JP2011090109A - Image forming apparatus including air cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus with an air cleaning device which performs efficient air cleaning by relating opening/closing of an original platen cover to emission of an ion and then emitting the ion. <P>SOLUTION: An ion emitting direction and air quantity from the air cleaning device 71 are adjusted according to an opening/closing angle of the original platen cover 42. When the opening/closing angle of the original platen cover 42 is smaller than a value of a predetermined angle, a controller 74 sets the ion emitting direction of the air cleaning device 71 so that the ion may be emitted toward a side of an apparatus of its own, and when the opening/closing angle of the original platen cover 42 is larger than the value of the predetermined angle, the controller sets the ion emitting direction so that the ion may be emitted to an upper side of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the ion is emitted to space of a room in which a person exists in such a manner that the emitted ion does not strike at the original platen cover, and the efficient air cleaning is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus with an air cleaning device that releases ions into a room to clean air.

  In recent years, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses capable of forming images, such as copying machines, printers, and facsimile machines, have been developed. In these image forming apparatuses, for example, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, developed with toner to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet. In this apparatus, the recording paper is heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the recording paper, so-called image forming processing on the recording paper.

  In such an image forming apparatus, harmful exhaust gas may be generated during the image forming process on the recording paper. It is known that the main component of the exhaust gas is longifolene generated from recording paper.

  However, an image forming apparatus is an indispensable OA device in an office or the like, and is installed in almost all offices, and is also becoming popular in homes and hospitals. Therefore, harmful exhaust gas discharged from the image forming apparatus gives unpleasant feeling to many users.

  Therefore, various proposals have been made to purify such harmful exhaust gases in the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a blower fan, a negative ion generation unit, a positively charged filter, and the like are provided inside the image forming apparatus, and toner powder and dust generated inside the apparatus are negatively charged to be negatively charged. An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which toner powder and dust are adsorbed on a positively charged filter to reduce harmful substances released to the outside of the apparatus.

  On the other hand, air cleaners that purify indoor air are widely used in offices, homes, hospitals, and the like, and various types of such air purifiers exist (for example, see Patent Document 2). Patent Document 2 discloses an air cleaner that simultaneously generates positive ions and negative ions, and effectively removes airborne bacteria in the air by using positive ions and negative ions.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, the first intake / exhaust means provided on the upper surface of the main body, the second intake / exhaust means provided on the lower part of the main body, and the first intake / exhaust means and the second intake / exhaust means communicate with each other. And a fan motor capable of switching between forward and reverse, and a dirt detecting means for detecting dirt in the room, and the direction of air flow is changed by switching the rotation direction of the fan motor based on the detection result of the dirt detecting means. An air cleaning device that eliminates air stagnation and efficiently removes suspended dust by switching is disclosed.

JP 2005-4144 A JP 2002-58731 A JP 2009-142737 A

  By the way, when the air cleaning device is mounted on the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body above the document table cover of the image forming apparatus, the discharge amount and direction of ions from the air cleaning device are adjusted according to the opening and closing of the document table cover. There is a need to. Otherwise, when the document table cover is opened, the ions released from the air cleaning device hit the document table cover surface, and the ions are wasted. Further, depending on the user, the document table cover may be left open, and even in such a case, it is useless to release ions from the air cleaning device.

  Such a problem of eliminating waste of ion emission accompanying opening and closing of the document table cover is not described in any of the prior art documents.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with an air purifier capable of efficiently releasing air by associating an opening / closing angle of an original table cover with release of ions to release ions into a living room.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a document table cover provided on the image forming apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable around a rotation axis on one end side, and a rotation axis side of the document table cover. An air purifier having an ion generating element and an air blower installed and emitting ions, an angle detection sensor for detecting an open / closed state of the document table cover, and the air purifier based on a detection angle from the angle detection sensor. A control unit that adjusts and controls the air blowing direction and the air flow rate, and the control unit releases ions toward the main body of the image apparatus when the opening angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle. The air blowing direction from the air cleaning device is controlled so that ions are released upward when the opening angle of the base cover is larger than a predetermined angle.

  According to the above configuration, the ion emission direction from the air cleaning device is adjusted by the opening / closing angle of the document table cover, and when the opening / closing angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle value, the ion emission direction from the air cleaning device. Is discharged toward the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, ions are emitted toward the user facing the image forming apparatus main body, and when the opening / closing angle of the document table cover is larger than a predetermined angle, the ions are emitted upward of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the released ions can be released into the living room space without hitting the document table cover, and efficient air cleaning can be performed.

  Here, the control of the blowing direction is performed as follows. That is, the air purifier has a blowout port that blows out air containing ions to the main body casing, and the control unit controls the rotation of the main body casing to change the direction of emission of ions from the blowout opening. Alternatively, the air cleaning device is formed in the main body casing, and an upper outlet from which air containing ions blows upward, and a horizontal outlet formed in the main body casing from which air containing ions blows toward the document platen cover side. And a duct damper that switches the blower from the blower to the upper blowout port or the horizontal blowout port, and the control unit switches and controls the duct damper based on the detection angle signal from the angle detection sensor.

  Further, the control unit adjusts and controls the air volume from the air cleaning device to a set air volume when the opening angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle, and when the opening angle of the document table cover is larger than the predetermined angle. The air flow rate of the air purifier is controlled so as to release ions with a low air flow rate.

  When the document table cover is open, the image forming apparatus is not operating. In such a case, unnecessary ion release as a low air flow is suppressed. On the other hand, when the document table cover is closed, the air volume can be set between low and high according to the operation status of the image forming apparatus and the user's preference so that the emitted ions can be used effectively.

  In addition, the control unit controls to release strong air volume ions from the air cleaning device when the opening angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle, and when the opening angle of the document table cover is larger than the predetermined angle. The air flow rate of the air cleaning device is controlled so that ions are released with a low air flow rate.

  According to the above configuration, when the ions can be used effectively, the air purifier releases strong air volume ions, thereby increasing the ion utilization rate. Further, when the angle of the document table cover is larger than the predetermined angle, the air cleaning device emits a weak amount of ions, thereby reducing wasteful discharge as much as possible.

  Here, the air purifier generates and discharges positive ions and negative ions simultaneously. Thereby, the disinfection effect can be exhibited.

  The air cleaning device includes a plurality of ion generating elements, and changes the amount of ions released by setting the number of ion generating elements to be driven.

  According to the above configuration, if the ion concentration in the room is equal to or higher than the set normal level, the ion emission amount is changed by changing the number of ion generating elements to be driven among a plurality of ion generating elements. It is efficient and energy-saving.

  In addition, the air cleaning device includes a blower fan that discharges the ion generating element, and changes the amount of ions released by changing the rotational speed of the fan. As a result, if the ion concentration in the office is higher than the set normal level, the amount of ion emission can be changed by reducing the fan speed (decreasing the air volume). It is also effective for energy saving.

  As described above, the ion emission direction from the air cleaning device is adjusted according to the opening / closing angle of the document table cover, and when the opening / closing angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle value, the ion emission direction from the air cleaning device is It is emitted toward the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, ions are emitted toward the user, and when the opening / closing angle of the document table cover is larger than a predetermined angle value, the ions are emitted upward of the image forming apparatus. Without hitting the platen cover, it can be discharged into the living room space and efficient air cleaning can be performed.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing an air blowing direction in the image forming apparatus with an air cleaning device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows an example in which ions are released to the document table cover side, and FIG. An example of discharging is shown. It is sectional drawing of an air purifying apparatus. It is an array diagram of an ion generating element. It is a side view of an image forming apparatus with an air cleaner, and shows an example in which ions are released upward. It is a side view of an image forming apparatus with an air cleaning device, and shows an example in which ions are released to the image forming apparatus main body side. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of an air purifying apparatus, Comprising: The example which discharge | releases ion upwards is shown. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the ion emission direction is switched to the image forming apparatus main body side in the air cleaning apparatus of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example in which ions are released to the image forming apparatus main body side in the image forming apparatus using the air cleaning device of FIG. 7. It is a side view which shows the example which discharge | releases ion upwards in the image forming apparatus using the air purifying apparatus of FIG. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the example which discharge | releases ion to the image forming apparatus main body side in the image forming apparatus using the air purifying apparatus of FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus showing a relationship between an air cleaning device and a closed document table cover. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus showing a relationship between an air cleaning device and a platen cover, where (a) shows a state in which the platen cover is open, and (b) shows a state in which the platen cover is closed. Show. It is the schematic which shows the operation state of an opening-and-closing angle detection sensor, (a) is a figure showing a cover open state, (b) is a figure showing a cover closed state.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus with an air cleaning device according to the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the air cleaning device 71 via a signal line (not shown), and a control unit in the image device main body controls the operation of the air cleaning device 71. The power source of the air cleaning device 71 is a separate power source independent of the power source of the image forming apparatus 100, and the power supply is taken in from an indoor outlet. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document, and an image forming unit that copies the read image onto a recording sheet.

  The reading unit includes an original platen glass 61 that is disposed at the upper end of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and is made of platen glass on which an original is placed, and an original platen cover 42 that is openable and closable on the upper side. . The document table cover 42 is provided so as to be openable and closable about a rotation shaft 102 (see FIG. 12) disposed at the end thereof. In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the rotation shaft 102 is disposed at the upper rear end of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 with the axial direction being the left-right direction, and the air purifying device 71 is disposed on the rear side thereof. ing.

  The document table cover 42 is arranged to be freely opened and closed by a rotation shaft having an axial direction in the front-rear direction at the left and right ends of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, while the air cleaning device 71 is arranged on the rotation shaft side. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that is arranged at the left and right ends of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and is configured to emit ions toward the document table cover 42.

  The opening / closing angle of the document table cover 42 is detected by an angle detection sensor 103 that detects the opening / closing state of the document table cover. The control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 sends a command to the air cleaning device 71 according to the opening / closing angle of the document table cover 42 based on the cover angle detection signal, and determines the operation mode of the air cleaning device 71. That is, the control unit 74 adjusts and controls the blowing direction and the blowing amount of the air cleaning device 71.

  The control unit 74 includes a microcomputer provided with a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The control unit 74 controls the reading operation of the reading unit and the image forming operation of the image forming unit in the image forming apparatus 100, and also controls the operation of the external air cleaning device 71.

  Specifically, the control unit 74 releases ions toward the image forming apparatus main body when the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is smaller than a predetermined angle, and the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is a predetermined angle. The air blowing direction from the air purifying device 71 is controlled so that ions are released upward when the pressure is larger.

  Here, the image forming apparatus main body side that emits ions when the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is smaller than a predetermined angle is a direction other than the upper side of the image forming apparatus main body, and the apparatus main body side that is the own apparatus. Refers to the range from to the top. For example, the ion emission direction is slightly downward toward the document table cover, or is substantially horizontal with the document table cover above the document table cover, and further obliquely upward above the document table cover. Further, “above the image forming apparatus that emits ions when the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is larger than a predetermined angle” means an upward direction in which the emitted ions do not hit the document table cover.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the angle detection sensor 103 includes, for example, an opening / closing detection actuator 104 for the document table cover, and light emitting / receiving elements 106 a and 106 b for detecting the operation status of the detection actuator 104.

  The detection actuator 104 is installed on the upper surface side of the platen glass 61 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be able to protrude and retract from the detection window 105, and is configured to always protrude upward by a spring (not shown), and is disposed above the detection actuator 104. When the document table cover 42 is closed, the detection actuator 104 is pushed down, and the opening / closing angle of the document table cover 42 is detected by utilizing the amount of light received by the light emitting / receiving elements 106a and 106b depending on the amount of depression. Yes.

  That is, the light emitting / receiving elements 106a and 106b are arranged on both sides of the detection actuator 104 with the detection window 105 sandwiched therebetween, and the light emitted from the light emitting element 106a is blocked by the actuator 104 due to the vertical movement of the detection actuator 104. The opening / closing angle of the document table cover 42 is detected by utilizing the change in the amount of light received by the element 106b.

  Depending on how the document table cover 42 is opened and closed, the operation mode of the air cleaning device 71 is determined as follows.

<When the platen cover is closed>
The operation mode of the air purifier 71 when the document table cover 42 is closed is as follows. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a command to release ions, the image forming apparatus 100 first checks the open / close state of the document table cover 42. The collation is performed using an angle detection sensor 103 that detects an opening / closing angle of the document table cover 42. The open / close angle of the document table cover 42 is detected according to the voltage level of the signal of the angle detection sensor 103 or the ON / OFF state. When the document table cover 42 is closed, the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus detects a state in which the document table cover 42 is closed.

  Next, the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus sets the ion emission mode of the air cleaning device 71. When the document table cover 42 is closed, the ion emission amount is set at the “strong” level, and the ion emission direction is designated as the front direction of the image forming apparatus 100. Thereafter, the air cleaning device 71 receives a command from the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 and releases ions in the forward direction of the image forming apparatus 100 with a “strong” air volume.

<When the platen cover is opened>
The operation mode of the air cleaning device 71 when the document table cover 42 is opened is as follows. When receiving a command to release ions, the image forming apparatus 100 first checks the open / closed state of the document table cover 42 as described above. At this time, the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 detects the open state of the document table cover 42.

  Next, the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the ion emission mode of the air cleaning device 71. In this case, since the document table cover 42 is open, the control unit 74 sets the ion emission amount to the “weak” level and designates the ion emission direction upward in the image forming apparatus 100. Thereafter, the air cleaning device 71 receives a command from the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 and releases ions upward in the image forming apparatus 100 with a “weak” air volume.

  Table 1 summarizes the ion emission direction, the air volume, and the driving state of the ion generating element when the document table cover 42 is opened and closed.

  Case 1 is when the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is smaller than a predetermined angle (including when the document table cover 42 is closed), the ion emission direction is the own device (image forming device) side, that is, the document table cover side, and the air volume is An example is shown in which one or more units (that is, two units) are operated among a plurality (for example, in the case of two units as shown in FIG. 4) of ion generating elements, which can be set in a weak, medium, and strong range.

  The case 2 changes the blowing direction from the own apparatus (image forming apparatus) side to the upward direction when the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is smaller than a predetermined angle (including when it is closed). The air volume can be set in the range of weak, medium and strong, and more than one unit (that is, two units) is operated among a plurality (for example, two units as shown in FIG. 4). An example is shown. In this example, since the document table cover 42 is closed, even if the ion emission direction is appropriately set within the range from the apparatus side to the upper side, the wind containing ions in the ion emission direction does not hit the document table cover 42. , Ions can be efficiently released.

  Case 3 is a case where the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is opened larger than a predetermined angle, the ion emission direction is set upward, the air volume is set to be weak, and a plurality (for example, as shown in FIG. 4). An example of operating only one unit of the ion generating elements in the case of two units) is shown. In this example, since the document table cover is open, the ion emission direction is set upward, and the ions containing the emitted ions are prevented from hitting the document table cover so that ions are efficiently emitted. .

<< Description of Image Forming Device / Air Cleaning Device >>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 records and forms a document reading unit 101 that reads a document and an image of the document read by the document reading unit 101 or an image received from the outside in color or single color on a recording sheet. And an image forming unit.

  In the document reading unit 101, a document table cover 42 is provided on a document table glass 61 so as to be freely opened and closed. The document table cover 42 has a document set tray 41 for setting a document, a document discharge tray 59 for receiving a document discharged after the document is read, and a document discharge tray 59 from the document set tray 41 to the document discharge tray 59. A conveyance path 47 for reading the original is formed.

  The document reading unit 101 reads a document image sent from the document set tray 41 to the document transport path 47. When a document is set on the document set tray 41 on the upper surface of the document table cover 42 and an operation button is pressed on the operation panel 75, an operation signal is input to the control unit 74, and a document reading operation is executed.

  In the document reading operation, first, the document pickup roller 44 is pressed against the surface of the document and rotated, the document is pulled out from the document setting tray 41, and the document passes between the suction roller 45 and the separation pad 46 one by one. After being separated, it is transported to the transport path 47.

  In the 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 to read the reading guide 51 and the reading glass. Pass between 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 unit 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 is read by the reading 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 table cover 42 is pivotally supported by a rotation shaft on the back side of the document reading unit 101 so that the document table glass 61 is opened when the document table cover 42 is opened, and the document table glass 61 is opened. An original can be placed on the top.

  When the document is placed, the document table cover 42 is closed, and the operation button is pressed on the operation panel 75, the operation signal is input to the control unit 74, and the document reading operation is executed. In the document reading operation, first, the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 are moved in the sub-scanning direction, and the first scanning unit 53 exposes the surface of the document on the document table glass 61 to perform first and second scanning. Reflected light from the document surface is guided to the imaging lens 55 by the units 53 and 54, and an 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 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 And a paper discharge tray 15.

  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 the 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, a rubber-like elastic body such as EPDM or urethane foam). is there. With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the recording paper.

  As described above, the toner images on the surface 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. (For example, an elastic rubber roller or a foaming resin roller).

  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. The back side of 7 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 sheet is conveyed so that the leading end is aligned with the leading end of the image forming area of the recording sheet.

  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 as 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 example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, an air cleaning device 71 is provided above the main body of the image forming device 100, and positive ions and negative ions are generated by the air cleaning device 71. And positive ions and negative ions are released from the air cleaning device 71 obliquely downward as indicated by the arrow D. Thus, 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 removed.

  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.

  Further, since no exhaust gas is generated in the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100, the positive ion and negative ion release directions from the air cleaning device 71 are directed upward in the arrow E as shown in FIG. In this modification, positive ions and negative ions are allowed to flow and diffuse throughout the room, and airborne bacteria are removed by the positive ions and negative ions to purify the air over a wide range.

  Here, the emission directions of positive ions and negative ions are set obliquely below the arrow D, but not only in the direction of the arrow D, the positive ions and negative ions cover the image forming apparatus 100 so that the positive ions and negative ions cover the image forming apparatus 100. If emitted in the direction toward the image forming apparatus 100, the emission direction of positive ions and negative ions may be changed.

  Moreover, although the discharge | release direction of the positive ion and the negative ion is set to the upward direction of the arrow E, not only the direction of this arrow E but a positive ion and a negative ion are upper sides which are shown with the dashed-dotted line of FIG. If released in the range X of the direction, the emission direction of positive ions and negative ions may be changed. Furthermore, the positive ion and negative ion emission directions may be changed not only to the upper direction range X but also to the opposite direction to the image forming apparatus 100 that diffuses throughout the room.

  As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B, a support column 72 projects from a corner 100a on one side of the back surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and an air purifier 71 is provided at the upper end of the support column 72. A shaft 71 a on one end side of the air purifier is rotatably supported in the direction of arrow F, and the shaft 71 a of the air cleaning device 71 is connected to the output shaft of the motor drive unit 73.

  The motor drive unit 73 drives the shaft 71a of the air cleaning device 71 to reciprocately rotate, the air cleaning device 71 reciprocates in the direction of arrow F, and the discharge directions of positive ions and negative ions from the air cleaning device 71 are indicated by arrows. D and the direction of arrow E are changed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the motor drive unit 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 not only controls the motor drive unit 73 but also controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The controller 74 drives and controls the motor drive unit 73 in accordance with the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100, thereby cleaning the air. The rotational position of the device 71 is controlled, and the discharge direction of the ions from the air cleaning device 71 is set to one of arrows D and E.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A and 2B, the support column 72 is disposed at a corner 100a on one side of the back surface of the main body, and the air cleaning device 71 is horizontally cantilevered by the support column 72. The space above the apparatus 100 is released, 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 air cleaning device 71 is provided on the back side of the image forming apparatus 100, and the air cleaning device 71 is disposed near the wall so as not to get in the way.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the air cleaning device 71 is formed on a main body casing 81, a fan unit 82 as a blower device disposed at the lower portion of the main body casing 81, and a lower side wall of the main body casing 81. The suction duct 83 disposed between the plurality of suction holes 81 a and the suction port 82 a of the fan unit 82, the upper blowing port 81 b formed in the upper part of the main body housing 81, and the blowing port 82 b of the fan unit 82. A blowout duct 84 disposed therebetween and a plurality of ion generating elements 85 disposed around the fan unit 82 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 (a), and 2 (b), since the air cleaning device 71 is long in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100, the main body housing 81, the fan unit 82, each suction hole 81 a, and 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.

  When the fan 82c of the fan unit 82 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), an air flow as indicated by an arrow G is generated, and the air flows into the fan unit 82 from each suction hole 81a through the suction duct 83. After inhaling and flowing air in the vicinity of each ion generating element 85, the air is discharged from the upper outlet 81 b through the outlet duct 84. The motor (not shown) of the fan 82 c is also connected to the control unit 74 built in the image forming apparatus 100 and driven and controlled by the control unit 74, similarly to the motor drive unit 73.

  When each ion generating element 85 is viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3, two ion generating elements 85 are arranged in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 4. Each ion generating element 85 includes a pair of positive ion generators 85a that generate positive ions and a pair of negative ion generators 85b that generate negative ions. Such an ion generating element 85 is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-58731 filed earlier by the applicant of the present invention.

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

  In such a configuration, the control unit 74 in FIG. 1 governs overall control of the image forming apparatus 100 as described above, and when the power switch is turned on, the image forming apparatus is performed in a preset procedure. The image forming apparatus 100 is set in a standby state by driving and controlling each unit 100.

  In this standby state, copying of the document image can be instructed by an input operation on the operation panel 75. When the control unit 74 receives a print instruction signal for instructing copying based on an input operation on the operation panel 75, the control unit 74 starts the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in response to the print instruction signal, and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100. Is set, the original image is read, and the read original image is copied onto a recording sheet. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a copying machine.

  The image forming apparatus 100 also includes an interface 76 connected to a network. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to an external terminal device (not shown) such as a personal computer through the network N, and images and prints from the external terminal device to the interface 76. An instruction signal is received. The control unit 74 inputs the received image and the print instruction signal, starts the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in response to the print instruction signal, sets the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100, and displays the image. Print on recording paper. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a printer.

  Furthermore, after a print process is completed, when a certain time has passed without the print process being executed, the image forming apparatus 100 is again in a standby state, and the next print instruction signal is input.

  Note that the standby state is a state in which the printing process is not being executed and the process can immediately be started.

  Here, the control unit 74 releases ions when the image forming apparatus 100 enters the ion emission mode regardless of the standby state and the operation state. At this time, the open / close state of the document table cover 42 is checked, and when the opening angle of the document table cover 42 is smaller than a predetermined angle, ions are released toward the image forming apparatus main body, and the document table cover 42 is opened. The air blowing direction from the air cleaning device 71 is controlled so that ions are emitted upward when the angle is larger than a predetermined angle.

  When the angle formed between the platen glass and the platen cover 42 is larger than a predetermined angle, the control unit 74 drives and controls the motor drive unit 73 to control the rotational position of the air cleaning device 71, and FIG. ) And the ion emission direction from the air cleaning device 71 is set in the upward direction of the arrow E as shown in FIG. 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, thereby purifying the air over a wide range.

  At this time, the control unit 74 may reciprocately rotate the air cleaning device 71 in a certain angular range around the shaft 71 a by the drive control of the motor drive unit 73. That is, the air purifying device 71 is swung, and thereby the emission range of positive ions and negative ions can be expanded.

  Further, the control unit 74 slows down the rotational speed of the fan 82c by controlling the motor of the fan 82c of the fan unit 82. As a result, the air from the air cleaning device 71 is gently released, and the release of useless positive ions and negative ions is suppressed.

  Further, when the angle formed between the platen glass and the platen cover 42 is smaller than a predetermined angle, the control unit 74 controls the motor drive unit 73 to control the air cleanliness because the platen cover 42 is closed. The rotational position of the apparatus 71 is controlled, and the ion emission direction from the air purifying apparatus 71 is set obliquely below the arrow D as shown in FIGS. 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 removed.

  Normally, the user stands on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, if the positive ions and negative ions are released in the direction of the arrow D and the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is mainly covered with positive ions and negative ions, the user The odor of the surrounding exhaust gas can be effectively removed.

  Also at this time, the control unit 74 may cause the air cleaning device 71 to reciprocate in a certain angle range around the shaft 71 a by the drive control of the motor driving unit 73, and swing the air cleaning device 71.

  In addition, the control unit 74 increases the rotational speed of the fan 82c by driving control of the motor of the fan 82c of the fan unit 82. As a result, the air release speed and amount of air increase from the air cleaning device 71, the air flow flows downward as indicated by arrow D, and is blown to the user standing on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and positive ions In addition, the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reliably covered with negative ions.

  As described above, it has been experimentally confirmed that if the image forming apparatus 100 is covered by positive and negative ion emission, the influence of the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 can be effectively suppressed. For this reason, the air cleaning device 71 can be disposed outside the image forming apparatus 100, and an increase in the size of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 can be avoided. Further, since the indoor air is purified by the air purifying device 71, it is not necessary to separately provide an air purifier, the indoor space can be used effectively, and equipment costs can be reduced.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the air cleaning device. Note that, in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same operations as those in FIG. 3, and the description thereof will be simplified. As shown in FIG. 7, the air purifier 71 </ b> A is provided with a main body casing 81 </ b> A and a blowout duct 84 </ b> A of the following air purifier instead of the main body casing 81 and the blowout duct 84 of the air purifier shown in FIG. 3.

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

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

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

  The control unit 74 in the image forming apparatus 100 drives and controls the duct motor drive unit in accordance with the standby state and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100, and the shafts 91 a of the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92. 92a is reciprocally rotated simultaneously. Accordingly, the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are selectively positioned as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the state in which the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned, the first movable duct wall 91 closes the side outlet 81c, so that the air flow in the air cleaning device 71A is an arrow. J is generated as shown in J, and the air flows along the path of each suction hole 81a → suction duct 83 → in the vicinity of each ion generating element 85 in the fan unit 82 → blowing port 82b → blowing duct 84A → upper blowing port 81b. To be released.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are positioned, the first movable duct wall 91 opens the side outlet 81c, and the second movable duct wall 92 is Since the upper outlet 81b is closed, an air flow in the air cleaning 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 → Air flows along a route called the side outlet 81c and is discharged obliquely downward.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where the air cleaning device 71 </ b> A is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. A column 93 protrudes from the center of the back surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and the center of the air cleaning device 71 </ b> A is stably supported on the upper end of the column 93.

  Here, when the angle formed by the document table glass of the image forming apparatus 100 and the document table cover 42 is larger than a predetermined angle, the control unit 74 controls the drive of the duct motor drive unit to perform the first and second movable units. The shafts 91a and 92a of the duct walls 91 and 92 are simultaneously rotated to position the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 as shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, 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 air purifier 71. 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 slowed down by the drive control of the motor of the fan 82c, and the air from the air cleaning device 71A is gently released, thereby suppressing the release of useless positive ions and negative ions.

  Further, when the angle formed between the document table glass and the document table cover 42 is smaller than a predetermined angle (including the closed state of the document table cover 42), the control unit 74 controls the drive of the duct motor drive unit to perform the first control. The shafts 91a and 92a of the second movable duct walls 91 and 92 are simultaneously rotated to position the first and second movable duct walls 91 and 92 as shown in FIG.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11, air is discharged diagonally downward (in the direction toward the image forming apparatus 100) of the arrow M together with positive ions and negative ions from the side outlet 81c of the air cleaning device 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 around the user is effectively removed.

  At this time, when the rotational speed of the fan 82c is increased by driving control of the motor of the fan 82c to increase the discharge speed and the discharge amount of the air from the air cleaning device 71, the air flow downwards as indicated by the arrow D. It is sprayed by a user standing on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reliably covered with positive ions and negative ions.

  Therefore, even if such an air cleaning device 71A is used, the direction of positive ion and negative ion emission is changed in accordance with the open / close state of the document table cover of the image forming apparatus 100, and when the document table cover is in the open state, Purification is performed, and the odor of the exhaust gas can be removed in the closed state.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that many modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the air cleaning device 71 and the motor drive unit 73 may be optionally retrofitted. In this case, a control unit for driving and controlling the motor drive unit 73 and the like is provided on the air cleaning device 71 side, and the control unit and the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 are connected with a serial communication cable and an outlet. Through the data communication between the control units of the two, instructions are sent and received from the control unit 74 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the control unit on the air cleaning device 71 side, and the motor is controlled by the control unit on the air cleaning device 71 side. The drive unit 73 and the like are controlled.

  Further, the mounting position of the air cleaning device 71 may be changed according to the structure and usage of the image forming apparatus. In the above example, it is assumed that the back side of the image forming apparatus is arranged facing a wall or the like, and a support column is protruded from the back side of the image forming apparatus, and the air cleaning device 71 is horizontally disposed at 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 air cleaning device 71 is supported on the upper end of the support column, the air cleaning device 71 is disposed near the wall so that the air cleaning device 71 does not get in the way. That's it. Alternatively, the air cleaning device 71 may be mounted vertically or directly on the outer wall of the main body of the image forming apparatus without using the support. Further, a plurality of air cleaning devices 71 may be dispersed and attached.

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 12 Fixing apparatus 15 Paper discharge tray 41 Document setting tray 42 Document table cover 44 Pickup roller 45 Sabaki roller 46 Separation pad 47 Conveyance path 49 Registration roller 51 Reading guide 52 Reading glass 54 Second scanning unit 54
55 Imaging lens 56 CCD
57 Transport roller 58 Paper discharge roller 59 Paper discharge roller 53 First scanning unit 61 Document table glass 71 Air purifier 72 Strut 73 Motor drive unit 74 Control unit 75 Operation panel 81 Main body casing 81a Suction hole 82 Fan unit 82a Suction port 85 Ion generating element 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Document reading unit 102 Rotating shaft 103 Angle detection sensor 104 Actuator 105 Detection window 106a Light emitting element 106b Light receiving element

Claims (9)

A document table cover provided on the image forming apparatus main body so as to freely open and close around a rotation shaft on one end side, an ion generating element and a blower installed on the rotation shaft side of the document table cover and emitting ions. An air cleaning device having an angle, an angle detection sensor for detecting an open / closed state of the document table cover, and a control for adjusting and controlling the air blowing direction and the air flow from the air cleaning device based on a detection angle signal from the angle detection sensor. With
The control unit releases ions toward the image forming apparatus main body when the opening angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle, and upwards when the opening angle of the document table cover is larger than the predetermined angle. An image forming apparatus, wherein a blowing direction from the air cleaning device is controlled so as to emit ions toward the surface.   The controller adjusts and controls the air volume from the air cleaning device to a set air volume when the opening angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle, and weakens when the opening angle of the document table cover is larger than the predetermined angle. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an air blowing amount of the air cleaning device is controlled so as to release ions by an air amount.   The control unit controls to release ions with a strong air flow from the air cleaning device when the opening angle of the document table cover is smaller than a predetermined angle, and when the opening angle of the document table cover is larger than the predetermined angle. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an air blowing amount of the air cleaning device is controlled so that ions are released with a low air flow rate.   The said air cleaning apparatus is provided with the several ion generating element, The said control part changes the discharge | release amount of ion by setting the number of the ion generating elements to drive. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes and controls the amount of released ions by changing a fan rotation speed of the blower.   The air purifier has a blowout port for blowing out air containing ions to a main body housing, and the control unit controls the rotation of the main body housing to change the discharge direction of ions from the blowout port. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The air cleaning device is formed in the main body casing, and an upper outlet from which air containing ions blows upward, and a horizontal outlet from which the air containing ions is formed in the main body casing and blows out to the image forming apparatus main body side. And a duct damper for switching the air blower from the blower to the upper blowout port or the horizontal blowout port is provided, and the control unit switches and controls the duct damper based on a detection angle signal from the angle detection sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ion generating element generates and emits positive ions and negative ions simultaneously. The rotation axis of the document table cover is arranged with the axial direction at the upper rear end portion of the main body of the image apparatus as the left and right direction, and the air cleaning device is arranged on the rear end side of the rotation shaft. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images