JP2010164815A - Electronic device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device and image forming apparatus for effectively performing sterilization of an operation section. <P>SOLUTION: An ion generater 71 is disposed above the body of the image forming apparatus 100. After response action to operation of an operation panel 75 is completed, positive ions and negative ions are emitted from the ion generater 71 obliquely downward side of an arrow D, the positive ions and negative ions are hit to the operation panel 75, and invisible dirt by bacteria or the like of the operation panel 75 are removed by the positive ions and negative ions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus that include an operation unit operated by a user and operate in response to an operation of the operation unit.

  Many of various electronic devices include operation units such as keys, buttons, and touch panels operated by a user, and operate in response to operations of the operation units. It is desirable that the operation unit be cleaned because it is a portion that is directly touched by the user and easily contaminated.

  In an electronic device dedicated to one individual, the operation unit may be cleaned at the discretion of the individual. However, in electronic devices shared by an unspecified number of people, such as ATMs and ticket machines, even if the operation unit is regularly cleaned, the operation unit is not cleaned every time the device is used. Therefore, after the other person touches directly, it is worrisome that dirt such as invisible bacteria on the operation unit is invisible.

  Image forming devices such as copiers, printers, and facsimile machines are shared by an unspecified number of people when installed in offices, stores, hospitals, etc. I am worried about the dirt.

  On the other hand, there is an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus. In this type of apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum is developed with toner, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the toner image is exposed to light. The toner image is transferred from the body drum to the recording paper, and the recording paper is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image on the recording paper.

  In such an image forming apparatus, exhaust gas may be generated during the printing process of the recording paper. The main component of the exhaust gas is longifolene or the like estimated to be generated from the recording paper, which gives an unpleasant feeling to the user of the apparatus.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, a blower fan, a negative ion generation unit, a positively charged filter, and the like are provided inside the image forming apparatus, and toner powder and dust generated inside the apparatus are negatively charged, and negative charging is performed. Toner powder and dust are adsorbed on a positively charged filter to reduce harmful substances released outside the device. At the same time, dust, mold, and the like that are about to enter from the outside of the image forming apparatus are negatively charged, and these are also adsorbed to the positively charged filter, thereby suppressing entry of harmful substances from the outside of the apparatus.

  However, with the technique of Patent Document 1, even if it is possible to suppress floating harmful substances, it is not possible to remove dirt such as invisible bacteria on the operation unit of the electronic device or the image forming apparatus. It was.

  In offices, homes, hospitals, and the like, air purifiers that purify indoor air are becoming widespread.

For example, in Patent Document 2, positive ions and negative ions are simultaneously generated, and airborne bacteria in the air are effectively removed by positive ions and negative ions.
However, with the technique of Patent Document 2, even if indoor air can be purified, dirt such as invisible germs on the operation unit cannot be removed.

JP 2005-4144 A JP 2002-58731 A

  As described above, in electronic devices and image forming apparatuses shared by an unspecified number of people, the operation unit is invisible after the direct contact with others, even though it is anxious about contamination of the operation unit. There was no way to effectively control dirt.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of effectively sterilizing an operation unit.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic device according to the present invention includes an operation unit operated by a user, and an ion generator that generates and emits ions in an electronic device that responds to the operation of the operation unit. And an ion release control means for starting the release of ions from the ion generation means toward the operation section after the operation of the operation section or a response operation to the operation is completed.

  Further, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an operation unit operated by a user, and in the image forming apparatus that operates in response to the operation of the operation unit, an ion generation unit that generates and emits ions, and And ion release control means for starting the release of ions from the ion generation means toward the operation part after the operation of the operation part or the response operation to the operation is completed.

  For example, the ion generating means generates and discharges positive ions and negative ions simultaneously.

  The ion generation means is attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body, and the ion emission control means sets the ion emission direction from the ion generation means in a direction away from the operation unit, After the operation of the operation unit or the response operation to the operation is completed, the ion emission direction from the ion generating means is changed to the direction of the operation unit.

  The ion generating means is supported by a support member protruding upward from the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the support member protrudes upward at one corner on the back side of the image forming apparatus and supports one end of the ion generating means.

  The support member protrudes upward at the center of the back side of the image forming apparatus and supports the center of the ion generating means.

  Further, the ion generating means includes an ion generating element that generates ions and a blower fan that generates an air flow that passes around the ion generating element and discharges the ions together with the air.

  According to the electronic apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the ion emission control unit starts the emission of ions from the ion generation unit to the operation unit after the operation of the operation unit or the response operation to the operation is completed. ing. For this reason, even if there is dirt such as invisible germs on the operation unit after the user touches directly, ions are applied to the operation unit together with air, and the germs in the operation unit are removed by the ions.

  Further, when the operation of the operation unit or the response operation to the operation is completed, it can be considered that the user's hand has moved away from the operation unit. Therefore, until the operation of the operation unit or the response operation to the operation is completed, Until the user's hand leaves the operation unit, the ions are not released toward the operation unit. Therefore, the ions are not directly blown on the user's hand together with the air, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.

  For example, positive ions and negative ions are simultaneously generated and released from the ion generating means. Such positive ions and negative ions can sterilize the operation unit, effectively remove airborne bacteria, and effectively reduce the odor of the exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus. Suitable for the invention.

  Further, since the ion generating means is attached to the outside of the main body of the image forming apparatus, the main body itself does not increase in size. Then, the ion release control means sets the ion release direction away from the operation unit, and changes the ion release direction to the operation unit direction after the operation of the operation unit or the response operation to the operation is completed. is doing. When the ion release direction is set to be away from the operation unit, the ions can be used for purposes other than sterilization of the operation unit. For example, if the ion forming direction is directed to the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus is covered with ions, the odor of the exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus can be effectively suppressed. Alternatively, if the ion emission direction is directed upward, the ions can be diffused widely in the room and the indoor air can be effectively purified.

  Further, since the ion generating means is supported by a support member protruding upward from the image forming apparatus, the ion generating means is disposed above the image forming apparatus, and the installation space of the apparatus is not enlarged. For example, the support member protrudes upward at one corner on the back side of the image forming apparatus and supports one end portion of the ion generating means. As a result, the upper space of the image forming apparatus is opened, and the usability of the apparatus is not impaired. Alternatively, the support member protrudes upward at the center of the back side of the image forming apparatus and supports the center of the ion generating means. Thereby, the ion generating means is stably supported.

  For example, the ion generation means includes an ion generation element that generates positive ions and negative ions, and a blower fan that generates an air flow that passes around the ion generation element and discharges the ions together with the air.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows two ion discharge | release directions from the ion generator in the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the ion generator in the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a plasma cluster ion generating element in the ion generating apparatus of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 4 is set upward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 4 is set obliquely downward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the ion generator in the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a side view which shows the state which set the ion discharge | release direction from the ion generator of FIG. 8 to diagonally downward. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a support structure of the ion generator of FIG. 8 in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 8 is set upward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 8 is set obliquely downward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the ion generator in an image forming apparatus. It is a side view which shows the other modification of the ion generator in an image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 records and forms a document image read by the document reading apparatus 101 or an image received from the outside in color or single color on a recording sheet.

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

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

  In the document reading device 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 thereof is read glass 52. The reflected light is reflected by the mirrors of the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 and guided to the imaging lens 55, and the image of the original is converted by the imaging lens 55. An image is formed on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 56. The CCD 56 reads a document image and outputs image data indicating the document image.

  In addition, it is possible to read a document placed on the platen glass 61. The document transport unit 42 is pivotally supported on the back side of the document reader 101 so that the document table glass 61 is released when the document transport unit 42 is opened, and the document is placed on the document table glass 61. Can be placed. When the document is placed and the document transport unit 42 is closed, the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 are moved in the sub-scanning direction, and the first scanning unit 53 moves the document surface on the document table glass 61. After the exposure, the reflected light from the document surface is guided to the imaging lens 55 by the first and second scanning units 53 and 54, and the image of the document is formed on the CCD 56 by the imaging lens 55. At this time, the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 are moved while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, and reflection of the document surface → the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 → the imaging lens 55 → the CCD 56 is performed. The positional relationship between the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 is maintained so that the length of the optical path of the light does not change, and thereby the focus of the original image on the CCD 56 is always accurately maintained.

  The entire image of the original read in this way is transmitted as image data to the laser exposure apparatus 1 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 records the image on a recording sheet.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a laser exposure device 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a charger 5, a cleaner device 4, an intermediate transfer belt device 8, a fixing device 12, a paper transport path S, a paper feed tray 10, And a paper discharge tray 15 and the like.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 uses 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). This is in accordance with the monochrome image. Accordingly, four each of the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, and the cleaner device 4 are provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, and black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are respectively provided. Four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured in association with each other.

  The photoconductor drum 3 is disposed at substantially the center of the image forming apparatus 100.

  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. .

  The laser exposure apparatus 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser diode and a reflection mirror, and exposes the surface of a charged photosensitive drum 3 according to image data, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 corresponds to image data. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 with black, cyan, magenta, and yellow toners. The cleaner device 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 8 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 7, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, a driven roller 22, an intermediate transfer roller 6, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9. .

  The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, the intermediate transfer roller 6, the driven roller 22, etc. stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 7, and move the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the direction of arrow C.

  The intermediate transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 7, 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). This transfer belt 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 the intermediate transfer roller 6 that is in pressure contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7. A high voltage transfer bias (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. The intermediate transfer roller 6 is a roller whose base is 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.

  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 toner images of the respective colors stacked in this way are transported together with the intermediate transfer belt 7 and transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  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. Further, the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 has a voltage for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto a recording sheet (high polarity (+) opposite to the toner charge polarity (-)). Voltage) 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 is provided with, for example, a cleaning blade as a cleaning member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 to remove residual toner, and the intermediate transfer belt is driven by a driven roller 22 at a portion where the cleaning blade comes into contact. 7 The back side is supported.

  The paper feed tray 10 is a tray for storing recording paper, and is provided below the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 100 to supply the recording paper in the tray.

  The image forming apparatus 100 has an S-shaped sheet conveyance path S for sending the recording sheet supplied from the sheet feeding tray 10 to the sheet discharge tray 15 via the secondary transfer device 11 and the fixing device 12. Is provided. Along the paper conveyance path S, a paper pickup roller 16, a paper registration roller 14, a fixing device 12, and a conveyance roller for conveying the recording paper are arranged.

  The paper pick-up roller 16 is a calling roller that is provided at the end of the paper feed tray 10 and supplies recording paper from the paper feed tray 10 to the paper transport path S one by one. The conveyance rollers are small rollers for promoting and assisting conveyance of the recording paper, and a plurality of conveyance rollers are provided.

  The paper registration roller 14 temporarily stops the recording paper that has been conveyed, aligns the leading edge of the recording paper, and is on the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the nip region 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 is transferred onto the recording paper.

  For example, the paper registration roller 14 detects the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 based on the detection output of a pre-registration detection switch (not shown). The recording paper is transported so that the leading edge is aligned with the leading edge of the image forming area of the recording paper.

  The fixing device 12 includes a heating roller 31, a pressure roller 32, and the like. The heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 sandwich and convey the recording paper that has passed through the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11.

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

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

  Such an image forming apparatus 100 is often installed in an office, a store, a hospital, or the like, and an operation panel 75 disposed on the upper front side thereof is operated by an unspecified number of users. Even if the operation panel 75 is periodically cleaned, the operation panel 75 is not cleaned every time the operation panel 75 is operated. Therefore, after another person touches the operation panel 75 directly, the operation panel 75 is not cleaned. I'm worried about invisible bacteria and other dirt.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, an ion generator 71 is provided above the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and after the response operation to the operation of the operation panel 75 is completed, Positive ions and negative ions are released obliquely below the arrow D from the ion generator 71, and positive ions and negative ions are sprayed on the operation panel 75. Dirt is removed.

  At this time, positive ions and negative ions are sprayed on the operation panel 75 after the user's hand leaves the operation panel 75 after the response operation to the operation of the operation panel 75 is completed. Will not be sprayed directly on the hand of the user, and the user will not feel uncomfortable.

  Further, when positive ions and negative ions are released obliquely below the arrow D from the ion generator 71, the positive ions and negative ions mainly cover the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 like an air curtain, and the exhaust gas. Odor is reduced. Experiments have confirmed that the odor of exhaust gas can be effectively suppressed even if the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 is only covered with such positive ions and negative ions.

  Then, when positive ions and negative ions are released obliquely downward in the direction of arrow D for a certain period of time and the sterilization of the operation panel 75 is completed, positive ions and ions from the ion generator 71 as shown in FIG. Change the discharge direction of negative ions to the upward direction of arrow E, flow positive ions and negative ions through the whole room and diffuse them, remove airborne bacteria by positive ions and negative ions, and purify the air I try to do it in a wide range.

  Here, the response operation to the operation of the operation panel 75 includes a scanning operation and a copying operation. In the scanning operation, a document image is read by the document reading device 101, and this document image is transmitted from the interface 76 to the external terminal device via the network N. In the copying operation, an original image is read by the original reading device 101, and the original image is copied onto a recording sheet. In these scanner operations and copying operations, the user needs to set an original image on the original reading device 101 and operate the operation panel 101.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the operation panel 75. In the operation panel 75, a liquid crystal touch panel 75a is arranged on the left side, and various operation keys 75b are arranged around the liquid crystal panel 75a. One of these operation keys 75 b is a start key. When this start key is operated, an operation start signal is output from the operation panel 75 to the control unit 74. The control unit 74 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. When an operation start signal is input in a state where a document is set on the document set tray 41 of the document reading apparatus 101, the control unit 74 operates the image forming apparatus 100. Is started, the original image is read by the original reading device 101, and the original image is copied onto a recording sheet.

  When the scanner operation is selected by operating each operation key 75b, the scanner operation is instructed from the operation panel 75 to the control unit 74, and when the start key is subsequently operated, from the operation panel 75 to the control unit 74. In response to this, the control unit 74 starts the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, causes the document reading device 101 to read the document image, and sends the document image from the interface 76 to the network N. Through to the external terminal device.

  Further, even in a configuration in which a facsimile communication function is applied as the interface 76 and a telephone line is applied as the network N, when the scanner operation is selected by operating each operation key 75b and the start key is operated, the interface 76 The external terminal apparatus is called through the telephone line, the original image is read by the original reading apparatus 101, and the original image is transmitted from the interface 76 to the external terminal apparatus through the telephone line.

  On the other hand, there is a printing operation activated by a reception input from an external terminal device (not shown) such as a personal computer. This print operation is not an operation in response to an input operation on the operation panel 75, and the user does not need to operate the operation panel 101.

  In this print operation, a print operation start signal and a document image are received from the external terminal device to the interface 76 via the network N, and in response to this, the document image is printed on a recording sheet.

  Further, even when the interface 76 having a facsimile communication function is applied and a telephone line is applied as the network N, there is an incoming call from the external terminal apparatus, and the printing operation from the external terminal apparatus to the interface 76 through the telephone line is performed. When a start signal (corresponding to a control signal for facsimile communication) and an original image are received, a printing operation is performed, and the original image is printed on a recording sheet.

  As described above, operations of the image forming apparatus 100 include a scanning operation and a copying operation in response to an operation on the operation panel 75, and a printing operation in response to a reception input from an external terminal device. For this reason, in the present embodiment, only when the scanning operation or copying operation in response to the operation of the operation panel 75 is completed, positive ions and negative ions are released from the ion generator 71 obliquely below the arrow D. The operation panel 75 is sterilized with positive ions and negative ions.

  Next, the ion generator 71 and the control unit 74 will be described in detail. As is clear from FIGS. 1, 2 (a), and 2 (b), a support column 72 protrudes from a corner 100 a on one side of the back surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and an ion generator 71 is formed at the upper end of the support column 72. The one end side shaft 71 a is rotatably supported in the direction of arrow F, and the shaft 71 a of the ion generator 71 is connected to the output shaft of the deflection motor 73. The shaft 71a of the ion generator 71 is reciprocally rotated by the deflection motor 73, the ion generator 71 is reciprocally rotated in the direction of arrow F, and the discharge direction of positive ions and negative ions from the ion generator 71 is indicated by arrow D. And the direction of the arrow E is changed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the deflection motor 73 is connected to 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 drives and controls the deflection motor 73 in accordance with the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 to control the rotational position of the ion generating device 71, and the ions as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The discharge direction of the ions from the generator 71 is set to one of the arrow D and the arrow E.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the support column 72 is disposed at a corner 100a on one side of the back surface of the main body, and the ion generating device 71 is horizontally cantilevered by the support column 72. The usability of the forming apparatus 100 is not impaired. Further, 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 image forming apparatus 100, and the ion generator 71 is disposed near the wall so as not to get in the way.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the ion generator 71. The ion generator 71 includes a main body casing 81, a fan unit 82 disposed in the lower portion of the main body casing 81, a plurality of suction holes 81 a formed in the lower side wall of the main body casing 81, and a suction port 82 a of the fan unit 82. A suction duct 83 disposed between the upper air outlet 81b and the air outlet duct 84b disposed between the upper air outlet 81b formed in the upper portion of the main body housing 81 and the air outlet 82b of the fan unit 82, and the periphery of the fan unit 82. Are provided with a plurality of ion generating elements 85.

  As shown in FIG. 1, since the ion generator 71 is long in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100, the main body casing 81, the fan unit 82, each suction hole 81a, the suction duct 83, the discharge port 82b, and the discharge duct 84 are also images. It is long in the width direction of the forming apparatus 100, and a plurality of ion generating elements 85 are arranged in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The fan 82c of the fan unit 82 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), generates an air flow as indicated by an arrow G, and sucks air into the fan unit 82 from the suction holes 81a through the suction duct 83. Then, after flowing air in the vicinity of each ion generating element 85, the air is discharged from the upper outlet 81 b through the outlet duct 84.

  Each ion generating element 85 is a plasma cluster ion (registered trademark) generating element (PCI). When each ion generating element 85 is viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, two ion generating elements 85 are arranged in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. A pair of positive ion generators 85a for generating negative ions and a pair of negative ion generators 85b for generating 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.

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

  In such a configuration, when the power switch is turned on, the control unit 74 in FIG. 1 drives and controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a preset procedure so that the image forming apparatus 100 is in a standby state. This standby state is a state in which the printing process is not being executed, and the state immediately shifts to the execution of the printing process.

  In this standby state, when a document is set on the document setting tray 41 of the document reading apparatus 101 and the start key of the operation panel 75 is operated, in response to this, the control unit 74 performs the copying operation of the image forming apparatus 100. Starting, the original image is read, and this original image is copied onto a recording sheet.

  When the scanner operation is selected by an input operation on the operation panel 75 and the start key is operated, in response to this, the control unit 74 starts the scanner operation of the image forming apparatus 100 to read a document image, This document image is transmitted from the interface 76 to the external terminal device via the network N. Alternatively, the external terminal device is called from the interface 76 through the telephone line, the original image is read, and the original image is transmitted from the interface 76 to the external terminal device through the telephone line by facsimile.

  Further, in the printing operation, a printing operation start signal and a document image are received from the external terminal device to the interface 76 through the network N. In response to this, the control unit 74 starts the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, The operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 is set, and this document image is printed on a recording sheet. Alternatively, a facsimile communication call is received from the external terminal device to the interface 76 via the telephone line, and a print operation start signal and a document image are received from the external terminal device to the interface 76 via the telephone line, and control is performed in response thereto. The unit 74 starts the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, sets the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100, and prints the original image on a recording sheet.

  Then, after the completion of the printing process such as the copying operation, the scanner operation, and the printing operation, when a predetermined time elapses without performing the printing process, the image forming apparatus 100 is again in a standby state, and the next operation start signal is input. Waits.

  Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set in the standby state, the control unit 74 controls the rotation position of the ion generating device 71 by controlling the driving of the deflection motor 73, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 6. In this way, the direction of ion emission from the ion generator 71 is set in the upward direction of the arrow E. As a result, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and airborne bacteria are removed by the positive ions and negative ions, so that the air is purified in a wide range. Generally, since the set time of the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100 is longer than the set time of other printer operation, scanner operation, and copying operation, positive ions and negative ions are distributed throughout the room when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the standby state. If it flows and diffuses, the air is effectively purified.

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

  In addition, the control unit 74 shifts from the standby state to the printing operation, the scanner operation, and the copying operation, and the ion generating device 71 as shown in FIGS. 2B and 6 also performs this operation. The direction in which ions are emitted from is maintained in the upward direction of arrow E. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and air purification is performed in a wide range. At this time, the ion generator 71 may be swung.

  Further, when the copying operation or the scanner operation is finished, the control unit 74 controls the motor drive unit 73 to control the rotational position of the ion generating device 71, and the ions are ionized as shown in FIGS. The discharge direction of ions from the generator 71 is set obliquely below the arrow D. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions are sprayed on the operation panel 75, and dirt such as invisible bacteria on the operation panel 75 is removed by the positive ions and negative ions.

  Further, when the copying operation or the scanner operation is completed, the user's hand is away from the operation panel 75, so that even if ions are sprayed on the operation panel 75, the ions are not directly sprayed on the user's hand. , Users will not feel uncomfortable. Further, like the air curtain, positive ions and negative ions mainly cover the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and the odor of the exhaust gas is reduced.

  The control unit 74 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to a standby state after a certain period of time has elapsed from the end of the copying operation or the scanner operation, and simultaneously controls the deflection motor 73 to control the ion generating device 71. 2 is controlled, and the direction of ion emission from the ion generator 71 is returned to the upward direction of the arrow E as shown in FIGS. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions again flow and diffuse throughout the room, and air purification is performed in a wide range.

  When the printing operation is completed, as in the printing operation, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 is maintained in the upward direction of the arrow E as shown in FIGS. . This is because it is not necessary to perform sterilization of the operation panel 75 because the printing operation is started in response to the received input, not the input operation of the operation panel 75.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is in a standby state, a printing operation, a scanner operation, and a copying operation, ions are released from the ion generating device 71 as shown in FIGS. Since the direction is set in the upward direction of the arrow E, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and floating bacteria in the air are removed by the positive ions and negative ions, thereby purifying the air in a wide range. Done. When the copying operation or the scanner operation started in response to the input operation on the operation panel 75 is completed, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 is indicated by the arrow D as shown in FIGS. Since it is set obliquely downward, positive ions and negative ions are sprayed on the operation panel 75, and the operation panel 75 is sterilized by the positive ions and negative ions.

  In addition, since the ion generating device 71 is disposed outside the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, since the indoor air is purified by the ion generating device 71, it is not necessary to provide a separate air cleaner, the indoor space can be used effectively, and the equipment cost can be reduced.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the ion generator. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those in FIG. 4, and the description will be simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the ion generator 71A, instead of the main body casing 81 and the blowing duct 84 of FIG. 4, a main body casing 81A and a blowing duct 84A are provided.

  The main body casing 81A has not only a plurality of suction holes 81a and an upper outlet 81b, but also a side outlet 81c, similar to the main casing 81 of FIG.

  The blowout duct 84A has first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 that face each other. The first movable duct wall 91 is pivotally supported by a shaft 91a at its upper end and can reciprocate in the direction of the arrow H around the shaft 91a. Further, the second movable duct wall 92 is pivotally supported by a shaft 92a at the lower end, and can reciprocate in the direction of arrow I around the shaft 92a.

  The shafts 91a and 92a of the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are simultaneously driven to rotate by a duct motor (not shown) and are simultaneously reciprocated.

  A control unit 74 in the image forming apparatus 100 drives and controls the duct motor in accordance with the standby state and the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100, and controls the shafts 91 a and 92 a of the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92. Simultaneously reciprocate. As a result, the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are selectively positioned as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned, the first movable duct wall 91 closes the side outlet 81c. The air flows in the upward direction by the path of each suction hole 81a → suction duct 83 → in the vicinity of each ion generating element 85 in the fan unit 82 → the outlet 82b → the outlet duct 84A → the upper outlet 81b. Released.

  In the state where the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned as shown in FIG. 9, the first movable duct wall 91 opens the side outlet 81c, and the second movable duct wall 92 is the upper part. Since the outlet 81b is closed, an air flow in the ion generating device 71A is generated as indicated by an arrow K, and each suction hole 81a → the suction duct 83 → the vicinity of each ion generating element 85 in the fan unit 82 → the outlet 82b → side. The air flows through a path called the part outlet 81c and is discharged obliquely downward.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the ion generator 71 </ b> A is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. A support column 93 projects from the center of the back surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and the center of the ion generator 71 </ b> A is stably supported on the upper end of the support column 93.

  Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the standby state, the control unit 74 controls the drive of the duct motor to rotate the shafts 91a and 92a of the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 at the same time. As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11, positive ions and negative ions are released in the upward direction of the arrow L together with air from the upper outlet 81b of the ion generator 71A. As a result, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and the air is effectively purified.

  Further, the control unit 74 shifts from the standby state to the printing operation, the scanner operation, and the copying operation, and the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 as shown in FIG. , And the direction of ion emission from the ion generator 71A is maintained in the upward direction of the arrow L as shown in FIG. As a result, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and the air is effectively purified.

  Further, when the copying operation and the scanner operation are finished, the control unit 74 controls the drive of the duct motor to rotate the shafts 91a and 92a of the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 simultaneously, as shown in FIG. Thus, the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 12, positive ions and negative ions are released together with air in the diagonally downward direction of the arrow M from the side outlet 81c of the ion generator 71A. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions are sprayed on the operation panel 75, and the operation panel 75 is sterilized by the positive ions and negative ions. Further, ions are not sprayed directly on the user's hand, and the user does not feel uncomfortable. Further, like the air curtain, positive ions and negative ions mainly cover the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and the odor of the exhaust gas is reduced.

  The control unit 74 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to a standby state when a certain time has elapsed after the copying operation and the scanner operation are completed, and at the same time, as shown in FIG. 8, the first and second movable duct walls. 91 and 92 are positioned, and air is discharged in the upward direction of the arrow L together with positive ions and negative ions from the upper outlet 81b of the ion generator 71A as shown in FIG.

  When the printing operation started in response to the reception input is completed, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71A is maintained in the upward direction of the arrow L as shown in FIG. .

  Even when such an ion generator 71A is used, when the image forming apparatus 100 is in a standby state, a printing operation, a scanner operation, and a copying operation, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71A is as shown in FIG. Since it is set in the upward direction of the arrow L, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and airborne bacteria are removed by the positive ions and negative ions, thereby purifying the air in a wide range. . Further, when the copying operation and the scanner operation are completed, positive ions and negative ions are released in the diagonally downward direction of the arrow M from the side outlet 81c of the ion generator 71A as shown in FIG. Ions are sprayed on the operation panel 75, and the operation panel 75 is sterilized by positive ions and negative ions.

  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 above embodiment, when the copying operation or the scanner operation is finished, it is considered that the user's hand has left the operation panel 75, but the input operation of the operation panel 75 for instructing the copying operation or the scanner operation is finished. In this case, it may be considered that the user's hand has left the operation panel 75. In this case, the release of ions to the operation panel 75 is started at the same time as the input operation of the operation panel 75 for instructing a copying operation or a scanner operation is completed. For example, when the start key of the operation keys 75b of the operation panel 75 is operated, the control unit 74 determines that the input operation for instructing the copying operation or the scanner operation has been completed, and returns to the operation panel 75. The release of ions begins.

  Although the standby state is shown as the non-operating state of the image forming apparatus, when the non-operating state of the image forming apparatus continues for a long time, the standby state shifts to the power saving operation with low power consumption, and further from the power saving operation. There is a case where power saving control is performed in which the operation shifts to a sleep operation with less power consumption and returns to an operation state when a print instruction is issued. In such power saving operation and sleep operation, as in the standby state, no exhaust gas is generated, so the ions may be continuously emitted upward with the ion emission direction upward from the ion generator. . In particular, since the sleep operation is set at night or the like, indoor air can be sufficiently purified while no one is present if ions are continuously released upward from the ion generator.

  Further, the ion generator 71 may be optionally retrofitted. In this case, a control unit for driving and controlling the deflection motor 73 and the like is provided on the ion generating device 71 side, and this control unit and the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 are connected with a serial communication cable and connector. Through the data communication between the two control units, the controller 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 sends and receives instructions to the control unit on the ion generating device 71 side, and the control unit on the ion generating device 71 side deflects the instruction. Control motor 73 and the like.

  Furthermore, the attachment position of the ion generating device 71 may be changed according to the structure and usage of the image forming apparatus. In the above embodiment, assuming that the back side of the image forming apparatus is arranged facing the wall or the like, the support column protrudes from the back side of the image forming apparatus, and the ion generator 71 is horizontally placed on the upper end of the support column. Although supported, 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 generator 71 may be mounted vertically or directly on the outer wall of the main body of the image forming apparatus without using a support. Furthermore, a plurality of ion generators 71 may be distributed and attached.

  Further, if only the sterilization of the operation panel 75 is intended, the ion generator 71 may be disposed in the vicinity of the operation panel 75 and ions may be sprayed from the ion generator 71 to the operation panel 75. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of air holes 111 are formed on the front side of the outer wall of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and an ion generator is provided on the back side of the outer wall of the main body at these air holes 111. Ions may be sprayed from the ion generator to the operation panel 75 through the air holes 111 on the outer wall of the main body. However, since the ion emission direction cannot be changed, the input operation for instructing the copying operation or the scanner operation is completed, or ions are blown to the operation panel 75 for a predetermined time after the respective operations are completed. Like that.

  Further, in the configuration in which a plurality of operation panels are provided in a scattered manner in the image forming apparatus 100, each ion generation device is provided in the vicinity of each operation panel, and ions are transmitted from these ion generation devices to each operation panel. You can spray. Also in this case, the input operation for instructing the copying operation or the scanner operation is finished, or after each operation is finished, ions are sprayed on the respective operation panels for a predetermined time.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, an ion generator 121 for blowing ions to the operation panel 75 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an ion generation for blowing ions to the vicinity where a large amount of exhaust gas is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. The device 122 may be provided separately. In this case, ions are sprayed from the ion generator 121 to the operation panel 75 for a predetermined time after the input operation of the operation panel 75 or the operation corresponding to the input operation is completed, and the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is also performed. The ions are blown out from the ion generator 122.

  Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the image forming apparatus but also to other types of electronic devices. As this electronic device, one that is shared by an unspecified number of people is preferable, and examples thereof include ATMs and ticket vending machines. Furthermore, the operation unit may be a touch panel, a lever, or the like as well as keys and buttons.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser exposure apparatus 2 Developing apparatus 3 Photoconductor drum 4 Cleaner apparatus 5 Charger 7 Intermediate transfer belt 8 Intermediate transfer belt apparatus 10 Paper feed tray 11 Secondary transfer apparatus 12 Fixing apparatus 14 Paper registration roller 15 Paper discharge tray 31 Heating roller 32 Pressure roller 41 Document set tray 42 Document conveying section 44 Document pickup roller 53 First scanning section 54 Second scanning section 55 Imaging lens 56 CCD
71, 71A Ion generators 72, 93 Prop 73 Deflection motor 74 Control unit 81, 81A Main body casing 82 Fan unit 83 Suction duct 84, 84A Outlet duct 85 Ion generating element 91 First movable duct wall 92 Second movable duct wall

Claims (9)

In an electronic device that includes an operation unit operated by a user and operates in response to the operation of the operation unit,
Ion generating means for generating and releasing ions;
An electronic apparatus comprising: an ion emission control unit that starts emission of ions from the ion generation unit toward the operation unit after the operation of the operation unit or a response operation to the operation is completed.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ion generating unit simultaneously generates and discharges positive ions and negative ions. In an image forming apparatus that includes an operation unit operated by a user and operates in response to an operation of the operation unit,
Ion generating means for generating and releasing ions;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an ion release control unit that starts releasing ions from the ion generation unit toward the operation unit after the operation of the operation unit or a response operation to the operation is completed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ion generation unit simultaneously generates and discharges positive ions and negative ions. The ion generating means is attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body,
The ion emission control means sets the ion emission direction from the ion generation means in a direction away from the operation section, and after the operation of the operation section or a response operation to the operation is completed, the ion generation means 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the direction in which ions are emitted is changed to the direction of the operation unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ion generation unit is supported by a support member protruding upward from the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the support member protrudes upward at one corner on the back side of the image forming apparatus and supports one end of the ion generating unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the support member protrudes upward at the center of the back side of the image forming apparatus and supports the center of the ion generating unit.   The ion generating means includes: an ion generating element that generates ions; and a blower fan that generates an air flow passing through the periphery of the ion generating element and discharges the ions together with the air. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 3 to 8.

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