit value correction process is started, the CPU 101 first detects the environmental temperature T (S210). In the case of the present embodiment, the environmental temperature T is detected by the above-mentioned thermistor 112 (corresponding to an example of the temperature detection unit referred to in the present disclosure).

As described above, the thermistor 112 is provided to detect the temperature of the recording head 111. However, if the multifunction device 1 is installed in an environment with a high temperature, the thermistor 112 detects a high temperature according to the temperature, and if the multifunction device 1 is installed in an environment with a low temperature, the temperature is adjusted. The thermistor 112 detects a low temperature. Therefore, if the thermistor 112 is used, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated thermistor for detecting the air temperature in the environment in which the multifunction device 1 is installed.

Moreover, as described above, when the image forming unit 11 operates (for example, when the operation mode is the copy mode), the atmospheric temperature of the fourth motor 171 becomes high due to the heat generated by the image forming unit 11. Rise. _{Therefore, in such a case, the limit value θ lim} is set smaller than that in the case where the image forming unit 11 does not operate (for example, when the operation mode is the scan mode). In such setting the limit value theta _lim small, by detecting the temperature by the thermistor 112, the degree of heat generation in the image forming unit 11 by adding properly, it is possible to correct the limiting value theta _lim. Therefore, the correction that reflects the heat generated by the image forming unit 11 can be performed as compared with the case where a dedicated thermistor for detecting the temperature of the environment in which the multifunction device 1 is installed is provided.

Subsequently, the CPU 101 determines whether or not _{the environmental temperature T is larger than the control activation temperature T e (S220).} In the case of this embodiment, the control activation temperature _Te is set to 40 ° C. If the environmental temperature T is _{larger than the control activation temperature T e} (S220: YES), the process proceeds to S240 after executing S230, and if the environmental temperature T is equal to or less than the _{control activation temperature T e (S220: NO).} , Proceed to S240 without executing S230. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, S230 is executed when the environmental temperature T exceeds 40 ° C.

In S230, the CPU 101 corrects the value of the _{limit value θ lim (S230).} Specifically, with respect to the temperature difference obtained by subtracting a control trigger temperature T _e from the ambient temperature T, multiplied by a conversion factor alpha, by subtracting a value that is a result of multiplication from the uncorrected limit theta _lim , The value that is the result of the subtraction is set as the new limit value θ _lim . The conversion coefficient α is a value that is predetermined according to the characteristics of each model and the characteristics of the fourth motor 171. In the case of the present embodiment, when the environmental temperature T exceeds 40 ° C., the higher the environmental temperature T, the lower the temperature limit value θ _lim is set. In S240, the driving of the ADF unit 7 is started (S240), and the job in the ADF unit 7 is executed.

By executing the above limit value correction process for each job in the ADF unit 7, the latest environmental temperature T is acquired for each job, and the limit value θ _lim is set according to the temperature. Therefore, for example, when the print job is executed in the image forming unit 11 and the atmospheric temperature rises even in the vicinity of the fourth motor 171, a limit value θ _lim that reflects the atmospheric temperature is set. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fourth motor 171 from becoming hotter than expected.

[effect]
As described above, according to the composite machine 1, the control unit 10 estimates the temperature estimation process (S10-S30, S50-S60, S80, S100-S130) for estimating the estimated value θ corresponding to the temperature of the fourth motor 171. _{), And if the estimated value θ exceeds the limit value θ lim} corresponding to the upper limit value of the upper limit temperature range during the operation of the fourth motor 171 (S130: NO), the supply of power to the fourth motor 171 is stopped. As a result, after executing the temperature rise suppression process (S130, S90) for suppressing the temperature rise of the fourth motor 171 and the temperature rise suppression process, the estimated value θ corresponds to the lower limit value in the upper limit temperature range. When the temperature falls below the threshold value (θ _lim −ΔT) (S20: YES), the return process (S20-S40) for returning the power supply state to the fourth motor 171 to the state before the temperature rise suppression process is executed, and the thermistor. temperature detected by 112 when a first temperature (controlled activation temperature T _e temperature below.), the first temperature range as the upper limit temperature range of (maximum value theta _lim, the lower limit value (theta _lim -.DELTA.T) temperature range.) set, when the temperature detected by the thermistor 112 is a second temperature higher than the first temperature (controlled activation temperature T _e exceeded temperature.), the first temperature range as the upper limit temperature range second temperature range which is a temperature range lower than (upper limit value _{(θ lim - (T-T} e) × α), the lower limit value _{(θ lim - (T-T} e) × α-ΔT) temperature range.) It is configured to execute the upper limit temperature range change process (S230) for setting.

Therefore, if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process exceeds the upper limit temperature range during the operation of the fourth motor 171, the temperature rise suppression process is executed. As a result, heat generation in the fourth motor 171 is suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the temperature of the fourth motor 171 from becoming excessively high. Further, after the temperature rise suppression process is executed, if the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process falls below the upper limit temperature range, the return process is executed. As a result, the state of power supply to the fourth motor 171 is restored to the state before the execution of the temperature rise suppression process.

Further, in this multifunction device 1, when the upper limit temperature range change process is executed, when the temperature outside the fourth motor 171 is high, the upper limit temperature range is lowered and the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process is increased. It becomes easy to exceed the upper limit temperature range. Therefore, the temperature rise suppressing process is executed at an earlier timing, and the temperature rise of the fourth motor 171 is suppressed by that amount. Therefore, for example, even when the multifunction device 1 is used in a high temperature environment such as when the equipment is used in an area where the outside temperature is high or when there is a heat source near the fourth motor 171, the fourth motor It is possible to appropriately prevent or suppress the temperature of 171 from becoming excessively high.

In the case of the present embodiment, when the temperature detected by the thermistor 112 is equal to or higher than the control switching temperature (S220: YES), the upper limit temperature range change process (S230) is executed, so that the temperature of the fourth motor 171 is reached. Can be suppressed from rising. If the temperature detected by the thermistor 112 is lower than the control switching temperature (S220: NO), the upper limit temperature range change process (S230) is not executed. Therefore, when the upper limit temperature range change process (S230) is not executed, the process in the control unit 10 can be simplified by that amount, and the load on the control unit 10 can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, as in the case the temperature T detected by the thermistor 112 is high, the second temperature range (upper limit value _{(θ lim - (T-T} e) × α), the lower limit value (theta _lim - (T The temperature range of −T _e ) × α−ΔT) is lower. Therefore, the higher the temperature T detected by the thermistor 112, the earlier the temperature rise suppressing process is executed, so that the temperature rise of the fourth motor 171 can be appropriately suppressed even in a high temperature environment.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 10 executes the temperature estimation process, the temperature rise suppression process, the return process, and the upper limit temperature range change process each time a job is given to the multifunction device 1. Therefore, unlike a configuration in which the upper limit temperature range is set only when the device is started, for example, even if the temperature detected by the thermistor 112 changes within the period for processing a plurality of jobs, such a temperature is used. Can respond to changes in detail.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, as the thermistor 112, a thermistor provided for detecting the temperature of the recording head 111 in the image forming unit 2 is used. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated thermistor separately from the thermistor 112 for detecting the temperature of the recording head 111, and the number of parts can be reduced accordingly.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the electronic devices of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplified as one aspect of the present invention. That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms within a range that does not deviate from the technical idea of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature control has been described by taking the fourth motor 171 provided in the ADF unit 7 as an example, but the temperature control has been described with respect to the first motor 113, the second motor 114, and the third motor 152. , The same temperature control process may be executed.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the estimated value θ exceeds the limit value θ _lim , the power supply to the fourth motor 171 is stopped, but the power supply is not completely stopped and the estimated value θ is increased. When the limit value θ _lim is exceeded, it may be configured to switch to a state in which a weaker current than usual is supplied to the fourth motor 171. Even in this case, the temperature of the fourth motor 171 can be lowered, and a weak electric power is supplied to the fourth motor 171. Therefore, the electric power is not used to rotate the rotor of the fourth motor 171. It becomes possible to hold it like this.

In the embodiment described above, in accordance with the determination result in S220, but the environmental temperature T was executing S230 in the case of larger than the control activation temperature T _e, is omitted S220, all the temperature range May be configured to execute S230. In this case, in the low temperature region, the _{temperature difference obtained by subtracting the control activation temperature T e} from the environmental temperature T becomes a negative value. Therefore, when such a negative value is _{subtracted from the limit value θ lim} , the limit value θ _lim becomes a larger value than before the correction.

Therefore, in this case, the timing for stopping the fourth motor 171 described above is later than that before the correction. However, when such a correction is made, since the environmental temperature T is low, the temperature rise rate of the fourth motor 171 also decreases. Therefore, even if the timing for stopping the fourth motor 171 is slightly delayed, the temperature of the fourth motor 171 does not become excessively high, and the ADF unit 7 is continuously connected by the amount that the timing for stopping the fourth motor 171 is slightly delayed. It is possible to extend the period during which it can be operated.

Further, in the above-described embodiment _{, the timing of stopping the fourth motor 171 is adjusted by correcting the limit value θ lim} , but as is clear from the above-described embodiment, the above-mentioned temperature control process is performed. in, because reducing the limit value theta _lim is meaningful to narrow the numerical width from the initial value theta _int to limit theta _lim. That is, the above-mentioned temperature control process _{narrows the numerical range from the initial value θ int} to the limit value θ _{lim so that the limit value θ lim} is reached earlier even if the estimated value θ is added at the same pace. -ing Therefore, as a method of narrowing the numerical range from the initial value θ _int to the limit value θ _lim , as shown in the above-described embodiment, the limit value θ _lim may be reduced according to the ambient temperature T, but the initial value θ _int may be increased according to the ambient temperature T.

Further, in the above embodiment, the thermistor 112 provided for detecting the temperature of the recording head 111 is used as the temperature detection unit in the present disclosure, but other thermistors may be used. .. As an example of another thermistor, for example, a dedicated thermistor may be provided for temperature control of the fourth motor 171, or a thermistor provided for temperature control other than the recording head 111 may be provided for the fourth motor. It may also be used as a thermistor for controlling the temperature of 171.

As a thermistor provided for temperature control other than the recording head 111, for example, the inkjet type image forming unit 11 may include a thermistor for controlling the temperature of ink, and thus such a thermistor. May be used. In the case of a thermistor for controlling the temperature of ink, even if the recording head 111 operates, the temperature is less likely to rise than that of the above-mentioned thermistor 112, so that the temperature is less affected by the operating state of the recording head 111.

Therefore, when the fourth motor 171 is susceptible to thermal influence due to the operation of the recording head 111, it is preferable to adopt the configuration as in the above-described embodiment. On the other hand, if the fourth motor 171 is not easily affected by heat even if the recording head 111 operates, the temperature of the fourth motor 171 should be controlled by using a thermistor for controlling the temperature of the ink. It may be.

The function realized by one component in each of the above embodiments may be configured to be realized by a plurality of components. Further, the function realized by a plurality of components may be configured to be realized by one component. Further, a part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be added or replaced with respect to the configuration of the other embodiment. In addition, all aspects included in the technical idea specified from the wording described in the claims correspond to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[supplement]
As is clear from the exemplary embodiments described above, the electronic devices of the present disclosure may further include the following configurations.

First, in the electronic device of the present disclosure, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than the predetermined control switching temperature, the control unit executes the upper limit temperature range change process and detects it by the temperature detection unit. When the temperature to be adjusted is lower than the control switching temperature, the upper limit temperature range change process may not be executed.

According to the electronic device configured in this way, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than the control switching temperature, the upper limit temperature range change process is executed, so that the temperature of the motor is suppressed from rising. can do. Further, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is lower than the control switching temperature, the upper limit temperature range change process is not executed, so that the process in the control unit is simplified and the load on the control unit can be reduced.

Further, in the electronic device of the present disclosure, the control unit sets as the upper limit temperature range a temperature range in which the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes lower continuously or stepwise as the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit increases in the upper limit temperature range change process. You may.

According to the electronic device configured in this way, a temperature range in which the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes higher continuously or stepwise is set as the upper limit temperature range. Therefore, the higher the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, the earlier the temperature rise suppressing process is executed, so that the temperature rise of the motor can be appropriately suppressed even in a high temperature environment.

Further, in the electronic device of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to operate the motor when starting the process corresponding to the job given to the electronic device and to stop the motor when the process corresponding to the job is completed. The control unit may be configured to execute a temperature estimation process, a temperature rise suppression process, a return process, and an upper limit temperature range change process each time a job is given to the electronic device.

According to the electronic device configured in this way, the temperature estimation process, the temperature rise suppression process, the return process, and the upper limit temperature range change process are executed for each job. Therefore, unlike a configuration in which the upper limit temperature range is set only when the device is started, for example, even if there is a change in the temperature detected by the temperature detector within the period for processing a plurality of jobs, such a configuration is performed. It is possible to respond to changes in temperature in detail.

Further, in the electronic device of the present disclosure, a transport unit that transports the sheet along a predetermined transport path, a reading unit having a reading unit that reads an image of the sheet transported by the transport unit, and an image with respect to the recording medium. A motor is provided in the reading unit so that the transport unit can be driven, and the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the detection target in the image formation unit. It may be a thermistor provided in the image forming unit for detection.

According to the electronic device configured in this way, in the case of a multifunction device equipped with a reading unit and an image forming unit, a thermistor is provided in the image forming unit in order to detect the temperature of the detection target in the image forming unit. It is provided. Therefore, if this thermistor is used as the temperature detection unit described above, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated thermistor in the reading unit, and the number of parts can be reduced accordingly.

1 ... Multifunction device, 2 ... Image forming unit, 3 ... Reading unit, 5 ... Flatbed section (FB section), 7 ... Automatic document feeder section (ADF section), 10 ... Control section, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... ROM, 103 ... RAM, 104 ... NVRAM, 11 ... image forming unit, 111 ... recording head, 112 ... thermistor, 113 ... first motor, 114 ... second motor, 12 ... display / input unit, 13 ... communication unit, 15 ... reading Unit, 151 ... image sensor, 152 ... third motor, 17 ... transport unit, 171 ... fourth motor.

Claims (5)

With the motor
A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature outside the motor,
It is equipped with a control unit that controls the motor.
The control unit
The temperature estimation process for estimating the temperature of the motor and
If the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process exceeds the upper limit temperature range during the operation of the motor, the motor is stopped by stopping the supply of electric power to the motor or reducing the electric power supplied to the motor. The temperature rise suppression process that suppresses the temperature rise of
After the temperature rise suppression process is executed, when the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process falls below the upper limit temperature range, the power supply state to the motor is returned to the state before the execution of the temperature rise suppression process. Return processing and
When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is the first temperature, the first temperature range is set as the upper limit temperature range, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is higher than the first temperature. In the case of two temperatures, it is configured to execute the upper limit temperature range change process for setting the second temperature range which is lower than the first temperature range as the upper limit temperature range .
The control unit is an electronic device that sets, as the upper limit temperature range, a temperature range in which the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes lower continuously or stepwise as the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit increases in the upper limit temperature range changing process. The electronic device according to claim 1.
When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined control switching temperature, the control unit executes the upper limit temperature range change process, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is determined by the temperature detection unit. An electronic device that does not execute the upper limit temperature range change process when the temperature is lower than the control switching temperature. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.
The control unit is configured to operate the motor when starting a process corresponding to a job given to the electronic device, and to stop the motor when the process corresponding to the job is completed.
The control unit is configured to execute the temperature estimation process, the temperature rise suppression process, the return process, and the upper limit temperature range change process each time the job is given to the electronic device. .. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A transport unit that transports the sheet along a predetermined transport path, and a reading unit having a reading unit that reads an image of the sheet transported by the transport unit.
An image forming unit having an image forming portion for forming an image with respect to a recording medium is provided.
The motor is provided in the reading unit and is configured to be able to drive the transport unit.
The temperature detection unit is used to detect the temperature of the detection target in the image forming unit.
An electronic device that is a thermistor provided in the image forming unit. In an electronic device including a motor, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature outside the motor, and a control unit that controls the motor, the control unit may be used.
The temperature estimation process for estimating the temperature of the motor and
If the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process exceeds the upper limit temperature range during the operation of the motor, the motor is stopped by stopping the supply of electric power to the motor or reducing the electric power supplied to the motor. The temperature rise suppression process that suppresses the temperature rise of
After the temperature rise suppression process is executed, when the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation process falls below the upper limit temperature range, the power supply state to the motor is returned to the state before the execution of the temperature rise suppression process. Return processing and
When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is the first temperature, the first temperature range is set as the upper limit temperature range, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is higher than the first temperature. In the case of two temperatures, it is a program for executing the upper limit temperature range change process for setting the second temperature range which is lower than the first temperature range as the upper limit temperature range.
The upper limit temperature range changing process causes the control unit to execute a process of setting a temperature range that becomes continuously or stepwise lower as the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes higher as the upper limit temperature range. Is configured in
program.

Images