Image formation apparatus, control method for image formation apparatus, and control program for image formation apparatus

Abstract

To suppress an increase in size and cost of a power supply apparatus that supplies power to an image formation apparatus.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes an image formation unit that forms an image by receiving power supplied from a power supply apparatus, a mode determination unit that determines an operation mode of processing executed by the image formation unit, an integration unit that integrates the number of images formed by the image formation unit, an operable time acquisition unit that acquires an operable time of the power supply apparatus in the determined operation mode on the basis of the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of images integrated by the integration unit, and an operation restriction unit that restricts an operation time of the image formation unit in the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a control program for an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in an image forming device that receives power from a commercial power source via an uninterruptible power supply, a method is known for preventing the uninterruptible power supply from stopping by selecting the functions or conditions of the job to be executed so that the amount of power consumed during job execution does not exceed the maximum amount of power consumed by the uninterruptible power supply (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of image forming device, if the amount of power consumed by the job exceeds the maximum amount of power consumed by the uninterruptible power supply, an error message is displayed and the job is terminated without being executed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] For example, image forming devices such as digital multifunction peripherals that have multiple functions, such as a print function and a scan function, are equipped with power supplies that consume more power than the amount of power consumed when the multiple functions are executed in parallel. Furthermore, the amount of power consumed by image forming devices varies with temperature and humidity, and increases with the aging of mounted components such as photosensitive drums. Therefore, in order to prevent errors from occurring during job execution, this type of image forming device must be equipped with a power supply with a maximum power consumption greater than the amount of power consumed under the worst operating conditions and in the worst operating environment, which increases the size and cost of the power supply.

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to suppress increases in the size and cost of a power supply device that supplies power to an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, one embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized by having an image forming unit that forms an image by receiving power supplied from a power supply device, a mode determination unit that determines the operating mode of the process performed by the image forming unit, an accumulation unit that accumulates the number of images formed by the image forming unit, an operable time acquisition unit that acquires the operable time of the power supply device in the determined operating mode based on the operating mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of images formed accumulated by the accumulation unit, and an operation limiting unit that limits the operating time of the image forming unit in the operating mode determined by the mode determination unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquisition unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] It is possible to suppress increases in size and cost of the power supply device that supplies power to the image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a main part of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various conditions used to calculate the operable time of the power supply device when the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 operates in a print and scan operation mode. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various conditions used to calculate the operable time of the power supply device when the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 operates in a print operation mode. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various conditions used to calculate the operable time of the power supply unit when the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 operates in a scan operation mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of changes in load current of an image forming apparatus operating in a print and scan operation mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output capacity of a power supply device and the operable time. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 when a job is executed. [Figure 9] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a controller in FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0009] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus) FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi-Function Printer) having copy, print, scanner, and facsimile functions. The image forming apparatus 1 can switch between operation modes that respectively realize the copy, print, scanner, and facsimile functions using an application switching key or the like on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 enters copy mode when the copy function is selected, print mode when the print function is selected, scanner mode when the scanner function is selected, and facsimile mode when the facsimile function is selected.

[0010] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 switches its internal state to an operating mode (operating state), a standby mode (standby state), an energy-saving mode (power-saving mode), etc., depending on the state of its internal circuitry. Hereinafter, the energy-saving mode is also referred to as an energy-saving mode.

[0011] For example, the operating mode includes a copy mode or a print mode in which images or text data are printed on paper media. The print mode includes an operation in facsimile mode in which received data is printed on paper media. The operating mode also includes a scanner mode in which documents are scanned, or a sending / receiving operation in facsimile mode. The state of the internal circuitry is switched by a user operating the operation unit or by control within the image forming apparatus 1.

[0012] For example, image forming apparatus 1 has an automatic document feeder (ADF) 2, an image reading device 3, a writing unit 4, a printer unit 5, a controller 20, an input voltage detection unit 30, a temperature detection unit 40, an engine control unit 50, a power supply unit 60, and an operation unit 70. Printer unit 5 has a photosensitive drum 6, a developing device 7, a conveyor belt 8 (intermediate transfer belt), a fixing device 9, and a storage space for storing a paper feed tray 10 on which paper is set. The automatic document feeder 2, image reading device 3, writing unit 4, and printer unit 5 are examples of an image forming unit. In the following, the image forming unit will be described as image forming apparatus 1.

[0013] As an example of the flow of forming an image in the image forming apparatus 1, a case where the operation mode is set to the copy mode will be briefly described below.

[0014] In copy mode, multiple originals to be copied are set in the automatic document feeder 2, or the originals to be copied are set on the image reading device 3. When a start button displayed on the operation unit 70 is pressed, the automatic document feeder 2 feeds the originals one by one to the image reading device 3. The image reading device 3 reads image information of each of the originals sent in order from the automatic document feeder 2 or the original set on the image reading device 3. The image information read by the image reading device 3 is processed, for example, by an image processing unit mounted on the controller 20. The image reading device 3 is an example of a scanner unit that scans an image.

[0015] The writing unit 4 converts the image information processed by the image processing unit into optical information. The printer unit 5 forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 6 based on the optical information, and develops the electrostatic latent image using a developing device 7 to form a toner image. The printer unit 5 transfers the toner image to a paper medium or the like via a conveyor belt 8 (intermediate transfer belt), and fixes the toner image transferred to the paper medium or the like using a fixing device 9. The paper medium or the like onto which the image of the original document has been copied is then discharged from a discharge unit. The printer unit 5 is an example of a printing unit that prints images.

[0016] For example, the standby mode described above is the state in copy mode until the start button is pressed, and the operating mode is the state from when the start button is pressed until paper media or the like is ejected. After the operating mode ends, the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the standby mode, and if the standby mode continues for a predetermined time, it enters the energy saving mode. Then, if the operation unit 70 is operated during the energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the standby mode.

[0017] The operation unit 70 receives various inputs in response to user operations through an input unit, and displays various information on a display unit of the operation unit 70. For example, the information displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 70 may be information indicating the operation for which the input was received, information indicating the operating status of the image forming apparatus 1, or information indicating the setting state of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0018] The controller 20 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1, such as controlling the printer unit 5, controlling communications, and controlling input to the operation unit 70, by causing a processor such as a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a control program. The control program may include an operation control program that controls the printer unit 5 and an image processing program that processes images formed by the printer unit 5. The controller 20 then executes the control program to transfer images obtained by image processing onto paper media or the like. The controller 20 may be provided within the printer unit 5.

[0019] The input voltage detection unit 30 is provided, for example, in the printer unit 5, and detects the voltage value (effective value) of the AC voltage supplied to the power supply device 60 from an AC power source AC such as a commercial power source, and outputs the detected voltage value as input voltage information VIN to the controller 20. The AC power source AC is an example of an external power source. The temperature detection unit 40 is provided, for example, in the printer unit 5, and measures the temperature inside the printer unit 5 and outputs temperature information TEMP indicating the measured temperature to the controller 20.

[0020] The engine control unit 50 is provided, for example, in the printer unit 5, and controls the operation of the print engine, which is the various mechanisms (photosensitive drum 6, developing device 7, conveyor belt 8, fixing device 9, etc.) that form an image in the printer unit 5, based on instructions from the controller 20. The engine control unit 50 may also be provided outside the printer unit 5.

[0021] The power supply device 60 generates DC voltages V1, V2, and AC voltage V3 based on AC voltage supplied from an AC power supply AC. DC voltage V2 is higher than DC voltage V1. The power supply device 60 outputs the generated DC voltage V1 to the controller 20 and the engine control unit 50 as an operating power source, and supplies DC voltage V2 and AC voltage V3 to various loads such as the printer unit 5. The DC voltages V1, V2, and AC voltage V3 are examples of voltages that operate the printer unit 5. For example, the loads are various motors, a charger that charges the photosensitive drum 6, the developing device 7, etc.

[0022] The power supply device 60 may be provided outside the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, for example, in FIG. 1, a power supply unit in which the power supply device 60 is installed may be disposed below the printer unit 5, separate from the image forming apparatus 1. The power supply device 60 may also be an uninterruptible power supply.

[0023] (Functional blocks of the main parts of the image forming apparatus) Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main parts of the image forming apparatus 1 in Fig. 1. Detailed description of elements that overlap with those in Fig. 1 will be omitted. In Fig. 2, thick solid lines indicate power lines, and thin solid lines indicate signal lines.

[0024] For example, the controller 20 has the form of a board, and includes a mode determination unit 21, an accumulator 22, and an operation restriction unit 23. For example, the mode determination unit 21, the accumulator 22, and the operation restriction unit 23 may be realized by a CPU or the like mounted on the controller 20 executing a control program, or may be realized by a semiconductor device mounted on the controller 20, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0025] For example, engine control unit 50 has the form of a circuit board, and outputs a control signal CNTL2 that controls the operation of a load included in the print engine based on a control signal CNTL1 from controller 20. Engine control unit 50 also has an operable time acquisition unit 51. For example, operable time acquisition unit 51 may be realized by a CPU or the like mounted on engine control unit 50 executing a control program, or may be realized by a semiconductor device such as an FPGA or ASIC mounted on controller 20. Although not shown, the operation of loads other than printer unit 5 in FIG. 1, such as automatic document feeder 2, image reader 3, and write unit 4, may also be controlled by controller 20.

[0026] The mode determination unit 21 determines the operation mode of the process executed by the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the operation modes include a print operation mode, a scan operation mode, and a print & scan operation mode. The print operation mode is an operation mode in which original data received from a PC (Personal Computer) or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is printed on paper. The scan operation mode is an operation mode in which an original placed on the image reading device 3 is scanned to generate image data.

[0027] The print & scan operation mode is a parallel operation mode in which the operation of printing document data onto paper and the operation of scanning the document to generate image data are performed in parallel (simultaneously). Note that the copy mode in which a document set on the automatic document feeder 2 or the image reading device 3 is copied is included in the print & scan operation mode because both the scanning operation and the printing operation are performed. Hereinafter, the processes performed by the image forming apparatus 1 in various operation modes are also referred to as jobs.

[0028] The accumulating unit 22 has, for example, a print counter 22a and a scan counter 22b that respectively accumulate the number of prints and the number of scans since the image forming apparatus 1 was installed in a user's office, etc. The number of prints and the number of scans are each an example of the number of images formed. The controller 20 updates the print counter 22a every time one page of document data is printed, and updates the scan counter 22b every time one page of document data is scanned.

[0029] For example, the print counter 22a and the scan counter 22b may be realized by a control program executed by a CPU or the like mounted on the controller 20. In this case, the print count value counted by the print counter 22a and the scan count value counted by the scan counter 22b are stored in a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory mounted on the controller 20.

[0030] 3 to 5 in accordance with the operation mode, operating conditions, and environmental parameters determined by the mode determination unit 21, thereby obtaining the operation time of the power supply device 60 in the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit 21. Note that the operation time obtaining unit 51 may calculate the operation time of the power supply device 60 based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit 21 and the number of prints and scans accumulated by the accumulation unit 22.

[0031] The operating conditions include one or both of the print conditions and the scan conditions. The environmental parameters include the number of prints and the number of scans integrated by the integration unit 22, the AC input voltage detected by the input voltage detection unit 30 (input voltage information VIN), and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 40 (temperature information TEMP).

[0032] In the following, the AC input voltage is also indicated by the symbol VIN, and the temperature is also indicated by the symbol TEMP. For example, the operable time may be set to a short value to allow for some leeway so that the image forming apparatus 1 can continue to operate even after the operating time of the image forming apparatus 1 reaches the operable time.

[0033] The operable time acquisition unit 51 may be mounted in the controller 20 instead of the engine control unit 50. In this case, the function of the operable time acquisition unit 51 may be realized by a control program executed by a CPU or the like mounted in the controller 20. The types of operation modes and the operable times for each operation mode will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

[0034] The operation restriction unit 23 restricts the operation of a job when the operation time from when the job is started by the image forming apparatus 1 reaches the operation time acquired by the operation time acquisition unit 51. That is, the operation restriction unit 23 restricts the operation time of the image forming apparatus 1 in the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit 21 to the operation time acquired by the operation time acquisition unit 51. Processing of a job whose operation is restricted by the operation restriction unit 23 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0035] (Power supply operating time for each print and scan mode) 3 is a diagram showing various conditions used to calculate the operable time of the power supply device 60 when the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 operates in the print & scan operation mode. Whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in the print & scan operation mode is determined by the mode determination unit 21 in FIG. 2 based on the user's operation of the operation unit 70 in FIG. 1.

[0036] For example, the print and scan operation mode is divided into a maximum of 99 sub-operation modes M1 to M99 based on combinations of temperature TEMP, AC input voltage VIN, print conditions, and scan conditions. Then, for each of the sub-operation modes M1 to M99, the operable time of the power supply device 60 is calculated according to the combination of the print count value and scan count value. Note that the print count value and scan count value of "50,000 to 100,000 sheets" actually means "50,000 to less than 100,000 sheets," and the scan count value of "100,000 to 200,000 sheets" actually means "100,000 to less than 200,000 sheets," but the "less than" has been omitted due to lack of space.

[0037] 3 may be stored as a table in a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory mounted on the controller 20 or the engine control unit 50. Note that the operable time is set to a short value to allow for operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in another operation mode after the operation time of the image forming apparatus 1 reaches the operable time.

[0038] The temperature TEMP is detected by the temperature detection unit 40 in FIG. 2, and the AC input voltage VIN is detected by the input voltage detection unit 30 in FIG. 2. The print conditions and scan conditions are set by a user operating the operation unit 70 in FIG. 1. The print count value and scan count value are calculated by the integrator 22 in FIG. 2.

[0039] For example, the printing conditions include printing conditions indicating the printing color (color / monochrome), number of sides (single-sided / double-sided), and number of prints per job, paper feed conditions indicating the paper feed tray 10 to feed paper from and the type of paper, paper discharge conditions indicating the paper discharge location, and finisher conditions indicating whether punching and stapling are performed. For example, the scanning conditions include the scanning color (color / monochrome), number of sides (single-sided / double-sided), resolution, and the type (paper type) and size of the document to be scanned.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the operable time acquisition unit 51 in FIG. 2 determines that the operable time of the power supply device 60 is 300 seconds in the sub-operation mode M6 based on the temperature TEMP, AC input voltage VIN, print conditions, scan conditions, print count value, and scan count value notified from the controller 20.

[0041] (Power supply operating time for each print operation mode) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing various conditions used to calculate the operable time of the power supply device 60 when the image forming apparatus 1 in Fig. 1 operates in the print operation mode. Detailed explanations of the same conditions as in Fig. 3 will be omitted. As in the explanation of Fig. 3, the mode determination unit 21 in Fig. 2 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the print operation mode based on the user's operation of the operation unit 70 in Fig. 1.

[0042] Since scanning is not performed in the print operation mode, the conditions used to determine the operable time of the power supply device 60 do not include the scan condition and scan count value. The print operation mode is divided into a maximum of 99 sub-operation modes M101 to M199, depending on the combination of, for example, the temperature TEMP, the AC input voltage VIN, and the print conditions. Note that, since the power consumption of the image forming device 1 in the print operation mode is less than that in the print & scan operation mode, the operable time of the power supply device 60 is longer than that in the print & scan operation mode.

[0043] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the operable time acquisition unit 51 in Fig. 2 determines that the operable time of the power supply device 60 is 450 seconds in the sub-operation mode M106 based on the temperature TEMP, AC input voltage VIN, print conditions, and print count value notified from the controller 20. Note that also in Fig. 4, the operable time is set to be short to allow for some leeway so that the image forming device 1 can operate in another operation mode after the operation time of the image forming device 1 reaches the operable time.

[0044] (Power supply operating time for each scan operation mode condition) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing various conditions used to calculate the operable time of the power supply device 60 when the image forming apparatus 1 in Fig. 1 operates in the scan operation mode. Detailed explanations of the same conditions as in Fig. 3 will be omitted. As in the explanation of Fig. 3, the mode determination unit 21 in Fig. 2 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the scan operation mode based on the user's operation of the operation unit 70 in Fig. 1.

[0045] In the scan operation mode, a print operation is not performed, and therefore the conditions used to determine the operable time of the power supply device 60 do not include the print conditions and the print count value. The scan operation mode is divided into a maximum of 99 sub-operation modes M201 to M299, depending on the combination of, for example, the temperature TEMP, the AC input voltage VIN, and the scan conditions. Note that the power consumption of the image forming device 1 in the scan operation mode is less than the power consumption of the image forming device 1 in the print & scan operation mode and the print & scan operation mode, and therefore the operable time of the power supply device 60 is longer than in the print & scan operation mode and the print operation mode.

[0046] 5, the operable time acquisition unit 51 in FIG. 2 determines that the operable time of the power supply device 60 is 900 seconds in the sub-operation mode M206, based on the temperature TEMP, AC input voltage VIN, scan conditions, and scan count value notified from the controller 20. Note that also in FIG. 5, the operable time is set to be short to allow for some leeway so that the image forming device 1 can operate in another operation mode after the operation time of the image forming device 1 reaches the operable time.

[0047] (Changes in load current in print and scan operation mode) 6 is a diagram showing an example of changes in load current of the image forming apparatus 1 operating in the print and scan operation mode. In response to a user instruction while in standby mode, the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the print and scan operation mode and starts a print operation and a scan operation.

[0048] At the start of the print & scan operation mode, the operable time acquisition unit 51 determines that the operable time of the power supply device 60 is 300 seconds, for example, as described in FIG. 3. The image forming device 1 executes the print operation and the scan operation in parallel. When the operation time of the image forming device 1 in the print & scan operation mode reaches the operable time (300 seconds), the operation restriction unit 23 in FIG. 2 temporarily stops the scan operation and executes only the print operation.

[0049] That is, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the print operation that could not be completed in the print & scan operation mode in the print operation mode, which has a smaller load current than the print & scan operation mode. Because the operable time is set to be shorter, the image forming apparatus 1 can operate in the print operation mode after the operable time in the print & scan operation mode has been reached.

[0050] The operable time acquisition unit 51 determines that the operable time of the power supply device 60 is 450 seconds based on the operating conditions in the print operation mode and the number of printed sheets and the number of scanned sheets accumulated by the accumulation unit 22. The image forming device 1 completes the print operation and ends the print operation mode before the operating time of the image forming device 1 in the print operation mode reaches the operable time (450 seconds). After this, the image forming device 1 executes the scan operation that could not be completed in the print & scan operation mode in the scan operation mode, which has a smaller load current than the print operation mode.

[0051] The operable time acquisition unit 51 determines that the operable time of the power supply device 60 is 900 seconds based on the operating conditions in the scan operation mode and the number of printed sheets and the number of scanned sheets accumulated by the accumulation unit 22. The image forming device 1 completes the scan operation before the operating time in the scan operation mode reaches the operable time (900 seconds), ends the scan operation mode (print & scan operation mode), and returns to standby mode. In this way, when the operating time of the image forming device 1 in the print & scan operation mode exceeds the operable time, the image forming device 1 sequentially performs one of the operations in the print operation mode and the other in the scan operation mode.

[0052] 6, when the operable time of the power supply device 60 is reached, the image forming device 1 continues operation by sequentially switching to an operation mode with a smaller load current, thereby suppressing an increase in the size and cost of the power supply device 60. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the cost of the image forming device 1.

[0053] At this time, even if the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched, the operable time acquisition unit 51 acquires the operable time in the switched operation mode. This makes it possible to prevent the power consumption in the switched operation mode from exceeding the maximum power consumption of the power supply device 60, and to prevent the occurrence of an error that causes a job to be stopped. Since the occurrence of an error can be prevented, it is possible to prevent a loss of user convenience.

[0054] 6 reaches the available operating time of the power supply device 60, the image forming device 1, for example, displays on the operation unit 70 a message indicating that the print operation will be temporarily stopped, and then executes the scan operation. The print operation is then resumed after the scan operation. If the power supply device 60 does not have any power remaining after the scan operation, the print operation is resumed after waiting for the power supply device 60 to have more power remaining. This allows the job to be completed without an error occurring.

[0055] 6, the print speed and scan speed are constant in each operation mode, but the print speed and scan speed may be changed. For example, the print speed in the print operation mode may be set lower than the print speed in the print & scan operation mode. Also, the scan speed in the scan operation mode may be set lower than the scan speed in the print & scan operation mode.

[0056] (Relationship between power supply output capacity and operating time) 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output capacity of a power supply device and the operable time. For ease of understanding, in FIG. 7, it is assumed that image forming apparatus 1 has three operating modes, first to third operating modes, in descending order of power consumption.

[0057] The maximum power consumption in the first operating mode indicates a case where the increase in power consumption due to changes over time in the components mounted on the image forming device 1 is included, and a case where the increase in power consumption due to changes over time is not included. For example, when designing an image forming device, the maximum power consumption may be calculated including the increase in power consumption due to changes over time in the components mounted on the image forming device, and a power supply device with an output capacity equal to or greater than the maximum power consumption may be installed in the image forming device. In this case, as shown in Figure 6, an image forming device that cannot perform operations by sequentially switching between operating modes must be equipped with a power supply device that can output an amount of power equivalent to the area of ​​the rectangle shown in bold in Figure 7.

[0058] For example, it is assumed that the operation of the first operation mode can be divided into the operation of the second operation mode and the operation of the third operation mode. For example, the first operation mode corresponds to the print and scan operation mode of Fig. 6, the second operation mode corresponds to the print operation mode of Fig. 6, and the third operation mode corresponds to the scan operation mode of Fig. 6. Therefore, the operable time of the power supply device becomes longer in the order of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode.

[0059] 2, the maximum power consumption can be successively reduced as the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the first operating mode to the second operating mode and then to the third operating mode, as indicated by the height (output capacity) of the shaded rectangular area. Therefore, by transitioning to an operating mode with a lower maximum power consumption depending on how the image forming apparatus 1 is used by the user, it is possible to suppress increases in the size and cost of the power supply device 60 installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The size and cost reduction effects are indicated by the white area in FIG. 7, which is the difference between the area of ​​the bold rectangular area and the area of ​​the shaded area.

[0060] (Operation flow when executing a job on an image forming device) Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation when a job is executed by the image forming apparatus 1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 shows an example of a control method for the image forming apparatus 1 and one of the control programs for the image forming apparatus 1.

[0061] The operation shown in Fig. 8 is started by the controller 20 when the image forming apparatus 1 accepts a job based on an instruction from a user. Fig. 8 shows an operation flow in the case where the operable time acquisition unit 51 in Fig. 2 is installed in the controller 20. As shown in Fig. 2, in the case where the operable time acquisition unit 51 is installed in the engine control unit 50, the controller 20 and the engine control unit 50 cooperate to execute the operation shown in Fig. 8.

[0062] First, in step S10, the mode determination unit 21 determines the operation mode to execute the job in. Next, in step S11, the controller 20 acquires the AC input voltage VIN, the temperature, the print count value, and the scan count value as environmental parameters.

[0063] Next, in step S12, the operating time acquisition unit 51 calculates the operating time of the power supply device 60 based on the operating mode determined in step S10, the environmental parameters, and the operating conditions of the job (either or both of the printing conditions and the scanning conditions).

[0064] Next, in step S13, the controller 20 starts executing the job. Next, in step S14, the controller 20 calculates the elapsed time from the start of execution of the job to the present by integrating the execution time of the job in the operation mode determined in step S10.

[0065] Next, in step S15, the controller 20 determines whether the operation mode has been completed. That is, the controller 20 determines whether the operation mode has been completed before the operable time has elapsed. If the operation mode has been completed, the controller 20 executes step S17. If the operation mode has not been completed, the controller 20 executes step S16.

[0066] In step S16, the operation restriction unit 23 determines whether the job execution time exceeds the available operation time calculated in step S12, and if it does, executes step S18; if it does not, it returns to the operation of step S14.

[0067] In step S17, the controller 20 determines whether there is an operation mode that has not been completed, and if there is an operation mode that has not been completed, executes step S18, and if there is no operation mode that has not been completed, ends the operation shown in Figure 8.

[0068] For example, if the print operation mode in FIG. 6 is completed without exceeding the available operation time, there is still a scan operation that has not been performed. In this case, the controller 20 proceeds from step S17 to step S18. On the other hand, if the scan operation mode in FIG. 6 is completed without exceeding the available operation time, all operation modes have been completed. In this case, the controller 20 ends the operation shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] When the process moves from step S16 to step S18, the controller 20 switches the operation mode to an operation mode with lower power consumption and continues executing the job. For example, the operation mode is switched from the print & scan operation mode to the print operation mode, or from the print operation mode to the scan operation mode. On the other hand, when the process moves from step S17 to step S18, the controller 20 switches back to an operation mode in which the operation is not completed and continues executing the job.

[0070] After step S18 is executed, in step S19, the operable time acquisition unit 51 acquires the operable time in the switched operation mode, and the process returns to step S14. In this way, every time the operation mode is switched, the controller 20 causes the operable time acquisition unit 51 to newly acquire the operable time, and repeats control of the operation restriction unit 23 to restrict the operation time of the image forming apparatus 1 to the operable time.

[0071] (Controller hardware configuration) Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller 20 in Fig. 2. The controller 20 has a CPU 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The controller 20 also has an input interface unit 204, an output interface unit 205, an input / output interface unit 206, and a communication interface unit 207.

[0072] For example, the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, input interface unit 204, output interface unit 205, input / output interface unit 206, and communication interface unit 207 are interconnected via a bus BUS.

[0073] The CPU 201 executes various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and applications. The ROM 202 stores basic programs and various parameters that enable the various programs to be executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 stores the various programs executed by the CPU 201 and data used by the programs. For example, the various programs may include an image processing program that performs image processing on the document image read by the image reading device 3 and a power control program that controls the power supply device 60.

[0074] For example, the input interface unit 204 is connected to an input device 61 such as an input unit mounted on the image reading device 3 and the operation unit 70 of the image forming apparatus 1. The output interface unit 205 is connected to an output device 62 such as a display unit mounted on the operation unit 70. The input / output interface unit 206 is connected to an input / output device 63 such as an auxiliary storage device and a recording medium. The communication interface unit 207 can connect the image forming apparatus 1 to a network or the like.

[0075] When various programs such as an image processing program or a power supply control program are stored on the recording medium, the programs may be transferred from the recording medium to the RAM 203 or the like via the input / output interface unit 206 to which the recording medium is connected.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, when the operating time during job execution reaches the operable time of the power supply device 60, the image forming device 1 continues operation by sequentially switching to an operating mode with a smaller load current. Because the maximum power consumption can be sequentially reduced by switching the operating mode, a smaller-scale power supply device 60 can be used compared to when the operating mode is not switched. As a result, increases in the size and cost of the power supply device 60 can be suppressed, and increases in the cost of the image forming device 1 can also be suppressed.

[0077] Each time the operation mode is switched during job execution, the image forming apparatus 1 causes the operation time acquisition unit 51 to acquire the operable time in the switched operation mode. This makes it possible to prevent the amount of power consumed in the switched operation mode from exceeding the maximum power amount of the power supply device 60, and to prevent an error from occurring and causing the job to stop. Because the occurrence of an error can be prevented, it is possible to prevent a loss of user convenience.

[0078] The operable time acquisition unit 51 acquires the operable time by referring to the AC input voltage VIN detected by the input voltage detection unit 30 and the temperature TEMP detected by the temperature detection unit 40. The time it takes for the power supply device 60 and mounted components mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 to reach the rated temperature varies depending on the AC input voltage VIN and the temperature TEMP. This makes it possible to appropriately set the operable time according to the operating environment of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0079] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> an image forming unit that receives power supplied from a power supply device and forms an image; a mode determination unit that determines an operation mode of a process to be executed by the image forming unit; an accumulation unit that accumulates the number of images formed by the image forming unit; an operable time acquisition unit that acquires an operable time of the power supply device in the determined operation mode based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of image formations accumulated by the accumulation unit; an operation limiting unit that limits the operation time of the image forming unit in the operation mode determined by the mode determining unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquiring unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: <2> When the operation time of the image forming unit in the determined operation mode exceeds the available operation time acquired by the available operation time acquisition unit, the operation limiting unit switches the operation mode of the process, causes the available operation time acquisition unit to newly acquire the available operation time in the switched operation mode, and limits the operation time of the image forming unit in the switched operation mode to the available operation time newly acquired by the available operation time acquisition unit. Characterized by <1> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . <3> The operation limiting unit repeats a control to newly acquire the available operation time and a control to limit the operation time of the image forming unit to the newly acquired available operation time every time the operation mode is switched until the processing is completed. Characterized by <2> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . <4> a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the image forming unit; The operation time acquisition unit acquires the operation time based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit in addition to the operation mode and the number of images formed. Characterized by <1> Or <3> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein <5> an input voltage detection unit that detects the voltage of an external power supply supplied to the power supply device; The operation time acquisition unit acquires the operation time based on the voltage of the external power supply detected by the input voltage detection unit in addition to the operation mode and the number of images formed. Characterized by <1> Or <4> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein <6> the image forming unit has a printing unit that prints an image and a scanner unit that scans an image, the accumulating unit accumulates the number of prints by the printing unit and the number of scans by the scanning unit as the number of image formations, the operation modes include a parallel operation mode in which the print unit and the scanner unit are operated in parallel, a print operation mode in which only the print unit is operated, and a scan operation mode in which only the scanner unit is operated; When the operation time in the parallel operation mode exceeds the available operation time, the image forming unit sequentially executes one of the operation in the print operation mode and the operation in the scan operation mode. Characterized by <1> Or <5> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein <7> A control method for an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image by receiving power supplied from a power supply device, a mode determination unit included in the image forming apparatus determines an operation mode of a process to be executed by the image forming unit; an accumulating unit included in the image forming apparatus accumulating the number of images formed by the image forming unit; an operable time acquisition unit included in the image forming apparatus acquires an operable time of the power supply device in the determined operation mode based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of images formed integrated by the integration unit; An operation limiting unit of the image forming apparatus limits the operation time of the image forming unit in the operation mode determined by the mode determining unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquiring unit. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: <8> A control program for an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image by receiving power supplied from a power supply device, a mode determination unit of the image forming apparatus to determine an operation mode of a process to be executed by the image forming unit; causing an accumulating unit of the image forming apparatus to accumulate the number of images formed by the image forming unit; an operable time acquisition unit of the image forming apparatus acquires an operable time of the power supply apparatus in the determined operation mode based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of images formed integrated by the integration unit; an operation limiting unit of the image forming apparatus limiting the operation time of the image forming unit in the operation mode determined by the mode determining unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquiring unit; A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0080] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These requirements can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined depending on the application form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Image forming device 2 Automatic document feeder 3. Image reading device 4 writing units 5 Printer unit 6 Photosensitive drum 7. Developing device 8 conveyor belt 9 Fixing device 10 Paper tray 20 Controller 21 Mode determination section 22 Integration section 22a Print Counter 22b Scan Counter 23 Motion restriction section 30 Input voltage detection section 40 Temperature detection unit 50 Engine control unit 51 Operating time acquisition unit 60 Power supply 61 Input Device 62 Output Device 63 Input / Output Devices 70 Operation section 204 Input interface section 205 Output interface section 206 Input / Output Interface Section 207 Communication Interface Unit AC alternating current power supply BUS CNTL1, CNTL2 control signals TEMP Temperature information V1, V2 DC voltage V3 AC voltage VIN Input voltage information [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0082] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-29472

Claims

1. an image forming unit that receives power supplied from a power supply device and forms an image; a mode determination unit that determines an operation mode of a process to be executed by the image forming unit; an accumulation unit that accumulates the number of images formed by the image forming unit; an operable time acquisition unit that acquires an operable time of the power supply device in the determined operation mode based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of image formations accumulated by the accumulation unit; an operation limiting unit that limits the operation time of the image forming unit in the operation mode determined by the mode determining unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquiring unit. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. When the operation time of the image forming unit in the determined operation mode exceeds the available operation time acquired by the available operation time acquisition unit, the operation limiting unit switches the operation mode of the process, causes the available operation time acquisition unit to newly acquire the available operation time in the switched operation mode, and limits the operation time of the image forming unit in the switched operation mode to the available operation time newly acquired by the available operation time acquisition unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The operation limiting unit repeats a control to newly acquire the available operation time and a control to limit the operation time of the image forming unit to the newly acquired available operation time every time the operation mode is switched until the processing is completed.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

4. a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the image forming unit; The operation time acquisition unit acquires the operation time based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit in addition to the operation mode and the number of images formed.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. an input voltage detection unit that detects the voltage of an external power supply supplied to the power supply device; The operation time acquisition unit acquires the operation time based on the voltage of the external power supply detected by the input voltage detection unit in addition to the operation mode and the number of images formed.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

6. the image forming unit has a printing unit that prints an image and a scanner unit that scans an image, the accumulating unit accumulates the number of prints by the printing unit and the number of scans by the scanning unit as the number of image formations, the operation modes include a parallel operation mode in which the print unit and the scanner unit are operated in parallel, a print operation mode in which only the print unit is operated, and a scan operation mode in which only the scanner unit is operated; When the operation time in the parallel operation mode exceeds the available operation time, the image forming unit sequentially executes one of the operation in the print operation mode and the operation in the scan operation mode.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. A control method for an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image by receiving power supplied from a power supply device, a mode determination unit included in the image forming apparatus determines an operation mode of a process to be executed by the image forming unit; an accumulating unit included in the image forming apparatus accumulating the number of images formed by the image forming unit; an operable time acquisition unit included in the image forming apparatus acquires an operable time of the power supply device in the determined operation mode based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of images formed integrated by the integration unit; An operation limiting unit of the image forming apparatus limits the operation time of the image forming unit in the operation mode determined by the mode determining unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquiring unit. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

8. A control program for an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image by receiving power supplied from a power supply device, a mode determination unit of the image forming apparatus to determine an operation mode of a process to be executed by the image forming unit; causing an accumulating unit of the image forming apparatus to accumulate the number of images formed by the image forming unit; an operable time acquisition unit of the image forming apparatus acquires an operable time of the power supply apparatus in the determined operation mode based on the operation mode determined by the mode determination unit and the number of images formed integrated by the integration unit; an operation limiting unit of the image forming apparatus limiting the operation time of the image forming unit in the operation mode determined by the mode determining unit to the operable time acquired by the operable time acquiring unit; A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

Images