JP4350051B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus that performs control for preventing dew condensation of each component installed inside the apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile is known as an apparatus for printing an image on recording paper. In this image forming apparatus, in a fixing device for fixing toner on recording paper, the fixing roller is heated to dissolve and fix the toner transferred on the recording paper, and the heat of the heated fixing roller is released to the surroundings. The At this time, when high-temperature heat released from the fixing roller to the surroundings is transmitted to the outside of the fixing device, the inside of the image forming apparatus is overheated, and the toner contained in the developing device is solidified or the image forming apparatus There is a possibility that problems such as breakage of the respective electronic components inside the. On the other hand, a cooling fan is provided in the vicinity of the fixing device in the image forming apparatus, and the cooling fan is driven to dissipate the heat of the fixing device to the outside of the image forming apparatus. It is possible to prevent the temperature inside the image forming apparatus from rising due to heat accumulation inside.

  In an image forming apparatus that performs such an operation, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, such as in the morning in winter, the surface temperature of each component in the apparatus is approximately equal to the temperature of the room in which the image forming apparatus is installed. It has dropped to an equal temperature. In this state, when the image forming apparatus is turned on, the fixing roller is heated, and the heat of the heated fixing roller is transmitted to the entire fixing apparatus, so that the cold air near the fixing apparatus is warmed. Then, the warmed air convects the inside of the image forming apparatus, so that when the warmed air touches the surface of each component whose temperature has been lowered, each component may be condensed.

  In addition, when the room in which the image forming apparatus is installed is warmed up to a certain temperature by a heater in the morning of winter, the air inside the image forming apparatus enters through the gap of the image forming apparatus. Although the air is slightly warmed by the air outside the image forming apparatus, the surface temperature of each component inside the apparatus remains low. That is, the temperature difference between the temperature outside the image forming apparatus and the surface temperature of each component is large. In this state, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the cooling fan is driven to discharge the cold air inside the image forming apparatus to the outside of the image forming apparatus and from the gap of the image forming apparatus to the outside of the image forming apparatus. Warm air is taken into the image forming apparatus. Then, when warm air outside the image forming apparatus taken into the image forming apparatus touches the surface of each part, each part may be condensed.

  Then, for example, in an optical system for reading an image of a document, when a reflecting mirror installed on the optical path for guiding light reflected on the reading surface of the document to the CCD is condensed, accurate image data is created by the CCD. The recording paper image becomes unclear.

  In order to solve this problem, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus that controls driving of a cooling fan in accordance with a temperature difference between the temperature inside the image forming apparatus and the temperature outside the image forming apparatus (Patent Document). 1). In this image forming apparatus, an in-machine temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the image forming apparatus and an outside temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the image forming apparatus are installed.

Then, in this image forming apparatus, when it is confirmed that the temperature difference between the temperature inside the image forming apparatus and the temperature outside the image forming apparatus has reached a certain value, the cooling fan is driven and the outside of the image forming apparatus is The warm air is taken into the image forming apparatus to equalize the temperature inside the image forming apparatus and the temperature outside the image forming apparatus. As a result, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, even if air outside the image forming apparatus taken into the image forming apparatus by driving the cooling fan touches the surface of each part, the inside of the image forming apparatus Is equal to the temperature outside the image forming apparatus, so that dew condensation on each component is prevented.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-38861

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus, it is confirmed that the temperature difference between the temperature inside the image forming apparatus and the temperature outside the image forming apparatus reaches a certain value when the power of the image forming apparatus is OFF. Then, the driving of the cooling fan is started, and when it is confirmed that the temperature inside the image forming apparatus is equal to the temperature outside the image forming apparatus, the driving of the cooling fan is stopped. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the temperature difference between the temperature inside the image forming apparatus and the temperature outside the image forming apparatus has reached a certain value, the cooling fan starts to be driven. When it is confirmed that the temperature outside the forming apparatus is equal, the driving of the cooling fan is stopped.

  That is, when it is confirmed that the temperature difference between the temperature inside the image forming apparatus and the temperature outside the image forming apparatus has reached a certain value when the power of the image forming apparatus is OFF, the inside of the image forming apparatus The control operation of the temperature inside the image forming apparatus by the cooling fan is repeated until the temperature of the image forming apparatus becomes equal to the temperature outside the image forming apparatus.

  However, in practice, when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is OFF, it is not necessary to repeatedly control the temperature inside the image forming apparatus using the cooling fan. In order to prevent condensation, the condensation prevention control may be performed slightly before the time when the image forming apparatus is turned on when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. Therefore, the image forming apparatus has a problem that the power consumption of the image forming apparatus increases by repeatedly performing the temperature control operation inside the image forming apparatus by the cooling fan when the power of the image forming apparatus is OFF. .

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it reduces power consumption of an image forming apparatus required to prevent dew condensation of each component inside the image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a dew condensation prevention heater that prevents dew condensation of each component inside the apparatus by warming the inside of the apparatus, as well as the temperature outside the apparatus, the humidity inside the apparatus, and the apparatus. In an image forming apparatus having a dew condensation prevention control function for controlling ON / OFF of the dew condensation prevention heater according to at least one parameter of an internal temperature, at least one of a temperature outside the apparatus, a humidity inside the apparatus, and a temperature inside the apparatus. A parameter measuring unit that measures one parameter, a date and time measuring unit that measures a date and time, and stores a measurement value obtained by the parameter measuring unit in association with a date and time measured by the date and time measuring unit and a power source for the image forming apparatus The memory for storing the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on, and the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on, A date and time prediction means for predicting based on the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus stored in the memory is turned on, and the temperature outside the apparatus at the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next , Parameter predicting means for predicting at least one parameter of the humidity inside the apparatus and the temperature inside the apparatus based on the measured value by the parameter measuring unit stored in the memory; The parameter predicting means predicts whether or not each component may condense on the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on, and the temperature outside the apparatus and the humidity inside the apparatus at the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on. , at least one determined dew presence determining means based on parameters of the apparatus internal temperature, after the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned OFF in the dew condensation preventing control function O / A dew condensation preventing control determining means determining in accordance with a judgment result of the condensation presence determining means OFF, when the dew condensation preventing control decision means decides to ON the condensation prevention control function, the dew condensation preventing control The date and time when the anti-condensation control is started with the function turned on is predicted by the date / time predicting means, and then the dew condensation preventing heater necessary for preventing dew condensation from the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on A dew condensation prevention control setting unit configured to set by subtracting the lighting time, and when the dew condensation prevention control determining unit determines to turn off the dew condensation prevention control function, when the power of the dew condensation prevention heater and OFF, the dew condensation preventing control determining means has decided to oN the condensation prevention control function when the date and time When the date and time measured by the measuring unit reach the date and time for starting the anti-condensation control set by the anti-condensation setting means, the anti-condensation control function is turned on and the anti-condensation control is started. When the function starts the dew condensation prevention control, it is determined whether or not each component inside the apparatus has a possibility of dew condensation based on the measurement value by the parameter measurement unit, and the dew condensation prevention heater is determined according to the determination result. It characterized that you control the ON / OFF of the power supply.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that there is no possibility that each part will be condensed on the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time when the dew condensation presence / absence determining means is predicted, the dew condensation prevention control determining means determines the dew condensation prevention control. The function is turned off. When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, that is, from the time when the user turns off the power of the image forming apparatus to the next date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the power of the dew condensation prevention heater is turned off. Kept in a state.

Further , after the dew condensation prevention control determining unit decides to turn on the dew condensation prevention control function, the date and time measured by the date and time measuring unit are set by the dew condensation prevention control setting unit when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. When the date and time when the condensation prevention control function is turned on and the condensation prevention control is started are reached, the condensation prevention control function is turned on and the condensation prevention control is started.

Further , when the dew condensation prevention control function is turned on and the dew condensation prevention control is started, it is determined whether or not each component inside the apparatus has a possibility of dew condensation based on the measurement value in the parameter measurement unit. And if it confirms that there is no possibility that each component in an apparatus will dew condensation based on the measured value in a parameter measurement part, the power supply of a dew condensation prevention heater will be turned off. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that there is a possibility that each component inside the apparatus may condense based on the measurement value in the parameter measurement unit, the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater is turned on.

  Each of the image forming apparatuses described above includes a condensation prevention control selection unit for selecting ON / OFF of the condensation prevention control function, and the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next. When the dew condensation presence / absence determining unit determines that there is a risk of dew condensation on each part, the dew condensation prevention control determining unit turns off the image forming apparatus according to the selection made by the dew condensation prevention control selection unit. After that, the ON / OFF of the dew condensation prevention control function is determined.

  As described above, when the dew condensation presence / absence determining unit determines that there is a possibility that each component may be dewed at the predicted date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time, the dew condensation prevention control selection unit performs the dew condensation prevention control. Select ON / OFF of the function. When the condensation prevention control selection unit selects ON of the condensation prevention control function, the condensation prevention control determination means decides to turn on the condensation prevention control function, and the condensation prevention control selection unit turns off the condensation prevention control function. When selected, the dew condensation prevention control determining means decides to turn off the dew condensation prevention control function.

  According to the present invention, there is a possibility that the dew condensation generation condition is established between the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, which is predicted from the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off by the user. However, if there is no possibility that each component will condense on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, the dew condensation prevention control function can be turned off. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the image forming apparatus required for preventing dew condensation of each component inside the image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the dew condensation prevention control determining unit selects to turn on the dew condensation prevention control function, the dew condensation prevention control is not immediately started, but the dew condensation prevention heater power ON / OFF control is not started. Since the ON / OFF control of the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater is started when the date and time when the function is turned on, consumption of the image formation apparatus required for preventing dew condensation of each component inside the image formation apparatus Electric power can be further reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< Embodiment of the Invention >>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment forms an image on a recording sheet based on an image reading unit 1 for reading an image of a document and image data read by the image reading unit 1. Image forming unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 1 covers a contact glass 11 serving as a window for reading an image of the document 10, a document 10 placed on the contact glass 11, and the document 10. A document cover 12 for preventing the document 10 from being bent by being pressed downward, a light source 13a such as an LED, and the light reflected from the reading surface of the document 10 after being emitted from the light source 13a to the second moving frame 14. A first moving frame 13 having a reflecting mirror 13b for reflecting the light toward the first moving frame 13 and driven by a motor (not shown), and light reflected by the reflecting mirror 13b of the first moving frame 13 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) 16 A second moving frame 14 that has two reflecting mirrors 14a for reflection toward the surface and is driven by a motor (not shown), and a second moving frame 14 The condensing lens 15 that is installed on the optical path from the first to the CCD 16 and that reflects the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 14a of the second moving frame 14 and guides it to the CCD 16, and the light collected by the condensing lens 15 is incident. In addition, a CCD 16 that generates image data by photoelectrically converting the incident light, an in-machine temperature sensor 17 that detects an internal temperature of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “in-machine temperature”), and an internal structure of the image forming apparatus. An in-machine humidity sensor 18 for detecting humidity (hereinafter referred to as “in-machine humidity”), a dew condensation preventing heater 19 for preventing dew condensation on each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a when the image forming apparatus is turned on, Is installed.

  The first moving frame 13 and the second moving frame 14 are in a standby state (that is, the image of the document 10 is being read) in a state where the power of the image forming apparatus is OFF and a power of the image forming apparatus is ON. 1) at the left end of the image reading unit 1 as indicated by the wavy line in FIG. Then, when an instruction to read the image of the document 10 is given with the power of the image forming apparatus turned on, the first moving frame 13 and the second moving frame 14 are the document as shown by a solid line in FIG. In order to scan 10, the inside of the image reading unit 1 is moved rightward.

  The in-machine temperature sensor 17 can detect the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a at the time of turning on the power of the image forming apparatus as accurately as possible, and directly affects the influence of the heat of the condensation prevention heater 19. 1 is installed near the lower part of the second moving frame 14 indicated by a wavy line in FIG. Further, the in-machine humidity sensor 18 detects the humidity of the air in the vicinity of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a at the time when the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on as accurately as possible. It is installed near the lower part of 14. Further, the dew condensation prevention heater 19 does not directly affect the in-machine temperature sensor 17 due to the heat of the dew condensation prevention heater 19, and the central portion of the image reading unit 1 is heated uniformly. Installed nearby.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 2 partitioned from the image reading unit 1 by the partition plate 3 includes a photosensitive drum 20, a charging device 21 that charges the entire surface of the photosensitive drum 20, and a CCD 16. In order to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 based on the image data to be formed, an exposure device 22 that irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 with laser light, and an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20. A developing device 23 that performs development by attaching toner 23a to a portion where an image is formed, a transfer device 24 that transfers toner 23a attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 to a recording paper, and a toner that is transferred to the recording paper A fixing device 25 for fixing 23a to the recording paper, a cooling fan 26 for cooling the inside of the image forming apparatus by dissipating heat generated in the fixing device 25 to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and an image shape A heat insulating material 27 that insulates heat generated in the section 2 is installed in a space separated from a space where the photosensitive drum 20, the developing device 23, the transfer device 24, and the fixing device 25 are installed, and communicates with the outside of the image forming apparatus. An external temperature sensor 28 for detecting an external temperature of the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “external temperature”) is provided through a communication hole (not shown).

  The partition plate 3 that partitions the image reading unit 1 and the image forming unit 2 is provided with holes (not shown) for passing various wires in addition to the wires connected to the CCD 16 and the exposure device 22. The image reading unit 1 and the image forming unit 2 communicate with each other through this hole. Therefore, the air inside the image reading unit 1 and the air inside the image forming unit 2 can freely enter and exit through this hole.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 2 includes a paper feeding cassette 30, a paper feeding roller 31 that feeds recording paper from the paper feeding cassette 30, and a recording paper fed from the paper feeding roller 31. A pair of registration rollers 33 for correcting the orientation of the recording paper passing through the conveyance rollers 32 and adjusting the timing at which the recording paper is conveyed, and the pair of registration rollers 33 to the photosensitive drum 20. A conveyance guide 34 that conveys the recording paper to the fixing device 25 and a discharge roller 35 that discharges the recording paper that has passed the fixing device 25 to the outside of the image forming apparatus. And a paper discharge tray 36 for storing recording paper discharged from the paper discharge roller 35 to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, this image forming apparatus measures a date and time, a temperature / humidity measuring unit 40 as a parameter measuring unit having an in-machine temperature sensor 17, an in-machine humidity sensor 18, and an outside temperature sensor 28. A real-time clock 41 as a date and time measuring unit to be operated, an operation unit 42 having a display screen (not shown) for a user to input various image forming conditions and select ON / OFF of a dew condensation prevention control function, Condensation generation conditions determined based on temperature, in-machine humidity, and out-of-machine temperature, measured values of in-machine temperature, in-machine humidity, and out-of-machine temperature by in-machine temperature sensor 17, in-machine humidity sensor 18, and out-of-machine temperature sensor 28, A date and time when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus and a lighting time of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 necessary for preventing dew condensation on the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are stored. , The CCD 16, the dew condensation prevention heater 19, the temperature / humidity measurement unit 40, the real time clock 41, the operation unit 42, the control unit 46, the photosensitive drum 20, the charging device 21, the exposure device 22, the developing device 23, and the transfer device 24. A power supply unit 45 for supplying power to each electronic component 44 such as the fixing device 25 and the cooling fan 26, information input by the user through the operation unit 42, measured values in the temperature / humidity measuring unit 40, and a real-time clock 41. And a control unit 46 for controlling the operation of each electronic component 44 described above, as well as the CCD 16, the dew condensation prevention heater 19, the temperature / humidity measurement unit 40, the real time clock 41, the operation unit 42. ing.

  The temperature / humidity measurement unit 40 is always supplied with power from the power supply unit 45 regardless of whether the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on or off, and the in-machine temperature sensor 17, the in-machine humidity sensor 18, and the outside temperature sensor 28 are used. Always measure the internal temperature, internal humidity and external temperature. The real-time clock 41 is always supplied with power from the power supply unit 45 regardless of whether the image forming apparatus is turned on or off, and always measures the date and time. In addition, the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 45 only when the control unit 46 determines that there is a possibility that each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed in a state where the power supply of the image forming apparatus is OFF. Light.

  In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, the charging device 21 includes the charging roller 21a shown in FIG. 1, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is negatively charged by the discharge of the charged charging roller 21a. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the exposure device 22 irradiates the photosensitive drum 20 with laser light. The portion of the photosensitive drum 20 that has been irradiated with the laser light is charged positively. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the developing device 23 includes a developing roller 23 b for supplying toner 23 a contained therein to the photosensitive drum 20, and an electrostatic formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20. Development is performed by attaching toner 23a to the latent image. Further, the transfer device 24 includes a transfer roller 24a shown in FIG. 1, and when the recording paper passes through a nip formed between the transfer roller 24a and the photosensitive drum 20, the transfer is positively charged. By attracting the toner 23a adhering to the photosensitive drum 20 to the roller 24a, the toner 23a is transferred to the recording paper.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 25 includes a fixing roller 25a, a fixing heater 25b for heating the fixing roller 25a, and a pressure roller 25c pressed against the fixing roller 25a. The fixing device 25 dissolves the toner 23a transferred to the recording paper by the heat of the fixing roller 25a when the recording paper passes through the nip portion formed between the fixing roller 25a and the pressure roller 25c. At the same time, the toner 23a is fixed to the recording paper by applying pressure to the recording paper by the pressure roller 25c.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on, as shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 45 starts the CCD 16, the operation unit 42, the control unit 46, the light source 13a, the first moving frame. 13, electric power is supplied to each electronic component 44 such as the second moving frame 14, the photosensitive drum 20, the charging device 21, the exposure device 22, the developing device 23, the transfer device 24, the fixing device 25, and the cooling fan 26. . Then, the control signal from the control unit 46 controls the CCD 16, the operation unit 42, and each electronic component 44 described above. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, an image reading operation for reading an image of the original 10 is performed, and the charging process, the exposure process, the developing process, the transfer process, and the fixing process are sequentially performed as the image forming operation. Is called.

  Specifically, after the image forming apparatus is turned on, when the user places the document 10 at a predetermined position on the contact glass 11 and presses a start button (not shown) installed on the operation unit 42, Information according to a user instruction is sent from the operation unit 42 to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 shows the first moving frame 13 and the second moving frame 14 in order to read the image of the document 10 placed on the contact glass 11 based on the information sent from the operation unit 42 as shown in FIG. The image reading unit 1 is moved rightward. At this time, laser light is irradiated from the light source 13 a installed inside the first moving frame 13 toward the document 10, and the light reflected by the reading surface of the document 10 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 13 b of the first moving frame 13. .

  Subsequently, the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 13 b of the first moving frame 13 is sequentially reflected by the two reflecting mirrors 14 a installed inside the second moving frame 14, collected by the condenser lens 15, and then CCD 16. Incident to Light incident on the CCD 16 is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD 16 to generate image data color-separated into three components of red, green, and blue. The image data generated in the CCD 16 is sent to the control unit 46, converted into image data expressed in four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black by the control unit 46, and then sent to the exposure device 22. .

  The control unit 46 also transmits a control signal to each electronic component 44 in the image forming apparatus based on information sent from the operation unit 42 when the user presses a start button (not shown) of the operation unit 42. To do. As a result, in the image forming unit 2, as indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1, the recording paper is sent out from the paper feeding cassette 30 by the paper feeding roller 31, and the recording paper sent out from the paper feeding cassette 30 is transported by the transport roller 32. It is conveyed to. The direction of the recording paper that has passed the transport roller 32 is corrected by the pair of registration rollers 33 and the transport timing to the photosensitive drum 20 is adjusted, and then the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 24a are passed through the transport guide 34. It is conveyed to the nip part between.

  When the recording paper is conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 20 as described above, first, the charging device 21 charges the entire surface of the photosensitive drum 20 by discharging the charging roller 21a in the charging step, and the exposure device 22 controls Based on the image data sent from the unit 46, laser light is irradiated toward the photosensitive drum 20 in the exposure process, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 where the laser light hits.

  Next, the developing device 23 supplies the toner 23a charged in the developing process to the photosensitive drum 20 by the developing roller 23b, thereby causing the toner 23a to adhere to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 and developing. I do. Subsequently, the transfer device 24 transfers the toner 23a attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 onto a recording sheet that passes through the nip portion between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roller 24a in the transfer process. Then, the recording paper on which the toner 23 a is transferred in the transfer process is conveyed toward the fixing device 25 through the conveyance guide 34.

  Further, by turning on a control signal output from the control unit 46 to the fixing heater 25b, supply of power from the power supply unit 45 to the fixing heater 25b is started, and the fixing roller 25a is heated by the fixing heater 25b. Then, the fixing device 25 melts the toner 23a adhering to the recording paper passing through the nip portion between the fixing roller 25a and the pressure roller 25c in the fixing process by the heat of the fixing roller 25a, and records by the pressure roller 25c. By applying pressure to the paper, the toner 23a is fixed to the recording paper. Thereafter, the recording paper on which the toner 23 a is fixed in the fixing process that has passed through the fixing device 25 is sent out of the image forming apparatus by the paper discharge roller 35 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 36.

  In an image forming apparatus that performs such an operation, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, such as in the morning in winter, the surface temperature of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is the temperature of the room in which the image forming apparatus is installed ( That is, the temperature drops to a temperature substantially equal to the outside temperature). In this state, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the fixing roller 25a is heated, and the heat of the heated fixing roller 25a is transmitted to the entire fixing apparatus 25, so that the cold air near the fixing apparatus 25 is warmed. Then, when the warmed air convects the inside of the image forming apparatus, when the warmed air touches the surfaces of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a whose temperature has decreased, the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a Condensation may occur.

  In addition, when the room in which the image forming apparatus is installed is warmed up to a certain temperature by a heater in the morning of winter, the air inside the image forming apparatus enters through the gap of the image forming apparatus. Although slightly warmed by the air outside the image forming apparatus, the surface temperatures of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a remain low. That is, the temperature difference between the temperature outside the image forming apparatus and the surface temperature of each reflecting mirror 13b, 14a is large. In this state, when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the cooling fan 26 is driven to discharge cool air inside the image forming apparatus to the outside of the image forming apparatus and from the gap of the image forming apparatus. External warm air is taken into the image forming apparatus. Then, when warm air outside the image forming apparatus taken into the image forming apparatus touches the surfaces of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a, the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a may be condensed.

  Therefore, in this image forming apparatus, as a control for preventing the dew condensation on each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a, when the user instructs to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, the date when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next. And time prediction is performed. At this time, if there is a possibility that each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, the content that the respective reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a may be condensed Is displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 42.

  When the user selects to turn on the condensation prevention control function based on the content displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 42, the condensation prevention control function is turned on when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. The heater 19 is turned on / off. On the other hand, when the user selects to turn off the dew condensation prevention control function based on the content displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 42, the power on / off control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is not performed, and the user next The dew condensation prevention heater 19 remains off until the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on. These points will be described in detail below.

  First, in the memory 43 shown in FIG. 2, as described above, the dew condensation generation condition determined based on the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature is stored in advance. Here, the dew condensation on each of the reflecting mirrors 13 b and 14 a is caused by the air in the vicinity of the fixing device 25 heated by the heat of the fixing device 25 and the outside of the image forming device taken into the image forming device by driving the cooling fan 26. Caused by the effects of both warm air.

  Assuming that the condensation of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a occurs due to the influence of the air in the vicinity of the fixing device 25 heated by the heat of the fixing device 25, the surface temperature, the in-machine temperature, and the in-machine humidity of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a From this relationship, it is determined whether or not each reflecting mirror 13b, 14a is condensed. That is, the internal temperature when the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on and the surface temperature of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are substantially equal. Therefore, the internal temperature and internal humidity when the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on and the image formation. Based on the rate of increase in the in-machine temperature after a certain period of time has elapsed since the power of the apparatus was turned on, the dew condensation generation conditions for each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are obtained.

  If it is considered that the condensation of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is caused by the influence of warm air of the image forming apparatus taken into the image forming apparatus by driving the cooling fan 26, the surface temperature of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a Whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed is determined by the relationship between the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature. That is, since the internal temperature when the image forming apparatus is turned on and the surface temperatures of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are substantially equal, the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the machine when the image forming apparatus is turned on. Based on the outside temperature and the rate of increase of the in-machine temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the power of the image forming apparatus was turned on, the dew generation conditions of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are obtained.

  Further, the rate of increase of the in-machine temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power of the image forming apparatus was turned on differs depending on the volume of the image forming apparatus. That is, the larger the volume of the image forming apparatus, the more the air near the fixing device 25 heated by the heat of the fixing device 25 and the warm air outside the image forming apparatus taken into the image forming apparatus are reflected. While moving to the place where the mirrors 13b and 14a are installed, it can be easily cooled by touching the cold air inside the image forming apparatus. Conversely, the smaller the volume of the image forming apparatus, the more the air near the fixing device 25 heated by the heat of the fixing device 25 and the warm air outside the image forming apparatus taken into the image forming apparatus. While moving to the installation location of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a, it becomes difficult to be cooled by touching the cold air inside the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, for each type of image forming apparatus having a different volume, the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on are variously set, and the image forming apparatus is turned on. By calculating the rate of increase of the in-machine temperature after a fixed time has elapsed, the dew generation conditions of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a according to the relationship between the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature are determined as the model of the image forming apparatus. Each time is obtained in advance. Then, when the image forming apparatus is manufactured, the dew generation condition of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a according to the relationship among the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature is stored in the memory 43 for each model of the image forming apparatus.

  2 stores and stores the date and time when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus based on the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41, as described above. That is, each time the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus, the control unit 46 refers to the real-time clock 41 to confirm the date and time when the user turned on the power of the image forming apparatus. Subsequently, the date and time when the user confirmed by the control unit 46 turns on the power of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory 43.

  When the user instructs to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, the date and time when the stored and stored user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus is read from the memory 43, and the controller 46 predicts the date and time. The time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on by the means is averaged, and the time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next is predicted, and the date when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on by the date prediction means Based on this history, the next date of turning on the image forming apparatus is predicted.

  It is to be noted that the next time when the image forming apparatus is predicted to be turned on is equipped with a function for measuring the day of the week in the real-time clock 41, so that the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus every same day of the week. The calculated time may be obtained by dividing the number of days when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus.

  For example, if it is stored in the memory 43 that the image forming apparatus is turned on every Monday through Friday, when the user instructs the image forming apparatus to be turned off this Friday, the control unit 46 Next, the date when the image forming apparatus is turned on is predicted to be the next Monday. Then, the time when the image forming apparatus is turned on on Monday stored and stored in the memory 43 is divided by the number of days when the image forming apparatus is turned on on Monday. Time to turn on the power is required.

  Alternatively, the predicted time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next is the number of days when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus regardless of the day of the week. You may make it obtain | require by dividing.

  Further, as described above, the memory 43 shown in FIG. 2 stores the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature by the in-machine temperature sensor 17, the in-machine humidity sensor 18, and the out-of-machine temperature sensor 28 as a real-time clock. 41 is accumulated and stored in association with the measured value of date and time. Specifically, the control unit 46 refers to the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41, and acquires the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature from the temperature / humidity measurement unit 40, for example, every 10 minutes. . Then, the control unit 46 stores the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature acquired from the temperature / humidity measuring unit 40 in the memory 43 in association with the measured values of the date and time by the real-time clock 41. .

  Further, when the user instructs to turn off the image forming apparatus, the in-machine temperature sensor 17, the in-machine humidity sensor 18, and the out-of-machine temperature sensor 28 store and store the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature. The value is read from the memory 43. In the control unit 46, as described above, the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next is predicted by the date / time predicting unit, and the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next. The in-machine temperature, in-machine humidity, and out-of-machine temperature at the date and time to be calculated are calculated by the parameter predicting means by averaging the measured values of the in-machine temperature, in-machine humidity, and out-of-machine temperature at that time.

  Note that the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature by the in-machine temperature sensor 17, the in-machine humidity sensor 18, and the out-of-machine temperature sensor 28 are stored in the memory 43 for about one week in order from the newest. It only has to be stored.

  The predicted in-machine temperature, in-machine humidity, and out-of-machine temperature at the next date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on are predicted to be stored in the memory 43 and stored in the memory 43. May be obtained by dividing the measured value by the total number of days when the image forming apparatus is turned on and when the image forming apparatus is turned off at the same time.

  For example, if the next predicted power-on time of the image forming apparatus is 9:00 am, the in-machine temperature, in-machine humidity, and outside temperature at 9:00 am stored and stored in the memory 43 are measured. By dividing the value by the total number of days when the power of the image forming apparatus was turned on and the day when the power of the image forming apparatus remained off, the predicted time at which the image forming apparatus was turned on next The in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature are respectively determined.

  Alternatively, the image forming apparatus that is stored and stored in the memory 43 for the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature at the predicted date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time is turned on. The measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature in the day may be obtained by dividing the measured values of the image forming apparatus by the number of days when the image forming apparatus is turned on at the same time.

  Alternatively, the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature at the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next time can be stored in the memory 43 by installing a function for measuring the day of the week in the real-time clock 41. The measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature stored and stored in are stored on the same day of the week and at the same time, and the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. Each may be obtained by dividing by the total number of days that have remained OFF.

  For example, if the predicted day and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time is 9:00 am on Monday, the in-machine temperature and in-machine humidity at 9 am on Monday stored and stored in the memory 43 By dividing the measured value of the outside temperature by the total number of days when the power of the image forming apparatus was turned on and the day when the power of the image forming apparatus remained off, the power supply of the image forming apparatus predicted next The in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature at the day of the week and the time at which the is turned on are obtained.

  Alternatively, the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature at the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next time can be stored in the memory 43 by installing a function for measuring the day of the week in the real-time clock 41. The measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature of the day when the power of the image forming apparatus stored and stored in the device is turned on are turned on at the same day of the week and at the same time. You may make it obtain | require, respectively by dividing by the days set to ON.

  As described above, when the user instructs to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, power is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the light source 13a, the first moving frame 13, the second moving frame 14, the CCD 16, and each of the electronic components 44 described above. Is cut off. Then, the controller 46 predicts the presence / absence of dew condensation determining means, and then the internal temperature, the internal humidity, the external temperature, the internal temperature read from the memory 43 and the internal temperature at the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on. There is a possibility that the respective reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a may condense on the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, which is predicted by comparing the dew generation conditions determined based on the humidity and the temperature outside the apparatus. Judge whether there is.

  When the control unit 46 confirms that there is no possibility that the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are condensed on the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is predicted to be turned on next by the judgment result, the dew condensation prevention control determining means. Decides to turn off the condensation prevention control function. Further, immediately after that, a control signal for stopping the power supply to the operation unit 42 is transmitted from the control unit 46 to the power supply unit 45, whereby the power supply from the power supply unit 45 to the operation unit 42 is stopped. .

  On the other hand, if the control unit 46 confirms that there is a possibility that each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a may condense on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, the dew condensation prevention control is performed. A control signal for allowing the user to select ON / OFF of the function is transmitted from the control unit 46 to the operation unit 42, and the display screen of the operation unit 42 indicates “Do you want to turn on the condensation prevention control function? "Do you want to turn off the function?" When the user selects to turn on the dew condensation prevention control function based on the content displayed on the operation unit 42, information according to the user's instruction is sent from the operation unit 42 to the control unit 46 to determine the dew condensation prevention control. The means decides to turn on the dew condensation prevention control function. Immediately thereafter, the power supply to the operation unit 42 is stopped, and the dew condensation prevention control function is turned on when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off. The control unit 46 turns the dew condensation prevention heater 19 on and off. Control is performed.

  That is, in the control unit 46, the dew condensation prevention control setting means refers to the lighting time of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 necessary for preventing the dew condensation of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a stored in the memory 43, and is predicted next. On / off control of the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 by subtracting the lighting time of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 necessary for preventing the dew condensation of each reflecting mirror 13b, 14a from the date and time when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on. Set the date and time to start. When the power of the image forming apparatus is OFF, the control unit 46 determines that the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41 have reached the date and time when the power ON / OFF control of the condensation prevention heater 19 is started. Is confirmed, the dew condensation prevention control function is turned on, and the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity and the out-of-machine temperature measured by the temperature / humidity measuring unit 40 at that time are acquired. In addition, the control unit 46 reads out the dew condensation generation condition determined based on the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature from the memory 43.

  In addition, regarding the lighting time of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 necessary for preventing the dew condensation on each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a, the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature at the time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on are determined. The longest lighting time of the anti-condensation heater 19 that can reliably prevent dew condensation on the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a by setting various values is obtained in advance for each model of the image forming apparatus, and the optimum value is determined for the image forming apparatus. Is stored in the memory 43 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 46 is determined based on the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature acquired from the temperature / humidity measuring unit 40, and the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature read from the memory 43. To determine whether or not the conditions for dew condensation on the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are established on the date and time when the ON / OFF control of the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is started.

  If the control unit 46 confirms that the conditions for dew condensation on the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are established on the date and time when the power ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is started based on the determination result, the dew condensation prevention is performed. By transmitting a control signal for turning on the power of the heater 19 to the power supply unit 45, the dew condensation preventing heater 19 is turned on. On the other hand, when the control unit 46 confirms that the conditions for dew condensation on the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are not established on the date and time when the power supply ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is started based on the determination result, Next, the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is kept off until the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the operation when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that a detailed description of the portions overlapping with the operation of the image forming apparatus described above is omitted.

  First, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, an image reading operation for reading an image of the original 10 and an image forming operation for forming an image on a recording sheet based on the read image data are performed (step S11). .

  Subsequently, in the control unit 46, it is determined whether or not the image reading operation and the image forming operation are finished (step S12). At this time, if the control unit 46 confirms that the image reading operation and the image forming operation are not completed (No in step S12), the process returns to step S11, and the image reading operation and the image forming operation are performed again.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 46 confirms that the image reading operation and the image forming operation are completed at this time (Yes in step S12), next, in the control unit 46, has the user instructed to turn off the image forming apparatus? A determination of whether or not is made (step S13). At this time, when the control unit 46 confirms that the user has instructed to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus (Yes in step S13), the date and time when the accumulated and stored user turned on the power of the image forming apparatus. Is read from the memory 43. In the control unit 46, the time when the image forming apparatus is turned on is averaged by the date prediction unit, and the next time when the image forming apparatus is turned on is predicted. Based on the history of the date when the power of the forming apparatus is turned on, the next date of turning on the power of the image forming apparatus is predicted (step S14).

  Subsequently, the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature by the in-machine temperature sensor 17, the in-machine humidity sensor 18, and the out-of-machine temperature sensor 28 are read from the memory 43 and stored in the control unit 46. , The in-machine temperature, in-machine humidity, and out-of-machine temperature at the predicted date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on are measured values of the in-machine temperature, in-machine humidity, and out-of-machine temperature at that time, respectively. It is calculated by the parameter prediction means by averaging (step S15).

  Then, the controller 46 predicts the presence / absence of dew condensation determining means, and then the internal temperature, the internal humidity, the external temperature, the internal temperature read from the memory 43 and the internal temperature at the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on. There is a possibility that the respective reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a may condense on the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, which is predicted by comparing the dew generation conditions determined based on the humidity and the temperature outside the apparatus. It is determined whether or not there is (step S16). At this time, when the control unit 46 confirms that there is no possibility that the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are condensed on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next (No in step S16), the condensation is confirmed. The prevention control determining means decides to turn off the condensation prevention control function, and turns off the condensation prevention control function (step S17).

  On the other hand, at this time, when the control unit 46 confirms that there is a possibility that the respective reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are condensed on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next (Yes in step S16). A display indicating that there is a possibility of condensation on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, and a display for selecting ON / OFF of the condensation prevention control function by the condensation prevention control selection unit are displayed. The display screen of the operation unit 42 is displayed (step S18).

  Subsequently, in the control unit 46, based on the content displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 42, the user has selected to turn on the condensation prevention control function, or the user turns off the condensation prevention control function. A determination is made as to whether or not this has been selected (step S19). At this time, when the control unit 46 confirms that the user has selected to turn off the dew condensation prevention control function (No in step S19), the dew condensation prevention control determination unit decides to turn off the dew condensation prevention control function. Then, the condensation prevention control function is turned off (step S17).

  On the other hand, when the control unit 46 confirms that the user has selected to turn on the condensation prevention control function (Yes in step S19), the condensation prevention control determination unit turns on the condensation prevention control function. To decide. Then, in the control unit 46, the dew condensation prevention control setting means refers to the lighting time of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 necessary for preventing the dew condensation of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a stored in the memory 43, and is predicted next. On / off control of the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 by subtracting the lighting time of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 necessary for preventing the dew condensation of each reflecting mirror 13b, 14a from the time of the day when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on. The date and time for starting the operation are set (step S20).

  Subsequently, the control unit 46 refers to the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41 to start monitoring the date and time for starting the power ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 (step S21). . Then, when the control unit 46 turns off the dew condensation prevention control function in step S17, or when the control unit 46 starts monitoring the date and time for starting the ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 in step S21, The image forming apparatus is turned off (step S22), and the process ends.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, an operation when the power of the image forming apparatus is OFF will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. Note that a detailed description of the portions overlapping with the operation of the image forming apparatus described above is omitted.

  When the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned off, the control unit 46 is first instructed to monitor the date and time for starting the ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 when the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on. A determination is made whether or not (step S31). At this time, if the control unit 46 confirms that there is no instruction to monitor the date and time for starting the power ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 (No in step S31), then the control unit 46 In step S32, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed to turn on the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 46 confirms that an instruction to monitor the date and time for starting the power ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 has been given (Yes in step S31), the control unit 46 In 46, it is determined whether or not the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41 have reached the date and time for starting the power ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 (step S33). At this time, when the control unit 46 confirms that the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41 have reached the date and time for starting the power ON / OFF control of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 (Yes in step S33), The condensation prevention control function is turned on (step S34).

  Subsequently, the control unit 46 determines whether the user has instructed to turn on the image forming apparatus (step S35). At this time, if the control unit 46 confirms that the user has not instructed to turn on the power of the image forming apparatus (No in step S35), the dew condensation prevention control function is turned on until the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus. (See step S34). On the other hand, when the control unit 46 confirms that the user has instructed to turn on the image forming apparatus (Yes in step S35), the dew condensation prevention control function is turned off (step S36).

  When the control unit 46 confirms that the user has instructed to turn on the image forming apparatus in step S32 (Yes in step S32), or when the control unit 46 turns off the dew condensation prevention control function in step S36, the image is displayed. The forming apparatus is turned on (step S37), and the process ends.

  Further, when the dew condensation prevention control function is turned on in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 (step S34), the following operation is performed in the image forming apparatus. The operation of this image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the date and time when the on / off control of the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is started and the dew condensation prevention control function is turned on, the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature measured by the temperature / humidity measurement unit 40 by the control unit 46 The measured values are acquired (step S41).

  Subsequently, the control unit 46 determines based on the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature acquired from the temperature / humidity measuring unit 40, and the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature read from the memory 43. The dew condensation generation conditions are compared with each other, and it is determined whether or not the conditions for dew condensation on each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are satisfied (step S42).

  At this time, if the control unit 46 confirms that the conditions for dew condensation on each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are not satisfied (No in step S42), the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is kept in the OFF state (step S42). S43). On the other hand, at this time, when the control unit 46 confirms that the conditions for condensation of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are satisfied (Yes in step S42), the power supply of the condensation prevention heater 19 is turned on and the condensation prevention heater 19 is turned on. Is turned on (step S44).

  Subsequently, the control unit 46 determines whether or not the dew condensation prevention control function is turned off (step S45). At this time, when the control unit 46 confirms that the dew condensation prevention control function has been turned off (Yes in step S45), if the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is on, the dew condensation prevention heater is turned off ( Step S46), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, at this time, if the control unit 46 confirms that the dew condensation prevention control function is ON (No in step S45), then, in the control unit 46, the temperature and humidity control unit 40 determines the in-machine temperature from the temperature / humidity control unit 40 in step S41. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the measurement values of the in-machine humidity and the outside temperature were acquired (step S47).

  At this time, based on the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41, the control unit 46 acquires the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature from the temperature / humidity control unit 40 in step S41. When it is confirmed that the time has elapsed (Yes in step S47), the process returns to step S41 to acquire the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature measured by the temperature / humidity measuring unit 40, respectively. Subsequently, the operations from step S42 to step S45 are repeated.

  On the other hand, after the control unit 46 acquires the measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature from the temperature / humidity control unit 40 in step S41 based on the date and time measured by the real-time clock 41 at this time. When it is confirmed that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S47), the predetermined time elapses after the measured values of the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature are acquired from the temperature / humidity control unit 40 in step S41. Up to step 47, the operation is performed.

  Thus, when the dew condensation prevention control function is ON, the control unit 46 acquires measured values of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature from the temperature / humidity control unit 40 every time a predetermined time elapses. Then, the control unit 46 determines the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature obtained from the temperature / humidity control unit 40, and the internal temperature, the internal humidity, and the external temperature read from the memory 43. Are compared with each other, and a determination is made as to whether or not a condition for dew condensation on each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is satisfied.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the user instructs to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, the reflection mirrors 13b and 14a may condense on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next. The control unit 46 determines whether or not there is. For this reason, although there is a possibility that the dew generation condition may be established between the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, which is predicted from the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off by the user. When there is no possibility that the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are condensed on the predicted date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next, the condensation prevention control function can be turned off. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus required for preventing the condensation of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a inside the image forming apparatus.

  In this embodiment, if the user selects to turn on the dew condensation prevention control function when instructing to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, the dew condensation occurs when the date and time when the dew condensation prevention control function is turned on is reached. A determination is made as to whether the generation condition is satisfied. When the dew condensation generation condition is satisfied, the dew condensation prevention heater 19 is turned on by turning on the power supply of the dew condensation prevention heater 19. That is, if the user selects to turn on the condensation prevention control function when instructing to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, the condensation prevention heater 19 is turned on until the date and time when the condensation prevention control function is turned on. / OFF control is not started. Therefore, even when there is a possibility that each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a inside the image forming apparatus may condense, the ON / OFF control of the power supply of the condensation prevention heater 19 is not performed until the date and time when the condensation prevention control function is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus required for preventing condensation of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a inside the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, when the user instructs to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is predicted on the date and time when the control unit 46 predicts the next power on of the image forming apparatus. When it is confirmed that there is a risk of condensation, the fact is displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 42 to allow the user to select ON / OFF of the condensation prevention control function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in the image forming apparatus, when the user instructs to turn off the image forming apparatus, the control unit 46 predicts the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a on the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time. When it is confirmed that there is a risk of condensation, the control unit 46 automatically determines that the condensation prevention control function is to be turned on instead of displaying the fact on the display screen and making a determination based on the user's will. May be.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, when the user instructs to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus, the date and time when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus stored and stored is read from the memory 43, and the control unit In 46, the time when the image forming apparatus is turned on is averaged, and the time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next is predicted, and the next time based on the history of the date when the image forming apparatus is turned on. The date for turning on the power of the image forming apparatus is predicted, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, when the user gives an instruction to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus by installing a function in which the user can input the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next from the operation unit 42. If the user inputs the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time from the operation unit 42, each reflecting mirror 13b is input at the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on next. , 14a may be determined whether there is a risk of condensation.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the in-machine humidity sensor 18 is always measured using the in-machine humidity sensor 18 regardless of whether the power source of the image forming apparatus is ON / OFF. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is ON and an image forming operation is being performed, the value of the current flowing into the photosensitive drum 20 is measured to measure the value of the current flowing into the photosensitive drum 20 in the apparatus. The humidity may be calculated.

  Here, when the image forming apparatus is powered on and an image forming operation is being performed, a voltage having a certain magnitude is applied to the photosensitive drum 20. Further, as the in-machine humidity increases, the electrical resistance of the air inside the image forming apparatus decreases. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is powered on and an image forming operation is performed, the amount of current flowing into the photosensitive drum 20 increases as the internal humidity increases.

  As described above, when the power of the image forming apparatus is ON and the image forming operation is performed, the humidity inside the apparatus is determined from the amount of current flowing into the photosensitive drum 20 by measuring the amount of current flowing into the photosensitive drum 20. Can be calculated. This eliminates the need to supply power to the in-machine humidity sensor 18 when the image forming apparatus is powered on and an image forming operation is being performed, thereby reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus. Can do.

  In the image forming apparatus, the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature are measured using the in-machine temperature sensor 17, the in-machine humidity sensor 18, and the outside temperature sensor 28, and the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature are measured. Whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed by comparing the measured value of the temperature with the dew generation condition determined based on the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the outside temperature stored in the memory 43. However, this is not the case. That is, the in-machine humidity and the outside temperature are measured using the in-machine humidity sensor 18 and the outside temperature sensor 28, the measured values of the in-machine humidity and the outside temperature, the in-machine humidity and the machine temperature stored in the memory 43. It may be determined whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed by comparing the dew generation condition determined based on the outside temperature.

  Here, if the time from when the image forming apparatus is turned off to when the image forming apparatus is turned on next is sufficiently long, that is, the image forming apparatus is turned off the night before and the morning of the next day. When the image forming apparatus is turned on, the outside temperature, the inside temperature, and the surface temperature of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a when the image forming apparatus is turned on next are approximately equal. Therefore, if the outside temperature when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time is known, the inside temperature when the image forming apparatus is turned on next time and the surface temperature of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are determined. I can guess.

  Accordingly, the temperature outside the machine and the humidity inside the machine when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on are variously set, and the rate of increase in the machine temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on is measured. . Based on these values, the relationship between the outside temperature and inside humidity when the image forming apparatus is turned on and the rate of increase in the inside temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the image forming apparatus is turned on is shown. As a result, it is possible to estimate the rate of increase in the in-machine temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power to the image forming apparatus was turned on from the outside temperature and in-machine humidity when the image forming apparatus was turned on.

  As described above, based on the outside temperature and the inside humidity when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, and the estimated increase rate of the inside temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. The conditions for the occurrence of dew condensation for each reflecting mirror 13b, 14a are obtained in advance. When the image forming apparatus is manufactured, the dew generation condition of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a according to the relationship between the in-machine humidity and the outside temperature is stored in the memory 43 for each model of the image forming apparatus. Thus, the in-machine humidity and the outside temperature are measured using the in-machine humidity sensor 18 and the outside temperature sensor 28, the measured values of the in-machine humidity and the outside temperature, and the in-machine humidity stored in the memory 43. It is possible to determine whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed by comparing the dew condensation generation condition determined based on the outside temperature.

  Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus, the temperature outside the machine is measured using the outside temperature sensor 28, and the dew generation condition determined based on the measured value of the outside temperature and the outside temperature stored in the memory 43. May be determined whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed.

  Here, as described above, if the time from when the image forming apparatus is turned off to when the image forming apparatus is turned on next is sufficiently long, the next time the image forming apparatus is turned on. From the outside temperature, the inside temperature when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next time and the surface temperature of each reflecting mirror 13b, 14a can be estimated.

  Therefore, the temperature outside the apparatus when the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on is set variously, and the rate of increase of the in-machine temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on is measured. Based on these values, the relationship between the outside temperature when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on and the rate of increase of the inside temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on is obtained. The rate of increase in the in-machine temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the image forming apparatus was turned on can be estimated from the outside temperature when the image forming apparatus is turned on.

  Thus, based on the outside temperature when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on and the rate of increase of the in-machine temperature after a certain time has elapsed since the estimated power of the image forming apparatus was turned on, The dew condensation generation conditions of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a are obtained in advance. When the image forming apparatus is manufactured, the dew generation condition of each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a determined based on the outside temperature is stored in the memory 43 for each model of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the temperature outside the machine is measured using the outside temperature sensor 28, and the measured value of the outside temperature is compared with the dew generation condition determined based on the outside temperature stored in the memory 43. It can be determined whether or not each reflecting mirror 13b, 14a is condensed.

  Whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed by comparing the measured value of the outside temperature by the outside temperature sensor 28 with the dew generation condition determined based on the outside temperature stored in the memory 43. When judging the above, the in-machine humidity may be added to the dew generation condition.

  That is, the in-machine humidity set to various values depending on the region and time is stored in the memory 43. Then, when the image forming apparatus is installed, an area where the image forming apparatus is installed is input. Further, the time when the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus is obtained by referring to the date and date and time measured by the real-time clock 40. Accordingly, the dew generation condition determined based on the in-machine humidity estimated from the measured value of the outside temperature by the out-of-machine temperature sensor 28, the region and the time, and the in-machine humidity and the outside temperature stored in the memory 43. Can be determined whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed.

  In the image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed based on the three parameters of the in-machine temperature, the in-machine humidity, and the out-of-machine temperature. It may be determined whether or not each of the reflecting mirrors 13b and 14a is condensed based on at least one of the temperature, the humidity inside the machine, and the temperature outside the machine.

  As described above, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and is particularly useful for an apparatus that performs control for preventing dew condensation of each component installed inside the apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is turned on. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is turned on. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is powered off. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when a dew condensation prevention control function is turned on in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading part 2 Image formation part 3 Partition plate 10 Document 11 Contact glass 12 Document cover 13 1st moving frame 13a Light source 13b, 14a Reflector 14 Second moving frame 15 Condensing lens 16 CCD
17 In-machine temperature sensor 18 In-machine humidity sensor 19 Condensation prevention heater 20 Photosensitive drum 21 Charging device 21a Charging roller 22 Exposure device 23 Developing device 23a Toner 23b Developing roller 24 Transfer device 24a Transfer roller 25 Fixing device 25a Fixing roller 25b Fixing heater 25c Pressure Roller 26 Cooling fan 27 Heat insulating material 28 Outside temperature sensor 30 Paper feed cassette 31 Paper feed roller 32 Transport roller 33 Registration roller 34 Transport guide 35 Paper discharge roller 36 Paper discharge tray 40 Temperature / humidity measurement unit 41 Real-time clock 42 Operation unit 43 Memory 44 Each component 45 Power supply unit 46 Control unit

Claims (2)

A dew condensation prevention heater for preventing dew condensation of each component inside the apparatus by warming the inside of the apparatus, and the dew condensation prevention heater according to at least one parameter of the temperature outside the apparatus, the humidity inside the apparatus, and the temperature inside the apparatus . In an image forming apparatus having a dew condensation prevention control function for controlling ON / OFF,
A parameter measuring unit that measures at least one parameter of temperature outside the device, humidity inside the device, and temperature inside the device ;
A date and time measuring unit for measuring the date and time;
A memory for storing the measurement value by the parameter measurement unit in association with the date and time measured by the date and time measurement unit and storing the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on;
Next, a date and time predicting means for predicting a date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on based on a date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on and stored in the memory;
By the parameter measurement unit stored in the memory, at least one parameter of the temperature outside the apparatus, the humidity inside the apparatus, and the temperature inside the apparatus at the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next is predicted. Parameter predicting means for predicting based on measured values;
Next, the date when the power of the image forming apparatus is predicted and the date when the parts are likely to be condensed at the time and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on. And a dew condensation presence / absence judging means for judging based on at least one parameter of the temperature outside the device at the time, the humidity inside the device, and the temperature inside the device ;
Dew condensation prevention control determining means for determining ON / OFF of the dew condensation prevention control function after turning off the power of the image forming apparatus according to the determination result of the condensation presence / absence determining means;
When the dew condensation prevention control determining unit decides to turn on the dew condensation prevention control function, the date and time when the dew prevention control function is turned on and the dew prevention control control is started is predicted by the date prediction unit. Dew condensation prevention control setting means for setting by deducting the lighting time of the dew condensation prevention heater necessary to prevent dew condensation from the date and time when the image forming apparatus is turned on.
With
When the dew condensation prevention control determining unit decides to turn off the dew condensation prevention control function, the dew condensation prevention heater is turned off when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off .
When the dew condensation prevention control determining unit decides to turn on the dew condensation prevention control function, the date and time measured by the date and time measurement unit are the date and time when the dew condensation prevention control set by the dew condensation prevention setting unit is started and When the time is reached, the condensation prevention control function is turned on to start the condensation prevention control,
When the dew condensation prevention control function starts the dew condensation prevention control, it is determined whether there is a possibility that each component in the apparatus is condensed based on the measurement value by the parameter measurement unit, and according to the determination result an image forming apparatus comprising that you control the power ON / OFF of the condensation prevention heater. A dew condensation prevention control selection unit for selecting ON / OFF of the dew condensation prevention control function;
When the dew condensation presence / absence determining means determines that there is a risk of dew condensation on the date and time when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on next time, the dew condensation prevention control selection unit responds to the selection Te image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that to determine the oN / OFF of the dew condensation preventing control function after the dew condensation preventing control determining means has turned OFF the power of the image forming apparatus.

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