JP2011107548A - Image forming device and processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent occurrence of a failure of a device by preventing the internal temperature from exceeding a temperature at which the device failure occurs even under a situation where the inside of the device is opened in power OFF operation and then closed. <P>SOLUTION: A control section 110 stops driving of a heat source 47 when a signal of power OFF occurs. When a door detection section 58 detects the opened state of an external door 57b, the control section 110 determines whether the temperature detected by temperature detecting sections 45a and 45b becomes a predetermined temperature or lower after a lapse of a predetermined time after it is detected by the door detection section 58 that the external door 57b comes from the opened state into the closed state. When it is determined that the detected temperature of the temperature detecting sections 45a and 45b becomes the predetermined temperature or lower, the control section 110 performs control for stopping the driving of a cooling section 46 to put the state into the power OFF state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a processing apparatus.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a device that requires a heat source such as a fixing unit, the temperature inside the machine is detected when the power is turned off, and the power is turned off when the temperature inside the machine drops to a specified temperature. Thus, there is an image forming apparatus in which an increase in the temperature inside the apparatus due to residual heat from a heat source is suppressed to prevent malfunctions of the apparatus (Patent Document 1).
Also, the temperature inside the machine is detected when the power is turned off, the drive time of the cooling unit such as a cooling fan is varied based on this, and then the power is turned off. There is also an image forming apparatus that prevents the toner from fusing in the toner conveyance path due to the rise (Patent Document 2).

JP 2009-150955 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-10955

  However, for example, when a door member such as an exterior door is opened and the power is turned off for maintenance or the like, the temperature inside the machine temporarily decreases during the power-off operation due to outside air entering from outside the machine. In some cases, the image forming apparatus disclosed in each of the above-mentioned patent documents detects the in-machine temperature low when the power is turned off. If it does so, in the image forming apparatus of patent document 1, although the remaining heat of a heat source is not fully lowered | hung, a power supply will be turned off. In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the driving time of the cooling unit is set to be short, and the power is turned off before the remaining heat of the heat source is sufficiently reduced. In any of the above-described patent document image forming apparatuses, when the door member is closed after the power is turned off, the actual in-machine temperature is higher than that detected by the residual heat of the heat source. Therefore, the temperature inside the apparatus cannot be sufficiently lowered, and there is a possibility that the fusion of the toner and the temperature of the member rise to cause a malfunction of the apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent the temperature of the machine from exceeding the temperature at which the malfunction of the device occurs even in a situation where the cabin is open at the time of power-off operation and then closed. This is to prevent the occurrence of defects.

In order to solve the above problems, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising: a heat source and a cooling unit whose driving is stopped when the power is turned off; and an open / close door for opening the interior. In
A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of a predetermined position inside,
A door detector for detecting the open / closed state of the door;
When the power-off signal is generated, the driving of the heat source is stopped, and when the door detector detects the open state of the door, the door detector changes the open / close door from the open state to the closed state. It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since it has been detected, and it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature. And a control unit that stops driving the cooling unit and turns off the power.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The control unit stops driving the cooling unit while the door detection unit detects the open state of the door.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The temperature detection unit detects temperatures at a plurality of positions,
The control unit is characterized in that when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the cooling unit is stopped and the power is turned off.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing apparatus for receiving a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and performing a predetermined process.
A heat source and a cooling unit that are stopped when the power is turned off;
An open / close door to open the interior;
A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of a predetermined position inside,
A door detector for detecting the open / closed state of the door;
When the power-off signal is generated, the driving of the heat source is stopped, and when the door detector detects the open state of the door, the door detector changes the open / close door from the open state to the closed state. It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since it has been detected, and it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature. And a control unit that stops driving the cooling unit and turns off the power.

  According to the present invention, even if the inside of the machine is open at the time of power-off operation and is closed thereafter, the temperature inside the machine does not exceed a temperature at which the malfunction of the apparatus occurs. The occurrence of defects can be prevented.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an image forming system. It is a figure explaining opening and closing of an exterior door. It is a flowchart which shows a power supply control process. It is a figure explaining the temperature change in an image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  First, the apparatus configuration of the image forming system 1 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a large-capacity tray unit 56, an image forming apparatus 57, a second fixing unit 70, and a post-processing unit 60.

  The large capacity tray unit 56 includes a scanner unit 20, an operation unit 30, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 22, and a paper feed unit 50A.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a CCD (Charge-Coupled Devices) 23 (see FIG. 2). An ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 22 conveys a document placed on a document table. The scanner unit 20 reads a document conveyed by the ADF 22 and photoelectrically converts it by the CCD 23 to obtain document image data. Further, the document image data read by the scanner unit 20 is sent to the image forming apparatus 57, subjected to various image processes, and then converted into image forming data.

  The operation display unit 30 includes a touch panel that accepts touch input on the screen, and displays various operation screens such as a setting condition setting screen and various processing results. The operation display unit 30 includes various function keys such as a numeric button, a start key for instructing printing start, and a utility key, and accepts user input.

  The paper feed unit 50A includes paper feed trays 53 to 55. Each of the paper feed trays 53 to 55 can store paper of different paper types and sizes, such as plain paper, back paper, recycled paper, and high-quality paper.

  The image forming apparatus 57 includes a toner supply unit 26, a toner transport path 28, a printer unit 40, a temperature detection unit 45b, a paper feed unit 50B, and a door detection unit 58.

  The toner supply unit 26 stores a large amount of toner and discharges the toner in response to a toner replenishment command.

  The toner conveyance path 28 is configured to send the toner discharged from the toner supply unit 26 to the printer unit 40.

The printer unit 40 performs electrophotographic image formation, and includes a transport mechanism that transports paper fed from a paper feed tray, an image forming unit 42 that forms an image on paper, and a toner transport path 28. A toner hopper 27 for storing the conveyed toner and supplying the stored toner to the image forming unit 42, a fixing unit 43 for fixing the toner image formed on the paper, and a fixing heater as a heat source The cooling part 46 and the temperature detection part 45a for preventing the temperature rise of components are provided.
The cooling unit 46 is driven in normal use and in power-off control described later. The cooling unit 46 adjusts the air volume according to the temperature of the member or device to be operated or the image forming apparatus 57.

  As for the image forming unit 42, a photosensitive drum 49 as an image carrier, a cleaning unit 41 that removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 49, and a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 49 (not shown) on a sheet. A transfer unit for transferring, a charging unit for charging the photosensitive drum 49, an exposure unit such as an LD (LASER Diode) that performs exposure scanning on the surface of the photosensitive drum based on image data, and a developing unit for attaching toner to the photosensitive drum 49 are provided. It is configured.

The residual toner removed by the cleaning unit 41 passes through a waste toner path and is accommodated in the waste toner BOX by being conveyed by a screw, although not particularly illustrated. Since the rise in the temperature of the waste toner path causes dissolution of the waste toner and clogging of the waste toner path, in this embodiment, a temperature detection unit 45a is installed in the vicinity of the waste toner path, and the temperature in the vicinity of the waste toner path is detected. Shall be.
Similarly, if the temperature rises in the toner conveyance path 28, the toner in the toner conveyance path 28 is dissolved and the toner conveyance path 28 is clogged. Therefore, a temperature detection unit 45 b is also installed in the vicinity of the toner conveyance path 28. ing.
In this embodiment, the temperature detectors 45a and 45b are provided in the vicinity of the waste toner path and in the vicinity of the toner transport path 28. However, for example, other toner transport paths, control boards, and other not resistant to high heat are used. It is also possible to arrange the device in the vicinity of a member that may cause a malfunction when exposed to high heat.

  In the present embodiment, the printer unit 40 forms a monochrome image by an electrophotographic method, but it goes without saying that a color image may be formed. The image forming method is not limited to this, and other methods may be used as long as the temperature in the image forming apparatus is increased by a heat source such as a thermal transfer method.

  The paper feed unit 50B includes paper feed trays 51 and 52. Each of the paper feed trays 51 and 52 can store papers of different paper types and sizes, such as plain paper, back paper, recycled paper, and high-quality paper.

  The door detection unit 58 detects an open / closed state of an exterior door 57b (see FIG. 3A) described later.

  The second fixing unit 70 includes a second fixing unit 71, a cooling unit 72, a temperature detection unit 73, and a door detection unit 74.

  The second fixing unit 71 further fixes (second fixing) the toner image formed on the sheet (sheet) discharged from the image forming apparatus 57 received by the second fixing unit 70. That is, the second fixing unit 70 including the second fixing unit 71 is a processing device that receives a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and performs a predetermined process. The second fixing unit 71 performs the second fixing depending on the paper quality.

  The cooling unit 72 is for preventing temperature rise of components other than the fixing heater of the second fixing unit 71 as a heat source.

  In the present embodiment, a temperature detection unit 73 is installed in the second fixing unit 70 in order to suppress a temperature rise in a control circuit or other device that may cause a malfunction when exposed to a high temperature. Monitoring is performed.

  The door detection unit 74 detects an open / closed state of an exterior door 70b (see FIG. 3B), which will be described later.

  The post-processing unit 60 includes paper discharge trays 62 and 63, and performs various post-processing such as sorting processing, punching (punching) processing, stapling processing, half-folding processing, and cutting processing on the paper on which images are formed. A booklet and bookbinding are created and discharged to the discharge trays 62 and 63. The post-processing unit 60 may discharge the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus to the discharge trays 62 and 63 without performing the post-processing as described above.

  Next, a circuit configuration including a control configuration of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming system 1 includes, for example, a scanner unit 20, a power supply control unit 25, an ADF 22, an operation display unit 30, a printer unit 40, a post-processing unit 60, a second fixing unit 70, a print controller unit 80, a main body control unit 100, a temperature. It comprises a detection unit 45b, a door detection unit 58, and the like.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a CCD 23 and an image reading control unit 24. In accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, the ADF control unit 21 drives the ADF 22, and the image reading control unit 24 controls the scanner unit 20, causing the ADF 22 to perform optical scanning of the original surface, and read the analog image signal. The data is output to the reading processing unit 160 of the main body control unit 100.

  The power supply control unit 25 controls the power supply of the entire image forming system 1 according to an instruction from the control unit 110 and supplies power to each component in the image forming system 1.

  The operation display unit 30 is a touch panel integrated with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 31 as a display unit, a power switch 90, a shut-off switch 91, other various function keys (not shown), and an operation unit control. Part 32. The operation unit control unit 32 outputs operation signals operated by various function keys or a touch panel to the control unit 110. In addition, the operation unit control unit 32 displays various operation screens, various processing results, and the like on the LCD 31 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110.

  The printer unit 40 includes an image forming unit 42, a fixing unit 43, a printer control unit 44, a temperature detection unit 45a, and a cooling unit 46. The printer control unit 44 controls each unit of the printer unit 40 such as the image forming unit 42, the temperature detection unit 45 a, the cooling unit 46, and the fixing unit 43 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110. At the time of image formation, the operation of each unit of the printer unit 40 is controlled to cause the image forming unit 42 to perform image formation based on the image data input from the writing processing unit 200. The fixing unit 43 includes a heat source 47 and a driving unit 48. Here, the heat source 47 includes a fixing heater.

  The post-processing unit 60 includes various post-processing units (not shown) and a post-processing device control unit 61. The post-processing device control unit 61 controls various post-processing units so as to perform various post-processings on the image-formed paper output from the printer unit 40 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110.

  The print controller unit 80 is connected to the DRAM control IC 180 of the main body control unit 100 via a PCI bus, and an external device 300 such as a PC (Personal Computer) as a user terminal on a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network). A function of distributing output data such as image data input from the computer to the main body control unit 100 as a job is realized.

  The main body control unit 100 includes a control unit 110, an I / O unit 120, a program memory 130, a system memory (RAM) 140, a nonvolatile memory 150, a reading processing unit 160, a compression / decompression IC 170, and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 180. , An image memory (DRAM) 190 including a compression memory 191 and a page memory 192, and a writing processing unit 200.

  The control unit 110 includes a CPU and the like, and centrally controls each unit of the image forming system 1. A program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the program memory 130 is read out and appropriately expanded in the system memory 140, and various processes are executed in cooperation with the expanded program. Thus, the scanner unit 20, the ADF control unit 21, the power supply control unit 25, the operation display unit 30, the printer unit 40, the post-processing unit 60, and the second fixing unit 70 connected to the control unit 110 are centrally controlled. It has become.

  The I / O unit 120 outputs temperature information detected by the temperature detection units 45 a and 45 b, a signal indicating the open / closed state of the exterior door 57 b detected by the door detection unit 58, and the like to the control unit 110.

  The program memory 130 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores various processing programs executed in the image forming system 1. The program memory 130 stores a temperature determination program 130a, a power supply control program 130b, a closed state time determination program 130c, a cooling control program 130d, and the like.

  The temperature determination program 130a is a program for detecting whether the temperature in the image forming apparatus 57 is detected by the temperature detectors 45a and 45b and determining whether the temperature in the apparatus has decreased to a temperature sufficient to turn off the power. is there. That is, the temperature determination program 130a is a program for determining whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. The temperature determination program 130a also includes a program for determining whether or not both of the temperature detection units 45a and 45b are below a predetermined temperature.

  The power control program 130b stops the driving of the heat source 47 of the fixing unit 43 when the user operates the power switch 90, the shut-off switch 91, or the like to generate a power-off signal. By executing the determination program 130a, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detectors 45a and 45b is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the driving of the cooling unit 46 is stopped and the power controller 25 is controlled. Program to turn off the power. That is, the power supply control program 130b stops driving the heat source when there is a power-off trigger, and stops driving the cooling unit when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. This is a program for turning the power off. Here, the power-off state includes, for example, a power-saving mode in which the power switch 90 can be received and a state in which information from the external device 300 can be received, or a standby state.

  The closed state time determination program 130c starts measuring time when the door detection unit 58 described later detects that the exterior door 57b is changed from the open state to the closed state, and then a predetermined time elapses after the door is closed. It is a program for determining whether or not it has been done. That is, the closed state time determination program 130 is a program for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the door detection unit detected that the open / close door was changed from the open state to the closed state.

  The cooling control program 130d is a program for stopping the driving of the cooling unit 46 while the door detection unit 58 detects that the exterior door 57b is open. That is, the cooling control program 130d is a program for stopping the driving of the cooling unit while the open / close door is detected by the door detection unit. In this way, by stopping the cooling unit 46 while the exterior door 57b is opened, the user or serviceman may be injured or touched by contacting the cooling unit 46 when performing paper jam processing or other maintenance. It is possible to prevent the portion 46 from being damaged, and it is possible to ensure safety during work. Further, when the exterior door 57b is opened, the air flow in the image forming apparatus 57 changes, and the cooling effect by the cooling unit 46 may be reduced. By stopping the driving of the cooling unit 46, energy loss is suppressed. Can increase energy efficiency.

  The system memory 140 is a memory that temporarily stores information read from the program memory 130, data related to these programs, job data, parameters, etc., and serves as a work area for developing various programs and data. Function.

  The nonvolatile memory 150 is configured by a flash memory or the like, and stores various data.

  The reading processing unit 160 performs various processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, shading processing, and the like on the analog image signal input from the CCD 23 of the scanner unit 20 to generate digital image data. The generated digital image data is output to the compression / decompression IC 170 via the DRAM control IC 180.

  The compression / decompression IC 170 performs compression processing on the digital image data input from the reading processing unit 160 or the print controller unit 80 under the control of the DRAM control IC 180. Further, decompression processing is performed on the input compressed image data.

  The image memory 190 includes a compression memory 191 such as a DRAM and a page memory 192. The compression memory 191 is a memory for storing compressed image data. The page memory 192 is a memory for temporarily storing uncompressed image data to be printed before printing.

  The DRAM control IC 180 controls the compression processing of the digital image data and the decompression processing of the compressed image data by the compression / decompression IC 170 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, and performs input / output control of the image data to the image memory 190. For example, when storage of digital image data read by the scanner unit 20 and A / D converted by the reading processing unit 160 is instructed, the compression / decompression IC 170 executes compression processing of the digital image data, and the compressed image data Are stored in the compression memory 191 of the image memory 190. When the print output of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 191 is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 191, decompressed by the compression / decompression IC 170, and stored in the page memory 192. Further, when an instruction to print out the uncompressed image data stored in the page memory 192 is given, the uncompressed image data is read from the page memory 192 and output to the writing processing unit 200.

  The write processing unit 200 generates print data for image formation based on the uncompressed image data input from the DRAM control IC 180, and outputs the print data to the printer unit 40 (image forming unit 42).

  The second fixing unit 70 includes a second fixing control unit 710, a program memory 730, a RAM 740, a second fixing unit 71, a cooling unit 72, a temperature detection unit 73, a door detection unit 74, and the like.

  The second fixing control unit 710 is configured by a CPU or the like, and centrally controls each unit of the second fixing unit 70 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110 of the main body control unit 100. A program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the program memory 730 is read out and appropriately expanded in the RAM 740, and various processes are executed in cooperation with the expanded program. As a result, each unit such as the second fixing unit 71 connected to the second fixing control unit 710 is centrally controlled.

  The program memory 730 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores various processing programs executed in the second fixing unit 70. The program memory 730 stores a temperature determination program 730a, a power supply control program 730b, a closed state time determination program 730c, a cooling control program 730d, and the like.

  The temperature determination program 730a is a program for detecting whether the temperature in the second fixing unit 70 is detected by the temperature detection unit 73 and determining whether the temperature in the apparatus has decreased to a temperature sufficient to turn off the power. . That is, the temperature determination program 730a is a program for determining whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit has become equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

  The power control program 730b stops the driving of the heat source 75 of the second fixing unit 71 and the second fixing when the power switch 90, the shut-off switch 91, and the like are operated by the user to generate a power-off signal. When the temperature detection program 730a is executed by the control unit 710, and it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 73 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the driving of the cooling unit 72 is stopped and the power is turned off. It is a program to do. That is, the power supply control program 730b stops driving the heat source when a power-off signal is generated, and stops driving the cooling section when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection section is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. This is a program for turning the power off. Here, the power-off state includes, for example, a power saving mode in which a command from the main body control unit 100 can be received, or a standby state.

  The closed state time determination program 730c starts timing when the door detection unit 74 detects that the exterior door 70b (see FIG. 3B) is changed from the open state to the closed state, and then enters the closed state. It is a program for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since then. That is, the closed state time determination program 730 is a program for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the door detection unit detected that the open / close door was changed from the open state to the closed state.

  The cooling control program 730d is a program for stopping the driving of the cooling unit 72 while the door detection unit 74 detects that the exterior door 70b is open. That is, the cooling control program 730d is a program for stopping the driving of the cooling unit while the open / closed door is detected by the door detection unit. In this way, by stopping the cooling unit 72 while the exterior door 70b is opened, the user or serviceman may be injured or touched by contacting the cooling unit 72 when performing paper jam processing or other maintenance. It is possible to prevent the portion 72 from being damaged, and it is possible to ensure safety during work. Further, when the exterior door 70b is opened, the airflow in the second fixing unit 70 may change, and the cooling effect by the cooling unit 72 may be reduced. By stopping the driving of the cooling unit 72, energy loss is reduced. Since it can be suppressed, energy efficiency is increased.

  The RAM 740 is a memory for temporarily storing information read from the program memory 730, data related to these programs, job data, parameters, etc., and functions as a work area for developing various programs and data. .

  The second fixing unit 71 includes a heat source 75 and a drive unit 76. Here, the heat source 75 includes a fixing heater.

  Next, the opening / closing operation of the exterior doors 57b and 70b of the image forming apparatus 57 and the second fixing unit 70 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view of the image forming apparatus 57. The image forming apparatus 57 includes a frame body 57a that is opened at a part of the front, and that accommodates each unit such as the printer unit 40, and an exterior door that is pivotally supported at one end of the frame body 57a and covers an open portion of the frame body 57a. 57b.

  A door detector 58 is disposed on the frame body 57a so as to face the open portion of the frame body 57a. The door detection part 58 is comprised by the limit switch, for example, and if the exterior door 57b is closed, the door detection part 58 will be pressed by the inner surface of the exterior door 57b. When the door detection unit 58 is pressed by the exterior door 57b, the door detection unit 58 outputs a signal to the control unit 100 via the I / O unit 120.

  FIG. 3B is a schematic plan view of the second fixing unit 70. Similarly to the image forming apparatus 57, the second fixing unit 70 is also partially opened at the front, a frame body 70a that houses each part such as the second fixing unit 71, and one end pivotally supported by the end of the frame body 70a. The exterior door 70b which covers the open part of the frame 70a is provided.

On the frame 70a, the door detection unit 74 is disposed so as to face the open portion of the frame 70a. The door detection part 74 is comprised by the limit switch, for example, and when the exterior door 70b is closed, the door detection part 74 will be pressed by the inner surface of the exterior door 70b. When the door detection unit 74 is pressed by the exterior door 74b, the door detection unit 74 outputs a signal to the second fixing control unit 710.
The switches used for the door detection units 58 and 74 are not limited to limit switches, and various switches that can detect the open / closed state of the exterior doors 57b and 70b, such as a photo sensor and a magnetic force detection sensor, can be used.

  Next, a power control process for turning off the power executed in the image forming system 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The power control process is realized by the control unit 110 reading and executing the power control program 130b. In the embodiment of the present invention, the power control process is started, for example, every predetermined time.

  First, the control unit 110 determines whether or not a power-off signal is generated by operating the power switch 90 or the shut-off switch 91 by the user (step S100). When determining that the power switch 90 or the shut-off switch 91 has been operated (step S100: Y), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the exterior door 57b is closed based on a signal from the door detection unit 58. Is determined (step S101). On the other hand, when the control unit 110 does not determine that the power switch 90 or the shutoff switch 91 has been operated (step S100: N), the process ends.

  Next, when it is determined in step S101 that the exterior door 57b is in a closed state (step S101: Y), the control unit 110 starts driving the cooling unit 46 (step S102), and the process of step S106 is performed. Transition. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the exterior door 57b is in the closed state (step S101: N), the control unit 110 stops driving the cooling unit 46 (step S103). In addition, when the cooling unit 46 is already driven when the driving of the cooling unit 46 is started, the driving of the cooling unit 46 is continued as it is, and the cooling is already performed when the driving of the cooling unit 46 is stopped. When the driving of the unit 46 is stopped, the driving of the cooling unit 46 is controlled to be stopped as it is. Further, the cooling control of the cooling unit 46 may change the air volume of the cooling fan, for example, according to the temperature detected by the temperature detecting units 45a and 45b.

  Next, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the exterior door 57b is closed based on the signal from the door detection unit 58 (step S104), and repeats this process until it is determined that the exterior door 57b is closed. Execute.

And the control part 110 reads the closed state time determination program 130c, and performs a closed state time determination process (step S105). In the closed state time determination process, the control unit 110 starts measuring time when the exterior door 57b is closed, that is, when the closed state time determination process is executed. And it is determined for every predetermined time whether predetermined time (T) passed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the time (T) is the time when the power is turned off after the exterior door 57 b is opened and the exterior door 57 b is closed, and then the time in the image forming apparatus 57 is set. After the temperature reaches the power-off transition temperature described later (A), when cooling is not performed by the cooling unit 46, the setting can be made at an arbitrary timing before the toner fusion temperature is reached (B). . That is, at the time of temperature detection, which will be described later, the temperature in the image forming apparatus 57 can be detected at a temperature higher than the temperature at which it is determined that the power is off, and cooling can be started before the toner fusion starts. Set to time.
At this time, the driving of the cooling unit 46 may be started. In this way, after the exterior door 57b is closed, the temperature rise in the image forming apparatus 57 can be effectively suppressed.

  Next, the control part 110 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature detection parts 45a and 45b, respectively (step S106).

  Next, the control unit 110 executes the temperature determination program 130a to determine whether or not the detection temperatures of all the temperature detection units 45a and 45b are equal to or lower than a predetermined power OFF transition temperature (step S107). . When the controller 110 determines that the detected temperatures of all the temperature detectors 45a and 45b are equal to or lower than the power OFF transition temperature (step S107: Y), the controller 110 determines whether or not the cooling unit 46 is being driven. (Step S108). When it is determined that the cooling unit 46 is being driven, the control unit 110 stops driving the cooling unit (step S109), performs control to shift to the power-off state (step S110), and then performs this process. Exit. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 does not determine in step S108 that the cooling unit 46 is being driven, the control unit 110 performs the process of step S110 without performing the process of step S109. If it is not determined in step S107 that the detected temperatures of all the temperature detection units 45a and 45b are equal to or lower than the power OFF transition temperature (step S107: N), the cooling unit 46 continuously moves the inside of the image forming apparatus 57. In order to cool, the process proceeds to step S101.

  The above-described control is replaced with a corresponding configuration in the second fixing unit 70, and the same control as that of the image forming apparatus 57 is performed. Therefore, the description of the second fixing unit 70 is omitted.

  Next, a temperature change in the image forming apparatus 57 from when the exterior door 57b is opened to when the power is turned off until the power is turned off will be described with reference to FIG.

In the drawing, a indicates the timing when the exterior door 57b is opened. b indicates the timing when the power switch 90 or the shut-off switch 91 is operated by the user. c shows the timing when the exterior door 57c is closed. d indicates the timing at which the temperature detection units 45a and 45b detect the temperature and the cooling unit 46 is driven. e indicates the timing when the power is turned off.
In the figure, the power-off transition temperature is appropriately set in consideration of the toner fusing temperature and the like. Further, since the toner fusing temperature varies depending on the type of toner, the toner shown in the figure is the toner having the lowest fusing temperature among the toners used in the image forming system 1.

  First, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 5, when the exterior door 57b is opened by the user at the timing a, the temperature in the image forming apparatus 57 starts to gradually decrease due to the entry of outside air. After the power-off operation of the power switch 90 or the like is performed at the timing b, and the exterior door 57b is closed at the timing c, the temperature in the image forming apparatus 57 once lowered is the fixing unit 43. The heat starts to rise again due to the residual heat of the heat source 47 and the like. At this time, the cooling unit 46 is not driven. Then, a predetermined time (T) elapses after the exterior door 57b is closed, and the temperature detection is performed by the temperature detection units 45a and 45b at the timing d, and a temperature higher than the power OFF transition temperature is detected. Therefore, driving by the cooling unit 46 is started. Thereafter, the temperature in the image forming apparatus 57 is lowered by the cooling unit 46, and the process of changing to the power OFF transition temperature at the timing e is performed to enter the power OFF state, and the power OFF state is entered.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, the temperature detection is performed after the power-off operation is performed when the temperature is lower than the power-off transition temperature. Therefore, there is a possibility that the temperature in the apparatus rises due to residual heat or the like. In spite of this, since the cooling unit is not driven and the power is turned off, the temperature in the apparatus may exceed the toner fusing temperature as shown by the broken line in FIG.

  The above-described temperature change in the apparatus exhibits the same behavior in the second fixing unit 70. In this case, the toner fusing temperature shown in FIG. 5 can be applied in place of, for example, the heat resistance temperature of the control board or other devices.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 110 stops driving the heat source 47 when a power-off signal is generated. When the door detection unit 58 detects the open state of the exterior door 57b, the control unit 110 detects that the exterior door 57b is closed by the door detection unit 58 after a predetermined time has elapsed. It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detectors 45a and 45b is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. Then, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detectors 45a and 45b has become equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the controller 110 performs control to stop driving the cooling unit 46 and turn off the power. As a result, even if the interior is open at the time of power-off operation and then closed, will the system transition to the power-off state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the exterior door is closed? Since temperature detection is performed to determine whether or not the temperature inside the machine does not exceed the toner fusing temperature, the toner fusing in the toner conveyance path and the temperature rise of the member are suppressed to prevent the malfunction of the apparatus. can do.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 110 stops driving the cooling unit 46 while the door detection unit 58 detects the open state of the exterior door 57b. The cooling effect of the cooling part 46 due to the change in the temperature does not decrease, energy efficiency is improved, and safety during maintenance can be ensured.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the controller 110 determines that all the detected temperatures of the temperature detectors 45a and 45b are equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the controller 110 stops driving the cooling unit 46 and shifts to the power-off state. Do. As a result, even if the fusing temperature of the toner and the heat-resistant temperature of the members are different, it is possible to shift to the power-off state when the temperature is lower than the lowest temperature, and it is possible to reliably prevent the malfunction of the device due to the temperature rise. Can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the second fixing control unit 710 stops the driving of the heat source 75 when a power-off signal is generated. When the door detection unit 74 detects the open state of the exterior door 70b, the second fixing control unit 710 detects that the exterior door 70b has changed from the open state to the closed state. It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 73 has become equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, the second fixing control unit 710 performs control to stop the driving of the cooling unit 72 and turn off the power when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 73 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. As a result, even if the interior is open at the time of power-off operation and then closed, will the system transition to the power-off state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the exterior door is closed? Since temperature detection is performed to determine whether or not the temperature in the apparatus does not exceed the heat resistant temperature of the member, the temperature rise of the member can be suppressed and a malfunction of the apparatus can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the driving of the cooling units 46 and 72 is stopped while the exterior doors 57b and 70b are opened. In this case, it is preferable to design so as to ensure safety.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 57 is provided with the two temperature detection units 45a and 45b. However, the number may be one, or three or more.
In the present embodiment, one temperature detection unit 73 is provided in the second fixing unit 70. However, two or more temperature detection units 73 may be provided. In this case, when the power-off operation is performed, all the temperature detection units are detected. It can be configured to perform control to shift to the power-off state when the temperature of the unit becomes lower than a predetermined temperature.

  The image forming unit 1 used in the present embodiment is applied to a light printing apparatus that performs a large amount of printing at a time. However, the image forming unit 1 may be applied to a general office image forming unit. it can.

  Further, in this embodiment, the operation is performed by the power supplied from the outside until the power is turned off after the power is turned off. However, during operation, a capacitor such as a battery or an electric double layer is used. For example, the power supply may be ensured and the power-off state may be controlled without receiving external power supply.

  In this embodiment, a cooling fan is used as the cooling units 46 and 72. However, a liquid such as water may be circulated through a pipe or the like to cool the inside of the apparatus.

  Further, the fixing heater has been described as an example of the heat source in the present embodiment, but any member can be applied as long as it is a member that generates heat, such as a motor.

  Further, in this embodiment, the exterior doors 57b and 70b for opening the front surface of the apparatus are used as the opening and closing doors. In addition, for example, a door for opening the sheet feeding path on the fixing unit side, etc. Any surface of the apparatus may be opened, and any door can be applied as long as it opens the inside of the apparatus.

  Further, the power control in the present embodiment may be either so-called sub-power-off or main-power-off.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 26 Toner supply part 27 Toner hopper 28 Toner conveyance path 40 Printer part 41 Cleaning part 42 Image forming part 43 Fixing part 45a, 45b Temperature detection part 46 Cooling part 47 Heat source 49 Photosensitive drum 57 Image forming apparatus 57a Frame 57b Exterior door 58 Door detection unit 70 Second fixing unit 71 Second fixing unit 72 Cooling unit 73 Temperature detection unit 74 Door detection unit 75 Heat source 90 Power switch 91 Shut-off switch 100 Main body control unit 110 Control unit 130 Program memory 710 Second fixing Control unit 730 program memory

Claims (4)

In an image forming apparatus comprising a heat source and a cooling unit that are stopped when the power is turned off, and an open / close door for opening the interior.
A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of a predetermined position inside,
A door detector for detecting the open / closed state of the door;
When the power-off signal is generated, the driving of the heat source is stopped, and when the door detector detects the open state of the door, the door detector changes the open / close door from the open state to the closed state. It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since it has been detected, and it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that sometimes stops driving the cooling unit to turn off the power.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops driving the cooling unit while the open state of the open / close door is detected by the door detection unit. The temperature detection unit detects temperatures at a plurality of positions,
3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit has become equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the control unit stops driving the cooling unit to turn off the power. The image forming apparatus described. In a processing apparatus for receiving a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and performing a predetermined process,
A heat source and a cooling unit that are stopped when the power is turned off;
An open / close door to open the interior;
A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of a predetermined position inside,
A door detector for detecting the open / closed state of the door;
When the power-off signal is generated, the driving of the heat source is stopped, and when the door detector detects the open state of the door, the door detector changes the open / close door from the open state to the closed state. It is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since it has been detected, and it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature. And a control unit that sometimes stops driving the cooling unit to turn off the power.

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