JPH04146452A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the power consumption of a printer during a stand-by time for printing by providing a stopping means which, according to the length of a stand-by time for image formation, forcibly stops a temperature adjusting means by means of temp. adjusting means of a heat fixing means. CONSTITUTION:After the image forming device is instructed by a host computer 1 to carry out printing, and completes the printing, a timer in a printer control means 14 starts the counting of time. When the device is instructed by the host computer 1 to start the printing thereafter, the timer is reset and the ordinary printing-operation is performed. Conversely when the device is not instructed by the host computer 1 to carry out printing even after the timer counts the prescribed length of time, the printer control means 14 stops the driving of a fixing-unit driving means 15 and interrupts the energizing to a fixing unit 12. When the stand-by time for printing is elapsed longer than the prescribed length of time is such a manner, the adjustment of the temperature of the fixing unit 12 is forcibly stopped and, thus, power consumption is reduced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing means for fixing developer transferred to a recording medium, and particularly relates to an image forming apparatus that fixes a developer transferred to a recording medium. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that heats and presses an image transferred to a medium to fix it.

[Prior Art] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 1 denotes a host computer, which functions as a data source for supplying image information to a printer body 2. As shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a printer controller which receives a print start command from the host computer 1 and feeds recording paper from a paper feed cassette 4 by a paper feed roller 5.

A registration roller 6 stops the fed recording paper at - time and aligns the leading edge of the image on the photosensitive drum 9 with the leading edge of the image on the recording paper. The registration roller 6 restarts conveyance of the recording paper at the timing when image data transmission from the host computer 1 starts.

7 is a semiconductor laser, 0N10FF based on image data
irradiate the light beam. A polygon mirror 8 deflects and scans a light beam that is turned on based on image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 9 .

A developing device 10 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 9 using a developer (toner). 11 is a transfer charger,
The toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to recording paper. A fixing device 12 heats and presses the toner image transferred to the recording paper to fix it.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a paper ejecting roller that ejects the recording paper that has undergone the heat fixing process to the outside of the machine.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, after turning on the power,
During standby, when printing processing is not actually executed, temperature control is performed to preheat the fixing device 12 and adjust the temperature to a constant level in preparation for the start of image processing, so the above waiting time If a situation occurs in which the temperature is kept for a long time, a large amount of power is consumed due to temperature control, which causes problems such as being extremely uneconomical.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and by making it possible to selectively stop or continue the temperature adjustment process of the fixing means depending on the print processing standby time, the consumption during standby is reduced. An object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus that can significantly reduce power consumption.

[Means for Solving the Problems 1] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a temperature adjustment means for maintaining and adjusting the temperature of the heat fixing means at a predetermined temperature, and a temperature adjustment means for adjusting the temperature of the heat fixing means according to an image forming standby time. A stop means for forcibly stopping the temperature adjustment process is provided.

Further, there is provided a designation means for designating a mode for selecting whether to stop or continue the temperature adjustment processing of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjustment means according to the image forming standby time, and a designation means for designating a mode for selecting the stop or continuation of the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjustment means; A control means for controlling the stop or continuation of the temperature adjustment process of the fixing means is provided.

Furthermore, the temperature adjustment means is configured to automatically restart the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means based on the input state of image information.

[Effect]

In this invention, when a certain period of time has elapsed after the end of the printing process, the stopping means forcibly stops the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjustment means according to the image formation standby time, and stops power supply to the heat fixing means. make it possible.

Further, when a certain period of time has elapsed after the end of the printing process, the control means controls the stop or continuation of the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjustment means based on the mode specified state by the designation means, and the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixation means is performed. It is possible to forcibly stop the power supply to the thermal fixing means, or to continue the temperature adjustment process of the thermal fixing means.

Furthermore, the temperature adjustment means allows the density adjustment process of the heat fixing means to be automatically restarted based on the input state of image information.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of main parts explaining the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 14 denotes printer control means, which is a CPU for analyzing image information (including printer control information) input from the host computer 1 and comprehensively controlling each part.
, ROM, RAM, etc.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a fuser driving means, which controls the supply of electricity to the fuser 12 based on the output of the printer control means 14 to maintain the temperature of the fuser 12 at, for example, about 180'C.

In the image forming apparatus configured in this way, when a certain period of time has passed after the end of printing processing, the stopping means (in this embodiment, the printer control means 14) starts the temperature adjustment means (in this embodiment, the printer control means 14) according to the image forming standby time. The temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means (fixing device 12) by the heat fixing means (which also serves as the means 14) is forcibly stopped, and the power supply to the heat fixing means is stopped.

Further, the temperature adjustment means can automatically restart the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means based on the input state of the image information.

Specifically, upon receiving a print command from the host computer 1 and completing printing, a timer (not shown) in the printer control means 14 starts measuring time. Thereafter, when a print start command is transmitted from the host computer 1, the timer is reset and normal printing operation is performed. Further, if the print command is not transmitted from the host computer 1 even after the timer has counted a predetermined period of time, the printer control means 14 stops driving the fuser drive means 15 and cuts off the power supply to the fuser 12. do. In this way, the fixing device 12 is
After the host computer 1 enters the F state, if a printing command is sent again from the host computer 1, the power supply to the fixing device 12 is restarted, the fixing device 12 is heated, and when the temperature reaches a steady state, the printing process is started. .

Hereinafter, the fixing device drive control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixing device drive control procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (8) indicate each step.

After the initialization of the printer is completed, the printing process is started based on the image information input from the host computer 1. 1)
When the printing process is completed, (2) the timer is driven. Then, it is determined whether the print start command has been received again 3) If YES, the process returns to step (1); if NO, it is determined whether the timer that started measuring time has elapsed for a predetermined period of time; Return to step (3) and Y
If it is ES, the temperature adjustment process (temperature control process) of the fuser 12 is forcibly stopped. Start the process (temperature control process) 7), and when the temperature of the fuser 12 reaches a steady temperature, that is, monitor the output of a temperature sensor (not shown) and wait until the fuser becomes ready 8), When the printer 12 becomes ready, the step returns to ) to restart the printing process.

As a result, if the printing process is not executed for a predetermined period of time or more, that is, if the printing waiting time elapses for a predetermined period of time or more,
By forcibly stopping the temperature control process of the fixing device 12, power consumption is reduced.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the temperature control process of the fuser 12 is forcibly stopped when the print standby time exceeds a predetermined time. If it stops, a predetermined waiting time is required when restarting the printing process, resulting in a situation where the start of printing is delayed. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, by allowing the operator to select forced stop of the temperature control process of the fixing device 12, the operator can select and execute forced stop of the temperature control process as appropriate depending on the usage pattern. It may be configured to do so.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of main parts of an image forming apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes an input switch that functions as a selection means, and is constituted by, for example, a printer operation section or a dip switch. When this input switch 16 is in the ON state, the printer control means 14 controls the fixing device driving means 15 to cut off the power supply to the fixing device 12 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the printing process is completed. Also, the input switch 16 is OFF.
In the F state, the printer control means 14 continues to energize the fixing device 12 after a predetermined period of time has passed after the printing process is completed.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when a certain period of time has elapsed after the end of the printing process, the control means (in this embodiment, the printer control means 14) enters the mode specification state by the specification means (in this embodiment, the input switch 16). Based on this, the temperature adjustment means (in this embodiment, the printer control means 14 also serves) controls the stop or continuation of the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means (fixing device 12), and forcibly stops the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means, Either the power supply to the heat fixing means is stopped or the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means is continued. A detailed explanation will be given below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of another fixing device drive control procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

After the initialization of the printer is completed, the printing process is started based on the image information input manually from the host computer 1. 1)
When the printing process is completed, (2) the timer is driven. Then, it is determined whether the print start command has been received again.3) If YES, the process returns to step (1), and if NO, it is determined whether the stop mode for forcibly stopping the fixing device 12 is set or not by turning the input switch 16 ON1. F Determine from the F state 4) If No, return to step (3) and Y
If ES (stop mode is being set), determine whether the timer that started measuring time has elapsed for a predetermined time5) N
If o, return to step (3); if YES, fuser 1
6) Wait for reception of the print start command from the host computer 1 7)
), upon receiving the printing start command, start the temperature adjustment process (temperature control process) for the fuser 12. 8) When the temperature of the fuser 12 reaches a steady temperature, that is, monitor the output of a temperature sensor (not shown). Wait for the fuser to become ready.9) When the fuser becomes ready, proceed to step (
Return to step 1) and restart the printing process.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention includes a temperature adjustment means for maintaining and adjusting the temperature of the heat fixing means at a predetermined temperature, and a temperature adjustment process for the heat fixing means by the temperature adjustment means according to the image forming standby time. Since a stop means for forcibly stopping is provided, the power consumption of the printer during printing standby can be significantly reduced.

Further, there is provided a designation means for designating a mode for selecting whether to stop or continue the temperature adjustment processing of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjustment means according to the image forming standby time, and a designation means for designating a mode for selecting the stop or continuation of the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjustment means; Since it is equipped with a control means that controls whether to stop or continue the temperature adjustment process of the fixing means, the temperature adjustment process of the printer can be executed according to the usage environment, and the time until the printer starts printing can be adjusted with minimum power consumption. This reduces power consumption and allows the user to easily manage the printer's ready status.

Further, since the temperature adjustment means is configured to automatically restart the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means based on the input state of the image information, it is possible to automatically return to the print processing start state without any operational burden.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of main parts explaining the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a fuser drive control procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a main part configuration of an image forming apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus. In the figure, 1 is a host computer, 12 is a fixing device, 14 is a printer control means, 15 is a fixing device driving means, and 16 is an input switch. Figure Figure

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus equipped with a heat fixing means that performs a predetermined heat fixing process on the transferred image after transferring an image formed based on input image information to a recording medium, the temperature of the heat fixing means an image forming apparatus comprising: a temperature adjusting means for maintaining and adjusting the temperature at a predetermined temperature; and a stopping means for forcibly stopping temperature adjusting processing of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjusting means according to an image forming standby time. . (2) a specifying means for specifying a mode for selecting whether to stop or continue the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means by the temperature adjusting means according to the image forming standby time; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for controlling stopping or continuation of temperature adjustment processing of the heat fixing means. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature adjustment means automatically restarts the temperature adjustment process of the heat fixing means based on the input state of image information.