JP2008197252A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving both preventions, that is, to prevent the apparatus from becoming a noise source, and to prevent the productivity reduction. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus forms a toner image, and finally, obtains a recording medium on which the toner image is fixed. The image forming apparatus includes: an operating part that mechanically operates in accordance with processing to obtain the recording medium, that has a plurality of operating modes where the levels of the operating noises generated in accordance with the different operations; a noise level acquiring part that acquires the level of the environmental noise generated in the environment where the image forming apparatus exists; and a mode switching part for switching the operating modes of the operating part in accordance with the level of the environmental noise and making the level of the operating noise lower in the case that the environmental noise is at a low level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image and finally obtains a recording medium on which the toner image is fixed.

  Conventionally, printers and copying machines that form images on recording media are known.

  In these image forming apparatuses represented by printers and copiers, a toner image is formed, and the toner image is heated and pressed by a fixing device to be fixed on the recording medium to form an image on the recording medium. There is. In such an image forming apparatus, an exhaust fan for exhausting the heat generated from the fixing device to the outside of the casing from an exhaust port provided in a part of the casing of the apparatus, and a conveyance for conveying the recording paper Various operating members such as rolls are provided.

  In recent years, there are many cases where the operation sound generated by the operation of these operation members installed in the apparatus is regarded as a problem as a noise source. Has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

In the proposed image forming apparatus, the paper conveyance speed when conveying the recording paper can be selected from two kinds of speeds, high speed and low speed, and the user operates by switching the paper conveyance speed from high speed to low speed. It is possible to consider the surroundings by suppressing the generation of sound.
JP 2005-200130 A

  However, in the proposed image forming apparatus, if the user forgets about the surroundings, the sheet conveyance is performed at a high speed and the image forming apparatus may become a noise source.

  Also, when the ambient noise level is high and the image forming apparatus does not become a noise source even if the paper is transported at high speed, if the paper transport is performed at a low speed, the productivity is reduced. It becomes.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which both prevention of noise generation and reduction in productivity are achieved.

To achieve the above object, the first image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises:
In an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image and finally obtains a recording medium on which the toner image is fixed.
An operation unit that operates mechanically in accordance with the processing until obtaining the recording medium, and has a plurality of operation modes with different levels of operation noise generated with the operation;
A noise level obtaining unit for obtaining a level of environmental noise generated in an environment where the image forming apparatus exists;
A mode switching unit that switches the operation mode of the operation unit according to the level of the environmental noise, thereby lowering the level of the operation noise when the environmental noise level is low and when the environmental noise level is low. It is characterized by having.

  In the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the environmental noise level is low, the operation mode is switched so that the operating noise level is lower than the operating noise level when the environmental noise level is high. Accordingly, from the beginning of installation of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to operate in an operation mode suitable for the installation location, and it is possible to cope with subsequent environmental noise fluctuations. According to the first image forming apparatus, it is possible to achieve both the prevention of noise generation and the reduction in productivity of the image forming apparatus.

  Here, it is preferable that the noise level obtaining unit of the first image forming apparatus obtains the level of the environmental noise when the operation noise is not generated.

  In this way, if the noise level obtaining unit obtains the environmental noise level when there is no operation noise, it is possible to further prevent the image forming apparatus from becoming a noise source and prevent the productivity from being lowered. It can be done accurately.

To achieve the above object, the second image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises:
In an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image and finally obtains a recording medium on which the toner image is fixed.
An operation unit that mechanically operates in accordance with the processing until obtaining the recording medium, and has a plurality of operation modes having different levels of operation noise generated along with the operation;
A noise level obtaining unit that obtains the environmental noise level for each of when the operational noise is not generated and when the operational noise is generated;
A mode switching unit that switches the operation mode of the operation unit according to a difference in environmental noise level obtained when the operation noise is not generated and when the operation noise is generated It is characterized by.

  If there is no difference between the environmental noise level when operating noise is generated and the environmental noise level when no operating noise is generated, even if the operating noise level of the device is high, the device Must not. The second image forming apparatus of the present invention operates so that the level difference between the environmental noise level when operating noise is generated and the environmental noise level when no operating noise is generated does not become too large. The mode can be switched. Accordingly, from the beginning of installation of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to operate in an operation mode suitable for the installation location, and it is possible to cope with subsequent environmental noise fluctuations. Even with the second image forming apparatus, it is possible to achieve both prevention of noise generation and reduction of productivity of the image forming apparatus.

In addition, a measurement unit that measures the level of the environmental noise is provided,
It is preferable that the noise level obtaining unit of the second image forming apparatus obtains the environmental noise level from the measuring unit.

  In this way, this device can be prevented from becoming a noise source for users near the device.

  Here, an operation unit that receives an instruction operation to instruct the image forming apparatus, and a measurement unit that measures the level of the environmental noise on the side where the operation unit of the image forming apparatus is provided, It is preferable that the noise level obtaining unit obtains the environmental noise level from the measuring unit.

  In this way, when the measurement unit for measuring environmental noise is provided on the side where the operation unit of the device is provided, this device becomes a noise source for users who are often near the operation unit. Can be prevented.

  It is also a preferred aspect that the noise level obtaining unit obtains the environmental noise level from a measuring device connected to the image forming apparatus and measuring the environmental noise level.

  In this way, since the measuring device can be arranged at a place where noise countermeasures are required, it can be prevented that this apparatus becomes a noise source for a user who is present at a place where noise measures are required.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which both prevention of noise generation and reduction in productivity are achieved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of the first image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an external appearance of a printer 1 according to the present embodiment. This printer 1 is a monochrome image dedicated machine in which recording paper is stored and a detachable paper feed cassette 2 can be mounted in three stages. is there.

  On the front face 1a of the printer 1, a button for selecting a paper feed cassette 2 containing a desired recording paper and designating the number of prints, a 'start' button for instructing the start of printing, etc. Is provided, and a sound collecting microphone cover 40 is attached to the side of the operation unit 3. FIG. 1 also shows a state in which a discharge tray 100 for discharging recording paper on which an image is printed is provided.

  FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the printer shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows an image forming unit 5 that forms an image on a recording medium, which is a component of the printer 1, and the recording sheet is conveyed to transfer the toner image formed by the image forming unit 5 onto the recording sheet. A conveyance unit 6 that performs recording and a sheet feeding unit 7 that feeds recording paper stored in the sheet feeding cassette 2 to the conveyance unit 6 are illustrated. The transport unit 6 includes a transport roll 60 that transports the recording paper.

  The image forming unit 5 includes a photoconductor 50 for holding a toner image to be transferred onto a recording sheet on the surface, and a charger 51 that charges the surface of the photoconductor 50 around the photoconductor 50. An exposure unit 52 that exposes the surface of the photoreceptor 50 charged by the charger 51 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor, and development that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor with toner. A roll 53 is provided. Further, the image forming unit 5 is provided with a fixing device 55 for fixing the toner image on the recording paper by heating and pressurizing the recording paper on which the toner image held by the photoreceptor 50 is transferred. Yes.

  In FIG. 2, the sound collecting microphone 4 for detecting noise around the printer 1, the fan unit 8 having two rotating fans, and the sound collecting microphone 4, which are components of the printer 1, are detected. The CPU 9 to which the audio signal is transmitted is shown.

  The fan unit 8 includes a suction fan 81 that sucks harmful substances discharged from the charger 51 and a cooling fan 82 that discharges heat generated from the fixing device 55 to the outside of the printer and cools the inside of the printer. Yes. The CPU 9 is connected to the sound collecting microphone 4 and controls the entire printer 1.

  Here, the printer 1 is composed of a number of components as shown in FIG. 2, and operating noise is generated from these components. The operation sound generated from these components increases as the operation speed of these components increases, and if the operation sound of these components is high when the noise level around the printer 1 is low, the printer 1 It can be a noise source for the surroundings.

  Therefore, in this printer 1, the low operating noise level and the operating noise level are set for the operating speed of the image forming unit 5, the operating speed of the transport unit 6, the rotational speed of the suction fan 81, and the rotational speed of the cooling fan 82. When the noise level around the printer 1 before the operation of all the components is low, the operation mode is switched to the mode with the lower operation noise level. The printer 1 is prevented from becoming a noise source for the surroundings.

  FIG. 3 is a table showing the rotation speed and the number of rotations for each operating member set in each of the Low mode and the Hi mode.

  FIG. 3 shows the rotational speed of the transport roll 60 as a specific control parameter for the operating speed of the transport section 6 and the rotational speed of the photoconductor 50 as a specific control parameter for the operating speed of the image forming section 5. In addition, the number of rotations for each operation mode of the suction fan 81 and the cooling fan 82 is also shown. In the printer 1, the rotation speed and the number of rotations of the conveyance roll 60 of the conveyance unit 6, the photosensitive member 50 of the image forming unit 5, the suction fan 81, and the cooling fan 82 are controlled according to the set mode. In the printer 1, a table having the contents shown in FIG. 3 is stored in a memory (not shown).

  In the printer 1, the mode switching for preventing the operation sound of the printer 1 from becoming a noise source for the surroundings is performed by executing a routine represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 below.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a routine program executed in this printer.

  This routine is started when the power of the printer 1 is turned on. In step S1, it is determined whether or not a 'start' button provided in the operation unit 3 to start printing is operated. To do. If it is determined in step S1 that the 'start' button has not been operated, step S1 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the “start” button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S2, where the noise level around the printer 1 when all the operating members are stopped (hereinafter, this noise level is referred to as pure environmental noise). Is detected based on the signal from the sound collecting microphone 4. Then, it progresses to step S3 and it is determined whether this pure environmental noise level is 45 dB or more. If it is determined in step S3 that it is less than 45 dB, the process proceeds to step S4, and the operation mode is set to the low mode, assuming that the pure environmental noise level is low. Therefore, when the mode before determining whether or not the pure environmental noise is 45 dB or more is the Hi mode, the mode is switched. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that it is 45 dB or more, the process proceeds to step S5, and the operation mode is set to the Hi mode. Then, it returns to step S1. Here, the value of 45 dB is a value that determines whether or not the operation sound of the printer 1 is conspicuous. If the operation mode is the Hi mode when the pure environmental noise level is less than 45 dB, the printer 1 generates a noise source. However, even when the pure environmental noise level is 45 dB or more and the operation mode is the Hi mode, the printer 1 does not become a noise source. Therefore, when the pure environmental noise is 45 dB or more, if the operation mode is the Low mode before the determination, the processing capability can be ensured without making the printer 1 a noise source by switching to the Hi mode.

  As described above, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, when the level of the pure environmental noise obtained when all the operation members are stopped is less than 45 dB, the operation sound of the operation members is conspicuous so that the printer 1 In order not to become a noise source, the operation mode is set to a low mode with a low operation noise level. Therefore, according to the printer 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent itself from becoming a noise source. Further, when the level of the obtained pure environmental noise is 45 dB or more, the operation sound of the operation member is not conspicuous and the printer 1 is less likely to become a noise source. The processing capability can be ensured without making it a source.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the reference noise level for switching the operation mode is set to 45 dB has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this value, and the environment within the environment where the printer 1 exists is also described. Although an example using pure environmental noise not including operation noise has been described as environmental noise, the present invention may switch the operation mode according to the level of environmental noise including operation noise.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another aspect of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 5 shows a personal computer main body in which the sound collecting microphone 4 shown in FIG. 2 is placed not on the printer 10 of another aspect of the printer 1 shown in FIG. A state in which a signal representing a pure environmental noise level obtained by the sound collecting microphone 4 attached to the PC main body 300 is transmitted to the printer 10 via the cable 200 is shown.

  In this aspect, the operation mode is set based on the pure environmental noise level obtained from the signal detected by the sound collecting microphone 4 disposed at a position away from the printer 10. In other words, according to this aspect, the sound collecting microphone 4 is provided near the user who does not want to adversely affect the operation noise from the printer 10 so that the printer 10 does not become a noise source for the user. be able to.

  Next, an embodiment of the second image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  The difference between the second image forming apparatus of the present invention and the first image forming apparatus of the present invention is obtained when the operation of the operation member is stopped in the first image forming apparatus of the present invention. While the operation mode is switched based only on the environmental noise level, the second image forming apparatus of the present invention has the environmental noise level obtained when the operation of the operation member is stopped and the operation member. The difference is that the operation mode is switched based on both the environmental noise level obtained during operation. The external appearance of the printer of the present embodiment is the same as that of the printer 1 which is an embodiment of the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, and therefore illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a routine program executed in the printer of this embodiment.

  This routine is started when the printer of the present embodiment is turned on. In step S11, it is determined whether or not the “start” button provided in the operation unit 3 has been operated. If it is determined in step S11 that the 'start' button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S12, and the pure environmental noise level (B) obtained when the operation of the operation member is stopped is detected. Then, it progresses to step S13 and detects the environmental noise level (C) in the state which the operation | movement member is operating. Thereafter, in step S14, whether or not the difference between the environmental noise level (C) and the pure environmental noise level (B), that is, the operating noise level of the printer is 2 dB or more that may cause the printer to become a noise source. Determine. If it is determined in step S14 that the difference is 2 dB or more, the process proceeds to step S15 to determine whether or not the current operation mode is the low mode. If it is determined in step S15 that the mode is not the low mode, that is, the current mode is the hi mode, the process proceeds to step S16, and the operation mode is set to the low mode. In this way, by changing the operation mode from the Hi mode to the Low mode, the operation sound is reduced and the difference is reduced. If it is determined in step S15 that the operation mode is the low mode, the operation sound cannot be reduced any more. Therefore, the operation mode remains in the low mode, and the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the difference is less than 2 dB, the process proceeds to step S17 to determine whether or not the current operation mode is the Hi mode. If it is determined in step S17 that the operation mode is not the Hi mode but the Low mode, the process proceeds to step S18, the operation mode is switched to the Hi mode, and then the process returns to step S13. This is a measure for maximizing the processing capability within a range where the printer 1 does not become a noise source. If it is determined in step S17 that the operation mode is the Hi mode, the processing capacity is increased to the maximum and the process returns to step S1.

  As described above, in the printer according to the present embodiment, the environmental noise level (C) when the operational noise is generated is 2 dB or more compared to the pure environmental noise level (B) when the operational noise is not generated. When it increases, the operation mode is switched so as to reduce the operation noise level so that the operation sound of the operation member is not noticeable. Therefore, the printer of this embodiment can also prevent itself from becoming a noise source. Furthermore, if the difference between the environmental noise level (C) and the pure environmental noise level (B) is less than 2 dB, even if the Hi mode with a high operating noise level is set, this printer is unlikely to be a noise source. Therefore, by setting the operation mode to the Hi mode, it is possible to secure the processing capability without making this printer a noise source. In the above embodiment, 2 dB has been described as an example of the determination criterion for switching the operation mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this value.

1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of a first image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is an internal block diagram of the printer shown in FIG. It is a table which shows the rotational speed and the rotation speed for every operation | movement member set in each of Low mode and Hi mode. It is a flowchart of a routine program executed in this printer. It is a figure which shows another aspect of this embodiment. It is a flowchart of a routine program executed in the printer of the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 10 Printer 100
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Paper feed cassette 3 Operation part 4 Sound collection microphone 40 Sound collection microphone cover 5 Image formation part 50 Photoconductor 6 Conveyance part 60 Conveyance roll 7 Paper supply part 8 Fan part 81 Suction fan 82 Cooling fan

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image and finally obtains a recording medium on which the toner image is fixed.
An operation unit that mechanically operates in accordance with the processing until obtaining the recording medium, and has a plurality of operation modes having different levels of operation noise generated along with the operation;
A noise level obtaining unit for obtaining a level of environmental noise generated in an environment where the image forming apparatus exists;
A mode switching unit that switches the operation mode of the operation unit according to the level of the environmental noise, thereby lowering the level of the operation noise when the environmental noise level is low and when the environmental noise level is low. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the noise level obtaining unit obtains the level of the environmental noise when the operation noise is not generated. In an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image and finally obtains a recording medium on which the toner image is fixed.
An operation unit that operates mechanically in accordance with the processing until obtaining the recording medium, and has a plurality of operation modes with different levels of operation noise generated with the operation;
A noise level obtaining unit that obtains the environmental noise level for each of when the operational noise is not generated and when the operational noise is generated;
A mode switching unit that switches the operation mode of the operation unit according to a difference in environmental noise level obtained when the operation noise is not generated and when the operation noise is generated An image forming apparatus. A measurement unit for measuring the level of the environmental noise;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the noise level obtaining unit obtains the environmental noise level from the measurement unit. An operation unit that receives an instruction operation to instruct the image forming apparatus;
A measuring unit for measuring the level of the environmental noise on the side where the operation unit is provided of the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the noise level obtaining unit obtains the environmental noise level from the measurement unit.   4. The image according to claim 1, wherein the noise level obtaining unit obtains the environmental noise level from a measuring device connected to the image forming apparatus and measuring the environmental noise level. Forming equipment.

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