JP2020122860A - Image forming apparatus, method for determining whether maintenance is necessary, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To optimize notification of a maintenance period of a filter.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a housing that accommodates an image forming unit 5 that forms an image on paper P; a fan that exhausts air in the housing to the outside of the housing through an exhaust port that communicates the inside and outside of the housing; a filter that is removably attached to the exhaust port; a filter counter 132 that counts the number of times the image forming unit 5 forms images; and a determination unit 105 that determines whether maintenance of a filter is necessary based on the number of times of image formation, the temperature inside the housing, and the temperature outside the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a maintenance necessity determination method, and a program.

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, such as an electrophotographic copying machine, printer, facsimile, or inkjet printer, a filter is detachably attached to an exhaust port that communicates the inside and outside of the housing. There is something. In this image forming apparatus, when the temperature inside the housing rises, the air inside the housing is discharged to the outside of the housing by a fan to suppress an excessive temperature rise. Since fine particles such as toner, ink, and paper dust are scattered in the housing, when air is discharged, the fine particles are collected by a filter attached to the exhaust port.
If the filter is clogged with fine particles, the air inside the housing may not be easily discharged to the outside of the housing, and the temperature inside the housing may become excessively high.Therefore, perform maintenance (cleaning or replacement) before the filter becomes clogged Is effective.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a toner filter is enclosed in a replacement photoconductor (image bearing member) so that the toner filter is also replaced when the photoconductor is replaced to prevent clogging of the toner filter. Has been done.

The progress of clogging in the filter changes due to various factors such as the printing rate (ratio of the printing area to the area of the printing medium) and the type of printing medium such as coated paper or plain paper. Therefore, the replacement time of the photoconductor does not always coincide with the maintenance time of the filter. For example, the filter may not be clogged at the time of replacement of the photoconductor, or conversely, the filter may be clogged before the time for replacement of the photoconductor is reached.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to optimize notification of maintenance time to a filter.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is configured so that air inside the housing is housed through a housing housing an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium and an exhaust port communicating the inside and outside of the housing. A fan that discharges to the outside of the body, a filter that is detachably attached to the exhaust port, a counting unit that counts the number of times the image is formed by the image forming unit, the number of times the image is formed, and the temperature inside the housing. And a determination unit that determines whether maintenance is required for the filter based on the temperature outside the housing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the notification of the maintenance time for the filter.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus, (b) is a diagram illustrating information stored in a ROM, (c) is a diagram illustrating information stored in a work area of a RAM, and (d) is a diagram. It is a functional block diagram of a control part. (A) thru|or (c) is a figure which illustrates typically the control content of the patterns 1 thru|or 3 regarding the maintenance necessity determination of a filter. (A) thru|or (c) are figures explaining the display content of an operation part. 6 is a main flowchart of an image forming process. 6 is a flowchart of a job end process. It is a flow chart of cleaning directions processing.

<Outline of image forming apparatus 1>
The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. First, the outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. However, the constituent elements, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements thereof, etc. described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples, not the gist of limiting the scope of the present invention thereto, unless specifically stated. ..
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1, FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining information stored in the ROM 120, and FIG. 2C is information that is stored in the work area 131 of the RAM 130. 2D is a functional block diagram of the control unit 100. FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams for schematically explaining the control contents of patterns 1 to 3 regarding the necessity/non-necessity of maintenance of the filter.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing EN that houses an image forming unit (image forming unit) 5 that forms an image on a sheet (recording medium) P, and an inside and outside of the housing EN. The number of times an image is formed by the image forming unit 5 is determined by a fan 58 that exhausts the air inside the housing to the outside of the housing through a communicating exhaust port 57, a filter 59 that is detachably attached to the fan 58 (exhaust port 57). Based on a filter counter (counter) 132 for counting, the number of times an image is formed, the temperature inside the machine (the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 72 in the machine), and the temperature outside the machine (the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 71 outside the machine). And a determination unit (determination unit) 105 that determines whether maintenance is required for the filter 59.

The determination unit 105 is based on the count value until the count value of the filter counter 132 (the number of times of image formation) reaches the filter counter threshold (specified number of times) CS, as shown in pattern 1 of FIG. 3A, for example. After the first control is executed and the count value reaches the filter counter threshold CS, the second control based on the in-machine temperature is executed, and when the in-machine temperature becomes equal to or higher than the in-machine temperature threshold (specified temperature) TS, the in-machine outside temperature The third control based on the difference (difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature) is executed, and it is determined that the maintenance (cleaning or replacement) for the filter 59 is necessary when the internal/external temperature difference becomes equal to or higher than the internal/external temperature difference threshold DS. To do.

In this way, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not maintenance is required for the filter 59 based on the number of times an image is formed, the temperature inside the machine, and the temperature outside the machine. The clogging of 59 can be determined by the temperature inside the machine and the temperature outside the machine. As a result, the notification of the maintenance time of the filter 59 can be optimized.

<Regarding Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1>
Next, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a digital type copying machine that can also be used as a printer, and is supplied from an automatic document supply unit 2 that automatically supplies a document as a copy source and an automatic document supply unit 2. And a scanner unit 3 that reads an image of a document placed on the document table 3a to generate image data, and a sheet P on which an image is formed are stacked and housed, and one housed sheet P is housed. A sheet feeding unit 4 that separately supplies the sheets P, an image forming unit 5 that forms an image based on image data on a sheet P that is fed by the sheet feeding unit 4, various displays, and receives an operation by a user. The operation unit 6 is provided. In the image forming apparatus 1, the scanner unit 3, the paper feeding unit 4, and the image forming unit 5 are housed in a housing EN.

The paper feeding unit 4 is housed in the lower half of the housing EN, and accommodates the stacked sheets P and a paper feeding cassette 41 that can separate and feed out the accommodated sheets P one by one; A sheet supply path 42 is provided for guiding the sheets P fed out one by one from the sheet cassette 41 to the image forming section 5 located above the sheet feeding section 4. The sheet feeding cassette 41 according to the present embodiment includes an upper cassette 41a, a middle cassette 41b arranged below the upper cassette 41a, and a lower cassette 41c arranged below the middle cassette 41b. The upper cassette 41a, the middle cassette 41b, and the lower cassette 41c may store the paper P of the same size, or may store the paper P of different sizes.
An intake port 43 for taking in outside air is provided on the lower right side surface of the casing EN, and an outside temperature sensor 71 is attached in the vicinity of the intake port 43 inside the casing EN. The outside temperature sensor 71 detects the temperature of the outside air flowing from the intake port 43 as the outside temperature (the temperature outside the housing).

The image forming unit 5 is housed in the upper half of the housing EN, and is supplied from the toner image forming unit 51 that forms a toner image based on image data and the paper feeding unit 4 (paper feeding path 42). A sheet conveying unit 52 that conveys the sheet P, an intermediate transfer belt 53 that transfers the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit 51 to the sheet P that the sheet conveying unit 52 conveys, and a sheet P. A fixing unit 54 that fixes the transferred toner image on the paper P and a reverse discharge unit 55 that reverses the paper P that has passed through the fixing unit 54 and discharges the paper P to a paper discharge tray 56 are provided.
The toner image forming unit 51 is, for example, a photoconductor (image carrier) 51a carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charger 51b for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor 51a, and a light corresponding to image data. An exposure device 51c that irradiates the surface of the body 51a to form an electrostatic latent image, and a toner that is supplied from a toner cartridge Tc to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 51a. And a developing device 51d that forms an image.

An in-machine temperature sensor 72 is attached near the exposure device 51c. The in-machine temperature sensor 72 detects the temperature of the image forming unit 5 (in the vicinity of the exposure device 51c) as the in-machine temperature (temperature inside the housing).
An exhaust port 57 that communicates the inside and outside of the housing EN is provided on the upper right side surface of the housing EN. An exhaust fan 58 is attached to the inner surface of the exhaust port 57, and a filter 59 is detachably attached to the inner surface of the exhaust fan 58 located on the opposite side of the exhaust port 57. The exhaust fan 58 discharges the air inside the housing to the outside of the housing through the filter 59 and the exhaust port 57.

Since the exhaust fan 58 discharges the air inside the housing, even if the temperature inside the housing rises due to the operation of the image forming unit 5, the heated air can be discharged outside the housing. By discharging the high temperature air to the outside of the housing, the outside air having a temperature lower than that of the discharged air flows into the housing through the intake port 43, so that the temperature rise in the housing can be suppressed.
The filter 59 collects fine particles such as toner and paper dust when the air in the housing is discharged, and suppresses the diffusion of the fine particles. Although the filter 59 is attached to the inner surface of the exhaust fan 58, it may be detachably attached between the exhaust port 57 and the exhaust fan 58. In short, it may be attached directly or indirectly to the exhaust port 57.

<About the operation unit 6>
The operation unit 6 is provided at a position where the operator can easily operate it, such as the upper right part of the housing EN. As shown in FIG. 4A, the operation unit 6 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and is configured by a display unit 61 capable of displaying various kinds of information and an input device such as a touch panel. An input unit 62 that receives an operation and a frame 63 that holds the display unit 61 are provided. In the present embodiment, the display unit 61 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, and the input unit 62 is composed of a transparent touch panel overlaid on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel, but other types of display devices and input devices may be used. Good.
The display unit 61 displays command buttons CM indicating various input commands. When the operator touches the command button CM corresponding to the input command with a fingertip, the input unit 62 detects the touch operation and outputs a detection signal. The detection signal is output to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 2A), and the control unit 100 performs control corresponding to the input command.

Various system messages are displayed on the display unit 61. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, when instructing the maintenance of the filter 59, a system message MS1 "The cleaning time for the filter 59. Please clean" is displayed. Then, when the display button CM1 (command button for displaying the maintenance completion input screen) shown in FIG. 4B is touch-operated, as shown in FIG. 4C, the maintenance completion input screen is displayed. The screen is displayed. On this input screen, a system message MS2 "Reset display of system message notifying that cleaning is required. Please press [Execute] after cleaning" and an execution button CM2 are displayed. When the execution button CM2 is touched on the screen of FIG. 4B, the control unit 100 recognizes that the maintenance (cleaning or replacement) of the filter 59 is completed.

<About the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the control unit 100 included in the image forming apparatus 1 enables the automatic document feeding unit 2, the scanner unit 3, the paper feeding unit 4, the image forming unit 5, and the operation unit 6 to communicate with each other. The detection signals from the outside temperature sensor 71 and the inside temperature sensor 72 are input.
The control unit 100 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110 that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1, a read-only nonvolatile storage medium, and a ROM (Read Only) that stores a computer program such as a control program (firmware). Memory) 120, a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130 used as a work area 131 when the CPU 110 processes information, and an external device such as a computer CP. An interface (I/F) 140 for communicating between the two is provided. The computer CP is connected via the interface 140 when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a printer, and transmits image data to the image forming apparatus 1.

As the interface 140, for example, an interface conforming to Ethernet (registered trademark) or TCP/IP protocol, an interface conforming to a method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), a method such as RS-232C or USB (Universal Serial Bus) The one that complies with is used.
Although the control unit 100 of this embodiment includes the CPU 110, the ROM 120, the RAM 130, and the interface 140, part or all of the control unit 100 may be configured by hardware logic.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the ROM 120 has a control program PR for controlling each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 such as the automatic document supply unit 2 and the scanner unit 3, and the control program PR described in FIG. A filter counter threshold CS that defines the number of times an image is formed to shift from the first control to the second control, an in-machine temperature threshold TS that defines an in-machine temperature for shifting from the second control to the third control, and a third An internal/external temperature difference threshold DS that defines an internal/external temperature difference for determining that maintenance is required for the filter 59 in control is stored.
The filter counter threshold value CS is set to the number of times of image formation, which is estimated to cause slight clogging in the filter 59 that does not require maintenance. The in-machine temperature threshold value TS is set as an index of whether or not the in-machine temperature is high. The inside/outside temperature difference threshold DS is set as an index as to whether maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary. The filter counter threshold CS, the in-machine temperature threshold TS, and the in-machine outside temperature difference threshold DS are determined in advance by a test.

As shown in FIG. 2C, in the work area 131 of the RAM 130, a filter counter 132 that counts the number of times of image formation after maintenance (cleaning or replacement) of the filter 59, and a filter in the third control described above. A filter cleaning display flag 133 that is set to ON when it is determined that maintenance to 59 is necessary is stored.
The filter counter 132 is reset (for example, the count value “0”) by the user touching the execution button CM2 on the input screen shown in FIG. 4C, and the image forming unit 5 prints one sheet P. It is counted up each time an image is formed (for example, when the control unit 100 finishes outputting the write signal of the pixel corresponding to the image data of one sheet P to the image forming unit 5).

FIG. 2D is a functional block diagram of the control unit 100. This functional block is realized by the CPU 110 expanding the control program PR stored in the ROM 120 into the work area 131 of the RAM 130 and executing it.
The reading control unit 101 causes the scanner unit 3 to read the image of the document set in the automatic document supply unit 2 or the document placed on the document table 3a, and generates image data. The image forming control unit 102 controls the image forming unit 5 based on the image data generated by the scanner unit 3 or the image data transmitted by the computer CP, and causes the sheet P to form an image. In this embodiment, the image forming control unit 102 also controls the fan 58. The paper supply/discharge control unit 103 controls the supply, conveyance, and discharge of the paper P when forming an image on the paper P. The operation control unit 104 causes the display unit 61 to display an image that prompts the user to perform an operation, and processes an input signal input from the input unit 62 in accordance with the operation by the user. The determination unit 105 acquires the number of times the image is formed by the image forming unit 5 based on the filter counter 132, the inside temperature based on the detection signal from the inside temperature sensor 72, and the outside temperature based on the detection signal from the outside temperature sensor 71. Then, it is determined whether the filter 59 needs maintenance. When the determination unit 105 determines that the filter 59 needs maintenance, the notification control unit 106 notifies that effect. For example, the notification control unit 106 causes the display unit 61 of the operation unit 6 to display the system message MS1 described with reference to FIG. The communication control unit 107 controls the interface 140 and causes it to communicate with an external device (for example, a computer CP).

<Regarding Replacement of Filter 59 by Judgment Unit 105>
Next, the replacement determination of the filter 59 by the determination unit 105 will be described.
<Pattern 1>
The pattern 1 shown in FIG. 3A exemplifies the replacement determination when the image of the reference print rate is formed on the reference sheet P. The determination unit 105 includes a first control based on the count value of the filter counter 132, a second control based on the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor 72, and an internal temperature and an external temperature sensor 71 detected by the internal temperature sensor 72. Third control based on a temperature difference between the detected outside temperature (inside and outside temperature difference) is performed.

In the first control, the determination unit 105 compares the count value of the filter counter 132 (see FIG. 2C) with the filter counter threshold CS (see FIG. 2B), and the count value of the filter counter 132 is the filter. When the counter threshold CS or more is reached, it is determined that the filter 59 is clogged to the extent that maintenance is not required, and the first control is ended and the second control is performed. When the count value of the filter counter 132 is less than the filter counter threshold CS, the first control is continued.

In the second control, the determination unit 105 compares the in-machine temperature detected by the in-machine temperature sensor 72 with the in-machine temperature threshold TS, and when the in-machine temperature becomes equal to or higher than the in-machine temperature threshold TS, the in-machine temperature is high. As a result, the second control is ended and the process shifts to the third control. In the example of FIG. 3A, when the count value of the filter counter 132 becomes C11 (the number of image formations after the shift to the second control is n11), the shift to the third control is performed. When the in-machine temperature is lower than the in-machine temperature threshold value TS, the second control is continued.

In the third control, the determination unit 105 acquires the inside-outside temperature difference, which is the temperature difference between the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature sensor 72 and the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor 71, and determines the inside-outside temperature difference. And the temperature difference threshold DS inside and outside the machine are compared. When the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the machine becomes equal to or higher than the temperature difference threshold DS between the inside and outside of the machine, the determination unit 105 determines that the high temperature air stays in the housing due to the clogging of the filter 59 and the maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary. In the example of FIG. 3A, when the count value of the filter counter 132 becomes C12 (the number of image formations after the shift to the third control is n12), it is determined that maintenance is necessary. When the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the machine is the threshold value DS of the inside/outside temperature difference, the third control is continued.

<Pattern 2>
The pattern 2 shown in FIG. 3B exemplifies the replacement determination when the filter 59 is less likely to be clogged than the pattern 1. In pattern 2, as in pattern 1, the determination unit 105 performs the first control based on the count value of the filter counter 132, the second control based on the internal temperature, and the third control based on the internal-external temperature difference.
The first control has the same contents as pattern 1. That is, the determination unit 105 ends the first control and shifts to the second control when the count value of the filter counter 132 becomes equal to or larger than the filter counter threshold CS.

In the second control, the determination unit 105 ends the second control and shifts to the third control when the in-machine temperature becomes equal to or higher than the in-machine temperature threshold TS. In the example of FIG. 3B, the control shifts to the third control when the count value of the filter counter 132 reaches C21 (the number of image formations after the shift to the second control is n21).
Here, comparing the count value C21 of the pattern 2 (image forming count n21) and the count value C11 of the pattern 1 (image forming count n11), the count value C21 is larger than the count value C11. That is, in pattern 2, the number of times of image formation before shifting to the third control is larger than in pattern 1.

In the third control, the determination unit 105 determines that the maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary when the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the machine becomes equal to or more than the temperature difference threshold DS between the inside and outside of the machine. In the example of FIG. 3B, when the count value of the filter counter 132 reaches C22 (the number of image formations after the shift to the third control is n22), it is determined that maintenance is necessary.
Here, comparing the count value C22 and the number of image formations n22 of the pattern 2 with the count value C12 and the number of image formations n12 of the pattern 1, the count value C22 is larger than the count value C12 and the number of image formations n22. Is more than the number of times of image formation n12. Therefore, the pattern 2 has a larger number of image formation times than the pattern 1 until it is determined that maintenance is required.

<Pattern 3>
The pattern 3 shown in FIG. 3C exemplifies the replacement determination when the filter 59 is more likely to be clogged than the pattern 1. In Pattern 3, as in Pattern 1, the determination unit 105 performs the first control based on the count value of the filter counter 132, the second control based on the internal temperature, and the third control based on the internal-external temperature difference.
The first control has the same contents as pattern 1. That is, the determination unit 105 ends the first control and shifts to the second control when the count value of the filter counter 132 becomes equal to or larger than the filter counter threshold CS.

In the second control, the determination unit 105 ends the second control and shifts to the third control when the in-machine temperature becomes equal to or higher than the in-machine temperature threshold TS. In the example of FIG. 3C, the control shifts to the third control when the count value of the filter counter 132 reaches C31 (the number of image formations after the shift to the second control is n31).
Here, comparing the count value C31 of the pattern 3 (image forming count n31) and the count value C11 of the pattern 1 (image forming count n11), the count value C31 is smaller than the count value C11. That is, in pattern 3, the number of times of image formation before shifting to the third control is smaller than in pattern 1.

In the third control, the determination unit 105 determines that the maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary when the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the machine becomes equal to or larger than the temperature difference threshold DS between the inside and outside of the machine. In the example of FIG. 3C, it is determined that maintenance is required when the count value of the filter counter 132 becomes C31 (the number of image formations after the shift to the third control is 0). In other words, the determination unit 105 determines that maintenance is required when the control shifts from the second control to the third control.

<Summary of exchange judgment>
In this way, the determination unit 105 determines the necessity of maintenance of the filter 59 based on the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the housing for the filter 59 for which the image formation has been performed the specified number of times (filter counter threshold CS) or more. Therefore, the notification of the maintenance time of the filter 59 can be optimized.
For example, since the filter 59 that has been subjected to image formation a prescribed number of times or more is targeted for maintenance, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of erroneously performing maintenance on a clean filter 59 that is just after the previous maintenance. For example, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of inadvertently performing maintenance on a clean filter 59 when the temperature inside the machine has not dropped sufficiently immediately after maintenance.
Further, since the necessity of maintenance of the filter 59 is determined based on the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the housing, the maintenance of the filter 59 can be instructed when the clogging progresses to the extent that the maintenance is required. As a result, even if the progress of clogging of the filter 59 varies depending on the printing rate, the type of the paper P, etc., the maintenance time is notified.

Can be optimized.
<Flowchart of image forming process>
Next, an image forming process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 5 is a main flowchart of the image forming process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the job end processing. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the cleaning instruction process. The control unit 100 executes the following processing based on the control program PR stored in the ROM 120.
As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 determines whether a print job is accepted (S11). The print job is generated, for example, in response to a copy operation by the user or in response to a print request from the computer CP. When receiving the print job (S11, Yes), the control unit 100 starts the print job (S13).

The control unit 100 determines whether or not printing (image formation) on one sheet of paper P is completed during execution of the print job (S15), and when printing on one sheet of paper P is completed, a filter is performed. The counter 132 is counted up (S17). Whether or not printing (image formation) on one sheet of paper P is completed is determined by, for example, completion of outputting the write signal of the pixel corresponding to the image data of one sheet to the image forming unit 5 (exposure device 51c). Judge by The control unit 100 repeats the print end determination (S15) and the count up of the filter counter 132 (S17) until the print job is finished (S19, No).

<Job end processing>
The control unit 100 executes the job end processing (S21) when the print job is completed (S19, Yes). As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 100 checks the filter cleaning display flag 133 in the job end processing (S31), and when the filter cleaning display flag 133 is not on (S31, Yes), the count of the filter counter 132 is counted. It is determined whether the value is greater than or equal to the filter counter threshold CS (S33). This process corresponds to the first control described in FIG. On the other hand, when the filter cleaning display flag 133 is on (S31, No), the control unit 100 ends the job end processing and returns to the main flowchart.
When the count value of the filter counter 132 is equal to or higher than the filter counter threshold CS in step S33 (Yes in S33), the control unit 100 determines whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the internal temperature threshold TS (S35). This process corresponds to the second control described in FIG. On the other hand, when the count value of the filter counter 132 is less than the filter counter threshold CS (S33, No), the control unit 100 ends the job end process and returns to the main flowchart.

When the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the internal temperature threshold TS (S35, Yes) in step S35, the control unit 100 determines whether the internal/external temperature difference is equal to or higher than the internal/external temperature difference threshold DS (S37). This process corresponds to the third control described in FIG. On the other hand, when the in-machine temperature is lower than the in-machine temperature threshold value TS (S35, No), the control unit 100 terminates the job end process and returns to the main flowchart.
When the internal/external temperature difference is equal to or greater than the internal/external temperature difference threshold DS in step S37 (Yes in S37), the control unit 100 determines that the clogging of the filter 59 needs maintenance, and the filter cleaning display flag is displayed. After changing 133 from OFF to ON (S39), the process returns to the main flowchart. On the other hand, when the temperature difference between the inside and outside the machine is less than the temperature difference threshold DS inside and outside the machine (S37, No), the control unit 100 ends the job end process and returns to the main flowchart.

<Cleaning instruction processing>
As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 confirms the filter cleaning display flag 133 when the print job is not accepted in step S11 (S11, No) or after the job end processing of step S21 is performed. (S23). The control unit 100 executes the cleaning instruction process (S25) when the filter cleaning display flag 133 is on (S23, Yes), and performs a series of processes when the filter cleaning display flag 133 is off (S23, No). Upon completion, the processing from step S11 is repeated.
As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 100 displays a system message in the cleaning instruction process (S51). For example, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 61 to display the system message MS1 “The cleaning time for the filter 59. Please clean” described with reference to FIG.
After displaying the system message MS1 in step S51, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the display screen of the input screen has been operated (S53). In the present embodiment, when the display button CM1 shown in FIG. 4B is touch-operated, it is determined that the display screen of the input screen has been operated. The control unit 100 displays the maintenance completion input screen shown in FIG. 4C when the input screen display operation is performed (S53, Yes) (S55). As described above, on the input screen, the system message MS2 “Please press [execute] after performing cleaning” and the execution button CM2 that is touch-operated after completion of cleaning (maintenance) are displayed. This input screen is displayed each time the cleaning instruction process is executed until the erasing process (S61) described below is performed.

The control unit 100 determines whether or not the input screen is being displayed when the input screen is not displayed in step S53 (S53, No) or after the input screen is displayed in step S55. (S57), and when the input screen is being displayed (S57, Yes), it is determined whether or not there is an input operation of "cleaned" (S59). In the present embodiment, the “cleaned” input operation is a touch operation of the execution button CM2.
When there is an input operation of “cleaned” (S59, Yes), the control unit 100 determines that the maintenance for the filter 59 is completed, erases the input screen (S61), and turns on the filter cleaning display flag 133. To OFF (S63), and the filter counter 132 is initialized (for example, set to "0") (S65).
The control unit 100 initializes the filter counter 132 when it is determined that the input screen is not being displayed (S57, No), when there is no “cleaning completed” input operation (S59, No), and at step S65. After that, the cleaning instruction process is ended, the process returns to the main flowchart, and the process from step S11 shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed.

<About modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the sheet P is described as an example of the recording medium on which the image is formed, but the recording medium is not limited to the sheet P. For example, it may be a postcard, an envelope, a coated paper (coated paper, art paper, etc.), and tracing paper. Further, it may be an OHP sheet and an OHP film.
In the above-described embodiment, each time the print job ends (S19, Yes), the job end process (S21) is performed to determine the replacement of the filter 59, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the job end time process may be performed each time printing on one sheet of paper P is completed, or the job end time process may be performed each time a print job is performed a specified number of times.
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming unit 5 including the toner image forming unit 51 is illustrated, but the image forming unit 5 is not limited to the one including the toner image forming unit 51. For example, the image forming unit 5 may be one that ejects ink onto the paper P to form an image, or one that forms an image by applying heat to a thermal paper.

In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit (determination means) 105 determines that the count value of the filter counter 132 (the number of times of image formation) is the filter counter threshold CS or more, the in-machine temperature is the in-machine temperature threshold TS or more, and the in-machine outside temperature. When the difference is not less than the in-machine temperature difference threshold DS, it is determined that the filter 59 needs maintenance, but the configuration is not limited to this. The determination unit 105 may determine whether maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary based on the number of times of image formation, the temperature inside the machine (temperature inside the housing), and the temperature outside the machine (temperature outside the housing).
[Summary of Example Embodiments of the Present Invention and Functions and Effects]

<First embodiment>
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this aspect, the casing EN that houses the image forming unit (image forming unit 5) that forms an image on the recording medium (sheet P) and the exhaust port 57 that communicates the inside and outside of the casing EN. A fan 58 for discharging the air inside the housing to the outside of the housing, a filter 59 detachably attached to the exhaust port 57, a counting means (filter counter 132) for counting the number of times an image is formed by the image forming means, A determination unit (determination unit 105) that determines whether maintenance is required for the filter 59 based on the number of times an image is formed, the temperature inside the housing (inside the machine temperature), and the temperature outside the housing (the temperature outside the machine). And
According to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present aspect, the determination unit determines whether or not maintenance is required for the filter 59 based on the number of times an image is formed, the temperature inside the housing, and the temperature outside the housing. The clogging of the filter 59, which was difficult to determine only by the number of times of image formation, can be determined by the temperature inside the housing and the temperature outside the housing, and the notification of the maintenance time to the filter 59 can be optimized.

<Second embodiment>
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this aspect, the determining unit determines whether maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary or not based on the temperature inside the housing and the temperature outside the housing when the number of times the image is formed exceeds the specified number. Is characterized by.
According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to this aspect, the filter 59 for which image formation has been performed the specified number of times or more can be targeted for maintenance. Therefore, it is inconvenient that a clean filter 59, which is shortly after the previous maintenance, is targeted for maintenance by mistake. Can be suppressed.

<Third embodiment>
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this aspect, the determination unit is configured such that the temperature inside the housing is equal to or higher than the specified temperature, and the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the housing (the temperature difference inside and outside the machine) is the specified temperature difference (outside the machine). When the temperature difference threshold value DS) or more, it is determined that the maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary.
According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to this aspect, whether or not maintenance is required for the filter 59 is determined based on the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the housing. Therefore, when the clogging of the filter 59 progresses to the extent that maintenance is required. Can instruct maintenance. Thus, even if the progress of clogging of the filter 59 varies depending on the printing rate, the type of the paper P, and the like, the notification of the maintenance time can be optimized.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this aspect, the image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium with toner.
According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to this aspect, it is possible to optimize the notification of the maintenance time of the filter 59 that collects the fine particles caused by the toner and the recording medium.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the maintenance necessity determination method according to this aspect, the air in the housing is discharged to the outside of the housing through the housing EN that houses an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium and the exhaust port 57 that communicates the inside and outside of the housing EN. This is performed for the filter 59 in the image forming apparatus 1 including the fan 58 for discharging and the filter 59 detachably attached to the exhaust port 57. The method is characterized by including a counting step of counting, and a determination step of determining whether or not maintenance of the filter 59 is necessary based on the number of times an image is formed, the temperature inside the housing, and the temperature outside the housing.
According to the determination method of this aspect, it is possible to determine the clogging of the filter 59, which was difficult to determine only by the number of times of image formation, by the temperature inside the housing and the temperature outside the housing. The notification of can be optimized.

<Sixth embodiment>
The program according to this aspect has the same effect as that of the determination method according to the fifth aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Image forming apparatus, 5... Image forming section, 51... Toner image forming section, 57... Exhaust port, 58... Fan, 59... Filter, 6... Operation section, 61... Display section, 62... Input section, 71... Machine Outside temperature sensor, 72... In-machine temperature sensor, 100... Control section, 105... Judgment section, 131... Work area, 132... Filter counter, 133... Filter cleaning display flag, CS... Filter counter threshold, TS... In-machine temperature threshold, DS ... inside/outside temperature difference threshold, EN... Casing, P... Paper, CM... Command button, CM1... Display button, CM2... Execution button, MS1... System message, MS2... System message

JP, 2004-37678, A

Claims (6)

A housing containing an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium;
A fan for discharging the air in the housing to the outside of the housing through an exhaust port that communicates the inside and outside of the housing,
A filter detachably attached to the exhaust port,
Counting means for counting the number of times the image is formed by the image forming means,
Determination means for determining maintenance necessity for the filter based on the number of times the image is formed, the temperature inside the housing, and the temperature outside the housing;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The determining means determines whether maintenance of the filter is necessary or not based on the temperature inside the housing and the temperature outside the housing when the number of times of forming the image reaches a predetermined number or more. 1. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. When the temperature inside the housing becomes equal to or higher than a specified temperature and the temperature difference between the inside of the housing and the outside of the housing becomes equal to or more than the specified temperature, the determination means requires maintenance of the filter. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms the image on the recording medium with toner. A housing accommodating an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium, a fan for discharging the air inside the housing to the outside of the housing through an exhaust port communicating the inside and outside of the housing, and detachable from the exhaust port. An attached filter, and a method of determining whether maintenance is required for the filter in an image forming apparatus including:
A counting step of counting the number of times the image is formed by the image forming means,
A determination step of determining whether maintenance of the filter is necessary based on the number of times the image is formed, the temperature inside the housing, and the temperature outside the housing;
A method for determining the necessity of maintenance, which comprises: A program that causes a computer to execute each step in the maintenance necessity determination method according to claim 5.

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