JP5150273B2 - Optional device, image forming system, and debugging system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optional device for adding or expanding functions of an image forming apparatus, an image forming system such as a printer, a copier, a multifunction peripheral, and a facsimile machine to which the optional device is connected, and a debugging system in which the optional device and a terminal are connected. .

  Conventionally, in various image forming apparatuses such as a printer, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral, various optional devices connected to expand and add functions of the image forming apparatus are prepared. For example, a paper supply device for accommodating a large amount of paper and increasing the size of paper that can be used, a double-sided printing unit for adding a double-sided printing function, and processing on paper on which images have been formed There are a wide variety of optional devices such as post-processing devices (finishers). Some of these optional devices include a control unit having a CPU or the like inside, and the CPU on the optional device side controls the operation of the optional device upon receiving an instruction by communication with the control unit on the main body side. To do.

Here, the control unit on the option device side needs to communicate with the control unit on the main body side in order to receive instructions such as operation timing and to transmit the status of the option device to the control unit on the main body side, etc. The option device and the image forming apparatus are connected via a connector, a cable, or the like. An invention relating to communication between such a main body and an optional device is described in Patent Document 1, specifically, a scanner control unit, a writing control unit for writing an image on an image carrier, and control of the entire device. In a digital copying machine provided with a main control unit for performing an operation, a digital copying machine using a high-speed serial interface as an internal interface and connecting an optional unit with a high-speed serial interface is described (Patent Document) 1: See claim 1, claim 8, paragraph 0008, etc.).
JP 2001-016382 A

  In general, in an optional apparatus such as a paper supply apparatus, power is supplied from the image forming apparatus main body side to the optional apparatus side. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, when a USB (Universal Serial Bus) is used as an example of a serial interface (see Patent Document 1: Claim 14), the USB is provided with a 5V power line, With this power supply line, a voltage (for example, 5 V or 3.3 V) necessary for driving each element such as a CPU and a memory of the control unit of the optional device can be secured.

  However, an optional apparatus for an image forming apparatus such as a paper supply device or a double-sided printing unit is provided with a motor for rotating a fan for blowing and exhausting air and for performing paper conveyance and paper supply operations. Generally, the rated voltage of the motor provided in the optional device is usually 12 to 24V. Therefore, the USB has a problem that a voltage necessary for rotating the motor cannot be secured. In addition, in the standards such as USB, the maximum value of current that can be passed through the power supply line (for example, 500 mA in USB) is determined, and the motor can be over-current flow. In view of the fact that a plurality of optional devices may be mounted, there is a problem that conventional standards such as USB are not suitable for supplying all power from the image forming apparatus to the optional devices. In addition, the patent document 1 does not describe a reference or suggestion regarding this problem.

  That is, in data communication, basically, it is not necessary to transmit a large amount of electric power, and therefore various conventional standards such as USB cannot drive a motor of an optional device of an image forming apparatus. For example, according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, although high-speed communication can be performed by serial communication, in order to drive the motor, when power is supplied from the image forming apparatus side to the option apparatus side, a separate motor is used. Other measures such as providing a power supply line, or connecting an option device and a commercial power supply, and providing a power supply device in the option device are required. This has a problem that the cost of the optional device can be increased and the size of the option device can be increased, such as an increase in the size of the connector.

  In addition, each optional device has a connector such as a connector for connecting to a terminal as an external computer and a dedicated connector for rewriting and updating the memory of the optional device in order to debug a control program and control data. May be provided separately. That is, although there are communication lines and connectors for communication with the image forming apparatus, connectors for debugging and memory rewriting are provided separately from the communication lines of the image forming apparatus main body. There is also a problem that wiring is required and disadvantageous in terms of cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and in an optional device, by switching the input voltage to the optional device, power supply for both motor driving and control unit driving can be performed with a single connector. Accordingly, it is an object to consolidate various connectors for power supply, data communication, debugging, and memory rewriting into one to reduce manufacturing costs and improve convenience for users and developers.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an invention according to claim 1 is an optional device mounted on an image forming apparatus, and includes a control unit that receives an instruction from the image forming apparatus and controls the optional device, and the optional device. A storage unit that stores a plurality of programs and data for control, a motor that requires a voltage higher than the drive voltage of the control unit to rotate a rotating body that supplies or conveys paper for image formation, and image formation The apparatus and the control unit are bundled into a data communication line for transmitting and receiving data, a power supply line for receiving power for driving the motor or driving the control unit from the outside, and a ground line. a first connector connectable to an image forming apparatus and an external terminal, and converts the power supplied from the image forming apparatus, a voltage to be output to the control unit performs a step-down voltage And section, when the first connector image forming apparatus is connected, after passing through the voltage converter to provide power to the control unit, when the external terminal is connected to said first connector, said voltage A switch for supplying power to the control unit without going through the conversion unit is provided.

  According to this configuration, for example, when a voltage for driving the motor is input from the image forming apparatus main body side to the optional apparatus by connecting the image forming apparatus and the optional apparatus via the first connector, the motor is driven. Therefore, the voltage for the control unit can be secured, and the drive voltage of the control unit can be secured by stepping down the voltage conversion unit. Naturally, communication between the image forming apparatus main body and the optional apparatus can also be performed.

  On the other hand, when a rewrite-only jig such as a terminal for debugging or a storage unit control program is connected to the first connector, 24V or 12V is supplied to supply power to the optional device due to the presence of the switch. A voltage of about 5V for driving the control unit from the terminal or the like to the optional device is input from the terminal or the like without using a large power source to be handled by the terminal or the like, or being attached to the image forming apparatus. Only the control unit can be driven, and the debugging operation and the rewriting operation of the storage unit can be performed. That is, if the image forming apparatus and the optional device are connected by the first connector, power can be supplied to the optional device control unit and each motor and data can be transmitted and received. If the terminal and the optional device are connected by the first connector, the control can be performed. Communication for supplying power to the unit, debugging work, and rewriting the storage unit can be performed. Therefore, the control unit of the optional device can be driven without being connected to the image forming apparatus, which is highly convenient for developers and the like.

  In addition, a connector for receiving communication and power supply to the image forming apparatus main body, which has been provided separately, a connector for debugging, and a connector for rewriting a storage unit program or the like are integrated into one. be able to. As a result, it is possible to achieve a reduction in space required for connector installation and cost reduction by simplifying the number of connectors and wiring. Further, there is no need for a dedicated jig for rewriting such as debugging and programs.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optional device according to the first aspect, the optional device further includes a second connector for connecting another optional device to a subsequent stage, and the optional device includes the second connector. The data communication line, the power line, and the ground line are connected to the second connector, and the second connector of the option device at the front stage is connected to the first connector of the option device at the rear stage. The optional device is connected in multiple stages with the forming device side as the upstream side.

  According to this configuration, optional devices can be connected in multiple stages. That is, by simply connecting the first connector and the second connector, power can be supplied to the optional device in the next stage and a data communication line can be established. Furthermore, when a plurality of second connectors are provided and arranged at an arbitrary position, the degree of freedom of the connection position of the optional device can be increased.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the optional device according to the second aspect, the optional device is a paper supply device for supplying paper to the image forming apparatus, wherein the first connector is provided on the upper surface, and the lower surface is provided on the lower surface. In the case where the second connector is provided and the paper supply devices are stacked in the vertical direction, the upper second connector, the lower first connector, and the second connector are connected.

  This configuration shows a preferred example of the present invention, and all electrical connections can be made by simply connecting the upper second connector and the lower second connector.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the optional device according to the second or third aspect, the shapes of the first connector and the second connector conform to the USB standard, and data transmission / reception on the data communication line is also performed by the USB. According to the standard, the first connector is a hub.

  According to this configuration, it is necessary to modify the power supply line part, but the other part only needs to comply with USB, so the optional device connector and data communication are based on the original standard for connection of the optional device. Compared with the case where the method is adopted, the cost required for manufacturing the optional device can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to rewrite programs such as debugging and storage unit by simply connecting a cable to a USB terminal normally provided in a personal computer and a connector of an optional device. In addition, it can respond also to hot-line insertion / extraction.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the optional device according to the second or third aspect, the shapes of the first connector and the second connector conform to the IEEE 1394 standard, and transmission and reception of data on the data communication line is also possible. It was decided to comply with the IEEE 1394 standard.

  According to this configuration, it is necessary to modify the power supply line portion, but the other portions only have to comply with IEEE 1394. Therefore, based on the original standard for connecting the optional device, the connector dedicated to the optional device and data communication Compared with the case where the method is adopted, the cost required for manufacturing the optional device can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to rewrite programs such as debugging and storage unit by simply connecting a cable to an IEEE1394 terminal often provided in a personal computer and a connector of an optional device. In addition, it can respond also to hot-line insertion / extraction.

  In the invention according to claim 6, the image forming system is configured by connecting one or more optional devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, the cost required for manufacturing the optional device can be reduced and the space for the optional device can be saved, so that an inexpensive and space-saving image forming system can be provided.

  In the invention according to claim 7, the debug system is configured by the optional device according to claims 1 to 5 and a terminal connected by the first connector or the second connector.

  According to this configuration, when debugging, simply connecting the terminal and the optional device without connecting to the image forming apparatus or preparing a separate power supply for supplying the optional device as in the past. Work can be done.

  As described above, according to the present invention, data communication between the image forming apparatus main body and the option apparatus, power supply from the image forming apparatus main body to the option apparatus, connection for debugging, and rewriting of the storage unit Therefore, it is possible to provide an optional device with very high connector versatility. Therefore, it is possible to provide an optional device that is highly convenient for users and developers.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

  Although the present invention can be applied to various optional devices, in this embodiment, four feeders 1 (corresponding to a paper feeder, which corresponds to a paper supply device) are formed as an optional device for function expansion or addition. A case where the printer 2 is installed as an apparatus will be described as an example. In this embodiment, a case where the communication method between the printer 2 and the feeder 1 and the shape of the connector C conform to the USB standard will be described.

  First, a mode in which the feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to the printer 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a schematic structure of a feeder 1 and a printer 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 2 of the present embodiment includes a paper supply unit 3, a paper transport path 4, an image forming unit 5, and a fixing unit 6 as a configuration for forming an image in the main body. Each feeder 1 as an optional device (paper supply device) can be stacked in a plurality of stages below the printer 2 (four stages in this embodiment), and is attached to the printer 2. Thus, it can be considered that one image forming system 100 is formed by attaching the feeder 1 as an optional device to the printer 2 main body.

  The paper supply unit 3 supplies paper toward the image forming unit 5. As the paper supply unit 3, each cassette 31 in which paper such as paper of each size is stored is provided. Each cassette 31 includes a supply roller 32 and the like for feeding sheets one by one to the sheet transport path 4. For example, when the user selects the size of paper (paper) to be used on the user terminal 200 and inputs image formation execution to the printer, the supply roller 32 is rotationally driven by the supply motor 3M (see FIG. 2) or the like. A sheet is supplied to the sheet conveyance path 4.

  The paper transport path 4 transports the paper to the discharge tray 41 through the image forming unit 5 and the fixing unit 6. The paper transport path 4 is provided with a plurality of transport roller pairs 42 and the like that are rotated by a guide (not shown) and a transport motor 4M (see FIG. 2). Note that sheets fed from feeders 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, which will be described later, are also joined to the sheet conveyance path 4.

  The image forming unit 5 forms a toner image and transfers the toner image onto the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying path 4. Specifically, the image forming unit 5 is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1 and is disposed around the photosensitive drum 51 and the photosensitive drum 51 driven by a main motor 5M (see FIG. 2). The charging unit 52, the exposure unit 53, the developing unit 54, the transfer unit 55, and the cleaning unit 56 are provided.

  The photosensitive drum 51 on which the toner image is formed on the peripheral surface is provided at substantially the center of the image forming unit 5 and is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction. The toner image formation will be described. First, the charging unit 52 provided on the upper right side of the photosensitive drum 51 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 to a predetermined potential. An exposure unit 53 provided on the right side of the charging unit 52 outputs laser light based on image data transmitted from the user terminal 200 (see FIG. 2), and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 to electrostatically. A latent image is formed. Next, the developing unit 54 provided on the lower right side of the photosensitive drum 51 supplies toner toward the electrostatic latent image to develop the electrostatic latent image. A nip is formed between the transfer drum 55 provided on the lower left side of the photosensitive drum 51 and the photosensitive drum 51. When the paper passes through the nip, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the paper. The The cleaning unit 56 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 after the transfer.

  The fixing unit 6 fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 6 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a heating roller 61 incorporating a heating element, and a pressure roller 62 that presses against the heating roller 61 to form a nip. Then, the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 are rotated by the fixing motor 6M (see FIG. 2), and the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes through this nip, and the toner is melted and heated, so that the toner image is fixed on the sheet. To do.

  Next, the feeders 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D connected to the printer 2 as optional devices will be described.

  The feeders 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are connected to and attached to the printer 2 in order to increase the types of paper sizes to be stored and to increase the paper storage capacity. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, feeders 1 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B, 1 </ b> C, and 1 </ b> D are stacked below the printer 2 in a total of four stages. Here, since the configuration of each feeder 1 is the same, the symbols A, B, C, and D are omitted in the following unless otherwise described. The feeder 1 attached to the printer 2 is not limited to four stages, and may be, for example, only one stage.

  The feeder 1 accommodates a plurality of sheets and supplies sheets for forming an image in the same manner as the sheet supply unit 3. For this reason, each feeder 1 is provided with a supply roller 12 (corresponding to a rotating body) that rotates in order to supply or convey a sheet for image formation in response to driving of a feeder motor 1M (see FIG. 2). The feeder 1 is provided with a placement plate 11 for placing a plurality of sheets to be accommodated, and the placement plate 11 is moved up and down by an elastic body such as a spring, a motor or the like. The uppermost sheet of the printed sheets is brought into contact with the supply roller 12.

  Further, the feeder 1 can be pulled out to the front side of the printer 2 by a configuration such as a slide rail (not shown). When the feeder 1 is pulled out, the mounting plate 11 is exposed. A sheet is further placed on the plate 11. On the other hand, when switching to a different size from the paper to be accommodated, a paper of a different size is newly placed on the placement plate 11. A regulation guide 13 is provided on the placement plate for regulating the position of the paper that is slid and placed.

  The printer 2, the feeder 1 </ b> A, and the connector C for electrically connecting the feeders 1 are provided on the lower surface of the printer 2 and the upper and lower surfaces of the feeder 1. The details of the connector C will be described later.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the printer 2 to which the option device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration when the feeder 1 is mounted on the printer 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, each feeder 1 which is an optional device connected to the printer 2 of the embodiment will be described. Each feeder 1 is provided with a control unit 10 having a CPU 14, a storage unit 15, a communication control unit 16, and the like.

  The CPU 14 controls the operation of the feeder 1 by receiving an operation instruction from a control unit on the main body side of the printer 2 (hereinafter referred to as “main body control unit 20”). The storage unit 15 includes a ROM, a flash ROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores a plurality of control programs and control data for controlling the feeder 1. Note that the CPU 14 may incorporate RAM or ROM. The feeder 1 has a feeder motor 1M as a main control target. The control unit 10 receives an instruction from the main body control unit 20 and controls ON / OFF of the feeder motor 1M. That is, the control unit 10 receives an instruction from the printer 2 and controls the feeder 1.

  The communication control unit 16 is a part that performs control when communicating with the printer 2 main body. Since the communication between the printer 2 and the feeder 1 according to this embodiment conforms to the USB standard, the communication control unit 16 has a built-in memory for storing a controller IC for USB communication and software for communication control. The That is, communication between the main body control unit 20 and the control unit 10 of each feeder 1 is performed via the communication control unit 16.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer 2 according to the present embodiment includes a main body control unit 20 provided on a control board appropriately disposed in the apparatus. The main body control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the printer 2. Specifically, the main body control unit 20 includes an image forming unit 5 connected via an I / O (input / output) port (not shown), fixing, and the like. The operation of each unit such as the unit 6, paper conveyance, and driving of the power supply device 7 are controlled.

  The main body control unit 20 includes, for example, a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, an HDD 24, a communication control unit 25, an I / O (input / output) port (not shown), and the like. A user terminal 200 as an external computer can be connected to the main body control unit 20 via a network or the like, and image formation can be performed based on image data transmitted from the user terminal 200 (printer function).

  The CPU 21 is a central processing unit, and controls each unit of the printer 2 based on a control program and control data stored in the ROM 23 and the HDD 24 and expanded in the RAM 22. The ROM 23 stores a control program and control data for the printer 2 and is used when the CPU 21 reads the control program and the like. The RAM 22 is used when the control program is temporarily expanded or when image data is temporarily stored. The HDD 24 is a large-capacity storage device, and stores a control program, control data, image data, and the like.

  The ROM 23 and the HDD 24 store not only the main body control but also various programs and various data for giving operation instructions to various option devices, and the CPU 21 expands these in the RAM 22 and various options such as the feeder 1. Gives the device instructions such as operation timing.

  The communication control unit 25 is a part for the main body control unit 20 to communicate as a host in the USB standard. Therefore, the communication control unit 25 incorporates a host controller IC in USB, a memory storing software for causing the main body control unit 20 side to function as a host, a driver IC, and the like. That is, by connecting the communication control unit 25 on the main body control unit 20 side and the communication control unit 16 of each feeder 1 with various connectors C, the main body control unit 20 side is used as a host, and the control unit 10 side of the feeder 1 is used as a device. Data transmission / reception is performed. Details of the connection between the communication control unit 25 and the communication control unit 16 will be described later.

  On the other hand, the power supply device 7 is, for example, a switching power supply, is connected to a commercial power supply, performs rectification, and outputs a constant DC voltage V1 (for example, 24V or 12V). The voltage V1 output from the power supply device 7 is supplied to the supply motor 3M, the transport motor 4M, the main motor 5M, and the fixing motor 6M, and is used for driving the motor. The printer 2 is provided with a fan 71 for intake and exhaust for cooling and the like, and the voltage V1 is also supplied to a fan motor 7M for rotating the fan 71. In other words, a motor that operates at 24V or 12V is employed for each motor in the printer 2. Further, the voltage V1 is also supplied to the feeder motor 1M of each feeder 1. That is, a voltage higher than the drive voltage (for example, 5 V) of the control unit 10 is required for driving the feeder motor 1M and the like. The power supply to the main body control unit 20 and the control unit 10 of each feeder 1 will be described later.

  Next, communication between the printer 2 and each feeder 1 and power supply from the printer 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an outline of an example of connection between the printer 2 and each feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the details of the connection between the printer 2 and each feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, an outline of communication and power supply between the printer 2 and each feeder 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Looking at each feeder 1, the first connector C <b> 1 is provided on the upper surface of the feeder 1, and the second connector C <b> 2 is provided on the lower surface of the feeder 1. On the other hand, a connector C0 for connecting to the feeder 1A is provided on the lower surface of the printer 2. The shape of each connector C conforms to the USB standard.

  Therefore, the feeder 1 is connected to the printer 2 of the present embodiment by first connecting the connector C0 on the lower surface of the printer 2 and the first connector C1 of the feeder 1A. Then, the second connector C2 of the feeder 1A and the first connector C1 of the feeder 1B are connected. Next, the second connector C2 of the feeder 1B and the first connector C1 of the feeder 1C are connected. Further, the second connector C2 of the feeder 1C and the first connector C1 of the feeder 1D are connected. Thus, the feeder 1 is mounted on the printer 2 so as to be stacked in a plurality of stages.

  The connector C0 of the main body of the printer 2 is connected to the data communication line D from the main body control unit 20, the power supply line P including the power line PS and the ground line GL for transmitting the output of the voltage V1 of the power supply device 7. The

  On the other hand, in each feeder 1, the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 are connected by the data communication line D and the power supply line P. Therefore, by stacking the feeders 1 and connecting the connector C0 of the printer 2 main body and the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 of each feeder 1, the data communication line D and the power supply line P from the printer 2 main body are connected. , Reach each feeder 1 to be extended.

  In each feeder 1, the data communication line D from the main body control unit 20 is branched and connected to the control unit 10 of each feeder 1. On the other hand, the power supply line P from the printer 2 main body is branched, and one is input to the feeder motor 1M. The feeder motor 1M is driven by the voltage V1 from the power supply device 7 in the printer 2 main body. The other power supply line P from the branched printer 2 main body is input to the voltage conversion unit 17.

  The voltage conversion unit 17 steps down the voltage because V1 (for example, 24 V or 12 V) output from the power supply device 7 is too high as a voltage for driving the control unit 10 of the feeder 1. Usually, many circuit elements such as a CPU and a memory element are driven at 5 V, 3.3 V, or the like. However, in the present embodiment, communication or the like is performed according to USB, so that the voltage may be input to the control unit 10 after being stepped down to 5V. In addition, when power is supplied to the main body control unit 20 in the printer 2, a main body side voltage conversion unit 26 for stepping down the voltage V1 is separately provided for the same reason. The voltage conversion unit 17 (including the main body side voltage conversion unit 26) can be configured by, for example, a regulator, a DC / DC converter, or the like. That is, the voltage conversion unit 17 converts electric power supplied from the outside, steps down the voltage, and outputs the voltage V <b> 2 to the control unit 10.

  In this way, power for causing each feeder 1 as an optional device to function is supplied from the side of the printer 2 as a main body. Further, the voltage supplied to the feeder 1 is only one type of voltage V1, and each feeder 1 can handle a plurality of types of voltages by the voltage conversion unit 17. Here, according to the present invention, communication conforms to the USB, but the voltage that can be handled by the USB is up to 5V, whereas the voltage handled by the power line PS is V1.

  Next, details of the connection between the printer 2 and each feeder 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the USB standard, four wires are used to connect devices. Among them, two are wirings for supplying power, one is a power line (so-called VBUS) to which a voltage of up to 5 V is input, and the other is a ground line. In USB, communication is performed by serial communication using differential signals, and the remaining two lines are assigned to data communication lines D for communication between devices (so-called D + and D−).

  In this embodiment, since the printer 2 side is the host side, the data communication lines D + and D− from the communication control unit 25 of the main body control unit 20 are connected to the connector C0. In this embodiment, since the feeder motor 1M is driven, the power supply line PS transmits a voltage V1 higher than that determined by the USB standard, so the power supply line PS from the power supply device 7 and the ground line are transmitted to the connector C0. GL is connected.

  The first connector C1 includes a main body control unit 20 of the printer 2, a data communication line D for the control unit 10 of the feeder 1 to transmit and receive data by serial communication, and a motor rotation or control unit 10 drive from the outside. The power supply line PS and the ground line GL for receiving the supply of power for use are bundled into one. Therefore, when the feeder 1A is attached to the printer 2, if the connector C0 and the first connector C1 of the feeder 1A are connected, all electrical connections between the printer 2 and the feeder 1A are made.

  The first connector C1 functions as a hub in USB. That is, the data communication lines D +, D-, the power supply line PS, and the ground line GL from the printer 2 main body are connected to the control unit 10 direction and the second connector C2 direction for connecting to the feeder 1B of the next stage. Branches into two. In other words, the connector C0 of the printer 2 is connected to the upstream port P1 of the first connector C1, and the first connector C1 is a port P2 for connecting the control unit 10 or the like as a downstream port. And a port P3 for connection to the second connector C2.

  Data communication lines D + and D− from the port P2 are directly connected to the communication control unit 16 of the control unit 10. Thereby, the communication line between the feeder 1A and the printer 2 is established. On the other hand, the feeder motor 1M and the switch 8 are connected to the power supply line PS and the ground line GL. By connecting the feeder motor 1M, power is supplied to the feeder motor 1M.

  Here, the switch 8 connects the voltage input to the port P1 of the first connector C1 and output from the port P2 to the voltage conversion unit 17, or the voltage input to the port P1 as it is to the control unit 10. It is for selecting whether to supply to. Although details of the switch 8 will be described later, when each feeder 1 is connected to the printer 2, the switch 8 is set so that the input voltage V <b> 1 is output to the voltage conversion unit 17. As a result, V1 is stepped down, and the driving voltage V2 of the control unit 10 is supplied to the control unit 10.

  The wiring from the port P3 of the first connector C1 is connected to the second connector C2. That is, the second connector C2 of the feeder 1 is for connecting another optional device to the subsequent stage, and the data communication line D, power supply line PS, and ground line GL of the first connector C1 are connected to the second connector C2. Also connected to. Since each feeder 1 has the same configuration, when the first connector C1 of the next-stage feeder 1B is connected to the second connector C2, power is also supplied to the feeder 1B, and the data communication line D is established. It will be. Similarly, the feeder 1C and the feeder 1D are connected (not shown in FIG. 4). That is, when the second connector C2 of the front (upper) feeder 1 and the first connector C1 of the rear (lower) feeder 1 are connected, the feeder 1 is connected in multiple stages with the printer 2 as the upstream side.

  In the communication according to the present embodiment, branching is performed in accordance with the USB standard, so the first connector C1 needs to be a hub in USB. Accordingly, the first connector C1 can incorporate a controller IC or memory as a hub. The Hub in USB has functions such as detection of a connected device, detection of a communication speed of the device, power supply to the device and its management, signal distribution, and communication speed conversion. However, for example, the motor drive voltage V1 such as 24V or 12V is transmitted through the power line PS and is larger than the voltage that can be handled in the standard (for example, USB 2.0). Function can be unnecessary. In addition, when an existing hub is used as the first connector C1, power cannot be directly supplied from the power supply line PS. Therefore, the first connector C1 is provided with a regulator, a resistor, etc., and the voltage is stepped down. C1 may be driven as a Hub, or the output of the voltage converter 17 may be input to the first connector C1 to drive the first connector C1 as a Hub.

  In summary, the shapes of the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 conform to the USB standard, the transmission / reception of data on the data communication line D also conforms to the USB standard, and the first connector C1 is a Hub.

  Next, the shape and wiring of the connector C0 of the printer 2 of the first embodiment, the first connector C1 of the feeder 1, and the second connector C2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the connector C according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Since the shape of each connector C in the connection between the printer 2 and the feeder 1 in this embodiment conforms to the USB standard, the pin arrangement in each connector C is as shown in FIG.

  First, what is shown in FIG. 5A is an A-type connector C in the USB standard. In the pin arrangement in the connector C, the first pin corresponds to the power supply line PS (VBUS). The second pin and the third pin are data communication lines D for differential signal transmission, and correspond to D− and D +. The fourth pin is a ground line GL. On the other hand, what is shown in FIG. 5B is a B-type connector C in the USB standard. The position of the pin in the connector C is different from the A type, but the first pin corresponds to VBUS, the second pin and the third pin correspond to D- and D +, and the fourth pin corresponds to the ground line GL. The point is the same as the A type.

  Here, when power is supplied to each feeder 1 from the printer 2 according to the present embodiment, V1 output from the power supply device 7 is supplied from the first power supply line PS, which is different from the USB standard. For this reason, the wires and pins in the first and fourth portions are sufficiently resistant to voltages of 24V and 12V and can withstand a large current.

  For example, when the first connector C1 of the feeder 1A is inserted into the connector C0 of the printer 2 main body, the connector C0 can be a female type, and the first connector C1 of the feeder 1A can be a male type. In addition, the male and female in each connector C can be set as appropriate. Further, instead of directly connecting the connector C0, the first connector C1, and the second connector C2, each connector C may be connected by a connection cable CB. Further, which connector C is to be A-type or B-type may be set as appropriate.

  The communication between the printer 2 and the feeder 1 according to the present embodiment is performed by serial communication conforming to the USB standard using the second and third terminals in the connector C. For example, the communication between the printer 2 and each feeder 1 is a USB communication in which data is transmitted and received in units of frames composed of a plurality of “transactions” starting with “packets” called “SOF (Start of Frame)”. Although details are made based on the communication protocol, details of the USB communication protocol are out of the scope of the present invention, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, based on FIG. 6, the steps until the communication between the main body control unit 20 and the control unit 10 of each feeder 1 becomes possible will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart until the printer 2 and each feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can communicate with each other.

  First, the feeders 1 are stacked vertically, the connectors C are connected, and all the feeders 1 are connected to the printer 2 (step # 1). Thereafter, the main power supply of the printer 2 is turned on (step # 2). As a result, the power supply device 7 of the printer 2 starts operating, and the voltage V1 is supplied from the printer 2 to each feeder 1 (step # 3). In response to the supply of the voltage V1, the voltage converter 17 of each feeder 1 generates a voltage V2 (for example, 5V) for driving the controller 10 (step # 4). The voltage V2 is input to the control unit 10 (step # 5), and the CPU 14 of the control unit 10 starts driving. As a result, the communication control unit 16 also starts driving, and communication between the main body control unit 20 and the control unit 10 of each feeder 1 becomes possible (step # 6).

  Here, communication contents between the main body control unit 20 and the control unit 10 of each feeder 1 will be described. Data indicating the timing of driving the feeder motor 1M is transmitted from the main body control unit 20 to the control unit 10 of each feeder 1. On the other hand, from each feeder 1, the CPU 14 receives outputs from various sensors (not shown) provided in each feeder 1, and the remaining amount of paper in each feeder 1, out of paper, or the feeder 1 is pulled out. Thus, the status information of each feeder 1 such as paper supply failure is transmitted to the main body control unit 20.

  Next, utilization of the connector C provided in the feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram when the terminal 300 is connected to the feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, each feeder 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the first connector C1 and the second connector C2, and the shape, communication method, and basic wiring of these connectors C conform to the USB standard. This is as described above.

  Therefore, a USB device can be easily connected to each feeder 1 of the present embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a terminal 300 (personal computer) as an external computer can be connected to the feeder 1.

  Generally, the terminal 300 as a personal computer distributed in the market is provided with one or a plurality of USB connectors (for example, the A type shown in FIG. 5A, but not visible in FIG. 7). Therefore, if the terminal 300 is connected to the feeder 1 by the cable CB, the feeder motor 1M cannot be driven, but power can be supplied from the terminal 300 to the control unit 10 of the feeder 1. Thereby, the control part 10 of the feeder 1 can be driven and the terminal 300 and the control part 10 of the feeder 1 can communicate. In addition, since any terminal 300 is usually provided with a USB connector, any terminal 300 can be connected to the feeder 1, and the versatility in connection is extremely high.

  Conventionally, a connector for electrically connecting the main body of the printer 2 and each feeder 1, a connector for debugging work, a connector for rewriting the flash ROM of the control unit 10, and the like have been provided separately. . In addition, when performing the debugging work or the flash ROM rewriting work, the feeder 1 must be mounted in the printer 2 in order to supply power to the feeder 1. Therefore, for example, when a feeder is attached and detached many times in feeder development and debugging work, the heavy printer 2 must be lifted each time.

  However, in this embodiment, the control program of the feeder 1 and the control data are debugged only by connecting the terminal 300 and the first connector C1 of the feeder 1 with the cable CB, without connecting the feeder 1 and the printer 2. Can be done. That is, the debug system 400 is configured simply by connecting the terminal 300 to the first connector C1 (or the second connector C2) of the feeder 1. In addition, rewriting and updating of the flash ROM or the like in the storage unit in the feeder 1 can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a very convenient feeder 1 for developers and users, and it is not necessary to provide a connector C for debugging or flash ROM rewriting, thereby reducing costs and reducing the connector mounting area. Can be achieved.

  Next, switching of the power supply path to the control unit 10 of the feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of switching of the power supply path to the control unit 10 of the feeder 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the data communication line D and the ground line GL are omitted.

  As described above, in the power supply of the feeder 1 of the present embodiment, the voltage supplied from the power supply device 7 in the main body of the printer 2 is converted by the voltage conversion unit 17 and then supplied to the control unit 10. It was. However, the voltage supplied from the terminal 300 via the USB connector does not need to be stepped down and need not be input to the voltage conversion unit 17. Therefore, when the printer 2 is connected to the first connector C1 and when the terminal 300 is connected, it is necessary to switch the power supply path to the control unit 10 of the feeder 1.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, a switch 8 is provided in each feeder 1 of the present embodiment in order to switch a voltage (power) supply path to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 4). In FIG. 8, a manual switch 8 having a simple configuration is shown as the switch 8.

  When connecting the terminal 300 to the first connector C1, the developer and the user put the switch 8 in a direction in which the input voltage is not input to the voltage conversion unit 17 (A direction in FIG. 8). Thereby, the voltage supplied from the terminal 300 can be directly input to the control unit 10 of the feeder 1 to drive the control unit 10 of the feeder 1. When the feeder 1 is connected to the printer 2, the switch 8 is turned on in the direction in which the input voltage is input to the voltage converter 17 (direction B in FIG. 8).

  That is, when the voltage input to the option device is larger than the voltage for driving the control unit 10 due to the connection to the first connector C1, the switch 8 passes the voltage conversion unit 17 and then supplies power to the control unit 10. When the voltage input to the optional device is equal to or lower than the voltage for driving the control unit 10, the power is supplied to the control unit 10 without going through the voltage conversion unit 17.

  Here, although the manual switch 8 is shown in FIG. 8, the voltage input to the power supply line PS of the first connector C1 is detected, and the power supply path from the first connector C1 to the control unit 10 is automatically detected. A circuit may be provided as the switch 8 that switches between the two. For example, in the use of the present embodiment, the voltage input to the first connector C1 is only the voltage V1 from the power supply device 7 or the voltage from the USB connector of the terminal 300. What is necessary is just to set it as the circuit which performs a comparison and switches a path | route, using 5V on standards as a threshold value.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the image forming apparatus main body side is connected by connecting the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 2) and the optional apparatus (for example, the feeder 1) via the first connector C1. When the voltage for driving the motor is input to the optional device, the voltage for driving the motor is secured, and the drive voltage of the control unit 10 can be secured by stepping down the voltage conversion unit 17. Naturally, communication between the image forming apparatus main body and the optional apparatus can also be performed.

  On the other hand, when a rewrite-only jig such as the terminal 300 for debugging or a control program for the storage unit is connected to the first connector C1, due to the presence of the switch 8, to supply power to the optional device, For the terminal 300 or the like such as 24V or 12V to handle, it is necessary to drive the control unit 10 from the terminal 300 or the like to the optional device by the power line PS without preparing a large power source or attaching it to the image forming apparatus. Only by inputting a voltage of about 5 V, the control unit 10 can be driven, and a debugging operation and a rewriting operation of the storage unit can be performed. That is, by connecting the image forming apparatus and the optional device by the first connector C1, power supply and data transmission / reception can be performed to the control unit 10 and each motor of the optional device, and the terminal 300 and the optional device can be connected by the first connector C1. By connecting, communication for power supply to the control unit 10, debugging work, and rewriting of the storage unit can be performed. Therefore, it is highly convenient for developers and the like.

  Therefore, one connector C for receiving communication and power supply with the image forming apparatus main body, which has been provided separately, a connector C for debugging, and a connector C for rewriting a program in the storage unit, etc. Can be integrated into. Thereby, it is possible to achieve a reduction in space required for installing the connector C and a reduction in cost by simplifying the number of connectors C and wiring. Further, there is no need for a dedicated jig for rewriting such as debugging and programs.

  Further, by simply connecting the first connector C1 and the second connector C2, it is possible to supply power to the option device at the next stage, to establish a data communication line, and to connect the option devices in multiple stages. Furthermore, if a plurality of second connectors C2 are provided and arranged at arbitrary positions, the degree of freedom of the connection position of the optional device can be increased. Although the power supply line PS portion needs to be modified, the other portions only need to be compliant with USB, so the optional device connector C and the data communication method can be used based on a unique standard for connecting the optional device. Compared to the case of adopting, the cost required for manufacturing the optional device can be reduced. Further, by simply connecting the cable CB to the USB connector usually provided in the personal computer and the connector C of the optional device, it is possible to rewrite the program of the debugging or storage unit. In addition, it can respond also to hot-line insertion / extraction.

  Further, since the cost required for manufacturing the optional device can be reduced and the space for the optional device can be reduced, the image forming system 100 including the inexpensive and space-saving image forming device and the optional device can be provided. Also, the debug system 400 can be configured simply by connecting the terminal 300 and the optional device with the cable CB or the like. That is, at the time of debugging, it is possible to perform debugging work without connecting to the image forming apparatus or preparing a separate power source for supply to an optional device as in the prior art.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connector C for connecting the printer 2 and the feeder 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the connector C is different from the first embodiment in that the shape and communication of the connector C are not USB but conform to IEEE1394. In addition, since it is the same in another point, about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment, it abbreviate | omits description that it is applicable similarly.

  First, FIG. 9 will be described. The pin arrangement in the connector C in IEEE 1394 is as follows. No. 1 is a power supply line PS, No. 2 is a ground line GL, No. 3 and No. 4 are differential signal lines, DateB−, DateB +, No.5. And No. 6 are DateA− and DateA + as differential signal lines. In IEEE1394, a 4-pin or 9-pin connector C exists, but FIG. 9 shows a 6-pin connector C.

  When the connector C shown in FIG. 9 is attached to the connector C0 of the printer 2, the first and second connectors C0 are connected to the power supply device 7, and the third to sixth connectors are connected to the communication control unit 10 of the main body control unit 20. The Similarly, the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 of each feeder 1 have a shape that conforms to the IEEE 1394 standard. As a result, as in the first embodiment, even if the feeder 1 is stacked in a plurality of stages by simply connecting to the connector C0, the first connector C1, and the second connector C2, power is supplied from the printer 2 body to each feeder 1. Communication can be performed between the main body control unit 20 and the control unit 10 of each feeder 1 in accordance with the communication protocol in the IEEE 1394 standard.

  The connection of each device in the IEEE 1394 standard is different from the USB standard in a chain shape (each device becomes a repeater and each device is directly connected), a star shape (one or a plurality of ports are provided on the host side, port P1 One device can be connected to each other) and in a tree shape (connection using a repeater hub). Therefore, how to connect the printer 2 main body and each feeder 1 can be set as appropriate.

  In summary, in the present embodiment, the shapes of the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 conform to the IEEE 1394 standard, and transmission / reception of data on the data communication line D also conforms to the IEEE 1394 standard.

  In this way, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the power supply line PS portion needs to be modified, but the other portions only have to comply with IEEE 1394, so that an optional device (for example, feeder 1) can be connected. The cost required for manufacturing the optional device can be reduced as compared with the case where the connector C or the data communication method dedicated to the optional device is adopted based on the original standard. Also, debugging and rewriting of the program in the storage unit can be performed by simply connecting the cable CB to the IEEE1394 terminal often provided in the personal computer and the connector C of the optional device. In addition, it can respond also to hot-line insertion / extraction.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the printer 2 equipped with the optional device has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus in which an optional device such as a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral, or a facsimile machine is prepared. Note that the present invention can also be applied to a color image forming apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the feeder 1 is mainly mounted in a plurality of stages has been described as an optional device. However, for example, other optional devices include a post-processing device (finisher), a large-capacity paper feeding deck. A multi-tray, a duplex printing unit, a network board, a security kit, a FAX board, and the like can be given. If the control unit 10 for controlling these optional devices is provided, the present invention can be applied.

  Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention relates to an optional apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a copier, a printer 2 or a facsimile apparatus, an image forming system 100 including an optional apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and a debugging system 400 including an optional apparatus and a terminal 300. Is available.

It is a model front sectional view showing a schematic structure of a feeder and a printer concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration when a feeder is attached to the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating an outline of an example of connection between the printer and each feeder according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining details of connection between the printer and each feeder according to the first embodiment. It is a mimetic diagram showing an example of a connector concerning a 1st embodiment. 6 is a flowchart until communication between the printer and each feeder according to the first embodiment becomes possible. It is a schematic diagram in the case of connecting a terminal to the feeder according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of switching of the power supply path to the control unit of the feeder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the connector for connection of the printer and feeder which concern on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Feeder (option apparatus, paper supply apparatus) 10 Control part 12 Supply roller (rotating body) 15 Storage part 17 Voltage conversion part 1M Feeder motor 2 Printer (image forming apparatus) 8 Switch 100 Image forming system 400 Debug system D Data communication line PS power line GL ground line C1 first connector C2 second connector

Claims (7)

In an optional device attached to the image forming apparatus,
A control unit that receives an instruction from the image forming apparatus and controls the optional device;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of programs and data for controlling the optional device;
A motor that requires a voltage higher than the drive voltage of the control unit to rotate a rotating body that supplies or conveys paper for image formation;
The image forming apparatus and the control unit combine a data communication line for transmitting and receiving data, a power supply line for receiving power for driving the motor or driving the control unit from the outside, and a ground line. A first connector that is bundled to connect the image forming apparatus and an external terminal ;
A voltage converter that converts the power supplied from the image forming apparatus , steps down the voltage, and outputs the voltage to the controller;
When an image forming apparatus is connected to the first connector , power is supplied to the control unit after passing through the voltage conversion unit, and when an external terminal is connected to the first connector, the voltage conversion unit is passed through. And an optional device having a switch for supplying power to the control unit.
The optional device has a second connector for connecting another optional device to a subsequent stage, and the data communication line, the power supply line, and the ground line of the first connector are connected to the second connector. And
By connecting the second connector of the option device at the front stage and the first connector of the option device at the back stage, the option devices are connected in multiple stages with the image forming apparatus side as the upstream side. The optional device according to claim 1. The optional device is a paper supply device for supplying paper to the image forming apparatus, wherein the first connector is provided on the upper surface and the second connector is provided on the lower surface.
3. The optional device according to claim 2, wherein when the paper supply devices are stacked in the vertical direction, the upper second connector, the lower first connector, and the second connector are connected.   3. The shape of the first connector and the second connector conforms to a USB standard, transmission / reception of data on the data communication line also conforms to the USB standard, and the first connector is a Hub. Or the optional apparatus of 3.   4. The optional device according to claim 2, wherein shapes of the first connector and the second connector conform to the IEEE 1394 standard, and transmission / reception of data on the data communication line also conforms to the IEEE 1394 standard. 5.   An image forming system comprising one or a plurality of optional devices according to claim 1 connected to an image forming device.   A debugging system comprising the optional device according to claim 1 and a terminal connected by the first connector or the second connector.

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