Electrical equipment

Abstract

This prevents the control system from becoming overly complex during power state transitions. [Solution] An electrical device comprising: control means for controlling the electrical device; power supply means for supplying power to the control means; monitoring means for monitoring a target to be monitored; and holding means for holding state information indicating the power state of the control means. The power supply means and the monitoring means acquire the state information from the holding means. When the holding means holds first state information, the power supply means supplies power to the control means and the monitoring means stops monitoring the target to be monitored. When the holding means holds second state information, the power supply means stops supplying power to the control means and the monitoring means continues monitoring the target to be monitored.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power-saving technologies for electrical equipment.

Background Art

[0002] In order to reduce the power consumption of electrical equipment, technologies that can transition between a normal state and a power-saving state with lower power consumption than the normal state as the power state are known. In the power-saving state, for example, power consumption is reduced by not supplying power to at least a part of the configuration of the electrical equipment. Patent Document 1 discloses a first control unit including a receiving unit that receives the detection result of a sensor that detects the state of an electrical equipment, and a technology in which this first control unit acquires the detection result from a second control unit in the power-saving state is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When transitioning between the normal state and the power-saving state of the power state, it is necessary to switch between power supply and cut-off, and to switch between starting and stopping the configuration that monitors the state in the power-saving state, and the control becomes complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure provides a technology for preventing complication of control when transitioning the power state.

[0006] According to this disclosure, an electrical equipment, control means for controlling the electrical equipment, power supply means for supplying power to the control means, A monitoring means for monitoring the target of monitoring, The system comprises a holding means for holding state information indicating the power state of the control means, The power supply means and the monitoring means acquire the status information from the holding means, When the holding means holds the first state information, the power supply means supplies power to the control means, and the monitoring means stops monitoring the monitored object. If the holding means holds the second state information, the power supply means stops supplying power to the control means, and the monitoring means monitors the monitored object. An electrical device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure provides a technology that prevents the complexity of control during power state transitions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External view of a recording device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the internal mechanism of the recording device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating an example of the control unit's operation. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating an example of the control unit's operation. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of system control circuit processing. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the configuration of another control unit. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of the system power supply generation circuit of the control unit. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the control voltage, the voltage used, and the startup sequence of the corresponding power supply circuit. [Figure 10] A timing chart showing examples of the start-up and shutdown sequences for power supply circuits. [Figure 11] Block diagram of a system power generation circuit of another example. [Figure 12] Diagram showing an example of the relationship between a control voltage, the voltage to be used, the startup sequence of the corresponding power supply circuit, and a delay circuit. [Figure 13] Timing chart showing an example of the startup sequence, stop sequence, and delay time of a power supply circuit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> <Outline of an Electric Device> FIG. 1 is an external view of an electric device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electric device 1 of the present embodiment is an inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink as a liquid to perform recording on a recording medium, but the present disclosure is also applicable to various electric devices other than inkjet recording apparatuses. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates the vertical direction (direction of gravity). The X direction is the width direction (left - right direction) of the electric device 1. The Y direction is the depth direction of the electric device 1.

[0011] Note that "recording" includes not only the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also the case of forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a recording medium widely, whether intentionally or not, or performing processing on the medium, regardless of whether it is made manifest so that it can be visually perceived by humans. Also, in the present embodiment, a sheet - like paper is assumed as the "recording medium", but it may be cloth, plastic film, or the like.

[0012] The electric device 1 has an overall flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a device main body 2, a scanner unit 3, and a loading unit 7. The scanner unit 3 is provided so as to cover the upper part of the device main body 2 and constitutes the top part of the electric device 1. The scanner unit 3 can read a document and generate image data thereof. The scanner unit 3 is a movable part operable by the user and can be opened and closed. FIG. 1 shows the scanner unit 3 in an open state. When the scanner unit 3 is in the open state, the internal mechanism of the device main body 2 can be exposed to the outside to perform maintenance and the like.

[0013] The loading unit 7 is a tray on which a recording medium is loaded, and is a movable part operable by the user, and can be pulled out and attached (pushed in) in the Y direction with respect to the device main body 2. A foldable tray 9 on which a recording medium is loaded is also provided on the back side of the device main body 2.

[0014] A discharge part 8 for discharging the recorded recording medium is formed at the front part of the electric device 1. Further, an operation panel 4 for receiving a user's operation and a power key 6 are provided at the front part of the electric device 1. The operation panel 4 is a touch panel and also serves as a display part for displaying a setting screen and the like to the user. The power key 6 is a push-button type switch in the case of the present embodiment. The user can give an instruction to turn on the power and an instruction to turn off the power to the electric device 1 by operating the power key 6.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal mechanism of the electric device 1. The electric device 1 includes a discharge head 11. The discharge head 11 is a recording head that discharges ink supplied from a container 5 onto a recording medium to perform recording. The discharge head 11 has a discharge surface formed with a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink. Each nozzle is provided with, for example, an electrothermal conversion element (heater), and the electrothermal conversion element is heated by energization to foam the ink, and discharges the ink with the foaming energy.

[0016] The ejection head 11 is mounted on the carriage 10. The carriage 10 reciprocates in the X direction (main scanning direction) by the drive unit 13. The drive unit 13 comprises a drive pulley and a driven pulley arranged spaced apart in the X direction, an endless belt wound around these pulleys, and a carriage motor which is the drive source for rotating the drive pulley. The carriage 10 is connected to the endless belt, and by running the endless belt, the carriage 10 moves in the X direction. During the movement of the carriage 10, ink is ejected from the ejection head 11 onto the recording medium, thereby recording an image. This operation is sometimes called recording scanning.

[0017] Container 5 is an ink tank that holds ink as a liquid. In this embodiment, multiple containers 5 are mounted on the carriage 10. Each container 5 contains a different type of ink. The type of ink is, for example, the color of the ink.

[0018] The electrical device 1 includes a feeding unit 12 and a transport unit 14 for transporting recording media. The feeding unit 12 includes a feeding mechanism for feeding recording media from the loading section 7 or tray 9. The feeding mechanism includes, for example, a feeding roller for feeding recording media and a feeding motor which is a drive source for rotating the feeding roller. The transport unit 14 is a mechanism for transporting the recording media fed from the feeding unit 12 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction). The transport unit 14 includes a transport roller 14a and a transport motor which is a drive source for rotating the transport roller 14a. A pinch roller (not shown) is pressed against the transport roller 14a, and the recording media is held between these nip portions. The recording media is intermittently transported to the ejection head 11 by the rotation of the transport roller 14a. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating the transport operation of the recording media by the transport unit 10 and the recording scan.

[0019] Thus, the electrical device 1 of this embodiment is a serial-type inkjet recording device in which an ejection head 11 is mounted on a carriage 10 that moves back and forth. However, this embodiment can also be applied to other recording devices, such as inkjet recording devices equipped with an ejection head (recording head) of the so-called full line head, which has multiple nozzles that eject liquid in an area corresponding to the width of the recording medium.

[0020] The discharge unit 15 is located downstream of the transport unit 14 in the transport direction. The discharge unit 15 includes a discharge roller 15a extending in the X direction. The discharge roller 15a rotates due to the driving force of a drive source (not shown, for example, sharing a transport motor) and discharges the recording medium being transported from the transport unit 14 to the discharge section 8.

[0021] The maintenance unit 16 is a mechanism for maintaining and restoring the ink ejection performance of the ejection head 11. The maintenance unit 16 is located at one end of the device body 2 in the X direction. By moving the carriage 10, the ejection head 11 is moved to the maintenance unit 16, thereby maintaining and restoring the ejection performance of the ejection head 11. The maintenance unit 16 includes a cap 16a and a wiper 16b. In this embodiment, pre-ejection, suction, or wiping are possible to maintain and restore the ink ejection performance of the ejection head 11. In this embodiment, pre-ejection is the operation of ejecting ink from the ejection head 11 to the cap 16a. Suction is the operation of sucking the inside of the cap 16a with a pump (not shown) while the ejection head 11 is capped by the cap 16a. This can suck up and remove viscous material near the nozzle. Wiping is the operation of wiping the ink ejection surface of the ejection head 11 with the wiper 16b. By such suction and wiping, the ejection head 11 can be cleaned and its ejection performance can be restored.

[0022] <Control Unit> Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control unit of electrical device 1. The control unit is an electrical circuit that controls electrical device 1. The control unit includes a system power supply circuit 20 and a system control circuit 30. The system power supply circuit 20 is an IC that controls the power supply of electrical device 1. The system control circuit 30 is an IC that controls the entire electrical device 1 and controls various operations such as recording operations using the ejection head 11 and reading operations using the scanner unit 3. The system control circuit 30 is, for example, an ASIC.

[0023] The system control circuit 30 includes a CPU 31 connected via a bus, a memory unit 32, an input / output interface (I / F) 33, a communication interface (I / F) 34, an A / D converter 35, and an engine controller 36. The CPU 31 is a processor that controls the operation of each function of the electrical equipment 1 and processes data. The CPU 31 executes programs stored in the memory unit 32 to control the entire electrical equipment 1. The memory unit 32 is composed of, for example, semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM or RAM). The memory unit 32 stores various data necessary for processing, such as programs executed by the CPU 31 and data received from a host computer. The engine controller 36 includes a driver that controls the engine 40. The engine 40 includes components related to recording operations (discharge head 11, feeding unit 12, drive unit 13, and transport unit 14, discharge unit 15, maintenance unit 16, various sensors, scanner unit 3, etc.).

[0024] The input / output interface 33 includes input and output ports for communication with the power control circuit 22 of the system power supply circuit 20, as well as input ports for receiving signals from sensors 41 and 42. The communication interface 34 communicates with a host computer (not shown). The host computer is, for example, a personal computer or mobile device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) used by the user.

[0025] Sensor 41 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the discharge head 11. Sensor 41 is, for example, an NTC thermistor. Sensor 41 is installed, for example, on the carriage 10. The A / D converter 35 converts the analog signal (VS3), which is the detection result of sensor 41, into a digital signal.

[0026] Sensor 42 is a tray sensor that detects the position (drawn out or installed) of the loading section 7. In this embodiment, sensor 42 is, for example, a leaf switch. It is installed so that the open / closed state of the switch changes depending on the attachment / detachment state of the loading section 7. Power is supplied to sensor 42 from voltage V1 via resistor 53. When the switch is open, voltage VS1, which is the same voltage as voltage V1, is input to the acquisition circuit 26 and buffer 54 of the system power supply circuit 20. When the switch is closed, 0V is input to the acquisition circuit 26 and buffer 54.

[0027] The power supply unit (PSU) 19 converts the commercial AC voltage to the DC voltage used by the electrical equipment 1 when the plug 19a is inserted into the outlet, and outputs it to the internal power generation circuit 21 of the system power supply circuit 20.

[0028] The system power supply circuit 20 includes an internal power generation circuit 21, a power control circuit 22, a system power generation circuit 23, and a monitoring circuit 24. The internal power generation circuit 21 generates an internal power supply voltage V1 using a voltage from a power supply unit (PSU) 19 as input. Voltage V1 is supplied to each component of the system power supply circuit 23, such as the power control circuit 22, the system power generation circuit 23, and the monitoring circuit 24. Voltage V1 is also supplied to the sensor 41 via a resistor 52 and a multiplexer 55. Similarly, voltage V1 is supplied to the sensor 42 via a resistor 53.

[0029] The power control circuit 22 is a circuit that controls the entire system power circuit 20, and is, for example, a logic circuit. The power control circuit 22 communicates with the system control circuit 30 and operates based on commands from the system control circuit 30. The power control circuit 22 can input and output data to and from the system power generation circuit 23 and the monitoring circuit 24 via the bus 20a. A power key 6 is also connected to the power control circuit 22, and it can detect user operations on the power key 6.

[0030] The system power generation circuit 23 generates voltage V2, which is the power supply voltage for the system control circuit 30, based on the settings from the power control circuit 22. In this embodiment, voltages V1 and V2 are equal. Voltage V2 is supplied to the sensor 41 via the resistor 51 and the multiplexer 55. Voltage V2 is also supplied to the buffer 54.

[0031] In this embodiment, the power state of the system control circuit 30 can be selected from an ON state and an OFF state. The ON state is the normal power state in which the system power generation circuit 23 generates voltage V2, which is supplied to the system control circuit 30. The OFF state is a power-saving state in which the system power generation circuit 23 stops generating voltage V2, and no power voltage is supplied to the system control circuit 30. Even in the OFF state, as long as plug 19a is plugged into the outlet, the internal power generation circuit 21 constantly generates voltage V1, so the system power circuit 20 operates.

[0032] The monitoring circuit 24 is a circuit that monitors the object to be monitored. In this embodiment, the monitoring circuit 24 includes a timer circuit 25, acquisition circuits 26 and 27. The timer circuit 25 monitors the elapsed time in the off state. The timer circuit 25 internally generates a low-period clock signal with a specific period (e.g., 50ms) from a clock signal (not shown). It then measures the elapsed time by counting this low-period clock. For counting the low-period clock, the timer circuit 25 is equipped with, for example, a 28-bit counter. In this case, it can record an elapsed time of up to approximately 155 days. When the counter reaches its maximum value, it holds the maximum value as the count value. The power control circuit 22 acquires the count value of the timer circuit 25 via bus 20a and can also instruct the timer circuit 25 to zero out the count value.

[0033] The acquisition circuit 26 monitors the state of the sensor 42 in the off state and acquires the detection result. In other words, the acquisition circuit 26 monitors the position of the loading section 7. The acquisition circuit 26 is, for example, a latch circuit and has a memory that stores whether or not there has been a change in the voltage level of voltage VS1 in the off state. The initial value of the information stored in the memory is 0. When the voltage level of voltage VS1 changes, the information stored in the memory is set to 1. This 1 indicates that the loading section 7 has been pulled out. The power control circuit 22 acquires the information stored in the memory of the acquisition circuit 26 via the bus 20a and can also reset the information stored in the memory to 0.

[0034] When the system is ON, the system control circuit 30 acquires the detection result from the sensor 42 via the buffer 54. The buffer 54 is a tristate buffer and outputs three states to the system control circuit 30 depending on the state of voltage VS1 and the voltage generated by the system power generation circuit 23. First, when the voltage generated by the system power generation circuit 23 is 0V, the output of the buffer 54 is high impedance. Also, when the voltage generated by the system power generation circuit 23 is V2, the output voltage VS2 of the buffer 54 has the same logic as voltage VS1. By providing this buffer 54, the sensor circuit, such as the sensor 42 operating at voltage V1, and the system control circuit 30 operating at voltage V2 are electrically isolated.

[0035] The acquisition circuit 27 monitors the state of the sensor 41 when it is off and acquires the detection result. In other words, the acquisition circuit 27 monitors the temperature of the discharge head 11. The acquisition circuit 27 includes an A / D converter 27a that converts the analog signal (VS2), which is the detection result of the sensor 41, into a digital signal. The acquisition circuit 27 also includes a memory for storing the conversion result of the A / D converter 27a and a timer for timing the update cycle of the detection result. The acquisition circuit 27 periodically acquires the detection result of the sensor 41 using the timer and stores the A / D converted value in the memory.

[0036] To give an example of the operation of the acquisition circuit 27, the acquisition circuit 27 first waits for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) to elapse according to its timer. Next, the A / D converter 27a converts the VS2 voltage into a digital value. Then, it performs a predetermined calculation and stores the resulting digital temperature information. Next, the timer is reset to 0 and timing begins. The above process is repeated. The power control circuit 22 can acquire the temperature information stored in the memory of the acquisition circuit 27 via the bus 20a, and can also clear the temperature information stored in the memory.

[0037] In the ON state, the system control circuit 30 performs A / D conversion on the detection result of the sensor 41 using the A / D converter 35 and monitors the temperature of the discharge head 11. In the OFF state, in this embodiment, a multiplexer 55 is used to avoid applying the voltage of the sensor 41 to the A / D converter 35 of the system control circuit 30.

[0038] The multiplexer 55 is a switch that switches the current supplied to the sensor 41 based on a command signal from the system control circuit 30. When the multiplexer 55 is ON, it applies a voltage V2 supplied from the system power generation circuit 23 to the sensor 41 and supplies a current to the sensor 41 via the resistor 51. In this case, the voltage VS3 generated at the sensor 41 is input to the A / D converter 35 of the system control circuit 30.

[0039] In the off state, no voltage is supplied from the system power generation circuit 23, and the command signal to the multiplexer 55 is 0V. The multiplexer 55 applies the voltage V1 supplied from the internal power generation circuit 21 to the sensor 41 and allows the current supplied through the resistor 52 to flow through the sensor 41. In this case, the voltage VS2 generated at the sensor 41 is input to the A / D converter 27a of the acquisition circuit 27.

[0040] In this way, by using the multiplexer 55, the acquisition circuit 27 operating at voltage V1 and the system control circuit 30 operating at voltage V2 are electrically isolated.

[0041] The holding circuit 28 is a circuit that holds state information indicating the power state of the system control circuit 30 and outputs the held state information to the bus 20b. The holding circuit 28 is, for example, a latch circuit having 1 bit of memory and holds 0 or 1 as state information. 0 is ON information indicating the ON state, and 1 is OFF information indicating the OFF state. The state information can be set (written) by the power control circuit 22. The system power generation circuit 23 and the monitoring circuit 24 can acquire the state information via the bus 20b.

[0042] If the status information is 1, the system power generation circuit 23 stops generating voltage V2. Each component of the monitoring circuit 24 starts monitoring. Specifically, the timer circuit 25 starts measuring the elapsed time. The acquisition circuit 26 starts monitoring the detection results of sensor 42. The acquisition circuit 27 starts monitoring the detection results of sensor 41.

[0043] If the status information is 0, the system power generation circuit 23 starts generating voltage V2. Each component of the monitoring circuit 24 stops monitoring. Specifically, the timer circuit 25 stops measuring elapsed time. The acquisition circuit 26 stops monitoring the detection results of sensor 42. The acquisition circuit 27 stops monitoring the detection results of sensor 41.

[0044] In this embodiment, the operation of the system power generation circuit 23 and the monitoring circuit 24 can be controlled substantially simultaneously and exclusively with respect to the start and stop of operation by updating the state information of the holding circuit 28. Compared to a method in which operation commands are output individually to the system power generation circuit 23 and the monitoring circuit 24 by a microcontroller or the like, this prevents the control from becoming more complex when transitioning between power states.

[0045] <Example of operation> The operation of the system power supply circuit 20 and the system control circuit 30 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows an example of operation when the power state of the system control circuit 30 transitions from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0046] When the system control circuit 30 transitions from the ON state to the OFF state, it executes a stop process (S1). The conditions for transitioning from the ON state to the OFF state include, for example, the power control circuit 22 notifying that a user has performed a power-off operation using the power key 6. Other transition conditions include the absence of a recording instruction from the host computer and the waiting time reaching a specified time. In the stop process (S1), the system control circuit 30 executes processes related to power-off and also outputs an OFF instruction to the power control circuit 22.

[0047] Upon receiving the OFF instruction, the power control circuit 22 writes OFF information (1) to the holding circuit 28 (S2). The holding circuit 28 outputs "1" as OFF information to the bus 20b. The output OFF information is input to circuits 25-27 of the system power generation circuit 23 and the monitoring circuit 24.

[0048] Upon acquiring the OFF information, the system power generation circuit 23 stops generating voltage V2, thereby stopping the supply of voltage V2 to the system control circuit 30 (S4). The system control circuit 30 enters the OFF state (S6). Circuits 25-27 of the monitoring circuit 24 begin monitoring their respective monitored targets (S5).

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of operation when the power state of the system control circuit 30 transitions from the off state to the on state. The user's ON instruction (key press) for the power key 6 is detected by the power control circuit 22 (S11). The power control circuit 22 writes ON information (0) to the holding circuit 28 (S12). The holding circuit 28 outputs "0" as ON information to the bus 20b (S13). The output ON information is input to circuits 25-27 of the system power generation circuit 23 and the monitoring circuit 24.

[0050] Upon acquiring the ON information, the system power generation circuit 23 begins generating voltage V2, thereby initiating the supply of voltage V2 to the system control circuit 30 (S14). The system control circuit 30 enters the ON state and the startup process is executed (S16). Circuits 25-27 of the monitoring circuit 24 stop monitoring their respective monitored targets (S15).

[0051] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the CPU 31 of the system control circuit 30, and is an example of the startup process S16 in Figure 5. In S141, predetermined initial processing is performed. In S242, the monitoring results of the monitoring circuit 24 in the off state are acquired.

[0052] Specifically, the system control circuit 30 outputs a request to the power control circuit 22 to acquire monitoring results. The power control circuit 22 acquires the monitoring results held in the timer circuit 25, acquisition circuits 26 and 27 from each of these circuits via the bus 20a, and transmits the acquired monitoring results to the system control circuit 30. The power control circuit 22 also resets or clears the monitoring results held in the timer circuit 25, acquisition circuits 26 and 27. Through this procedure, the system control circuit 30 can acquire the monitoring results of the monitoring circuit 24 when it is off.

[0053] In S243, based on the monitoring results of the acquisition circuit 26 obtained in S242, it is determined whether or not a change in the position of the loading unit 7 was detected while the unit was off. If a change in position was detected, the size or type of the recording medium may have been changed, so a setting process is executed in S244. In this setting process, for example, the recording medium setting screen is displayed on the operation panel 4, and the user is asked to input the size and type of the recording medium set in the loading unit 7. The input information is stored in the storage unit 32, and the stored information is used to control the recording operation. If no change in the position of the loading unit 7 was detected while the unit was off, the process proceeds to S245.

[0054] In S245, based on the monitoring results from the timer circuit 25 and acquisition circuit 27 obtained in S242, it is determined whether or not cleaning of the ejection head 11 is necessary. In this determination, if the duration of the off state measured by the timer circuit 25 is greater than or equal to a threshold time, it is determined that cleaning of the ejection head 11 is necessary. This is because prolonged inactivity may cause changes in the physical properties of the ink near the nozzle, potentially leading to a decrease in recording quality.

[0055] Furthermore, if the temperature difference of the ejection head 11 at the start and end of the off state exceeds a threshold, it is determined that cleaning of the ejection head 11 is necessary. This is because rapid temperature changes may cause changes in the physical properties of the ink near the nozzle, potentially leading to a decrease in recording quality. The temperature of the ejection head 11 at the start of the off state is determined using temperature information stored in the storage unit 32. This temperature information is stored in the storage unit 32 after the detection result from the sensor 41 is converted into a digital value by the A / D converter 35 when the system control circuit 30 executes the stop process in S1 of Figure 4. The temperature of the ejection head 11 at the start of the off state is determined using the detection result obtained from the acquisition circuit 27 in S242.

[0056] If cleaning of the ejection head 11 is determined to be necessary in S245, a cleaning reservation is set in S246. The reservation is managed, for example, using a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 32. If a reservation is set, the maintenance unit 16 performs a performance recovery operation of the ejection head 11 immediately before the next recording operation. After the necessary reservation is set, or if cleaning of the ejection head 11 is determined to be unnecessary in S245, the process proceeds to S247. In S247, the startup process is completed, and normal processing begins, making recording possible.

[0057] <Second Embodiment> Depending on the configuration of the electrical device 1, the system control circuit 30 may require multiple types of voltages. Therefore, the system power generation circuit 23 may be configured to supply multiple types of voltages as the power supply voltage V2 for the system control circuit 30. In such cases, the required types of voltages may differ depending on the system control circuit 30, and it is advantageous if these can be selected. Furthermore, it may be required that the supply order of each voltage during startup and the supply / stop order during shutdown be in a predetermined sequence. This embodiment describes a configuration example that can accommodate such requirements.

[0058] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the control unit in this embodiment. The configuration differs from the control unit of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0059] The voltage divider circuit 70 includes resistors 71 and 72 connected in series and divides the voltage V1 to generate a control voltage Vx. The control voltage Vx, which is an analog voltage, is converted by the A / D converter 29 into a control signal Dx, which is, for example, 5 bits of digital information. The control signal Dx is input via the signal line 20c to a system power generation circuit 23A, which replaces the system power generation circuit 23.

[0060] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the system power generation circuit 23A. The system power generation circuit 23A comprises a control circuit 230 and a plurality of power supply circuits 231 to 234. Power supply circuits 231 to 234 generate voltages V21 to V24, which are different voltages from each other. The control circuit 230 controls the starting and stopping of power supply circuits 231 to 234. When the state information on bus 20b is 0, the control circuit 230 generates the corresponding voltage from the power supply circuit 231 to 234 to be used, and when the state information is 1, it stops power supply circuits 231 to 234. In addition, the control circuit 230 controls which power supply circuit 231 to 234 to be used and the order in which they are started and stopped, according to the input control signal Dx (i.e., the voltage of the control voltage Vx).

[0061] Figure 9 shows an example of the relationship between the control voltage Vx and the starting sequence of the voltages V21-V24 and corresponding power supply circuits 231-234 used. In this example, six different control voltages Vx from 0 to V1 can be selected by rearranging resistors 71 and 72. The numbers in the figure indicate the sequence numbers for the starting and stopping sequences. Starting is performed from the power supply circuits with lower sequence numbers to the power supply circuits with higher sequence numbers. Stopping is performed from the power supply circuits with higher sequence numbers to the power supply circuits with lower sequence numbers. 0 indicates not being used (not starting).

[0062] For example, if the control voltage Vx is V1, all power supply circuits 231 to 234 will be used. During startup, each power supply circuit is started in the following order: power supply circuit 231 which outputs voltage V21 → power supply circuit 232 which outputs voltage V22 → power supply circuit 233 which outputs voltage V23 → power supply circuit 234 which outputs voltage V24. During shutdown, each power supply circuit is stopped in the following order: power supply circuit 234 which outputs voltage V24 → power supply circuit 233 which outputs voltage V23 → power supply circuit 232 which outputs voltage V22 → power supply circuit 231 which outputs voltage V21.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, if the control voltage Vx is V1 × 0.4, two power supply circuits, 231 and 234, are used. During startup, each power supply circuit is started in the order of power supply circuit 234 outputting voltage V24 → power supply circuit 231 outputting voltage V21. Power supply circuits 232 and 233 are not started. During shutdown, each power supply circuit is stopped in the order of power supply circuit 231 outputting voltage V21 → power supply circuit 234 outputting voltage V24.

[0064] Figure 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the sequence in which power supply circuits 231 to 234 start or stop in response to changes in state information when the control voltage Vx is V1. This example illustrates the case where the power supply unit 19 starts up when plug 19a is plugged into the outlet, entering the ON state (state information = 0), then the OFF state (state information = 1), and then the ON state (state information = 0).

[0065] First, when plug 19a is plugged into the outlet, the internal power supply voltage V1 is generated in the internal power supply generation circuit 21. This voltage V1 is supplied to the voltage divider circuit 70, which generates a control voltage Vx (time T1). For example, if resistor 71 of the voltage divider circuit 70 is set to 0Ω and resistor 72 is left open, the control voltage Vx = V1. The control voltage Vx is converted into a control signal Dx and input to the system power supply generation circuit 23.

[0066] Next, since the state information is 0, following the sequence illustrated in Figure 9, the power supply circuit 231 that generates voltage V21 is started first, and voltage V21 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T2). Next, the power supply circuit 232 that generates voltage V22 is started, and voltage V22 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T3). Next, the power supply circuit 233 that generates voltage V23 is started, and voltage V23 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T4). Finally, the power supply circuit 234 that generates voltage V24 is started, and voltage V24 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T5).

[0067] Next, when the state information changes to 1, according to the sequence illustrated in Figure 9, the power supply circuit 234 that generates voltage V24 stops first, and the supply of voltage V24 to the system control circuit 30 stops (time T6). Next, the power supply circuit 233 that generates voltage V23 stops, and the supply of voltage V23 to the system control circuit 30 stops (time T7). Next, the power supply circuit 232 that generates voltage V22 stops, and the supply of voltage V22 to the system control circuit 30 stops (time T8). Finally, the power supply circuit 231 that generates voltage V21 stops, and the supply of voltage V21 to the system control circuit 30 stops (time T9).

[0068] Next, when the state information changes to 0 again, according to the sequence illustrated in Figure 9, the power supply circuit 231 that generates voltage V21 is activated first, and voltage V21 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T10). Next, the power supply circuit 232 that generates voltage V22 is activated, and voltage V22 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T11). Next, the power supply circuit 233 that generates voltage V23 is activated, and voltage V23 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T12). Finally, the power supply circuit 234 that generates voltage V24 is activated, and voltage V24 is supplied to the system control circuit 30 (time T13).

[0069] Subsequently, power supply circuits 231-234 are started and stopped according to the changes in state information and the sequence in Figure 9. By changing the configuration of the voltage divider circuit 70, the power supply circuits used and the order of their start and stop operations among power supply circuits 231-234 are changed according to the sequence in Figure 9. Therefore, by preparing the voltage divider circuit 70 individually, the control unit can be shared among multiple types of models.

[0070] <Third Embodiment> Depending on the configuration of electrical equipment 1, the system control circuit 30 may specify the total time required to shut down all supplied power sources. In addition to the shutdown order of each power source, there may also be specifications for voltage values. In other words, during the shutdown process, the voltage value of the next power source to be shut down must be maintained above a certain value until the voltage of the power source to be shut down first drops below a certain value.

[0071] This embodiment realizes a highly flexible power-off sequence that enables such adjustments. Figure 11 is a block diagram of the system power generation circuit 23B in this embodiment, which replaces the system power generation circuit 23A of the second embodiment shown in Figure 8. The configuration of the system power generation circuit 23B, which differs from that of the system power generation circuit 23A, will be described below.

[0072] The control circuit 230A has delay circuits 1101 to 1103. Delay circuit 1101 controls the delay time from the start of shutdown of the first power supply circuit to be shut down to the start of shutdown of the second power supply circuit to be shut down in the shutdown sequence of power supply circuits 231 to 234. Similarly, delay circuit 1102 controls the delay time from the start of shutdown of the second power supply circuit to the start of shutdown of the third power supply circuit. Similarly, delay circuit 1103 controls the delay time from the start of shutdown of the third power supply circuit to the start of shutdown of the fourth power supply circuit.

[0073] Figure 12 shows an example of the relationship between the control voltage Vx, the voltages V21-V24 used, the startup sequence of the corresponding power supply circuits 231-234, and the delay circuits 1101-1103. When the delay circuit used is delay circuit 1101, it is indicated as (1101). The shutdown sequence is the same as in the example in Figure 9.

[0074] For example, if the control voltage Vx is V1 * 1.0, the stopping order is power supply circuit 234 outputting voltage V24 → power supply circuit 233 outputting voltage V23 → power supply circuit 232 outputting voltage V22 → power supply circuit 231 outputting voltage V21. The stopping interval for power supply circuits 231 to 234 is determined by the delay time set by delay circuit 1101 from power supply circuit 234 (voltage V24) to power supply circuit 233 (voltage V23). From power supply circuit 233 (voltage V23) to power supply circuit 232 (voltage V22), the delay time set by delay circuit 1102 is applied. From power supply circuit 232 (voltage V22) to power supply circuit 231 (voltage V21), the delay time set by delay circuit 1103 is applied.

[0075] Figure 13 is a timing chart showing an example of the sequence in which power supply circuits 231 to 234 start or stop in response to changes in state information, when the control voltage Vx is V1. The sequence from time T1 to T6 is the same as in the example in Figure 10.

[0076] At time T6, the state information changed from 0 to 1, so the system power generation circuit 23B executes a power shutdown sequence. First, the output of power circuit 234 (voltage V24) is shut off at time T6. Next, the output of power circuit 233 (voltage V23) is shut off after the delay time determined by delay circuit 1101 has elapsed. Next, the output of power circuit 232 (voltage V22) is shut off after the delay time determined by delay circuit 1102 has elapsed. Finally, the output of power circuit 231 (voltage V21) is shut off after the delay time determined by delay circuit 1103 has elapsed.

[0077] The above control makes it possible to realize a stop sequence that conforms to the requirements of the system control circuit 30. For example, it can handle cases where the time from when the output of voltage V24 is stopped (time T6) until the voltage of power supply circuit 321 (voltage V21) becomes sufficiently low (hereinafter referred to as the power stop sequence time) must be kept within a certain time, for example, 100ms (hereinafter referred to as the time condition). It can also handle cases where the output of power supply circuit 322 (voltage V22) must be stopped after the voltage of power supply circuit 323 (voltage V23) has fallen below a certain value (hereinafter referred to as the voltage condition). Furthermore, it can handle cases where the time required for the voltage of power supply circuit 323 (voltage V23) to fall below the aforementioned certain value exceeds a certain ratio compared to the power stop sequence time, for example, when the output of power supply circuit 322 (voltage V22) must be stopped after 80ms (voltage condition). Furthermore, if there are no other time constraints, a stop sequence that satisfies the aforementioned time and voltage conditions can be achieved by setting T7 to T8 to 80ms, and T6 to T7 and T8 to T9 to 100us.

[0078] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, elapsed time, positional changes of the loading section 7, and temperature of the discharge head 11 were given as examples of monitoring targets in the off state, but the monitoring targets are not limited to these. For example, the opening and closing of the scanner unit 3 may be monitored. When the scanner unit 3 is opened or closed, the container 5 may be replaced. Also, the number of types of monitoring targets is not limited to three; there may be one or four or more.

[0079] In the above embodiment, an inkjet recording device was used as an example of electrical equipment, but the above embodiment is applicable to other electrical equipment as well. For example, when applied to an air purifier, a sensor may be provided on the cover that holds the filter, and the detection result may be monitored in the off state. If it is detected that the cover has been opened in the off state, a message may be sent to the user when transitioning to the soft-on state to confirm whether the filter has been replaced.

[0080] Furthermore, this disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0081] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose the inventions of the following items.

[0082] Item.1 Electrical equipment (1), Control means (30) for controlling the electrical equipment, A power supply means (23) that supplies power to the control means (30), A monitoring means (24) for monitoring the target of monitoring, The system includes a holding means (28) for holding state information indicating the power state of the control means, The power supply means (23) and the monitoring means (24) acquire the status information from the holding means (28), When the holding means (28) holds the first state information, the power supply means (23) supplies power to the control means (30), and the monitoring means (24) stops monitoring the monitored object. When the holding means (28) holds the second state information, the power supply means (23) stops supplying power to the control means, and the monitoring means (24) monitors the monitored object. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0083] Item.2 Electrical equipment as described in item 1, The system includes a power control means (22) for setting the state information to be held by the holding means, The power control means (22) is, Based on the power off instruction from the control means (30), the state information is set to the second state information. Based on a power-on command from the user, the status information is set to the first status information. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0084] Item.3 Electrical equipment as described in item 1 or item 2, When the power supply means (23) starts supplying power, the control means (30) acquires the monitoring result from the monitoring means (24) (S242) and performs processing (S243-S246) based on the acquired monitoring result. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0085] Item.4 Electrical equipment as described in any one of items 1 through 3, The monitoring means (24) is The aforementioned monitoring target includes a timer (25) that measures the elapsed time, An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0086] Item.5 Electrical equipment as described in any one of items 1 through 4, The monitoring means (24) is This includes acquisition means (26, 27) for acquiring detection results from sensors (41, 42) provided on the electrical equipment as the object to be monitored, An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0087] Item.6 Electrical equipment as described in item 5, The control means (30) includes a first conversion unit (35) that performs A / D conversion on the detection result of the sensor (41), The acquisition means (27) includes a second conversion unit (27a) that performs A / D conversion on the detection result of the sensor (41). An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0088] Item.7 Electrical equipment as described in item 1, The aforementioned electrical device is a recording device equipped with an ejection means (11) that ejects liquid onto a recording medium for recording. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0089] Item.8 Electrical equipment as described in item 7, The monitoring means (24) is The aforementioned monitoring target includes an acquisition means (27) that acquires the detection result of a temperature sensor (41) that detects the temperature of the discharge means (11), An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0090] Item.9 Electrical equipment as described in item 7 or item 8, The recording device comprises a main body (2) and a loading section (7) that is retractable from the main body (2) and on which the recording medium is loaded. The aforementioned monitoring step (24) is, The aforementioned monitoring target includes an acquisition means (26) for acquiring the detection result of a sensor (42) that detects the pulling out of the loading section (7), An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0091] Item.10 Electrical equipment as described in any one of items 1 through 9, The power supply means (23A) comprises a plurality of power supply circuits (231-234) with different supply voltages to the control means. When starting to supply power to the control means (30), the power supply means (23A) controls the power supply circuit to be used and the startup order for the plurality of power supply circuits (231-234) based on the control signal (Dx) input to the power supply means (23A). An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0092] Item.11 Electrical equipment as described in item 10, When stopping the power supply to the control means (30), the power supply means (23A) stops each power supply circuit (231-234) in the reverse order of startup. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0093] Item 12. Electrical equipment as described in item 10 or item 11, Voltage divider circuit (70), The system includes a conversion unit (29) that performs A / D conversion on the control voltage (Vx) generated by the voltage divider circuit (70) and inputs it as a control signal (Dx) to the power supply means (23A), An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0094] Item 13. Electrical equipment as described in item 11, The power supply means is capable of controlling the delay time from the start of shutdown of one power supply circuit to the start of shutdown of the next power supply circuit. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

[0095] The technical ideas derived from this disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed, but are intended to encompass various modifications of the exemplary embodiments, or substitutions with equivalent structures or functions. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest way to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Electrical equipment, 20 System power supply circuit, 23 System power generation circuit, 24 Monitoring circuit, 28 Holding circuit, 30 System control circuit

Claims

1. Electrical equipment, Control means for controlling the aforementioned electrical equipment, A power supply means that supplies power to the control means, A monitoring means for monitoring the target of monitoring, The system comprises a holding means for holding state information indicating the power state of the control means, The power supply means and the monitoring means acquire the status information from the holding means, When the holding means holds the first state information, the power supply means supplies power to the control means, and the monitoring means stops monitoring the monitored object. If the holding means holds the second state information, the power supply means stops supplying power to the control means, and the monitoring means monitors the monitored object. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

2. An electrical device according to claim 1, The system includes a power control means for setting the state information to be held by the holding means, The power control means is Based on the power off instruction from the control means, the state information is set to the second state information. Based on a power-on command from the user, the status information is set to the first status information. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

3. An electrical device according to claim 1, When the power supply means starts supplying power, the control means acquires the monitoring result from the monitoring means and performs processing based on the acquired monitoring result. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

4. An electrical device according to claim 1, The monitoring means is The aforementioned monitoring target includes a timer that measures elapsed time, An electrical device characterized by the following features.

5. An electrical device according to claim 1, The monitoring means is The means includes means for acquiring detection results from sensors provided on the electrical equipment as the object to be monitored, An electrical device characterized by the following features.

6. The electrical equipment according to claim 5, The control means includes a first conversion unit that performs A / D conversion on the detection result of the sensor, The acquisition means includes a second conversion unit that performs A / D conversion on the detection result of the sensor. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

7. An electrical device according to claim 1, The aforementioned electrical device is a recording device equipped with an ejection means for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium for recording purposes. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

8. The electrical equipment according to claim 7, The monitoring means is The monitoring target includes an acquisition means for acquiring the detection result of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the discharge means, An electrical device characterized by the following features.

9. The electrical equipment according to claim 7, The recording device comprises a main body and a loading section that is retractable from the main body and on which the recording medium is loaded. The monitoring means is The monitoring target includes an acquisition means for acquiring the detection result of a sensor that detects the pulling out of the loading section, An electrical device characterized by the following features.

10. An electrical device according to claim 1, The power supply means comprises a plurality of power supply circuits with different supply voltages to the control means, When initiating the supply of power to the control means, the power supply means controls the power supply circuits to be used and the startup order for the plurality of power supply circuits based on the control signals input to the power supply means. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

11. An electrical device according to claim 10, When stopping the power supply to the control means, the power supply means shuts down each power supply circuit in the reverse order of startup. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

12. An electrical device according to claim 10, A voltage divider circuit, The system includes a conversion unit that performs A / D conversion on the control voltage generated by the voltage divider circuit and inputs it as a control signal to the power supply means. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

13. An electrical device according to claim 11, The power supply means is capable of controlling the delay time from the start of shutdown of one power supply circuit to the start of shutdown of the next power supply circuit. An electrical device characterized by the following features.

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