JP2021105632A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To accurately detect abnormality in a fan installed in a ventilation path of an image forming apparatus main body.SOLUTION: During a continuous printing operation, a cooling mode (control mode) is executed for, when an internal apparatus temperature Ts detected by an internal apparatus temperature sensor 30 becomes higher than a predetermined temperature Tc, interrupting the continuous printing operation while continuing drive of a fan 41, and in a condition where the internal apparatus temperature does not increase compared with that in the continuous printing mode, resuming the continuous printing operation to end printing. When the cooling mode (control mode) is executed, and when an external apparatus temperature Te detected by an external apparatus temperature sensor 35 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold T0 and an amount of variation ΔI from an initial period of a driving current of the fan 41 detected by a current detection unit 86 (current detection means) is larger than a predetermined amount ΔIx, it is determined that abnormality occurs in the fan 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction device thereof.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a technique of installing a fan in a ventilation path (opening) of the image forming apparatus main body has been known in order to cool the inside of the image forming apparatus (for example,). See Patent Documents 1 and 2).
In addition, the technology to install a filter in addition to the fan in the ventilation path of the image forming apparatus main body, the in-flight temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus, and the external temperature sensor that detects the external temperature of the image forming apparatus. Is also known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, when the temperature difference between the in-flight temperature detected by the in-flight temperature sensor and the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined temperature, the installation position of the image forming apparatus is incompatible. A technique for stopping the printing operation by determining that the temperature is high is disclosed.

In the conventional image forming apparatus, an abnormality may occur in the fan installed in the ventilation path, and the ventilation (intake or exhaust) in the ventilation path may not be sufficiently performed. If the printing operation is continued in such a state, sufficient cooling by ventilation cannot be performed, the temperature inside the image forming apparatus rises, and problems such as abnormal images occur.
Then, such a problem can be solved even if the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the machine is detected by detecting the inside temperature and the outside temperature by the inside temperature sensor and the outside temperature sensor as in Patent Document 2. There wasn't.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of accurately detecting an abnormality of a fan installed in a ventilation path of an image forming apparatus main body. be.

The image forming apparatus in the present invention includes a fan for intake or exhaust from the image forming apparatus main body, which is installed in a ventilation path of the image forming apparatus main body, and a current detecting means for detecting a driving current of the fan. An in-flight temperature sensor that detects the inside-in-machine temperature of the image forming apparatus main body and an outside-in-machine temperature sensor that detects the outside in-machine temperature of the image forming apparatus main body are provided, and the in-machine temperature during continuous printing operation. When the in-machine temperature detected by the sensor becomes higher than the predetermined temperature, the continuous printing operation is interrupted while the fan is being driven, and the continuous printing is performed under the condition that the in-machine temperature does not rise as compared with the continuous printing operation. When the control mode for restarting the operation and ending printing is executed and the control mode is executed, the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and the current detecting means When the amount of fluctuation of the detected drive current of the fan from the initial time is larger than a predetermined amount, it is determined that the fan has an abnormality.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of accurately detecting an abnormality of a fan installed in a ventilation path of an image forming apparatus main body.

It is an overall block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the image forming apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the ventilation path. It is a graph which shows an example of the change of the temperature in the machine when the cooling mode is executed at the time of continuous paper passing. It is a graph which shows the temperature change until the in-machine temperature is saturated at the time of continuous paper passing. It is a graph which shows the change of the cabin temperature when the fan is normal, and the change of the cabin temperature when the fan is abnormal. It is a graph which shows an example of the change of the drive current of a fan when a fan changes from a normal state to an abnormal state. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of continuous printing. It is a graph which shows the change of the machine-in-machine temperature when a fan is a normal state, and the change of the machine-in-the-machine temperature when a fan is in an abnormal state in the image forming apparatus in the modification 1. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of continuous printing of the image forming apparatus in the modification 1. It is a graph which shows an example of the change of the fan drive current at the time of changing from the normal ventilation state to the abnormal ventilation state in the image forming apparatus in the modification 2. It is a figure which shows the state which the vent of the ventilation passage is blocked by an obstacle. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of continuous printing of the image forming apparatus in the modification 2. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of continuous printing of the image forming apparatus in the modification 3. It is the schematic which shows the ventilation path of the image forming apparatus in the modification 4.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description thereof will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

First, FIG. 1 describes the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 100.
In FIG. 1, 100 is a printer as an image forming apparatus, 2 is a photoconductor drum on which a toner image is formed on the surface, and 7 is an exposure light L based on image information input from an input device such as a personal computer. The exposed portion (writing portion) to be irradiated on the 2 is shown, and the 9 is a transfer roller for transferring the toner image carried on the photoconductor drum 2 to the sheet P conveyed to the transfer nip portion (transfer position).
Further, 12 is a paper feed section (paper feed cassette) in which the sheet P such as paper is stored, and 16 is a resist roller that conveys the sheet P toward the transfer nip section where the photoconductor drum 2 and the transfer roller 9 abut. (Timing roller), 20 is a fixing device for fixing an unfixed image on the sheet P, and 30 is an in-flight temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature (in-machine temperature) of the image forming apparatus main body 100.

A charging charger 4, a developing device 5, a cleaning device 3, and the like are arranged around the photoconductor drum 2, and an image forming unit 1 (see FIG. 3) is composed of these members 2 to 5.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a display panel 80 as a display unit is provided on the exterior portion above the image forming apparatus 100, and a vent 40a and an outside temperature are provided on the exterior portion on the side of the image forming apparatus 100. A sensor 35 is provided.
The display panel 80 functions as a display unit on which various information about the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. Further, the ventilation port 40a is an opening for taking in air into the ventilation passage 40 (see FIG. 3) from the outside of the device in order to cool the inside of the image forming device main body 100. A louver is detachably installed in the vent 40a.
The outside temperature sensor 35 detects the outside temperature (outside temperature) of the image forming apparatus main body 100. By detecting the outside temperature with the outside temperature sensor 35, it is possible to grasp the environment in which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed and its change. The outside temperature sensor 35 does not necessarily have to be exposed to the outside of the device, and may be embedded in the exterior portion as long as it can detect the outside temperature.

With reference to FIG. 1, the printing operation at the time of normal image formation in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
First, when image information is transmitted from an input device such as a personal computer to the exposure unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 100, the exposure light L (laser light) based on the image information is emitted from the exposure unit 7 to the surface of the photoconductor drum 2. It is emitted toward.
On the other hand, the photoconductor drum 2 is rotating in the arrow direction (clockwise direction). Then, first, the surface of the photoconductor drum 2 is uniformly charged at the portion facing the charging charger 4 (the charging step). In this way, a charging potential (about −900 V) is formed on the photoconductor drum 2. After that, the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 2 reaches the irradiation position of the exposure light L. Then, the potential of the portion irradiated with the exposure light L becomes a latent image potential (about 0 to -100 V), and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 2 (exposure step). .).

After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 2 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed reaches a position facing the developing device 5. Then, toner is supplied from the developing device 5 onto the photoconductor drum 2, and the latent image on the photoconductor drum 2 is developed to form a toner image (a developing step).
After that, the surface of the photoconductor drum 2 after the developing step reaches the transfer nip portion (transfer position) with the transfer roller 9. Then, a transfer bias (a bias having a polarity different from that of the toner) is applied from the power supply unit to the transfer roller 9 at the transfer nip portion with the transfer roller 9, so that the sheet conveyed by the resist roller 16 is applied. The toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 2 is transferred onto P (this is a transfer step).

Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 2 after the transfer step reaches a position facing the cleaning device 3. Then, at this position, the untransferred toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 2 is mechanically removed by the cleaning blade and collected in the cleaning device 3 (cleaning step).
In this way, a series of image forming processes on the photoconductor drum 2 is completed.

On the other hand, the sheet P conveyed to the transfer nip portion (transfer position) of the photoconductor drum 2 and the transfer roller 9 operates as follows.
First, the uppermost sheet P stored in the paper feed unit 12 is fed by the paper feed roller 15 toward the transport path.
After that, the sheet P reaches the position of the resist roller 16. Then, the sheet P that has reached the position of the resist roller 16 aligns with the image formed on the photoconductor drum 2 in order to align the sheet P with the transfer nip portion (transfer roller 9 and the photoconductor drum 2). It is conveyed toward the contact position).

Then, the sheet P after the transfer step reaches the fixing device 20 via the transfer path after passing through the position of the transfer nip portion (transfer roller 9). The sheet P that has reached the fixing device 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the image is fixed by the heat received from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure received from both members 21 and 22. .. The sheet P on which the image is fixed is sent out from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (which is the fixing nip portion), and then discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 100.
In this way, a series of image forming processes (printing operations) are completed.
At the time of continuous printing, the above-mentioned image forming process is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets P in one job.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 100, which is characteristic of the present embodiment, will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a ventilation path 40 (cooling path) for cooling the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 100.
Note that FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the image forming unit 1 (image forming apparatus 100) in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1), but makes it easy to understand the configuration of the ventilation path 40. Therefore, the direction of the entire ventilation path 40 including the filter 42 and the fan 41 is rotated by about 90 degrees and shown in the figure.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the ventilation passage 40 directs the air taken into the device from the ventilation port 40a (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that functions as an intake port from the exhaust port 40b toward the image forming unit 1. It exhausts. As a result, the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is cooled, and various problems caused by the inside of the apparatus reaching a high temperature (for example, malfunction due to excessive temperature rise of the exposure unit 7, PSU, motor, etc.). Is reduced. In particular, in the present embodiment, the exhaust port 40b of the air passage 40 is directed to the image forming section 1, and the image forming section 1 is actively air-cooled, so that the toner in the developing apparatus 5 is aggregated due to high temperature. Problems such as abnormal images occurring due to sticking or thermal deterioration of the members constituting the image forming unit 1 can be alleviated.
The ventilation passage 40 is a duct in which a ventilation port 40a is formed on one end side and an exhaust port 40b is formed on the other end side, and air flows in the direction of the white arrow in FIG.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a fan 41 and a filter 42 are installed in the ventilation passage 40. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an in-machine temperature sensor 30 and an outside temperature sensor 35.
The fan 41 is an intake fan for sucking air into the image forming apparatus main body 1, and is for forming an air flow in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 in the ventilation passage 40. In the present embodiment, the fan 41 is in a driveable state while the main switch of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Specifically, the fan 41 may be turned on / off in conjunction with the on / off of the main switch, or the on / off timing of the fan 41 may be adjusted and controlled according to the inside temperature or the outside temperature of the fan 41. In some cases, the number of revolutions is adjusted and controlled.
Here, the fan 41 is driven by the drive motor 85 controlled by the control unit 90. Then, the value of the current supplied from the power supply to the drive motor 85 to drive the fan 41 (“the drive current of the fan 41”) is detected by the current detection unit 86 as the current detection means.

The filter 42 takes in only air from the outside to the inside of the image forming apparatus 100, and collects the filter 42 so that foreign matter such as dust does not enter the apparatus. The filter 42 is detachably (replaceable) installed between the vent 40a and the fan 41. By providing the filter 42, it is possible to reduce problems such as foreign matter adhering to the sheet transport path of the image forming apparatus 100 causing poor transport of the sheet P, and foreign matter adhering to the photoconductor drum 2 causing an abnormal image. Will be.

The in-flight temperature sensor 30 detects the in-flight temperature inside the image forming apparatus main body 100. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the in-flight temperature sensor 30 is installed in the vicinity of the image forming unit 1, the effect of reducing the defect of the image forming unit 1 by executing the "cooling mode" described later is efficient. Will be demonstrated in.
The external temperature sensor 35 detects the external external temperature of the image forming apparatus main body 100. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the "cooling mode" is executed, it is based on the change in the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 and the drive current of the fan 41 detected by the current detection unit 86. Therefore, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the fan 41, which will be described in detail later.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the in-machine temperature detected by the in-machine temperature sensor 30 becomes higher than the predetermined temperature Tc during the continuous printing operation, the fan 41 is continuously driven (intake air into the device). A "control mode" is executed in which the continuous printing operation is interrupted (while cooling is performed), the continuous printing operation is restarted under the condition that the temperature inside the machine does not rise as compared with the continuous printing operation, and the printing is terminated. Hereinafter, such a control mode is appropriately referred to as a "cooling mode".
The predetermined temperature Tc is a temperature set as a possibility that a problem may occur due to an excessive temperature rise such as an abnormal image if the printing operation is continued beyond the temperature Tc. The predetermined temperature Tc varies depending on the model and the like, but is set to about 50 degrees in the present embodiment.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the "cooling mode (control mode)", as shown in FIG. 4, the temperature Ts detected by the in-machine temperature sensor 30 during the continuous printing operation is the predetermined temperature Tc (first). When the temperature becomes higher than the predetermined temperature (), the continuous printing operation is interrupted while the fan 41 is being driven, and the temperature Ts detected by the in-machine temperature sensor 30 is the second predetermined temperature Tb (first predetermined temperature Tc). It is a temperature lower than that.) The continuous printing operation is restarted after the temperature becomes lower than.
The second predetermined temperature Tb is a temperature set so that if the inside of the apparatus is cooled to that temperature Tb, problems such as abnormal images do not occur even if the printing operation is restarted.

At the time of continuous printing, the larger the number of printed sheets, the longer the time for the image forming apparatus 100 to continuously operate, so that the internal temperature tends to rise. Therefore, by executing such a cooling mode (control mode), the printing operation is not performed when the temperature inside the device becomes too high, and the occurrence of defects such as abnormal images due to the high temperature can be reduced. Can be done. In particular, in the present embodiment, the temperature in the vicinity of the image forming unit 1 is detected by the in-flight temperature sensor 30, and the cooling mode is executed based on the detection result, so that the image forming unit 1 overheats. It is possible to efficiently and responsively reduce problems such as abnormal images due to this.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the "cooling mode (control mode)" is executed, the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value T0, and the current detection unit. When the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the drive current of the fan 41 detected by 86 (current detecting means) is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is determined that the fan 41 has an abnormality.
Specifically, immediately after the execution of the cooling mode (control mode) is started, the outside temperature Te is detected by the outside temperature sensor 35, and when the detected outside temperature Te is equal to or less than the threshold value T0 (Te < T0), the drive current of the fan 41 is detected by the current detection unit 86 (current detection means). Then, when the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial drive current of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx (ΔI> ΔIx), an abnormality (a state in which the fan 41 does not function normally due to a failure or the like) occurs. It is determined by the control unit 90 that the current is present. Then, when such a determination is made, the display panel 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) as a display unit indicates that the fan 41 needs to be replaced or maintained.

The "initial drive current" of the fan 41 is the current flowing through the drive motor 85 when the normal fan 41 in a new state is driven by the drive motor 85 (current supplied from the power supply to the drive motor 85). Is.

Hereinafter, the reason why the presence or absence of an abnormality in the fan 41 can be determined based on the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 and the drive current of the fan 41 when the cooling mode is executed will be described.
In a state where no abnormality has occurred in the fan 41, if the cooling efficiency of the fan 41 is maintained and the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 is low (if the outside air temperature is low), the cooling mode (control mode) Is never executed. Specifically, referring to the broken line R2 and the alternate long and short dash line R3 in FIG. 5, when the outside temperature Te (outside air temperature) is 20 degrees or 25 degrees, even if the inside temperature Ts reaches the saturation temperature by the continuous printing operation, Since the temperature is not raised to a predetermined temperature Tc (about 50 degrees), the cooling mode is not executed.
On the other hand, if the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 is high (if the outside air temperature is high), the temperature of the air taken into the device 100 is also high, so that the cooling efficiency is lowered and the inside of the machine is lowered. The temperature Ts tends to rise. Specifically, referring to the solid line R1 in FIG. 5, the outside temperature Te has a threshold value T0 (25 degrees in the present embodiment) such as when the outside temperature Te (outside air temperature) is 30 degrees. If it exceeds, the in-machine temperature Ts may exceed the predetermined temperature Tc due to the continuous printing operation. Therefore, the cooling mode is executed so that the in-machine temperature Ts does not exceed the predetermined temperature Tc.

On the other hand, in a state where an abnormality has occurred in the fan 41, even if the outside temperature Te (outside air temperature) detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 is low, the cooling efficiency by the fan 41 is lowered, so that the inside of the machine is reduced. The temperature Ts tends to rise. Therefore, even if the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 is equal to or less than the threshold value T0, the cooling mode is executed and the temperature does not change as shown by the solid line R in FIG. The temperature change as shown by the broken line Q is shown. From this, it is judged that even if the outside temperature Te is not normally executed in the cooling mode, the detection temperature Ts of the inside temperature sensor 30 is high and the cooling mode is executed, so that the cooling efficiency is lowered. You will be able to do it.
Then, in order to identify that such a decrease in cooling efficiency is due to an abnormality in the fan 41, the current detection unit 86 detects the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current of the fan 41 from the initial time. As shown in FIG. 7, when the fan 41 is normal in the initial state, the drive current of the fan 41 is I0, and the fluctuation amount ΔI (increase amount) from the initial drive current I0 of the fan 41 becomes a predetermined amount ΔIx. If it does not reach, it is determined that the fan 41 is functioning normally in a normal state. However, when the fan 41 is in an abnormal state, the fluctuation amount ΔI (increase amount) from the initial drive current I0 of the fan 41 exceeds a predetermined amount ΔIx. Therefore, by detecting whether or not the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the drive current of the fan 41 is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it can be determined that the decrease in the cooling efficiency is due to the abnormality of the fan 41.
That is, the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 when the cooling mode is executed is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value T0, and the drive current of the fan 41 detected by the current detection unit 86 is from the initial time. When the fluctuation amount ΔI of is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it can be determined that the fan 41 has an abnormality.
Then, when it is determined that such an abnormality of the fan 41 has occurred, that fact is displayed on the display panel 80.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 90 determines that the fan 41 has an abnormality, the display panel 80 (display unit) indicates that the filter 42 needs to be replaced or maintained. is doing.
Specifically, the display panel 80 displays the message "The fan needs to be replaced or maintained, so please call the serviceman."
By displaying a specific warning on the display panel 80 in this way, when an abnormality occurs in the fan 41, an appropriate response can be taken at the optimum timing.

By performing such control, even if the fan 41 does not operate normally and the ventilation (intake) in the ventilation path 40 cannot be sufficiently performed, such a state can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to reduce problems such as abnormal images caused by performing the printing operation while the internal temperature of 100 of the image forming apparatus has risen. Further, such control can be performed relatively easily by providing the in-flight temperature sensor 30, the outside temperature sensor 35, and the current detection unit 86, instead of providing a large-scale special detection device, and thus image formation. The cost and size of the device 100 will not increase.
Further, when an abnormality of the fan 41 is detected, the information is displayed (notified) on the display panel 80 as soon as possible, so that appropriate measures such as replacement and maintenance of the fan 41 can be performed at the optimum timing. ..

Furthermore, the effect of the present invention is supplemented.
When the abnormality of the fan 41 is detected only by the inside temperature Ts, the cooling efficiency is lowered due to the abnormality of the fan 41 and the inside temperature Ts is increased, or the outside temperature Te (outside air temperature) is increased. Since it is not possible to distinguish whether the in-flight temperature Ts has risen, there is a possibility that a notification (warning) will be given to the effect that an abnormality has occurred in the fan 41 even though no abnormality has occurred in the fan 41. There is.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since it is determined whether or not the cooling efficiency is lowered by the outside air temperature when the normal continuous printing shifts to the cooling mode, the in-flight temperature Ts does not rise due to the decrease in the cooling efficiency. It is possible to distinguish between the above and the increase in the in-flight temperature due to the increase in the outside air temperature Te, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the abnormality of the fan 41.
Further, by determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the fan 41 when the cooling mode is executed, it is possible to display an alert on the display panel 80 only when the productivity of the user is lowered due to the abnormality in the fan 41. Further, by making a judgment as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the fan 41 at the start of the cooling mode, even if an abnormality occurs in the fan 41, when the internal temperature Ts is low and printing can be performed at a temperature at which problems such as toner sticking do not occur. , The user can continue printing without displaying an alert. Then, when printing is continued with the fan 41 having an abnormality and the temperature inside the machine rises to a temperature at which problems such as toner sticking occur and the cooling mode is executed, an alert is displayed. Equipment downtime can be minimized.

Hereinafter, control during continuous printing will be described as a summary using the flowchart of FIG.
When continuous printing is started, the in-flight temperature sensor 30 first detects the in-flight temperature Ts at regular intervals (for example, at 1-second intervals) (step S1). Then, each time, it is determined whether the in-flight temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the in-machine temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc, the cooling mode is started (step S3). Then, at almost the same timing as that, the outside temperature Te is detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 (step S4). Then, it is determined whether or not the detected outside temperature Te is lower than the threshold value T0 (step S5).
As a result, when it is determined that the outside temperature Te is lower than the threshold value T0, the drive current of the fan 41 is further detected by the current detection unit 86, and the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time is obtained (step S6). .. Then, it is determined whether the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx (step S7). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, the display panel 80 is notified of the abnormality as if the abnormality of the fan 41 has occurred (step S8). Then, when the discharge to the last sheet P of the job is confirmed, the cooling mode is terminated and continuous printing is terminated (steps S9 to S10).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S5 that the outside temperature Te is not lower than the threshold value T0, it is assumed that the cooling efficiency has not decreased, and the display panel 80 is not notified of the abnormality. Continuous printing is completed through the flow from step S9 onward.
Further, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current of the step S7 fan 41 is not larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is assumed that the abnormality of the fan 41 has not occurred, and the abnormality notification to the display panel 80 is performed. Instead, the continuous printing is completed through the flow from step S9 onward.

The mode of the cooling mode (a method of restarting the continuous printing operation under the condition that the in-machine temperature Tc does not rise as compared with the normal continuous printing operation) is not limited to that of the present embodiment, and various modes are used. Can be used.
In another form of cooling mode, when the in-machine temperature Ts reaches a predetermined temperature Tc, the process linear speed during normal continuous printing (the number of rotations of an image forming member such as the photoconductor drum 2 or the transport speed of the sheet P) is used. It is possible to operate the image forming apparatus 100 at a process linear speed slower by a predetermined ratio (for example, about 30%) as compared with (there is). That is, this cooling mode lowers the in-machine temperature by lowering the printing speed and lowering the productivity.
As another form of cooling mode, when the in-machine temperature Ts reaches a predetermined temperature Tc, printing and printing stop can be repeated at regular intervals. For example, when the mode shifts to the cooling mode, the cycle of printing 10 sheets and then stopping printing for 30 seconds is repeated until the printing of the specified number of sheets is completed. That is, in this cooling mode, continuous printing is intermittently performed to reduce productivity, thereby lowering the temperature inside the machine.
Even in these cases, the cooling mode based on the detection temperature Ts (inside temperature) by the inside temperature sensor 30 is executed, and at that time, the detection temperature Te (outside temperature) by the outside temperature sensor 35 is set. Abnormality detection of the fan 41 can be performed with high accuracy based on the fan drive current fluctuation amount ΔI by the current detection unit 86.

<Modification example 1>
In the image forming apparatus 1 in the first modification, the outside temperature sensor 35 is not installed, and the temperature Ts (temperature rise amount of the inside temperature) detected by the inside temperature sensor 30 and the fan drive current fluctuation amount by the current detection unit 86 are provided. The abnormality of the fan 41 is detected based on ΔI.
Specifically, when the "cooling mode (control mode)" is executed, the temperature rise amount ΔT at a certain time Δt of the in-flight temperature Ts detected by the in-flight temperature sensor 30 is a predetermined value ΔTm or more, and the current detection unit. When the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the drive current of the fan 41 detected by 86 (current detecting means) is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is determined that the fan 41 has an abnormality.
Then, when the control unit 90 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the fan 41, the display panel 80 (display unit) indicates that the fan 41 needs to be replaced or maintained.
The reason why the abnormality of the fan 41 can be detected by such control is that, as shown in FIG. 9, the amount of temperature increase of the in-flight temperature Ts differs depending on the presence or absence of the abnormality of the fan 41. Specifically, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, the temperature increase amount ΔT1 at the constant time Δt of the in-flight temperature Ts does not exceed the predetermined value ΔTm in the state where the cooling efficiency is not lowered due to the abnormality of the fan 41 or the like ( ΔT1 <ΔTm). However, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 9, in a state where the cooling efficiency is lowered due to an abnormality of the fan 41 or the like, the temperature rise amount ΔT2 at the constant time Δt of the in-flight temperature Ts exceeds a predetermined value ΔTm (ΔT2). > ΔTm).
Then, in order to identify that such a decrease in cooling efficiency is due to an abnormality in the fan 41, the current detection unit 86 detects the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current of the fan 41 from the initial time.
That is, the temperature rise amount ΔT at a certain time Δt of the in-flight temperature Ts detected by the in-flight temperature sensor 30 when the cooling mode is executed is equal to or more than a predetermined value ΔTm, and the fan 41 detected by the current detection unit 86 When the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it can be determined that the fan 41 has an abnormality.

Hereinafter, control during continuous printing in Modification 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When continuous printing is started, the in-machine temperature sensor 30 first detects the in-machine temperature Ts at regular intervals (step S1). Then, each time, it is determined whether the in-flight temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the in-machine temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc, the cooling mode is started (step S3). Then, at almost the same timing as that, the in-flight temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature rise amount ΔT in the in-flight temperature Ts for a certain period of time Δt (step S20). Then, it is determined whether the detected temperature rise amount ΔT is not larger than the predetermined value ΔTm (step S21).
As a result, when it is determined that the temperature rise amount ΔT is larger than the predetermined value ΔTm, the drive current of the fan 41 is further detected by the current detection unit 86, and the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time is obtained (step S6). ). Then, it is determined whether the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx (step S7). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, the display panel 80 is notified of the abnormality as if the abnormality of the fan 41 has occurred (step S8). Then, when the discharge to the last sheet P of the job is confirmed, the cooling mode is terminated and continuous printing is terminated (steps S9 to S10).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that the temperature rise amount ΔT of the in-flight temperature Ts is not larger than the predetermined value ΔTm, it is assumed that the cooling efficiency has not decreased, and the display panel 80 is notified of the abnormality. Is not performed, and continuous printing is completed through the flow from step S9 onward.
Further, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current of the step S7 fan 41 is not larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is assumed that the abnormality of the fan 41 has not occurred, and the abnormality notification to the display panel 80 is performed. Instead, the continuous printing is completed through the flow from step S9 onward.
Even in the modified example 1 controlled in this way, the abnormality of the fan 41 can be detected with high accuracy.

<Modification 2>
In the second modification, in addition to the abnormality detection of the fan 41, the ventilation failure of the ventilation path 40 due to a factor different from the abnormality of the fan 41 is detected.
Specifically, when the "cooling mode (control mode)" is executed, the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value T0, and the current detection unit 86 (current detection means). The fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the drive current of the fan 41 detected by is equal to or less than the predetermined amount ΔIx (first predetermined amount) and smaller than the second predetermined amount ΔIz (the first predetermined amount ΔIx described above). Therefore, when it is larger than (see FIG. 11), it is determined that the ventilation failure is caused by a factor different from the abnormality of the fan 41 in the ventilation path 40.
Then, when the control unit 90 determines that such a ventilation failure has occurred in the ventilation path 40, the display panel 80 (display unit) indicates that the ventilation failure has occurred in the ventilation path 40. There is.
By such control, it is possible to distinguish between the abnormality of the fan 41 and the poor ventilation due to other factors, as shown in FIG. 11, due to a factor different from the abnormality of the fan 41 (dirt of the filter 42, etc.). The amount of fluctuation (increase) from the initial drive current I0 of the fan 41 is large in order to prevent the cooling efficiency from being lowered even when the ventilation is poor due to (there is), but the amount of fluctuation is the fan 41. This is because it is smaller than the amount of fluctuation (increase amount) when there is an abnormality in. Therefore, when the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the drive current of the fan 41 is larger than the first predetermined amount ΔIx (ΔI> ΔIx), it can be determined that the decrease in the cooling efficiency is due to the abnormality of the fan 41, and the fan 41 When the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial stage of the drive current is larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz and smaller than the first predetermined value ΔIx (ΔIz <ΔI <ΔIx), the decrease in cooling efficiency is due to a factor different from the abnormality of the fan 41. It can be judged as a thing.
Then, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the fan 41, that fact is displayed on the display panel 80, and when it is determined that a ventilation failure has occurred due to a factor different from the abnormality in the fan 41, That fact will be displayed on the display panel 80.

In the second modification, as a factor that causes poor ventilation due to a factor different from the abnormality of the fan 41 in the ventilation passage 40, as shown in FIG. 12, the ventilation port 40a is blocked by an obstacle 200 such as a wall surface. In some cases, the inside of the ventilation passage 40 becomes dirty and clogged with time, and in particular, the filter 42 may be clogged with collected material over time. In either case, the air intake through the ventilation path 40 is not sufficiently performed, and the cooling efficiency is lowered.
Here, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 90 determines that the ventilation passage 40 has a poor ventilation, the display panel 80 (display unit) indicates that the filter 42 needs to be replaced or cleaned. It can also be displayed in.
Specifically, if a long time has not passed since the use of the new (or after cleaning) filter 42 was started, it is unlikely that the ventilation path 40 is poorly ventilated due to clogging of the filter 42, and the ventilation port Since there is a high possibility that 40a is blocked by an obstacle 200 (see FIG. 12), the display panel 80 says, "The vent on the side of the device may be blocked by an obstacle. Please remove the object or move the device away from the obstacle. " Further, if a long time has passed since the use of the new (or after cleaning) filter 42 was started and the ventilation failure of the ventilation path 40 has not been detected until then, the ventilation port 40a is an obstacle. It is unlikely that the air passage 40 is blocked by 200, and poor ventilation due to dirt on the air passage 40, particularly poor ventilation on the air passage 40 due to clogging of the filter 42 is considered. Please follow the steps below to perform maintenance on the filter. If the maintenance message is still displayed, further maintenance is required, so please call the serviceman. " The usage time of the filter 42 can be measured by a timer 81 (see FIG. 2).
By displaying the specific work level on the display panel 80 in this way, it is possible to take a more appropriate response at the optimum timing when a ventilation failure occurs in the ventilation path 40.
By performing such control, the filter 42 is clogged, there is an obstacle 200 such as a wall surface in the vicinity of the ventilation port 40a, the ventilation passage becomes dirty, and the ventilation in the ventilation passage 40 occurs. Even if (intake) cannot be sufficiently performed, such a state can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to reduce problems such as abnormal images caused by performing the printing operation while the internal temperature of 100 of the image forming apparatus has risen. Further, such control can be performed relatively easily by providing an external temperature sensor 35 instead of providing a special detection device for detecting poor ventilation, so that the image forming apparatus 100 is expensive. It does not become large or large.
Further, when a ventilation failure in the ventilation passage 40 is detected, the information is promptly displayed (notified) on the display panel 80, so that the obstacle 200 in the vicinity of the ventilation port 40a can be removed, or the image forming apparatus 100 itself can be used. Appropriate measures can be taken at the optimum timing by moving away from the obstacle 200 and performing maintenance such as replacement and cleaning of the filter 42.

Hereinafter, control during continuous printing in Modification 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When continuous printing is started, the in-machine temperature sensor 30 first detects the in-machine temperature Ts at regular intervals (step S1). Then, each time, it is determined whether the in-flight temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the in-machine temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc, the cooling mode is started (step S3). Then, at almost the same timing as that, the outside temperature Te is detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 (step S4). Then, it is determined whether or not the detected outside temperature Te is lower than the threshold value T0 (step S5).
As a result, when it is determined that the outside temperature Te is lower than the threshold value T0, the drive current of the fan 41 is further detected by the current detection unit 86, and the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time is obtained (step S6). .. Then, it is determined whether the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is smaller than the first predetermined amount ΔIx and larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz (step S30). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is smaller than the first predetermined amount ΔIx and larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz, a ventilation failure different from the abnormality of the fan 41 has occurred. As a result, the display panel 80 is notified of the ventilation abnormality (step S31). Then, when the discharge to the last sheet P of the job is confirmed, the cooling mode is terminated and continuous printing is terminated (steps S9 to S10).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S30 that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is smaller than the first predetermined amount ΔIx and not larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz, the fluctuation amount ΔI is further increased. 1 It is determined whether or not it is larger than a predetermined amount ΔIx (step S32). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is assumed that the abnormality of the fan 41 has occurred, and the display panel 80 is notified of the abnormality of the fan (step S33). .. Then, when the discharge to the last sheet P of the job is confirmed, the cooling mode is terminated and continuous printing is terminated (steps S9 to S10).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current of the fan 41 is not larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is assumed that the fan 41 is not abnormal and the display panel 80 is displayed. Continuous printing is terminated through the flow from step S9 onward without notifying the abnormality.
Further, when it is determined in step S5 that the outside temperature Te is not lower than the threshold value T0, it is assumed that the cooling efficiency has not decreased, and the display panel 80 is not notified of the abnormality. Continuous printing is completed through the flow of.
In the modified example 2 controlled in this way, the abnormality of the fan 41 can be detected with high accuracy, and the ventilation abnormality due to other factors can be detected with high accuracy.

<Modification example 3>
Similar to the modification example 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the modification 3 does not have the outside temperature sensor 35 installed, and the temperature Ts (the amount of temperature increase of the inside temperature) detected by the inside temperature sensor 30 and The abnormality of the fan 41 is detected based on the fan drive current fluctuation amount ΔI by the current detection unit 86.
Further, in the modified example 3, in addition to the abnormality detection of the fan 41, the ventilation failure of the ventilation path 40 due to a factor different from the abnormality of the fan 41 is detected as in the modified example 2.
Specifically, when the "cooling mode (control mode)" is executed, the temperature rise amount ΔT at the constant time Δt of the in-flight temperature Ts detected by the in-flight temperature sensor 30 is equal to or more than the predetermined value ΔTm, and the current is detected. When the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the drive current of the fan 41 detected by the unit 86 (current detecting means) is equal to or less than the predetermined amount ΔIx (first predetermined amount) and larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz, the air is ventilated. It is determined that poor ventilation is caused by a factor different from the abnormality of the fan 41 on the road 40.
Then, when the control unit 90 determines that such a ventilation failure has occurred in the ventilation path 40, the display panel 80 (display unit) indicates that the ventilation failure has occurred in the ventilation path 40. There is. At that time, it is also possible to display on the display panel 80 that the filter 42 needs to be replaced or cleaned according to the usage time of the filter 42.

Hereinafter, control during continuous printing in Modification 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When continuous printing is started, the in-machine temperature sensor 30 first detects the in-machine temperature Ts at regular intervals (step S1). Then, each time, it is determined whether the in-flight temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc (step S2).
As a result, when it is determined that the in-machine temperature Ts exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc, the cooling mode is started (step S3). Then, at almost the same timing as that, the in-flight temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature rise amount ΔT in the in-flight temperature Ts for a certain period of time Δt (step S20). Then, it is determined whether the detected temperature rise amount ΔT is not larger than the predetermined value ΔTm (step S21).
As a result, when it is determined that the temperature rise amount ΔT is larger than the predetermined value ΔTm, the drive current of the fan 41 is further detected by the current detection unit 86, and the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time is obtained (step S6). ). Then, it is determined whether the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is smaller than the first predetermined amount ΔIx and larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz (step S30). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is smaller than the first predetermined amount ΔIx and larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz, a ventilation failure different from the abnormality of the fan 41 has occurred. As a result, the display panel 80 is notified of the ventilation abnormality (step S31). Then, when the discharge to the last sheet P of the job is confirmed, the cooling mode is terminated and continuous printing is terminated (steps S9 to S10).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S30 that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is smaller than the first predetermined amount ΔIx and not larger than the second predetermined amount ΔIz, the fluctuation amount ΔI is further increased. 1 It is determined whether or not it is larger than a predetermined amount ΔIx (step S32). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is assumed that the abnormality of the fan 41 has occurred, and the display panel 80 is notified of the abnormality of the fan (step S33). .. Then, when the discharge to the last sheet P of the job is confirmed, the cooling mode is terminated and continuous printing is terminated (steps S9 to S10).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the fluctuation amount ΔI of the drive current of the fan 41 is not larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is assumed that the fan 41 is not abnormal and the display panel 80 is displayed. Continuous printing is terminated through the flow from step S9 onward without notifying the abnormality.
Further, when it is determined in step S5 that the outside temperature Te is not lower than the threshold value T0, it is assumed that the cooling efficiency has not decreased, and the display panel 80 is not notified of the abnormality. Continuous printing is completed through the flow of.
Also in the modified example 3 controlled in this way, the abnormality of the fan 41 can be detected with high accuracy, and the ventilation abnormality due to other factors can be detected with high accuracy.

<Modification example 4>
As shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 100 in the fourth modification uses the fans 41A and 41B (exhaust fans) for exhausting the image forming apparatus main body 100, which is the point that the image forming apparatus main body 100 is used. It is different from the one in FIG. 3 in which a fan for sucking air (intake fan) is used.
Further, in the modified example 4, a plurality of ventilation passages 40A and 40B in which the fans 41A and 41B are installed are provided, which is different from that of FIG. 3 in which only one ventilation passage 40 is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the first ventilation passage 40A exhausts the air taken in from the intake port 40b in the vicinity of the image forming unit 1 to the outside of the device from the ventilation port 40a functioning as the exhaust port. .. Further, the second ventilation passage 40B exhausts the air taken in from the intake port 40b in the vicinity of the fixing device 20 to the outside of the device from the ventilation port 40a functioning as an exhaust port. As a result, the hot air in the image forming apparatus 100 is flowed (exhausted) in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 15, and the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is cooled.
Here, also in the modified example 4, the filters 42A and 42B are installed between the vent 40a and the fan 41, but the first filter 42A installed in the first vent 40A is generated by the charged charger 4. It is preferable to collect ozone, fine particles (UFP), offensive odors, etc., and the second filter 42B installed in the second ventilation passage 40B is a volatile organic compound (VOC) or fine particles (VOC) generated in the fixing device 20. It is preferable that it collects UFP) and the like. In order to collect such a plurality of types of collectors, the optimum one of a plurality of types of filters (ozone filter, VOC filter, electrostatic filter, deodorizing filter, etc.) is selected and each ventilation path is selected. It may be arranged side by side in 40A and 40B. By using such filters 42A and 42B, it is possible to prevent a problem that ozone, VOC, UFP, a strange odor, etc. are discharged to the outside of the apparatus.
In the fourth modification, the rotation speed of the first fan 41A installed in the first ventilation passage 40A is set to be larger than the rotation speed of the second fan 41B installed in the second ventilation passage 40B. can do. This is because the influence of the increase in the temperature inside the machine is greater in the vicinity of the image forming unit 1 than in the vicinity of the fixing device 20, and it is desired to positively cool the vicinity of the image forming unit 1.
Further, also in the modified example 4, the fans 41A and 41B are controlled in the same manner as those of the above-described embodiments and the modified examples 1 to 4, and the abnormality detection is performed with high accuracy.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is installed in the ventilation passage 40 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 and has a fan 41 for intake or exhaust from the image forming apparatus main body 1 and a fan 41. The current detection unit 86 (current detection means) that detects the drive current of the image forming apparatus body 1, the in-flight temperature sensor 30 that detects the in-machine temperature Ts inside the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the external outside temperature Te outside the image forming apparatus main body 1. An external temperature sensor 35 for detecting is provided. Then, during the continuous printing operation, when the in-machine temperature Ts detected by the in-machine temperature sensor 30 becomes higher than the predetermined temperature Tc, the continuous printing operation is interrupted while the fan 41 is being driven, as compared with the continuous printing operation. The cooling mode (control mode) is executed in which the continuous printing operation is restarted and the printing is completed under the condition that the temperature inside the machine does not rise. Then, when the cooling mode (control mode) is executed, the outside temperature Te detected by the outside temperature sensor 35 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value T0, and the drive of the fan 41 detected by the current detection unit 86 is performed. When the fluctuation amount ΔI from the initial time of the current is larger than the predetermined amount ΔIx, it is determined that the fan 41 has an abnormality.
As a result, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormality in the fan 41 installed in the ventilation path 40 of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the monochrome image forming apparatus 100, but the present invention can naturally be applied to the color image forming apparatus 100.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of image forming apparatus (for example, inkjet). Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a type image forming apparatus, an offset printing machine, and the like.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 100 in which the filter 42 is installed in the ventilation passage 40, but the present invention is also applied to the image forming apparatus in which the filter is not installed in the ventilation passage. Can be applied. However, in such a case, the poor ventilation of the ventilation path due to a factor different from the abnormality of the fan cannot be caused by the clogging of the filter, and thus the ventilation port is blocked by an obstacle.
And even in those cases, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and the present embodiment may be appropriately modified in addition to the suggestions in the present embodiment within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. be. Further, the number, position, shape, etc. of the constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, and can be a suitable number, position, shape, etc. for carrying out the present invention.

In the specification of the present application and the like, the term "near the image forming portion" is defined to include not only the position close to the image forming portion but also the position in contact with the image forming portion and the inside of the image forming portion. Therefore, "near the image-forming part" includes a position close to or in contact with the photoconductor drum, a position close to or in contact with the developing device, a position close to or in contact with the cleaning device, a position close to or in contact with the process cartridge, and a process. The inside of the cartridge, etc. will also be included.
Further, the above-mentioned "close position" is a position where the temperature change of the object is reflected, that is, a position where the temperature changes in the same manner even if the absolute value of the temperature changes when the temperature of the object changes. Defined as being.

1 Image drawing department,
30 In-flight temperature sensor (in-flight temperature detection means),
35 External temperature sensor (External temperature detecting means)
40 Ventilation path (cooling path),
40a vent,
41 fan (cooling fan),
42 filters,
80 Display panel (display section),
85 Drive motor (drive means),
86 Current detector (current detection means),
90 Control unit,
100 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body).

Japanese Patent No. 5161539 JP-A-2009-58756

Claims (11)

A fan installed in the ventilation path of the image forming apparatus main body for intake or exhaust to the image forming apparatus main body, and
A current detecting means for detecting the driving current of the fan and
An in-flight temperature sensor that detects the in-flight temperature inside the image forming apparatus main body, and
An external temperature sensor that detects the external temperature of the image forming apparatus main body, and an external temperature sensor.
With
During the continuous printing operation, when the in-machine temperature detected by the in-machine temperature sensor becomes higher than the predetermined temperature, the continuous printing operation is interrupted while the fan is being driven, and the in-machine is compared with the continuous printing operation. The control mode is executed to restart the continuous printing operation and end printing under the condition that the temperature does not rise.
When the control mode is executed, the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and the fluctuation of the drive current of the fan detected by the current detecting means from the initial time. An image forming apparatus, which determines that an abnormality has occurred in the fan when the amount is larger than a predetermined amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the fan, the display unit indicates that the fan needs to be replaced or maintained. .. When the control mode is executed, the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature sensor is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, and the drive current of the fan detected by the current detecting means is from the initial time. When the amount of fluctuation is less than or equal to the predetermined amount and larger than the second predetermined amount smaller than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the ventilation failure is caused by a factor different from the abnormality of the fan in the ventilation path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that. The image according to claim 3, wherein when the control unit determines that the ventilation path has a poor ventilation, the display unit indicates that the ventilation path has a poor ventilation. Forming device. A filter is installed in the ventilation path,
The fourth aspect of claim 4, wherein when the control unit determines that the ventilation path has a poor ventilation, the display unit indicates that the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. Image forming device. A fan installed in the ventilation path of the image forming apparatus main body for intake or exhaust to the image forming apparatus main body, and
A current detecting means for detecting the driving current of the fan and
An in-flight temperature sensor that detects the in-flight temperature inside the image forming apparatus main body, and
With
During the continuous printing operation, when the in-machine temperature detected by the in-machine temperature sensor becomes higher than the predetermined temperature, the continuous printing operation is interrupted while the fan is being driven, and the in-machine is compared with the continuous printing operation. The control mode is executed to restart the continuous printing operation and end printing under the condition that the temperature does not rise.
When the control mode is executed, the amount of temperature rise in the machine temperature detected by the machine temperature sensor in a certain time is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and the initial drive current of the fan detected by the current detecting means. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the fan when the amount of fluctuation from time is larger than a predetermined amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the fan, the display unit indicates that the fan needs to be replaced or maintained. .. When the control mode is executed, the amount of temperature rise in the machine temperature detected by the machine temperature sensor in a certain time is equal to or more than the predetermined value, and the drive current of the fan detected by the current detecting means is used. When the fluctuation amount from the initial time is equal to or less than the predetermined amount and larger than the second predetermined amount smaller than the predetermined amount, the ventilation failure occurs in the ventilation path due to a factor different from the abnormality of the fan. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined to be the same. The image according to claim 8, wherein when the control unit determines that the ventilation path has a poor ventilation, the display unit indicates that the ventilation path has a poor ventilation. Forming device. A filter is installed in the ventilation path,
The ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein when the control unit determines that the ventilation path has a poor ventilation, the display unit indicates that the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the in-flight temperature sensor is installed in the vicinity of an image forming unit.

Images