JP2017134230A

JP2017134230A - Noise reduction device and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2017134230A
Application number: JP2016013781A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 広隆遠藤; Hirotaka Endo
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-27
Filing date: 2016-01-27
Publication date: 2017-08-03

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a noise reduction device that can reduce a noise during printing from an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: There is provided a noise reduction device for reducing a noise during drive of an image forming apparatus comprising: image forming means that forms an image; an opening 11 that communicates the inside and outside of an apparatus body; and cooling means 8 that cools a cooling target part inside the apparatus body by taking in the outside air from the opening or exhausting the air inside the apparatus body, the noise reduction device including an opening/closing member 16 that can be opened/closed with respect to the opening, and control means 18 that controls an opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

本発明は、騒音低減装置、及び、画像形成装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a noise reduction device and an image forming apparatus.

電子写真プロセスを用いる画像形成装置の多くは、像担持体表面を帯電した後、その表面に光書込み等を行って静電潜像を形成する。そして、この静電潜像に現像装置でトナーを付着させてトナー像化し、このトナー像を転写することで転写体にトナー画像を形成する。 Many image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic process form an electrostatic latent image by charging the surface of an image carrier and performing optical writing or the like on the surface. Then, a toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image with a developing device to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to form a toner image on the transfer body.

この種の画像形成装置として、例えば特許文献１には、装置本体内部と外部とを連通させる開口と、この開口から装置本体内の空気を排出することで被冷却部である定着装置を冷却する冷却手段であるファンとを備えた画像形成装置が記載されている。また、この画像形成装置は、画像形成装置内部の部品から発する駆動音や通紙音等の騒音を低減するための騒音低減装置として、次のような騒音低減装置を備えている。この騒音低減装置は、画像形成装置が設置されている周囲の騒音レベル（以下、単に周囲の騒音レベルという）を検知するマイクの検出結果に基づいてファンの駆動を制御するものであり、ファンの駆動を次のように制御している。すなわち、ファンの駆動停止時における周囲の騒音レベルと、ファンの駆動時における周囲の騒音レベルとを比較し、この差が規定値以上であることを検知した場合に、ファンの駆動を停止させるように制御している。これにより、ファンの駆動音が画像形成装置の周囲へ与える影響を判断し、その影響が大きいときにだけファンを停止させる、すなわち、ファンの駆動による騒音を低減させることができるとしている。 As this type of image forming apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 cools a fixing device that is a part to be cooled by opening an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the apparatus main body and discharging air inside the apparatus main body from the opening. An image forming apparatus including a fan as a cooling unit is described. In addition, this image forming apparatus includes the following noise reducing apparatus as a noise reducing apparatus for reducing noise such as driving sound and paper passing sound emitted from components inside the image forming apparatus. This noise reduction device controls the drive of a fan based on the detection result of a microphone that detects the ambient noise level (hereinafter simply referred to as ambient noise level) in which the image forming apparatus is installed. The drive is controlled as follows. That is, the ambient noise level when the fan is stopped is compared with the ambient noise level when the fan is driven, and the fan is stopped when it is detected that the difference is equal to or greater than a specified value. Is controlling. As a result, the influence of the driving sound of the fan on the periphery of the image forming apparatus is determined, and the fan is stopped only when the influence is large, that is, the noise due to the driving of the fan can be reduced.

しかしながら、特許文献１の騒音低減装置では、ファンの駆動を停止させることで騒音を低減しているが、画像形成装置内部のファン以外の部品から発する駆動音、及び通紙音等は、ファンの停止中にファンの排気口から外部に漏れて騒音となってしまうおそれがある。
なお、上述した説明では、冷却手段によって開口から装置本体内の空気を排出することで被冷却部である定着装置を冷却する場合について説明したが、上述の不具合が生じる構成はこれに限らない。例えば、冷却手段によって開口から外気を取り入れて被冷却部を冷却する場合にも同様に生じる不具合である。 However, in the noise reduction device of Patent Document 1, the noise is reduced by stopping the driving of the fan. However, the driving sound and the paper passing sound generated from components other than the fan inside the image forming apparatus are There is a risk of noise leaking from the exhaust port of the fan during stoppage.
In the above description, the case where the fixing device, which is the cooled portion, is cooled by discharging the air in the apparatus main body from the opening by the cooling unit is described. However, the configuration in which the above-described problem occurs is not limited thereto. For example, the same problem occurs when the cooled portion is cooled by taking in outside air from the opening by the cooling means.

上述した課題を達成するために、本発明は、画像を形成する画像形成手段と、装置本体内部と外部とを連通させる開口と、前記開口から外気を取り入れる、又は、装置本体内の空気を排出することで装置本体内の被冷却部を冷却する冷却手段とを備えた画像形成装置の駆動時の騒音を低減させるための騒音低減装置において、前記開口に対して開閉可能な開閉部材と、前記開閉部材の開閉動作を制御する制御手段とを備えることを特徴とするものである。 In order to achieve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image forming means for forming an image, an opening for communicating the inside and outside of the apparatus main body, and taking in outside air from the opening or discharging air in the apparatus main body. In the noise reduction device for reducing noise during driving of the image forming apparatus provided with a cooling means for cooling the cooled part in the apparatus main body, an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed with respect to the opening; And a control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member.

本発明によれば、画像形成装置の印刷時の騒音を低減することができる。 According to the present invention, noise during printing of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

本実施形態に係る画像形成装置の一例を示す概略構成図。1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 同画像形成装置の正面、及び、右側面の外装を示す概略構成図。FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an exterior of a front surface and a right side surface of the image forming apparatus. 実施例１に係る騒音低減装置の構成の一例を示す概略構成図。1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a noise reduction device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 同騒音低減装置の隔壁が開口部に対して開いた状態の説明図。Explanatory drawing of the state which the partition of the noise reduction apparatus opened with respect to the opening part. 同騒音低減装置の隔壁の一部が開口部に対して開いた状態の説明図。Explanatory drawing of the state which a part of partition of the noise reduction apparatus opened with respect to the opening part. 制御手段による隔壁の開閉動作、及び、冷却ファンの駆動の制御の一例を示すフローチャート。The flowchart which shows an example of the opening / closing operation | movement of a partition by a control means, and control of the drive of a cooling fan. 実施例２に係る騒音低減装置の構成の一例を示す概略構成図。FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a noise reduction device according to a second embodiment. 従来の画像形成装置の開口部とファンとの位置関係を示した概略構成図。FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a positional relationship between an opening of a conventional image forming apparatus and a fan.

以下、本発明を電子写真方式の画像形成装置に適用した一実施形態について、図面を参照して説明する。
図１は、本実施形態に係る画像形成装置１００を示す概略構成図である。
図１に示すように、画像形成装置１００は、プリンタとしても用いることができるデジタル複写機である。そして、電子写真プロセスにより画像形成を行う画像形成手段である画像形成部１１０、原稿を自動給紙する自動原稿給紙部（ＡＤＦ）１、原稿像を読み取る原稿読み取り装置３、操作パネル等の操作部を備えている。 Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is a digital copying machine that can also be used as a printer. An image forming unit 110 that is an image forming unit that forms an image by an electrophotographic process, an automatic document feeding unit (ADF) 1 that automatically feeds a document, a document reading device 3 that reads a document image, an operation panel, and the like Department.

画像形成部１１０は、像担持体であるドラム状の感光体６を備え、この感光体６の周囲に帯電装置、光書込み装置４、現像装置、中間転写ベルト７が配設されている。また、感光体６に対して中間転写ベルト７の搬送方向下流にはクリーニング装置２が配置されている。また、中間転写ベルト７に対して用紙搬送方向下流側には用紙Ｐに転写されたトナー像を定着する定着装置５、及び定着後の用紙Ｐを機外に排出する排紙ローラ対２３も備えている。 The image forming unit 110 includes a drum-shaped photoconductor 6 that is an image carrier, and a charging device, an optical writing device 4, a developing device, and an intermediate transfer belt 7 are disposed around the photoconductor 6. A cleaning device 2 is disposed downstream of the photoreceptor 6 in the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer belt 7. Further, a fixing device 5 for fixing the toner image transferred to the paper P and a paper discharge roller pair 23 for discharging the fixed paper P to the outside of the apparatus are provided on the downstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the paper conveyance direction. ing.

また、画像形成装置１００は、複数の給紙カセット９を有し、各種サイズのシート材としての用紙Ｐを給紙する給紙部１２０、両面コピー時に片面コピー済み用紙Ｐを反転させて再給紙する用紙反転路２１も備えている。また、給紙部１２０から給紙された用紙Ｐを、画像形成部１１０を経て排紙する用紙搬送路２２や、後述する開口部１１から外気を取り入れることで装置本体内を冷却する冷却手段である冷却ファン８も備えている。 In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of paper feeding cassettes 9, a paper feeding unit 120 that feeds paper P as sheet materials of various sizes, and reverses the single-sided copied paper P during double-sided copying. A paper reversing path 21 for paper is also provided. Further, the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit 120 is discharged by the image forming unit 110, or a cooling unit that cools the inside of the apparatus main body by taking outside air from the opening 11 described later. A cooling fan 8 is also provided.

原稿読み取り装置３によって原稿像を読み取ると、読み取った画像を画像信号に変換し、画像処理部に送信する。そして、帯電装置により一様帯電されている感光体６上に画像信号に応じた潜像が光書込み装置４によって書込まれ、現像装置のトナーによって潜像が現像される。そして、感光体６上に形成されたトナー像は、中間転写ベルト７と感光体６との転写ニップ部で中間転写ベルト７に転写される。
一方、給紙部１２０では、複数の給紙カセット９のうち、印刷情報に応じたサイズの用紙Ｐを収納した給紙カセット９から、給紙ローラにより用紙Ｐが用紙搬送路２２に給紙される。用紙搬送路２２で搬送される用紙Ｐは、レジストローラを介して中間転写ベルト７と二次転写手段との二次転写ニップ部に搬送され、この二次転写ニップ部で中間転写ベルト７上に担持されたトナー像が用紙Ｐに転写される。トナー像が転写された後の用紙Ｐは、定着装置５に搬送され、定着装置５の加熱ローラ及び加圧ローラによって用紙Ｐ上にトナー像が定着される。 When the original image is read by the original reading device 3, the read image is converted into an image signal and transmitted to the image processing unit. Then, a latent image corresponding to the image signal is written on the photoconductor 6 uniformly charged by the charging device by the optical writing device 4, and the latent image is developed by the toner of the developing device. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor 6 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 7 at the transfer nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the photoreceptor 6.
On the other hand, in the paper feed unit 120, the paper P is fed to the paper transport path 22 by the paper feed roller from the paper feed cassette 9 storing the paper P having a size corresponding to the print information among the plurality of paper feed cassettes 9. The The paper P transported in the paper transport path 22 is transported to a secondary transfer nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer means via a registration roller, and is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 7 by the secondary transfer nip portion. The carried toner image is transferred onto the paper P. The paper P after the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 5, and the toner image is fixed on the paper P by the heating roller and the pressure roller of the fixing device 5.

定着後の用紙Ｐは、片面コピー（片面プリント）時には排紙ローラ対２３を介して排紙機外に排紙される。両面コピー（両面プリント）時には用紙反転路２１を介して、再度、レジストローラに向けて搬送される。 The fixed paper P is discharged out of the paper discharger via the paper discharge roller pair 23 during single-sided copying (single-sided printing). At the time of double-sided copying (double-sided printing), the sheet is conveyed again toward the registration roller through the paper reversing path 21.

図２は、同画像形成装置の正面、及び、右側面の外装を示す概略構成図である。
図２に示すように、画像形成装置１００の正面には、画像形成装置本体（以下、単に装置本体という）内部のメンテンサンスや、紙詰まりを除去するための前ドア１２が設けられている。また、装置本体の外装の一部である右側面カバー１０には、外装の冷却ファン８と対向する位置に装置本体内部と外部とを連通させる開口部１１が設けられている。 FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an exterior of the front and right side of the image forming apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 2, the front of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a maintenance inside the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter simply referred to as the apparatus main body) and a front door 12 for removing a paper jam. In addition, the right side cover 10 that is a part of the exterior of the apparatus main body is provided with an opening 11 that communicates the inside of the apparatus main body with the outside at a position facing the cooling fan 8 of the exterior.

近年、複写機等の画像形成装置では、画像形成装置本体の作像スピードの高速化が進むに伴い、装置本体から発する騒音値が上昇する傾向にある。さらに、近年では環境基準の改定などオフィス環境を良くしようという動きが高まっており、オフィスで使用される機器には、設置場所の環境を向上させるために、音の静かなものが求められている。しかし、先述のようにＯＡ機器の機能向上として作像スピードの高速化が進んでいるので、騒音の大きさと作像スピードは比例してしまう。 In recent years, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, the noise value emitted from the apparatus main body tends to increase as the image forming speed of the image forming apparatus main body increases. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a movement to improve the office environment, such as revision of environmental standards, and equipment used in the office is required to have quiet sound in order to improve the environment of the installation location. . However, as described above, as the function of the OA device has been improved, the image forming speed has been increased. Therefore, the noise level is proportional to the image forming speed.

また、画像形成装置本体の作像スピードの高速化に伴い、各駆動部品が発熱して機内の温度が上昇しやすくなっている。従来の画像形成装置は、機内を冷却するためのファンを装置本体内に設けており、このファンが外気を吸気する、又は、画像形成装置内部の空気を外部に排気するための開口部が常備されている。このような画像形成装置では、ファンによって外気を画像形成装置内に吸気、または、画像形成装置内部の空気を外部に排気することで機内の温度を下げている。上述のように、高速機では特に画像形成装置内部の温度が上昇しやすいので、機内を効率的に冷却するためにファンの吸気効率を上げた構成が求められている。しかし、吸気効率を上げるために開口部を大きくするほど画像形成装置内で発生した音が外に漏れやすくなり、使用環境に放出される騒音が大きくなってしまう。 Further, as the image forming speed of the image forming apparatus main body is increased, each drive component generates heat and the temperature inside the apparatus tends to rise. A conventional image forming apparatus is provided with a fan for cooling the inside of the apparatus in the apparatus main body, and the fan sucks outside air or has an opening for exhausting air inside the image forming apparatus to the outside. Has been. In such an image forming apparatus, the internal temperature is lowered by sucking outside air into the image forming apparatus or exhausting air inside the image forming apparatus to the outside by a fan. As described above, particularly in a high-speed machine, the temperature inside the image forming apparatus is likely to rise. Therefore, in order to cool the inside of the machine efficiently, a configuration in which the intake efficiency of the fan is increased is required. However, as the opening is increased in order to increase the intake efficiency, the sound generated in the image forming apparatus is more likely to leak to the outside, and the noise emitted to the use environment increases.

例えば、右側面カバー１０に設けられた開口部１１と冷却ファン８とが近接して配置された場合に生じる不具合について説明する。
図８は、従来の画像形成装置の開口部とファンとの位置関係を示した概略構成図である。なお、図１に示す画像形成装置１００と同様の構成については同様の符号を付し、説明を省略する。
図８に示す画像形成装置では、冷却ファン８がファン固定材１４によって装置本体に固定されており、冷却ファン８の駆動によって吸引した空気を、図中矢印ａで示す向きに送風する。また、装置本体の外装内側の冷却ファン８と対向する部分には開口部１１が配置され、この開口部１１には外部から機内を見え難くする、又は、使用者が機内に手を入れないようにする等の目的でルーバー１３が設けられている。 For example, a problem that occurs when the opening 11 provided in the right side cover 10 and the cooling fan 8 are arranged close to each other will be described.
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a positional relationship between an opening of a conventional image forming apparatus and a fan. Note that components similar to those of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the cooling fan 8 is fixed to the apparatus main body by the fan fixing member 14, and the air sucked by driving the cooling fan 8 is blown in the direction indicated by the arrow a in the figure. In addition, an opening 11 is arranged at a portion facing the cooling fan 8 inside the exterior of the apparatus main body, and it is difficult for the opening 11 to see the inside of the machine from the outside, or the user does not put his hand inside the machine. For example, a louver 13 is provided.

この右側面カバー１０に設けられた開口部１１は、冷却ファン８が装置本体内部に外気を取り込むための吸気用の開口であり、冷却ファン８の吸気効率を下げないように冷却ファン８の流量に見合った開口面積が保たれている。特に、作像スピードが高速の画像形成装置では、装置本体の外装に吸排気用の開口部が多く配置されていることがよく見受けられる。このように開口面積が大きい画像形成装置では、上述したように、開口面積が大きい分、装置内で発生した音がそのまま機外に放出されてしまうため、使用環境へ大きな不快感を与えてしまうおそれがある。図８に示す画像形成装置では、図中点線矢印ｂに示す装置内部で発生した音が、開口部１１より装置外部へ漏れてしまう。 The opening 11 provided in the right side cover 10 is an intake opening for the cooling fan 8 to take outside air into the apparatus main body, and the flow rate of the cooling fan 8 so as not to lower the intake efficiency of the cooling fan 8. The opening area commensurate with is maintained. In particular, in an image forming apparatus having a high image forming speed, it is often seen that many openings for intake and exhaust are arranged on the exterior of the apparatus main body. In such an image forming apparatus having a large opening area, as described above, since the sound generated in the apparatus is released as it is due to the large opening area, the use environment is greatly uncomfortable. There is a fear. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the sound generated inside the apparatus indicated by the dotted line arrow b in the figure leaks from the opening 11 to the outside of the apparatus.

このような不具合を解決するために、本実施形態の画像形成装置においては、画像形成装置の駆動時の騒音を低減させるための騒音低減装置として、次のような騒音低減装置を備えた。すなわち、開口部１１に対して開閉可能な開閉部材と、この開閉部材の開閉動作を制御する制御手段とを備えた。以下に、本実施形態に係る騒音低減装置の具体的な構成、及び動作の例について、複数の実施例を挙げて説明する。 In order to solve such a problem, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the following noise reducing apparatus as a noise reducing apparatus for reducing noise during driving of the image forming apparatus. That is, an opening / closing member that can be opened / closed with respect to the opening 11 and a control unit that controls the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member are provided. Hereinafter, a specific configuration and an example of the operation of the noise reduction device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a plurality of examples.

［実施例１］
まず、本実施形態における騒音低減装置の第一の実施例（以下、実施例１という）について説明する。
図３は、図２に示す画像形成装置の備える騒音低減装置５０の構成の一例を示す概略構成図である。なお、図８に示す画像形成装置と同様の構成については同様の符号を付し、説明を省略する。
図３に示すように本実施例の画像形成装置は、冷却ファン８と開口部１１とに加え、開閉部材である隔壁１６、開閉手段１５、温度検知センサ１７、及び、制御手段１８を備えている。 [Example 1]
First, a first example (hereinafter referred to as Example 1) of the noise reduction device according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the noise reduction device 50 included in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. Note that the same components as those in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment includes a partition 16 that is an opening / closing member, an opening / closing means 15, a temperature detection sensor 17, and a control means 18 in addition to the cooling fan 8 and the opening 11. Yes.

本実施例における隔壁１６は、４枚の板状部材の各一端が右側面カバー１０に固定された開閉手段１５によって開口部１１に対して回動可能に支持されている。この開閉手段１５を中心に隔壁１６が回動することで、隔壁１６が開口部１１の開口を塞いだ状態（閉状態）と、隔壁１６の固定されていない一端が開口部１１から離れた状態（開状態）とを切り替える開閉動作を行う。この隔壁１６は、閉状態において開口部１１の開口を遮蔽するように配置されている。なお、本実施例においては隔壁１６として鉛直方向の長さを開口部１１の鉛直方向の長さに対して４分割した形状のものを用いているが、これに限らず、開口部１１の開口に対して開閉可能であれば形状は問わない。また、開閉手段１５としては、ソレノイドやモータを用いて隔壁を動作させるのが好ましい。 In the present embodiment, the partition wall 16 is rotatably supported with respect to the opening portion 11 by opening / closing means 15 in which one end of each of the four plate-like members is fixed to the right side cover 10. The partition 16 rotates around the opening / closing means 15 so that the partition 16 closes the opening of the opening 11 (closed state) and the one end where the partition 16 is not fixed is separated from the opening 11. Open / close operation to switch between (open state). The partition wall 16 is disposed so as to shield the opening of the opening 11 in the closed state. In the present embodiment, the partition wall 16 has a shape in which the length in the vertical direction is divided into four with respect to the length in the vertical direction of the opening portion 11. As long as it can be opened and closed, the shape is not limited. Moreover, as the opening / closing means 15, it is preferable to operate a partition using a solenoid or a motor.

制御手段１８は、冷却ファン８、隔壁１６、及び温度検知センサ１７と接続し、温度検知センサ１７から送られてくる情報に基づいて冷却ファン８の駆動と、開閉手段１５による隔壁１６の開閉動作とを制御するものである。
温度検知センサ１７は、装置本体内の温度を検知する温度検知手段である。この温度検知センサ１７は、画像形成装置内で最も使用限界温度が低いトナー搬送路周辺に設けるのがよい。 The control unit 18 is connected to the cooling fan 8, the partition wall 16, and the temperature detection sensor 17. Based on information sent from the temperature detection sensor 17, the control unit 18 drives the cooling fan 8 and opens / closes the partition wall 16 by the opening / closing unit 15. And control.
The temperature detection sensor 17 is temperature detection means for detecting the temperature inside the apparatus main body. The temperature detection sensor 17 is preferably provided around the toner conveyance path having the lowest use limit temperature in the image forming apparatus.

本実施例の騒音低減装置５０に係る制御手段１８は、例えば、印刷開始時に温度検知センサ１７で検出された機内温度が、機内温度の所定の設定値Ａ（以下、単に設定値Ａという）以下であった場合に次のような制御を行う。すなわち、隔壁１６が閉状態となるような位置まで隔壁１６を回動させることで隔壁１６によって開口部１１を閉口させ、冷却ファン８の駆動を停止させる。
このように、隔壁１６を閉状態とすることで、印刷時に画像形成装置内で発生した通紙音やモータ駆動音等の図中点線矢印ｂで示す騒音が隔壁１６によって遮蔽され、開口部１１から機外へ騒音が漏れるのを抑制することができる。
なお、ここで示した設定値Ａの値の設定については後ほど詳述する。 For example, the control unit 18 according to the noise reduction apparatus 50 of the present embodiment has an internal temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 at the start of printing equal to or lower than a predetermined set value A (hereinafter simply referred to as a set value A) of the internal temperature. If so, the following control is performed. That is, by rotating the partition wall 16 to a position where the partition wall 16 is in a closed state, the opening 11 is closed by the partition wall 16 and the driving of the cooling fan 8 is stopped.
In this way, by closing the partition wall 16, noise indicated by the dotted line arrow b in the figure, such as a paper passing sound and a motor driving sound generated in the image forming apparatus during printing, is shielded by the partition wall 16, and the opening 11. Noise can be prevented from leaking out of the machine.
The setting of the setting value A shown here will be described in detail later.

図４は、同騒音低減装置の隔壁１６が開口部に対して開いた状態の説明図である。
さらに、印刷が終了した際には、図４に示すように、開口部１１が開口する向きに隔壁１６を回動させ、冷却ファン８による吸気が可能な状態、すなわち、隔壁１６を開状態にし、冷却ファン８の駆動を開始させる。
このように、隔壁１６を開状態として冷却ファン８を駆動させることで、冷却ファン８によって開口部１１の開口を介して外気を装置本体内に取り込み、装置本体内を冷却することができる。このとき装置本体内で生じる空気の流れを図中矢印ａで示す。 FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the partition wall 16 of the noise reduction device is opened with respect to the opening.
Further, when printing is completed, as shown in FIG. 4, the partition 16 is rotated in the direction in which the opening 11 is opened, so that the cooling fan 8 can suck air, that is, the partition 16 is opened. Then, the driving of the cooling fan 8 is started.
In this way, by driving the cooling fan 8 with the partition wall 16 in the open state, the outside air can be taken into the apparatus main body through the opening of the opening 11 by the cooling fan 8 and the inside of the apparatus main body can be cooled. At this time, an air flow generated in the apparatus main body is indicated by an arrow a in the figure.

画像形成装置内で印刷時に発生する音は、印刷信号の待機時には発生していないので、印刷が終了した際に開口部１１から漏れる音は冷却ファン８の駆動音のみである。このため、印刷終了後に隔壁１６を開状態としても、印刷時に比べ騒音レベルが極めて低い。したがって、本実施例によれば、画像形成装置の稼働中に高くなった画像形成装置内の機内温度を印刷が終了した際に瞬時に冷却することができるので、機内の温度上昇を抑制することができる。 Since the sound generated during printing in the image forming apparatus is not generated during the standby of the print signal, the sound that leaks from the opening 11 when printing is completed is only the driving sound of the cooling fan 8. For this reason, even if the partition 16 is opened after the printing is completed, the noise level is extremely low as compared with the printing. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the temperature inside the image forming apparatus that has become high during the operation of the image forming apparatus can be instantaneously cooled when printing is completed, so that an increase in the temperature inside the machine can be suppressed. Can do.

また、特許文献２には、装置本体内で発生した音が外部に漏れて騒音となるのを抑制するため、隣接するカバー部材同士の間における装置本体内部と外部とを連通させる隙間に次のような構造を有する画像形成装置が記載されている。すなわち、該隙間によって形成される装置本体の内部から隙間を通過して外部に向かう経路が、複数箇所の屈曲部を有している。このように、隙間が複数箇所の屈曲部（以下、単に「屈曲部」という）を有するような複雑な形状であることにより、装置本体内部で発生し、隙間を介して外部に漏れる音は、屈曲部内で複数回回折しながら外部まで伝播される。このように複数回回折する際に伝播される音は小さくなるため、隙間を設けた構成であってもこの隙間からの音漏れを抑制することができるとしている。 Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to suppress the sound generated in the apparatus main body from leaking to the outside and becoming noise, the following gap is provided between the adjacent cover members that allow communication between the inside of the apparatus main body and the outside. An image forming apparatus having such a structure is described. In other words, the path that passes through the gap from the inside of the apparatus main body formed by the gap and goes to the outside has a plurality of bent portions. As described above, since the gap has a complicated shape having a plurality of bent portions (hereinafter, simply referred to as “bend portions”), the sound generated inside the apparatus main body and leaking outside through the gap is Propagated to the outside while being diffracted multiple times within the bend. Thus, since the sound propagated when diffracting a plurality of times becomes small, it is said that sound leakage from this gap can be suppressed even with a configuration having a gap.

本実施例において、特許文献２に記載されているような屈曲部を冷却ファンから吸気口までの通気路に設けた場合、印刷時に発生する音が機外へ漏れることをより抑制することはできるが、屈曲部での圧損が常に高くなるため、冷却ファンの駆動時の吸気効率が低下するおそれがある。画像形成装置内部温度が上昇し易い高速機では、機内の温度上昇を抑制するために、冷却ファンの駆動時にファンの吸気効率を低下させないものが求められている。
そこで、本実施例の騒音低減装置５０では、吸気口である開口部１１から冷却ファン８の間の通気路に隔壁１６のみを設け、冷却ファン８を駆動させているときには、開口部１１を塞がない位置まで隔壁１６を移動させている。これにより、冷却ファン８の駆動中には、開口部１１の通気流路が隔壁１６によって隔たれない状態にすることができるので、冷却ファン８の吸気効率を低下させることなく機内の温度上昇を抑制することができる。
なお、冷却ファンによって機内を冷却可能な吸気効率が確保できれば、ファンから吸気口である開口部１１の間の通気路にフィルターや上述の屈曲部を設けた構成としてもよい。 In this embodiment, when a bent portion as described in Patent Document 2 is provided in the air passage from the cooling fan to the air inlet, it is possible to further suppress leakage of sound generated during printing to the outside of the apparatus. However, since the pressure loss at the bent portion is constantly increased, the intake efficiency when the cooling fan is driven may be reduced. In a high-speed machine in which the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus easily rises, there is a demand for a machine that does not reduce the intake efficiency of the fan when the cooling fan is driven in order to suppress the temperature rise in the machine.
Therefore, in the noise reduction device 50 of the present embodiment, only the partition wall 16 is provided in the air passage between the opening 11 serving as the air inlet and the cooling fan 8, and the opening 11 is blocked when the cooling fan 8 is driven. The partition wall 16 is moved to a position where there is no gap. Thereby, while the cooling fan 8 is being driven, the air flow path of the opening 11 can be kept in a state not separated by the partition wall 16, so that the temperature rise in the machine is suppressed without reducing the intake efficiency of the cooling fan 8. can do.
Note that a configuration in which a filter or the above-described bent portion is provided in the air passage between the fan and the opening 11 serving as an intake port may be adopted as long as the cooling fan can secure the intake efficiency capable of cooling the inside of the apparatus.

また、特許文献１に記載の騒音低減装置では、騒音値に従って冷却ファンの駆動を制御しているため、冷却ファンの駆動を止めた場合に機内温度が上昇してしまう恐れがあった。装置本体内の温度が一定以上に上昇すると、この温度上昇の影響を受けてトナー回収機構や現像装置、トナーボトル周辺の温度が上昇し、トナー固着が生じるなどの不具合が生じる。
本実施例の騒音低減装置５０よれば、温度検知センサ１７の検知結果に基づいて隔壁と冷却ファン８の駆動を制御しているので、次のような制御が可能となる。すなわち、機内の温度が高くなったと温度検知センサ１７が検知した場合に隔壁１６を開状態にして冷却ファン８を駆動させることが可能となる。これにより、装置本体内の温度が所定の値以上となった場合に速やかに機内を冷却することができ、機内の温度上昇を抑制することができる。 Further, in the noise reduction device described in Patent Document 1, since the driving of the cooling fan is controlled according to the noise value, there is a possibility that the in-machine temperature rises when the driving of the cooling fan is stopped. When the temperature inside the apparatus main body rises above a certain level, the temperature around the toner recovery mechanism, the developing device, and the toner bottle rises due to the influence of this temperature rise, causing problems such as toner sticking.
According to the noise reduction device 50 of the present embodiment, since the drive of the partition and the cooling fan 8 is controlled based on the detection result of the temperature detection sensor 17, the following control is possible. In other words, when the temperature detection sensor 17 detects that the temperature inside the machine has risen, the partition 16 can be opened and the cooling fan 8 can be driven. Thereby, when the temperature in the apparatus main body becomes a predetermined value or more, the inside of the apparatus can be quickly cooled, and the temperature rise in the apparatus can be suppressed.

さらに、本実施例の制御手段１８は、温度検知センサ１７で検出された機内温度に基づいて、開口部１１の開口面積が段階的に変化するように隔壁１６の開閉動作を制御している。
図５は、同隔壁１６の一部が開口部に対して開いた状態の説明図である。
例えば、設定値Ａに加えて、設定値Ａよりも小さな値である設定値Ｂを設定する。機内温度が設定値Ｂ未満である場合は、図３に示すように、隔壁１６を回動させることで開口部１１の開口が閉口する状態、すなわち閉状態にする。そして、図３に示す状態から機内温度が設定値Ｂ以上となった場合、図５に示すように、隔壁１６の一部を回動させ、冷却ファン８によって開口部１１の一部から外気の吸気が可能な状態（半開状態）にし、冷却ファン８の駆動を開始する。このとき、回動させた部分以外の隔壁１６は、閉状態を維持する。 Furthermore, the control means 18 of this embodiment controls the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 so that the opening area of the opening 11 changes stepwise based on the in-machine temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a part of the partition wall 16 is opened with respect to the opening.
For example, in addition to the set value A, a set value B that is smaller than the set value A is set. When the in-machine temperature is lower than the set value B, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening of the opening 11 is closed by rotating the partition wall 16, that is, the closed state. Then, when the in-machine temperature becomes equal to or higher than the set value B from the state shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 5, a part of the partition wall 16 is rotated, and the cooling fan 8 draws outside air from a part of the opening 11. The air intake is enabled (half-open state), and the cooling fan 8 starts to be driven. At this time, the partition walls 16 other than the rotated part maintain the closed state.

さらに、図５に示す状態から機内温度が設定値Ａ以上になった場合は、図４に示すように、全ての隔壁１６が開状態となるように隔壁１６を回動させる。
このように、機内の温度変化に基づいて段階的に隔壁１６の開閉動作を実行することで、騒音低減効果と機内冷却のバランスを細かく管理することが可能となる。
なお、本実施例では、設定値をＡ、Ｂの２つのみ設定し、隔壁１６の全てを閉状態にした全閉口、隔壁１６の一部を開口した半開口、及び隔壁１６の全てを開状態にした全開口の３パターンで隔壁の開閉動作を実行した例について説明したが、隔壁の開閉動作の段階的な制御としてはこれに限らない。例えば、開口面積を細かく分けるためにパターン数を３パターンよりも増やしてもよい。 Further, when the in-machine temperature becomes equal to or higher than the set value A from the state shown in FIG. 5, the partition walls 16 are rotated so that all the partition walls 16 are opened as shown in FIG.
Thus, by performing the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 stepwise based on the temperature change in the machine, it is possible to finely manage the balance between the noise reduction effect and the cooling in the machine.
In the present embodiment, only two set values A and B are set, and all the partitions 16 are closed, a half-opening in which a part of the partition 16 is opened, and all the partitions 16 are opened. Although the example in which the partition opening / closing operation is executed with the three patterns of all openings in the state has been described, the stepwise control of the partition opening / closing operation is not limited thereto. For example, the number of patterns may be increased from three patterns in order to finely divide the opening area.

次に、隔壁１６の開閉動作、及び、冷却ファン８の駆動の制御フローについて説明する。
図６は、制御手段１８による隔壁１６の開閉動作、及び、冷却ファン８の駆動の制御の一例を示すフローチャートである。
まず、電源が入ったら冷却ファン８の駆動を開始し、開口部１１が開口する向きに隔壁１６を回動させ（Ｓ１）、隔壁１６を全て開状態にする。これにより、上述したように、画像形成装置内の温度上昇を抑制することができる。その後、画像形成装置が印刷信号を受信すると（Ｓ２）、冷却ファン８の駆動を停止させ、開口部１１が閉口する向きに隔壁１６を回動させ（Ｓ３）、隔壁１６を全て閉状態にする。これにより、印刷中に画像形成装置内で発生する音が機外に漏れるのを抑制する。 Next, an opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 and a control flow for driving the cooling fan 8 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 and the driving of the cooling fan 8 by the control means 18.
First, when the power is turned on, driving of the cooling fan 8 is started, the partition 16 is rotated in the direction in which the opening 11 opens (S1), and all the partitions 16 are opened. Thereby, as described above, the temperature rise in the image forming apparatus can be suppressed. Thereafter, when the image forming apparatus receives a print signal (S2), the driving of the cooling fan 8 is stopped, the partition 16 is rotated in the direction in which the opening 11 is closed (S3), and all the partitions 16 are closed. . Thereby, it is possible to suppress the sound generated in the image forming apparatus during printing from leaking outside the apparatus.

次に、印刷終了か否かを判断し（Ｓ４）、印刷終了である場合（Ｓ４のＹｅｓ）は、後述するＳ１２以降のフローを実行する。一方、印刷終了ではない場合（Ｓ４のＮｏ）、印刷中に温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が、設定値Ａ以上か否かを判断する（Ｓ５）。
ここで、長時間の連続通紙により機内の温度が上昇することで、トナーロックや部品の使用規格温度を超えないように、機内温度の所定の値である設定値Ａを定める。この設定値Ａは、装置本体内の温度によって画像形成装置に不具合が生じない値に設定する必要がある。具体的には、例えば、該不具合の中ではトナーが溶解し始める温度が最も低いので、設定値Ａをトナーの溶解温度未満に設定するのがよい。 Next, it is determined whether or not printing is finished (S4). If printing is finished (Yes in S4), the flow after S12 described later is executed. On the other hand, when printing is not finished (No in S4), it is determined whether the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 during printing is equal to or higher than the set value A (S5).
Here, a set value A which is a predetermined value of the in-machine temperature is determined so that the temperature inside the apparatus rises due to continuous paper passing for a long time and does not exceed the toner lock and the use standard temperature of parts. The set value A needs to be set to a value that does not cause a problem in the image forming apparatus due to the temperature in the apparatus main body. Specifically, for example, since the temperature at which the toner starts to dissolve is the lowest among the problems, the set value A is preferably set to be lower than the melting temperature of the toner.

温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が、設定値Ａ未満である場合（Ｓ５のＮｏ）、温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ａ以上となるまで、冷却ファン８の駆動停止状態、及び隔壁１６の閉状態を維持する。一方、印刷中に温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が、設定値Ａ以上である場合（Ｓ５のＹｅｓ）、冷却ファン８の駆動を開始させ、開口部１１が開口する向きに隔壁１６の一部を回動させ（Ｓ６）、隔壁１６の一部を開状態にする。このとき、開口部１１の開口する面積によって装置本体内部からの音漏れ量が変わるので、各画像形成装置に合った開口面積の設定が必要である。 When the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 is less than the set value A (No in S5), the cooling fan 8 stops driving and the partition wall until the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 becomes equal to or higher than the set value A. The 16 closed state is maintained. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 during printing is equal to or higher than the set value A (Yes in S5), driving of the cooling fan 8 is started, and a part of the partition wall 16 is oriented so that the opening 11 opens. Is rotated (S6), and a part of the partition 16 is opened. At this time, since the amount of sound leakage from the inside of the apparatus main body varies depending on the area of the opening 11 opened, it is necessary to set an opening area suitable for each image forming apparatus.

次に、印刷中に温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ｂ以上か否かを判断する（Ｓ７）。温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ｂ未満である場合（Ｓ７のＮｏ）は、冷却ファン８の駆動を停止させ、開口部１１が閉口する向きに隔壁１６を回動させ（Ｓ３）、隔壁１６を全て閉状態にする。そして、印刷終了か否かを判断し（Ｓ４）、その判断に基づいて後述するＳ１２以降のフロー、又は、上述のＳ５以降のフローを実行する。一方、温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ｂ以上である場合（Ｓ７のＹｅｓ）は、開口部１１が開口する向きに隔壁１６を回動させ（Ｓ８）、隔壁１６を全て開状態にする。この動作は、画像形成装置の機内温度上昇による不具合を未然に防止する補助機能である。この補助機能により、画像形成装置の機内温度上昇による不具合を未然に防止することができる。 Next, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 during printing is equal to or higher than the set value B (S7). When the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 is less than the set value B (No in S7), the driving of the cooling fan 8 is stopped, and the partition wall 16 is rotated in the direction in which the opening 11 is closed (S3). All the partition walls 16 are closed. Then, it is determined whether or not printing is finished (S4), and the flow after S12 described later or the flow after S5 described above is executed based on the determination. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 is equal to or higher than the set value B (Yes in S7), the partition 16 is rotated in the direction in which the opening 11 opens (S8), and all the partitions 16 are opened. To do. This operation is an auxiliary function for preventing problems caused by an increase in the temperature inside the image forming apparatus. With this auxiliary function, it is possible to prevent problems caused by the temperature increase in the image forming apparatus.

次に、印刷中に温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ａ以上か否かを判断する（Ｓ９）。温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ａ以上である場合（Ｓ９Ｙｅｓ）は、温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ａ未満となるまで、隔壁１６の開状態を維持する。一方、温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ａ未満である場合（Ｓ９のＮｏ）、隔壁１６の一部を開口部１１が閉口する向きに回動させ（Ｓ１０）、隔壁１６の一部を閉状態にする。そして、印刷終了か否かを判断し（Ｓ１１）、印刷終了ではない場合（Ｓ４のＮｏ）、印刷中に温度検知センサ１７で検出した温度が設定値Ｂ以上か否かを判断し（Ｓ７）、その判断に基づいてＳ３以降のフロー、又は、Ｓ８以降のフローを実行する。 Next, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 during printing is equal to or higher than the set value A (S9). When the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 is equal to or higher than the set value A (S9 Yes), the partition 16 is kept open until the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 becomes less than the set value A. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 is lower than the set value A (No in S9), a part of the partition wall 16 is rotated in the direction in which the opening 11 is closed (S10), and a part of the partition wall 16 is rotated. Is closed. Then, it is determined whether or not printing is finished (S11). If printing is not finished (No in S4), it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17 during printing is equal to or higher than the set value B (S7). Based on the determination, the flow after S3 or the flow after S8 is executed.

一方、印刷終了である場合（Ｓ４のＹｅｓ）は、印刷終了動作を実行し（Ｓ１２）、開口部１１が開口する向きに隔壁１６を回動させて隔壁を全て開状態、かつ、冷却ファンが駆動している状態にし（Ｓ１３）、画像形成装置内を速やかに冷却する。このとき、画像形成装置内で稼動しているモータは冷却ファン８のみであるため、開口部１１を開口しても騒音レベルは印刷時に比べ極小である。 On the other hand, when the printing is finished (Yes in S4), the printing finishing operation is executed (S12), the partition 16 is rotated in the direction in which the opening 11 is opened, all the partitions are opened, and the cooling fan is operated. The image forming apparatus is quickly cooled in the driving state (S13). At this time, since the motor operating in the image forming apparatus is only the cooling fan 8, the noise level is minimal even when the opening 11 is opened as compared with the printing.

本制御例によれば、隔壁１６、冷却ファン８、及び、隔壁１６の開閉動作と冷却ファン８の駆動とを制御する制御手段１８を設けることで、冷却ファン８の吸気用の開口部１１を自由に遮蔽することが可能となる。これにより、冷却ファン８の通気用の開口部１１から漏れる、画像形成装置が印刷中に発する音の大きさを低減することができる。さらに、冷却ファン８が外気を吸気する際に開口部１１の開口面積が減少することがないので、吸気効率が低下しない。したがって、本実施例の画像形成装置によれば、確実な画像形成装置内の冷却、及び騒音レベルの低減効果を得ることができる。 According to this control example, by providing the partition wall 16, the cooling fan 8, and the control unit 18 that controls the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 and the driving of the cooling fan 8, the intake opening 11 of the cooling fan 8 is provided. It becomes possible to shield freely. As a result, it is possible to reduce the volume of sound leaking from the ventilation opening 11 of the cooling fan 8 and emitted by the image forming apparatus during printing. Furthermore, since the opening area of the opening 11 does not decrease when the cooling fan 8 sucks outside air, the intake efficiency does not decrease. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effect of reliably cooling the image forming apparatus and reducing the noise level.

なお、本実施例の画像形成装置では、隔壁１６の開閉動作と冷却ファン８の駆動とを一つの制御手段によって制御した例について説明したが、これに限らず、次のような構成としてもよい。すなわち、温度検知センサ１７の検知結果に基づいて隔壁１６の開閉動作を制御する制御手段と、温度検知センサ１７の検知結果に基づいて冷却ファン８の駆動を制御する制御手段とを備えた構成としてもよい。
また、本実施例では、温度検知センサ１７の検知結果に基づいて隔壁１６の開閉動作及び冷却ファン８の駆動を制御する例について説明したが、隔壁１６の開閉動作及び冷却ファン８の駆動の制御はこれに限らない。例えば、画像形成手段の駆動時間に基づいて冷却ファンの駆動を制御し、冷却ファンの駆動状態に基づいて開閉部材の開閉動作を制御してもよい。 In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the example in which the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 and the driving of the cooling fan 8 are controlled by one control unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the following configuration may be used. . That is, as a configuration provided with a control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 based on the detection result of the temperature detection sensor 17 and a control means for controlling the driving of the cooling fan 8 based on the detection result of the temperature detection sensor 17. Also good.
In the present embodiment, the example in which the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 and the driving of the cooling fan 8 are controlled based on the detection result of the temperature detection sensor 17 has been described. However, the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 and the control of the driving of the cooling fan 8 are controlled. Is not limited to this. For example, the driving of the cooling fan may be controlled based on the driving time of the image forming unit, and the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member may be controlled based on the driving state of the cooling fan.

［実施例２］
次に、本実施形態における騒音低減装置の第二の実施例（以下、実施例２という）について説明する。
図７は、実施例２に係る騒音低減装置６０の一例を示す概略構成図である。なお、本実施例の騒音低減装置６０は、隔壁及び制御手段の構成が異なる以外は、図３に基づき説明した実施例１の騒音低減装置５０と同様の構成である。このため、実施例１の騒音低減装置５０と同様な部分には同じ符号を付し、説明を省略する。
図７に示すように、本実施例の騒音低減装置６０は、開閉部材として冷却ファン８の風圧によって回転軸２０ａを中心に回動可能な軽量部材である隔壁２０を用いるか、又は、冷却ファン８の最大静圧の値を、該静圧によって隔壁２０が回転軸２０ａを中心に回動可能な値としたものである。 [Example 2]
Next, a second example (hereinafter referred to as Example 2) of the noise reduction device according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the noise reduction device 60 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the noise reduction apparatus 60 of a present Example is the structure similar to the noise reduction apparatus 50 of Example 1 demonstrated based on FIG. 3 except the structure of a partition and a control means differing. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to the noise reduction apparatus 50 of Example 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
As shown in FIG. 7, the noise reduction device 60 of the present embodiment uses a partition wall 20 that is a lightweight member that can be rotated around a rotating shaft 20 a by the wind pressure of the cooling fan 8 as an opening / closing member, or a cooling fan. The value of the maximum static pressure of 8 is a value by which the partition wall 20 can rotate around the rotation shaft 20a by the static pressure.

また、本実施例の騒音低減装置６０に係る制御手段６８は、冷却ファン８の駆動を温度検知センサ１７の情報に基づいて制御し、この冷却ファン８の駆動状態によって隔壁２０の開閉動作が制御されるものである。
具体的には、制御手段６８によって冷却ファン８の駆動が停止している場合には、隔壁２０は自重によって開口部１１を閉口する向きに回動して閉状態となり、開口部１１の開口を隔壁２０によって閉口させることができる。また、冷却ファン８が稼動した際には、冷却ファン８の静圧によって隔壁２０が開口する向きに回動することで開口部１１を開口させることができる。さらにまた、冷却ファン８の回転数の制御によって、隔壁の開閉角度が変更可能となるため、開口の開閉面積を調節することができる。 Further, the control means 68 according to the noise reduction device 60 of this embodiment controls the driving of the cooling fan 8 based on the information of the temperature detection sensor 17 and controls the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 20 according to the driving state of the cooling fan 8. It is what is done.
Specifically, when the driving of the cooling fan 8 is stopped by the control unit 68, the partition wall 20 is rotated in the direction of closing the opening 11 by its own weight, and is closed. It can be closed by the partition wall 20. Further, when the cooling fan 8 is operated, the opening 11 can be opened by rotating in the direction in which the partition wall 20 is opened by the static pressure of the cooling fan 8. Furthermore, since the opening / closing angle of the partition wall can be changed by controlling the rotation speed of the cooling fan 8, the opening / closing area of the opening can be adjusted.

このように、本実施例の騒音低減装置６０によれば、開閉部材の開閉手段としてソレノイドやモータ等を使用することなく、開閉部材の開閉動作を実施することが可能となるため、騒音軽減装置に係るコストを削減することができる。 Thus, according to the noise reduction device 60 of the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member can be performed without using a solenoid, a motor, or the like as the opening / closing member of the opening / closing member. The cost concerning can be reduced.

なお、上述した説明では、外気を吸気することで機内を冷却する冷却ファンを備えた画像形成装置において、冷却ファンの吸気口となる開口部に開閉部材を設けた構成について説明したが、これに限らず、次のような構成としていもよい。すなわち、機内の空気を排気することで機内を冷却する冷却ファンを備えた画像形成装置において、冷却ファンの排気口となる開口部に開閉部材を設けた構成としてもよい。
また、上述した説明では、騒音低減装置の開口部材を、装置本体の右側面に設けられた開口部に設けた例について説明したが、これに限らず、冷却ファン、もしくは排気ファンが装置本体の外装に設けた開口部と連通している場合にも適用可能である。 In the above description, the image forming apparatus including the cooling fan that cools the interior of the apparatus by sucking outside air has been described with respect to the configuration in which the opening / closing member is provided in the opening serving as the inlet of the cooling fan. The configuration is not limited to the following. That is, in an image forming apparatus provided with a cooling fan that cools the interior of the apparatus by exhausting the air in the apparatus, an opening / closing member may be provided in an opening serving as an exhaust port of the cooling fan.
In the above description, the example in which the opening member of the noise reduction device is provided in the opening provided on the right side surface of the device main body has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a cooling fan or an exhaust fan is provided in the device main body. The present invention is also applicable when communicating with an opening provided in the exterior.

以上に説明したものは一例であり、次の態様毎に特有の効果を奏する。
（態様Ａ）
画像を形成する画像形成部１１０等の画像形成手段と、装置本体内部と外部とを連通させる開口部１１等の開口と、前記開口から外気を取り入れる、又は、装置本体内の空気を排出することで装置本体内の被冷却部を冷却する冷却ファン８等の冷却手段とを備えた画像形成装置の駆動時の騒音を低減させるための騒音低減装置において、前記開口に対して開閉可能な隔壁１６等の開閉部材と、前記開閉部材の開閉動作を制御する制御手段１８等の制御手段とを備えることを特徴とする。 What was demonstrated above is an example, and there exists an effect peculiar for every following aspect.
(Aspect A)
An image forming unit such as an image forming unit 110 that forms an image, an opening such as the opening 11 that communicates the inside and outside of the apparatus main body, and taking in outside air from the opening or discharging air inside the apparatus main body. In the noise reduction apparatus for reducing noise during driving of the image forming apparatus provided with cooling means such as a cooling fan 8 for cooling the cooled portion in the apparatus main body, the partition wall 16 that can be opened and closed with respect to the opening And a control means such as a control means 18 for controlling the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member.

本態様においては、実施例１について説明したように、制御手段１８によって隔壁１６の開閉動作を次のように制御することが可能となる。すなわち、印刷動作中などの大きな騒音が発生する場合には、開口部１１を閉口させる位置まで隔壁１６を移動させ、開口部１１の開口を塞ぐことが可能となる。これにより、印刷時に画像形成装置内で発生した通紙音やモータ駆動音等の騒音が隔壁１６によって遮蔽され、開口部１１から機外へ漏れる騒音を低減することができる。 In this embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the control unit 18 can control the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 as follows. That is, when a large noise occurs during a printing operation or the like, the partition 16 can be moved to a position where the opening 11 is closed to close the opening of the opening 11. As a result, noise such as paper passing sound and motor drive sound generated in the image forming apparatus during printing is shielded by the partition wall 16, and noise leaking from the opening 11 to the outside of the apparatus can be reduced.

（態様Ｂ）
態様Ａの騒音低減装置において、装置本体内の温度を検知する温度検知センサ１７等の温度検知手段を備え、制御手段１８等の前記制御手段が、前記温度検知手段の検知結果に基づいて隔壁１６等の前記開閉部材の開閉動作及び冷却ファン８等の前記冷却手段の駆動を制御することを特徴とする。 (Aspect B)
The noise reduction device according to aspect A includes temperature detection means such as a temperature detection sensor 17 for detecting the temperature inside the apparatus body, and the control means such as the control means 18 is configured so that the partition wall 16 is based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member such as the above and the driving of the cooling means such as the cooling fan 8 are controlled.

本態様においては、実施例１について説明したように、温度検知センサ１７の検知結果に基づいて隔壁１６の開閉動作と冷却ファン８の駆動を制御しているので、次のような制御が可能となる。すなわち、機内の温度が高くなったと温度検知センサ１７が検知した場合には、開口部１１を開口する向きに隔壁１６を移動させ、冷却ファン８による吸気が可能な状態にし、冷却ファン８を駆動させることが可能となる。これにより、隔壁１６によって開口部１１の開口を塞ぐことなく冷却ファン８によって装置本体に外気を取り込むことができるので、冷却ファン８の吸気効率を低下させることなく機内を冷却し、機内の温度上昇を速やかに抑制することができる。 In this aspect, as described in the first embodiment, since the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 and the driving of the cooling fan 8 are controlled based on the detection result of the temperature detection sensor 17, the following control is possible. Become. That is, when the temperature detection sensor 17 detects that the temperature inside the machine has risen, the partition wall 16 is moved in the direction to open the opening 11 so that the cooling fan 8 can suck air, and the cooling fan 8 is driven. It becomes possible to make it. Accordingly, the outside air can be taken into the apparatus main body by the cooling fan 8 without blocking the opening of the opening portion 11 by the partition wall 16, so that the inside of the apparatus is cooled without lowering the intake efficiency of the cooling fan 8, and the temperature inside the apparatus rises. Can be quickly suppressed.

（態様Ｃ）
態様Ｂの騒音低減装置において、制御手段１８等の前記制御手段は温度検知センサ１７等の前記温度検知手段によって検知した値が設定値Ａ等の所定の値を超えた場合に、冷却ファン８等の前記冷却手段を駆動させ、隔壁１６等の前記開閉部材を開口部１１等の前記開口に対して開いた状態にすることを特徴とする。
本態様においては、実施例１について説明したように、装置本体内の温度が所定の値以上となった場合に確実に機内を冷却することが可能となるので、機内の温度上昇を速やかに抑制することができる。 (Aspect C)
In the noise reduction device according to aspect B, the control means such as the control means 18 is provided with the cooling fan 8 or the like when the value detected by the temperature detection means such as the temperature detection sensor 17 exceeds a predetermined value such as the set value A or the like. The cooling means is driven to open the opening / closing members such as the partition walls 16 with respect to the openings such as the openings 11.
In this aspect, as described in the first embodiment, it is possible to reliably cool the interior of the apparatus when the temperature inside the apparatus main body exceeds a predetermined value, so that the temperature rise in the apparatus can be quickly suppressed. can do.

（態様Ｄ）
態様Ａ〜Ｃいずれか一の騒音低減装置において、開口部１１等の前記開口に対して隔壁１６等の前記開閉部材を閉じることで、前記開口を隙間無く遮蔽することを特徴とする。
本態様においては、隔壁１６によって開口部１１を完全に塞ぐことで、開口部１１から機外へ漏れる騒音をより低減することができる。 (Aspect D)
The noise reduction device according to any one of aspects A to C is characterized in that the opening and closing members such as the partition walls 16 are closed with respect to the opening such as the opening 11 so as to shield the opening without any gap.
In this aspect, noise that leaks from the opening 11 to the outside of the machine can be further reduced by completely closing the opening 11 with the partition wall 16.

（態様Ｅ）
態様Ａ〜Ｄいずれか一の騒音低減装置において、前記制御手段は、画像形成部１１０等の前記画像形成手段による画像形成動作が実行されていない時に冷却ファン８等の前記冷却手段を駆動させ、隔壁１６等の前記開閉部材を開口部１１等の前記開口に対して開いた状態にすることを特徴とする。
本態様においては、実施例１について説明したように、画像形成動作によって温度が上昇した装置本体内を確実に冷却することができる。 (Aspect E)
In the noise reduction device according to any one of the aspects A to D, the control unit drives the cooling unit such as the cooling fan 8 when the image forming operation by the image forming unit such as the image forming unit 110 is not executed. The opening / closing member such as the partition wall 16 is open with respect to the opening such as the opening 11.
In this aspect, as described in the first embodiment, the inside of the apparatus main body whose temperature has been raised by the image forming operation can be reliably cooled.

（態様Ｆ）
態様Ｂ〜Ｅいずれか一の騒音低減装置において、隔壁１６等の前記開閉部材が複数の開閉部材で構成され、前記複数の開閉部材を各々開閉可能な開閉手段１５等の開閉手段を備え、温度検知センサ１７等の前記温度検知手段の検知結果に基づいて開口部１１等の前記開口の開口面積を変更可能としたことを特徴とする。 (Aspect F)
In the noise reduction device according to any one of the aspects B to E, the opening / closing member such as the partition wall 16 includes a plurality of opening / closing members, and includes opening / closing means such as the opening / closing means 15 that can open and close the plurality of opening / closing members. The opening area of the opening such as the opening 11 can be changed based on the detection result of the temperature detecting means such as the detection sensor 17.

本態様においては、実施例１について説明したように、温度検知センサ１７で検出された機内温度に基づいて、開口部１１の開口面積が段階的に変化するように隔壁１６の開閉動作を制御することが可能となる。具体的には、例えば機内温度が所定の値以上となった場合に、例えば、隔壁１６の一部を回動させ、開口部１１の一部から冷却ファン８によって外気の吸気が可能な状態（半開状態）にし、冷却ファン８の駆動を開始するよう制御することが可能となる。このように、機内の温度変化に基づいて段階的に隔壁１６の開閉動作を実行することで、騒音低減効果と機内冷却のバランスを細かく管理することができる。 In this embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 is controlled so that the opening area of the opening 11 changes stepwise based on the in-machine temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 17. It becomes possible. Specifically, for example, when the in-machine temperature becomes a predetermined value or more, for example, a part of the partition wall 16 is rotated, and the cooling fan 8 can suck outside air from a part of the opening 11 ( It is possible to perform control so that the cooling fan 8 starts to be driven. As described above, by executing the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 16 stepwise based on the temperature change in the machine, the balance between the noise reduction effect and the cooling in the machine can be finely managed.

（態様Ｇ）
態様Ａの騒音低減装置において、制御手段１８等の前記制御手段が冷却ファン８等の前記冷却手段の駆動を制御するものであり、隔壁２０等の前記開閉部材が軽量な部材で形成され、前記冷却手段の駆動中に、前記冷却手段の静圧によって前記開閉部材の位置を変化させる。 (Aspect G)
In the noise reduction device of aspect A, the control means such as the control means 18 controls the driving of the cooling means such as the cooling fan 8, and the opening and closing members such as the partition walls 20 are formed of lightweight members, During the driving of the cooling means, the position of the opening / closing member is changed by the static pressure of the cooling means.

本態様においては、実施例２について説明したように、隔壁として軽量な部材を用いることで、次のように隔壁２０の開閉動作を実施することが可能となる。すなわち、冷却ファン８の駆動が停止している場合には、隔壁２０が自重によって開口部１１を閉口する向きに回動することで閉状態となり、開口部１１の開口を隔壁２０によって閉口させることが可能となる。また、冷却ファン８が稼動した際には、冷却ファン８の静圧によって隔壁２０が開口する向きに回動することで開口部１１を開口させることが可能となる。これにより、ソレノイドやモータ等を使用することなく開口部材の開閉動作を実施することができるので、駆動低減装置に係るコストを削減することができる。 In this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, by using a lightweight member as the partition wall, the opening / closing operation of the partition wall 20 can be performed as follows. That is, when the driving of the cooling fan 8 is stopped, the partition wall 20 is rotated by its own weight so as to close the opening portion 11, and the opening of the opening portion 11 is closed by the partition wall 20. Is possible. In addition, when the cooling fan 8 is operated, the opening 11 can be opened by rotating in the direction in which the partition wall 20 is opened by the static pressure of the cooling fan 8. Thereby, since the opening / closing operation | movement of an opening member can be implemented without using a solenoid, a motor, etc., the cost which concerns on a drive reduction apparatus can be reduced.

（態様Ｈ）
画像を形成する画像形成手段と、装置本体の外装に設けられた開口と、前記開口から外気を取り入れる、又は、装置本体内の空気を排出することで装置本体内の被冷却部を冷却する冷却手段と、装置本体の駆動時の騒音を低減させるための騒音低減装置とを備えた画像形成装置において、前記騒音低減装置として、態様Ａ〜Ｈいずれか一の騒音低減装置を用いた。
これにより、印刷時の騒音を低減することができる画像形成装置を提供することができる。 (Aspect H)
Image forming means for forming an image, an opening provided in the exterior of the apparatus main body, and cooling that cools a portion to be cooled in the apparatus main body by taking in outside air from the opening or discharging air in the apparatus main body In the image forming apparatus including the means and the noise reduction device for reducing the noise during driving of the apparatus main body, the noise reduction device according to any one of the aspects A to H is used as the noise reduction device.
Thereby, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing noise during printing.

５定着装置
６感光体
７中間転写ベルト
８冷却ファン
１０右側面カバー
１１開口部
１３ルーバー
１５開閉手段
１６実施例１に係る隔壁
１７温度検知センサ
１８実施例１に係る制御手段
２０実施例２に係る隔壁
５０実施例１に係る騒音低減装置
６０実施例２に係る騒音低減装置
６８実施例２に係る制御手段
１００画像形成装置
１１０画像形成部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Fixing device 6 Photoconductor 7 Intermediate transfer belt 8 Cooling fan 10 Right side cover 11 Opening part 13 Louver 15 Opening / closing means 16 Partition 17 according to Example 1 Temperature detection sensor 18 Control means 20 according to Example 1 Example 2 Partition 50 Noise Reduction Device 60 According to Example 1 Noise Reduction Device 68 According to Example 2 Control Unit 100 According to Example 2 Image Forming Device 110 Image Forming Unit

特許第３２７４７２５号公報Japanese Patent No. 3274725 特開２０１５−１８１１５７号公報JP-A-2015-181157

Claims

An image forming means for forming an image, an opening for communicating the inside and outside of the apparatus main body, and a portion to be cooled in the apparatus main body is cooled by taking in outside air from the opening or discharging air in the apparatus main body. A noise reduction apparatus for reducing noise during driving of an image forming apparatus including a cooling unit, comprising: an opening / closing member that can be opened / closed with respect to the opening; and a control unit that controls an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member. A noise reduction device characterized by that.

2. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, further comprising temperature detection means for detecting a temperature in the apparatus body, wherein the control means opens and closes the opening / closing member and the cooling means based on a detection result of the temperature detection means. A noise reduction device for controlling the driving of the motor.

3. The noise reduction device according to claim 2, wherein when the value detected by the temperature detection unit exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit drives the cooling unit to open the opening / closing member with respect to the opening. A noise reduction device characterized by being put into a standing state.

4. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member is closed with respect to the opening to shield the opening without a gap. 5.

5. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the cooling unit when the image forming operation by the image forming unit is not executed, and causes the opening / closing member to move relative to the opening. A noise reduction device characterized by being opened.

6. The noise reduction device according to claim 2, wherein the opening / closing member includes a plurality of opening / closing members, and includes an opening / closing means capable of opening / closing the plurality of opening / closing members, and the detection result of the temperature detection means. The noise reduction device characterized in that the opening area of the opening can be changed based on the above.

2. The noise reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls driving of the cooling unit, the opening / closing member is formed of a lightweight member, and the cooling unit is driven during driving of the cooling unit. A noise reduction device that changes the position of the opening and closing member by static pressure.

An image forming apparatus that forms an image, an opening that allows communication between the inside and outside of the apparatus main body, and a portion to be cooled in the apparatus main body is cooled by taking in outside air from the opening or discharging air in the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising a cooling means and a noise reduction device for reducing noise during driving of the apparatus main body, wherein the noise reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used as the noise reduction device. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: