JP2010282134A - Image forming apparatus and method for saving power thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that switches power consumption in accordance with various environmental changes (especially environmental changes caused by humans) around an image forming apparatus, thereby saving power in accordance with movements of humans, and also to provide a method for saving on power of the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 100 for switching power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode, and the method for saving on power thereof, include a plurality of detection sensors 210 and 220 of different types for detecting a plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus 100. Based on the detection results obtained by the detection sensors 210 and 220, power consumption is switched between the standby state and the sleep mode in steps. Alternatively, it is switched between the standby state and the sleep mode through a power saving mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus (particularly an electrophotographic image forming apparatus) such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine having these functions, and a power saving method thereof.

  Image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers and facsimile machines, or multi-function machines equipped with these functions usually automatically enter a power-saving mode such as sleep mode when the standby state in which image forming operations are not performed continues. You can set to migrate to.

  Various power saving methods for saving power consumption of the image forming apparatus by devising such a power saving mode switching have been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a power saving method for an image forming apparatus in which an optical sensor that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus is provided and the shift of the apparatus to a power saving mode is controlled according to the output of the optical sensor. Yes.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that switches an operation state among a standby state, a low power mode, and a sleep mode, a human body detection sensor detects the approach of a human body and detects a low power mode or An image forming apparatus that automatically returns from a sleep mode to a standby state has been proposed.

  Patent Document 3 does not presuppose switching of the power saving mode, but includes an ion generation unit and a concentration sensor for off-flavor or foreign matter, and the operation level of the ion generation unit according to the concentration of off-flavor or foreign matter. An image forming apparatus that switches between the two has been proposed.

JP-A-9-179447 JP-A-11-202690 JP 2005-4144 A

  However, in any of these patent documents, the control operation reflects only the detection result of a single sensor that detects a change in the environment around the image forming apparatus, and one type is detected depending on the detection result of the single sensor. Only the control target switching operation is performed. In other words, since power consumption is not switched according to various environmental changes around the image forming apparatus, power saving according to human behavior cannot be realized.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus and a power saving method for switching power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode, and various environmental changes (especially an artificial environment) around the image forming apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a power saving method thereof that can switch power consumption according to (change) and thereby realize power saving in accordance with human operation.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus and a power saving method thereof according to the first aspect, and an image forming apparatus and a power saving method thereof according to the second aspect.

(1) Image Forming Apparatus of First Mode An image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode, and detects a plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus. An image forming system comprising a plurality of types of detection sensors, and performing stepwise switching of power consumption between the standby state and the sleep mode based on detection results of the plurality of types of detection sensors. apparatus.

(2) Power saving method for image forming apparatus according to first aspect A power saving method for an image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode, and includes a plurality of different power saving methods around the image forming apparatus. A power saving method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that environmental changes are detected, and based on these detection results, stepwise switching of power consumption is performed between the standby state and the sleep mode.

(3) Image Forming Apparatus of Second Mode An image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode, and detects a plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus. It is provided with a plurality of types of detection sensors, and is a low power consumption mode between the standby state and the sleep mode between the standby state and the sleep mode based on detection results by the plurality of types of detection sensors. An image forming apparatus that performs switching through a power saving mode.

(4) Power saving method for image forming apparatus according to second aspect A power saving method for an image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode, and includes a plurality of different power saving methods around the image forming apparatus. Each change in the environment is detected, and switching is performed between the standby state and the sleep mode through the power saving mode which is a low power consumption mode between the standby state and the sleep mode based on the detection results. A power saving method for an image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the first aspect of the present invention, the power consumption is stepwise switched between the standby state and the sleep mode based on the detection result. The power consumption can be switched according to various environmental changes (especially an artificial environmental change) around the forming apparatus, which makes it possible to realize power saving in accordance with human behavior. . In addition, as the stepwise switching, for example, a mode in which the switching is stepwise so that the power consumption increases from the sleep mode toward the standby state can be exemplified.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus switches between the standby state and the sleep mode via the power saving mode based on the detection result. The power consumption can be switched according to various environmental changes (especially an artificial environmental change) around the area, thereby realizing power saving in accordance with human behavior.

  Examples of the standby state include states other than the state in which the image forming apparatus is performing an image forming operation.

  A specific aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode, and detects a first environmental change around the image forming apparatus. And a second detection sensor that detects a second environmental change that is different from the first environmental change around the image forming apparatus, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor. When the first environmental change by the first detection sensor is not recognized based on the detection result by the first detection sensor, the sleep mode is executed, the first environmental change by the first detection sensor is recognized, and the If the second environmental change by the second detection sensor is not recognized, a power saving mode that is a low power consumption mode between the standby state and the sleep mode is executed, and the first detection sensor Recognizing the first environmental change, and, in the case of recognizing the second environmental change by the second detection sensor, it can be exemplified embodiment for executing the standby state.

  Further, as a specific aspect of the power saving method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, there is provided a power saving method of the image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode. The first environmental change in the vicinity and the second environmental change different from the first environment are detected. If the first environmental change is not recognized based on the detection results, the sleep mode is executed. When the first environmental change is recognized and the second environmental change is not recognized, a power saving mode that is a low power consumption mode between the standby state and the sleep mode is executed, and the first environment In the case of recognizing a change and recognizing the second environmental change, a mode in which the standby state is executed can be exemplified.

  In this specific matter, since the control object is the two types of the first environmental change and the second environmental change, the simple control configuration can be used between the standby state, the power saving mode, and the sleep mode. The power consumption can be switched.

  When the image forming apparatus according to the present invention recognizes the first environmental change by the first detection sensor and does not recognize the second environmental change by the second detection sensor in the sleep mode. Switching from the sleep mode to the power saving mode, recognizing the first environmental change by the first detection sensor and the second environmental change by the second detection sensor in the power saving mode. When recognizing, the power saving mode can be switched to the standby state.

  Further, in the power saving method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the first environmental change is recognized and the second environmental change is not recognized during the sleep mode, the power saving is performed from the sleep mode. Switching to the mode, and recognizing the first environmental change and recognizing the second environmental change in the power saving mode, switching from the power saving mode to the standby state. Can do.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof, switching from the sleep mode to the power saving mode, which consumes less power than the power saving mode, depending on the state of the first environmental change and the second environmental change, and from the standby state Since the low power consumption mode is switched from the power saving mode to the standby state, the power consumption can be increased in steps, and the standby state can be quickly restored accordingly.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, as the first detection sensor, information indicating a possibility that a person is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus (for example, a place (room) where the image forming apparatus is installed), specifically An illuminance detection sensor that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus can be exemplified, and the second detection sensor can be exemplified by a human body detection sensor that detects information about the human body around the image forming apparatus. In this aspect, when the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor falls below a threshold, the sleep mode is executed, the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor is equal to or greater than the threshold, and information on the human body by the human body detection sensor is obtained. If not detected, execute the power saving mode, execute the standby state if the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold, and when detecting information related to the human body by the human body detection sensor Can do.

  Further, in the power saving method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, as the detection of the first environmental change, a person can be in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus (for example, a place (room) where the image forming apparatus is installed). An example of detecting information on the human body, specifically, an aspect of detecting the illuminance around the image forming apparatus, and detecting the second environment change is an aspect of detecting information on the human body around the image forming apparatus. Can be illustrated. In this aspect, when the detection result of the illuminance falls below a threshold value, the sleep mode is executed, and when the detection result of the illuminance is equal to or higher than the threshold value and information on the human body is not detected, the power saving is performed. When the mode is executed, the detection result of the illuminance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the information about the human body is detected, the standby state can be executed.

  The “information about the human body” in the present invention is exemplified by information indicating a state in which a person can recognize that the person is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus (specifically, the place (room) where the image forming apparatus is installed). For example, infrared information capable of recognizing a person's temperature, image information capable of recognizing a person's form, and the like can be given.

  In this image forming apparatus and its power saving method, if it can be determined that the periphery of the image forming apparatus is dark, it can be assumed that a person is not in the vicinity and the sleep mode can be set. Further, when it is determined that the periphery of the image forming apparatus is bright but the person is not in the vicinity, the power saving mode is executed, while the periphery of the image forming apparatus is bright and it can be determined that the person is in the vicinity. Can execute the standby state.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a first operation function for performing a first operation. In the sleep mode, the first operation function is stopped, and the power saving mode is performed. In the standby state, a mode in which the first operation function is executed can be exemplified.

  In this specific matter, in the sleep mode, for example, it is considered that there is no person and the first operation function is stopped, while in the power saving mode and the standby state, for example, it is assumed that there is a person and the first operation function is stopped. One operating function can be performed.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus may further include a second operation function for performing a second operation different from the first operation. In this case, the second operation function includes a second operation function execution mode that is an execution state of the second operation, and a second operation function standby mode that is a standby state of the second operation, In the sleep mode and the power saving mode, the second operation function standby mode is executed, and in the standby state, the second operation function execution mode is executed.

  In this specific matter, in the sleep mode and the power saving mode, the second operation function standby mode that is the standby state of the second operation is performed without stopping the second operation, while in the standby state, the The second operation function execution mode can be executed.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, the second operation function includes a facsimile transmission / reception function for performing a facsimile transmission / reception operation as the second operation, and a facsimile transmission / reception standby operation as a standby state of the second operation. A mode in which the second operation function execution mode is a mode for executing the facsimile transmission / reception function, and the second operation function standby mode is a mode for executing the facsimile reception standby function. Can be illustrated.

  In this specific matter, for example, in the sleep mode and the power saving mode, the facsimile reception standby function can be executed without stopping the facsimile transmission / reception operation, while the facsimile transmission / reception function can be executed in the standby state. .

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes ion generation means for generating ions and releasing them to the outside, wherein the first operation function is an ion for performing power supply operation to the ion generation means as the first operation. A mode which is a generating operation function can be illustrated.

  Further, in the power saving method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the first operation function includes, as the first operation, an ion generation operation function for performing power supply operation to an ion generation unit that generates and discharges ions to the outside. The aspect which is can be illustrated.

  In this specific matter, for example, it is possible to purify the exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus in the standby state and the power saving mode, and it is also possible to purify the air in the room where the image forming apparatus is installed. It can be. In other words, a single unit can serve two functions of purifying exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus and purifying air in a room where the image forming apparatus is installed. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of providing a separate air cleaner in the room where the image forming apparatus is installed. On the other hand, the power supply operation to the ion generating means can be stopped in the sleep mode. Thereby, useless power consumption can be omitted.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, it is preferable that the ion generating unit is provided outside a main body of the image forming apparatus.

  In this specific matter, since the ion generator is provided outside the main body of the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to provide the ion generator inside the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is increased in size. Can be suppressed.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, it is preferable that the ion generating unit simultaneously generates and discharges positive ions and negative ions.

  In this specific matter, since positive ions and negative ions are generated and released simultaneously, airborne bacteria can be effectively removed, and the odor of the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus can be effectively reduced. it can.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, the ion generation unit includes a plurality of ion generation elements, and by increasing or decreasing the number of ion generation elements to be driven among the plurality of ion generation elements. The amount of released ions may be varied.

  In this specific matter, the amount of ion emission can be varied with a simple configuration in which the number of ion generating elements to be driven is increased or decreased.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, ions are released toward the main body of the image forming apparatus while the image forming apparatus is in operation, and ions are directed upward while the image forming apparatus is on standby. Is preferably released.

  In this specific matter, since the image forming apparatus releases ions toward the main body of the image forming apparatus during operation, the main body of the image forming apparatus can be easily covered with ions, and the exhaust gas generated by the ions can be covered. Suppression can be performed reliably. Further, when the image forming apparatus is on standby, ions are released upward, so that the ions can flow and diffuse throughout the room, thereby purifying air over a wide range.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, the ion generation unit includes an opening for discharging ions, and the opening is directed upward regardless of whether the image forming apparatus is on standby or in operation. It is preferable.

  In this specific matter, the ions can be emitted so as to cover the main body like an air curtain toward the main body of the image forming apparatus from the upper side to the lower side while releasing the ions upward. Thus, by releasing ions upward, indoor air can be purified, and the main body is covered like an air curtain from above to the main body of the image forming apparatus. By discharging ions, it is possible to suppress exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, it is preferable that the ion generating unit is disposed above a main body of the image forming apparatus.

  In this specific matter, the space above the main body of the image forming apparatus can be effectively utilized, and further, the ions can be wrapped around the main body of the image forming apparatus from above the main body of the image forming apparatus. Can be released.

  In the image forming apparatus and the power saving method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to exemplify an aspect in which the ion generating unit is supported by a support member provided on a back surface portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  In this specific matter, a useless space behind the user can be effectively used.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus are respectively detected, and consumption is performed between the standby state and the sleep mode based on the detection results. Various environmental changes around the image forming apparatus (especially man-made) can be achieved by switching the power stepwise or by switching the standby mode and the sleep mode via the power saving mode. The power consumption can be switched in accordance with a change in the environment, which makes it possible to realize power saving in accordance with human behavior.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing two ion emission directions from the ion generating device in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. b) is a diagram showing a state in which the ion emission direction is directed upward. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing two ion emission directions from an ion generator in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and shows a state where the ion emission direction is directed upward. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing two ion emission directions from an ion generator in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and shows a state where the ion emission direction is directed obliquely downward. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the ion generator shown in FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing two sets of ion generating elements in the ion generating apparatus shown in FIG. 5, in which FIG. (A) is a diagram showing one set of ion generating elements, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the other group. FIG. 2 is a system block diagram mainly showing a control unit in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of power saving control in which the image forming apparatus shifts to a sleep mode and cancels / returns from the sleep mode. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where the ion generator shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is attached to the center of the back surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator is set upward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and are not of a nature that limits the technical scope of the present invention.

(Description of image forming apparatus)
First, the image forming apparatus 100 that performs image forming processing on a recording sheet will be described. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example 100 of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 means the whole including both the main body 90 and the ion generating device (an example of ion generating means) 71.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a document reading device 101 that reads an image of a document in addition to the main body 90 and the ion generator 71.

  The document reading apparatus 101 reads a document image conveyed by the document conveying unit 42. In the document transport section 42, when a document is set on the document set tray 41, the document pickup roller 44 is pressed against the surface of the document and rotated, the document is pulled out from the document set tray 41, and between the suction roller 45 and the separation pad 46. After passing and separated one by one, it is transported to the transport path 47.

  In this conveyance path 47, the leading edge of the document abuts on the document registration roller 49 and is aligned in parallel with the document registration roller 49, and then the document is conveyed by the document registration roller 49 between the reading guide 51 and the reading glass 52. pass. Further, the document is transported by the transport roller 57 and discharged to the document discharge tray 59 via the discharge roller 58.

  In the document reading apparatus 101, when the document passes between the reading guide 51 and the reading glass 52, the light from the light source of the first scanning unit 53 is irradiated on the surface of the document through the reading glass 52, and the reflected light is irradiated. The light enters the first scanning unit 53 through the reading glass 52, and the reflected light is reflected by the mirrors of the first scanning unit 53 and the second scanning unit 54 and guided to the imaging lens 55. An image on the surface of the document is formed on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 56. The CCD 56 reads an image on the surface of the document and outputs image data indicating the image.

  The document conveying section 42 is pivotally supported on the rear surface side of the document reading apparatus 101 so that it can be opened and closed. When the document conveying section 42 is opened, the document table glass 61 is opened and placed on the document table glass 61. A document can be placed. When an original is placed, the original transport unit 42 is closed, and an instruction to read the original is issued, the first scanning unit 53 moves the first scanning unit 53 and the second scanning unit 54 in the sub-scanning direction, and the original is scanned by the first scanning unit 53. The document surface on the table glass 61 is exposed. The reflected light from the document surface is guided to the imaging lens 55 by the first scanning unit 53 and the second scanning unit 54, and is imaged on the CCD 56 by the imaging lens 55, where the document image is read. At this time, the first scanning unit 53 and the second scanning unit 54 are moved while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, and the document surface → the first scanning unit 53 and the second scanning unit 54 → the imaging lens 55 → the CCD 56 The positional relationship between the first scanning unit 53 and the second scanning unit 54 is always maintained so that the length of the optical path of the reflected light does not change, and thereby the focus of the image on the original surface on the CCD 56 is always maintained accurately. The

  The entire original image read in this way is sent to the exposure device 1 of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 as image data.

  The main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 records and forms an image of a document read by the document reading apparatus 101 or an image received from the outside on a recording sheet in color or single color by an electrophotographic image forming process.

  Specifically, the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an exposure device 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3 that functions as an image carrier, a charger 5, a cleaner device 4, and an intermediate transfer roller 6 that functions as a transfer unit. An intermediate transfer belt device 8, a fixing device 12, a paper feed tray 10 that functions as a paper feed unit, and a paper discharge tray 15 that functions as a paper discharge unit are provided.

  The image data handled in the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 is data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or a single color (for example, black ) In accordance with a monochrome image. Accordingly, four each of the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, the cleaner device 4, and the intermediate transfer roller 6 are provided so as to form four types of images corresponding to the respective colors, and four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured.

  The photoconductor drum 3 is disposed at substantially the center in the vertical direction of the main body 90. The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to a contact type roller type or brush type charger, a charger type charger is used. .

  Here, the exposure apparatus 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser light source and a reflection mirror, and exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to image data, and converts the surface to image data. A corresponding electrostatic latent image is formed.

  The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 with (K, C, M, Y) toner. The cleaner device 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  In addition to the intermediate transfer roller 6, the intermediate transfer belt device 8 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 7 that acts as an intermediate transfer member, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, a driven roller 22, and a tension roller. 23 and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9.

  Roller members such as the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 21, the intermediate transfer roller 6, the driven roller 22, and the tension roller 23 stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 7, and the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7 is moved in a predetermined moving direction (see FIG. Move around in the direction of the middle arrow C).

  The intermediate transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported inside the intermediate transfer belt 7 and is pressed against the photosensitive drum 3 via the intermediate transfer belt 7, and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7. A transfer bias is applied.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 is provided so as to be in contact with each photoconductive drum 3, and a color toner image (each color is transferred by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner image on the surface of each photoconductive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 7. Toner image). Here, the transfer belt 7 is formed in an endless belt shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is performed by an intermediate transfer roller 6 that is in pressure contact with the inner side (back surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 7. A high voltage transfer bias (for example, a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 6 in order to transfer the toner image. Here, the intermediate transfer roller 6 is a roller based on a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the recording paper.

  The main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a secondary transfer device 11 including a transfer roller 11a that functions as a transfer unit. The transfer roller 11a is in contact with the opposite side (outside) of the intermediate transfer belt 7 from the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21.

  As described above, the toner images on the surfaces of the respective photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 7 and become a color toner image indicated by the image data. The stacked toner images of the respective colors are conveyed together with the intermediate transfer belt 7 and transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 are pressed against each other to form a nip region. The transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 has a voltage (for example, a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (-)) for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto a recording sheet. Is applied). Further, in order to constantly obtain the nip region, either the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21 is made of a hard material (metal or the like), and the other is a soft material such as an elastic roller. (Elastic rubber roller, foaming resin roller, etc.).

  In addition, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 may not be completely transferred onto the recording paper by the secondary transfer device 11, and the toner may remain on the intermediate transfer belt 7. Causes color mixing. Therefore, the residual toner is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9 includes, for example, a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 as a cleaning member, and residual toner can be removed and collected by the cleaning blade. The driven roller 22 supports the intermediate transfer belt 7 from the inner side (back side), and the cleaning blade is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 so as to press it toward the driven roller 22 from the outer side.

  The paper feed tray 10 is a tray for storing recording paper, and is provided below the image forming unit of the main body 90. The paper discharge tray 15 provided on the upper side of the image forming unit is a tray for placing printed recording paper face down.

  Further, the main body 90 is provided with an S-shaped transport path S for sending the recording paper supplied from the paper feed tray 10 to the paper discharge tray 15 via the secondary transfer device 11 and the fixing device 12. ing. Along the transport path S, transport members such as a paper pickup roller 16, a pre-paper registration roller 19, a paper registration roller 14, a fixing device 12, and a paper discharge roller 17 are arranged.

  The paper pick-up roller 16 is a call-in roller that is provided at the downstream end of the paper feed tray 10 in the recording paper conveyance direction and supplies recording paper from the paper feed tray 10 to the conveyance path S one by one. The pre-paper registration roller 19 is a small roller for promoting and assisting the conveyance of the recording paper. The pre-paper registration roller 19 is provided in the immediate vicinity of the upstream side in the transport direction of the paper registration roller 14 and transports the recording paper to the paper registration roller 14.

  The sheet registration roller 14 temporarily stops the recording sheet conveyed by the sheet registration pre-roller 19, aligns the leading end of the recording sheet, and between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11 a of the secondary transfer device 11. The recording paper is conveyed in a timely manner in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 3 and the intermediate transfer belt 7 so that the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 is transferred onto the recording paper in the nip area.

  For example, the sheet registration roller 14 has a leading end of the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 in the image forming range on the recording sheet. The recording paper is conveyed so that it fits.

  The fixing device 12 includes a heating roller 31 and a pressure roller 32. The heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 receive the recording paper on which the toner image has been transferred, and transport the recording paper sandwiched between the heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32.

  The heating roller 31 is temperature-controlled so as to reach a predetermined fixing temperature based on a detection output of a temperature detector (not shown), and the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by thermocompression bonding the recording paper together with the pressure roller 32. Has a function of fusing, mixing, and press-contacting and thermally fixing the recording sheet.

  The recording paper after the fixing of the toner images of the respective colors is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 15 by the paper discharge roller 17.

  In such an image forming apparatus 100, exhaust gas may be generated when recording paper is printed by the electrophotographic method as described above. The main component of the exhaust gas is a substance such as longifolene estimated to be generated from the recording paper.

  If such exhaust gas is left unattended, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 is uncomfortable and is not preferable.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment generates ions outside the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, here, above the casing of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100. An ion generating device 71 for discharging is provided.

(Description of ion generator)
Next, the ion generator 71 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing two ion emission directions from the ion generator 71 in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the ion emission direction is directed obliquely downward, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which the ion emission direction is directed upward. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing two ion emission directions from the ion generator 71 in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the ion emission direction is directed upward. FIG. 4 shows a state where the ion emission direction is obliquely downward. In FIGS. 2 to 4, strip-shaped arrows D and E indicate the direction of air flow.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, an ion generator 71 is provided above the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, and positive ions and negative ions are generated by the ion generator 71. Thus, positive ions and negative ions can be released obliquely below the arrow D in FIG. 2A and FIG. Thereby, like the air curtain, positive ions and negative ions mainly cover the front side of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the odor of the exhaust gas can be removed. In addition, by simultaneously generating and releasing positive ions and negative ions, airborne bacteria can be effectively removed, and the odor of the exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus 100 can be effectively reduced. Experiments have confirmed that such positive ions and negative ions can effectively suppress the influence of exhaust gas even from the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The state in the image forming apparatus 100 can be distinguished into an operation state in which an image forming process is performed on a recording sheet and a standby state in which the image forming process is not performed.

  In the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100, it is usually difficult for exhaust gas to be generated. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the emission direction of positive ions and negative ions from the ion generator 71 is changed to the upward direction of the arrow E in FIGS. 2B and 3. Positive ions and negative ions are allowed to flow and diffuse throughout the room, airborne bacteria in the air are removed by positive ions and negative ions, and air can be purified over a wide range.

  Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 4, the emission direction of positive ions and negative ions is set obliquely below arrow D, but is not limited to the direction of arrow D. If the negative ions are emitted in the direction toward the main body 90 so as to cover the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, the emission directions of the positive ions and the negative ions may be changed.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 3, the emission direction of positive ions and negative ions is set in the upward direction of the arrow E. However, not only the direction of the arrow E but also positive ions and As long as negative ions are released into the range X in the upper direction indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 2B, the emission direction of positive ions and negative ions may be changed. Furthermore, the positive ion and negative ion emission directions may be changed in the direction opposite to the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 that diffuses not only in the upper direction range X but in the entire room.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a column (an example of a support member) 72 protrudes from a corner 100 a on one side of the back surface of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an ion generator 71 is formed at the upper end of the column 72. A shaft 71 a along the horizontal direction at one end of the ion generator is rotatably supported in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 2B, and the shaft 71 a of the ion generator 71 is connected to the output shaft of the motor drive unit 73. .

  With this configuration, in the image forming apparatus 100, the shaft 71a of the ion generator 71 is driven to reciprocate by the motor drive unit 73, and the ion generator 71 is reciprocated about the axis 71a in the direction of arrow F. . Thereby, the discharge | release direction of the positive ion and the negative ion from the ion generator 71 can be changed into the direction of either arrow D or arrow E.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the motor drive unit 73 is connected to a control unit (an example of a control unit) 74 built in the image forming apparatus 100, and is driven and controlled by the control unit 74.

  The control unit 74 controls not only the motor drive unit 73 but also the entire image forming apparatus 100. The controller 74 drives and controls the motor drive unit 73 according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 to generate ions. The rotational position of the device 71 around the axis 71a is controlled so that the direction of ion emission from the ion generator 71 is set to one of the arrow D and arrow E directions.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a support column 72 is disposed at a corner 100 a on one side of the back surface of the main body 90, and the ion generator 71 is horizontally supported by the support column 72. As a result, the space above the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 is opened, and the usability of the image forming apparatus 100 is not impaired. Further, the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 is configured such that the back side thereof is arranged toward a wall or the like. For this reason, the ion generator 71 is provided on the back side of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, so that the ion generator 71 is disposed near the wall so as not to get in the way.

(Details of ion generator)
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the ion generator 71 shown in FIGS. In FIG. 5, a linear arrow G indicates the direction of air flow.

  The ion generating device 71 includes an ion generating element 85 that generates ions and discharges them to the outside.

  In the present embodiment, the ion generator 71 further includes a main body casing 81, a suction duct 83, and a blowout duct 84.

  The suction duct 83 is disposed between a plurality of suction holes 81 a formed in the lower side wall of the main body casing 81 and the ion generating element 85. The blowout duct 84 is disposed between a device blowout port 81 b (an example of an opening) formed in the upper portion of the main body housing 81 and the ion generating element 85.

  In the present embodiment, the ion generator 71 further includes a blower (here, a fan unit) 82 that acts as a ventilation means for forcibly moving the air from the ion generator 85 to the outside. The fan unit 82 is provided on the upstream side of the ion generating element 85 in the direction from the ion generating element 85 to the outside of the ion generating apparatus 71 (in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 5).

  The fan unit 82 is disposed at the lower part of the main body casing 81. The suction duct 83 is disposed between the suction hole 81 a and the suction port 82 a of the fan unit 82, and the blowing duct 84 is disposed between the device blowing port 81 b and the blowing unit 82 b of the fan unit 82. The ion generating element 85 is disposed around the fan unit 82.

  The ion generating element 85 includes a plurality of sets (here, two sets) of ion generating elements 85.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing two sets of ion generating elements 85 in the ion generating apparatus 71 shown in FIG. FIG. 6A shows one set of ion generating elements 85, and FIG. 6B shows the other set of ion generating elements 85.

  Each set of ion generating elements 85 includes a pair of positive ion generating elements 85a that generate positive ions and a pair of negative ion generating elements 85b that generate negative ions.

  Here, each ion generating element 85 is configured by a plasma cluster ion (registered trademark) generating element (PCI). As shown in FIG. 6, the ion generating elements 85 are arranged in a plurality (two in this case) along the longitudinal direction of the ion generating device 71 as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 5. For each set of ion generating elements 85, a pair of positive ion generating portions 85a that generate positive ions and a pair of negative ion generating portions 85b that generate negative ions are arranged. Such an ion generating element 85 is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-58731 filed earlier by the applicant of the present invention.

  Positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generating element 85 are discharged from the apparatus outlet 81b through the outlet duct 84 together with the air flow G generated by the fan 82c of the fan unit 82.

(Description of features of the present invention)
In such a configuration, the control unit 74 shown in FIG. 1 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 74 includes a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random). (Access Memory) and other storage units including a memory and a microcomputer including the storage unit. Specifically, the control unit 74 controls various components by causing the processing unit to load and execute a control program stored in advance in the ROM of the storage unit on the RAM of the storage unit. It has become.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes an ion generation operation function for supplying power to the ion generation device 71 under the instruction of the control unit 74. The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a facsimile transmission / reception function that performs a facsimile transmission / reception operation under the instruction of the control unit 74. The facsimile transmission / reception function has a facsimile execution mode in which a facsimile transmission / reception operation is being executed and a facsimile reception standby mode in which a facsimile transmission / reception operation is in a standby state.

(Block Diagram)
FIG. 7 is a system block diagram mainly showing the control unit 74 in the image forming apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the operation panel 75 and the ion generator 71, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an interface (I / F) unit 76, an I / O (Input / Output) interface unit 77, and a sensor unit. 200, an engine unit 300, and a power supply unit 110.

  The interface unit 76 is connected to a network N such as a public line or a LAN (Local Area Network), and commands, data, and the like from an external data input device 400 such as a facsimile machine or a host computer (for example, a personal computer) through the network N. It has a role of an interface for receiving a signal input and outputting a signal to the data input device 400.

  The I / O interface unit 77 is provided between the sensor unit 200, the operation panel 75, the engine unit 300, the ion generator 71, and the control unit 74, and interfaces (communications) input / output signals therebetween. To do.

  The sensor unit 200 includes a first detection sensor 210 and a second detection sensor 220, and provides output signals of these sensors to the control unit 74 through the I / O interface unit 77. The sensor unit 200 also includes a sensor for detecting the operation state of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100, that is, the sheet conveyance state and the developer amount.

  The engine unit 300 includes a drive mechanism unit for paper conveyance and image output, and an output operation is performed under the control of the control unit 74. The engine unit 300 includes a scanner control unit 310, a printer control unit 320, and a facsimile control unit 330. A scanner control unit 310 controls the document reading apparatus 101. The printer control unit 320 controls the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The facsimile control unit 330 executes a facsimile execution mode and a facsimile reception standby mode.

  The power supply unit 110 supplies power to the load of each unit. In addition, the power supply unit 110 controls at least one of the power supply destination and the power supply amount such as the sensor unit 200, the operation panel 75, the engine unit 300, and the ion generator 71 under the instruction of the control unit 74. ing.

  The operation panel 75 includes an operation unit 75 a having a large number of keys and the like for inputting various commands, and a display unit 75 b for displaying various information according to the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation unit 75a is provided with a power saving mode change key 75c for changing whether or not to execute a power saving mode to be described later.

  The control unit 74 communicates with the data input device 400 through the interface unit 76 and controls the engine unit 300 according to various commands input from the data input device 400 and the operation panel 75 to perform various functions including output operations.

  When the power switch is turned on, the control unit 74 drives and controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a preset procedure, and sets the image forming apparatus 100 to a standby state.

  In this standby state, copying of the document image can be instructed by an input operation on the operation panel 75. When a print instruction signal for instructing copying based on an input operation on the operation panel 75 is input, the control unit 74 starts the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in response to the print instruction signal. The operating state is set, the original image is read, and the read original image is copied onto a recording sheet. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a copying machine.

  When the control unit 74 receives the image and the print instruction signal from the data input device 400 to the interface unit 76, the control unit 74 inputs the received image and the print instruction signal, and responds to the print instruction signal to the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 is set, and this image is printed on the recording paper. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a printer.

  Further, when the control unit 74 receives facsimile data from the data input device 400 to the interface unit 76, the control unit 74 inputs the received facsimile data and starts the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in response to the facsimile data. An operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 is set, and an image corresponding to the facsimile data is printed on a recording sheet. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a facsimile machine.

  When the printing process is completed, the image forming apparatus 100 again enters a standby state and is ready for the next print instruction signal input. In this case, the standby state is a state in which the printing process is not executed and the state immediately shifts to the execution of the printing process.

  As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the operation state and the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100 are shown. However, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a standby state that is not in operation and a sleep mode that consumes less power than the standby state. Switching between them is performed. Specifically, when the non-operating state continues for a long time, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from a standby state to a power saving mode with less power consumption, further shifts from the power saving mode to a sleep mode with less power consumption, and print instructions It is possible to perform power saving control to return to the operating state when there is a failure.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of types of detection sensors (here, the first detection sensor 210 and the second detection sensor 220) that respectively detect a plurality of different environmental changes around the image formation apparatus 100. . The control unit 74 functions as a unit including an operation mode switching unit that performs stepwise switching of power consumption between the standby state and the sleep mode based on the detection results of the first detection sensor 210 and the second detection sensor 220. It is supposed to be.

  The operation mode switching means switches from the sleep mode to the standby state through the power saving mode based on the detection results of the first detection sensor 210 and the second detection sensor 220 when switching between the standby state and the sleep mode. It is like that. The power saving mode is a low power consumption mode between the power consumption in the standby state and the power consumption in the sleep mode.

  Specifically, the first detection sensor 210 detects a first environmental change around the image forming apparatus 100, and is specifically an illuminance detection sensor that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus 100. Yes. The second detection sensor 220 detects a second environmental change that is different from the first environmental change around the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the second detection sensor 220 is information about the human body around the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, the human body). Motion information) is detected as a human body detection sensor.

  As the illuminance detection sensor 210, for example, a sensor for detecting the brightness around the installation place of the image forming apparatus 100, specifically, a conventionally known phototransistor or photodiode can be applied. Further, as the human body detection sensor 220, for example, a sensor for detecting the approach or movement of the human body to the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100, specifically, a pyroelectric infrared sensor or various types for detecting the presence of a human being. The human sensor can be applied.

  When the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210 is lower than the threshold value, the operation mode switching means executes the sleep mode regardless of the detection of the human body information by the human body detection sensor 220, and the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210 is the threshold value. In the case where the information on the human body is not detected by the human body detection sensor 220, the power saving mode is executed, the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the information on the human body by the human body detection sensor 220 When detecting this, the standby state is executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the operation mode switching means is in the sleep mode, the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the human body detection sensor 220 does not detect the human body information, the sleep mode In the power saving mode, when the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210 is equal to or greater than the threshold value and information related to the human body is detected by the human body detection sensor 220, the power saving mode is set to the standby state. Switching to is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the operation mode switching means stops the ion generation operation function in the sleep mode, and executes the ion generation operation function in the power saving mode and the standby state.

  The operation mode switching means executes the facsimile reception standby mode in the sleep mode and the power saving mode, and executes the facsimile execution mode in the standby state.

  Specifically, the illuminance detection sensor 210 is driven by receiving power from the power supply unit 110. The human body detection sensor 220 is driven by power supplied from the power supply unit 110. The power supply unit 110 and the facsimile control unit 330 are connected to a control unit 74 built in the image forming apparatus 100 and are driven and controlled by the control unit 74. That is, the operation mode switching unit adjusts at least one of the power supply destination and the power supply amount of the power supply unit 110 based on the detection results by the illuminance detection sensor 210 and the human body detection sensor 220, and controls the ion generator 71 and the facsimile control. The operation control of the unit 330 is also performed.

  Here, the operation mode switching means switches the image forming apparatus 100 to the sleep mode, executes the facsimile reception standby mode, and supplies power to the ion generator 71 when the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210 is less than the threshold value. When the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is continued and the power supply to the ion generator 71 is started, and then the human body detection sensor 220 When information on the human body (for example, approaching human body) is detected, the sleep mode is switched to the standby state, the facsimile execution mode is executed, and the power supply to the ion generator 71 is continued.

(Control flow)
Next, an example of power saving control for performing transition to the sleep mode and canceling / returning from the sleep mode will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an example of power saving control for performing the transition to the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 100 and the release / return from the sleep mode.

(Transition to sleep mode)
In the power saving control shown in FIG. 8, first, after the power is turned on, the control unit 74 controls the engine unit 300 and causes the printer control unit 320 in the engine unit 300 to raise the fixing temperature of the fixing device 12 to the standby temperature. The ion generation operation function and the facsimile execution mode are executed to maintain the standby state. In this standby state, the control unit 74 searches for an input of the power saving mode change key 75c from the operation unit 71a of the operation panel 75 (step S1).

  When the power saving mode change key 75c is input, the control unit 74 inverts the current power saving mode setting state on the display unit 75b of the operation panel 75 accordingly. That is, here, when the power saving mode change key 75c is input when the power saving mode is set (step S1: YES), the power saving mode is canceled and the power saving mode is canceled when the power saving mode is canceled. When the input of the power mode change key 75c occurs (step S1: YES), an operation for setting the power saving mode (so-called toggle operation) is executed (step S2).

  Thereafter, the control unit 74 determines whether or not there is an output command (print command) (step S3), and if there is an output command (step S3: YES), performs an output operation (step S4).

  On the other hand, if there is no output command (step S3: NO), it is determined whether or not the current control mode is the power saving mode (step S5). As a result, if it is the power saving mode (step S5: YES), the control unit 74 determines whether the illuminance around the current image forming apparatus 100 is less than the reference illuminance through the illuminance detection sensor 210 of the sensor unit 200. (Step S6). Specifically, when the light intensity exceeding the reference illuminance enters the illuminance detection sensor 210 composed of a photodiode or a phototransistor, a logical value (for example, “low” state) signal is output through the output terminal (OUTPUT TERMINAL). Accordingly, the brightness around the current image forming apparatus 100 is determined.

  As a result, if it is less than the reference illuminance (step S6: YES), the control unit 74 regards the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 as dark, and starts a count operation for counting the clock by a timer built in the control unit 74. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the count of this clock (step S7).

  If it is within the predetermined time (step S7: NO), the process returns to step S1 and waits for the elapse of the predetermined time. During this timing, if there is any one of detection exceeding the reference illuminance through the illuminance detection sensor 210 of the sensor unit 200, input of an output command, and input of the power saving mode change key 75c, the control unit 74 sets the clock count value. When reset and an output command is input (step S3: YES), the output operation of step S4 is started.

  On the other hand, if the state where there is no detection exceeding the reference illuminance through the illuminance detection sensor 210, no input of an output command, and no input of the power saving mode change key 75c continues for a certain period of time (step S7: YES), the control unit 74 forms an image. The apparatus 100 is switched to the sleep mode (step S8), the power supply to the ion generator 71 is stopped (step S9), and the apparatus is shifted to the facsimile reception standby mode (step S10).

(Release / return from sleep mode)
After switching to the sleep mode, the control unit 74 determines whether or not there is illuminance detection that is equal to or greater than a reference value through the illuminance detection sensor 210 of the sensor unit 200 (step S11). If the illuminance is less than the reference value (step S11: NO), it is assumed that the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 is still dark and the sleep mode is continued (step S8 to step S11: NO).

  Even if the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 becomes bright and exceeds the reference illuminance (step S11: YES), the ion generator 71 is not switched immediately from the sleep mode to the standby state, and the sleep mode is continued. When the power supply to the image forming apparatus 100 is restarted (step S13) and the human body detection sensor 220 such as the pyroelectric infrared sensor of the sensor unit 200 does not detect the approach of the human body to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S14: NO). Then, assuming that there is no person around the image forming apparatus 100, the process returns to step S12 to step S13 in which only the sleep mode (facsimile reception standby mode) is continued and the power supply to the ion generator 71 is performed. Execute (Step S12 to Step S14: No).

  Switching from the power saving mode to the standby state is performed when the human body detection sensor 220 detects the approach of the human body to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S14: YES). Detection signal (for example, an ON request signal) is output, the control unit 74 considers that there is a person around the image forming apparatus 100, and sends an ON signal to the power supply unit 110 to start supplying power to each part of the apparatus. (Step S15). Thereby, it transfers to the standby state from the power saving mode (step S16).

  Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the standby state, the control unit 74 controls the motor drive unit 73 to control the rotational position of the ion generator 71, as shown in FIGS. In this way, the direction of ion emission from the ion generator 71 is set in the upward direction of the arrow E. In this standby state, when the control unit 74 operates the ion generating device 71, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and the floating bacteria in the air are removed by the positive ions and negative ions, thereby purifying the air. Is done in a wide range. Generally, since the set time of the image forming apparatus in the standby state is longer than the set time of the operation state, if positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the standby state, air The purification is effectively done.

  At this time, the control unit 74 may reciprocately rotate the ion generating device 71 within a certain angular range around the shaft 71 a by the drive control of the motor drive unit 73. That is, the ion generator 71 is swung. Thereby, the emission range of positive ions and negative ions can be expanded.

  Alternatively, the control unit 74 increases the rotational speed of the fan 82c by driving control of a motor (not shown) of the fan 82c of the fan unit 82. Thereby, the discharge speed and discharge amount of air from the ion generator 71 are increased, and the discharge range of positive ions and negative ions is further expanded.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the operating state, the control unit 74 controls the motor drive unit 73 to control the rotational position of the ion generator 71, as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. The discharge direction of ions from the ion generator 71 is set obliquely below the arrow D. Thereby, the front side of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 is mainly covered with positive ions and negative ions, and the odor of the exhaust gas is removed. Usually, since the user stands on the front side of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, positive ions and negative ions are emitted in the direction of arrow D, and the front side of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 is mainly used by the positive ions and negative ions. If it covers, the odor of the exhaust gas around a user can be removed effectively.

  Also at this time, the controller 74 may cause the ion generator 71 to reciprocate within a certain angular range around the axis 71a by the drive control of the motor drive unit 73, thereby causing the ion generator 71 to swing.

  Alternatively, the control unit 74 slows the rotation speed of the fan 82c by controlling the motor of the fan 82c of the fan unit 82. As a result, the air is gently released from the ion generator 71, and the user is standing on the front side of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 by drawing a curve in which the air flow gradually curves downward as indicated by an arrow D. The positive ions and the negative ions can be diffused gently, and the front side of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reliably covered with the positive ions and the negative ions.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the direction of the ion generator 71 is controlled in accordance with the standby state and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 to change the discharge direction of positive ions and negative ions from the ion generator 71. Therefore, the air can be purified in the standby state, and the odor of the exhaust gas can be removed in the operation state, so that one ion generator 71 can be used in two roles.

  Further, it has been experimentally confirmed that if the ions cover the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 like an air curtain, the influence of the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 can be effectively suppressed. For this reason, the ion generator 71 can be disposed outside the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an increase in size of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 can be avoided. Further, since the indoor air is purified by the ion generator 71, it is not necessary to separately provide an air purifier, the indoor space can be used effectively, and the equipment cost can be reduced.

  FIG. 9 shows a state in which the ion generator 71 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is attached to the center of the back surface of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 is set upward in the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG.

  A support column (another example of a support member) 93 projects from the center of the back surface of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the center of the ion generator 71 is stably supported on the upper end of the support column 93.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B, 3, and 10, the air from the device outlet 81 b of the ion generator 71 moves in the upward direction of the arrow E together with positive ions and negative ions (the side opposite to the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100). Or upward direction). As a result, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and the air is effectively purified.

  At this time, the rotational speed of the fan 82c is increased by the drive control of the motor of the fan 82c, the release speed and release amount of air from the ion generator 71 are increased, and the release range of positive ions and negative ions is further expanded. Also good. As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the operating state and the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100 are shown, but when the non-operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 continues for a long time, the standby state is switched to the power saving mode with low power consumption. Further, there is a case where power saving control is performed in which the power saving mode is changed to the sleep mode with less power consumption and the operation state is returned when a printing instruction is given. Even in such a power saving mode or sleep mode, as in the standby state, no exhaust gas is generated, so the ions may be continuously emitted upward with the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 upward. . In particular, since the sleep mode is often set at night or the like, if the ions are continuously released upward from the ion generator 71, the indoor air can be sufficiently purified while no one is present. .

  Further, the ion generator 71 and the motor drive unit 73 may be optionally retrofitted. In this case, a control unit for driving and controlling the constituent elements of the ion generation device 71 is provided on the ion generation device 71 side, and the control unit and the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 are connected to a serial communication cable and the like. An instruction is transmitted and received from the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the control unit on the ion generating device 71 side by data communication between both control units by connecting via an outlet, and the control unit on the ion generating device 71 side The components of the ion generator 71 may be controlled by the above.

  Further, the mounting position of the ion generating device 71 may be changed according to the structure or usage of the image forming apparatus. In the above-described embodiment, assuming that the back side of the image forming apparatus 100 is arranged facing a wall or the like, a support column protrudes from the back side of the image forming apparatus, and the ion generator 71 is horizontally disposed at the upper end of the support column. However, depending on the structure and usage of the image forming apparatus, the side surface of the image forming apparatus may be arranged facing a wall or the like. In this case, if a support column is protruded from the side wall of the image forming apparatus and the ion generating device 71 is supported on the upper end of the support column, the ion generating device 71 is disposed near the wall so that the ion generating device 71 does not get in the way. That's it. Alternatively, the ion generating device 71 may be attached vertically or directly on the outer wall of the image forming apparatus main body without using a support. Furthermore, a plurality of ion generators 71 may be dispersed and attached.

  According to the image forming apparatus 100 described above, based on the detection results of a plurality of types of detection sensors (here, both the illuminance detection sensor 210 and the human body detection sensor 220), that is, the plurality of types of sensors 210, By reflecting the detection result of 220, a certain order and / or regularity regarding power supply and activation to each part of the image forming apparatus 100 until the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the sleep mode to the standby state. Since the switching operation of the power consumption between the standby state and the sleep mode is performed step by step, or the standby mode is switched from the sleep mode to the power saving mode, various peripherals of the image forming apparatus 100 can be obtained. Power consumption can be switched in response to various environmental changes (particularly human-induced environmental changes). And it is possible to realize power saving.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control target is two types of changes, that is, a change in brightness around the image forming apparatus 100 and a change in the approach or movement of the human body to the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100. With the configuration, it is possible to perform a power consumption switching operation between the standby state, the power saving mode, and the sleep mode.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the sleep mode, which consumes less power than the power saving mode, is changed depending on changes in brightness around the image forming apparatus 100 and changes in the approach and movement of the human body to the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100. Since the operation to switch to the power saving mode and the operation to switch from the power saving mode, which consumes less power than the standby state, to the standby state can be performed, the power consumption can be increased in steps, and the standby state can be quickly restored accordingly. it can.

  In the present embodiment, when it can be determined that the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 is dark, it can be assumed that there is no person nearby and the sleep mode can be set. When the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 is bright but it can be determined that a person is not nearby, the power saving mode is executed. On the other hand, when the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 is bright and it can be determined that a person is nearby Can execute the standby state.

  In the present embodiment, the facsimile transmission / reception function can be executed on the assumption that there is a person in the power saving mode and the standby state. On the other hand, in the sleep mode, the ion generation operation function can be stopped assuming that there is no person. Thereby, useless power consumption can be omitted.

  In this embodiment, in the sleep mode and the power saving mode, the facsimile reception standby mode that is a standby state of the facsimile transmission / reception operation is executed without stopping the facsimile transmission / reception operation, while the facsimile execution mode is executed in the standby state. be able to.

  More specifically, since a facsimile transmission / reception function is normally installed, a facsimile reception standby function for performing a facsimile transmission / reception standby operation is executed in the sleep mode, and the power supply to the ion generator 71 is stopped. Since the illuminance detection sensor 210 and the human body detection sensor 220 are provided, the power supply to the ion generator 71 is controlled in conjunction with the illuminance at the installation location of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210. In addition, the human body detection sensor 220 can shorten the return time from the sleep mode to the standby state.

  Further, the brightness of the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 and the approach of the human body to the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100 can be detected, and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 can be automatically switched from the sleep mode to the standby state. Even when the sleep mode is continued, power is supplied to the human body detection sensor 220, the ion generation device 71, and the facsimile control unit 330 (supplied in the power saving mode with lower power consumption than the standby state). Automatic switching to state can be implemented. That is, if the illuminance around the image forming apparatus 100 is equal to or higher than the reference value, power is automatically supplied to the ion generating device 71 and the human body detection sensor 220 even when the sleep mode is continued, and there is a person nearby. By detecting this, it is possible to automatically switch from the facsimile reception standby mode to the facsimile execution mode and realize a stepwise switching operation of power consumption from the sleep mode to the standby state. Even users who are accustomed to the image forming apparatus have no sense of incongruity when using it, and are easy to use.

  In addition, even when the illuminance around the image forming apparatus 100 exceeds a predetermined value, the sleep mode is continued and power is supplied to the human body detection sensor 220, the ion generator 71, and the facsimile control unit 330. Thus, it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption by not returning to the standby state unless the human body detection sensor 220 detects the approach of the human body through the power saving mode in which the power consumption is lower than that in the standby state.

  In addition, since the power supply to the ion generating device 71 is started in advance even during the sleep mode continues, when the image forming apparatus 100 is released from the facsimile reception standby mode and starts using the facsimile execution mode, the comfortable use environment is maintained. You can start using it.

  Furthermore, when the periphery of the image forming apparatus 100 becomes dark according to the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor 210, the mode is shifted to the sleep mode, so that it is possible to suppress power consumption when the power is forgotten to be turned off or for a long time.

  In addition, since the ion generating device 71 is disposed above the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, the space above the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 can be effectively utilized, and furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100. It is possible to release ions so that the main body 90 is wrapped from above the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition, since the ion generator 71 is supported by the support columns 72 and 93 provided on the back surface of the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100, a useless space behind the user can be effectively used.

  In the present embodiment, the controller 74 may change the amount of ions emitted by increasing or decreasing the number of ion generating elements to be driven among the plurality of ion generating elements 85. By doing so, the amount of ion emission can be varied with a simple configuration in which the number of ion generating elements to be driven is increased or decreased.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 74 emits ions toward the main body 90 while the image forming apparatus 100 is in operation, and emits ions upward while the image forming apparatus 100 is on standby. It may be. By so doing, since the image forming apparatus 100 releases ions toward the main body 90 during operation, the main body 90 can be easily covered with ions, and the exhaust gas due to the ions can be reliably suppressed. . Further, when the image forming apparatus 100 is on standby, ions are released upward, so that the ions can flow and diffuse throughout the room, thereby purifying air over a wide range.

  In the present embodiment, the ion generation device 71 may be configured such that the apparatus outlet 81b faces upward regardless of whether the image forming apparatus 100 is on standby or in operation. In this way, ions can be discharged to the entire installation location such as an office and the main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100 without requiring a complicated structure for rotating the ion generating device 71. Even if ions are released upward, the air volume is reduced by reducing the air volume of the fan unit 82, so that ions are air curtained downward (main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 100) rather than upward. Therefore, the main body 90 itself of the image forming apparatus 100 can be cleaned.

71 Ion generator (an example of ion generator)
72 support (an example of a support member)
74 Control unit 81b Device outlet (an example of an opening)
85 Ion generating element 90 Main body 93 Column (another example of support member)
100 Image forming apparatus 210 Illuminance detection sensor (an example of a first detection sensor)
220 Human body detection sensor (an example of a second detection sensor)
330 Facsimile controller

Claims (18)

An image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode,
A plurality of types of detection sensors that respectively detect a plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus that performs stepwise switching of power consumption between the standby state and the sleep mode based on detection results of the plurality of types of detection sensors. An image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode,
A plurality of types of detection sensors that respectively detect a plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus;
Switching between the standby state and the sleep mode based on the detection results of the plurality of types of detection sensors through a power saving mode that is a low power consumption mode between the standby state and the sleep mode. An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode,
A first detection sensor for detecting a first environmental change around the image forming apparatus;
A second detection sensor that detects a second environmental change different from the first environmental change around the image forming apparatus;
Based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor,
When the first environmental change by the first detection sensor is not recognized, the sleep mode is executed,
When recognizing the first environmental change by the first detection sensor and not recognizing the second environmental change by the second detection sensor, in a low power consumption mode between the standby state and the sleep mode. Run a power saving mode,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the standby state is executed when the first environment change by the first detection sensor is recognized and the second environment change by the second detection sensor is recognized. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
In the sleep mode, when the first environmental change by the first detection sensor is recognized and the second environmental change by the second detection sensor is not recognized, the sleep mode is switched to the power saving mode. Switch
When recognizing the first environmental change by the first detection sensor and recognizing the second environmental change by the second detection sensor in the power saving mode, the power saving mode is changed to the standby state. Switching is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:
The first detection sensor is an illuminance detection sensor that detects illuminance around the image forming apparatus,
The second detection sensor is a human body detection sensor that detects information about a human body around the image forming apparatus,
When the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor is below a threshold, execute the sleep mode,
When the detection result of the illuminance detection sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value and information on the human body by the human body detection sensor is not detected, the power saving mode is executed.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the standby state is executed when a detection result of the illuminance detection sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value and information related to a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
A first operation function for performing the first operation;
In the sleep mode, the first operation function is stopped, and in the power saving mode and the standby state, the first operation function is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
A second operation function for performing a second operation different from the first operation;
The second operation function has a second operation function execution mode that is an execution state of the second operation, and a second operation function standby mode that is a standby state of the second operation,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the second operation function standby mode is executed in the sleep mode and the power saving mode, and the second operation function execution mode is executed in the standby state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
The second operation function includes a facsimile transmission / reception function for performing a facsimile transmission / reception operation as the second operation, and a facsimile reception standby function for performing a facsimile transmission / reception standby operation as a standby state of the second operation,
The second operation function execution mode is a mode for executing the facsimile transmission / reception function,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the second operation function standby mode is a mode for executing the facsimile reception standby function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:
It is equipped with ion generating means that generates ions and releases them to the outside.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first operation function is an ion generation operation function for performing power supply operation to the ion generation unit as the first operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the ion generating unit is provided outside a main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the ion generating means generates and discharges positive ions and negative ions simultaneously. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,
The ion generating means includes a plurality of ion generating elements, and the number of ion generating elements to be driven among the plurality of ion generating elements is increased or decreased to vary the amount of ions emitted. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
An image forming apparatus that emits ions toward the main body of the image forming apparatus while the image forming apparatus is in operation, and emits ions upward while the image forming apparatus is on standby. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ion generating unit includes an opening for discharging ions, and the opening is directed upward regardless of whether the image forming apparatus is on standby or in operation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the ion generating means is disposed above a main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the ion generating means is supported by a support member provided on a back surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus. A power saving method of an image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode,
A plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus are respectively detected, and based on the detection results, the power consumption is gradually switched between the standby state and the sleep mode. A power saving method for the image forming apparatus. A power saving method of an image forming apparatus that switches power consumption between a standby state and a sleep mode,
Low-consumption between the standby state and the sleep mode between the standby state and the sleep mode based on the detection results by detecting a plurality of different environmental changes around the image forming apparatus. A power saving method for an image forming apparatus, wherein switching is performed through a power saving mode which is a power mode.

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