JP2010169758A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which the influence of its exhaust gas is suppressed and cleaning the air inside a room is cleaned, thereby preventing a user from feeling discomfort. <P>SOLUTION: The discharged amount or discharged direction of positive ions and negative ions from an ion generator 71 is changed in accordance with the action mode of the image forming apparatus 100, so that the odor of exhaust gas is reduced, the air is cleaned, the ions are prevented from being directly exhausted to the user, and the amount of the ion to be exhausted on the user is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine.

  As this type of image forming apparatus, there is an electrophotographic type. 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 fixed on the recording sheet by transferring the recording sheet from the body drum to the recording sheet and heating and pressing the recording sheet.

  In such an image forming apparatus, harmful 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.

  An image forming apparatus is an indispensable OA device and is installed in most offices, and is also becoming popular in homes and hospitals. For this reason, harmful exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus gives discomfort to many users.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a blower fan, a negative ion generator, 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. 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.

  On the other hand, in offices, homes, hospitals, etc., air purifiers that purify indoor air are becoming widespread.

  For example, in Patent Document 2, positive ions and negative ions are generated simultaneously, and airborne bacteria in the air are effectively removed by positive ions and negative ions.

JP 2005-4144 A JP 2002-58731 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a negative ion generation unit and a positively charged filter that are not directly related to the copying of the image forming apparatus, which causes an increase in size and cost of the apparatus.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, even if the indoor air can be purified, the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus cannot be purified.

  Furthermore, it is very uneconomical to provide a high-cost image forming apparatus such as Patent Document 1 and an air cleaner such as Patent Document 2, and a large space is required for installing them. There must be.

  In addition, if the air cleaner is simply combined with the image forming apparatus, there is a possibility that the ion of the air cleaner may be directly sprayed on the user in an operation mode that requires the user to operate the image forming apparatus. An unpleasant situation occurs.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can suppress the influence of exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus and purify indoor air, thereby giving a user an uncomfortable feeling. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having no image.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that prints an image on recording paper, an ion generating unit that is attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body and generates and discharges ions, and the image forming apparatus. And a discharge control means for changing the discharge direction or discharge amount of ions from the ion generating means in accordance with the operation mode of the apparatus.

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

  The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit and an interface connected to an external terminal device. The operation mode of the image forming apparatus is an operation input response mode activated by an operation input of the operation unit, and One of the reception input response modes is activated by a reception input from the external terminal device to the interface.

The image forming apparatus further includes a reading unit that reads a document image and a printing unit that copies the read document image onto a recording sheet. The operation input response mode reads the document image and reads the document image from the interface. A scanner mode for transmitting to an external terminal device or a copy mode for reading and copying the document image. The reception input response mode is a print mode for printing a document image received and input from the external terminal device to the interface. It is.

  Further, in the operation input response mode, the release control means sets an ion emission direction from the ion generation means to an upward direction of the image forming apparatus, or releases ions from the ion generation means. Is stopped, or the amount of ions released from the ion generating means is reduced.

  In addition, the emission control unit sets an ion emission direction from the ion generation unit to a direction of the image forming apparatus in the reception input response mode, or an ion emission amount from the ion generation unit. Is increasing.

  Further, after the operation input response mode or the reception input response mode ends, the release control unit sets the ion release direction from the ion generation unit to an upward direction of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the ion generation means has a blower fan that discharges ions, and the discharge control means drives and controls the rotational speed of the blower fan to change the discharge amount of ions from the ion generation means. Yes.

  Further, the release control means changes the discharge direction and discharge amount of ions from the ion generation means in response to a signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit, a reading unit that reads a document image, and a printing unit that copies the read document image onto a recording sheet. A signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is The operation instruction signal is generated in response to an operation input of the operation means and instructs to read or copy a document image.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes an interface connected to an external terminal device, and the signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus prints a document image received and input from the external terminal device to the interface. It is an operation instruction signal to instruct.

  Further, the release control means changes the direction of the ion generation means itself to change the discharge direction of ions from the ion generation means.

  Furthermore, the duct wall of the ion discharge duct in the ion generating means is movable, and the discharge control means moves the duct wall of the discharge duct to change the ion discharge direction.

  Further, the ion generating means is disposed above the image forming apparatus, and the emission control means indicates the direction in which ions are emitted from the ion generating means according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. Is selectively set to the direction of the upper side and the direction of the upper side.

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

  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.

  Further, the support member protrudes upward at the center of one side on the back side of the image forming apparatus to support the center of the ion generating means.

  The ion generation means includes an ion generation element that generates ions and a blower fan that generates an air flow that passes around the ion generation elements and discharges ions.

  In the present invention, the discharge control means changes the discharge direction or discharge amount of ions from the ion generation means according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. Since this ion generating means is attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body, the image forming apparatus main body is covered with ions according to the setting of the ion emission direction and amount, and the odor of the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus is reduced. , Ions can be diffused into the room to remove airborne bacteria.

  However, in the operation mode in which the user operates the image forming apparatus, if the ion emission direction and the emission amount are set incorrectly, the ion is directly blown to the user together with a large amount of air, which causes discomfort to the user. So you must avoid this situation.

  Therefore, in the present invention, by changing the discharge direction and discharge amount of ions according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus, not only reducing the odor of exhaust gas and removing floating bacteria in the air, The ion forming apparatus is not applied directly to the user of the image forming apparatus or the amount of ions applied to the user is reduced.

  In addition, since the ion generating means is attached to the outside of the main body of the image forming apparatus, the main body does not increase in size, and it is not necessary to separately provide an air purifier. It can be used effectively.

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

  The operation mode of the image forming apparatus is either an operation input response mode activated by an operation input of the operation unit or a reception input response mode activated by a reception input from an external terminal device to the interface of the image forming apparatus. is there.

  For example, the operation input response mode is a scanner mode in which an original image is read and transmitted to an external terminal device, or a copy mode in which an original image is read and copied. In such an operation input response mode, since the user is in the vicinity of the apparatus to operate the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, the ion is discharged from the user by adjusting the discharge direction and the discharge amount of ions from the ion generation unit. Or reduce the amount of ions on the user.

  In the reception input response mode, since the user is not in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, there is no particular limitation on the discharge direction and discharge amount of ions from the ion generating means, and effective suppression of exhaust gas odor is achieved. To do.

  More specifically, in the operation input response mode, the ion emission direction from the ion generating means is set to the upper direction of the image forming apparatus, the ion emission is stopped, or the ion emission amount is set. Reduce. Either by setting the discharge direction of the ions, stopping the discharge, reducing the discharge amount, or a combination thereof, the ions are not directly applied to the user of the image forming apparatus, The amount of such ions can be reduced.

  In the reception input response mode, the ion emission direction from the ion generation unit is set to the direction of the image forming apparatus, or the ion emission amount from the ion generation unit is increased. By either setting the discharge direction of ions and increasing the discharge amount, or a combination thereof, the image forming apparatus can be encapsulated with ions, and the odor of the exhaust gas from the image forming apparatus can be more effectively suppressed. it can.

  Furthermore, after the operation input response mode or the reception input response mode ends, the release control unit sets the ion release direction from the ion generation unit to the upward direction of the image forming apparatus. When the operation input response mode or the reception input response mode ends, the printing process of the image forming apparatus is not performed, and the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus is not generated. At this time, indoor air can be purified over a wide range by setting the ion release direction upward.

  For example, the number of ions released can be changed by driving and controlling the rotational speed of the blower fan of the ion generating means.

  Further, the release control means changes the discharge direction and discharge amount of ions from the ion generation means in response to a signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. As a result, it is possible to change the ion emission direction and the emission amount at an appropriate timing.

  For example, the signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is an operation instruction signal that is generated in response to an operation input of the operation unit and instructs reading or copying of a document image. Since this operation instruction signal instructs reading or copying of an original image, it can be said that it instructs the operation input response mode described above. Therefore, in response to the operation instruction signal, the direction and amount of ions emitted from the ion generating means are adjusted so that ions are not directly applied to the user or the amount of ions applied to the user is reduced. It is preferable to do so.

  The signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is an operation instruction signal for instructing printing of a document image received and input from the external terminal apparatus. Since this operation instruction signal is for instructing printing of a document image received and input from the external terminal device, it can be said that it is an instruction for the above-described reception input response mode. Therefore, in the case of this operation instruction signal, there is no particular limitation on the direction and amount of ions emitted from the ion generating means, and the odor of the exhaust gas is effectively suppressed.

  In addition, the emission control means changes the direction of the ion generation means itself to change the ion emission direction. In this case, the configuration of the release control means can be simplified.

  Alternatively, the emission control means moves the duct wall of the ion emission duct in the ion generation means to change the ion emission direction. In this case, a space for changing the direction of the ion generating means is not required, and the degree of freedom of the installation space is increased.

  For example, the ion generating means is disposed above the image forming apparatus, and the ion emission direction is selectively set to the direction of the image forming apparatus and the upward direction according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. When the ions are released in the direction of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can be easily covered with the ions, and the exhaust gas is reliably suppressed by the ions. Further, when ions are released upward, the ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and air purification is performed in a wide range.

  Further, since the ion generating means is supported by a support member protruding upward on the back side of the image forming apparatus, the ion generating means is stacked 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 generating means includes an ion generating element that generates positive ions and negative ions, and a blower fan that generates an air flow that passes through the periphery of the ion generating element and discharges ions.

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. (A), (b), (c) is a figure which shows typically direction of an ion generator and discharge | release of ion 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. (A), (b) is each sectional drawing which shows the attachment structure of the ion generator in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 seeing from a side and a back surface. It is sectional drawing which shows the ion generator in the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a top view which illustrates the plasma cluster ion generating element in the ion generator of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 6 is set upward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 6 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. 11 diagonally downward. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a support structure of the ion generator of FIG. 11 in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 11 is set upward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the ion emission direction from the ion generator of FIG. 12 is set obliquely downward in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1.

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

  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.

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

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

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this 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 positive ions and negative ions are generated by the ion generator 71. , And positive ions and negative ions are released obliquely below the arrow D from the ion generator 71. Accordingly, 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 odor of the exhaust gas is reduced. Experiments have confirmed that such positive ions and negative ions can effectively suppress the influence of exhaust gas even from the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

  However, when the user is standing in front of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 3A, if positive ions and negative ions are released obliquely below the arrow D from the ion generator 71, a large amount of ions are generated. This situation must be avoided because it will be blown directly to the user together with the air, causing discomfort to the user.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when the user stands in front of the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 3B, the emission of ions from the ion generator 71 is stopped and the ions are used. The amount of ions applied to the user is reduced by avoiding direct application to the user or by reducing the emission amount.

  Furthermore, since the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 is not generated after the printing process of the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the positive signal from the ion generating apparatus 71 is generated as shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 3 (c). The discharge direction of ions and negative ions is changed to the upward direction of arrow E, positive ions and negative ions are allowed to flow and diffuse throughout the room, and airborne bacteria in the air are removed by positive ions and negative ions. The purification is performed in a wide range.

  Here, whether or not the user is standing in front of the image forming apparatus 100 can be specified according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 75 is disposed on the upper front side of the image forming apparatus 100, and in an operation mode activated by an input operation of the operation panel 75, the user can It can be regarded as standing in front. The operation mode at this time is referred to as an operation input response mode.

  The operation input response mode includes a scanner mode in which a document image is read by the document reading device 101, and the document image is transmitted from the interface 76 to the external terminal device via the network N. The document image is read by the document reading device 101. Thus, there is a copy mode for copying the original image onto a recording sheet. In these scanner mode and copy mode, the user sets an original image on the original reading apparatus 101 and operates the operation panel 75, so the user needs to stand in front of the image forming apparatus 100.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the operation panel 75. On the operation panel 75, a liquid crystal display 75a is arranged on the left side, and various operation keys 75b are arranged around the liquid crystal display 75a. One of these operation keys 75 b is a start key. When this start key is operated, an operation instruction 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 a document is set on the document set tray 41 of the document reading apparatus 101 and an operation instruction signal is input, 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 original reading apparatus 101 to read the original image, and sends the original image from the interface 76 to the network N. Through to the external terminal device.

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

  On the other hand, in the operation mode activated by receiving input from an external terminal device (not shown) such as a personal computer, it can be considered that the user is not standing in front of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation mode at this time is referred to as a reception input response mode.

  As this reception input response mode, there is a print mode in which a document image received from an external terminal device is printed on a recording sheet. In this print mode, a print operation instruction 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 the recording paper. There is no need to stand in front of 100.

  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. An instruction signal (corresponding to a control signal for facsimile communication) and an original image are transmitted and received to enter a print mode, and the original image is printed on recording paper, so that the user does not need to stand in front of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Next, the ion generator 71 and the control unit 74 will be described in detail. As is clear from FIGS. 1, 5 (a), and 5 (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 provided at the upper end of the support column 72. The outer casing is covered, and the shaft 71 a of the ion generator 71 is connected to the output shaft of the deflection motor 73 built in the support column 72 in the outer casing.

  The shaft 71a of the ion generator 71 is reciprocatingly driven by the deflection motor 73, and the ion generator 71 is reciprocally rotated in the direction of the arrow F. As shown in FIGS. The release direction of positive ions and negative ions from 71 is changed to the direction of either arrow D or arrow E.

  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 and FIGS. 5A and 5B, the support column 72 is disposed at a corner 100a on one side of the back surface of the main body, and the ion generator 71 is horizontally cantilevered by the support column 72. The space above 100 is opened, and the usability of the image 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. 6 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.

  Since the ion generator 71 is long in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A and 5B, the main body casing 81, the fan unit 82, each suction hole 81a, the suction duct 83, The discharge port 82 b and the discharge duct 84 are also long in the width direction of the image 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 82d (shown in FIG. 5 (b)) to generate an air flow as indicated by an arrow G, and the air is supplied from each suction hole 81a through the suction duct 83 to the fan unit 82. The air is sucked in and air is allowed to flow in the vicinity of each ion generating element 85, and then the air is discharged from the upper outlet 81 b through the outlet duct 84.

  Similarly to the deflection motor 73, the motor 82 d of the fan 82 c is connected to the control unit 74 built in the image forming apparatus 100 and is driven and controlled by the control unit 74.

  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. 6, 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.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control unit 74 for controlling the ion generator 71. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 74 includes a control IC 74a, a PCI on / off circuit 74b, and a motor drive circuit 74c. The PCI on / off circuit 74 b is a switch for turning on and off the applied voltage Va to each ion generating element 85. The motor drive circuit 74c is for turning on and off the respective drive voltages for the deflection motor 73 and the motor 82d of the fan 82c. The control IC 74a controls the PCI on / off circuit 74b to turn on and off the voltage Va applied to each ion generating element 85, thereby generating ions from each ion generating element 85 and stopping the generation of ions. Further, the control IC 74a controls the motor drive circuit 74c to turn on and off the respective drive voltages for the motor 82d of the deflection motor 73 and the fan 82c, and rotationally drives these motors.

  Note that the control unit 74 includes various input / output ports, memories, and the like as well as the PCI on / off circuit 74b and the motor drive circuit 74c in order to control the entire image forming apparatus 100 as described above.

  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, and sets the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 to the standby mode. To do. This standby mode 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 mode, when a document is set on the document set tray 41 of the document reading apparatus 101, the start key of the operation panel 75 is operated, and a copy operation instruction signal is output 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, sets the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100, reads the document image, and copies the read document image onto the recording paper.

  Further, when a scanner operation is selected by an input operation on the operation panel 75, a start key is operated, and a scanner operation instruction signal is output from the operation panel 75 to the control unit 74, the control unit 74 responds accordingly. Then, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is started, the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 is set, the original image is read, and this original 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 print mode, a print operation instruction 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, there is an incoming call for facsimile communication from the external terminal device to the interface 76 through the telephone line, and a print operation instruction signal and a document image are transmitted from the external terminal device to the interface 76 through 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 printing process in the copy mode, the scanner mode, and the print mode is completed, when a predetermined time elapses without executing the print process, the image forming apparatus 100 enters the standby mode again, and the next operation instruction signal is input. Waits.

  Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the standby mode, the control unit 74 drives and controls the deflection motor 73 to control the rotational position of the ion generator 71, and FIG. 2B and FIG. ), And the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 is set in the upward direction of the arrow E as shown in FIG. Further, the control unit 74 drives and controls the motor 82d of the fan unit 82, and maintains the rotational speed of the fan 82c at the specified rotational speed in the standby mode. 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 setting time of the standby mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is longer than the setting time of the other printer mode, scanner mode, and copying mode, positive ions and negative ions are distributed throughout the room during the standby mode of the image forming apparatus 100. 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.

  Alternatively, the control unit 74 increases the rotational speed of the fan 82c by driving control of the motor 82d of the fan unit 82. Thereby, the discharge speed and discharge amount of air from the ion generator 71 are increased, and the discharge range of positive ions and negative ions is further expanded.

  Further, when the control unit 74 sets the print mode in response to a reception input (print operation instruction signal) from the external terminal device, the control unit 74 drives and controls the deflection motor 73 to control the rotational position of the ion generator 71. Then, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 3 (a), and 10, the discharge direction of ions from the ion generator 71 is set obliquely below arrow D. Further, the control unit 74 drives and controls the motor 82d of the fan unit 82, and maintains the rotation speed of the fan 82c at the same specified rotation speed as that in the standby mode. Thereby, the main body front side of the image forming apparatus 100 is mainly covered with positive ions and negative ions, and the odor of the exhaust gas is reduced.

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 10, the control unit 74 also sets the copy mode or the scanner mode in response to an input operation (copy or scanner operation instruction signal) on the operation panel 75. The discharge direction of ions from the ion generator 71 is maintained obliquely below arrow D. However, the control unit 74 controls to drive the motor 82d of the fan unit 82 to stop the fan 82c or slow down the rotation speed of the fan 82c. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the emission of ions from the ion generating device 71 is stopped or the amount of emitted ions is reduced, so that the ion stands for the user standing on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. It takes little or no cost. When the amount of released ions is reduced, ions and negative ions are gently diffused to cover the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 with positive ions and negative ions, thereby reducing the odor of exhaust gas around the user. Can do.

  Further, when the print mode, the copy mode, and the scanner mode are finished, the control unit 74 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the standby mode, and simultaneously controls the driving of the deflection motor 73 to control the rotational position of the ion generator 71. 2 (b), FIG. 3 (c), and FIG. 9, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 is returned to the upward direction of the arrow E. Further, the control unit 74 drives and controls the motor 82d of the fan unit 82 to return the rotational speed of the fan 82c to the specified rotational speed in the standby mode. Thereby, positive ions and negative ions again flow and diffuse throughout the room, and air purification is performed in a wide range.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the print mode, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 is set obliquely below the arrow D as shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 3 (a), and 10. Therefore, the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is mainly covered with positive ions and negative ions, and the odor of the exhaust gas is effectively reduced. Further, in the copy mode and the scanner mode, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 10, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71 is set obliquely below the arrow D as shown in FIG. As described above, the fan 82c is stopped to stop the emission of ions so that the ions are not applied to the user standing on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, or the rotational speed of the fan 82c is decreased to release the ions. The amount is reduced so that ions are hardly applied to the user. Further, in the standby mode, as shown in FIGS. 2 (b), 3 (c), and 9, the discharge direction of ions from the ion generator 71 is set in the upward direction of the arrow E, and the rotational speed of the fan 82c. Is set to the specified rotation speed in standby mode to increase the amount of ions released, so positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and positive ions and negative ions remove airborne bacteria. Air purification is performed in a wide range. In other words, while preventing ions from being applied directly to the user or reducing the amount of ions applied to the user, a large amount of ions are released in a wide range at an appropriate timing to reduce the odor of the exhaust gas. It is possible to effectively remove airborne bacteria in the air.

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

  In the copy mode and the scanner mode, instead of setting the ion emission direction obliquely below the arrow D as shown in FIGS. 2A and 10, as shown in FIGS. The ion emission direction may be set in the upward direction of the arrow E, and then the ion emission may be stopped or the ion emission amount may be reduced. Also by this, ions can be prevented from being applied to the user standing on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 or hardly applied.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the ion generator. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those in FIG. 6, and the description is simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the ion generator 71A, a main body casing 81A and a blowing duct 84A are provided instead of the main body casing 81 and the blowing duct 84 of FIG.

  The main body casing 81A has not only a plurality of suction holes 81a and an upper outlet 81b as in the case of the main body casing 81 of FIG. 6, but also a side outlet 81c.

  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.

  The control unit 74 in the image forming apparatus 100 drives and controls the duct motor in accordance with the standby mode and the operation 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. Thus, the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are selectively positioned as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG.

  In the state where the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned as shown in FIG. 11, the first movable duct wall 91 closes the side outlet 81c, so that the air flow in the ion generator 71A is changed to the arrow J. 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.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, in the state where the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned, 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. 13 shows a state where 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 mode, the control unit 74 drives and controls 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. 11, the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, 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 a result, positive ions and negative ions flow and diffuse throughout the room, and the air is effectively purified.

  At this time, the rotational speed of the fan 82c is increased by the drive control of the motor 82d of the fan unit 82 to increase the discharge speed and discharge amount of the air from the ion generator 71A, thereby further increasing the discharge range of positive ions and negative ions. You can spread it.

  In addition, when the control unit 74 sets the print mode in response to a reception input or an incoming call from the external terminal device, the control unit 74 drives and controls the duct motor, and the shafts 91a of the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are controlled. , 92a are simultaneously rotated to position the first and second movable duct walls 91, 92 as shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, air is discharged in the diagonally downward direction of the arrow M together with positive ions and negative ions from the side outlet 81c of the ion generator 71A. The front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is mainly covered with the positive ions and the negative ions, and the odor of the exhaust gas is effectively reduced.

  Also at this time, the control unit 74 may increase the speed and amount of air released from the ion generator 71A by increasing the rotational speed of the fan 82c by driving control of the motor 82d of the fan unit 82.

  Further, the control unit 74 positions the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 as shown in FIG. 12 even when the copy mode or the scanner mode is set in response to the input operation of the operation panel 75. As shown in FIG. 15, air is discharged diagonally downward in the direction of arrow M together with positive ions and negative ions from the side outlet 81c of the ion generator 71A. However, the control unit 74 controls driving of the motor 82d of the fan unit 82, stops the fan 82c, stops emission of ions from the ion generating device 71A, and causes ions to flow toward the front of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. It prevents the user from standing up or slows down the rotational speed of the fan 82c to reduce the amount of released ions so that ions are hardly applied to the user. When the amount of released ions is reduced, positive ions and negative ions are gently diffused to cover the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 with the positive ions and negative ions, thereby reducing the odor of the exhaust gas around the user. be able to.

  Further, when the print mode, the copy mode, and the scanner mode are finished, the control unit 74 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the standby mode, and simultaneously positions the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, air is discharged in the upward direction of the arrow L together with positive ions and negative ions from the upper outlet 81 b of the ion generator 71 </ b> A. Further, the control unit 74 drives and controls the motor 82d of the fan unit 82 to return the rotational speed of the fan 82c to the specified rotational speed in the standby mode.

  Even in such a configuration using the ion generator 71A, in the print mode, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71A is set obliquely below the arrow M as shown in FIG. The front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is mainly covered with ions and negative ions, and the odor of the exhaust gas is effectively reduced. Also, in the copy mode or the scanner mode, whether the ions are stopped from being applied to the user while the ion emission direction is set obliquely below the arrow M as shown in FIG. The amount of released ions can be reduced so that ions are hardly applied to the user. Further, in the standby mode, as shown in FIG. 14, the ion emission direction from the ion generator 71A is set in the upward direction of the arrow L, and the ion emission amount is increased. The airborne bacteria are removed by the positive ions and negative ions, and the air is purified in a wide range. In other words, while preventing ions from being applied directly to the user or reducing the amount of ions applied to the user, a large amount of ions are released in a wide range at an appropriate timing to reduce the odor of the exhaust gas. It is possible to effectively remove airborne bacteria in the air.

  In the copying mode and the scanner mode, instead of setting the ion emission direction obliquely below the arrow M as shown in FIG. 15, the ion emission direction is set to the upward direction of the arrow L as shown in FIG. May be set, and then the emission of ions may be stopped or the emission amount of ions may be reduced. Also by this, ions can be prevented from being applied to the user standing on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 or hardly applied.

  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, the standby mode is shown as the non-operating state of the image forming apparatus. However, when the non-operating state of the image forming apparatus continues for a long time, the standby mode is shifted to the power saving mode with low power consumption. Further, there is a case where power saving control is performed in which the power saving mode shifts to a sleep mode with less power consumption and returns to the operation state when a printing instruction is given. Even in such a power saving mode or sleep mode, as in the standby mode, no exhaust gas is generated. Therefore, ions may be continuously emitted upward with the ion emission direction directed upward. . In particular, since the sleep mode 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.

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 (19)

In an image forming apparatus that prints an image on recording paper,
Ion generating means attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body and generating and releasing ions;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a discharge control unit that changes a discharge direction or a discharge amount of ions from the ion generation unit according to an operation mode of the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ion generating unit simultaneously generates and discharges positive ions and negative ions. The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit and an interface connected to an external terminal device,
The operation mode of the image forming apparatus is either an operation input response mode activated by an operation input of the operation unit or a reception input response mode activated by a reception input from the external terminal device to the interface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a reading unit that reads a document image, and a printing unit that copies the read document image onto a recording sheet.
The operation input response mode is a scanner mode in which the original image is read and transmitted from the interface to the external terminal device, or a copy mode in which the original image is read and copied. Image forming apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reception input response mode is a print mode for printing a document image received and input from the external terminal device to the interface.   In the operation input response mode, the emission control unit sets the ion emission direction from the ion generation unit to an upward direction of the image forming apparatus, or stops the ion emission from the ion generation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus reduces the amount of ions emitted from the ion generating unit.   The emission control unit sets an ion emission direction from the ion generation unit to a direction of the image forming apparatus or increases an ion emission amount from the ion generation unit in the reception input response mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:   The discharge control means sets the discharge direction of ions from the ion generation means to an upward direction of the image forming apparatus after the operation input response mode or the reception input response mode ends. The image forming apparatus according to 3. The ion generating means has a blower fan that discharges ions,
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the discharge control unit changes the discharge amount of ions from the ion generation unit by drivingly controlling a rotation speed of the blower fan. Forming equipment.   10. The discharge control means changes the discharge direction and discharge amount of ions from the ion generation means in response to a signal indicating the start of an operation mode of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit, a reading unit that reads a document image, and a printing unit that copies the read document image onto a recording sheet.
The signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is an operation instruction signal generated in response to an operation input of the operation means and instructing reading or copying of a document image. The image forming apparatus described. The image forming apparatus includes an interface connected to an external terminal device,
11. The image according to claim 10, wherein the signal indicating the start of the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is an operation instruction signal for instructing printing of a document image received and input from the external terminal device to the interface. Forming equipment.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the emission control unit changes the direction of the ion generation unit itself to change the direction of emission of ions from the ion generation unit. Forming equipment. A duct wall of an ion discharge duct in the ion generating means is movable;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control unit changes a discharge direction of ions by moving a duct wall of the discharge duct. The ion generating means is disposed above the image forming apparatus,
The discharge control means selectively sets the discharge direction of ions from the ion generation means to an orientation of the image forming apparatus and an upward direction according to an operation mode of the image forming apparatus. Item 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 14.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the ion generating unit is supported by a support member protruding upward from the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, 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 16, wherein the support member protrudes upward at the center of one side 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 ions. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 18.

Images