JP2011029772A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system which can facilitate the management of an image forming apparatus and an air cleaner, can suppress power consumption and further does not damage the functions of the both image forming apparatus and air cleaner. <P>SOLUTION: A display unit of an air cleaner 71 is caused to display an operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to a mode for economizing power. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the mode for economizing power, there is no need of operating the display unit of the image forming apparatus 100, so that the power consumption of the display unit of the image forming apparatus 100 can be economized. Further, since not only an operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 but also an operating state of the air cleaner 71 are displayed on the display unit of the air cleaner 71, a user can grasp both operating states of the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71 to facilitate the management of the both image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  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.

  Such an image forming apparatus is an indispensable OA device and is installed in most offices, and is also becoming popular in homes and hospitals.

  On the other hand, in offices, homes, hospitals, etc., air cleaners that purify indoor air are often installed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ion generator that simultaneously generates positive ions and negative ions, and effectively removes airborne bacteria in the air by using positive ions and negative ions.

  However, if an air cleaner is installed in addition to the image forming apparatus, the user's effort to manage these increases. Further, the power consumption of the air cleaner is added to the power consumption of the image forming apparatus, and the power consumption increases.

  Here, as far as the image forming apparatus is limited, various proposals have been made for simplification of a user who manages the apparatus and for suppressing an increase in power consumption.

  For example, in Patent Document 2, when an image forming apparatus of a master unit and an image forming apparatus of a slave unit are interconnected and a document is copied on the master unit side, the document is communicated to the slave unit side, and Assuming the linked copy function to execute the same copy on the machine, even if the slave unit is powered off by the weekly timer function, disable the weekly timer function of the slave unit when executing the linked copy function. The handset is turned on. Therefore, the linked copying function can be executed at any time without specially operating the power supply of the slave unit.

  In Patent Document 3, a preheating mode for lowering the fixing temperature of the fixing device of the image forming apparatus and a night mode for turning off the heater power of the fixing device are set to be switched, and the preheating mode is shifted to the night mode. Sometimes, the heater power of the fixing device is automatically turned off. Thereby, the increase in power consumption is suppressed.

JP 2002-58731 A JP 2000-47536 A JP 2001-117415 A

  However, in Patent Document 2, even if it is possible to simplify the effort of the user who manages the image forming apparatus, it is not possible to simplify the trouble of managing both the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner.

  In Patent Document 3, even if the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner cannot be suppressed together.

  Since the original purpose of the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner differ from each other, their management cannot be simplified or power consumption cannot be suppressed by simply combining the two. Further, if the image forming apparatus and the air purifier are installed separately, their occupied space is expanded and the cost is also required separately.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can easily manage the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner, reduce power consumption, and does not impair both functions. An object is to provide a forming system.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming system of the present invention includes an air cleaner for cleaning air, an image forming apparatus set in a power saving mode, and a mode set for the power saving. Control means for displaying the operating state of the image forming apparatus on the display unit of the air cleaner.

  Further, the image forming apparatus has a facsimile communication function, and the control means changes the state of the facsimile communication when the image forming apparatus is performing facsimile communication in a state where the image forming apparatus is set to a power saving mode. It is displayed on the display part of the air cleaner.

  For example, the air cleaner includes an ion generating means.

  The air cleaner is provided above the image forming apparatus.

  Alternatively, the air cleaner is built in the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system of the present invention includes an air cleaner and an image forming apparatus.

  Here, in the image forming apparatus, a warm-up mode for setting a fixing temperature and a print processing mode for performing a printing process are set, but the printing process is not performed because of the large power consumption. Sometimes a standby mode for reducing power consumption, a power saving mode for further reducing power consumption, a night mode for further reducing power consumption, and the like are set. These standby mode, power saving mode, and night mode are modes for power saving.

  In the image forming apparatus, even when a power saving mode is set, it is necessary to immediately notify when a trouble such as a failure of the image forming apparatus occurs.

  Similarly, even in the case of an air purifier, when a trouble such as a failure of the air purifier occurs, it is necessary to immediately notify this.

  Therefore, it is desirable to always operate the respective display units in both the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner, and power consumption for the operation of these display units is required. However, in the image forming apparatus, if the display unit is always operated, the power consumption of the display unit cannot be reduced even if the power saving mode is set.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the operating state of the image forming apparatus set to the power saving mode is displayed on the display unit of the air cleaner. For this reason, when the image forming apparatus is set to the power saving mode, it is not necessary to operate the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and power consumption of the display unit of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. it can.

  In addition, not only the operation state of the image forming apparatus but also the operation state of the air cleaner is displayed on the display unit of the air cleaner, so that the user only has to look at the display contents of the display unit of the air cleaner. In addition, it is possible to grasp the operating states of the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner, and it becomes easy to manage them.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus is set to the power saving mode, even if the operation state of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit of the air cleaner, the function of the image forming apparatus is not impaired, and the air It does not impair the function of the cleaner.

  For example, in a configuration in which a facsimile communication function is added to the image forming apparatus, even if a power saving mode is set, it is necessary to respond to incoming facsimile communication, so the facsimile communication function is always operated. It is necessary to display the status of facsimile communication. Therefore, the state of facsimile communication of the image forming apparatus when the power saving mode is set is displayed on the display unit of the air cleaner.

  Moreover, the air cleaner is provided with an ion generating means. As this ion generating means, one that generates and releases positive ions and negative ions simultaneously is preferable. Such positive ions and negative ions are suitable for the present invention because they can effectively remove airborne bacteria in the air and can reduce and reduce the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus. For example, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, exhaust gas such as ozone may be generated. Usually, after being removed by a filter built in the image forming apparatus, it is discharged outside the apparatus. By using the generating means, exhaust gas such as ozone can be decomposed and reduced by positive ions and negative ions.

  For example, the air cleaner is provided above the image forming apparatus. In this case, the installation space of the air cleaner can be saved. Further, the air blown from the air cleaner can be convected over a wide range, and the air purification action can be enhanced.

  Alternatively, the air cleaner is built in the image forming apparatus. Also in this case, the installation space of the air cleaner can be saved.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an embodiment of an image forming system of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the air cleaner in the image forming system of FIG. It is a top view which illustrates the plasma cluster ion generating element in the ion generator of FIG. It is a side view which shows the state which set the ion discharge | release direction from the air cleaner in the image forming system of FIG. 1 diagonally downward. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus and air cleaner in the image forming system of FIG. (A) is a top view which shows the input setting screen for setting the air purifying operation | movement of an air cleaner. (B), (c) is a chart showing each check box, each select box, an operation name corresponding to the input box, an operation description, and the like on the input setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the air cleaner by the control part of an image forming apparatus when night mode is set. It is a top view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of each LED of the display part in an air cleaner. It is a chart which shows each alerting | reporting information corresponding to blinking or lighting of each LED of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other arrangement | positioning aspect of an air cleaner. It is a side view which shows another arrangement | positioning aspect of an air cleaner.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of an image forming system of the present invention. The image forming system of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100 and an air purifier 71 disposed above the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called multi-function machine having a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like, and transmits an image of a document read by the document reading device 101 to the outside (scanner function). A read original image or an externally received image can be recorded on a recording sheet in color or single color (copying function, printer function, facsimile function).

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a document reading device 101 and a document transport unit 42 for reading a document image. 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 conveying section 42 is pivotally supported on the back side of the lower document reading apparatus 101 by a hinge (not shown) and opened and closed by moving the front portion up and down. When the document transport unit 42 is opened, the document table glass 61 is released, and a document can be placed on the document table glass 61. 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 always maintained so that the length of the optical path of the light does not change, whereby the focus of the original image on the CCD 56 is always maintained accurately.

  The entire image of the original read in this way is sent and received as image data to the laser exposure apparatus 1 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the image is printed on recording paper in the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on a recording paper by using 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, and a paper. A transport path S, a paper feed tray 10, a paper discharge tray 15, and the like are provided.

  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. For this reason, 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 toner images corresponding to the respective colors, and black, cyan, magenta, and Four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured in association with yellow.

  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). The transfer belt 7 is formed in an endless belt shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is performed by 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 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.

  Next, the air cleaner 71 will be described. The air cleaner 71 is supported on the upper end of a column 72 protruding from a corner on one side of the back of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, generates positive ions and negative ions, and moves the positive ions and negative ions together with air. To release.

  In many cases, the image forming apparatus 100 is arranged with its back side close to the wall of the chamber. For this reason, the air purifier 71 is also arranged close to the wall of the chamber. In this case, most of the air released upward from the air purifier 71 rises along the wall, is blown to the ceiling, spreads along the ceiling, and spreads widely in the room. Therefore, positive ions and negative ions contained in the air discharged from the air purifier 71 are also widely distributed in the room, and airborne bacteria in the room air are effectively removed by the positive ions and negative ions.

  Further, a part of the air released upward from the air cleaner 71 is lowered as it is, drifts in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100, and covers the entire main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 is decomposed and reduced by the positive ions and the negative ions contained in the air.

  In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100, exhaust gas such as ozone may be generated, and a filter or the like for reducing this may be built in the image forming apparatus 100, but the exhaust gas is generated by positive ions and negative ions. Since decomposition can be reduced, a built-in filter or the like can be omitted.

  Since the air cleaner 71 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 100, a special space for installing the air cleaner 71 is not required, and this space can be saved.

  Further, since the air cleaner 71 is supported on the upper end of the column 72 protruding from the image forming apparatus 100, the space between the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71 is opened, and the usability of the image forming apparatus 100 is impaired. It will never be.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner 71. The air cleaner 71 overlaps the main body casing 81, the fan unit 82 disposed at the lower portion of the main body casing 81, the plurality of suction holes 81a formed in the lower side wall of the main body casing 81, and the suction holes 81a. The filter 86 disposed in the filter 86, the suction duct 83 disposed between the filter 86 and the suction port 82a of the fan unit 82, the upper blowing port 81b formed in the upper part of the main body housing 81, the upper blowing port 81b and the fan unit. A blowout duct 84 disposed between the blowout ports 82 b of the 82 and a plurality of ion generating elements 85 disposed around the fan unit 82.

  As shown in FIG. 1, since the air cleaner 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, the discharge duct 84, and the like are also provided. The image forming apparatus 100 is long in the width direction, 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) to generate an air flow as shown by an arrow G, and the air is passed through each suction hole 81a → filter 86 → suction duct 83 in the fan unit. The air is sucked into 82 and air is circulated 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. At this time, the filter 86 adsorbs and removes dust in the air.

  Each ion generating element 85 is a plasma cluster ion (registered trademark) generating element (PCI). Looking at each ion generating element 85 from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2, 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.

  The amount of air released from the air cleaner 71 can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of the motor of the fan 82c. When the amount of released air is increased, air containing positive ions and negative ions spreads over a wider range, and a wider range of air is purified. Further, when the amount of released air is reduced, air containing positive ions and negative ions easily drifts in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100, and the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 is decomposed and reduced more effectively.

  Moreover, you may set the discharge | release direction of the air from the air cleaner 71 not diagonally upward but diagonally downward of the arrow D as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the shaft 71a on one end side of the air purifier 71 is rotatably supported at the upper end of the column 72, the shaft 71a is rotated by a motor drive, the air purifier 71 is rotated around the shaft 71a, and the air purifier is rotated. You may make it change the discharge | release direction of the air from the machine 71. FIG. Furthermore, the air cleaner 71 may be rotated back and forth within a certain angular range around the shaft 71a, that is, the air cleaner 71 may be swung to widen the release range of positive ions and negative ions.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71. As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 111 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a document conveying unit 42, a document reading device 101, an image data storage unit 112, an image processing unit 113, and an image forming unit. 114, a facsimile communication unit 115, a display unit 116 for displaying various information, an input operation unit 117 operated by a user, a bus 118 for interconnecting the units, an input / output unit 119, a main power supply 121, a sub power supply 122, and A power key 123 and the like are provided.

  The control unit 111 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing various programs executed by the CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of the CPU, and the like. To execute the program, perform data processing, and control the entire image forming apparatus 100.

  The control unit 111 is connected to the air purifier 71 through the input / output unit 119 and controls the operation of the air purifier 71.

  The document conveyance unit 42 and the document reading device 101 are also shown in FIG. 1 and convey a document or read an image of a document.

  The image data storage unit 112 is a hard disk device or the like, and stores image data indicating an image of a document read by the document reading device 101 or an image received from the outside. The image processing unit 113 performs various processes on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 112.

  The image forming unit 114 includes the laser exposure device 1, the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, the cleaner device 4, the intermediate transfer belt device 8, the fixing device 12, the paper transport path S, and the paper feed tray shown in FIG. 10 and a paper discharge tray 15 or the like, and prints an image of a document on a recording paper.

  The facsimile communication unit 115 is connected to the network N, and transmits and receives image data through the network N by executing a protocol of facsimile communication with the counterpart terminal.

  The display unit 116 is a liquid crystal display device, for example, and displays operation guidance and the like of the image forming apparatus 100. The input operation unit 117 includes various keys and buttons operated by the user, or a touch panel superimposed on the screen of the display unit 116, and detects the keys and buttons operated by the user, or is selected by the user. The key on the screen of the displayed display unit 116 is detected through a touch panel, and an input instruction by the user is output to the control unit 111.

  The main power supply 121 supplies power to other units except the facsimile communication unit 115, and includes a control unit 111, a document transport unit 42, a document reading device 101, an image data storage unit 112, an image processing unit 113, and image formation. Operating power is supplied to the unit 114, the display unit 116, the input operation unit 117, the input / output unit 119, and the like. The sub power source 122 is a power source dedicated to the facsimile communication unit 115 and supplies operating power only to the facsimile communication unit 115.

  The power key 123 is operated by a user, and is operated to set the image forming apparatus 100 to the night mode or return from the night mode.

  On the other hand, the air cleaner 71 includes a control unit 131 that controls the entire air cleaner 71, a motor 132 that rotates the fan 82c, a display unit 133, an input / output unit 134, an ion generating element 85, a power source 135, and a power switch. 136 and the like.

  The control unit 131 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs executed by the CPU, and a RAM that is used as a work area of the CPU. The CPU 131 executes the program and controls the entire air cleaner 71.

  The control unit 131 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 through the input / output unit 134 and controls the operation of the air cleaner 71 in response to an instruction from the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The motor 132 is for rotationally driving the fan 82c of the fan unit 82 shown in FIG. The ion generating element 85 is the PCI shown in FIGS.

  The display unit 133 is composed of, for example, a plurality of LEDs, and selectively turns on or blinks these LEDs, and notifies the user of various information by the selective lighting or blinking.

  The power supply 135 supplies operating power to the control unit 131, the motor 132, the display unit 133, the input / output unit 134, the ion generating element 85, and the like.

  The power switch 136 is a switch operated by the user, and is operated to turn on / off the power supply from the power source 135.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus 100, a warm-up mode for setting the fixing temperature of the roller of the fixing device 12 and a print processing mode for performing print processing are set. However, power consumption in these modes is large. In addition, a standby mode for reducing power consumption when printing processing is not being performed, a power saving mode for further reducing power consumption, a night mode for further reducing power consumption, and the like are set. Therefore, these standby mode, power saving mode, and night mode are modes for power saving.

  For example, in the standby mode, the power of the heater that heats the roller of the fixing device 12 is reduced, the fixing temperature is lowered, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 is reduced. In the power saving mode, the power of the heater for heating the roller of the fixing device 12 is further reduced, and the image data storage unit 112, the image processing unit 113, the image forming unit 114, the display unit 116, the input operation unit 117, and the like ( Each part) related to the printing process is selectively stopped, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 is further reduced. In the night mode, the fixing device 12 is turned off, all the units related to the printing process are stopped, and only a part of the functions of the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and the control unit 111 are operated.

  In the night mode, the facsimile communication unit 115 is activated because there is a possibility of receiving an incoming facsimile communication even if there are no people at night and the image generating apparatus 100 does not perform the printing process. In addition, each unit related to the printing process of the image generating apparatus 100 is activated to record an image indicated by the image data received by the facsimile communication unit 115 on a recording sheet, or the control unit 111 controls the air cleaner 71. Therefore, the operation of a part of the functions of the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111 is continued.

  In order to keep the facsimile communication unit 115 operating in the night mode, the sub power supply 122 is kept on and power supply from the sub power supply 122 to the facsimile communication unit 115 is continued. In order to activate only a part of the functions of the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111, the power supply from the main power supply 121 to each unit related to the printing process of the image generation apparatus 100 is stopped, and the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111 are controlled. The power supply from the main power supply 121 is continued to the unit 111.

  Here, even if a mode for power saving is set in the image forming apparatus 100, it is necessary to immediately notify when a trouble such as a failure of the image forming apparatus 100 occurs.

  Similarly, in the air cleaner 71, when trouble such as a failure of the air cleaner 71 occurs, it is necessary to immediately notify this.

  Accordingly, it is desirable that the display units 116 and 133 are always operated in both the image forming apparatus 100 and the air purifier 71, and power consumption for the operation of the display units 116 and 133 is required. However, in the image forming apparatus 100, if the display unit 116 is always operated, the power consumption of the display unit 116 cannot be reduced in the power saving mode.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 set to the power saving mode is displayed on the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71. Thus, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the power saving mode, it is not necessary to operate the display unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the power consumption of the display unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100 is reduced. You can save.

  In addition, the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 in other modes that are not power saving modes, that is, in the warm-up mode and the print processing mode. Further, the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 displays not only the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 but also the operating state of the air cleaner 71. For this reason, the user can grasp both the operation states of the image forming apparatus 100 and the air purifier 71 only by looking at the display content of the display unit 133 of the air purifier 71, and management of both is easy. become.

  Further, even when the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the power saving mode, the function of the image forming apparatus 100 is impaired. In addition, the function of the air cleaner 71 is not impaired.

  Next, input settings required to display such an operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 on the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

  This input setting is not only made to display the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 on the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71, but when the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the night mode or returns from the night mode. In addition, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is simplified by stopping or restarting the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 in conjunction with this.

  This input setting is performed by performing input to the input setting screen by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 while displaying the input setting screen on the display unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 111 displays various input setting screens on the display unit 116 according to a preset procedure, and when an input is made on the input setting screen by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117, the input contents Set and memorize. Then, the control unit 111 reads and executes the input content when controlling the image forming apparatus 100 to control the air cleaner 71.

  6A and 6B show on / off of the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100. However, the main power supply 121 and the sub power supply 122 are completely turned on / off by the on / off of the power key 123. Absent. When the power key 123 is turned on, a transition from the night mode to the warm-up mode is instructed, and when the power key 123 is turned off, the setting of the night mode is instructed. Accordingly, when the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off, the night mode is set, and the respective units related to the printing process of the image generating apparatus 100 are stopped, but the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and Operation of a part of the function of the control unit 111 is continued.

  Similarly, on / off of the operation of the air purifier 71 is shown. This on / off of the operation indicates whether or not the air purifier 71 performs the air purifying operation. When the operation of the air purifier 71 is turned off, the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85 are stopped, but the operations of some of the functions of the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131 are continued. The

  Now, an initial setting screen (not shown) for selecting one of various settings is displayed on the display unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100. When the setting of the linked operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and the air purifier 71 is selected by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 on this initial setting screen, the display unit 116 has a display as shown in FIG. 6A (a). An input setting screen 171 is displayed. 6B (b) and (c), the operation names corresponding to the check boxes 172 and 173, the select boxes 174, 175 and 177, and the input box 176 in the input setting screen 171 of FIG. An operation explanation and the like are shown.

  6A (a), 6B (b), and (c), the input setting screen 171 turns on the operation of the air purifier 71 in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. A check box 172 for performing the operation and a select box 174 for setting the air volume of the air purifier 71 to “strong” or “weak” are displayed. When a check mark is put in the check box 172 by the operation of the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 and the “strong” or “weak” air volume is selected in the select box 174, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Then, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is turned on, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is set to “strong” or “weak”.

  In addition, the input setting screen 171 includes a check box 173 for turning off the operation of the air purifier 71 in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned off, and air purifying in conjunction with the power key 123 being turned off. A selection box 175 for setting whether or not the operation of the machine 71 is immediately turned off, and an input box 176 for inputting an arbitrary specified time measured from the time when the power key 123 is turned off to the time when the air cleaner 71 is turned off. Is displayed. When a check mark is put in the check box 173 by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 and the operation of the air cleaner 71 is selected to be immediately turned off in the select box 175, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off. In conjunction with this, it is set to immediately turn off the operation of the air purifier 71. In addition, a check mark is entered in the check box 173, and it is selected that the operation of the air purifier 71 is not immediately turned off in the select box 175, and any specified time is input to the input box 176 by operating the numeric keypad of the input operation unit 117. Then, the timer is started in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned off, and the operation of the air purifier 71 is set to be turned off after the timer has counted the specified time.

  Further, a select box 177 for selecting a display pattern by the display unit 133 of the air purifier 71 is displayed. When either the first or second display pattern is selected in the select box 177 by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117, the display unit 133 is set to display the selected display pattern.

  Table 1 summarizes the interlocking operation between the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71 set in this way and the display pattern by the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71. The control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 stores the a or b term, the c or d term, and the e term in Table 1 as a data table, and uses the data table for controlling the air cleaner 71.

  Next, a control procedure of the air cleaner 71 by the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 when the night mode is set will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the daytime, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, and the image forming apparatus 100 is set to any one of the print processing mode, the standby mode, and the power saving mode. At this time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c or d in Table 1, and sets either “linked with power key off” or “not linked with power key off”. It is confirmed whether it has been done (step S201).

  For example, if “Don't interlock with power key off” in the item d is set (“No” in step S201), the control unit 111 turns off the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 at night. When the power key 123 is turned off (“Yes” in step S202), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode (step S203), and the operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed. To continue. In the night mode of the image generating apparatus 100, the power supply from the main power supply 121 to each unit related to the printing process is stopped, the power supply from the main power supply 121 to the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111 is continued, and the sub power supply 122 is used. And the power supply from the sub power supply 122 to the facsimile communication unit 115 is continued.

  Also, if “linked with power key off” in the item c is set (“Yes” in step S201), the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c and selects “timer It is checked whether "ON" or "TIMER OFF" is set (step S204).

  If “timer off” is set (“No” in step S204), the control unit 111 waits for the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 to be turned off at night (step S205). When the power key 123 is turned off (“Yes” in step S205), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode and the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is stopped (step S206). The stop of the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is to stop the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85 and to continue the operation of some of the functions of the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131. is there.

  If “timer on” is set (“Yes” in step S204), the control unit 111 waits for the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 to be turned off (step S207), and the power key 123 is turned off. If so ("Yes" in step S207), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode (step S208). At the same time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c, acquires the specified time measured by the timer, and starts measuring the specified time by the timer. When the timer finishes measuring the specified time, that is, when the specified time has elapsed from the time when the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off (“Yes” in step S209), the control unit 111 performs the The cleaning operation is stopped (step S210).

  When the power key 123 is turned off at night in this way, the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode, and the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is continued or stopped. Thereafter, when the power key 123 is turned on in the morning, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the night mode to the warm-up mode. At this time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item a or b in Table 1, and sets either “linked with power key on” or “not linked with power key on”. Check if it is. For example, if “Do not interlock with power key on” in item b is set, the control unit 111 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the warm-up mode in response to the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. However, the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is not resumed. However, if the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed in the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100, the air cleaning operation is continued.

  Also, if “linked with power key on” in the item a is set, the control unit 111 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the warm-up mode in response to the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. At the same time, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is resumed. Further, if the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed in the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100, the air cleaning operation is continued.

  Further, when restarting the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item a, confirms the setting of the air volume of the air cleaner 71, and the air volume is “strong”. If it is set to, the rotational speed of the motor 132 is increased, the fan 82c is driven to rotate at a high speed, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is increased. If the air volume is set to “weak”, the rotational speed of the motor 132 is decreased, the fan 82c is rotated at a low speed, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is decreased.

  As described above, the air purifier 71 is stopped or restarted according to the setting of the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100 or the transition from the night mode to the warm-up mode. The power consumption of the air purifier 71 can be reduced without compromising the effect of the air purifier 71 at all.

  It should be noted that the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is turned on / off in response to the on / off of the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100, that is, in response to the key operation by the user. Even when the night mode is automatically set based on the time schedule or when the night mode is shifted to the warm-up mode, the air cleaner 71 can be linked in the same procedure as in FIG.

  Next, a control procedure for displaying the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 on the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, even if the display unit 116 is operated when the warm-up mode or the print processing mode is set, the power-saving modes such as the standby mode, the power saving mode, and the night mode are set. When it is, the display unit 116 is stopped to reduce power consumption. Even when any of the warm-up mode, the print processing mode, and the power saving mode is set, the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the display unit 133 of the air purifier 71 and the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. The display of the operation state is not interrupted, and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71 can be grasped by the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, only a part of the functions of the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and the control unit 111 are operated in the night mode. In addition, at least some of the functions of the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and the control unit 111 are also activated in the standby mode, power saving mode, warm-up mode, and print processing mode. Accordingly, it can be said that a part of the functions of the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111 are always operated.

  In the air cleaner 71, even when the air cleaning operation is stopped in the night mode, some of the functions of the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131 are operated. Of course, the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131 are operated even during the air cleaning operation. Therefore, it can be said that some of the functions of the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131 are always activated.

  For this reason, the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 communicates with the control unit 131 of the air purifier 71 in any of the warm-up mode, the print processing mode, the standby mode, the power saving mode, and the night mode. Data communication can be performed, and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 can be notified to the control unit 131 of the air cleaner 71. The control unit 131 of the air cleaner 71 can display the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 on the display unit 133.

  FIG. 8 shows an arrangement example of each LED of the display unit 133. As shown in FIG. 8, three LEDs 133a, 133b, and 133c, which are display units 133, are arranged on the front panel of the main body of the air purifier 71. The LED 133a has a green emission color, the LED 133b has a blue emission color, and the LED 133c has an orange emission color. The control part 131 of the air cleaner 71 selectively blinks or lights each LED 133a-133c, and alert | reports various information by each LED133a-133c.

  FIG. 9 is a chart showing respective notification information corresponding to blinking or lighting of the LEDs 133a to 133c. The control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the control unit 131 of the air cleaner 71 have a data table corresponding to the chart of FIG. 9, and control the LEDs 133a to 133c with reference to this data table. Note that the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 holds only the contents of the data table related to the two LEDs 133a and 133c for notifying the state of the image forming apparatus 100, and the control unit 131 of the air purifier 71 controls the air purifier 71. Only the contents of the data table related to one LED 133b for informing the state may be held. Alternatively, only one of the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the control unit 131 of the air purifier 71 has a data table corresponding to the chart of FIG. 8 and controls each LED in cooperation with the other. I do not care.

  As shown in the chart of FIG. 9, the LED 133a whose emission color is green is for displaying the state of facsimile communication or the printing process of the image forming apparatus 100, and is a data table corresponding to the item e in Table 1 above. If the first display pattern is set as the contents of, the green LED 133a is used to notify the status of facsimile communication, and the second display pattern is set as the contents of the data table corresponding to the item e in Table 1. If so, the green LED 133a is used to notify the status of the printing process. Specifically, the first display pattern is a pattern in which the LED 133a is blinked when receiving the facsimile communication, and the LED 133a is turned on when the reception of the facsimile communication is completed. The second display pattern is a pattern in which the LED 133a is blinked during the printing process, and the LED 133a is turned on when the printing process is completed.

  The control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 causes the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 to display the state of the image forming apparatus 100 in any of the warm-up mode, the print processing mode, the standby mode, the power saving mode, and the night mode. Is displayed, the contents of the data table corresponding to the item e in Table 1 are referred to and it is confirmed which of the first and second display patterns is set. If the first display pattern is set, the control unit 111 obtains the first display pattern of the LED 133a for notifying the state of facsimile communication with reference to the data table corresponding to the chart of FIG. The facsimile communication unit 115 is monitored, and when the facsimile communication unit 115 is in a reception state, an instruction to blink the LED 133a is sent through the input / output unit 119 to cause the LED 133a of the display unit 133 to blink according to the first display pattern. Notify The control unit 131 of the air purifier 71 receives an instruction to blink the LED 133a through the input / output unit 134 and causes the LED 133a of the display unit 133 to blink. Thereafter, when the reception of the facsimile communication unit 115 is completed, the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 issues a lighting instruction of the LED 133a through the input / output unit 119 to turn on the LED 133a of the display unit 133 according to the first display pattern. The machine 71 is notified. The control unit 131 of the air cleaner 71 receives an instruction to turn on the LED 133a through the input / output unit 134, and turns on the LED 133a of the display unit 133.

  Further, when the second display pattern is set, the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the data table corresponding to the chart of FIG. 9 and the LED 133a for informing the status of the printing process. 2 The display pattern is obtained, the image forming unit 114 is monitored, and when the image forming unit 114 enters the print processing state, the LED 133a blinking instruction is made to blink the LED 133a of the display unit 133 according to the second display pattern. 71 is notified. The control part 131 of the air cleaner 71 receives the blink instruction | indication of LED133a, and makes LED133a of the display part 133 blink. Thereafter, when the printing process of the image forming unit 114 is completed, the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the air cleaner 71 of an instruction to turn on the LED 133a in order to turn on the LED 133a of the display unit 133 according to the second display pattern. To do. The control part 131 of the air cleaner 71 receives the lighting instruction | indication of LED133a, and makes LED133a of the display part 133 light.

  Accordingly, if one of the first and second display patterns is selected in the select box 177 on the input setting screen 171 in FIG. 6A, the facsimile communication of the image forming apparatus 100 is performed according to the selected display pattern. The state or the state of the printing process is displayed by blinking or lighting of the LED 133a of the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is set to any one of the standby mode, the power saving mode, and the night mode, the display unit 116 is stopped. Instead of the display unit 116, the facsimile communication of the image forming apparatus 100 is performed. Or the state of the printing process is displayed on the display unit 133 of the air purifier 71, so that the display of these states is not interrupted.

  Further, as shown in the chart of FIG. 9, the LED 133 b whose emission color is blue indicates the operating state of the air cleaner 71. When the blue LED 133b flashes, the air purifier 71 is in a state of failure or maintenance of the air purifier 71 is necessary. When the blue LED 133b is lit, the air purifier 71 is in an air purifying state. It is in operation state.

  When the controller 131 of the air cleaner 71 determines a failure of the air cleaner 71 based on a detection output of a sensor (not shown) in the air cleaner 71 and determines a failure of the air cleaner 71. Referring to the data table corresponding to the chart of FIG. 9, the display pattern of the LED 133b for notifying the failure of the air purifier 71 is obtained, and the LED 133b is blinked. Alternatively, the control unit 131 accumulates the driving time of the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85 of the fan 82c, determines whether maintenance is necessary based on the driving time, and sets the driving time in advance. When the specified time is reached, the LED 133b blinks with reference to the data table corresponding to the chart of FIG. If the control unit 131 determines that the air cleaning operation state is in progress while the motor 132 or the ion generating element 85 of the fan 82c is being driven, the control unit 131 turns on the LED 133b with reference to the data table corresponding to the diagram of FIG.

  Therefore, the state of the air cleaner 71 is displayed by blinking or lighting of the LED 133b of the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71.

  Further, as is apparent from the chart of FIG. 9, the LED 133c whose emission color is orange indicates the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100. When the orange LED 133c blinks, the image forming apparatus 100 has failed. When the orange LED 133c is lit, the image forming apparatus 100 is in a paper jam state or the image forming apparatus 100 needs maintenance. It is a state.

  The control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 detects and outputs a sensor (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 100 in any of the warm-up mode, the print processing mode, the standby mode, the power saving mode, and the night mode. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 is out of order, paper jam, or maintenance is necessary, or the determination results are stored. When the controller 111 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 has failed or the stored determination result indicates a failure, the control unit 111 refers to the data table corresponding to the diagram of FIG. The display pattern of the LED 133c for notifying the failure of the LED 133c is obtained, and the air cleaner 71 is notified of the blinking instruction of the LED 133c. The control part 131 of the air cleaner 71 receives the blink instruction | indication of LED133c, and makes LED133c of the display part 133 blink. Further, the control unit 111 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100 is in a paper jam state or the necessity for maintenance, or if the stored determination result indicates the paper jam state or the necessity for maintenance, FIG. The air cleaner 71 is notified of the lighting instruction of the LED 133c with reference to the data table corresponding to the chart. The control unit 131 of the air cleaner 71 receives an instruction to turn on the LED 133c, and turns on the LED 133c of the display unit 133.

  Accordingly, the failure of the image forming apparatus 100, a paper jam, and the necessity of maintenance are displayed by the blinking and lighting of the LED 133c of the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is set to any one of the standby mode, the power saving mode, and the night mode, the display unit 116 is stopped. Instead of the display unit 116, a failure of the image forming apparatus 100, Since the paper jam and the necessity for maintenance are displayed on the display unit 133 of the air purifier 71, these displays are not interrupted.

  As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 displays the state of facsimile communication or the printing process of the image forming apparatus 100, or the image forming apparatus 100 needs to be broken, jammed, or maintained. Therefore, it is possible to grasp both the operation states of the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71 from the display contents of the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71, and management of both becomes easy. .

  In addition, when the image forming apparatus 100 is in any of the standby mode, the power saving mode, and the night mode, the image forming apparatus 100 even if the display unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100 is stopped to save power consumption. Is displayed on the display unit 133 of the air purifier 71, the display of the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 is not interrupted.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and even if a design change or the like in a category not departing from the gist of the present invention is performed, It is included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the number of LEDs on the display unit 133 of the air cleaner 71 may be increased or decreased, or the type of information notified by a combination of blinking, lighting, and extinguishing of these LEDs may be increased or decreased. Further, a liquid crystal display device or the like may be used instead of the LED.

  In the above embodiment, the air cleaner 71 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 100, but the air cleaner 71 may be built in the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of air holes 191 are formed on the upper side of the outer wall of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and an air cleaner 71 is provided on the back side of the outer wall of the main body at these air holes 191. In addition, ions may be blown from the air purifier 71 to the operation panel 192 through the air holes 191 on the outer wall of the main body.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, an air cleaner 71 for blowing ions to the operation panel 192 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an air cleaner 71 for blowing ions to the vicinity where exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 is generated. May be provided individually.

  Furthermore, the air cleaner 71 is not integrated with the image forming apparatus 100 but is separated, and the control unit 131 of the air cleaner 71 and the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 are simply interconnected via the input / output unit. I do not care. In this case, the air purifier 71 can be installed on a high place such as a ceiling or on the floor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser exposure apparatus 2 Developing apparatus 3 Photosensitive drum 4 Cleaner apparatus 5 Charger 8 Intermediate transfer belt apparatus 10 Paper feed tray 11 Secondary transfer apparatus 12 Fixing apparatus 15 Paper discharge tray 42 Document conveyance part 71 Air cleaner 72 Strut 81 Main body Case 82 Fan unit 83 Suction duct 84 Blowout duct 85 Ion generating element 86 Filter 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Document reading apparatus 111, 131 Control unit 112 Image data storage unit 113 Image processing unit 114 Image forming unit 115 Facsimile communication unit 116, 133 Display unit 117 Input operation unit 118 Buses 119 and 134 Input / output unit 121 Main power source 122 Sub power source 132 Motor 135 Power source

Claims (5)

An air purifier for purifying the air;
An image forming apparatus set in a mode for power saving;
An image forming system comprising: control means for displaying an operation state of the image forming apparatus set in the power saving mode on a display unit of the air cleaner. The image forming system according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus has a facsimile communication function,
The control means displays the state of facsimile communication on the display unit of the air cleaner when the image forming apparatus is performing facsimile communication in a state of being set to a power saving mode. Image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The air cleaner includes an ion generating means. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the air cleaner is provided above the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming system, wherein the air cleaner is built in the image forming apparatus.

Images