Electrical equipment
The electrical device addresses AC power compromise by DC power through detection, shut-off, and notification, maintaining operable elements and preventing damage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHARP KK
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure 0007894276000001 
Figure 0007894276000002 
Figure 0007894276000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical device, and particularly to an electrical device that uses AC power as the power supply.
Background Art
[0002] As an example of this type of electrical device, there is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a toner image is formed on an image recording medium such as paper, and heat is applied to the toner image so that the toner image is fixed to the image recording medium. Therefore, a fixing device having a heater is provided. Depending on the fixing device, there is a configuration in which AC power as the power supply is directly input to the heater (especially without being converted into DC power). In this configuration, on / off means for turning on / off the input of AC power to the heater is provided.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a triac and a relay as on / off means are provided in series to the heater of a fixing device (heat fuser). According to this configuration, the heating temperature of the heater is controlled by appropriately turning on / off the triac. And when the temperature of the heater abnormally rises, the relay is turned off to prevent abnormal overheating of the heater.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] Incidentally, AC power, used as a power source, is generally obtained from commercial power sources, but it can also be obtained from solar power generation systems. However, if the power source is obtained from a solar power generation system employing a transformerless power conditioner, DC power may appear in the power source if the power conditioner malfunctions. This can cause problems for electrical equipment that uses AC power as its power source. For example, in the configuration disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the triac may not be turned off, resulting in AC power being continuously input to the heater, which could cause the heater to overheat. In addition, the relay contacts may weld together due to arc discharge, preventing the relay from being turned off, and as a result, it may become impossible to prevent the heater from overheating.
[0006] On the other hand, there are instances where components can operate normally even if the power supply includes DC power—in other words, operational components. For such operational components, maintaining the power supply, that is, ensuring their continued operation, is beneficial from the perspective of ensuring the overall operability (operability) of the electrical equipment.
[0007] However, it is undesirable to leave a kind of abnormal situation, such as DC power being included in the power supply, unaddressed. It is desirable that users be notified when such an abnormal situation occurs.
[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a novel electrical device that ensures the overall operability of the electrical device by allowing operable elements that can operate normally to continue to operate while avoiding the inconvenience caused by the inclusion of DC power in the power supply, and further prevents the abnormal condition of the power supply containing DC power from being left unattended by informing the user that the power supply contains DC power. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] To achieve this objective, this disclosure provides an electrical device that uses AC power as its power source, comprising a detection means, a shut-off means, and an information output means. The detection means detects whether DC power is included in the power source. When the detection means detects that DC power is included in the power source, the shut-off means shuts off the supply of said power source to at least specific elements. Specific elements are elements for which the inclusion of DC power in the power source is undesirable. The information output means outputs predetermined information when the detection means detects that DC power is included in the power source. This predetermined information is information related to the inclusion of DC power in the power source. Subsequently, the direct or indirect supply of power to the operable elements, or more precisely, to some or all of the operable elements, is maintained. Here, operable elements are elements that can operate normally even if DC power is included in the power source. The indirect supply of power refers, for example, to the power source, which is AC power, being converted to DC power before being supplied. The information output means is included in the operable element, and more precisely, in the operable element that maintains a direct or indirect supply of power. In addition, the specified information referred to here includes content indicating that undesirable DC power has been mixed into the power supply, as well as content urging the unplugging of other electrical devices.
[0010] Furthermore, this disclosure oh The specific elements include, for example, a heater.
[0011] Furthermore, the electrical equipment relating to this disclosure may be an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device having a heater as a specific element.
[0012] In this case, image reading means and image output means may be further provided. The image reading means reads an image of the original document. The image output means then outputs an image based on the image read by the image reading means in an electronic manner. These image reading means and image output means are also included in the operable element, and more precisely, in the operable element that maintains a direct or indirect supply of power.
[0013] The information output means in this disclosure outputs, for example, predetermined information in a visual form.
[0014] In addition, the information output means in the present disclosure may output predetermined information in an auditory mode. Furthermore, predetermined information in electronic form may be output.
[0015] Furthermore, in the present disclosure If the electrical device in question is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, it may have multiple functions, including functions that involve performing electrophotographic image forming processing and functions that do not involve performing such image forming processing. The specified information may also include content indicating that the functions involving electrophotographic image forming processing cannot be used, but the functions that do not involve performing such image forming processing can be used.
Advantages of the Invention
[0016] According to the present disclosure, when the power supply power includes DC power, for operable elements that can operate normally while avoiding the inconveniences caused by this, by continuing to make them operable, the operability of the entire electrical device is ensured. Furthermore, by notifying the user that the power supply power includes DC power, it is possible to prevent the abnormal state where the power supply power includes DC power from being left unattended.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the multifunction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial electrical circuit diagram of the multifunction device according to the first embodiment including a cutoff mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the state of the cutoff mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing another state of the cutoff mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cutoff mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an error message in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a warning output task in the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an error message in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing yet another example of an error message in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing yet another example of an error message in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of an error message in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of a multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of a warning output task in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of a warning output task in the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of a warning output task in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a cutoff mechanism in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing another state of the configuration of the cutoff mechanism in the fifth embodiment.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0018] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described by taking the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example.
[0019] The multifunction device 10 according to this first embodiment is a type of image forming apparatus and has multiple functions such as a copy function, an image scanner function, a printer function, and a fax function. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the multifunction device 10 as it is installed in a ready-to-use state, showing the front, top, and left side. That is, the vertical direction in Figure 1 corresponds to the vertical direction of the multifunction device 10. The diagonal lower left in Figure 1 corresponds to the front of the multifunction device 10, and the diagonal upper right in Figure 1 corresponds to the rear of the multifunction device 10. The diagonal upper left in Figure 1 corresponds to the left side of the multifunction device 10, and the diagonal lower right in Figure 1 corresponds to the right side of the multifunction device 10. Figure 2 is a front view of the multifunction device 10.
[0020] An image reading unit 12 is provided at the top of the main body of the multifunction printer 10 as an image reading means. This image reading unit 12 is responsible for image reading processing, which reads the image of a document (not shown) and outputs two-dimensional read image data corresponding to the image of the document. For this reason, the image reading unit 12 has a document tray (not shown) on which the document is placed. This document tray is formed of a transparent material such as glass in a roughly rectangular flat plate shape, and is provided with both main surfaces aligned horizontally. The upper surface of the two main surfaces of this document tray is the surface on which the document is placed. Below the document tray, there is an image reading unit (not shown) having a light source, mirror, lens, line sensor, etc., and appropriate elements including a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving (scanning) the image reading position (not shown) by the image reading unit along the lower surface of the document tray. That is, with the document placed on the document tray, the image reading position by the image reading unit is moved by the drive mechanism, and the image of the document is read, and read using a so-called fixed reading method. In addition, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 14, which also serves as a document holder cover for holding down documents placed on the document tray, is provided above the document tray.
[0021] The automatic document feeder 14 is designed to be able to transition between a state in which the upper surface of the document tray (document placement surface) is exposed to the outside (open state) and a state in which the upper surface of the document tray is covered (closed state). For this reason, the automatic document feeder 14 is connected to the main body (housing) of the multifunction printer 10 via a suitable pivot support member such as a hinge (not shown). In Figures 1 and 2, the automatic document feeder 14 is in the closed state. The automatic document feeder 14 performs its intended function when it is in the closed state.
[0022] In other words, the automatic document feeder 14 has a document tray 14a. Documents, more precisely, sheet-like documents, can be placed on this document tray 14a, and in particular, multiple documents can be placed in a stacked manner. The automatic document feeder 14 then automatically takes in documents placed on the document tray 14a one at a time. The documents taken into the automatic document feeder 14 are fed to the upper surface of the document glass, and more specifically, to the image reading position by the image reading unit described above. The image of the document is then read using a so-called gliding method. After that, the document is discharged into the document output tray 14b of the automatic document feeder 14.
[0023] Below the image reading unit 12, separated by an outwardly opening internal cylinder space 10a, is an image forming unit 16, which serves as an image forming means. This image forming unit 16 is responsible for image forming processing, which forms an image based on appropriate image data, such as the aforementioned read image data, on a sheet-like image recording medium (not shown), such as paper. This image forming processing is performed by a known electrophotographic method. For this reason, the image forming unit 16 includes a photosensitive drum (not shown), a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, and a static elimination device. In addition, the image forming unit 16 includes a fixing device 16a (see Figure 3), which will be described later. The paper, or printed material, after image forming processing by this image forming unit 16 is discharged into the internal cylinder space 10a, or more precisely, into a paper output tray 18 provided in the internal cylinder space 10a. Separately from the paper output tray 18 provided in the internal cylinder space 10a, an external paper output tray 20 is provided on the outside of the multifunction printer 10, specifically on the right side. If this external output tray 20 is set as the output destination, the printed material will be ejected into the external output tray 20.
[0024] Below the image forming unit 16, in other words, at the bottom of the multifunction printer 10, a paper feed unit 22 is provided as a paper feeding means. This paper feed unit 22 has one or more, for example, three, paper feed cassettes 22a, 22a, ... Each paper feed cassette 22a, 22a, ... contains paper of an appropriate size, for example, paper of different sizes. Also, at an appropriate position on the multifunction printer 10, for example on the right side of the multifunction printer 10 as shown in Figure 1, an auxiliary paper feed tray, a manual feed tray 22b, is provided. The manual feed tray 22b shown in Figure 1 is in a closed state. This manual feed tray 22b can transition between a closed state and an open state, and becomes usable when in the open state. The paper feeding unit 22 then uses one of the paper feed cassettes 22a, 22a, ... and the manual feed tray 22b as the paper source and supplies paper to the image forming unit 16 one sheet at a time from that paper source.
[0025] In addition, a roughly rectangular plate-shaped operating unit 24 is provided on the upper part of the multifunction printer 10, at the front of the main body of the multifunction printer 10. This operating unit 24 is coupled to the main body of the multifunction printer 10 with one of its main surfaces facing outward. The outward-facing main surface of the operating unit 24 is the operating surface, and a display 24b with a touch panel 24a is provided on this operating surface. Furthermore, the angle (orientation) of the operating surface of the operating unit 24 with respect to the horizontal direction can be changed within a predetermined range; in other words, the operating unit 24 is provided in such a manner.
[0026] The display 24b with touch panel 24a is a component in which a display 24b having a rectangular display surface and a sheet-like touch panel 24a provided so as to overlap the display surface of the display 24b are integrally combined. The touch panel 24a is an operation receiving means capable of receiving touch operations by a user (not shown) using the multifunction device 10, and is, for example, a projected capacitive panel. The display 24b is a display means that displays various screens on the display surface, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). Note that the touch panel 24a is not limited to a projected capacitive type, but may also be a surface-type capacitive, electromagnetic induction, resistive, or infrared panel. Also, the display 24b is not limited to a liquid crystal display, but may be an organic electroluminescent (EL) display or the like.
[0027] The user typically stands in front of the multifunction printer 10 and uses it, particularly operating the control unit 24. To ensure good operability and visibility of the control surface of the control unit 24 by the user, the angle of the control surface relative to the horizontal direction is adjustable, as described above. In addition to the touch panel 24a, the control unit 24 also has appropriate hardware switches such as push-button switches (not shown). Furthermore, in addition to the display 24b, the control unit 24 also has appropriate light-emitting means such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown).
[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction printer 10. As shown in Figure 3, the multifunction printer 10 includes an image reading unit 12, an automatic document feeder 14, an image forming unit 16, a paper feed unit 22, and an operation unit 24, as well as a control unit 30, an auxiliary storage unit 32, a communication unit 34, an audio output unit 36, and the like. These are connected to each other via a common bus 40. The image reading unit 12, the automatic document feeder 14, the image forming unit 16, the paper feed unit 22, and the operation unit 24 are as described above. In particular, the image forming unit 16 includes a fuser 16a. Also, in Figure 3, elements not directly related to the essence of the present invention have been omitted from the illustration.
[0029] The control unit 30 is a control means that is responsible for the overall control of the multifunction printer 10. For this reason, the control unit 30 has a computer, such as a CPU 30a, as a control execution means. In addition, the control unit 30 has a main memory unit 30b as a main memory means that the CPU 30a can directly access. The main memory unit 30b includes ROM and RAM (not shown). The ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 30a. The RAM constitutes a work area and a buffer area when the CPU 30a executes processing based on the control program.
[0030] The auxiliary storage unit 32 is an auxiliary storage means for storing various data, such as the aforementioned read image data. This auxiliary storage unit 32 may include, for example, a hard disk drive (not shown). The auxiliary storage unit 32 may also include rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory.
[0031] The communication unit 34 is a communication means that handles bidirectional communication processing via a LAN line (not shown). The communication unit 34 also handles bidirectional communication processing via a public switched telephone network (not shown). The communication unit 34 is connected to the LAN line, for example, by a wired connection, but may also be connected wirelessly, for example, by Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "PCs"), which are external devices (not shown), are connected to the LAN line; in particular, multiple PCs are connected. The LAN line is also connected to an external network via a router (not shown), for example, to the Internet.
[0032] The audio output unit 36 has a speaker 36a. The speaker 36a is provided at an appropriate location on the multifunction device 10, for example, inconspicuously on the left or right side of the multifunction device 10.
[0033] Now, the multifunction printer 10 according to this first embodiment operates using alternating current power as its power source. This alternating current power is obtained, for example, from a commercial power supply.
[0034] The main power switch 100 (see Figure 4) for turning on / off the acceptance of AC power input as power supply is provided in a suitable location on the multifunction printer 10, for example, in a location covered by the front cover 50, that is, in a location that is not visible from the outside of the multifunction printer 10. The front cover 50 is provided so as to cover the image forming unit 16, and more specifically, it is provided so as to be able to transition between a state in which a part of the image forming unit 16 is covered (closed state) and a state in which a part of the image forming unit 16 is exposed to the outside (open state).
[0035] In other words, when the front cover 50 is opened, the main power switch 100 is exposed to the outside, and the main power switch 100 becomes capable of manual operation. When the main power switch 100 is turned on, AC power is input to the multifunction printer 10 as power supply, and the multifunction printer 10 becomes operational. Strictly speaking, the multifunction printer 10 becomes operational when the main power switch 100 is turned on and the front cover 50 is closed. In other words, even if the main power switch 100 is turned on, the multifunction printer 10 will not operate when the front cover 50 is open. The main power switch 100 is, for example, a two-pole single-throw seesaw switch (rocker switch).
[0036] As mentioned above, the AC power used as the power source for the multifunction printer 10 can be obtained from, for example, a commercial power supply, but it may also be obtained from a solar power generation system (not shown). However, if the power source is obtained from a solar power generation system employing a transformerless power conditioner, a failure of the power conditioner may result in DC power appearing in the power source. This would cause problems for the multifunction printer 10, which operates using AC power as its power source.
[0037] In particular, the fixing device 16a has a heater 162, as described later, to which AC power as the power supply is directly input. In addition, a triac 164 and a thermostat 166 are provided in series with the heater 162 as on / off means for appropriately turning the input of AC power to the heater 162 on / off. If DC power is input to such an AC load, the heater 162, triac 164 and thermostat 166, the heater 162 may overheat abnormally, and consequently the multifunction printer 10 including the AC load may be damaged. That is, if DC power is input to the triac 164, the triac 164 will not be turned off. And if DC power is input to the thermostat 166, the contacts of the thermostat 166 will be welded by arc discharge, and the contacts will remain in the ON state. As a result, power, including DC power, is continuously input to the heater 162, which may cause the heater 162 to overheat abnormally, and consequently damage the multifunction device 10, which includes an AC load.
[0038] To avoid this inconvenience, in this first embodiment, if the power supply contains DC power, the supply of that power supply to the AC load is cut off. On the other hand, for operable elements that can operate normally even if the power supply contains DC power, the supply of power supply is maintained, either directly or indirectly (i.e., after being converted to DC power (DC voltages V1, V2, etc., which will be described in detail later)), and they continue to operate. Furthermore, in order to inform the outside that there is an abnormal state in which the power supply contains DC power, an error message 500, which will be described later, is displayed on the display 24b. In addition, a warning sound is output from the speaker 36a, as will be described later.
[0039] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the multifunction printer 10 has an AC input terminal (receptacle) 200, which is an input section for AC power as the power supply. This AC input terminal 200 is connected to the power supply circuit 300 via the main power switch 100, and more specifically, to the DC conversion circuit 302. The DC conversion circuit 302 converts the AC power input via the main power switch 100 into DC power, and further generates multiple DC voltages V1, V2, ... of various voltage values. These DC voltages V1, V2, ... are input to each DC load as the power supply voltage for each DC load. The DC loads referred to here are electrical elements other than AC loads. For example, the image reading unit 12, the automatic document feeder 14, the paper feeding unit 22, the operation unit 24, the control unit 30, the auxiliary storage unit 32, the communication unit 34, and the audio output unit 36 are all DC loads.
[0040] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 300 has a DC interference detection circuit 304. Power is also input to this DC interference detection circuit 304 via the main power switch 100, or more precisely, via the main power switch 100 and the mechanical switch (SW) 402 of the circuit breaker mechanism 400, which will be described later. The DC interference detection circuit 304 detects whether DC power is included in the power supply, and if it detects that DC power is included in the power supply, it outputs a DC detection signal Sdc.
[0041] Although a detailed explanation including diagrams will be omitted, the DC interference detection circuit 304 has a current sensor, for example, that utilizes a Hall element. The current sensor detects the direction and magnitude of the current component (i.e., current) of the power supply. Based on the detection result from this current sensor, the DC interference detection circuit 304 determines, or detects, whether DC power is included in the power supply. Furthermore, the DC interference detection circuit 304 operates using a DC voltage Vn of an appropriate voltage value provided by the DC conversion circuit 302 as the power supply voltage.
[0042] The DC detection signal Sdc output from this DC interference detection circuit 304 is input to the solenoid 404 of the cutoff mechanism 400, which will be described later. In addition, the DC detection signal Sdc is input to the control unit 30, more precisely to the control unit 30 via an interface circuit (not shown), and even more precisely to the CPU 30a.
[0043] In addition, the AC input terminal 200 is connected to a series circuit of the heater 162, triac 164, and thermostat 166 of the fixing device 16a via the main power switch 100 and the mechanical switch 402 of the cutoff mechanism 400. The heater 162 is a heating means for heating a heating roller (not shown) of the fixing device 16a. AC power as power supply is input to this heater 162 via the triac 164 and thermostat 166. The triac 164 is turned on / off according to instructions from the CPU 30a, thereby controlling the heating temperature of the heater 162. The thermostat 166 turns on when the temperature of the heater 162 is below a predetermined threshold and turns off when the temperature of the heater 162 exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby preventing abnormal overheating of the heater 162.
[0044] The interruption mechanism 400 includes a mechanical switch 402, a solenoid 404, and a movable member 406. The mechanical switch 402 is, for example, a single-pole single-throw seesaw switch, and is provided to switch on / off between one pole of the main power switch 100 and one end of the heater 162. This mechanical switch 402 is in the ON state when the power supply does not contain DC power. Then, as described above, the DC detection signal Sdc is input to the solenoid 404. When the DC detection signal Sdc is input, that is, when DC power appears in the power supply, the solenoid 404 forcibly turns off the mechanical switch 402 via the movable member 406.
[0045] To explain in more detail, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the tripping mechanism 400 under normal circumstances. As shown in Figure 5, the mechanical switch 402 is fixed to the housing 400a of the tripping mechanism 400. Under normal circumstances, the mechanical switch 402 is in the off state as described above, meaning that the input terminal 402a and output terminal 402b of the mechanical switch 402 are connected to each other.
[0046] The solenoid 404 is a push-type solenoid and is fixed to the housing 400a of the shut-off mechanism 400 above the mechanical switch 402, with the plunger 404a facing downwards. The plunger 404a is then connected to the holding member 410 of the movable member 406, as will be described later.
[0047] The movable member 406 includes a pressing member 408, a holding member 410, and a biasing member 412. The pressing member 408 has a pressing portion 408a that protrudes toward the operating button 402c of the mechanical switch 402, and is rotatably mounted to the housing 400a of the shut-off mechanism 400 with the portion below the pressing portion 408a serving as a support point Pa. The portion of the pressing member 408 above the pressing portion 408a is provided with a contact portion 408b that contacts the tip of the holding portion 410a of the holding member 410. Furthermore, the pressing member 408 is biased toward the operating button 402c of the mechanical switch 402 by a tension spring acting as the biasing member 412.
[0048] The retaining member 410 has a retaining portion 410a that contacts the pressing portion 408a of the pressing member 408, as described above. In addition, the retaining member 410 has a stopper portion 410b that is perpendicular to the retaining portion 410a. The retaining member 410 is rotatably mounted below the solenoid 404 with a suitable portion of it serving as a support point Pb relative to the housing 400a of the shut-off mechanism 400. The retaining portion 410a of the retaining member 410 is connected to the plunger 404a of the solenoid 404.
[0049] As described above, the biasing member 412 is a tension spring and biases the pressing member 408 toward the operating button 402c of the mechanical switch 402. For this purpose, one end of the biasing member 412 is locked to the pressing member 408. The other end of the biasing member 412 is locked to a suitable locking part 400b which is connected to the housing 400a of the shut-off mechanism 400.
[0050] As shown in Figure 5, under normal circumstances, the tip of the holding portion 410a of the holding member 410 is in contact with the contact portion 408b of the pressing member 408. The pressing portion 408a of the pressing member 408 is separated from the operating button 402c of the mechanical switch 402.
[0051] In the state shown in Figure 5, when a DC detection signal Sdc is input to the solenoid 404, the solenoid 404 is driven, meaning the plunger 404a moves in a direction that allows it to be housed within the body 404b of the solenoid 404. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the holding portion 410a of the holding member 410 is pulled upward around the support point Pb, and the contact between the tip of the holding portion 410a and the contacted portion 408b of the pressing member 408 is released. Then, due to the biasing force of the biasing member 412, the pressing member 408 is pulled towards the operation button 402c of the mechanical switch 402 around the support point Pa. As a result, the pressing portion 408a of the pressing member 408 presses the operation button 402c of the mechanical switch 402, turning off the mechanical switch 402, meaning that the input terminal 402a and the output terminal 402b of the mechanical switch 402 are disconnected from each other. Furthermore, when a portion of the contacted portion 408b of the pressing member 408 comes into contact with the stopper portion 410b of the holding member 410, further rotation (displacement) of the pressing member 408 is prevented.
[0052] Furthermore, the restoration from the state shown in Figure 6 to the state shown in Figure 5 is performed, for example, by a service technician. In other words, the user of the multifunction printer 10 cannot restore it from the state shown in Figure 6 to the state shown in Figure 5. Also, this restoration work is performed after the power supply does not include DC power.
[0053] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the actual appearance of the tripping mechanism 400. This figure 7 shows the tripping mechanism 400 in normal operation, that is, when the mechanical switch 402 is in the ON position. Also, in Figure 7, the tripping mechanism 400 is shown lying on its side for ease of viewing.
[0054] In this way, when DC power appears in the power supply, the supply of that power to the AC loads, namely the heater 162, triac 164, and thermostat 166, is interrupted. This prevents damage to the multifunction device 10, including the AC loads, and thus avoids the inconvenience caused by the appearance of DC power in the power supply.
[0055] On the other hand, the supply of power to the DC conversion circuit 302 is maintained. The DC conversion circuit 302 operates normally even if the power supply includes DC power, that is, it generates multiple DC voltages V1, V2, ... as the power supply voltages for each of the DC loads mentioned above. In other words, the DC conversion circuit 302 is configured to operate normally even if the power supply includes DC power, that is, to generate multiple DC voltages V1, V2, ... as the power supply voltages for each of the DC loads. Therefore, each DC load can continue to operate. For example, functions that do not involve the execution of image forming processing by the image forming unit 16, such as the image scanner function and the fax function (more precisely, the function of storing received data in the auxiliary storage unit 32 and the fax transmission function within the fax reception function), can continue to be used.
[0056] As mentioned above, the DC detection signal Sdc is also input to the CPU 30a. Upon receiving the DC detection signal Sdc, the CPU 30a displays an error message 500, as shown in Figure 8, on the display 24b.
[0057] Error message 500 includes appropriate symbols 502 and string 504 to indicate that an error has occurred. In addition, error message 500 includes appropriate string 506 to indicate that DC power, i.e., undesirable power, has been mixed into the power supply. Furthermore, error message 500 includes appropriate string 506 to indicate that the power supply to the heater 162 of the fuser unit 16a has been cut off, i.e., that the power to the printing heater 162 has been disconnected.
[0058] Therefore, upon seeing this error message 500, the user can recognize that an error has occurred in the multifunction printer 10, specifically that an undesirable power source, DC power, has been introduced into the power supply, and as a result, the power to the printing heater 162 has been cut off.
[0059] As mentioned above, even if DC power is mixed into the power supply, some functions, including the image scanner function and fax function, can still be used. Therefore, the error message 500 is displayed as a pop-up at an appropriate location on the screen of the display 24b, for example, so as not to interfere with the operation of the functions that can still be used by the user. The error message 500 will continue to be displayed until a predetermined operation is performed to terminate the display of the error message 500, for example, after a service technician has performed a recovery operation.
[0060] In addition, the CPU 30a outputs a predetermined warning sound from the speaker 36a. This warning sound continues to be output until a predetermined operation is performed by the user to terminate the output of the warning sound, or until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the warning sound was output.
[0061] In this way, the error message 500 is displayed on the display 24b and a warning sound is output from the speaker 36a. To achieve this, the CPU 30a executes a warning output task according to the warning output program included in the control program described above. The flow of this warning output task is shown in Figure 9. The warning output task is executed when the DC detection signal Sdc is input to the CPU 30a.
[0062] According to this warning output task, CPU 30a first displays error message 500 on display 24b at switch 1. Then, CPU 30a proceeds to step S3.
[0063] In step S3, the CPU 30a outputs a warning sound from the speaker 36a. Upon completion of step S3, the CPU 30a terminates the warning output task.
[0064] As described above, according to this first embodiment, when DC power appears in the power supply, the supply of that power to the AC loads, namely the heater 162, triac 164, and thermostat 166, is cut off. This prevents damage to the multifunction printer 10, including the AC loads, and thus avoids the inconvenience caused by the appearance of DC power in the power supply. On the other hand, each DC load can continue to operate, and functions such as the image scanner and fax can continue to be used. This is extremely beneficial from the standpoint of ensuring the overall operability of the multifunction printer 10. Furthermore, an error message 500 is displayed on the display 24b, and a predetermined warning sound is output from the speaker 36a. This greatly contributes to preventing the abnormal condition of DC power being left unattended.
[0065] Furthermore, the DC interference detection circuit 304 in this first embodiment is an example of a detection means according to this disclosure. The AC loads, namely the heater 162, triac 164, and thermostat 166, in this first embodiment are examples of specific elements according to this disclosure. In addition, the shut-off mechanism 400 in this first embodiment is an example of a shut-off means according to this disclosure. Moreover, the error message 500 in this first embodiment is an example of predetermined information according to this disclosure, and in particular an example of predetermined information output in a visual manner. This error message 500 is displayed on the display 24b when the CPU 30a executes step S1 of the warning output task, and the CPU 30a executing step S1 cooperates with the display 24b to constitute an example of an information output means according to this disclosure. In addition, the warning sound in this first embodiment is also an example of predetermined information according to this disclosure, and more specifically an example of predetermined information output in an auditory manner. This warning sound is output from speaker 36a when CPU 30a executes step S3 of the warning output task. CPU 30a, in cooperation with speaker 36a, constitutes an example of the information output means according to this disclosure. Furthermore, each DC load in this first embodiment is an example of an operable element according to this disclosure.
[0066] Although a detailed explanation including illustrations will be omitted, in the image scanner function of this first embodiment, the aforementioned scanned image data may be transmitted to an external device such as a PC via the communication unit 34, that is, electronically. In the fax function of this first embodiment, particularly in the fax transmission function, the scanned image data is transmitted to the recipient device via the communication unit 34, that is, electronically. At this time, the communication unit 34 is controlled by the CPU 30a, and the CPU 30a that controls the communication unit 34 cooperates with the communication unit 34 to constitute an example of the image output means according to this disclosure.
[0067] In addition, a second error message 510, such as the one shown in Figure 10, may be displayed instead of, or in addition to, the error message 500 shown in Figure 8. This second error message 510 includes symbols 512 and string 514, similar to symbols 502 and string 504 in the first error message 500 shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, the second error message 510 also includes information about the copy function and printer Regarding the functions, that is, functions that involve the execution of image forming processing by the image forming unit 16, the appropriate string 516 is included to indicate that they cannot be used. Furthermore, the second error message 510 includes a string indicating that the image scanner function (scanner function) and fax function, that is, the image forming processing by the image forming unit 16, cannot be used. Execution For functions that do not involve the above, a suitable string 518 indicating that they can be used is included. When this second error message 510 is displayed in addition to the first error message 500, it is preferable that the first error message 500 and the second error message 510 are displayed alternately at a predetermined interval.
[0068] In addition to the first error message 500, or in addition to the first error message 500, a third error message 520, as shown in Figure 11, may be displayed. This third error message 520 includes a symbol 522 and a string 524, similar to the symbol 502 and string 504 in the first error message 500. Furthermore, the third error message 520 includes a string 526, similar to the string 506 in the first error message 500. Moreover, the third error message 520 includes a suitable string 528 prompting the user to unplug other electrical devices, that is, to cut off the power supply to other electrical devices. When this third error message 520 is displayed in addition to the first error message 500, it is preferable that the first error message 500 and the third error message 520 are displayed alternately at a predetermined interval. Alternatively, the first error message 500, the second error message 510, and the third error message 520 may be displayed one by one in a predetermined cycle, either sequentially or randomly.
[0069] Furthermore, in place of the first error message 500, or in addition to the first error message 500, a so-called fourth error message 530, such as the one shown in Figure 12, may be displayed. This fourth error message 530 includes a symbol 532 and a string 534 similar to the symbol 502 and string 504 in the first error message 500. In addition, the fourth error message 530 includes a suitable string 536 prompting the user to contact a service center (not shown), and a string 538 representing the contact information (telephone number) of the service center. When this fourth error message 530 is displayed in addition to the first error message 500, it is preferable that the first error message 500 and the fourth error message 530 are displayed alternately at a predetermined interval. Alternatively, the first error message 500, the second error message 510, the third error message 520, and the fourth error message 530 may be displayed one by one in order or randomly at a predetermined interval.
[0070] Alternatively, instead of the first error message 500, a so-called fifth error message 540, such as the one shown in Figure 13, may be displayed. This fifth error message 540 includes the same symbols 542 and string 544 as the symbols 502 and string 504 in the first error message 500. In addition, the fifth error message 540 includes a string 546 similar to the string 506 in the first error message 500. Furthermore, the fifth error message 540 includes an appropriate string 548 prompting the user to unplug the multifunction printer 10. It is preferable that the main power switch 100 be turned off before the multifunction printer 10 is unplugged.
[0071] [Second Example] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described.
[0072] This second embodiment is based on the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, an ion generator 600 with a status indicator function is provided. This ion generator 600 is attached to the back of the multifunction printer 10, for example, via a suitable support rod 602. The ion generator 600 also has a green LED lamp 600a and a red LED lamp 600b. The green LED lamp 600a is a normal lamp that indicates that there is no abnormality in the multifunction printer 10. On the other hand, the red LED lamp 600b is a warning lamp that indicates that the power supply of the multifunction printer 10 includes DC power. The ion generator 600 is, for example, a DC load and operates by receiving power voltage from the multifunction printer 10 (DC conversion circuit 302).
[0073] In other words, according to this second embodiment, when there is no abnormality in the multifunction printer 10, the green LED lamp 600a is lit and the red LED lamp 600b is off. When DC power appears in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, the green LED lamp 600a turns off and the red LED lamp 600b lights up. Therefore, upon seeing the red LED lamp 600b light up, the user can intuitively recognize that DC power is included in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10.
[0074] In this second embodiment as well, the CPU 30a executes a warning output task. In the warning output task in this second embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, in addition to the warning output task in the first embodiment (see Figure 9), a step S5 is provided specifically after step S3.
[0075] In the warning output task of this second embodiment, after executing step S3, the CPU 30a proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the CPU 30a lights up the red LED lamp 600b, which serves as a warning lamp. At this time, the CPU 30a turns off the green LED lamp 600a, which serves as a normal lamp. After executing step S5, the CPU 30a terminates the warning output task.
[0076] Thus, according to this second embodiment, when DC power appears in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, a red LED lamp 600b, which serves as a warning lamp and is located outside the multifunction printer 10, lights up. Upon seeing this red LED lamp 600b light up, the user can intuitively recognize that DC power is included in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10. This contributes significantly to preventing the abnormal condition of DC power being left unaddressed.
[0077] The illumination of the red LED lamp 600b will continue until, for example, a service technician performs a predetermined operation to terminate the illumination of the red LED lamp 600b as part of recovery work step 5. The illumination of this red LED lamp 600b is an example of predetermined information relating to this disclosure, and in particular, an example of predetermined information output in a visual form. The illumination of this red LED lamp 600b is achieved when the CPU 30a executes step S5 of the warning output task, and the CPU 30a executing step S5 cooperates with the red LED lamp 600b to constitute an example of information output means relating to this disclosure.
[0078] In this second embodiment, an ion generator 600 with a status indicator function having a red LED lamp 600b was used, but it is not limited to this. For example, equipment specialized in the status indicator function may be used, or equipment specialized solely in lighting up a light-emitting means similar to the red LED lamp 600b may be used.
[0079] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of this disclosure will be described.
[0080] This third embodiment is based on the second embodiment, for example. In this third embodiment, when DC power appears in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, this is notified by email to a pre-registered destination, specifically a PC. The PC referred to as the destination here is, for example, the administrator's PC, but it is possible to register any PC, and it is also possible to register multiple destinations.
[0081] In this third embodiment as well, the CPU 30a executes a warning output task. In the warning output task in this third embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, in addition to the warning output task in the second embodiment (see Figure 15), a step S7 is provided specifically after step S5.
[0082] In other words, according to the warning output task in this third embodiment, after executing step S5, the CPU 30a proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the CPU 30a sends an email to the registered recipient indicating that DC power is included in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, that is, it notifies the recipient by email that DC power is included in the power supply. With the execution of step S7, the CPU 30a terminates the warning output task.
[0083] Thus, according to this third embodiment, when DC power appears in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, this is notified via email to a pre-registered recipient. The user who receives this email can recognize that DC power is included in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, even if they are in a location far away from the multifunction printer 10. This also greatly contributes to preventing the abnormal condition of DC power being included in the power supply from being left unaddressed.
[0084] The email in this third embodiment is an example of predetermined information relating to this disclosure, and in particular an example of predetermined information output in an electronic form. This email is sent to the registered recipient via the communication unit 34. The transmission of the email is achieved when the CPU 30a executes step S7 of the warning output task. The CPU 30a that executes step S7 cooperates with the communication unit 34 to constitute an example of information output means relating to this disclosure.
[0085] This third embodiment is based on the second embodiment, but may also be based on the first embodiment. In other words, the configuration of this third embodiment may be applied to a configuration in which the ion generator 600 with a status display function is not provided.
[0086] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described.
[0087] This fourth embodiment is based on, for example, the third embodiment. In this fourth embodiment, when DC power appears in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, this is notified to the service center, and more specifically, electronic information indicating that DC power is included in the power supply is transmitted to an unillustrated management server installed at the service center. The management server is, for example, located on the internet.
[0088] In this fourth embodiment as well, the CPU 30a executes a warning output task. In the warning output task in this fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, in addition to the warning output task in the third embodiment (see Figure 16), a step S9 is provided specifically after step S7.
[0089] In other words, according to the warning output task in this fourth embodiment, after executing step S7, the CPU 30a proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the CPU 30a notifies the service center that DC power is included in the power supply of the multifunction device 10. With the execution of step S9, the CPU 30a terminates the warning output task.
[0090] Thus, according to this fourth embodiment, when DC power appears in the power supply of the multifunction printer 10, this is reported to the service center. Therefore, the service center can smoothly provide appropriate support, including the aforementioned recovery work.
[0091] This fourth embodiment is based on the third embodiment, but may also be based on the first or second embodiment.
[0092] [Fifth Example] Next, a fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described.
[0093] In this fifth embodiment, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, a suitable switch, such as a hinge-lever type microswitch 700, is provided to turn on / off according to the state of the holding member 410 of the shut-off mechanism 400. Then, instead of the DC detection signal Sdc, the output (contact signal) of the microswitch 700 is input to the CPU 30a.
[0094] Specifically, as shown in Figure 18, under normal conditions, the microswitch 700 is in the off state, and more specifically, the actuator 700a is protruding from the main body 700b. When DC power appears in the power supply and the holding member 410 rotates around the support point Pb, the holding part 410a of the holding member 410 presses down the lever 700c of the microswitch 700, pushing the actuator 700a into the main body 700b. This turns the microswitch 700 on. The output of this microswitch 700 is input to the CPU 30a, which then displays the aforementioned error message 500 on the display 24b and performs appropriate processing, including outputting a warning sound from the speaker 36a.
[0095] This fifth embodiment, with its configuration, produces the same effects and benefits as the first embodiment, for example. This fifth embodiment can be applied to any of the second, third, and fourth embodiments, thereby producing the same effects and benefits as the second, third, and fourth embodiments.
[0096] [Other application examples] The embodiments described above are merely specific examples of the present disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the present disclosure can be applied to situations other than those described in these embodiments.
[0097] For example, the tripping mechanism 400 is not limited to the configuration described in each embodiment. That is, the tripping mechanism 400 may be implemented with a configuration different from that described in each embodiment, as long as it can turn off the mechanical switch 402 when DC power appears in the power supply.
[0098] Furthermore, while a seesaw switch was given as an example of mechanical switch 402, it is not limited to this. In other words, switches other than seesaw switches, such as toggle switches, slide switches, and rotary switches, may also be used as mechanical switch 402.
[0099] Furthermore, although the DC interference detection circuit 304 is provided in the power supply circuit 300, it may also be provided in other elements such as the control unit 30. In addition, the DC interference detection circuit 304 is configured to detect the direction and magnitude of the current component of the power supply using a Hall element current sensor, and to determine whether or not DC power is included in the power supply based on the detection result from this current sensor, but the DC interference detection circuit 304 may be realized by other configurations. In any case, the DC interference detection circuit 304 only needs to be configured to accurately and immediately detect whether or not DC power is included in the power supply.
[0100] In addition, the power supply input to the DC interference detection circuit 304 is obtained via the mechanical switch 402, but this is not limited to this configuration. That is, the power supply input to the DC interference detection circuit 304 may be obtained without going through the mechanical switch 402, similar to the power supply input to the DC conversion circuit 302.
[0101] Furthermore, the solenoid 404 is configured to be driven in response to a DC detection signal Sdc input from the DC interference detection circuit 304, that is, to be driven using the DC detection signal Sdc as the drive signal, but it is not limited to this configuration. A detailed explanation including the figures will be omitted, but for example, a DC voltage Vs as the drive signal for the solenoid 404 may be generated by the DC conversion circuit 302, and a suitable switch circuit may be provided to input this DC voltage Vs to the solenoid 404, and this switch circuit may be configured to be turned on / off by the DC detection signal Sdc. That is, in normal operation when the power supply does not contain DC power, the switch circuit is in the off state. Then, when DC power appears in the power supply, the DC detection signal Sdc is input to the switch circuit, and the switch circuit is turned on. As a result, the DC voltage Vs as the drive signal for the solenoid 404 is input to the solenoid 404 via the switch circuit, and the solenoid 404 is driven in response to this.
[0102] Furthermore, if the power supply includes DC power, it is not necessary for the power supply voltage to be input to all DC loads. For example, electrical elements that are DC loads not required for the image forming process by the image forming unit 16, such as the image forming unit 16 and the paper feeding unit 22, do not need to have the power supply voltage input to them.
[0103] In each embodiment, a multifunction printer 10, which is a type of image forming apparatus, was used as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. This disclosure can also be applied to image forming apparatuses other than the multifunction printer 10, and to electrical equipment other than image forming apparatuses.
[0104] For example, this disclosure can be applied to electrical appliances such as fan heaters, electric stoves, and microwave ovens, if they are equipped with a heater as a specific element that is heated by the supply of AC power, and also have an information output means such as a display, speaker, or communication unit as an operable element. [Explanation of symbols]
[0105] 10…Multifunction device 12… Image reading unit 14. Automatic document feeder 16… Image forming unit 16a ... Fixing device 24b… Display 30 ... Control Unit 30a ... CPU 30b... Main memory section 34… Communications Department 36… Audio output section 36a ... Speaker 100 ... Main power switch 300…Power circuit 162… Heater 164… Triac 166… Thermostat 302 ... DC conversion circuit 304 ... DC interference detection circuit 400 ... Interruption mechanism 402 ... Mechanical switch 404 ... Solenoid 406 ... Moving parts 500, 510, 520, 530, 540… Error messages
Claims
1. Electrical equipment that uses alternating current as its power source, A detection means for detecting whether the power supply includes DC power, When the detection means detects that the DC power is included in the power supply, a shut-off means is provided to shut off the supply of the power supply to a specific element where the inclusion of the DC power would be undesirable, and The system includes an information output means that outputs predetermined information related to the inclusion of DC power in the power supply when the detection means detects that the DC power is included in the power supply, Even if the aforementioned power supply includes the aforementioned DC power, the direct or indirect supply of said power supply to some or all of the operable elements that are capable of operating normally is maintained. The information output means is included in the operable element, which maintains the direct or indirect supply of the power supply. The predetermined information includes content indicating that undesirable power, such as DC power, has been mixed into the power supply, as well as content prompting the unplugging of other electrical devices.
2. The electrical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specified element includes a heater.
3. The electrical apparatus according to claim 2, which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a fixing device having the heater.
4. An image reading means for reading an image of a document, and The system further comprises an image output means that outputs an image based on the image read by the image reading means in an electronic manner, The electrical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image reading means and the image output means are included in the operable element, which maintains a direct or indirect supply of the power supply.
5. The electrical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information output means outputs the predetermined information in a visual form.
6. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the information output means outputs the predetermined information in an auditory form.
7. The electrical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information output means outputs the predetermined information in an electronic form.
8. A plurality of functions including a function that involves performing an image forming process by an electrophotographic method and a function that does not involve performing the image forming process, The electrical equipment according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined information includes content indicating that the function involving the execution of the image forming process by the electrophotographic method cannot be used, but the function that does not involve the execution of the image forming process can be used.