JP3745166B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a function of shifting to an energy saving state during standby and reducing power consumption.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional facsimile machines, a unit unit that controls the entire device and an energy-saving control unit that controls the device in an energy-saving state such as during standby are provided. In standby mode, the power supplied to the unit unit is shut off to save energy. After the unit detects a start-up trigger signal such as a signal when the user presses the energy-saving release key, a document set signal, a ringing signal from the line, an off-hook signal, etc., the energy-saving state is set by sending an energy-saving release signal to the unit unit. Some are configured to release.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-214096 discloses a related apparatus.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional technology, when waiting in the energy saving state, the energy saving control unit is configured not to detect the opening / closing of the recording paper unit door, so even if the recording paper unit door is opened in the energy saving state, a warning is given. If the data is received after that, it will be forcibly received, or if the recording paper is roll paper, if the recording paper is replaced in the energy saving state, the energy saving state will be caused by other factors. This causes a problem that a recording paper jam occurs when the button is released.
[0005]
The object of the present invention is to improve the reliability and operability of the apparatus by improving such problems, detecting that the recording paper door is opened in the energy saving state, and releasing the energy saving state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus that can be used.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of shifting to an energy saving state, and canceling the energy saving state by a predetermined release factor to shift to a normal state, and a recording paper unit containing recording paper Door opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the recording paper , recording paper jam detecting means for detecting recording paper jam, storage means for storing an energy-saving state releasing factor, and the releasing factor depending on opening of the door of the recording paper unit Determining means for determining whether or not the recording paper unit is open. The determination means determines that the release factor is due to door opening, and the door opening / closing detection means detects the door closing of the recording paper unit. Later, when the recording paper jam detecting means detects the recording paper jam, it is determined that the recording paper has been replaced, and the recording paper initialization operation is performed to perform recording. It is characterized in that to eliminate a jam caused by the replacement.
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided release factor detection means for detecting occurrence of a release factor other than the door opening of the recording paper unit, and the determination means determines that the release factor is due to door opening, When the recording paper jam detection means detects the recording paper jam after the door opening / closing detection means detects the recording paper unit door closing, it stores the fact that the recording paper has been replaced, and again , The recording paper initialization operation is performed after the occurrence of a release factor other than the opening of the recording paper unit door is detected by the release factor detection means and the energy saving state is released in the energy saving state. There is a feature.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010]
The facsimile apparatus 32 includes a unit unit 30 (scanner 14, plotter 15, encoding / decoding unit 24, system control unit 25, image memory 17, operation display unit 16, communication control unit 26, network control unit 28, etc. Each unit), a power supply 11 for supplying a power supply voltage to the unit section 30, a power switching section 29, an energy saving control section 13 for controlling a predetermined unit of the apparatus in an energy saving state, and the like. It has an energy saving function that cuts off the power supplied to the unit.
The units 14 to 17, 24 to 26, and 28 of the unit unit 30 exchange necessary data through the bus line 9.
[0011]
The scanner 14 optically reads an image of a document line by line with a predetermined resolution and outputs it as image information. A reading unit (not shown) is constituted by a line image sensor using a CCD or the like. The scanner 14 includes a document sensor 22 for determining a document reading position.
[0012]
The plotter 15 is a known electrophotographic system having processes such as charging, tracing, exposure, development, static elimination, transfer, separation, and cleaning, and prints out read image data or received image data, reports, mark sheets, etc. at a predetermined resolution. Is configured to do. The outline is that an electrostatic latent image is recorded by exposing a charged photoconductor with a light image including image data, and a voltage is applied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor so as to obtain a desired gradation. As a result, the toner is adhered and developed, and a toner image is transferred to the recording paper by performing corona discharge from the back surface of the recording paper fed and conveyed from a plurality of paper feeding trays (not shown) so as to be in close contact with the photoreceptor. Is. The plotter 15 includes a recording paper door sensor 21 that detects opening / closing of a recording paper unit door (not shown) and a recording paper sensor 20 for detecting a jam when the recording paper is fed from the recording paper recording paper unit. .
[0013]
The operation display unit 16 includes a key group (not shown) such as a start key, a stop key, a numeric keypad, a one-touch dial key, an energy saving release key, an A / B mode setting / release key, and an indicator such as an LCD or LED. The information input by pressing the key is sent to the system control unit 25, and the contents selected and set by the input information and the message from the facsimile machine main body (during communication, error state, energy saving state, recording paper unit door) Release alarm, etc.) and guidance are displayed on the display. In particular, it is used for instructing the transition / cancellation to the energy saving state when the energy saving setting / cancellation key is pressed, and for instructing the setting / cancellation of modes A and B described later by pressing the mode setting / cancellation key.
[0014]
The image memory 17 stores image data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 24 using the MH method or the like, and holds information necessary for storing the image data and various controls. The image data stored in the image memory 17 is managed by the system control unit 25. The received data when an error occurs is held in a RAM (not shown) of the system control unit 25.
[0015]
The system control unit 25 is for performing processing inside the facsimile apparatus 32 and processing of each element in a normal state, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like (not shown).
[0016]
The CPU executes predetermined processing based on operation inputs, command signals, and various sensor information according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM, and controls the entire facsimile apparatus, data communication with external devices, and the like. In particular, an energy-saving signal is transmitted to the energy-saving control unit 13 by receiving / inputting a signal notifying that the energy-saving setting key is pressed from the operation display unit 16, completing the system operation such as image data transmission / reception or copying. Further, it receives an energy saving cancellation factor signal from the energy saving control unit 13 and controls to cancel the energy saving state and execute a recording sheet initialization operation and the like.
[0017]
Further, the CPU receives and inputs a signal for notifying that the A / B mode setting key is pressed from the operation display unit 16, and stores the setting content in the RAM. In this A mode, when the canceling factor of the energy saving state is due to the opening signal of the recording paper door sensor 20, it is determined that the recording paper initialization operation is necessary, and control is performed to immediately execute the recording paper initialization operation. . Further, in the B mode, when the release factor of the energy saving state is not due to the opening signal of the recording paper door sensor 20, if the recording paper initialization flag (described later) indicating whether or not the recording paper initialization operation is necessary is checked and turned on. Control is performed so that a recording sheet initialization operation is performed, and a predetermined operation based on another release factor is executed.
[0018]
The ROM includes a control program for the entire facsimile apparatus 32, a program for correcting image data sent to the plotter 15 according to the difference in image density, a program for outputting a management report such as communication history information, and energy saving. Stores programs that enable functions.
[0019]
The RAM stores necessary data and is used as a transmission / reception buffer or a work area. In particular, information indicating setting contents for the A mode and B mode (in this embodiment, one of the A mode and the B mode is set according to the use status of the apparatus) in a predetermined area of the RAM. It is remembered. Furthermore, it has a recording paper initialization flag indicating whether or not a recording paper initialization operation such as positioning of the recording paper or cutting of the roll recording paper is necessary, and the flag is set to ON when the initialization operation is necessary. .
[0020]
The encoding / decoding unit 24 shortens the transmission time of the image data to improve efficiency, compresses (encodes) the image data at the time of transmission, and expands the encoded image data at the time of reception. Play back to the original data.
[0021]
The communication control unit 26 exchanges a facsimile control signal with a counterpart communication terminal via a line, and executes a predetermined facsimile transmission control procedure. That is, it is connected to a public line (PSTN / ISDN) to detect incoming signals, send dial pulses, switch telephone / facsimile, and the like. At this time, a communication procedure is executed according to either the G3 protocol or the G4 protocol according to the communication function of the counterpart communication terminal, and either PSTN or ISDN is selected. Note that a modem (not shown) modulates the image data signal sent from the communication control unit 26 during transmission and sends it to the line, and demodulates the image data signal from the line and sends it to the communication control unit 26 during reception.
[0022]
The network control unit 28 performs data communication using a public line (ISDN / PSTN), and includes ringing detection means and off-hook detection means, and performs predetermined line control at the time of outgoing / incoming calls, Control disconnection and establishment.
[0023]
The handset 10 is connected to the network control unit 28 and used for telephone communication with a partner station. The off-hook operation of the handset 10 is one of the factors for releasing the energy saving state, and the energy saving control unit 13 detects the off hook signal and sends an energy saving releasing factor signal to the system control unit.
[0024]
The power source 11 is for generating and supplying various power sources necessary for the entire facsimile apparatus 32. The energy saving control unit 13, the network control unit 28, the operation display unit 16, the recording paper sensor 20, the recording paper door sensor 21, and the original document A power supply voltage is always supplied to the sensor 22 (including an energy saving state). The power source 11 is a motor system that drives a motor (not shown) and other electrical systems, and a drive power source for an electrical system driver, and is configured to be turned on / off by a power source switching unit 29.
[0025]
The power supply switching unit 29 is composed of a transistor, a MOS FET, or the like, and is configured to turn on / off the power supply control signal from the energy saving control unit 13 for each unit. This is because the power supply voltage is normally supplied to the entire unit unit 30 and switching control is performed so as to shut off the power supply 11 except for a predetermined unit in the energy saving state.
[0026]
The energy saving control unit 13 is composed of a one-chip type (power saving type) microcomputer composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and receives a power saving state transition command (energy saving signal) from the system control unit 25 in a normal state. The power supply control signal to the switching unit 29 turns off the power supply to a predetermined unit and shifts to the energy saving state. The interface between the energy saving control unit 13 and the system control unit 25 includes an energy saving signal indicating control by the energy saving control unit 13 and an energy saving canceling factor signal indicating a canceling factor of the energy saving state.
[0027]
In this energy saving state, the unit to which the voltage from the power supply 11 is supplied includes an energy saving control unit 13, a document sensor 22, a recording paper door sensor 21, a recording paper sensor 20, an operation display unit 16 (including an energy saving release key), and network control. 28 (including off-hook detection means and ringing detection means).
[0028]
In addition, the energy saving control unit 13 is in an energy saving state, the original sensor 22, the recording paper door sensor 21, the detection signal from the recording paper sensor 20, the energy saving release signal based on the input from the operation display unit 16, and the off-hook detection from the network control unit 28. A signal and a ringing detection signal are input and detected to turn on the power supply switching unit 29, while an energy saving canceling factor signal indicating a factor for canceling the energy saving state is sent to the system control unit 25. Furthermore, the energy saving control unit 13 holds the release factor in the CPU register as an energy saving release status.
[0029]
Next, the energy saving state canceling method in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the standby energy-saving state, the process is performed under the control of the energy-saving control unit 13, which has been controlled by the energy-saving signal from the system control unit 25.
[0030]
In step 201, based on the detection signal from the recording paper door sensor 20 in the energy saving state (standby), it is determined whether the opening of the recording paper unit door is detected. As a result, when door opening is detected, the routine proceeds to step 203, and when door opening is detected, the routine proceeds to step 202.
[0031]
In step 202, it is determined whether an energy saving state release factor other than the opening of the recording paper unit door has been detected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a document is inserted based on a detection signal of the document sensor 22, and whether or not an instruction to cancel the energy saving state is instructed based on an input signal by a key operation on the operation display unit 16. Based on the signal from 28, it is determined whether ringing or off-hook has been detected. As a result, if an energy saving state release factor other than the opening of the recording paper unit door is detected, the process proceeds to step 203, and if not detected, the process returns to step 201.
[0032]
In step 203, the cancellation factor detected in step 201 or 202 is stored in the RAM of the energy saving control unit 13 as the energy saving cancellation status. Even in the energy saving state, since the power supply voltage is supplied to the unit of the operation display unit 16, an alarm for releasing the door of the recording paper unit is turned on.
[0033]
In step 204, the energy saving control unit 13 turns on the power control signal to the power supply switching unit 29 to supply the power supply voltage to the entire unit unit 30 to be in an operating state. An energy-saving release factor signal is sent based on the release status.
[0034]
Here, in accordance with the energy saving cancellation factor signal from the energy saving control unit 13, the system control unit 25 shifts to control.
[0035]
In step 205, the system control unit 25 determines whether the energy saving state is canceled by opening the door of the recording paper unit based on the energy saving cancellation factor signal from the energy saving control unit 13, and stores the cancellation factor. Alternatively, when the energy saving canceling factor signal is received from the energy saving control unit 13, the energy saving status held in the energy saving control unit 13 is read and it is determined whether the energy saving state is canceled by opening the door of the recording paper unit. Good. As a result, when it is determined that the energy saving state is canceled by opening the door, the process proceeds to step 206, and when it is determined that the energy saving state is canceled due to another canceling factor, the process proceeds to step 212.
[0036]
In step 206, the system control unit 25 monitors the detection signal from the recording paper door sensor 20, and proceeds to step 207 when it is confirmed that the door of the recording paper unit is closed.
[0037]
In step 207, the system control unit 25 determines the presence or absence of a document jam based on the detection signal from the recording paper sensor 20. As a result, when the recording paper sensor 20 is turned on and a recording paper jam is detected, it is determined that the current energy saving state cancellation is due to the replacement of the recording paper, and the process proceeds to step 208. finish.
[0038]
In step 208, it is determined whether the A mode is set with reference to the RAM of the system control unit 25. As a result, if the A mode is set, the process proceeds to step 209, and if not set, the process proceeds to step 210.
[0039]
In step 209, a recording paper initialization operation such as recording paper cutting and recording paper positioning is performed, and the process ends. This is because when the recording paper is exchanged in steps 205 to 207 and the recording paper is currently operating, the recording paper initialization operation is promptly performed.
[0040]
In step 210, since the A mode is not set, the recording paper initialization operation flag provided in the RAM of the system control unit 25 is set to ON. This is because the recording paper is replaced in steps 205 to 207 and the recording paper initialization operation is performed in response to occurrence of a release factor other than the door opening, even when the recording paper is currently in operation. This is to reduce power consumption.
[0041]
In step 211, the system control unit 25 sends an energy saving signal to the energy saving control unit 13 to transfer control, and the energy saving control unit 13 turns off the power control signal for the power supply switching unit 29, thereby The supply of the power supply voltage to the predetermined unit is cut off to shift to the energy saving state. Therefore, a large current is not consumed by supplying the power supply voltage to the motor system or the like when the recording paper is replaced during energy saving standby.
[0042]
In step 212, it is determined whether or not the above-described mode B is set with reference to the RAM of the system control unit 25. As a result, when mode B is set, the process proceeds to step 213, and when mode B is not set, the process proceeds to step 215.
[0043]
In step 213, the status of the recording paper initialization operation flag (set in step 210) provided in the RAM of the system control unit 25 is confirmed. As a result, when the flag is on, the process proceeds to step 214, and when the flag is off, the process proceeds to step 215.
[0044]
In step 214, as in step 209, recording sheet initialization operations such as recording sheet cutting and recording sheet positioning are performed.
[0045]
In step 215, various predetermined operations corresponding to the canceling factor indicated by the energy saving canceling factor signal sent from the energy saving control unit 13 in step 205 are performed, and the process is terminated. Or you may comprise so that the various predetermined operation | movement according to the energy-saving cancellation | release status read from the energy-saving control part 13 may be performed. Here, the predetermined operation is to execute a reception operation flow when the energy saving cancellation status is ringing detection, for example.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the system control unit 25 constitutes a main control unit, the energy saving control unit 13 constitutes an energy saving control unit, the power source switching unit 29 constitutes a power source switching unit, the energy saving control unit 13, the recording paper door sensor 21. , Etc. constitute door opening / closing detection means, the system control unit 25, the recording paper sensor 20, etc. constitute document jam detection means, the energy saving control unit 13, the document sensor 22, the net control unit 28, the handset 10, the operation display. The units 16, etc. constitute release factor detection means.
[0047]
According to the present embodiment, when the recording paper unit door is released by replacing the recording paper in the energy saving state (standby), the system control is performed from the energy saving control unit 13 based on the door opening signal of the recording paper door sensor 21. Since the energy saving state is canceled by the energy saving cancellation factor signal to the unit 25, the recording paper unit door opening alarm (provided in the operation display unit 16) in the energy saving state is turned on, or the recording sheet initialization operation is performed by replacing the recording sheet. Realizing and improving operability and reliability.
[0048]
Further, according to the present embodiment, when the A mode is set and the B mode is canceled (or not set), the recording paper unit door is detected to be opened, the energy saving state is canceled, and then the recording is performed. Since the recording paper initialization operation is promptly performed at the time of paper replacement, it is possible to perform control suitable for an apparatus with a high use frequency of the plotter 15. On the other hand, when the B mode is set and the A mode is canceled (or not set), after the recording paper unit door is detected to release the energy saving state, a release factor other than the door opening occurs. Since the recording paper initialization operation is performed at the same time, it is possible to perform control suitable for an apparatus with a low use frequency of the plotter 15. That is, according to the frequency of use of the plotter 15, it is possible to reduce power consumption and improve user operability and device reliability.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in the energy saving state, the door opening / closing detection means (recording paper door sensor or the like) detects that the recording paper door has been opened, and the energy saving control means (energy saving control unit) saves energy by this door opening (release factor). Since the state is canceled, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of forcible reception when there is no warning when the recording paper door is opened during standby and the subsequent reception is performed.
[0050]
According to the present invention, after the recording paper unit door is detected to release the energy saving state, the recording paper unit door is detected to be closed, and the recording paper jam detecting means (recording paper sensor or the like) further detects the recording paper jam. Is detected, the recording paper has been replaced, and the recording paper initialization operation such as cutting the recording paper and positioning the recording paper is performed. In this case, it is possible to solve the problem that the recording paper jam occurs when the recording paper is exchanged and the energy saving state is released due to a release factor other than the opening of the recording paper unit door.
[0051]
According to the present invention, if the recording paper unit door is closed and the recording paper jam is detected after detecting the opening of the recording paper unit door to cancel the energy saving state, it is determined that the recording paper has been replaced. After storing the fact in the main control unit (system control unit), the state again shifts to the energy saving state, and in this energy saving state, the release factor detection unit (original sensor, network control unit, etc.) does not open the recording paper unit door. If a release factor occurs, the energy-saving state is canceled, and the recording paper initialization operation is performed with reference to history information such as the recording paper initialization flag. The recording paper initialization operation can be performed in accordance with the occurrence of another release factor without consuming a large current by a motor or the like.
[0052]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect that the recording paper door is opened in the energy saving state, and to release the energy saving state, thereby improving the reliability and operability of the facsimile apparatus. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing when the energy saving state is canceled due to a factor including the door opening of the recording paper unit in the energy saving state (standby) according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Handset 11 Power supply 13 Energy-saving control part 14 Scanner 15 Plotter 16 Operation display part 20 Recording paper sensor 21 Recording paper door sensor 22 Document sensor 25 System control part 28 Network control part 29 Power supply switching part 30 Unit part

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus capable of shifting to an energy saving state and canceling the energy saving state by a predetermined release factor and shifting to a normal state,
Door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the door of the recording paper unit containing the recording paper;
Recording paper jam detecting means for detecting the recording paper jam;
Storage means for storing an energy-saving state release factor;
Determining means for determining whether the release factor is due to opening of the door of the recording paper unit;
And the determination means determines that the release factor is due to the door opening, and the door opening / closing detection means detects the closing of the recording paper unit door, and then the recording paper jam detection means detects the recording paper An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when a jam is detected, it is determined that a recording sheet has been replaced, and a recording sheet initialization operation is performed to eliminate the jam associated with the replacement of the recording sheet. A release factor detecting means for detecting occurrence of a release factor other than the door opening of the recording paper unit;
After the determination means determines that the release factor is due to door opening, and the door opening / closing detection means detects that the recording paper unit door is closed, the recording paper jam detection means causes the recording paper jam to occur. When it is detected, the fact that the recording paper has been replaced is stored, and the state again shifts to the energy saving state, and in this energy saving state, the release factor detection means generates a release factor other than the opening of the recording paper unit door. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording sheet initialization operation is performed after the detection and release of the energy saving state.

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