Electronic device and program

Abstract

To make it possible to understand whether or not a ground line of a device body has a correct connection state.SOLUTION: A noise detection unit 18 detects the magnitude of a noise component superimposed on a metal frame 22 of a device body. A control unit 33, when the magnitude of the noise component detected by the noise detection unit 18 exceeds a preset threshold value, notifies of the possibility that a ground line 21 does not have a correct connection state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices and programs. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that uses a 200V AC power supply as a commercial power supply for operating the apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-107866 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In various devices powered by commercial power, connecting the device's ground wire to a Type D ground is sometimes required to prevent electric shock to personnel in the event of a ground fault. This is especially important for electronic devices using a single-phase 200V AC power supply, where the voltage generated during a ground fault is high. However, even if the device's ground wire is not connected to a Type D ground, the electronic device will function normally as long as there is no ground fault. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the device's ground wire is properly connected to a Type D ground. Furthermore, if the device's ground wire is incorrectly connected to the neutral line of a single-phase three-wire system or the grounded side of a three-phase three-wire system, a phase-open fault in the neutral line or poor insulation on the power supply equipment could increase the electronic device's ground voltage, potentially resulting in electric shock.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device and a program that can determine whether the earth wire of the device body is properly connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects the magnitude of a noise component superimposed on a metal frame of a device body, and a processor; The processor: If the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, a notification is issued to the effect that the earth wire may not be properly connected.

[0007] In a second aspect of the electronic device of the present disclosure, in the electronic device of the first aspect, the processor notifies a predetermined destination that the earth wire may not be properly connected when the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0008] An electronic device of a third aspect of the present disclosure is an electronic device of the first aspect, in which the processor displays on an operation panel a message indicating that the earth wire may not be connected correctly when the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the electronic device of the present disclosure, in the electronic device of the third aspect, when the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, the processor displays on the operation panel either or both of the following: that the earth wire may be unconnected, and that the earth wire may be incorrectly connected to the neutral wire of a single-phase three-wire or the ground side circuit of a three-phase three-wire.

[0010] An electronic device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the electronic device according to the first aspect, wherein the detection unit: Two wires and an amplifier for amplifying the potential difference between the two electric wires; a filter that removes a DC component from the potential difference amplified by the amplifier; and a comparator that determines whether or not the potential difference after passing through the filter exceeds a preset threshold voltage.

[0011] An electronic device of a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the electronic device of the fifth aspect, wherein one of the two electric wires is connected to a metal frame of the device body, and the other electric wire is installed so as to be routed around the metal frame.

[0012] A program according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving information indicating the magnitude of a noise component detected by a detection unit that detects the magnitude of a noise component superimposed on a metal frame of a device body; The computer is caused to execute a step of notifying the user that the earth wire may not be connected correctly if the magnitude of the noise component contained in the received information exceeds a preset threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the electronic device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the earth wire of the device body is properly connected.

[0014] According to the electronic device of the second aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to notify a person in a remote location that the earth wire of the device body is not properly connected.

[0015] According to the electronic device of the third aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to notify a user who is operating the device that the earth wire of the device body is not properly connected.

[0016] According to the electronic device of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, if the earth wire of the device body is not connected correctly, it is possible to provide specific notification of how the earth wire is connected incorrectly.

[0017] According to the electronic device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the electronic device itself can detect the connection state of the earth wire without requiring external measurement.

[0018] According to the electronic device of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to detect noise components superimposed on the metal frame of the device body without requiring a complex configuration.

[0019] According to the program of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the earth wire of the device body is properly connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the correct connection state when using a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a wiring state for realizing the correct connection state shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an incorrect connection state when a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply is used, where the earth wire is not connected. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing incorrect wiring conditions when using a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing a connection state when the outlet plug of image forming apparatus 10 is connected to outlet 53 in the wiring state shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a neutral phase loss occurs in the erroneous connection state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the correct connection state when using a three-phase, three-wire 200V power supply. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an incorrect connection state when using a three-phase, three-wire 200V power supply. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a noise detection unit 18 shown in FIG. [Figure 13]FIG. 13(A) shows the state of noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 when the earth wire is not connected correctly, and FIG. 13(B) shows the state of noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 when the earth wire is connected correctly. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen that the control unit 33 displays on the operation panel 34 when it is determined that the earth wire 21 may not be connected correctly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a terminal apparatus 20 interconnected via a network 30, and a management server 50 connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via the Internet 40. The terminal apparatus 20 generates print data and transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network 30. The image forming apparatus 10 receives the print data transmitted from the terminal apparatus 20 and outputs an image on paper in accordance with the print data. The image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called multifunction peripheral (MFP) that has multiple functions, such as printing, scanning, copying, and facsimile functions. The management server 50 is installed in a location different from the location where the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, and manages various information about the image forming apparatus 10.

[0024] In various devices that operate using commercial power, such as the image forming apparatus 10, connecting the device's ground wire to a Type D ground may be required to prevent electric shock to personnel in the event of a ground fault. This is particularly important for electronic devices that use a single-phase 200V AC power supply, as the voltage generated during a ground fault is high. However, even if the device's ground wire is not connected to a Type D ground, the electronic device will function normally if there is no ground fault. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the device's ground wire is properly connected to a Type D ground. Furthermore, if the device's ground wire is incorrectly connected to the neutral line of a single-phase three-wire system or the ground side of a three-phase three-wire system, a phase-open fault in the neutral line or poor insulation on the power supply equipment could increase the electronic device's ground voltage, potentially resulting in electric shock.

[0025] In the following explanation, we will assume that the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1 is an apparatus that operates using a single-phase 200V commercial power supply. Fig. 2 shows the correct connection state when using a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows that the earth wire 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 is properly connected to a type D ground, and that 200 V between two power lines of a single-phase three-wire system, excluding the neutral line, is connected as a power source.

[0027] In a single-phase three-wire circuit, when a high voltage of 6600V is stepped down by a transformer, the neutral wire on the secondary side is grounded with Class B. This Class B grounding is provided to prevent high voltage from being applied to the low voltage side, even if an internal fault in the transformer causes high voltage and low voltage to mix and current from the high voltage side flows to the low voltage side, thereby preventing breakdown of electrical equipment on the low voltage side. 100V power can be extracted between the neutral wire and each of the two power lines, and 200V power can be extracted from between the two power lines.

[0028] If the connection is correct as shown in Figure 2, even if a leakage current occurs within the image forming device 10 and flows through the metal frame, and a human body comes into contact with this metal frame, the leakage current will flow to the type D ground via the earth wire 21, preventing the human body from receiving an electric shock.

[0029] The wiring state required to achieve the correct connection shown in Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the correct wiring state when using a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply.

[0030] 3, a single-phase three-wire line is connected to earth leakage breaker 51 of the distribution board, and two power lines excluding the neutral line are connected to 200V outlet 53 for connecting image forming apparatus 10. An earth wire 54 is connected to earth terminal 52 connected to type D grounding, and this earth wire 54 is connected to the earth terminal of outlet 53.

[0031] When the power plug of the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the power outlet 53 that has been properly wired in this way, the proper connection state shown in FIG. 2 is achieved.

[0032] Next, incorrect connection states when using a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an incorrect connection state when using a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply, where the earth wire is not connected. In FIG. 4, earth wire 21 is not connected and is not connected to a D-type ground. Therefore, if a leakage current occurs inside image forming apparatus 10 and flows through the metal frame, and a human body comes into contact with this metal frame, the leakage current may flow through the human body and cause electric shock.

[0034] Also, Figure 5 shows an incorrect wiring state when using a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply.

[0035] In Fig. 5, compared to the correct wiring state shown in Fig. 3, the earth wire 54 connected to the earth terminal of the outlet 53 is incorrectly connected to the neutral wire of the earth leakage breaker 51. Fig. 6 shows the connection state when the outlet plug of the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to such an outlet 53. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of an incorrect connection state when a single-phase three-wire 200V power supply is used.

[0036] 6, it can be seen that the earth wire 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 has been mistakenly connected to the neutral wire of a single-phase three-wire system. Such a misconnection can cause malfunctions due to noise, etc., and in the worst case scenario, an open phase in the neutral wire can cause the voltage to ground of the metal frame of the image forming apparatus 10 to rise, resulting in an electric shock hazard.

[0037] Figure 7 shows what happens when a neutral phase loss occurs in the incorrect connection state shown in Figure 6.

[0038] Referring to Figure 7, it is shown that when the neutral wire is broken in the middle, an electric path is formed through another 100V device 60 connected between the neutral wire and one of the power lines, causing an electric shock to anyone who comes into contact with the metal frame of the image forming device 10.

[0039] Next, a case where the image forming apparatus 10 is powered by a three-phase, three-wire 200V will be described. In a three-phase, three-wire circuit, one of the three power lines is grounded by type B. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the correct connection state when using a three-phase, three-wire 200V power line. Referring to FIG. 8, the earth wire 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to type D ground, and the 200V between two of the three power lines of the three-phase, three-wire circuit is connected as the power source.

[0040] An incorrect connection state when using a three-phase, three-wire 200V power supply is shown in Figure 9. Referring to Figure 9, it can be seen that the ground wire 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 is incorrectly connected to one of the three power supply wires, which is the grounded electrical circuit. Even in such a state of incorrect connection, malfunctions due to noise, etc. may occur, and in the worst case, poor insulation on the power supply equipment may cause the voltage to ground of the metal frame of the image forming apparatus 10 to rise, resulting in an electric shock accident.

[0041] Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is configured as follows, so that it is possible to know whether the earth wire of the apparatus main body is properly connected or not.

[0042] First, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0043] 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a CPU 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (abbreviated as IF) 14 that transmits and receives data to and from external devices via a network 30, a user interface (abbreviated as UI) device 15 that includes a touch panel or liquid crystal display and a keyboard, a scan unit 16, an image forming unit 17, and a noise detection unit 18. These components are connected to one another via a control bus 19.

[0044] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 by executing predetermined processes based on a control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13. While the present embodiment describes the CPU 11 as reading and executing the control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13, this is not limiting. The control program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be provided on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. The control program may also be acquired from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication interface 14. The control program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device of the image forming apparatus 10 as a function of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of image forming apparatus 10 that is realized by executing the above control program. Note that Fig. 11 shows only the configuration related to the function of determining whether the earth wire is properly connected, and omits the configuration related to functions such as printing, scanning, and copying.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a noise detection unit 18, a control unit 33, an operation panel 34, and a data transmission / reception unit 35.

[0047] The data transmission / reception unit 35 transmits and receives data to and from an external device such as a management server 50 via a network such as the Internet 40 .

[0048] The control unit 33 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, displays various information addressed to the user on the operation panel 34, and inputs various pieces of operation information performed by the user from the operation panel 34. The control unit 33 also transmits various pieces of information to the management server 50 via the data transmission / reception unit 35.

[0049] Noise detection unit 18 has two electric wires 31 and 32, and detects the magnitude of noise components superimposed on metal frame 22 of the device body. If the magnitude of the noise components detected by noise detection unit 18 exceeds a preset threshold, control unit 33 notifies the user that earth wire 21 may not be properly connected.

[0050] Specifically, when the magnitude of the noise component detected by the noise detection unit 18 exceeds a preset threshold, the control unit 33 displays on the operation panel 34 a message that the earth wire 21 may not be connected correctly. For example, when the magnitude of the noise component detected by the noise detection unit 18 exceeds a preset threshold, the control unit 33 displays on the operation panel 34 either or both of a message that the earth wire 21 may be unconnected and a message that the earth wire 21 may be erroneously connected to the neutral wire of a single-phase three-wire or the ground side electric circuit of a three-phase three-wire.

[0051] In addition, when the magnitude of the noise component detected by the noise detection unit 18 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 33 may notify a predetermined destination, such as the management server 50, that the earth wire 21 may not be properly connected.

[0052] 12 shows the configuration of the noise detection unit 18 shown in Fig. 11. Referring to Fig. 12, the noise detection unit 18 includes two electric wires 31 and 32, an amplifier 41, a filter 42, and a comparator 43.

[0053] Amplifier 41 amplifies the potential difference between two electric wires 31 and 32. Filter 42 removes a DC component from the potential difference amplified by amplifier 41. Comparator 43 determines whether the potential difference after passing through filter 42 exceeds a preset threshold voltage, and transmits the determination result to control unit 33.

[0054] Of the two electric wires 31 and 32, one electric wire 31 is connected to the metal frame 22 of the device body, and the other electric wire 32 is installed so as to be laid along the metal frame 22.

[0055] There is a lot of noise because current flows through the neutral wire of a single-phase three-wire system and the grounded side of a three-phase three-wire system. In contrast, there is little noise in a ground wire connected to a type D ground. Therefore, when the earth wire 21 is properly connected to a type D ground, there is also little noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 of the device main body.

[0056] Figure 13 shows the state of noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 when the ground wire is not connected correctly, and the state of noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 when the ground wire is connected correctly. Figure 13(A) shows an example of the state of noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 when the ground wire is not connected correctly, and it can be seen that the noise signal level is large enough to exceed a preset threshold. Figure 13(B) shows an example of the state of noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 when the ground wire is connected correctly, and it can be seen that the noise signal level is large enough not to exceed a preset threshold.

[0057] Therefore, the noise detection unit 18 detects the magnitude of the noise superimposed on the metal frame 22 of the device body and determines whether the magnitude of this noise exceeds a preset threshold, thereby making it possible to determine whether the earth wire 21 is correctly connected.

[0058] The control unit 33 acquires the determination result from the comparator 43 and determines whether the earth wire 21 is properly grounded based on the period during which the noise component exceeds a preset threshold value, etc.

[0059] If the control unit 33 determines that there is a possibility that the earth wire 21 is not properly connected, it displays a warning screen on the operation panel 34, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0060] 14, it can be seen that the following message is displayed on the operation panel 34: "The earth wire may not be connected correctly. Specifically, the following are possible causes." Furthermore, the operation panel 34 also displays the following messages as specific examples of when the earth wire is not connected correctly: "The earth wire is not connected," and "The earth wire is incorrectly connected to the neutral wire of a single-phase three-wire or the grounded side electric circuit of a three-phase three-wire."

[0061] It is expected that a user who sees such a display will check the connection state of the ground wire 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 and will realize that the ground wire 21 is not connected or is connected incorrectly.

[0062] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0063] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0064] In this embodiment, the term "system" includes both a system made up of multiple devices and a system made up of a single device.

[0065] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the image forming device 10 was described as an example of an electronic device that is used by connecting an earth wire, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to any electronic device that is used by connecting an earth wire, such as a microwave oven, a washing machine, or a refrigerator.

[0066] [Note] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0067] (((1))) a detection unit that detects the magnitude of a noise component superimposed on the metal frame of the device body; a processor; Equipped with The processor: When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, a notification is issued that the earth wire may not be properly connected. electronic equipment.

[0068] (((2))) When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor notifies a predetermined destination that the earth wire may not be properly connected. The electronic device according to (((1))).

[0069] (((3))) When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, the processor displays on an operation panel a message indicating that the earth wire may not be properly connected. The electronic device according to (((1))).

[0070] (((4))) When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, the processor displays on the operation panel either or both of a message indicating that the earth wire may be disconnected and a message indicating that the earth wire may be erroneously connected to the neutral wire of a single-phase three-wire system or the ground side electric circuit of a three-phase three-wire system. The electronic device according to (((3))).

[0071] (((5))) The detection unit Two wires and an amplifier for amplifying the potential difference between the two electric wires; a filter that removes a DC component from the potential difference amplified by the amplifier; a comparator that determines whether or not the potential difference after passing through the filter exceeds a preset threshold voltage; Equipped with An electronic device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0072] (((6))) One of the two electric wires is connected to a metal frame of the device body, and the other electric wire is installed so as to be routed around the metal frame. The electronic device according to (((5))).

[0073] (((7))) receiving information indicating the magnitude of a noise component detected by a detection unit that detects the magnitude of a noise component superimposed on a metal frame of the device body; a step of notifying that the earth wire may not be properly connected when the magnitude of the noise component included in the received information exceeds a preset threshold; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0074] The effects of the configuration described above will be described below.

[0075] According to the electronic device of (((1))), it is possible to know whether the earth wire of the device body is properly connected or not.

[0076] The electronic device of (((2))) makes it possible to notify a person in a remote location that the earth wire of the device body is not properly connected.

[0077] According to the electronic device of (((3))), it is possible to notify the user during operation that the earth wire of the device body is not properly connected.

[0078] According to the electronic device of (((4))), if the earth wire of the device body is not connected correctly, it is possible to notify specifically how the earth wire is not connected correctly.

[0079] According to the electronic device of (((5))), it is possible for the electronic device itself to detect the connection state of the earth wire without requiring external measurement.

[0080] According to the electronic device of (((6))), it is possible to detect noise components superimposed on the metal frame of the device body without requiring a complex configuration.

[0081] According to the program (((7))), it is possible to determine whether the earth wire of the device body is properly connected or not. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Image forming device 11 CPU 12 Memory 13 Storage device 14 Communication Interface 15 User Interface Device 16 Scan Unit 17 Image forming unit 18 Noise detection section 19 Control Bus 20 Terminal equipment 21 Ground wire 22 Metal Frame 30 Network 31, 32 electric wire 33 Control Unit 34 Operation Panel 35 Data transmission and reception unit 40 Internet 41 Amplifier 42 filters 43 Comparator 50 Management Server 51 Earth leakage breaker 52 Ground terminal 53 Power Outlet 54 Ground wiring 60 100V equipment

Claims

1. a detection unit that detects the magnitude of a noise component superimposed on the metal frame of the device body; a processor; Equipped with The processor: When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, a notification is issued that the earth wire may not be properly connected. electronic equipment.

2. When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor notifies a predetermined destination that the earth wire may not be properly connected. The electronic device of claim 1 .

3. When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, the processor displays on an operation panel a message indicating that the earth wire may not be properly connected. The electronic device of claim 1 .

4. When the magnitude of the noise component detected by the detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, the processor displays on the operation panel either or both of a message indicating that the earth wire may be disconnected and a message indicating that the earth wire may be erroneously connected to the neutral wire of a single-phase three-wire system or the ground side electric circuit of a three-phase three-wire system. The electronic device of claim 3 .

5. The detection unit Two wires and an amplifier for amplifying the potential difference between the two wires; a filter that removes a DC component from the potential difference amplified by the amplifier; a comparator that determines whether or not the potential difference after passing through the filter exceeds a preset threshold voltage; Equipped with The electronic device of claim 1 .

6. One of the two electric wires is connected to a metal frame of the device body, and the other electric wire is installed so as to be routed around the metal frame.

6. The electronic device of claim 5.

7. receiving information indicating the magnitude of a noise component detected by a detection unit that detects the magnitude of a noise component superimposed on a metal frame of the device body; a step of notifying that the earth wire may not be properly connected when the magnitude of the noise component included in the received information exceeds a preset threshold; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images