JP2005050587A - Fuel cell device, image forming device, and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent freezing of a fuel cell and enable it to be operated at an efficient temperature area. <P>SOLUTION: A window 21 having an opening and closing lid 21a is provided at a case 20 at a lower part of an image forming device, and the fuel cell 22 is housed in the case 20. Further, a heater 23 and a temperature sensor 24 are installed inside the case 20. An opening and closing mechanism of the window and electricity conduction to the heater 23 are controlled according to detection of the temperature sensor 24 by a control means circuit. For example, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 24 falls below a set value, the window 20 is closed, and when it falls further down, conduction to the heater 23 is started, whereby, the fuel cell 22 is maintained in a given temperature range, and is protected from freezing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel cell device using a fuel cell, and an image forming apparatus and an electronic device using the fuel cell device as a power supply unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Current image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are driven by power supplied from a commercial power source, but the power capacity of a general commercial power source in Japan is limited to 1500W.
On the other hand, the image forming apparatus is required to increase the image forming speed and shorten the warm-up time. Particularly in recent years, energy saving is required, and it is desirable to eliminate power consumption in the fixing heater during standby. However, if the energization of the fixing heater is cut off during standby, the time from the resumption of energization to the completion of warm-up becomes longer and the work efficiency is remarkably lowered. Therefore, shortening the warm-up time is a very important issue.
[0003]
However, as the image forming speed is increased, the power necessary for speeding up the operation of the image forming apparatus itself increases. Therefore, the power allocated to the fixing apparatus becomes more severe, but the fixing apparatus is also faster. The greater the number, the greater the number of recording sheets that pass per unit time. For this reason, even if the heat is steadily removed and the heater is continuously turned on, the roller temperature required for fixing cannot be maintained. Accordingly, the actual situation is that the number of image forming sheets of the image forming apparatus is determined by how many recording sheets can be fixed per minute by the fixing apparatus.
[0004]
In addition, since there is no power consumption of the exposure lamp and the motor at the time of warming up immediately after the power is turned on, it is possible to devote some hundreds of watts to the fixing device, but it is possible to expect some time reduction. Therefore, it is possible to operate the image forming apparatus with power of 1500 W or more by supplying power from the fuel cell as an auxiliary power source or as a main power source.
[0005]
Conventionally, there has been proposed a fuel cell system that can prevent the cell stack body from freezing in a vehicle and ensure the durability of the entire system even at extremely low temperatures (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, a secondary battery electrode and a secondary battery using this electrode have been proposed that have high energy density and are excellent in safety and workability without liquid leakage and gas generation (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-351552 A [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-302769
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as one of the drawbacks of the fuel cell, since an aqueous solution is used or water is discharged, there is a problem that these freeze at a low temperature and damage an expensive fuel cell.
The techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot solve the above problem in the image forming apparatus.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to prevent the fuel cell from freezing and to enable the fuel cell to operate in an efficient temperature range.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell device according to the present invention comprises a case provided with a window and containing a fuel cell, an opening / closing mechanism for the window, a heater and a temperature sensor provided in the case, and the temperature sensor. The window opening / closing mechanism and a control means for controlling energization to the heater are provided according to the detected temperature.
[0010]
Further, a fan may be provided in the case, and the operation of the fan may be controlled according to the detected temperature by the control means.
Further, power necessary for the control operation of the control means may be supplied from an external power source.
Further, an auxiliary battery may be provided in the case, and power necessary for the control operation of the control means may be supplied from the auxiliary battery.
Further, electric power necessary for the control operation of the control means may be supplied from the fuel cell.
[0011]
Further, the power required for the control operation of the control means can be supplied from an external power source or a fuel cell, and connection detection means for detecting the presence or absence of connection of the external power source is provided, and the external power source or the fuel cell is provided according to the detection result. Switching means for switching between may be provided.
In addition, when the main switch for supplying the external power supply is turned off, the window of the case may be closed and the extraction of power other than standby power from the fuel cell may be stopped.
[0012]
When the main switch for supplying the external power supply is turned on, power extraction from the fuel cell is started with the case window closed, and then the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means reaches the set temperature. When this happens, the window may be opened or the fan may be driven.
Further, when the window cannot be opened, the power extraction from the fuel cell may be stopped, and a warning means for issuing a warning at that time may be provided.
The fan may be driven when the window cannot be opened.
Moreover, after issuing the warning, the fan may be stopped when the detected temperature falls to a set temperature.
[0013]
Further, during the extraction of electric power from the fuel cell, the opening degree of the window and the drive of the fan may be adjusted so that the detected temperature is balanced at the set temperature.
Further, when the main switch for supplying the external power supply is turned off, the window may be closed without consuming electric power, and power extraction other than standby power from the fuel cell may be stopped before and after that.
[0014]
The window may be opened and closed by moving the opening / closing lid up and down, and when the main switch is turned off, the window may be closed by lowering the opening / closing lid by gravity.
Furthermore, the opening / closing lid may be held against the biasing force of the spring member when the window is opened, and the window may be closed by the biasing force of the spring member when the main switch is turned off.
[0015]
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that any one of the above-described fuel cell devices is used as a power supply unit.
An electronic device according to the present invention is characterized in that any one of the fuel cell devices described above is used for a power supply unit.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
In FIG. 1, a document M is placed on a transparent plate 2a of a document table and fixed by a document mat 2b. The optical system emits light from the illumination lamp 41a, and illuminates the original with the light from the reflecting mirror 41b. The reflected light is reflected by the moving reflecting mirror 41c that moves integrally with the illumination lamp 41a and the moving reflecting mirrors 42d and 42e that move in the same direction with a half moving speed of the moving reflecting mirror 41c. As a result, the image light that scans the document M is received by the solid-state imaging device 43b through the lens 43a while maintaining the optical path length.
[0017]
The output of the solid-state imaging device 43b is subjected to signal processing such as shading correction, gradation correction by γ conversion, and halftone reproduction by multi-value processing in an image processing unit (not shown), and is then input to the laser driver unit 5a, and the semiconductor The light is output as an optical output from the laser 5b to the polygon mirror 5c. Since the polygon mirror 5c is rotated by the scanner motor 5d, the laser beam is scanned perpendicular to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 6. A photo sensor 5e is located 11 mm before the laser beam starts scanning on the drum. When the laser beam hits the drum, a BD (beam detection) signal is generated. BD determines the writing timing of one line by the laser and determines the output timing of one line of image data in the line memory.
[0018]
The photosensitive drum 6 rotates in the direction of the arrow and executes an image forming process. The photosensitive drum 6 is negatively and uniformly charged by a charger 7 to which a negative high voltage current is supplied from a high voltage power source (not shown) immediately before the laser beam is irradiated. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 6 by scanning with the laser beam. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 8 to be visualized. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image that is negatively charged is erased by the QL 9 that erases the electrostatic latent image.
[0019]
On the other hand, when the recording paper sent from the paper feed cassette 13a by the rotation of the paper feed roller 13b is detected by the registration sensor 13c, the recording paper pauses in a state where it abuts against the registration roller 13 and the image on the photoconductor. By rotating the registration roller 13 at the same timing, the registration roller 13 passes through the registration roller 13 c and reaches below the photosensitive drum 6. Therefore, the toner image on the thermal drum 6 is transferred to the recording paper by the transfer electrode 10 supplied with a positive high voltage current from a high voltage generator (not shown), and then supplied with an AC high voltage current from a high voltage generator (not shown). The recording paper 11 is discharged by the separating electrode 11 and separated from the photosensitive drum 6.
[0020]
After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 6 passes through the QL 12 for eliminating the remaining electric charge. After the transfer, the slightly remaining toner is scraped off by the cleaning 13, and the cleaned photosensitive drum 6 is subjected to the next image formation. Finish the preparation for. On the other hand, the recording paper on which the toner image separated from the photosensitive drum 6 is carried is conveyed by the conveying belt 7 and is pressed and heated by passing between the upper roller 8a and the lower roller 8b of the fixing device 8, It becomes a fixed image, and the image is not disturbed even if it is blown or rubbed.
[0021]
These operations are performed by power from a commercial power source, or directly from a fuel cell 22 provided in a lower part of the image forming apparatus and housed in a case 20 having a window 21, or by power converted from a voltage as described later. Is called. Alternatively, it is performed directly from the fuel cell 22 or only with electric power obtained by converting the voltage.
[0022]
Since the fuel cell 22 generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, the chemical reaction is more likely to proceed when the temperature is high to some extent, so that more electricity can be taken out than when the temperature is low. If the temperature rises too much, the parts forming the fuel cell 21 are damaged, so it is desirable to control at an appropriate temperature.
In addition, since water is produced as a result of the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, if the fuel cell is not operated and placed in a sub-zero temperature environment, it will not be able to freeze and take out electricity, but in the worst case it may be expensive fuel. The battery 22 will be damaged.
[0023]
Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the figure, the window 21 can be opened and closed by an opening / closing lid 21a, the fuel cell 22 is housed in the case 20, and the case 20 is further enclosed. A heater 23 and a temperature sensor 24 are installed. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 24 falls below the set value, the window 20 is closed. When the temperature further drops, the heater 23 is energized to protect the fuel cell 22 from freezing. I have to.
FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the case 20, which is not visible in FIG. 2, but has a window 21 on the opposite wall as shown in FIG.
[0024]
3 and 4 show an opening / closing mechanism of the opening / closing lid 21a. FIG. 3 shows a closed state, and FIG. 4 shows an opened state.
3 and 4, a pair of rollers 25 is provided integrally with the shaft 26 above the window 21, and a pair of rollers 27 is provided integrally with the shaft 28 below the window 21. A timing belt 29 is hung on the rollers 25 and 27, and an opening / closing lid 21 a is fixed to the timing belt 29.
Further, a stepping motor 30 is provided, and a rotating shaft 30a of the stepping motor 30 and the shaft 26 are connected to each other via a clutch 31 so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from each other.
[0025]
According to the above configuration, when the stepping motor 30 is rotated from the closed state of FIG. 3, the rollers 25 and 27 are rotated and the timing belt 29 is moved. Therefore, the opening / closing lid 21a fixed to the timing belt 29 is moved upward. It moves and the window 21 is opened as shown in FIG. If the stepping motor 30 is rotated in the reverse direction from this open state, the open / close lid 21a is lowered to the closed state shown in FIG.
Further, a window closing sensor 32 (see FIG. 5) for detecting that the window 21 has been completely closed is provided. Based on the detection, the driving pulse of the stepping motor 30 is counted to open the window 21. The degree can be controlled.
[0026]
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the embodiment of the present invention, a fan 33 is provided in the case 20. In FIG. 5, a fuel cell 22, a freezing prevention heater 23, a temperature sensor 24 including a thermistor, a stepping motor 30, a clutch 31, a window closing sensor 32, and a fan 33 are provided in the case 20. Accordingly, the control unit in the case of the first embodiment may be considered that the fan 33 is omitted.
[0027]
In FIG. 5, the detection signal of the temperature sensor 24 is input to the A / D input 1 of the control circuit 34. The control circuit 34 controls the opening / closing mechanism of the window 21 and the energization of the heater 23 according to the detected temperature, and also controls the operation of the fan 33. The heater 23 is turned on / off by a switching element 35 controlled by the output 5 of the control circuit 34. The control circuit 34 controls a solenoid 36, a clutch 37, a motor 38, and a heater 39 provided in the image forming apparatus other than the case 20. The heater 39 is turned on / off by the switching element 40 controlled by the control circuit 34. Further, a temperature sensor 41 that detects the temperature of the heater 39 is provided.
[0028]
The voltage of 36V output from the fuel cell 22 is supplied to the heater 23, the window closing sensor 32, and the heater 39, and is also input to the DC-DC converters 42 and 43 for conversion.
The voltage of 5V output from the DC-DC converter 42 is supplied as a power supply voltage for the control circuit 34 and is applied to the temperature sensors 24 and 41. The 24V voltage output from the DC-DC converter 43 is applied to the solenoid 36, the clutch 37, the motor 38, the clutch 31, the stepping motor 30, and the fan 33.
[0029]
The temperature detection signals of the temperature sensors 24 and 41 and the detection signal of the window closing sensor 32 are input to the control circuit 34. The control circuit 34 controls ON / OFF of the switching element 35 according to the temperature detection signal of the temperature sensor 24, and controls ON / OFF of the switching element 40 according to the temperature detection signal of the temperature sensor 41. Moreover, the opening degree of the window 20 is controlled by the detection signal of the window closing sensor 32.
[0030]
According to the present embodiment, by providing the fan 33 in the case 20, the air in the case can be agitated to reduce the temperature difference depending on the location in the case 20 as much as possible. The inside 20 can be cooled.
[0031]
FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, an external commercial AC power source is used as the power source of the DC-DC converter 43 as shown in the figure. The AC power supply voltage is input to the DC-DC converter 43 via the power plug and the main switch 44.
[0032]
According to the present embodiment, the control target of the control circuit 34 such as the clutch 31, the stepping motor 30, the heater 23, the fan 33, the solenoid 36, the clutch 37, the motor 38, and the heater 39 in the case 20 is controlled. By using the power supplied from the external power source as the necessary power, the fuel cell 22 can be prevented from freezing for a long time without consuming the fuel cell 22.
[0033]
FIG. 7 shows a configuration of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, an auxiliary battery 45 is provided in the case 20, and a voltage of 24 V obtained from the auxiliary battery 45 is applied to the clutch 31, the stepping motor 30, the heater 23, and the fan 33 in the case 2. is there. The auxiliary battery 45 is charged by a charger 46.
With this configuration, the fuel cell can be prevented from freezing even when the external power supply is forgotten to be connected or outdoors.
In the first embodiment as well, since all necessary electric power is supplied by the fuel cell 22, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.
[0034]
FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, an external power supply can be connected to the DC-DC converter 43, the DC-DC converter 47 to which the voltage of the fuel cell 22 is input, the output of the DC-DC converter 42, and the DC-DC converter 47. Is provided with a changeover switch 48 for switching the output to be added to the control target. When an external power supply is connected, the output of the DC-DC converter 43 is input to the control circuit 34 as a connection detection signal.
[0035]
According to the above configuration, when an external power supply is connected, since the connection detection signal is input from the DC-DC converter 43 to the control circuit 34, the control circuit 34 switches the changeover switch 48 to the DC-DC converter 43 side. Thus, the power of the external power source can be used. If the external power supply is not connected, the control circuit 34 switches the changeover switch 48 to the DC-DC converter 47 side, so that the power from the fuel cell 22 can be used.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, freezing can be prevented even when the supply of power from the external power source is interrupted for some reason while the fuel cell 22 is being prevented from freezing using the external power source.
[0036]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, when an external power supply is connected, when the main switch 44 is turned off and the image forming apparatus enters the standby mode, the window 21 of the case 29 is closed, and thereafter, the fuel cell 22 receives other than standby power. The temperature change is continuously detected while the fuel extraction is stopped to minimize the fuel consumption, and when the detected temperature falls below the set value, the heater 24 is energized and the fuel cell 22 is frozen. Protect.
[0037]
Next, in the seventh embodiment, when the main switch 44 is turned on, the extraction of electric power from the fuel cell 22 is started with the window 21 of the case 20 closed, and as a result, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 24 is increased. When the temperature rises and reaches the set temperature, the window 20 is opened to dissipate heat, or the cooling fan 33 is driven to actively dissipate heat, thereby preventing damage to the fuel cell 22 due to temperature rise during operation. .
[0038]
Next, in the eighth embodiment, when the window 21 cannot be opened due to a failure or the like in the seventh embodiment, the power extraction from the fuel cell 22 is stopped, and an abnormality display or warning is displayed. A sound is generated to inform you that the system cannot operate normally.
[0039]
In the ninth embodiment, when the window 20 cannot be opened in the seventh embodiment, the power extraction from the fuel cell 22 is stopped and the cooling fan 33 is driven to adjust the temperature of the fuel cell. In addition, a warning display and warning sound will be generated to inform you that the system cannot operate normally.
[0040]
In the tenth embodiment, if the window cannot be opened in the seventh embodiment, the power extraction from the fuel cell 22 is stopped and the cooling fan 33 is driven to lower the temperature of the fuel cell 22. At the same time, a warning is issued, and then the cooling fan 33 is stopped when the detected temperature is lowered to the set temperature and the fuel cell 22 is not damaged by heat.
[0041]
The eleventh embodiment adjusts the opening of the window 20 and the driving of the cooling fan 33 so that the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 24 is balanced at the set temperature during power extraction from the fuel cell 22. The chemical reaction in the fuel cell 22 is actively performed so that a lot of electricity can be taken out.
[0042]
In the twelfth embodiment, when the main switch 44 is turned off, the window 20 is closed without consuming electric power, and power supply other than standby electric power from the fuel cell 22 is stopped before and after that. There is no need to provide a special circuit for supplying power for closing the window 20 for a certain period even after the main switch 44 is turned off.
[0043]
In the thirteenth embodiment, in the twelfth embodiment, when the main switch is turned off, the clutch 31 is not energized and disconnected, so the opening / closing lid 21a is lowered by its own weight to open the window 20 Close.
[0044]
In the fourteenth embodiment, the open / close lid 21a is lowered by its own weight to close the window 20 in the thirteenth embodiment. However, in order to further secure the spring, a force acts in the direction in which the window 20 is closed. (Spring member) may be provided.
[0045]
The fuel cell 22 used in the power supply unit of the image forming apparatus has been described above. However, the fuel cell 22 is not limited to use in the image forming apparatus, and can be used in the power supply unit of other electronic devices. It is. For example, even in automobiles, motorcycles, and the like that use fuel cells with more severe use conditions, according to the present invention, the built-in fuel cells can be protected from freezing even when left at night in winter.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the fuel cell is housed in the case 2 having the openable / closable window, the heater and the temperature sensor are provided in the case, and the heater is energized according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Since it is configured to control the opening and closing of the window, the fuel cell can always be used at an appropriate temperature, and the fuel cell can be prevented from freezing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a case that houses a fuel cell.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a closed state of an opening / closing mechanism of a case window.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an open state of a case window opening and closing mechanism;
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
22 Case 21 Window 21a Open / close lid 22 Fuel cell 23 Heater 24 Temperature sensor 25, 27 Roller 26, 28 Shaft 29 Timing belt 30 Stepping motor 31 Clutch 32 Window closing sensor 33 Fan 34 Control circuit 35 Switching element 44 Main switch 42, 43, 47 DC-DC converter 48 selector switch

Claims (17)

A case provided with a window for storing the fuel cell;
An opening and closing mechanism of the window;
A heater and a temperature sensor provided in the case;
A fuel cell apparatus comprising a window opening / closing mechanism and a control means for controlling energization to a heater according to a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. 2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein a fan is provided in the case, and the control means controls the operation of the fan according to the detected temperature. 3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein electric power necessary for a control operation of the control means is supplied from an external power source. The fuel cell apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an auxiliary battery is provided in the case, and electric power necessary for a control operation of the control means is supplied from the auxiliary battery. 3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein electric power necessary for a control operation of the control means is supplied from the fuel cell. The power required for the control operation of the control means can be supplied from an external power supply or a fuel cell, connection detection means for detecting the presence or absence of connection of the external power supply is provided, and the external power supply or the fuel cell is switched according to the detection result 3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit. 7. The fuel cell device according to claim 6, wherein when the main switch for supplying the external power supply is turned off, the window of the case is closed and the extraction of power other than standby power from the fuel cell is stopped. When the main switch for supplying the external power supply is turned on, the power extraction from the fuel cell is started with the case window closed, and then the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means reaches the set temperature. 8. The fuel cell device according to claim 6, wherein a window is opened or the fan is driven. 9. The fuel cell device according to claim 8, further comprising warning means for issuing a warning when the window cannot be opened to stop taking out the power from the fuel cell. 9. The fuel cell device according to claim 8, wherein the fan is driven when the window cannot be opened. 11. The fuel cell device according to claim 10, wherein after the warning is issued, the fan is stopped when the detected temperature falls to a set temperature. 12. The opening degree of the window and the drive of the fan are adjusted so that the detected temperature is balanced at a set temperature during extraction of electric power from the fuel cell. Fuel cell device. When the main switch for supplying the external power supply is turned off, the window is closed without consuming electric power, and power extraction other than standby power from the fuel cell is stopped before and after that. The fuel cell device according to any one of 3, 6 to 12. 14. The fuel cell according to claim 13, wherein the window is opened and closed by moving the opening / closing lid up and down, and when the main switch is turned off, the window is closed by lowering the opening / closing lid by its own weight. apparatus. The opening / closing lid is held against the biasing force of the spring member when the window is opened, and the window is closed by the biasing force of the spring member when the main switch is turned off. The fuel cell device according to claim 13. 16. An image forming apparatus using the fuel cell device according to claim 1 as a power supply unit. An electronic device comprising the fuel cell device according to claim 1 as a power supply unit.

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