Energization control device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide an energization control device that can extend the life of components included in an apparatus, while achieving both energy saving performance of the apparatus and usability for a user.SOLUTION: An energization control device according to an aspect of the present invention supplies power to a power supply target device in a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which power consumption is smaller than the first operation mode, and comprises: a mode transition time setting unit that sets a mode transition time during which the power supply mode is transitioned from the first operation mode to the second operation mode; a measurement unit that measures a cause value that affects the life of a storage unit; and a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the power supply target device according to each of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and when the cause value exceeds a threshold, controls the power supply to the storage unit according to whether or not the set mode transition time is equal to or less than a first predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energization control device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) used in image forming devices, etc., operate mechanically, but are subject to usage restrictions that affect their lifespan. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that measures the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage device, measures the amount of time that power is supplied to the storage device, and controls the power-saving transition time until power is cut off to the storage device based on the results of these measurements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In the technology for controlling the power-saving transition time disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage device exceeds a threshold, the device state cannot be transitioned according to the power-saving transition time set by the user. As a result, the energy-saving performance and usability according to the user's intention cannot be achieved, and there is a problem that the energy-saving performance deteriorates when the power-saving transition time is set long, because the power-on state of the entire device is not changed simply by changing the power-saving transition time.

[0004] On the other hand, if the energy saving transition time is set short to reduce electricity costs, it will take longer for the system to return to normal operation the next time the device is used after switching to energy saving mode, resulting in longer waiting times for users. For this reason, users who prioritize usability may set the energy saving transition time long. As such, it is difficult to achieve both the energy saving performance of a device and user usability, which ultimately leads to the problem of making it difficult to extend the lifespan of the components contained in the device.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an energization control device that can extend the life of components included in the equipment while achieving both energy-saving performance of the equipment and ease of use for the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A power supply control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a power supply control device that supplies power to a power supply target device that operates by power supplied from its own device in either a first operating mode or a second operating mode that consumes less power than the first operating mode, and includes: a mode transition time setting unit that sets a mode transition time for transitioning the power supply mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode; a measurement unit that measures a factor value that affects the life of a memory unit provided in the power supply target device; and a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the power supply target device in accordance with each of the first operating mode and the second operating mode, and, if the factor value exceeds a threshold, controls power supply to the memory unit of the power supply target device in accordance with whether the set mode transition time is equal to or less than a first predetermined time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The energization control device according to the present invention can achieve both energy-saving performance and ease of use for the user, while extending the life of components included in the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an energization control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an energization control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining mode transitions of an energization control device according to a comparative example. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram for explaining mode transition of an energization control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram for explaining mode transition of an energization control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including an energization control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] <Configuration of energization control device 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an energization control device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the energization control device 1 includes a reception unit 11, a mode transition time setting unit 12, a measurement unit 13, a power supply control unit 14, and a notification unit 15. The energization control device 1 supplies power to a power supply target device 2, which operates by power supplied from the energization control device 1, in either a first operation mode or a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode. The first operation mode is also referred to as a "standby state." The second operation mode is also referred to as a "sleep mode" or an "energy saving mode."

[0011] The energization control device 1 may be included in the controller unit 23 of the power supply target device 2. In this case, the energization control device 1 may be included in a printed circuit board that controls the operation of the entire power supply target device 2, for example.

[0012] The reception unit 11 receives a job related to the operation of the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2. The mode transition time setting unit 12 sets a mode transition time for transitioning the power supply mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The reception unit 11 outputs the received job to the power supply control unit 14.

[0013] The measurement unit 13 measures factor values ​​that affect the lifespan of the memory unit 24 included in the power supply target device 2. The factor values ​​include a first measurement value that is the power supply time to the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2, or a second measurement value that is the number of startup and shutdown operations of the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2.

[0014] The measurement unit 13 includes a counting means and a current-carrying time measuring means. The counting means may measure the number of start-up and stop operations of the memory unit 24 and store the cumulative value of these measurements. The current-carrying time measuring means may use a timer to measure the time of current-carrying to the memory unit 24 and output the result to the power supply control unit 14. The current-carrying time measuring means may also store the cumulative value of the time of current-carrying to the memory unit 24. In this case, the counting means and the current-carrying time measuring means may further include a non-volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) as storage means.

[0015] The power supply control unit 14 controls power supply to the power supply target device 2 according to the first operation mode and the second operation mode. When the power supply mode is switched, it may arbitrarily determine whether to energize or de-energize each part. Furthermore, when the factor value exceeds a threshold, the power supply control unit 14 controls power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 according to whether the set mode transition time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time. The first predetermined time may be, for example, 15 minutes, but is not limited to this and may be any time.

[0016] More specifically, the power supply control unit 14 controls power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 when the first threshold value, which is a threshold value for the first measurement value, or the second threshold value, which is a threshold value for the second measurement value, is exceeded.

[0017] If the mode transition time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time, the power supply control unit 14 continues supplying power to the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 when the first measurement value exceeds a first threshold value and the mode transition time has elapsed and the power supply mode has transitioned from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0018] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 14 stops power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the mode transition time. The second predetermined time may be, for example, a standard time determined by international energy conservation standards, and may be, for example, within a range of 30 to 60 minutes, but is not limited to this.

[0019] If the mode transition time exceeds the first predetermined time, the power supply control unit 14 stops power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 when the second measurement value exceeds the second threshold value and a third predetermined time has elapsed before the mode transition time has elapsed. Furthermore, when the mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply control unit 14 transitions the power supply mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.

[0020] When transitioning from the second operation mode to the first operation mode while power supply to the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 is stopped, the power supply control unit 14 starts supplying power to the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 if the reception unit 11 receives a job to operate the memory unit 24.

[0021] If the reception unit 11 does not receive a job to operate the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2, the power supply control unit 14 does not start power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2.

[0022] When the first measurement value exceeds the first threshold and the second measurement value exceeds the second threshold, the notification unit 15 notifies that the power supply target device 2 is being used excessively frequently. The notification unit 15 may include a notification means by voice or a display means.

[0023] The power supply target device 2 includes a reading unit 21, an operation unit 22, a controller unit 23, a storage unit 24, and an engine control unit 25. The power supply target device 2 may be an image forming device 30, for example.

[0024] The reading unit 21 reads an original image when printing. The operation unit 22 serves as a user interface and is used to operate the power supply target device 2. The controller unit 23 controls the overall operation of the power supply target device 2. The power supply control device 1 may be included in the controller unit 23.

[0025] The storage unit 24 is, for example, a HDD. The engine control unit 25 controls the electrical components required for printing. The printer may also be equipped with a function expansion unit that sorts, folds, staples, and so on.

[0026] The power supply control device 1 of this embodiment measures a first measurement value, which is the power supply time to the memory unit 24, or a second measurement value, which is the number of startup and shutdown operations of the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2, as a factor value of the memory unit 24.

[0027] The energization control device 1 controls power supply to the power supply target device 2 according to the first operation mode and the second operation mode for the power supply mode. When the factor value exceeds a threshold, the energization control device 1 controls power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 according to whether the set mode transition time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time.

[0028] Specifically, for example, when the first predetermined time is 15 minutes and the mode transition time is set to 15 minutes or less, the life of the storage unit 24 is affected by the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage unit 24. Therefore, although the operation mode transitions to the second operation mode after the mode transition time has elapsed, by continuing to supply power to the storage unit 24, the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage unit 24 is reduced, and as a result, the life of the storage unit 24 can be extended.

[0029] Furthermore, if the mode transition time exceeds the first predetermined time of 15 minutes, the lifespan of the storage unit 24 is affected by the time that power is supplied to the storage unit 24. Therefore, when the third predetermined time has elapsed, which is before the mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply to the storage unit 24 alone is stopped, thereby extending the lifespan of the storage unit 24.

[0030] When transitioning from the second operating mode to the first operating mode while power supply to the memory unit 24 is stopped, the power supply to the memory unit 24 is switched depending on whether or not a job to operate the memory unit 24 has been accepted, thereby extending the life of the memory unit 24.

[0031] 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an energization control device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The energization control device 1 has a function as an information processing device (computer). The energization control device 1 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, and an I / O 204, which are interconnected by a bus.

[0032] The CPU 201 executes a program 210 using the RAM 202 as a work memory to control the entire energization control device 1. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores the program 210. The CPU 201 executes the program 210 to provide the functions described below. The I / O 204 is an input / output interface.

[0033] <Mode Transition of the Energization Control Device 9 According to the Comparative Example> 3 is a diagram for explaining mode transitions of the energization control device 9 according to the comparative example. The energization control device 1 supplies power to, for example, a power supply target device 90. The power supply target device 90 is, for example, an image forming device.

[0034] As shown in the figure, when the power supply target device 90 is turned on, power is supplied to the reading unit 91, operation unit 92, controller unit 93, storage unit 94, and engine control unit 95 of the power supply target device 90 (step S901). Thereafter, the power supply mode becomes the first operation mode (step S902). The first operation mode is also referred to as, for example, a "standby state." Thereafter, when a set mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply mode transitions to the second operation mode (step S903).

[0035] In the second operation mode, power is supplied in sleep mode only to the operation unit 92 and the controller unit 93, which are necessary for the power supply target device 90 to return from the second operation mode to the first operation mode (step S904). In the second operation mode, power supply to the reading unit 91, the memory unit 94, and the engine control unit 95 is stopped. When the power supply target device 90 receives a trigger signal for returning from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, power is supplied to all components (step S905).

[0036] In the energization control device 9 according to the comparative example, when the second measurement value, which is the number of startup operations and shutdown operations in the storage unit 94, exceeds the second threshold value, there is a risk that the state of the power supply target device 90 will not transition as intended by the user, for example, the device will transition to the second operation mode before the set mode transition time. Therefore, energy saving performance and usability according to the user's intention cannot be achieved, and further, since the energization state of the entire power supply target device 90 does not change simply by changing the mode transition time, there is a problem that, for example, energy saving performance may deteriorate if the mode transition time is set long.

[0037] On the other hand, if the mode transition time is set short to reduce the power consumption of the power supply target device 90, for example, when the power supply target device 90 transitions to the second operating mode, it takes longer to return to the first operating mode, resulting in a longer waiting time for the user. Therefore, users who prioritize usability may set the mode transition time long. As such, it is difficult to achieve both the energy-saving performance of the power supply target device 90 and user usability, which has resulted in a problem in that it is difficult to extend the lifespan of components included in the power supply target device 90.

[0038] <Mode Transition of the Energization Control Device 1 According to the Embodiment> Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining mode transitions of an energization control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The example of Fig. 4 shows a case where the mode transition time is set to a relatively short time. In the following description, the first predetermined time is set to 15 minutes, and the mode transition time is set to 15 minutes or less.

[0039] As shown in the figure, when the power supply target device 2 is turned on, power is supplied to the reading unit 21, operation unit 22, controller unit 23, storage unit 24, and engine control unit 25 of the power supply target device 2 (step S101). Thereafter, the power supply mode becomes the first operation mode (step S102). The first operation mode is also referred to as, for example, a "standby state."

[0040] Thereafter, when the first measurement value exceeds the first threshold value and the mode transition time has elapsed and the power supply mode has transitioned from the first operation mode to the second operation mode (step S103), power supply to the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 is continued (step S104). At this time, the reading unit 21 and the engine control unit 25 are in a non-energized state, and the operation unit 22 and the controller unit 23 are in a sleep mode.

[0041] After a second predetermined time has elapsed since the mode transition time, power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 is stopped (step S105). The second predetermined time may be, for example, a standard time determined by an international energy saving standard, and may be, for example, but is not limited to, a range of 30 to 60 minutes. When the power supply target device 2 receives a trigger signal to return from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, power is supplied to all components (step S106).

[0042] 4, the mode transition time is set to be relatively short. In this case, the life of the storage unit 24 is affected by the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage unit 24. Therefore, although the operation mode transitions to the second operating mode after the mode transition time has elapsed, by continuing to supply power to the storage unit 24, the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage unit 24 is reduced, and as a result, the life of the storage unit 24 can be extended.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating mode transitions in an energization control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The example in Fig. 5 shows a case where the mode transition time is set to a relatively long time. In the following description, the first predetermined time is set to 15 minutes, and the mode transition time exceeds 15 minutes.

[0044] As shown in the figure, when the power supply target device 2 is turned on, power is supplied to the reading unit 21, operation unit 22, controller unit 23, storage unit 24, and engine control unit 25 of the power supply target device 2 (step S201). After that, the power supply mode becomes the first operation mode (step S202).

[0045] When the second measurement value exceeds the second threshold and a third predetermined time has elapsed before the mode transition time has elapsed (step S203), power supply to the memory unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 is stopped (step S204). At this time, the reading unit 21, the operation unit 22, the controller unit 23, and the engine control unit 25 are in a power-on state. Then, when the mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply mode is transitioned from the first operation mode to the second operation mode (step S205).

[0046] When the reception unit 11 receives a job to operate the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2, it starts supplying power to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 and returns to the first operation mode (step S206). On the other hand, when the reception unit 11 does not receive a job to operate the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2, it does not start supplying power to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 and returns to the first operation mode (step S207). At this time, the reading unit 21, the operation unit 22, the controller unit 23 and the engine control unit 25 are in a powered state.

[0047] 5, the mode transition time is set to be relatively long. In this case, the life of the storage unit 24 is affected by the time that power is supplied to the storage unit 24. Therefore, when the third predetermined time has elapsed, which is before the mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply to the storage unit 24 alone is stopped, thereby extending the life of the storage unit 24.

[0048] When transitioning from the second operating mode to the first operating mode while power supply to the memory unit 24 is stopped, the power supply to the memory unit 24 is switched depending on whether or not a job to operate the memory unit 24 has been accepted, thereby extending the life of the memory unit 24.

[0049] [Another example of embodiment] <Configuration of image forming apparatus 30 including energization control device 1> Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 30 including an energization control device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 30, and is a side view of the image forming apparatus 30 in an installed state. In Fig. 6, the portion indicated by the dashed line indicates the configuration contained within the housing of the image forming apparatus 30. This internal configuration will be described separately using Fig. 7.

[0050] The energization control device 1 according to another example of the present embodiment has an embodiment in which it is included in an image forming device 30. The energization control device 1 may be included in a printed circuit board that controls the scanner unit 100 and the printer unit 200, for example. The power supply target device 2 is a part of the image forming device 30 that does not include the energization control device 1. The image forming device 30 is, for example, a printer, a fax machine, a copier, a scanner, or a device called a multifunction device that has two or more of these functions.

[0051] The image forming device 30 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) that has functions such as a scan function, a copy function, a print function, and a facsimile function mounted in a single housing.

[0052] As shown in the figure, a PC (Personal Computer) 101 is communicably connected to an image forming apparatus 30 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The image forming apparatus 30 is also capable of sending and receiving facsimile data and the like via a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) 102. The PBX 102 is a telephone exchange that is installed and operated within a facility when multiple telephone sets are used within an organization such as a company, and is communicably connected to a public line or the like.

[0053] The image forming apparatus 30 has two power supply modes: a first operating mode and a second operating mode that consumes less power than the first operating mode. The first operating mode is also called a "standby state." The second operating mode is also called a "sleep mode" or an "energy saving mode."

[0054] In the second operation mode, the image forming apparatus 30 stops supplying power to all components of the image forming apparatus 30, except for some components. The components to which power is not stopped even in the second operation mode include the operation unit 22 and the controller unit 23 required to return the image forming apparatus 30 from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, and components for receiving signals via a network.

[0055] The image forming apparatus 30 includes an operation panel 31, a scanner unit 100, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 120, and a printer unit 200.

[0056] The operation panel 31 is an example of the operation unit 22 that accepts operation inputs from a user to the image forming apparatus 30. The operation panel 31 can also display status information or setting information of the image forming apparatus 30.

[0057] The scanner unit 100 reads an original placed on a platen or an original supplied by an automatic document feeder 120, and outputs color scanned image data.

[0058] The printer unit 200 forms an image on a recording medium, such as paper, based on a print job received from the PC 2, facsimile image data received by the PBX 3, or image data read by the scanner unit 100.

[0059] The operation panel 31 and the scanner unit 100 including the automatic document feeder 120 are each units that can be separated from the printer unit 200. The scanner unit 100 is equipped with a driver, sensor input, and a control board. The scanner unit 100 can read documents at controlled timing by communicating directly or indirectly with the printer unit 200.

[0060] <Configuration example of printer unit 200> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of printer unit 200 of image forming apparatus 30 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 7 is a side view of printer unit 200 installed in image forming apparatus 30, viewed from the same direction as Fig. 6. Printer unit 200 is a four-drum (tandem) full-color laser printer.

[0061] The printer section 200 has four sets of toner image forming units a, b, c, and d for forming images of each color of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K), arranged in this order along the movement direction F1 of the first transfer belt 208.

[0062] The printer unit 200 includes four photoconductors 201 that are rotatably supported and rotate in a rotation direction F2. The photoconductor 201 is a collective term for the four photoconductors 201. A developing device 204, a charging device 202, a charge removing device 205, and a cleaning device 206 are arranged around the outer periphery of the photoconductor 201.

[0063] A space is provided between the charging device 202 and the developing device 204, where light emitted from the exposure device 203 is irradiated. The image forming components arranged around the photoconductor 201 are the same for each of the four photoconductors 201, but the colors of the color materials (toners) handled by the developing devices 204 are different.

[0064] Each of the four photosensitive members 201 is a rotatable drum-shaped member, with a portion of the member in contact with the first transfer belt 208. Note that a belt-shaped photosensitive member may also be used. The first transfer belt 208 is supported and stretched between a rotating support roller and a drive roller so as to be movable along the movement direction F1. A first transfer roller is disposed on the back side (inside) of the first transfer belt 208, near the photosensitive member 201.

[0065] A cleaning device 211 for the first transfer belt 208 is provided on the outside of the first transfer belt 208. The cleaning device 211 wipes away unnecessary toner remaining on the surface of the first transfer belt 208 after the toner image is transferred by the first transfer belt 208 to a transfer paper (paper) or the second transfer belt 215.

[0066] The exposure device 203 forms a latent image on the photoreceptor 201 by irradiating the uniformly charged surface of the photoreceptor 201 with optical information corresponding to full-color image formation using a laser scanning method. Note that an LED-type exposure device consisting of an LED array and an imaging means may also be used.

[0067] The printer unit 200 includes a second transfer belt 215 disposed next to the first transfer belt 208. The first transfer belt 208 and the second transfer belt 215 are in contact with each other and form a predetermined transfer nip.

[0068] The second transfer belt 215 is supported and stretched between a support roller and a drive roller so as to be movable along the movement direction F3. A second transfer unit is disposed on the rear side (inside) of the second transfer belt 215.

[0069] A cleaning device 212 and a charger for the second transfer belt 215 are provided on the outside of the second transfer belt 215. The cleaning device 212 wipes away unnecessary toner remaining on the second transfer belt 215 after the toner is transferred from the second transfer belt 215 to the paper.

[0070] The sheets are stored in a sheet feed cassette 209. The printer unit 200 conveys the topmost sheet of paper one by one by a sheet feed roller 213 toward a registration roller 233 via a plurality of sheet guides.

[0071] Above (hereinafter simply referred to as "above"; the same applies to "below") the second transfer belt 215 in the installed state of the image forming apparatus 30 are arranged a fixing unit 214, a paper discharge guide 224, a paper discharge roller 225, and a paper discharge stack 226. Above the first transfer belt 208 and below the paper discharge stack 226, a storage section 227 is provided in which replenishment toner can be stored.

[0072] The toner colors are magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. Each color of toner is contained in a toner container in the form of a cartridge. Each color of toner is appropriately replenished to the corresponding color developing device 204 by a powder pump or the like.

[0073] Here, we will explain the operation of each part during double-sided printing. In double-sided printing, an image is first formed by the photoconductor 201. That is, when the exposure device 203 is activated, light from an LD (Laser Diode) light source provided in the exposure device 203 passes through optical components and reaches the photoconductor 201, which has been uniformly charged by the charging device 202, and forms a latent image corresponding to the optical information corresponding to the color.

[0074] The printer unit 200 develops the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 201 using a developing device 204, forming and holding a visible toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor 201. The printer unit 200 transfers this toner image onto the surface of a first transfer belt 208, which moves in synchronization with the photoreceptor 201, using a first transfer means.

[0075] Thereafter, the printer unit 200 cleans the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 201 with the cleaning device 206, and then removes the charge with the charge removal device 205. This prepares the surface of the photoconductor 201 for the next image formation.

[0076] The first transfer belt 208 carries the toner image transferred to its surface and moves in the direction of movement F1. A latent image corresponding to another color is formed on the photoconductor 201 of the toner image forming unit b, and is developed into a visible image using toner of the corresponding color. This visible image is superimposed on a visible image of another color that has been applied to the first transfer belt 208 upstream in the direction of movement F1. The toner image forming units c and d operate in the same way, and finally, visible images of four colors of toner are superimposed on the first transfer belt 208. Note that the printer unit 200 can also form a visible image using only black toner.

[0077] In synchronization with the movement of the first transfer belt 208 along the movement direction F1, the second transfer belt 215 moves along the rotation direction F2, and the toner image formed on the surface of the first transfer belt 208 is transferred to the surface of the second transfer belt 215 by the action of the second transfer means.

[0078] As images are formed on the photosensitive members 201 of the four toner image forming units a to d, the first transfer belt 208 and the second transfer belt 215 move and image formation progresses, thereby reducing the image formation time.

[0079] When the first transfer belt 208 moves to a predetermined position, a toner image is formed again on the other side of the paper, i.e., the side opposite to the side on which the image has already been formed, by the photosensitive element 201, and the printer unit 200 begins to feed the paper.

[0080] Of the sheets of paper stored in paper feed cassette 209, the topmost sheet is pulled out and transported to registration rollers 233. The sheet passes through registration rollers 233 and is transported between first transfer belt 208 and second transfer belt 215, where the toner image on the surface of first transfer belt 208 is transferred onto one side of the sheet by second transfer means.

[0081] The paper is then conveyed upward, and the toner image on the surface of the second transfer belt 215 is transferred to the back side of the paper by a charger. During the transfer, the paper is conveyed with the timing adjusted by the registration rollers 233 so that the toner image is transferred to the appropriate position.

[0082] The paper with the toner images transferred onto both sides in this way is sent to the fixing device 214, where the toner images on both sides of the paper are melted and fixed to the paper at once, and the paper is then discharged via a paper discharge guide 224 to a paper discharge stack 226 by a paper discharge roller 225.

[0083] 7, when the paper discharge guide 224, paper discharge rollers 225, and paper discharge stack 226 are configured, the side of the images formed on both sides of the paper that is directly transferred from the first transfer belt 208 to the paper faces downward, and the paper is placed on the paper discharge stack 226. Therefore, in order to align the order (pages) of the images formed on the paper, the printer unit 200 first forms the toner image of the second page, and while the toner image is held on the second transfer belt 215, transfers the toner image of the first page directly to the paper from the first transfer belt 208.

[0084] In the printer unit 200, the toner image transferred directly from the first transfer belt 208 to the paper becomes an upright toner image on the surface of the photosensitive member 201. Then, the toner image is formed so that the toner image transferred from the second transfer belt 215 to the paper becomes an inverted toner image (mirror image) on the surface of the photosensitive member 201.

[0085] The image forming device 30 performs image processing to determine the order in which toner images are formed for page alignment, as well as to switch between upright toner images and inverted toner images (mirror images), by controlling the reading and writing of image data from and to a memory provided in the control unit 20.

[0086] The control unit 20 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 30. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the control unit 20 is installed inside the printer unit 200, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the control unit 20 may be installed anywhere inside the image forming apparatus 30.

[0087] After the toner image is transferred from the second transfer belt 215 to the paper, a cleaning device 212 equipped with a brush roller, a collection roller, a blade, etc. removes unnecessary toner and paper dust remaining on the second transfer belt 215.

[0088] 7 shows a state in which the brush roller of the cleaning device 212 is separated from the surface of the second transfer belt 215. The cleaning device 212 is provided so as to be swingable around a fulcrum, and is structured so as to be able to approach and separate from the surface of the second transfer belt 215.

[0089] Before the toner image is transferred to paper, when second transfer belt 215 carries the toner image, cleaning device 212 is spaced apart from second transfer belt 215. When cleaning is required, cleaning device 212 swings counterclockwise in Figure 6 to come into contact with second transfer belt 215. Unwanted toner removed by cleaning device 212 is collected in a waste toner storage unit that stores unwanted toner.

[0090] The above is the image creation process in the double-sided printing mode set to the “double-sided transfer mode.” When performing double-sided printing, the image forming apparatus 30 always forms images using this image creation process.

[0091] The image forming apparatus 30 has two modes for transferring a toner image onto a sheet when performing single-sided printing: a "single-sided transfer mode using the second transfer belt 215" and a "single-sided transfer mode using the first transfer belt 208."

[0092] When the "single-sided transfer mode using the second transfer belt 215" is selected, the image forming device 30 transfers a visible image formed by overlapping three or four color toners or a visible image formed by monochrome black toner onto the first transfer belt 208 to the second transfer belt 215, and transfers it to one side of the paper, i.e., the front side. No toner image is transferred to the other side of the paper, i.e., the back side. In the "single-sided transfer mode using the second transfer belt 215," the top side of the image-formed paper discharged to the paper discharge stack 226 corresponds to the image-formed side.

[0093] When the "single-sided transfer mode using the first transfer belt 208" is selected, a visible image formed by superimposing three or four color toner images on the first transfer belt 208 or a visible image formed with monochrome black toner is transferred to one side of the paper without being transferred to the second transfer belt 215. No toner image is transferred to the other side of the paper, i.e., the back side. In the "single-sided transfer mode using the first transfer belt 208", the bottom side of the image-formed paper discharged to the paper discharge stack 226 corresponds to the image-formed side.

[0094] <Action and effect> According to the energization control device 1 of this embodiment, the power supply to the power supply target device 2 is controlled in accordance with the first operation mode and the second operation mode for the power supply mode. When the factor value exceeds a threshold, the energization control device 1 controls the power supply to the storage unit 24 of the power supply target device 2 in accordance with whether the set mode transition time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time.

[0095] Specifically, for example, when the first predetermined time is 15 minutes and the mode transition time is set to 15 minutes or less, the life of the storage unit 24 is affected by the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage unit 24. Therefore, although the operation mode transitions to the second operation mode after the mode transition time has elapsed, by continuing to supply power to the storage unit 24, the number of startup and shutdown operations of the storage unit 24 is reduced, and as a result, the life of the storage unit 24 can be extended.

[0096] Furthermore, if the mode transition time exceeds the first predetermined time of 15 minutes, the lifespan of the storage unit 24 is affected by the time that power is supplied to the storage unit 24. Therefore, when the third predetermined time has elapsed, which is before the mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply to the storage unit 24 alone is stopped, thereby extending the lifespan of the storage unit 24.

[0097] When transitioning from the second operating mode to the first operating mode while power supply to the memory unit 24 is stopped, the power supply to the memory unit 24 is switched depending on whether or not a job to operate the memory unit 24 has been accepted, thereby extending the life of the memory unit 24.

[0098] Therefore, the energization control device 1 according to the present invention can achieve both energy-saving performance and ease of use for the user, while extending the life of the components included in the device.

[0099] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A power supply control device that supplies power to a power supply target device that operates by power supply from its own device in either a first operation mode or a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode, a mode transition time setting unit that sets a mode transition time for transitioning the power supply mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode; a measurement unit that measures a factor value that affects the life of a storage unit included in the power supply target device; a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the power supply target device according to each of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and, when the factor value exceeds a threshold, controls power supply to a storage unit of the power supply target device according to whether the set mode transition time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time; A power supply control device equipped with the above. <2> The factor value is a power supply time to the storage unit of the power supply target device or a number of start-up operations and stop operations of the storage unit of the power supply target device, the measurement unit measures a first measurement value that is a power supply time to a storage unit of the power supply target device and a second measurement value that is a number of startup operations and shutdown operations of the storage unit of the power supply target device; the power supply control unit controls power supply to a storage unit of the power supply target device when the first measurement value exceeds a first threshold that is a threshold for the first measurement value or a second threshold that is a threshold for the second measurement value. The aforementioned <1> The energization control device described in <3> The power supply control unit If the mode transition time is equal to or shorter than the first predetermined time, when the first measurement value exceeds the first threshold value and the mode transition time has elapsed and the power supply mode has transitioned from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, continue power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device, and stop power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device after a second predetermined time has elapsed from the mode transition time. The aforementioned <1> or the above <2> The energization control device described in <4> The power supply control unit If the mode transition time exceeds the first predetermined time, when the second measurement value exceeds the second threshold and a third predetermined time has elapsed before the mode transition time has elapsed, power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device is stopped, and when the mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply mode is transitioned from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The aforementioned <1> or the above <2> The energization control device described in <5> a reception unit that receives a job related to an operation of the storage unit of the power supply target device, The power supply control unit When the power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device is stopped and the power supply mode is shifted from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, When the reception unit receives a job for operating a storage unit of the power supply target device, the reception unit starts power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device; When the reception unit does not receive a job for operating the storage unit of the power supply target device, the reception unit does not start power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device. The aforementioned <4> The energization control device described in <6> The aforementioned <1> From the above <5> The energization control device according to any one of the above items is provided. Image forming device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Power control device 2. Power supply target equipment 11 Reception 12 Mode transition time setting section 13 Measurement section 14 Power supply control unit 15. Information Department 24 Memory section 30 Image forming device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0102] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-140492

Claims

1. A power supply control device that supplies power to a power supply target device that operates by power supply from its own device in either a first operation mode or a second operation mode that consumes less power than the first operation mode, a mode transition time setting unit that sets a mode transition time for transitioning the power supply mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode; a measurement unit that measures a factor value that affects the life of a storage unit included in the power supply target device; a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the power supply target device according to each of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and, when the factor value exceeds a threshold, controls power supply to a storage unit of the power supply target device according to whether the set mode transition time is equal to or shorter than a first predetermined time; A power supply control device equipped with the above.

2. The factor value is a power supply time to the storage unit of the power supply target device or a number of start-up operations and stop operations of the storage unit of the power supply target device, the measurement unit measures a first measurement value that is a power supply time to a storage unit of the power supply target device and a second measurement value that is a number of startup operations and shutdown operations of the storage unit of the power supply target device; the power supply control unit controls power supply to a storage unit of the power supply target device when the first measurement value exceeds a first threshold that is a threshold for the first measurement value or a second threshold that is a threshold for the second measurement value. The energization control device according to claim 1 .

3. The power supply control unit If the mode transition time is equal to or shorter than the first predetermined time, when the first measurement value exceeds the first threshold value and the mode transition time has elapsed and the power supply mode has transitioned from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device is continued, and after a second predetermined time has elapsed from the mode transition time, power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device is stopped. The energization control device according to claim 2 .

4. The power supply control unit If the mode transition time exceeds the first predetermined time, when the second measurement value exceeds the second threshold and a third predetermined time has elapsed before the mode transition time has elapsed, power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device is stopped, and when the mode transition time has elapsed, the power supply mode is transitioned from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The energization control device according to claim 2 .

5. a reception unit that receives a job related to an operation of the storage unit of the power supply target device, The power supply control unit When the power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device is stopped and the power supply mode is shifted from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, When the reception unit receives a job for operating a storage unit of the power supply target device, the reception unit starts power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device; When the reception unit does not receive a job for operating the storage unit of the power supply target device, the reception unit does not start power supply to the storage unit of the power supply target device. The energization control device according to claim 4.

6. A power supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Image forming device.

Images