JP4316768B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a FAX, or a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus that prints predetermined information on, for example, paper by driving an image forming unit according to a predetermined job and executing an image forming operation.
[0003]
In recent image forming apparatuses, there has also been proposed an image forming apparatus in which energy-saving measures such as suppressing wasteful power consumption when not in use are taken.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-230754 provides a main power shut-off means for shutting off the main power by itself, and a main power shut-off instruction key for instructing the main power shut-off means to execute the shut-off of the main power supply. An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which, when an execution instruction for shutting off the main power source is received, the main power source is shut off after the job is finished. In this way, by instructing the main power supply to be cut off with the main power supply cut-off instruction key, even when the operator is not in front of the device, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption when not in use. Is possible.
[0005]
Further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-230754, it is determined whether the job has been completed normally and the determination result is displayed on the display unit, so that the operator can complete the job. It becomes possible to guide the state.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-230754 is also in a state where the execution of the main power supply is instructed during the execution of the job and the execution of the main power supply is on standby. Then, the same image forming operation as normal job execution is performed. In addition, the determination result as to whether the job has been completed normally becomes clear when the main power supply is shut off. For this reason, it is impossible to guide the operator that the apparatus is waiting for the main power supply to be cut off. Further, it is impossible for the operator to confirm whether the main power supply is properly shut off until the image forming operation is completed. For this reason, until the main power supply is actually shut off normally, psychological anxiety is given to the operator.
[0007]
Further, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-230754 does not accept a new job after an instruction to shut off the main power supply is given. In other words, once an instruction to shut off the main power supply is given, the main power supply is shut off and the image forming operation relating to the newly accepted job is executed after restarting according to the operator's instruction. For this reason, an operator's operation | work becomes complicated and the burden concerning an operator will become large.
[0008]
Furthermore, when an instruction to shut off the main power supply is issued during execution of the job, the main power supply is not shut off until the job is completed. For this reason, even if the operator wants to shut off the main power supply immediately after the shutdown instruction due to circumstances, the operator must wait for the main power supply to shut down until the end of the job.
[0009]
Still further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-230754, the apparatus that instructed execution of print output as an image forming operation involving execution of shut-off of the main power supply before the print output ends. If the user is away from the operator, it is impossible for a person other than the operator to determine whether the printed sheet is necessary. For this reason, for example, it is necessary to ask a plurality of people about processing of the printed paper, and the processing of the printed paper becomes complicated.
[0012]
An object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of improving the convenience by suppressing the useless power consumption when not in use and changing the timing of shutting off the main power according to the situation. To do.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a job receiving unit that receives a predetermined job, and executes an image forming operation according to the job received by the job receiving unit. , An interruption receiving unit that receives an instruction to execute the power supply shutdown of the apparatus main body, and an execution of determining whether the image forming operation is being executed when the execution instruction of the power supply cutoff is received by the shutdown reception unit When it is determined that the image forming operation is being executed by the determining means and the executing determination means, a message for requesting selection of whether to immediately shut off and a selection key used for the selection are displayed. When immediate shutdown is selected by the display unit and the selection key, the image forming operation related to the page on which the image forming operation is being executed in the job is completed. And power cutoff means for cutting off the power provided when it is determined that the,When it is selected not to immediately shut off by the selection key, the power shut-off means is an image corresponding to a new job accepted by the job accepting means after the shut-off accepting means accepts the execution instruction of the shut-off. The above power supply is cut off when it is judged that all forming operations have been completed.Is.
[0018]
  like thisIn the image forming apparatus, when it is selected that immediate shut-off is selected by the selection key, the storage unit stores the contents of the remaining job that has not been completed among the jobs received by the job reception unit in a nonvolatile storage area It is good to provide.
[0019]
  Further, when the apparatus main body is started up, a job content determining unit is provided for determining whether or not the content of the remaining job that has not been completed is stored by referring to the storage area. If it is determined that the content of a certain remaining job is stored, the image forming apparatus may execute the image forming operation based on the stored content of the remaining job.
[0045]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is an example applied to the multifunction machine 1 as an image forming apparatus. Here, the multifunction device 1 means a device that performs functions as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as FAX) by a single device.
[0046]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal front view showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction device 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads an image of a document, an image forming unit 3 that performs image formation based on image data of the document read by the image reading unit 2, and an image forming unit 3. And a finisher unit 4 for stapling the printed paper.
[0047]
In addition, the multifunction device 1 includes an operation unit (see FIG. 2) 57 including a plurality of operation keys that accept predetermined key operations by an operator and a liquid crystal display D as a display unit that displays various types of information.
[0048]
Here, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation unit 57, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a display mode of the liquid crystal display D of the MFP 1 in a normal state. The operation keys provided in the operation unit 57 are each operated to be operated by a numeric key 57a used for setting the number of copies, a copy start key 57b as a job receiving means for instructing the start of a copy operation, a setting A mode clear / preheat key 57c for instructing setting of a preheating state by canceling the contents and pressing down for a predetermined time or longer, and an automatic power cut-off switch 60 as a cut-off receiving means for switching ON / OFF of the main power supply are provided. The automatic power cut-off switch 60 is used when instructing the main power supply to be cut off in order to suppress unnecessary energy consumption of the multifunction machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as energy saving). A switch (not shown) for turning ON / OFF is separately provided.
[0049]
A touch panel is laminated on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display D. By synchronizing the XY coordinates of the touch panel and the display content of the liquid crystal display D, the liquid crystal display D also functions as an operation key. As the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display D, in addition to the operation guidance and the guidance information of the job being executed, an automatic density key 57d for instructing automatic specification of the density to be printed and an automatic selection of the paper to be printed are instructed. A key for specifying various conditions in print output, such as an automatic paper selection key 57e, a scaling key 57f for instructing execution of scaling of information to be printed, a staple key 57g for instructing execution of stapling processing, a stack processing There is information for guiding the positions of the keys for designating various operations in the print output, such as the stack key 57h for instructing execution and the sort key 57i for instructing execution of sort printing. The operation unit 57 includes a main power ON LED 57j as an LED lamp that is turned on / off in response to an operation of the automatic power cut-off switch 60, and a main power ON / OFF that is turned on / off in response to an ON / OFF switching operation of the main power switch. A power LED 57k is provided.
[0050]
The image reading unit 2 includes a reading device 5 and an automatic document feeder 6.
[0051]
The reading device 5 includes a contact glass 7 on which a document is placed and a reading optical system 8. The reading optical system 8 includes an exposure lamp 9, a first mirror 10, a lens 11, a CCD image sensor 12, a second mirror 13, a third mirror 14, and the like. The exposure lamp 9 and the first mirror 10 are mounted on the first carriage 15. The second mirror 13 and the third mirror 14 are mounted on the second carriage 16. When reading an image of an original, the optical path length between the original and the CCD image sensor 12 is kept constant by driving the first carriage 15 and the second carriage 16 at a speed ratio of 2: 1 by a scanner drive motor (not shown). Then, exposure scanning is performed. The image of the document that has been exposed and scanned is optically read by the CCD image sensor 12, and then converted into an electrical signal, which is subjected to predetermined image processing.
[0052]
The automatic document feeder 6 is a device that automatically supplies a sheet-like document set on the document table 17 onto the contact glass 7 one by one. When it is detected by the document set detection sensor 69 that the document set on the document table 17 is placed on the document table 17, the document is moved to a position above the document reading sensor 19 by the feeding roller 18. It is sent. When the document passes through the upper side of the document reading sensor 19 at a constant speed, the image on the surface facing the document reading sensor 19 is read. The document whose image has been read is discharged to a discharge tray 70.
[0053]
The image forming unit 3 includes a writing unit 20. The writing unit 20 includes a laser output unit 21, an imaging lens 22, and a mirror 23. Although not particularly shown, a laser diode that is a laser light source and a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) that is rotated at a high speed and a constant speed by a motor are provided inside the laser output unit 21. The laser beam output from the writing unit 20 is irradiated onto the photoconductor 24, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 24.
[0054]
Here, an outline of an image forming operation procedure for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 24 and forming an image on a sheet will be described below. First, the sheets stacked on the first tray 25, the second tray 26, and the third tray 27 are fed by the first sheet feeding device 28, the second sheet feeding device 29, and the third sheet feeding device 30, respectively. The sheet is conveyed to a position where it comes into contact with the photosensitive member 24 by the vertical conveyance unit 31. An electrostatic latent image is formed by exposing predetermined image data on the surface of the photosensitive member 24 with laser light from the writing unit 20. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 24 is visualized by fixing toner when passing through the developing unit 33, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 24. Then, the toner image on the photoconductor 24 is transferred while the paper is conveyed by adjusting the timing by the conveyance belt 34 that rotates at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 24. The transferred toner image is fixed to the sheet by pressurizing and heating by the fixing unit 35, and then discharged to the finisher unit 4 by the paper discharge unit 36. Here, the image reading unit 2, the writing unit 20, the photosensitive member 24, the developing unit 33, the conveying belt 34, and the fixing unit 35 serve as image forming means.
[0055]
When images are formed on both sides of a sheet, a sheet with an image formed on one side by feeding from the first tray 25, the second tray 26, or the third tray 27 is a reverse path switching claw (not shown). Is switched to the finisher unit 4 side without being guided to the finisher unit 4 side, transported to the double-sided paper feed path 38, reversed by the reversing unit 39, and both sides are aligned by a paper alignment jogger (not shown), and then transported by both sides. It is sent to a duplex conveying unit 42 driven by a roller 41. The paper sent to the duplex conveyance unit 42 is sent again to the vertical conveyance unit 31 to form an image on the back surface, and then discharged to the finisher unit 4.
[0056]
When the paper is reversed and discharged, the paper switchback reversed by the reversing unit 39 is sent to the reverse paper discharge conveyance path 43 without being sent to the duplex conveyance unit 42 and discharged to the finisher unit 4.
[0057]
The finisher unit 4 includes a stack tray 44 that temporarily stacks the paper ejected from the image forming unit 3, a stapler unit 45 that performs stapling processing for binding the bundle of paper stored in the stack tray 44, and the stapled paper An upper discharge tray 46 and a lower discharge tray 47 for discharging the bundle are provided. Each of the upper paper discharge tray 46 and the lower paper discharge tray 47 is provided with paper discharge sensors 48 and 49 that detect the presence or absence of paper after image formation on the upper paper discharge tray 46 and the lower paper discharge tray 47.
[0058]
Next, based on FIG. 4, the electrical connection of the control system of the multifunction machine 1 will be described in terms of operation. The multi-function device 1 includes a main control unit 50 that drives and controls the multi-function device 1. The main control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 that centrally drives and controls each unit, a ROM 52 that stores fixed data such as a control program, a RAM 53 that stores variable data in a rewritable manner, and a state in which the main power supply is shut off. A nonvolatile RAM 54 as a nonvolatile storage area for storing and holding various data, a serial I / F 55 for exchanging information with an external device such as a personal computer, a timer 56 for measuring time and synchronizing each unit And a communication interface (I / F) S for exchanging information with an external device such as a personal computer is formed by bus line connection.
[0059]
The RAM 53 temporarily stores various jobs instructed to be executed by the operation of the copy start key 57b or information received from the external device via the communication interface S. The job in this embodiment is an image forming operation for sequentially printing out images of a plurality of documents placed on the automatic document feeder 6 as print information, or a communication interface S as another job receiving means. Print information and a command for instructing execution of an image forming operation for printing out based on the print information received from the external device via.
[0060]
The nonvolatile RAM 54 is backed up by a battery (not shown), and retains the stored contents even when the power of the multifunction device 1 is shut off.
[0061]
The main controller 50 includes a motor (not shown) for rotating the photosensitive member 24, motors (not shown) for driving the first, second and third paper feeding devices 28, 29 and 30, and a reversing unit. There are various solenoids (not shown) for operating the reverse path switching claw 39, a motor (not shown) for driving the duplex conveying roller 41 of the duplex conveying unit 42, a motor (not shown) for driving the sheet aligning jogger, etc. It is connected as an AC load or various DC loads. In addition, various sensors such as a temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the document reading sensor 19 and the fixing unit 35 are connected to the main control unit 50.
[0062]
The main power supply of the main control system 50 is a commercial main power supply 58. A power supply unit 61 is connected to the commercial main power supply 58 via a power automatic shut-off switch 60 connected to a solenoid 59 that is ON / OFF driven and controlled by a driver 62. As will be described in detail later, the main control system 50 includes a solenoid 59 via a driver 62 when the automatic power cutoff switch 60 is manually switched to the connection side and the commercial main power supply 58 and the power supply unit 61 are connected. Is driven to the suction side and the automatic power cut-off switch 60 is operated to the OFF side to cut off the main power supply.
[0063]
A constant voltage Vcc for logic load generated by the commercial main power supply 58 is supplied to the CPU 51 and various sensors. The light load constant voltage VL generated by the commercial main power supply 58 is supplied to the liquid crystal display or the like of the operation unit 57. A motor for rotating the photosensitive member 24, a motor for driving the first, second and third paper feeding devices 28, 29, 30, a solenoid for operating the reversing path switching claw of the reversing unit 39, and both surfaces of the duplex conveying unit 42 A heavy load constant voltage VH is supplied to a motor that drives the transport roller 41, a motor that drives the paper alignment jogger, and the like.
[0064]
By the way, the power supply unit 61 is connected to relays 64 and 65 that are ON / OFF-driven controlled by a driver 63 connected to the main control unit 50. The relays 64 and 65 control the output of the light load constant voltage VL and the heavy load constant voltage VH generated by the commercial main power supply 58.
[0065]
In addition, the automatic document feeder 6, the finisher unit 4, the operation unit 57, and the like are connected to the main control unit 50 via a serial I / F 55. The automatic document feeder 6, the finisher unit 4, the operation unit 57, and the like are communication-controlled by the main control unit 50 via the serial I / F 55.
[0066]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the multi-function device 1 will be described with respect to the main power shutoff process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main power shut-off process. In the main power shut-off process, the process waits until it is determined that an instruction to execute main power shut-off by operating the automatic power shut-off switch 60 is received by the operator (S1).
[0067]
If it is determined in step S1 that an instruction to execute main power supply shutoff by operating the automatic power shutoff switch 60 is received (Y in S1), when it is determined that an instruction to execute main power supply shutoff is received. It is determined whether or not the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is being executed (S2). Here, the function as the executing determination means is executed.
[0068]
If it is determined in step S2 that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is being executed at the time when it is determined that an instruction to shut off the main power supply has been received (Y in S2), the RAM 53 is temporarily stored as described below. The remaining time until the main power supply is cut off is calculated from the stored job contents (S3). Here, when an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received, a function as remaining time calculation means for calculating the remaining time based on the received job is executed.
[0069]
Here, calculation of the remaining time will be described. The remaining time includes the paper size on which an image is formed in the job to be executed, the time required to form an image of the paper size, the time required to discharge the paper after image formation to the paper discharge tray, the specified number of sheets, It is calculated based on a remaining time calculation element such as a processing time after paper discharge. In the present embodiment, the prescribed paper size such as B5 and A4 among the remaining time calculation elements and the time required to print out the paper of that size are associated with each other and stored in the ROM 52 in advance. . As another remaining time calculation element, the ROM 52 stores predetermined information such as a time required for discharging the paper after image formation to the paper discharge tray, a processing time after the paper discharge, and the like. Yes.
[0070]
The remaining time when printing out predetermined print information based on a job received from an external device via the communication interface S is based on the paper size and the number of prints as remaining time calculation elements included in the job. Can be easily calculated. On the other hand, the remaining time when executing a job for printing out images of a plurality of documents placed on the automatic document feeder is, for example, the number of documents placed on the automatic document feeder, and an image to be formed. When a message for requesting the input of the paper size and the number of prints is displayed on the liquid crystal display D, the operator can grasp the remaining time calculation element that needs to be input, and when the requested predetermined information is input It is possible to calculate.
[0071]
When the remaining time is calculated in step S3, the calculated remaining time, a message serving as guidance information indicating that the instruction for executing the main power supply cutoff has been received, and the stop for receiving the instruction for interrupting the execution of the main power supply are canceled. A cancel key C as an accepting means is displayed on the liquid crystal display D (S4). Here, a function as display means is executed.
[0072]
Then, until it is determined that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 has been completed before the execution instruction for shutting down the main power source by operating the automatic power shut-off switch 60 in a state where predetermined items are displayed on the liquid crystal display D. The job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is continued (S5). Here, the function as the end determination means is executed.
[0073]
In step S3, if the remaining time cannot be calculated due to a lack of information, etc., as shown in FIG. A message M for informing the user and a cancel key C is displayed on the liquid crystal display D, and the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is continued.
[0074]
If it is determined in step S6 that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 has been completed (Y in S6), the operation of the cancel key C is not performed until the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is completed after the execution of the main power shutoff is instructed. It is determined whether or not there is (S7). Here, the function as the cancellation determination means is executed.
[0075]
If it is determined in step S7 that the cancel key C is not operated until the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is terminated after the main power supply is instructed (N in S7), the solenoid is sucked to turn off the automatic power cut-off switch 60. By moving to the OFF side, the main power supply is shut off (S8). Here, the function as the main power shut-off means is executed.
[0076]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the cancel key C has been operated until the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is terminated after the execution of the main power supply is instructed (Y in S7), the main power supply is cut off. The power shutdown process is terminated without By shutting off the main power supply only when there is no instruction to cancel the main power supply shutdown, it is possible to cancel the main power shutdown execution instruction once received, which is highly convenient for the operator. The multifunction device 1 can be provided.
[0077]
Here, when an instruction to execute shut-off of the main power supply is accepted and it is determined that the image forming operation is being executed, a message M is displayed to inform that the instruction to shut off the main power is accepted. The main power is shut off when it is determined that the image forming operation has been completed.
[0078]
Accordingly, even when the main power supply is not immediately shut down by receiving an instruction to shut off the main power supply during the execution of the image forming operation, the operator can perform the operation without causing any trouble in the image forming operation being executed. The operator who has instructed the main power supply to be shut off can be informed that the main power supply cut-off execution instruction has been accepted, and wasteful power consumption when not in use can be suppressed. Can eliminate general anxiety.
[0079]
In the present embodiment, an image forming operation for sequentially printing out images of a plurality of documents placed on the automatic document feeder 6 as print information, or a print received from an external device via the communication interface S The print information and command for instructing the execution of the image forming operation to print out based on the information is a job. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image reading unit 2 reads an image of a document and the read image. A command may be a job that instructs execution of an image forming operation for electronically storing data in a predetermined storage area.
[0080]
In the present exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus is applied to the multi-function device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus may be applied to a copying machine, a printer, a FAX, and the like each configured as a single unit.
[0081]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a state of waiting until the main power supply is cut off when another job is being executed when an instruction to cut off the main power supply is received. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.
[0082]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main power shut-off process according to the second embodiment of this invention. In the main power shut-off process, the process waits until an operator judges an instruction to shut off the main power by operating the automatic power shut-off switch 60 (S11).
[0083]
If it is determined in step S11 that the main power shut-off switch 60 is operated by operating the automatic power shut-off switch 60 (Y in S11), the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is executed when the main power shut-off instruction is determined. It is determined whether it is in the middle (S12).
[0084]
If it is determined in step S12 that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is being executed at the time when the instruction to shut off the main power supply is determined (Y in S12), the display on the liquid crystal display is shut off and the main power ON LED is turned on. Flashing is performed (S13), and the job is continued until it is determined that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is completed (S14).
[0085]
If it is determined in step S15 that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 has ended (Y in S15), the main power supply is shut off by sucking the solenoid and moving the automatic power shutoff switch 60 to the OFF side. Then, the process ends (S16). Here, the function as the main power shut-off means is executed.
[0086]
Here, when an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received, the display on the liquid crystal display D is invalidated, and the main power ON LED 57j blinks.
[0087]
As a result, even if the main power shutoff is not immediately executed because the main power shutoff is instructed during job execution, the reason why the main power is not shut down for the operator who instructed the main power shutoff to be executed. By guiding by turning on the main power ON LED 57j, it is possible to suppress the use of unnecessary members as much as possible and to inform the operator that an instruction to shut off the main power is received. The multifunction device 1 can be provided.
[0088]
Although not particularly illustrated, when the cancel key C is operated during the power-off process, the power-off process is interrupted in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.
[0089]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the main power shutoff end mode when the execution of main power shutoff is instructed while another job is being executed is immediately executed as the page mode in which the main power shutoff is immediately executed. This is different from the first embodiment in that the operator can arbitrarily select the mode or the job mode in which the main power supply is shut off after completion of all jobs.
[0090]
In this embodiment, when it is determined that the main power shut-off execution instruction has been received, the end mode is the message M requesting the liquid crystal display D to set the end mode as shown in FIG. An end mode arbitrarily set by the operator is set in a state where the selection key K for designating the end mode is displayed. In the present embodiment, if no special setting is made by the operator, the job mode is automatically set as a default. Here, the function as the end mode setting means is executed.
[0091]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main power shut-off process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the main power shut-off process, the process waits until it is determined that an instruction to execute main power shut-off by operating the automatic power shut-off switch 60 is received by the operator (S21).
[0092]
If it is determined in step S21 that an instruction to execute main power supply shutoff by operating the automatic power shutoff switch 60 is received (Y in S21), when it is determined that an instruction to execute main power supply shutoff is received. It is determined whether or not the job is being executed (S22).
[0093]
If it is determined in step S22 that the job is being executed when it is determined that an instruction to shut off the main power supply has been received (Y in S22), predetermined items are displayed on the liquid crystal display D as shown in FIG. It is displayed (S23), and it is determined whether the end mode is set to the immediate execution mode or the job mode (S24).
[0094]
If it is determined in step S24 that the end mode is set to the immediate execution mode (Y in S24), the job is processed until it is determined that the image forming operation related to the page being executed has ended (Y in S26). Is continued (S25).
[0095]
If it is determined in step S26 that the image forming operation relating to the page being executed has been completed (Y in S26), the remaining jobs are stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 (S27), the solenoid is sucked, and the power automatic shutoff switch 60 is stored. Is moved to the OFF side to shut off the main power supply (S28). Here, under the setting of the immediate execution mode, a function as a main power shut-off unit that shuts off the main power when the image forming operation relating to the page on which the image forming operation is being executed is completed, and a job that has not been completed. A function as a storage means for storing the contents of is stored.
[0096]
Here, the remaining jobs in the present embodiment are all the jobs received and temporarily stored in the RAM 53 when the main power supply is shut off when the jobs received via the communication interface S are not completely terminated. It means a job that hasn't finished yet. The remaining job is formed by print information and a command for instructing execution of print output of the print information, as in a job that is normally received.
[0097]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the end mode is not set to the immediate execution mode (N in S24), it is determined that the job mode is set, and the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is ended. Until the determination is made (Y in S30), the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is continued (S29).
[0098]
If it is determined in step S30 that the job has been completed (Y in S30), whether the execution of a new job has been received after the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 has been completed since the execution of the main power-off was instructed. It is determined whether or not (S31). Here, a function as a new job receiving means is executed.
[0099]
If it is determined in step S31 that execution of a new job has been received from the time when the execution of main power shutoff is instructed to the end of the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 (Y in S31), as shown in FIG. Then, the fact that an instruction to shut off the main power supply has been instructed is displayed on the liquid crystal display (S32), and the job is executed (S33) until it is determined that the new job is completed (Y in S30).
[0100]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the execution of a new job has not been accepted before the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is terminated after the execution of the main power supply is instructed (N in S31), step S31 is executed. Proceeding to S28, the main power supply is shut off by sucking the solenoid and moving the automatic power shutoff switch 60 to the OFF side.
[0101]
This makes it possible to immediately shut off the main power supply as necessary. Therefore, the convenience of the multifunction device 1 can be improved by changing the timing of executing the main power supply shutoff according to the situation. .
[0102]
Here, the processing of the remaining jobs stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 in step S27 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of remaining job processing that is executed when there is a remaining job in the nonvolatile RAM 54.
[0103]
In the remaining job processing, when the apparatus is activated, warm-up processing is performed (S34) until the copy operation can be executed (Y in S35).
[0104]
If it is determined in step S35 that the copy operation can be executed (Y in S35), the nonvolatile RAM 54 is searched to determine whether there is a remaining job (S36). Here, a function as job content determination means is executed.
[0105]
If it is determined in step S36 that there is a remaining job in the nonvolatile RAM 54 (Y in S36), a predetermined image forming operation is executed based on the remaining job (S37).
[0106]
Here, when the content of a job that has not been completed in the previous image forming operation is stored when the multifunction device 1 is activated, the image forming operation is executed based on the stored content of the job.
[0107]
Even if an instruction to shut down the main power supply is issued during job execution, whether the main power supply is shut off immediately or whether the main power is shut down after the currently running job or a newly received job is terminated. Can be arbitrarily selected by the operator. Even when the main power supply is shut off immediately during execution of the job, if the job is received from the external device through the communication interface S, the remaining jobs are executed after the main power supply is turned on again. There is no need to perform a complicated operation of resending data, and the convenience of the multifunction device 1 can be improved.
[0108]
Although not particularly illustrated, when the cancel key C is operated during the power-off process, the power-off process is interrupted in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.
[0109]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that when a job is finished in a state where the execution of the main power shut-off process is received, the contents of the job are printed together.
[0110]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main power shut-off process according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. In the main power shut-off process, the system waits until it is determined that an instruction to execute main power shut-off by operating the automatic power shut-off switch 60 is received by the operator (S41).
[0111]
If it is determined in step S41 that an instruction to execute main power supply shutoff by operating the automatic power shutoff switch 60 is accepted (Y in S41), the RAM 53 is stored when the instruction to execute main power supply shutoff is determined. It is determined whether the temporarily stored job is being executed (S42).
[0112]
If it is determined in step S42 that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is being executed when it is determined that an instruction to shut off the main power supply has been received (Y in S42), as shown in FIG. Predetermined items are displayed on D (S43), and the contents of the job executed after receiving an instruction to shut off the main power supply are stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 (S44).
[0113]
Here, FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a display mode of the liquid crystal display D when it is determined that an instruction to shut off the main power supply has been received. On the liquid crystal display D, a message M and a selection key K for requesting the setting of one of a print mode for printing out the contents of the job and a non-print mode for not printing are displayed. In this state, any one of the selection keys K is operated by the operator, so that an arbitrarily set mode is set. In the present embodiment, if no special setting is made by the operator, the print mode is automatically set as a default. Here, the function as the mode setting means is executed.
[0114]
Then, until it is determined that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 has ended (Y in S46), the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is continued (S45).
[0115]
If it is determined in step S46 that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 has been completed (Y in S46), a new job from when the execution of shutting down the main power supply is instructed until the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is terminated. It is determined whether or not execution of the program has been accepted (S47).
[0116]
If it is determined in step S47 that execution of a new job has been received after the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 has been completed since the execution of the main power supply is instructed (Y in S47), at least the main power supply is cut off The job contents including the execution time of the image forming operation related to the job executed after the execution instruction is received are stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 (S44), and the job is processed until it is determined that the new job is completed (Y of S46). Continue (S45).
[0117]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that execution of a new job has not been received before the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is completed after an instruction to shut off the main power supply is issued (N in S47), printing is performed. It is determined whether or not the mode is set (S48).
[0118]
If it is determined in step S48 that the print mode is set (Y in S48), the job content stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 is printed on a single sheet (S49), and the solenoid is sucked. The main power supply is shut off by moving the automatic power shutoff switch 60 to the OFF side (S50). Here, the function as the printing unit and the function as the main power supply cutoff unit are executed.
[0119]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S48 that the print mode is not set (N in S48), the main power is shut off by sucking the solenoid as it is and moving the automatic power shut-off switch 60 to the OFF side. Execute (S50).
[0120]
Here, when the image forming operation is completed, the contents of the job stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 are printed out.
[0121]
At the time of print output, the job content stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 is printed out on a single sheet. However, if the job content stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 is large, print information covers a plurality of sheets. Printed out.
[0122]
The content stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 includes at least the time when the job is executed. Accordingly, by printing out familiar information, it is possible to easily sort the printed sheets even for those other than those who instructed the print output.
[0123]
This makes it possible to guide the contents of the executed job even when the operator is not in the vicinity when the main power supply is shut down. Even when the operator leaves the apparatus immediately after instructing the shut-off, it is possible to easily sort the printed sheet when the operator is instructed to shut off the main power source.
[0124]
Although not particularly illustrated, when the cancel key C is operated during the power-off process, the power-off process is interrupted in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.
[0125]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that printing is performed on a different sheet for each job content stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54.
[0126]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main power shut-off process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the main power cut-off process, the process waits until it is determined that an instruction to execute main power cut-off by operating the automatic power cut-off switch 60 is received by the operator (S61).
[0127]
If it is determined in step S61 that an instruction to execute main power supply shutoff due to operation of the automatic power shutoff switch 60 has been received (Y in S61), when it is determined that an instruction to execute main power supply shutoff has been received. It is determined whether or not the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is being executed (S62).
[0128]
If it is determined in step S62 that the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is being executed when it is determined that an instruction to shut off the main power supply has been received (Y in S62), as shown in FIG. The predetermined items are displayed (S63), and the contents of the job executed after receiving the instruction to shut off the main power supply are stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 (S64).
[0129]
The job is continued (S65) until it is determined that the new job is completed (Y in S66).
[0130]
If it is determined in step S66 that the new job has ended (Y in S66), it is determined whether the print mode is set (S67).
[0131]
If it is determined in step S67 that the print mode is set (Y in S67), the job contents stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 are printed out on different sheets for each single job (S68). It is determined whether a new job has been received from the time when the execution of power-off is instructed to the end of the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 (S69).
[0132]
If it is determined in step S69 that a new job has been received from the time the main power shutoff instruction is issued until the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 ends (Y in S69), the main power shutoff execution instruction Is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 (S64), and the job is continued until it is determined that the new job has been completed (Y in S66) (S65).
[0133]
In the processing from step S64 to step S69, there is no other job such as a new job or a job already accepted until the job temporarily stored in the RAM 53 is terminated after an instruction to shut off the main power supply is issued. Repeat until it is determined.
[0134]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S69 that there is no new job (N in S69), the main power supply is shut off by attracting the solenoid as it is and moving the automatic power shutoff switch 60 to the OFF side. (S70).
[0135]
Here, the contents of the job stored in the nonvolatile RAM 54 are printed out each time a single job is completed.
[0136]
As a result, even when the operator is not in the vicinity when the main power supply is shut off, the contents of the executed job can be guided for each job. For example, sheets related to a plurality of jobs are stacked on one tray. Even when the user leaves the apparatus immediately after instructing to shut off the power, the executed content can be easily determined later.
[0137]
  Although not particularly illustrated, when the cancel key C is operated during the power-off process, the power-off process is interrupted in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.
  According to the image forming apparatus described above, when an instruction to shut off the main power supply is accepted by the shut-off accepting unit, and when it is determined that the image forming operation is being performed by the image forming unit by the executing judging unit. Then, guidance information for informing that the execution instruction for shutting off the main power supply has been accepted is displayed on the display unit by the display means. When it is determined by the end determination means that the image forming operation has been completed, the main power supply is shut off by the main power supply cutoff means. As a result, even when an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received during the execution of the image forming operation, the instruction to execute the shutting off of the main power supply is accepted for the operator without disturbing the image forming operation being executed. It will be possible to inform the effect.
  Then, when an instruction to execute the main power supply cutoff is received and it is determined that the image forming operation is being executed, guidance information indicating that the instruction to execute the main power supply cutoff has been received is displayed on the display unit. When it is determined that the forming operation has been completed, the main power supply is turned off, so that even if an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received during the execution of the image forming operation, the image forming operation being executed is not hindered. , It is possible to inform the operator that the instruction to shut off the main power supply has been accepted, so that wasteful power consumption when not in use is suppressed, and the main power supply is shut off to the operator. Immediate guidance that the execution instruction has been accepted can eliminate psychological anxiety about the operator.
  In addition, if the main power supply is turned off when the image forming operation related to the new job received by the new job receiving means is judged to have been finished by the end judging means, the main power supply is cut off. It becomes possible to execute a new job received after receiving an instruction before shutting off the main power supply.
  If it is determined that the image forming operation related to the received new job has been completed, if the main power supply is cut off, the new job received after receiving the instruction to execute the main power supply cutoff is transferred to the main job. Since it can be executed before the power is shut off, useless power consumption when not in use can be suppressed, and complicated operations can be eliminated to improve convenience.
  In addition, when a new job is received after an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received, the fact that the new job has been received and the main power supply is shut off after the image forming operation relating to the new job is completed. If the guidance information for guiding the user is displayed on the display unit, the image forming operation related to the new job received after receiving the instruction to execute the main power supply shutdown is executed before the main power supply is shut off. Thus, it is possible to guide the operator that the instruction to execute the main power supply cutoff has been received.
  Then, when a new job is received after receiving an instruction to shut off the main power supply, the user is informed that the new job has been received and that the main power supply will be shut down after the image forming operation relating to the new job is completed. If the guide information is displayed on the display unit, the image forming operation related to the new job received after receiving the instruction to shut off the main power source is executed before the main power source is shut off, and Therefore, it is possible to guide that the instruction to shut off the main power supply has been accepted, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption when not in use, eliminating psychological anxiety for the operator, and complicated operations. Can be eliminated and convenience can be improved.
  When an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received, the remaining time calculated by the remaining time calculating means is displayed on the display unit by the display means, so that the main power supply can be given to the operator. By guiding the remaining time until the interruption, the psychological anxiety can be resolved for the operator.
  Then, when the execution instruction for shutting off the main power source is received, if the calculated remaining time is displayed on the display unit, the remaining time until the main power source is shut off is guided to the operator. Since it becomes possible to eliminate psychological anxiety for the operator, it is possible to eliminate psychological anxiety for the operator.
  Also, when an instruction to shut off the main power supply is accepted, the display means is disabled and the LED lamp blinks, so that an unnecessary member is not driven and the operator is not driven. Thus, it is possible to inform that the execution instruction for shutting off the main power supply has been received.
  Then, when an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received, if the display means is disabled and the LED lamp blinks, an unnecessary member is not driven and the operator is turned off. Since it becomes possible to guide that the execution instruction of interruption has been received, energy saving can be further improved.
  Even when an instruction to stop the main power supply is received, the main power supply is shut down only when the stop determining means determines that the instruction to stop executing the main power supply is not received by the stop receiving means. By doing so, it is possible to cancel the instruction to execute the main power supply cutoff once received.
  Even if an instruction to shut off the main power supply is received, if the main power supply is shut down only when an instruction to stop executing the main power shutoff is not accepted, the main power shutoff that has been accepted once is executed. Since the instruction can be canceled, a highly convenient image forming apparatus can be provided to the operator.
  Further, if the main power supply is cut off only when it is determined that a new job has been received by the new job receiving unit and the page end determining unit determines that the image forming operation related to the page has been completed, It is possible to quickly shut off the main power supply after receiving an instruction to shut off the main power supply without causing any trouble with respect to the image forming operation in page units.
  If it is determined that a new job has been received after receiving an instruction to shut off the main power, and the main power is shut off only when it is determined that the image forming operation related to the page has been completed, The main power supply can be quickly shut down after receiving an instruction to shut off the main power supply without causing any trouble in image forming operations in units, so that wasteful power consumption when not in use is suppressed. be able to.
  If the page mode and the job mode are set so as to be switchable by the end mode setting means, the power can be cut off as appropriate according to the situation.
  If the page mode and job mode are set to be switchable, the power supply can be shut off appropriately according to the situation, so that wasteful power consumption when not in use is suppressed, and depending on the situation. Therefore, convenience can be improved by changing the timing of executing the shutoff of the main power supply.
  Further, when the main power supply is cut off when it is determined that the image forming operation related to the page has been completed, the contents of the unfinished job are stored in the nonvolatile storage area by the storage unit. This allows the operator to check the contents of the interrupted job later.
  Then, when the main power supply is turned off when it is determined that the image forming operation related to the page has been completed, the contents of the unfinished job can be stored in the non-volatile storage area. Therefore, it is possible to check the contents of the interrupted job later, so that wasteful power consumption when not in use is suppressed, and the job contents that were executed before the main power supply was shut off even after the main power supply was cut Convenience can be improved by guiding.
  Further, when the content of the job that has not been completed is determined to be stored by the job content determination unit when the apparatus main body is activated, an image forming operation is executed based on the stored content of the job. In this way, a job that has not been completed in the previous image forming operation can be automatically ended when the apparatus main body is activated.
  Then, when it is determined that the contents of an unfinished job are stored when the apparatus main body is started, if the image forming operation is executed based on the stored contents of the job, the previous image Jobs that have not been completed during the forming operation can be automatically terminated when the main body of the device is started, so that wasteful power consumption when not in use is suppressed, and the main power is Convenience can be improved by guiding the contents of a job executed before being blocked.
  In addition, when the execution instruction for shutting off the main power supply is accepted, if the contents of the job stored in the storage area by the storage means are printed out by the printing means, the operation can be performed when the main power supply is shut off. Even when the user is not in the vicinity, the contents of the executed job can be surely guided.
  When the main power shut-off execution instruction is accepted, if the contents of the job stored in the storage area are printed out, even when the operator is not in the vicinity when the main power is shut off, Since it is possible to reliably guide the contents of the executed job, it was executed when the operator was instructed to shut down the main power supply, suppressing unnecessary power consumption when not in use. The contents of the image forming operation can be easily grasped.
  Further, if the mode setting means is set so that the print mode and the non-print mode can be switched, for example, when the main power is shut off, the print mode is set when the operator is not in the vicinity. The job contents can be printed out only when necessary.
  If the print mode and the non-print mode are set so that they can be switched, for example, when the main power is shut off, the print mode is set when the operator is not in the vicinity. Since the contents of the job can be printed out only when necessary, an image forming apparatus with higher energy savings can be obtained without unnecessarily consuming paper.
  In addition, if printing is performed for each image forming operation related to a single job by the printing unit, the contents of the executed job are displayed for each job even when the operator is not in the vicinity when the main power is shut off. It becomes possible to guide with certainty.
  If the print output is performed for each image forming operation related to a single job, the contents of the executed job are surely guided for each job even when the operator is not in the vicinity when the main power is shut off. As a result, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption when not in use, and to easily grasp the contents of the image forming operation executed when the operator is instructed to shut off the main power supply. be able to.
  Further, if the job contents are printed out on a single sheet by the printing means, it is possible to reduce unnecessary sheet consumption.
  If the contents of the job are printed on a single sheet, unnecessary sheet consumption can be reduced, so that an image forming apparatus with higher energy savings can be obtained. .
  In addition, if at least the execution time of the image forming operation measured by the timer is stored as the job content, the printable job content is printed by printing out information that is easy for anyone to recognize. It becomes possible to grasp easily.
  If at least the execution time of the image forming operation measured by the timer is stored as the contents of the job, information that is easy for anyone to recognize can be printed out to easily grasp the contents of the printed job. Therefore, a highly convenient image forming apparatus can be obtained.
[0138]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, wasteful power consumption when not in use is suppressed, and convenience is improved by changing the timing of executing the shutoff of the main power supply according to the situation. Can be made.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation unit.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a display mode of a liquid crystal display of a multifunction peripheral in a normal state.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of a control system of the multifunction machine.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of a main power shut-off process.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a display mode of a liquid crystal display of the multifunction machine.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of main power shut-off processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a display mode of a liquid crystal display according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of main power shut-off processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a display mode of a liquid crystal display of the multifunction machine.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of remaining job processing that is executed when there is a remaining job in the nonvolatile RAM.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of main power shut-off processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a display mode of the liquid crystal display of the multifunction machine.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of main power shutdown processing according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming device
54 Storage area, non-volatile storage area
56 timer
57b Job acceptance means
57j LED lamp
60 Blocking acceptance means
D Display section
M guidance information
S Job acceptance means

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus that includes a job receiving unit that receives a predetermined job and executes an image forming operation in accordance with the job received by the job receiving unit.
A cutoff acceptance means for accepting an instruction to shut down the power supply of the apparatus body;
An in-execution determination unit that determines whether the image forming operation is being executed when an instruction to execute the power-off is received by the cutoff reception unit;
A display unit that displays a message for requesting selection of whether to immediately shut down when the image forming operation is being executed by the executing determination unit; and a selection key used for the selection;
When it is selected that immediate shutdown is performed by the selection key, the power shutdown that shuts off the power when it is determined that the image formation operation related to the page on which the image formation operation is being performed is completed in the job Means and
When it is selected by the selection key not to immediately shut off, the power shut-off means is an image corresponding to a new job accepted by the job accepting means after the shut-off accepting means accepts the execution instruction for shut-off. An image forming apparatus characterized by shutting off the power supply when it is determined that all forming operations have been completed . If carrying out the immediate blocking by the selection key is selected, according to claim 1, further comprising a storage means for storing the contents of the remaining job is not completed within a job the job accepting unit receives the storage area of the nonvolatile the image forming apparatus according to. Job content determination means for determining whether the content of the remaining job that has not been completed is stored with reference to the storage area when the apparatus main body is activated,
When the job content determination unit determines that the content of the remaining job that has not been completed is stored, the image forming apparatus executes the image forming operation based on the content of the remaining job stored. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

Images