JP2015170940A - Compound machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compound machine that cools an image forming unit from an air blowing unit in a predetermined case to suppress the transmission of heat from the image forming unit to an image reading unit when an image of a document is read and suppress an increase in the temperature of the image reading unit, so as to suppress a deterioration of electronic components arranged inside the image reading unit.SOLUTION: A compound machine includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, and an air blowing unit for cooling that is arranged adjacent to the image reading unit. The compound machine further includes a control unit that causes the image reading unit to read the image of the document while operating the air blowing unit, when determined that predetermined conditions are satisfied, which relate to the image forming unit that forms images on recording sheets and the formation of images on recording sheets by the image forming unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction machine having an image reading function and an image forming function.

  In a conventional multi-function machine having an image reading function and an image forming function, the heater of the fixing unit for fixing the toner to the recording paper is preheated for a certain time after printing in order to quickly respond to the next print job after the printing is completed. Was. During this preheating, the blower that cools the heater of the fixing device is stopped so that the temperature around the heater does not drop.

When printing is performed continuously, the temperature in the image forming unit rises due to the heat generated by the heater disposed in the fixing roller of the image forming unit. In addition, when reading an image of a document continuously, electronic components constituting a control unit used for reading an image of the document generate heat.

  Due to the structure of the multi-function peripheral, the fixing device including the heater of the image forming unit and the electronic components of the image reading unit may be arranged close to each other. In such an arrangement, when copying is performed in which printing and image reading are performed simultaneously, the heat of the image forming unit is transmitted to the electronic components of the image reading unit, which may shorten the life of the electronic components.

  When the printing is finished, the blower fan of the image forming unit is stopped. If the image reading is performed while the blower fan is stopped, the temperature of the electronic component of the image reading unit is further increased.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 predicts an increase in the temperature of the image reading unit accompanying the lighting of the lamp of the image reading unit and controls the blower fan.

Japanese Patent No. 3073271

The invention described in Patent Document 1 can control the blower fan by predicting a rise in the temperature of the image reading unit. However, the image reading unit of the image reading unit is caused by heat conduction from the image forming unit to the image reading unit. Deterioration of electronic parts cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the main purpose of the present invention is to read a document image when the temperature of the image forming unit is predicted to rise, but in a predetermined case. In other words, by cooling the image forming unit, the conduction of heat from the image forming unit to the image reading unit is suppressed and the temperature rise of the image reading unit is suppressed, so that the electronic components disposed in the image reading unit are deteriorated. An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction machine capable of suppressing the above-mentioned problem.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the following multifunction peripheral is provided. In other words, this multifunction device is disposed adjacent to an image reading unit that reads an image of an original, and an image reading unit, and includes an air blowing unit for cooling, and an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper, and recording by the image forming unit A control unit is provided that causes the image reading unit to read an image of the document while operating the blower unit when it is determined that a predetermined condition related to image formation on the paper is satisfied.

  With this configuration, heat transfer from the image forming unit to the image reading unit can be performed even when the image of the original is read when a predetermined condition that the temperature of the image forming unit is predicted to rise is satisfied. Deterioration of electronic parts and the like disposed inside the image reading unit due to the air blowing unit can be suppressed by the blower unit.

  The above multi-function machine is preferably configured as follows. In other words, this multifunction machine further includes a counting unit, and satisfaction of the predetermined condition is that a numerical value is set in the counting unit.

  With this configuration, it is possible to quantify a predetermined condition in which the temperature of the image forming unit is predicted to rise.

  The above multi-function machine is preferably configured as follows. That is, when the number of images formed on the recording paper exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit adds a numerical value to the counting unit.

  With this configuration, the blower unit can be operated when it is predicted that the number of images formed will be a predetermined number or more and the temperature of the image forming unit is rising.

  The above multi-function machine is preferably configured as follows. That is, when the formation of the image on the recording paper has exceeded a predetermined time, the control unit adds a numerical value to the counting unit.

  With this configuration, when the image formation is performed for a predetermined time or more and the temperature of the image forming unit is predicted to rise, the blower unit can be operated.

  The above multi-function machine is preferably configured as follows. That is, the multifunction device has a timekeeping unit that starts measuring time from when the image forming unit forms an image on a predetermined number or more of recording sheets, and a storage unit that stores a numerical value corresponding to the time measured by the timekeeping unit Is further provided. The control unit adds a numerical value corresponding to the time measured by the time measuring unit with reference to the storage unit to the counting unit.

  With this configuration, when it is predicted that the number of images formed on the recording paper is small and the temperature of the image forming unit is not so high, it is not necessary to add a numerical value to the counting unit. In addition, a numerical value corresponding to the number of images formed on the recording paper can be added to the counting unit.

  The above multi-function machine is preferably configured as follows. That is, the multi-function peripheral has a time measuring unit that starts measuring time from when the image forming unit forms an image on recording paper for a predetermined time or more, and a storage unit that stores a numerical value corresponding to the time measured by the time measuring unit. In addition. The control unit adds a numerical value corresponding to the time measured by the time measuring unit with reference to the storage unit to the counting unit.

  With this configuration, when it is predicted that the image formation time on the recording paper is short and the temperature of the image forming unit is not so high, it is not necessary to add a numerical value to the counting unit. Also, a numerical value corresponding to the image formation time on the recording paper can be added to the counting unit.

  The above multi-function machine is preferably configured as follows. That is, when the image reading unit and the image forming unit are not operating, the control unit decreases the numerical value of the counting unit.

  With this configuration, when it is predicted that the temperatures inside the image reading unit and the image forming unit are decreasing, the decrease in temperature can be reflected in the counting unit.

1 is a schematic overall view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart regarding control of operation | movement of the ventilation part which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding control of operation | movement of the ventilation part which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction machine has an image reading function and an image forming function. Note that front and rear, left and right, and up and down in the present invention follow the cross arrows shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral includes an image forming unit 1 and an image reading unit (hereinafter simply referred to as FBS) 2 disposed on the upper side of the image forming unit 1. The image forming unit 1 includes a photosensitive drum, a transfer roller, a toner supply unit, and the like, and forms an image on the recording paper by transferring toner corresponding to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum on the recording paper. And a fixing unit 13 for fixing the toner transferred to the recording paper by the transfer unit 12 to the recording paper. The fixing unit 13 includes a heating roller including a heater 14 and a pressure roller. In this way, an image is formed (printed) on the recording paper. A platen glass functioning as a document reading surface (not shown) and a platen cover 5 that opens and closes are provided on the upper surface of the FBS 2, and an automatic document feeder (hereinafter simply referred to as ADF) 3 is provided on the platen cover 5.

On the front surface of the FBS 2, an operation panel 21 (operation unit) having various operation buttons is provided. A paper feed cassette 8 is disposed below the image forming unit 1, and is transferred along a recording paper conveyance path 10 between the paper feed cassette 8 and a paper discharge unit 9 below the image reading unit 2. A part 12 and a fixing part 13 are arranged. The platen cover 5 can be covered with the upper surface of the FBS 2 or can be opened by rotating up and down by a hinge (not shown) provided at the rear end thereof.

  An image reading unit 22 that reads an image of a document is disposed inside the FBS 2. By positioning the image reading unit 22 directly below the contact glass 23, it is possible to read an image of a document conveyed along the upper surface of the contact glass 23 by the ADF 3. In addition, by scanning the image reading unit 22 from the left side edge to the right side edge of the platen glass, it is possible to read the image of the document placed on the platen glass. The image reading unit 22 converts the read image of the original into digital data and transmits the digital data to the control unit 4 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction machine of the present embodiment includes a control unit 4 and a blower unit (blower fan) 15 in addition to the image forming unit 1, the FBS 2, the platen cover 5, and the like. The control unit 4 is configured to be communicable with each unit (operation panel 21, FBS2, image forming unit 1, image reading unit 2 and the like) of the multifunction machine via a bus. The control unit 4 includes hardware such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM. It is comprised so that operation | movement of each part may be controlled.

  The blower fan 15 is arranged near the fixing unit 13 of the image forming unit 1, for example. The blower fan 15 is configured to cool the inside of the image forming unit 1 by reducing the temperature of the fixing unit 13 by blowing air outside the image forming unit 1 to the fixing unit 13.

  The multifunction machine according to the present embodiment includes a facsimile transmission / reception unit 16 that can transmit and receive a facsimile via a telephone line. When the facsimile transmission / reception unit 16 receives a facsimile, the facsimile transmission / reception unit 16 generates image data of the facsimile (data to be printed). The facsimile transmission / reception unit 16 transmits the generated print target data to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 can transmit the received print target data to the image forming unit 1 to cause the image forming unit 1 to print the print target data.

  The multifunction machine of this embodiment includes a network communication unit 17. The network communication unit 17 is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The control unit 4 is configured to exchange print target data and other data with other devices such as other personal computers connected to the LAN via the network communication unit 17. ing. The control unit 4 can transmit the received print target data to the image forming unit 1 to cause the image forming unit 1 to print the print target data.

  The control unit 4 recognizes the number of prints and the print time by the image forming unit 1 using a sensor and a timer (not shown).

  The control unit 4 includes a counting unit 41 that adds a numerical value in the case described later. The control unit 4 is configured to subtract the numerical value of the counting unit 41 when the image forming unit 1 and the image reading unit 2 are not operating. The counting unit 41 may be configured as a member independent of the control unit 4.

  The control unit 4 includes a timer unit 42. When the number of prints by the image forming unit 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number or the print time is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, the time counting unit 42 starts time measurement of printing by the image forming unit 1. For example, when the sensor (not shown) installed in the conveyance path of the recording sheet does not detect the presence of the recording sheet for a predetermined time, the timing unit 42 ends the counting. Note that the time counting unit 42 may be configured as a member independent of the control unit 4.

The control unit 4 includes a storage unit 43. The storage unit 43 stores a numerical value corresponding to the time measured by the time measuring unit 42. The control unit 4 refers to the storage unit 43 and adds a numerical value corresponding to the timekeeping time to the counting unit 41. The storage unit 43 may store a plurality of numerical values corresponding to the time measured by the time measuring unit 42. As a result, the control unit 4 can appropriately add a numerical value to the counting unit 41 according to the length of the timing time of the timing unit 42. The storage unit 43 may be configured as a member independent of the control unit 4.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
When a job is generated in the multi-function peripheral due to a command from the operation section 21 or a print request from an external personal computer connected to the multi-function peripheral via a LAN or the like, the control section 4 sends the job to the image forming section 1. It is determined whether or not the print job needs to be operated (S101).

  In the case of a print job (S101, Yes), the image forming unit 1 starts processing the print job (S102). Specifically, while the recording paper is conveyed from the paper feed cassette 8 to the conveyance path 10, the transfer unit 12 transfers toner from the photosensitive drum to the recording paper so as to correspond to the latent image on the photosensitive drum. The toner is fixed on the recording paper by the heating roller and the pressure roller formed on the recording paper and heated by the heater 14 in the fixing unit 13. After the toner is fixed, the recording paper is discharged from the image forming unit 1 to the paper discharge unit 9, and the print job (printing) is completed.

  The control unit 4 determines whether or not the number of images formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit 1 exceeds a predetermined number or a predetermined time (S103). For example, the control unit 4 can determine the number of recording sheets on which an image has been formed or the time required for image formation (printing) by analyzing the contents of the print job or by a sensor installed in the conveyance path of the recording sheet. recognize.

  When the number of recording sheets on which an image is formed (number of prints) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number or when the image formation time (print time) is equal to or greater than a predetermined time (S103, Yes), the control unit 4 A numerical value is added to 41 (S104). The numerical value added by the control unit to the counting unit 41 is arbitrary, and the numerical value to be added can be arbitrarily determined in advance. When the counting unit 41 does not hold a numerical value, the numerical value held by the counting unit 41 is an added numerical value. When the counting unit 41 already holds a numerical value, the numerical value is already held by the counting unit 41. Is added to the number.

  When the addition of the numerical value to the counting unit 41 by the control unit 4 is completed (S104), or when the number of printing is less than the predetermined number or the printing time is less than the predetermined time (S103, No), the control unit 4 determines that the print job is It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (S105). When the control unit 4 determines that the print job has ended (S105, Yes), the control unit 4 temporarily ends the operation of the multifunction peripheral related to the print job. When the control unit 4 determines that the print job has not ended (S105, No), the control unit 4 returns to the determination of S103. Note that the blower fan 15 may be operated as appropriate in order to reduce the temperature inside the image forming unit 1 in connection with the execution of the print job.

  If it is determined that the job is not a print job (No in S101), the control unit 4 determines whether the job is a scan job that requires the image reading unit 2 to operate. (S106).

  When it is determined that the job is a scan job (S106, Yes), the control unit 4 determines whether or not a predetermined condition relating to image formation on the recording paper by the image forming unit 1 is satisfied. (S107). The predetermined condition is, for example, that a numerical value is set in the counting unit 41. When a numerical value is added to the counting unit 41 and set, printing of a predetermined number or more or printing for a predetermined time or more is performed in the print job, so the inside of the image forming unit 1 is cooled by the blower fan 15. There is a need to. On the contrary, when the numerical value is not set in the counting unit 41, the inside of the image forming unit 1 does not need to be cooled by the blower fan 15. Or, as will be described later, it is not necessary to cool the inside of the image forming unit 1 by the blower fan 15 as time elapses when the print job is not performed. The control unit 4 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied after determining that the job is a scan job, or may determine that the job is a scan job after determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied. You may judge that there is. Further, the control unit 4 may simultaneously determine that the job is a scan job and that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  When a numerical value is set in the counting unit 41 and the control unit 4 determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied (S107, Yes), the control unit 4 performs a scan job while operating the blower fan 15 (S108). ). Specifically, when a document transported by the automatic document transport unit 3 passes over the contact glass, an image of the document is read by the image reading unit 22 disposed under the contact glass. Alternatively, the image of the document placed on the platen glass is read while moving the image reading device 22 in the left-right direction. As a result, the inside of the image forming unit 1 where the temperature is expected to rise is cooled by the blower fan 15, so that, for example, the control unit 4 arranged at a portion where the image forming unit 1 and the image reading unit 2 are in contact is configured. It is possible to suppress the heat of the image forming unit 1 from being conducted to an electronic component or the like to suppress deterioration of the electronic component.

  When a numerical value is not set in the counting unit 41 (S107, No), the control unit 4 performs a scan job without operating the blower fan 15 (S109). Since no numerical value is set in the counting unit 41, it is assumed that the inside of the image forming unit 1 need not be cooled by the blower fan 15. As a result, the blower fan 15 is not operated unnecessarily.

  After the processes of S108 and S109, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the scan job is finished (S110). When the control unit 4 determines that the scan job has ended (S110, Yes), the control unit 4 temporarily ends the operation of the multifunction peripheral related to the scan job. If the control unit 4 determines that the scan job has not ended (No in S110), the control unit 4 returns the scan job to the processing of S108 or S109 depending on whether or not a numerical value is set in the scan job counting unit 41.

  When it is determined that the job is not a scan job (S106, No), the control unit 4 determines whether a numerical value is set in the counting unit 41 (S111). When it is determined that the numerical value is set in the counting unit 41 (S111, Yes), the control unit 4 subtracts the numerical value of the counting unit 41 (S112). The numerical value that the control unit 4 subtracts from the counting unit 41 at a time may be the same as or different from the numerical value that the control unit 4 adds to the counting unit 41. As a result, when it is assumed that the scan job and the print job that requires heating of the heater 14 are not executed and the temperature inside the image forming unit 1 is lowered, the control unit 4 sets the numerical value of the counting unit 41. Since the subtraction is performed, it is not necessary to operate the blower fan 15 unnecessarily when executing the scan job.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The process of the second embodiment, which is the same as the process of the first embodiment, is simplified.

  When a job is generated in the multi-function peripheral due to a command from the operation panel 21 or a print request from an external personal computer connected to the multi-function peripheral via a LAN, the control section 4 determines that the job is the image forming section 1. It is determined whether the print job needs to be operated (S201).

  In the case of a print job (S201, Yes), the image forming unit 1 starts the print job (S202).

  The control unit 4 determines whether printing by the image forming unit 1 has reached a predetermined number or a predetermined time or more (S203).

  When the number of prints is equal to or greater than the predetermined number or when the print time is equal to or greater than the predetermined time (S203, Yes), the control unit 4 counts the time for forming the image on the recording paper by the image forming unit 1. 42 is started (S204).

  After the start of timing by the timing unit 42 (S204), or when the number of prints is less than the predetermined number or when the printing time is less than the predetermined time (S203, No), the control unit 4 determines whether or not the print job is finished. Is determined (S205).

  When the control unit 4 determines that the print job has been completed (S205, Yes), the control unit 4 ends the time measurement of the time measurement unit 42 if the time measurement unit 42 has timed. When the control unit 4 determines that the print job has not ended (S205, No), the control unit 4 returns the print job to the determination of S203.

  When the print job has been completed (S205, Yes), the control unit 4 determines whether or not the time measuring unit 42 has timed. When the control unit 4 determines that the timekeeping unit 42 has timed (S206, Yes), the control unit 4 refers to the storage unit 43, acquires a numerical value corresponding to the numerical value measured by the timekeeping unit 42, and counts the counting unit. 41 (S207, S208). In this case, the control unit 4 may acquire a numerical value stored in the storage unit 43 corresponding to the numerical value measured by the time measuring unit 42 from the storage unit 43, or a storage unit corresponding to the numerical value measured by the time measuring unit 42. The numerical value stored in 43 may be self-generated.

  When the addition of the numerical value to the counting unit 41 by the control unit 4 is completed (S208), or when the timing unit 41 has not timed (S206, No), the control unit 4 operates the MFP related to the print job. Is temporarily terminated.

  If it is determined that the job is not a print job (No in S201), the control unit 4 determines whether the job is a scan job that requires the image reading unit 2 to operate. (S209).

  When it is determined that the job is a scan job (S209, Yes), the control unit 4 determines whether or not a predetermined condition related to image formation on the recording paper by the image forming unit 1 is satisfied. (S210). The predetermined condition is, for example, that a numerical value is added to the counting unit 41 and set. When a numerical value is set in the counting unit 41 (S210, Yes), a print job that requires the timing of the timing unit 42 has been performed before, so the inside of the image forming unit 1 is provided by the blower fan 15. It needs to be cooled.

  When a numerical value is set in the counting unit 41 (S210, Yes), the control unit 4 performs a scan job while operating the blower fan 15 (S211). As a result, the inside of the image forming unit 1 where the temperature is expected to rise is cooled by the blower fan 15, so that, for example, the control unit 4 arranged at a portion where the image forming unit 1 and the image reading unit 2 are in contact is configured. It is possible to suppress the heat of the image forming unit 1 from being conducted to an electronic component or the like to suppress deterioration of the electronic component.

  When a numerical value is not set in the counting unit 41 (S210, No), the control unit 4 performs a scan job without operating the blower fan 15 (S212). Since no numerical value is set in the counting unit 41, it is assumed that the inside of the image forming unit 1 need not be cooled by the blower fan 15. As a result, the blower fan 15 is not operated unnecessarily.

  After the processing of S211 or S212, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the scan job has ended (S213). When the control unit 4 determines that the scan job has ended (S213, Yes), the control unit 4 temporarily ends the operation of the multifunction peripheral related to the scan job. When the control unit 4 determines that the scan job has not ended (No in S213), the control unit 4 returns the scan job to the processing of S211 or S212 depending on whether or not a numerical value is set in the counting unit 41.

  When it is determined that the job is not a scan job (S209, No), the control unit 4 determines whether a numerical value is set in the counting unit 41 (S214). When it is determined that the numerical value is set in the counting unit 41 (S214, Yes), the control unit 4 subtracts the numerical value of the counting unit 41 (S215). As a result, when it is assumed that the scan job and the print job that requires heating of the heater 14 are not executed and the temperature inside the image forming unit 1 is lowered, the control unit 4 sets the numerical value of the counting unit 41. Since the subtraction is performed, it is not necessary to operate the blower fan 15 unnecessarily when executing the scan job.

  After the control unit 4 subtracts the numerical value of the counting unit 41 (S215) or after the control unit 4 determines that the numerical value is not set in the counting unit 41 (S214, No), the control unit 4 relates to the job. The operation of the multifunction device is temporarily terminated.

  As described above, in the MFP according to the present embodiment, when the inside of the image forming unit 1 is assumed to be at a high temperature, the heat inside the image forming unit 1 is, for example, the image forming unit 1 and the image reading unit. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the electronic component transmitted to the electronic component arranged at the boundary of 2 by operating the blower fan 15 of the image forming unit 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming part 15 Air blower 2 Image reading part 3 Automatic document conveyance part 4 Control part 41 Counting part 42 Storage part 43 Time measuring part

Claims (7)

An image reading unit for reading an image of a document,
An image forming unit that is disposed adjacent to the image reading unit, includes a cooling air blowing unit, and forms an image on recording paper;
A control unit that causes the image reading unit to read an image of a document while operating the air blowing unit when it is determined that a predetermined condition related to image formation on recording paper by the image forming unit is satisfied; ,
A multi-function machine comprising: The multifunction device according to claim 1 is:
It further includes a counting unit,
The predetermined condition is that a numerical value is set in the counting unit. The multifunction device according to claim 2,
When the number of images formed on the recording paper exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit adds a numerical value to the counting unit. The multifunction device according to claim 2,
When the image formation on the recording paper is longer than a predetermined time, the control unit adds a numerical value to the counting unit. The multifunction device according to claim 3 is:
A timing unit that starts measuring time from when the image forming unit forms an image on a predetermined number or more of recording sheets; and a storage unit that stores a numerical value corresponding to the time measured by the timing unit,
The control unit adds a numerical value corresponding to the time counted by the timing unit to the counting unit with reference to the storage unit. The multifunction device according to claim 4 is:
A timing unit that starts measuring time from when the image forming unit forms an image on recording paper for a predetermined time or more, and a storage unit that stores a numerical value corresponding to the time measured by the timing unit;
The control unit adds a numerical value corresponding to the time counted by the timing unit to the counting unit with reference to the storage unit. The multi-function device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
When the image reading unit and the image forming unit are not operating, the control unit decreases the value of the counting unit.