Method and apparatus for image forming capable of effectively controlling power supply for energy saving

摘要

An image forming apparatus including a plurality of load units, a power supply device, and a control mechanism. The plurality of load units has an image forming mechanism serving as one of the plurality of load units and a specific load component. The power supply device has a first power source to supply a first power to the plurality of load units during a normal operation mode and to provide a second (e.g., minimal) power to the apparatus during an energy saving mode. The power supply device also has a second power source to supply a second power to the specific load component during the energy saving mode. The control mechanism changes a power mode from the normal operation mode to the energy saving mode according to at least one of an instruction for entering into the energy saving mode and satisfaction of a condition that the plurality of load units are inactivated.