JPH0531141B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode for saving power consumption.

Prior Art In general, mechanical devices such as copying machines display "copy number display", "copy paper size display", "copy density display",
It has a display function such as "copy magnification display", and this display is performed by lighting a light emitting diode or the like. In recent mechanical devices, such as copying machines, which are multi-functional and allow users to perform a variety of sophisticated operations, the number and types of displays tend to increase.

On the other hand, for example, if we look at how copying machines are used, we find that the time when the power is turned on is actually used to make copies, and the rest of the time it is left unattended with the power turned on. There is. Therefore, the power consumed for the above-mentioned display and for maintaining the temperature of the fixing heater while it is left is wasted. Regarding this point, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-38068 discloses a copying machine that performs a power-saving operation to keep the temperature of the fixing device 16 at a relatively low temperature if the machine is left unused for two minutes after the power is turned on or after copying is completed. There is.
In this apparatus, the above power saving operation is canceled by operating the print switch to start the copying operation.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention When the key for canceling the power saving operation also functions as a print switch, as in the copying machine disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, there are the following disadvantages.

First, since the power saving mode can only be canceled by operating a specific key, people who do not know how to cancel the power saving mode will be confused when they try to use the copier. There is. especially,
If the display of the number of copies, paper size, etc. is turned off during power saving mode, as described above, an inexperienced operator may have to operate the keys to set copy conditions such as the number of copies and paper size. However, in this case, the power saving operation cannot be canceled unless the key for canceling the power saving operation is accidentally operated. Further, even if the user knows how to cancel the power saving operation, he or she must select and operate a specific key to cancel the power saving operation, which is troublesome.

Second, when operating a copying machine, image creation conditions such as the number of copies, paper size, and copy magnification are usually set before the copying operation is started, and after these settings are confirmed, the print switch is turned on. However, in the device disclosed in the above publication, the power saving operation is canceled only when the print switch is operated, so an operator who does not know how to cancel the operation may have to perform the operation to set the working conditions as usual. However, the copying machine does not respond, which confuses the operator and makes it impossible to make copies, or the timing of canceling the power saving operation is delayed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming device that can obtain a sufficient power saving effect and can quickly cancel the power saving operation when the device is used. shall be.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: an image forming means for forming an image on paper; a plurality of operation keys for inputting image forming conditions of the image forming means; Mode setting for setting a power saving mode for preventing unnecessary power consumption in a standby state of the image forming apparatus in an image forming apparatus having a display means for displaying image forming conditions inputted by an operation key. means for executing a power saving operation of turning off at least a part of the display of the display means when a predetermined condition is met while the image forming device is set in a power saving mode, and during the power saving operation; and a control means for canceling the power saving operation without accepting the original operation content of the operation key when any one of the plurality of operation keys is operated. do.

Example An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an electrophotographic copying machine equipped with a magnification setting device according to the present invention. A photoreceptor drum 1 that can be rotated counterclockwise is disposed approximately in the center of the copying machine body, and around it are a main eraser lamp 2, a sub-charger 3, a sub-eraser lamp 4, and a main charger 5. , a developing device 6, a transfer charger 7, a copy paper separation charger 8, and a blade type cleaning device 9 are provided. The photoreceptor drum 1 has a photoreceptor layer provided on its surface, and this photoreceptor is sensitized and charged by passing through the eraser lamps 2 and 4 and chargers 3 and 5, and receives image exposure from an optical system 10. .

The optical system 10 is installed below the original glass 16 so that the original image can be scanned, and includes a light source (not shown).
Movable mirrors 11, 12, 13, a lens 14,
It is composed of a mirror 15. The light source and the movable mirror 11 are set at (v/n) relative to the circumferential velocity (v) of the photoreceptor drum 1 (constant regardless of magnification or variable magnification).
(however, n: copy magnification) moves to the left at a speed of
The movable mirrors 12 and 13 are driven by a DC motor M3 so as to move to the left at a speed of (v/2n). Note that changing the copying magnification involves moving the lens 14 on the optical axis and moving and swinging the mirror 15, but such a magnification changing device will not be described in detail.

On the other hand, paper feed units 20 and 22 each having paper feed rollers 21 and 23 are installed on the left side of the copying machine body, and the copy paper conveyance path includes a pair of rollers 24 and 25, a pair of timing rollers 26, and a conveyor belt 27. , a fixing device 28, and a pair of discharge rollers 29.

FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of operation keys and display devices on the operation panel of the copying machine. The operation panel 70 includes a print key 71 for starting a copying operation, a 7-segment display device 72 capable of displaying a 4-digit numerical value, and a power saving switch 73 which is a holding type switch and for setting a power saving mode to be described later. , numeric keys 80 to 89 corresponding to the numerical values 1, 2, ..., 9, 0, respectively, an interrupt key 90 for specifying interrupt copying, a clear/stop key 91,
A paper selection key 92 for specifying the copy paper loaded in multiple stages by size, paper size display sections 92a to 92d that display the size of the copy paper selected by pressing the paper selection key 92, and copy image density. UP and DOWN keys 93, 94 for changing and specifying in steps, copy image density display sections 93a to 93g that step by step display the copy image density selected by pressing the UP and DOWN keys 93, 94; Key group 10 related to magnification setting
0 to 103, and copy magnification display sections 100a to 103a that display copy magnifications selected by keys 100 to 103, etc., are arranged.

FIG. 3 shows a control circuit used in the copying machine shown in FIG. 1, in which 201 is the first CPU, 202 is the second CPU,
203 is battery backed up RAM, 204
205 is a drive circuit for a DC motor M3 for document scanning, 206 is a drive circuit for a stepping motor M4 for variable magnification, and 207 is a decoder. Note that the output terminals A1 to A7 are the main motor M1, the developing motor M3, the timing roller clutch CL1, the upper paper feed clutch CL2, and the output terminals A1 to A7, respectively.
It is connected to drive switching transistors (not shown) for the lower paper feed clutch CL3, charger 5, and transfer charger 7.

The power saving mode in this embodiment is a state in which the power saving switch 73 is turned on, and in this mode, the timer setting time, for example, 5 minutes, starts after the temperature of the fixing device of the copying machine is completed or after copying is completed. Once the time has elapsed, it will automatically shift to power saving mode. In this power saving operation, the temperature control level of the fixing device is lowered and the display on the operation panel is turned off, thereby reducing power consumption when the copying machine is not operating.

When this power saving mode is set, that is, when the power saving switch 73 is turned on, the method of shifting to the power saving operation differs depending on the state of the copying machine at that time. As shown in FIG. 4, if the power saving switch 73 is already turned on before the power is turned on, the power saving mode is entered, and when the temperature of the fixing device is completed, that is, the wait is completed and the copying operation is completed. That is, when the time set in the timer elapses from the end of the final scan and from the key input without copying, the power saving operation starts (FIG. 4a).
If the power saving switch 73 is turned on during a wait while the fixing device is heating up, the power saving mode is similarly entered (FIG. 4b). If the power saving switch 73 is turned on after the temperature of the fixing device has been raised and before the set time of the timer has elapsed, the power saving switch 73 immediately enters the power saving operation and thereafter enters the power saving mode (FIG. 4c). Power saving switch 73 is activated after the timer setting time has elapsed.
When turned on, the device immediately enters a power saving operation and enters a power saving mode (FIG. 4d). When the power saving switch 73 is turned on during the copying operation, the power saving mode is directly entered (FIG. 4e). When the power saving switch 73 is turned on after the copying is completed and before the time set on the timer has elapsed, the power saving operation and power saving mode are immediately started (FIG. 4f). When the power saving switch 73 is turned on before the timer setting time elapses after the key input on the operation panel, the power saving operation and power saving mode are immediately started (FIG. 4g). The above power saving operation is canceled by pressing the power saving switch 73 again to turn it off or by pressing any key on the operation panel.

The power saving switch 73 described above is a holding type switch that mechanically maintains the on state when pressed once and turns off when pressed again.
3 may be used as a reset type switch in combination with the battery-backed-up RAM 203 described above to maintain the ON state of the power saving switch.

5 to 11 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure executed by the first CPU 201. FIG. The present invention will be specifically explained below based on this.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically and comprehensively showing the processing procedure in the first CPU. When the program starts, the first CPU is initialized (step #1), and a subroutine for initializing the copying machine is executed (step #2). Next, a switch input routine (step #3), a power saving control routine (step #4), a temperature control routine (step #5), a display control routine (step #6), and a copy operation routine (step #7), which will be described later, are executed. are executed sequentially, and then other processes (step #8) necessary for controlling the copying machine are executed. Thereafter, the time-up of an internal timer that controls the processing time of one routine of the first CPU is determined (step #9), and when the first routine is completed, the process returns to the switch input routine of step #3.

The second CPU, which controls the operation system of the copying machine and the variable magnification system such as the lens, and the first CPU communicate necessary data through interruptions. For example, data such as a magnification code and a scan command are sent from the first CPU to the second CPU, and scan system timing signals, return signals, fixed position signals, etc. are sent from the second CPU to the first CPU.

The switch input routine of step #3 is the sixth switch input routine.
As shown in the diagram, first enter all switches (Step #11). Next, it is determined whether there is a switch input using the keys on the operation panel (step #12), and if there is a switch input, the power saving flag is determined (step #13), and the power saving flag is flagged as "power saving". If it is 0'', the information of the switch input on the operation panel is stored in the memory (step #14). Also, power saving is in progress and the power saving flag is “1”.
If so, the switch input on the operation panel will not be stored. Next, information inputted by switches other than the operation panel, such as switch data for detecting the passage of copy paper on the copy paper transport path and temperature adjustment data for the fixing device, is stored in the memory (step #15).
In this switch input routine, for example, if you input "5" on the numeric keypad, if power saving is not in progress, this input information will be stored and processing will be performed such as displaying "5" on the 7-segment display device, but if power saving is not in progress, When an operation key such as "5" on the numeric keypad is operated and a signal is input, this input information is not entered to set "5", but the key was entered to cancel the power saving operation. It is determined that "5" is not displayed on the 7-segment display device. In other words, the power saving operation is canceled without performing the original processing by the operated key input, and such a power saving operation can be canceled in the same way by operating other operation keys, and there is no need to cancel the power saving operation. Since there is no need to provide a separate key, the mechanism can be simplified and it is also convenient for the user. Note that, when the power saving operation is canceled, the display on the 7-segment display device automatically changes to the initial setting display, for example.

The power saving control routine in step #4 is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 7, at the ON edge of the power saving switch, that is, at the rising edge of the signal when the power saving switch is turned on (step #21), while the temperature of the fixing device is rising, that is, during a wait (step #22), or during a copying operation ( If not (step #23), the power saving flag is set to "1" and a power saving operation is started, that is, an operation of turning off at least a part of the display on the display means as described later (step #24). Also, when the 5 minute timer finishes counting (step #25),
If the power saving switch is in the ON state (step #26), the power saving flag is set to "1" and power saving operation begins (step #27). The above processing is the operation in the power saving mode, and in cases c, d, f, and g in Fig. 4, when the power saving switch is turned on, the power saving flag in step #24 is set to "1", and then Perform steps #25, #26, and #27. In cases a, b, and e in FIG. 4, steps #25, #26, and #27 are executed when the power saving switch is turned on.

Next, when the power saving flag is "1" (step #28), when the power saving switch is turned off (step #29) or there is a key input on the operation panel (step #30), the power saving flag is set to "1". The power saving operation is canceled by setting it to "0" (step #31), and the initial setting subroutine described later is executed (step #32).
At this point, the copying machine returns to its initial state.

The temperature control routine in step #5 is as follows:
This is a routine for adjusting the temperature of the fixing device. As shown in Figure 8, this temperature adjustment control routine sets a 5-minute timer when the power is turned on (step #41) and the temperature of the fixing device is completed, that is, the wait is completed (step #42). (Step #43). When the 5-minute timer times out and the power saving flag becomes "1" (step #44), the temperature is adjusted at the power saving temperature control level (step #45), and if the power saving flag is "0", the normal temperature is set. Temperature adjustment is performed at the control level (step #46). In temperature control,
As shown in Figure 12, a wait display is performed from the time the power is turned on until the temperature of the fixing device reaches the normal temperature control level, and the power saving temperature control level is lower than the normal temperature control level. The wait display is performed from the time when the power saving operation in which the temperature is adjusted is canceled until the temperature rises to the normal temperature control level.

The display control routine in step #6 is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 9, when the power saving flag is "0" (step #51), the 7-segment display device 72 on the operation panel, the paper size display sections 92a to
92d, copy image density display sections 93a to 93g, and copy magnification display sections 100a to 103a each perform the required display (step #52), and at this time,
If copying is possible (step #53), turn on the blue backlight of the illuminated print key 71. If copying is not possible due to temperature control wait, paper empty, power saving mode, etc., press the print key 71. Turn on the orange back light (Step #56). Also, if the power saving flag is “1”,
All displays on the operation panel disappear (step #55), and the print key 71 lights up an orange backlight. This is because if all the displays are turned off, the user cannot distinguish between the power-off state and the power-saving state. If a display device is provided to indicate that power is being saved, there is no need to turn on the backlight of the print key.

The above-mentioned illuminated print key is the 13th
As shown in the figure, the key top 62 is rotatably supported at the ends of levers 62a fixed on both sides by a shaft 63 supported by a fixed member (not shown). Further, the lever 62a has a downward protrusion 62b, and the switch 64 is supported by a fixing member (not shown) in opposition to the protrusion 62b. key top 6
By pushing the pressing surface 62c of the second lever downward, the lever 62a rotates around the shaft 63, the protrusion 62b pushes the switch 64, and the switch 64 is closed. 65 is a blue backlight, 66 is an orange backlight, and this blue backlight 65
The light from the orange back light 66 is diffused by a diffuser plate 67 to uniformly illuminate the key top 62 from the back side.

Regarding the copy operation routine of step #7,
A brief explanation will be given based on the flowchart of FIG. 10 and the timing chart of FIG. 14.

In block 10, by turning on the print switch, the main motor M1 that drives the photosensitive drum 11, the developing motor M2 that drives the developing device 15, the charging chargers 13 and 14, and the transfer charger 16 are operated. , sets the copy flag to "1", which means that the copy operation is in progress, and sets the control timers T-A and T-A.
-B, and turn on the clutch of the paper feed roller on the selected side.

In block 11, it is determined that the timer TA has expired and the paper feed clutch is turned off.

In block 12, it is determined that the timer TB has ended, and the scan motor M3 for driving the scanning system is turned on to start the scan operation.

In block 13, when the timing signal is output during the scan operation, the timing roller clutch is turned on and the timer T-C is turned on.
Processing to set is executed. The copy paper is conveyed by the timing roller 39 in synchronization with the image on the photosensitive drum 11.

In block 14, it is determined that the timer T-C has expired, and the charging, scan motor, and timing roller clutch are turned off. Note that the timer TC may be set variably depending on the size of the copy paper used.

In block 15, when the optical system returns to the home position due to the return operation and the home position switch is turned on, the developing motor M2 and the transfer charge 14 are turned on.
are turned off, the copy flag is set to "0", and the timer T-D is set.

In block 16, it is determined that the timer TD has ended, and the main motor M1 is turned off. Block 17 executes processing for various outputs.

Note that the timers T-A to T-D, etc. explained in the above flowchart and time chart are counted up to "1" for one routine of processing executed within the time specified by the internal timer. This is a digital timer programmed as follows, and the time-up time is stored as numerical data.

The initial setting routine of step #2 and step #32 is a routine that sets the copying machine to a preset standard state, setting the number of copies to "1" (step #61) and setting the copy magnification to 1x (step #62). ), set the paper feed slot to the bottom paper feed slot (step #63), set the copy image density to the intermediate value of 4 (step #64),
Set each.

In the above embodiment, the method for shifting to the power saving operation differs depending on the state of the copying machine when the power saving switch 73 is turned on, and when the power saving switch 73 is turned on while the copying machine is on standby, the power saving operation is immediately performed. (Fig. 4c, d, f, and g), but in order to make the characteristics of the present invention more clear,
An embodiment in which the power saving operation is performed only when the minute timer expires is described below.
FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the timing of the power saving operation in the copying machine in this case. As can be seen from the figure, in this embodiment, regardless of the timing at which the power saving switch 73 is turned on,
In the power saving mode, that is, in a state where the power saving switch 73 is turned on, the power saving operation is entered only when the set time of the timer has elapsed.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of the power saving control routine among the processing steps in the first CPU in this case. The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is the same as steps #25-32 in FIG.

Effects As explained above, according to the present invention, if the power saving mode is set, power saving operation is automatically entered when predetermined conditions are met, so that unnecessary power consumption can be effectively reduced. In addition to being able to suppress
When using the device, the power saving operation can be quickly canceled, and there is no need to provide a special key for canceling the power saving operation.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the copying machine, Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the structure of the operation panel of the copying machine, Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a power saving machine. Timing chart showing the operation of the copying machine in mode, Figures 5 to 11 are flow charts showing the processing procedure of the first CPU, Figure 12 is a graph showing the temperature control operation of the fixing device, and Figure 13 is the print key. 14 is a timing chart showing the copying operation of the copying machine, FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the operation of the copying machine in the power saving mode in another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a flowchart of the power saving control routine of the processing of the first CPU in the above-mentioned another embodiment of the present invention. 71...Print key, 72...7 segment display device, 73...Power saving switch, 80-89...
...Numeric keypad, 90...Interrupt key, 91...Clear/stop key, 92...Paper selection key, 9
2a to 92d...Paper size display section, 93,9
4...Up/down keys, 93a-93g...
Copy image density display section, 100-103... Copy magnification setting key, 100a-103a... Copy magnification display section, 201... 1st CPU, 203... RAM,
204...Switch Matrix.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. An image forming means for forming an image on paper; a plurality of operation keys for inputting image forming conditions of the image forming means; and image forming conditions inputted by the operation keys. an image forming apparatus having a display means for displaying an image, a mode setting means for setting a power saving mode for preventing unnecessary power consumption in a standby state of the image forming apparatus; is set, and when a predetermined condition is met, a power saving operation is executed in which at least a part of the display of the display means is turned off, and during the power saving operation, any one of the plurality of operation keys is pressed. 1. An image forming apparatus having a power saving mode, comprising: control means for canceling the power saving operation without accepting the original operation content of the operation key when a key is operated.