JP6318865B2 - Thermoelectric converter and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device and an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus including a thermoelectric conversion device that charges a storage battery by converting heat generated in association with an image forming operation into electric energy by a thermoelectric element. This image forming apparatus can reduce power consumption by using the discharge power of the storage battery as necessary.

  However, in the thermoelectric conversion device, power is consumed in the operation of charging the storage battery, and therefore, depending on the timing of the charging operation, the amount of power consumed by the thermoelectric conversion device is more than the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element. May be larger. In such a case, the storage battery cannot be charged efficiently, and the power consumption reduction effect is hindered.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a thermal energy when an image forming operation is not performed for the purpose of providing an image forming apparatus with high energy saving efficiency without depriving the heat necessary for heating the recording material and the toner. An example of a control operation for converting the battery into electrical energy and charging the battery is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, for the purpose of preventing waste of surplus power, the amount of power consumption and the amount of generated power on the prediction target day are predicted, and the charging power on the day before the prediction target date is determined accordingly. An example of control operation is disclosed.

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 and the technique described in Patent Document 2 do not consider any power consumed in the charging operation, and solve the problem of efficiency reduction due to improper timing of the charging operation. Can not.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion unit that converts heat generated by the heat generation unit into electric energy, a charging unit that charges the power storage unit with the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion unit, and A control means for operating the charging means within a period in which the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means is equal to or greater than the amount of power consumed by the charging means, the thermoelectric conversion device comprising: The control means is charged according to at least one of the temperature of the heat generation means, the temperature of the thermoelectric conversion means, the ambient temperature around the thermoelectric conversion device, and the target temperature of the heat generation means. A time is determined, and the charging means is operated during the determined charging time .

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that the power storage unit can be efficiently charged at an appropriate timing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power supply system in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the temperature of the heat generating component and the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the control unit performs charge control. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table used for determining the charging time. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the power supply system. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table used for determining the charging time. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a correspondence table for determining the charging time. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a correspondence table for determining the charging time. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the power generation principle of the thermoelectric element. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of parameters used for calculating the discharge time. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of discharge control by the control unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fixed value table. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a change in the state of charge of the storage battery. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a change in the state of charge of the storage battery. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a change in the state of charge of the storage battery. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a change in the state of charge of the storage battery. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a change in the state of charge of the storage battery.

  Hereinafter, a thermoelectric conversion device and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the outline of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a digital multi-function peripheral that performs an electrophotographic image forming operation, and has a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an automatic document feeder 11, an image reading device 12, an image writing unit 13, and an image forming unit 14. The image forming apparatus 1 can sequentially switch and select a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function in accordance with an operation of an application switching key provided in an operation unit (not shown). The image forming apparatus 1 is in the “copy” mode when the copy function is selected, is in the “print” mode when the printer function is selected, and is in the “facsimile” mode when the facsimile function is selected.

  Here, the outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described by taking the operation in the “copy” mode as an example. In the “copy” mode, the document set on the automatic document feeder 11 is sequentially sent to the image reading device 12. The image reading device 12 reads image information of a document sent from the automatic document feeder 11. Image information read by the image reading device 12 is sent to the image writing unit 13 after predetermined processing is performed by an image processing unit (not shown). The image writing unit 13 outputs writing light based on the image information. The photosensitive drum 21 of the image forming unit 14 is exposed by the writing light.

  The photosensitive drum 21 is exposed by being irradiated with writing light from the image writing unit 13 after being uniformly charged by a charging device (not shown). As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information of the original is formed on the photosensitive drum 21. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 is developed by the developing device 22 to become a toner image. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to a sheet that passes between the photosensitive drum 21 and the conveyance belt 23.

  The paper is taken out from the paper feed tray 25 by the paper feed roller 24, transported by the transport roller 26, and passes between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transport belt 23. At this time, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to a sheet. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 27 by the transfer belt 23. Then, heat and pressure are applied by the fixing device 27, whereby the toner image transferred to the paper is fixed on the paper. Then, the paper on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 28.

  Next, a configuration example of a power supply system in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power supply system in the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply system in the image forming apparatus 1 includes a PSU (Power Supply Unit) 101, a thermoelectric element (Seebeck element) 102, a charger 103, a storage battery 104, a discharger 105, and a switching circuit. 106 and the control unit 100.

  The PSU 101 generates DC power based on the AC power supplied from the AC line 110 and supplies the DC power to the switching circuit 106.

  The thermoelectric element 102 is a thermoelectric element using, for example, the Seebeck effect, and is provided adjacent to the heat generating component 120 (an example of a heat generating unit), and converts heat generated by the heat generating component 120 into electric energy. That is, the thermoelectric element 102 generates electric power according to the temperature difference between the high temperature side adjacent to the heat generating component 120 and the low temperature side far from the heat generating component 120. The thermoelectric element 102 is an example of a thermoelectric conversion unit.

  In the present embodiment, a component (such as a fixing heater, a fixing roller heated by the fixing heater, or a fixing belt) constituting the fixing device 27 described above is used as the heat generating component 120. The temperature of the heat generating component 120 is detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 and notified to the control unit 100. The temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 is used for the control unit 100 to control the temperature of the fixing device 27. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 is also used for setting a charging time described later.

  The charger 103 is configured using, for example, a DCDC converter, operates under the control of the control unit 100, and charges the storage battery 104 with the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 from the heat of the heat generating component 120. The charger 103 is an example of a charging unit.

  The storage battery 104 (an example of a power storage unit) stores the electrical energy converted from the heat of the heat generating component 120 by the thermoelectric conversion element 102.

  The discharger 105 is configured using, for example, a DCDC converter, and operates under the control of the control unit 100 to discharge the storage battery 104.

  The switching circuit 106 switches between the power supply from the PSU 101 and the electrical energy discharged from the storage battery 104 by the discharger 105 according to control by the control unit 100, and supplies the switched power supply to the load 200. The load 200 is a portion that is a power supply destination, and examples thereof include a + 5V system load and a + 24V system load. A heat source for the heat generating component 120 is also included in the load 200.

  Note that the charger 103 and the discharger 105 operate using electric power. For this reason, the power from the PSU 101 or the electrical energy discharged from the storage battery 104 by the discharger 105 is supplied to the charger 103 and the discharger 105 via the switching circuit 106 according to control by the control unit 100.

  The control unit 100 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1 and operates the load 200 and the like sequentially according to the various operation modes described above. The control unit 100 also performs charge control on the storage battery 104 and discharge control from the storage battery 104. The control unit 100 is an example of a control unit.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 operates the charger 103 within a period in which the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 from the heat of the heat generating component 120 is equal to or greater than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103. . For example, the control unit 100 determines a charging time according to the temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130. Then, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the charger 103 so that the storage battery 104 is charged with the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 during the determined charging time.

  In addition, the control unit 100 uses a state where the electric energy stored in the storage battery 104 is used, for example, in the event of a power failure when the power supply from the PSU 101 is interrupted or when the use of the power source from the PSU 101 is suppressed to reduce power consumption. In this case, the discharger 105 is operated to discharge the storage battery 104, and control is performed so that the electric energy stored in the storage battery 104 is supplied to the load 200.

  In the power supply system of the image forming apparatus 1 described above, the thermoelectric element 102, the charger 103, the storage battery 104, the discharger 105, and the control unit 100 constitute the thermoelectric conversion device of this embodiment.

  Next, the relationship between the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 102, where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents temperature and electric energy. In FIG. 3, the temperature of the heat generating component 120 in the fixing device 27 (the temperature detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130) accompanying the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the temperature on the high temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102, and the temperature on the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102. An example of the change over time of the temperature and the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 is shown.

  When the operator instructs the image forming operation, the control unit 100 starts operation control of the fixing device 27 and turns on the fixing heater (timing T1). As a result, the temperature of the heat generating component 120 starts to rise. At this time, the heat generated in the heat generating component 120 is transmitted to the thermoelectric element 102, and the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 also starts to rise.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 sets the temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 to a predetermined temperature (fixing target temperature) during the wake-up (WUP) period and the sheet passing period of the fixing device 27. Controls the operation of the fixing heater. At this time, the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 continues to rise with a temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side until the thermoelectric element 102 reaches the saturation temperature (timing T2). During this time, the thermoelectric element 102 generates power with a power generation amount proportional to the temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric element 102 reaches the saturation temperature and the power generation is finished during the paper passing period. For example, a temperature increase on the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102 is suppressed using a cooling fan or the like. In the case of the configuration, it is possible to generate electric power by giving a temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102 even after the paper passing period ends.

  The electric power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 (electric energy converted from the heat of the heat-generating component 120) can be stored in the storage battery 104 by operating the charger 103. Here, the charger 103 consumes power when performing the charging operation. Therefore, if charging is performed in a period in which the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is less than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103, more power than the amount of power stored in the storage battery 104 by charging is obtained. As a result, the storage battery 104 cannot be efficiently charged.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 100 charges the battery so that the storage battery 104 is charged within a period in which the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is equal to or greater than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103. The operation of 103 is controlled. That is, the control unit 100 operates the charger 103 within the “charging period” (period where “generated power” ≧ “power consumption of the charger”) shown in FIG. Control is performed so that the converted electric energy is stored in the storage battery 104. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently charge the storage battery 104 while avoiding the disadvantage that more power is consumed than the amount of power stored in the storage battery 104 by charging.

  Next, an example of charging control by the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the control unit 100 performs charge control.

  When the operator instructs the image forming operation (step S101: Yes), the control unit 100 first acquires the temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 (step S102). The temperature acquired by the control unit 100 in step S102 is a temperature detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 before the timing T1 (timing to turn on the fixing heater) shown in FIG.

  Next, the control unit 100 determines a charging time, which is a time during which the operation of the charger 103 is continued, based on the temperature of the heat generating component 120 acquired in step S102 (step S103).

  As a method for determining the charging time, for example, a method for determining with reference to a correspondence table that defines the correspondence between the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time can be used. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table used for determining the charging time. In the correspondence table shown in FIG. 5, the correspondence between the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time is such that the charging time is shorter as the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is higher and the charging time is longer as the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is lower. Is stipulated. When the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is high, the charging time is set short because the time until the thermoelectric element 102 reaches the saturation temperature is short. Conversely, when the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is low, the charging time is set long because the time until the thermoelectric element 102 reaches the saturation temperature is long. The correspondence table shown in FIG. 5 is created in advance by testing / evaluating the relationship between the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimal charging time, and is a nonvolatile storage device provided inside or outside the control unit 100. Stored in

  The charging time may be determined using a relational expression for obtaining the charging time from the temperature of the heat generating component 120 instead of using the correspondence table illustrated in FIG. The relational expression in this case is created in advance by testing and evaluating the relation between the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimum charging time, like the correspondence table illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the fixing device 27 and turns on the fixing heater. Thereby, heat generation of the heat generating component 120 is started (step S104). The timing at which heat generation of the heat generating component 120 is started is the timing T1 shown in FIG.

  Next, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the charger 103 when the first predetermined time has elapsed after the fixing heater is turned on (after the heat generating component 120 starts to generate heat) (step S105). The first predetermined time is the time required for the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 to reach the amount of power consumed by the charger 103, and is a value obtained by conducting a test or the like in advance, for example. Is set.

  Next, the control unit 100 starts a timer (step S106), and determines whether or not the charging time determined in step S103 has elapsed after starting the operation of the charger 103 (step S107). Then, when the charging time has elapsed (step S107: Yes), the control unit 100 ends the operation of the charger 103 (step S108), and ends a series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the charging time according to the detected temperature of the heat generating component 120 before starting the operation of the fixing device 27 including the heat generating component 120. Then, the operation of the charger 103 is started when the first predetermined time has elapsed since the heat generation component 120 started to generate heat due to the start of the operation of the fixing device 27. Thereafter, the operation of the charger 103 is continued for a predetermined charging time, and the storage battery 104 is charged with the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102. Then, when the charging time elapses after the operation of the charger 103 is started, the operation of the charger 103 is ended. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently charge the storage battery 104 while avoiding the disadvantage that more power is consumed than the amount of power stored in the storage battery 104 by charging.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the charging time corresponding to the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is determined. Except for the process of determining the charging time, this is the same as in the first embodiment described above. Below, the description which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the power supply system according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, an element temperature sensor 140 that detects the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 is provided in addition to the configuration of the power supply system of the first embodiment.

  In the power supply system of the present embodiment, not only the temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 but also the element temperature sensor when the control unit 100 determines the above-described charging time (before the fixing heater is turned on). The temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 detected by 140 is also acquired. Then, the control unit 100 determines a charging time according to the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120.

  As a method of determining the charging time, for example, a method of determining with reference to a correspondence table that defines the correspondence between the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time can be used. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table used for determining the charging time. In the correspondence table shown in FIG. 7, the higher the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the higher the temperature of the heat generating component 120, the shorter the charging time, and the lower the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the lower the temperature of the heat generating component 120. The correspondence relationship between the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time is determined so that the charging time becomes longer. The correspondence table shown in FIG. 7 is created in advance by testing and evaluating the relationship between the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimal charging time, and is provided inside or outside the control unit 100. Stored in a non-volatile storage device.

  The charging time may be determined using a relational expression for obtaining the charging time from the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 instead of using the correspondence table illustrated in FIG. . Similar to the correspondence table illustrated in FIG. 7, the relational expression in this case is created in advance by testing and evaluating the relationship between the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimum charging time.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the charging time, which is the time for which the operation of the charger 103 is continued, is determined in consideration of not only the temperature of the heat generating component 120 but also the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102. Compared to the first embodiment, a more accurate charging time can be determined.

  In the present embodiment, the charging time is determined according to the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120. However, it is also possible to determine the charging time according to only the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102. It is. In this case, the charging time is determined such that the higher the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102, the shorter the charging time, and the lower the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102, the longer the charging time.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the charging time according to the ambient temperature around the image forming apparatus 1 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is determined. Except for the process of determining the charging time, this is the same as in the first embodiment described above. Below, the description which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  The environmental temperature affects the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 when the operation of the fixing device 27 is started and the fixing heater is turned on, and the inclination of the temperature rise of the thermoelectric element 102 after the fixing heater is turned on. For this reason, the time during which there is a temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102, that is, the time during which the thermoelectric element 102 generates power also varies depending on the environmental temperature.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 100 determines the above-described charging time (before turning on the fixing heater), not only the temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 but also an environmental temperature (not shown). The environmental temperature detected by the sensor is also acquired. And the control part 100 determines the charge time according to environmental temperature and the temperature of the heat-emitting component 120. FIG. Accordingly, it is possible to set an optimal charging time according to the time zone or season when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming operation.

  Note that the environmental temperature sensor that detects the environmental temperature is preferably provided in a location that is not affected by the heat of the fixing device 27. Thereby, environmental temperature can be detected accurately.

  As a method of determining the charging time, for example, a method of determining with reference to a correspondence table that defines a correspondence relationship between the environmental temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time can be used. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table used for determining the charging time. In the correspondence table shown in FIG. 8, the charging time becomes shorter as the environmental temperature is higher and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is higher, and the charging time is longer as the environmental temperature is lower and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is lower. In addition, the correspondence relationship between the environmental temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time is defined. The correspondence table shown in FIG. 8 is created in advance by testing and evaluating the relationship between the environmental temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimum charging time, and is a non-volatile provided inside or outside the control unit 100. Stored in a storage device.

  The determination of the charging time may be performed using a relational expression for obtaining the charging time from the environmental temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 instead of using the correspondence table illustrated in FIG. The relational expression in this case is created in advance by testing and evaluating the relation between the environmental temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimum charging time, as in the correspondence table illustrated in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the charging time, which is the time for which the operation of the charger 103 is continued, is determined in consideration of not only the temperature of the heat generating component 120 but also the environmental temperature, so the first implementation described above. Compared with the configuration, a more accurate charging time can be determined.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the charging time corresponding to the target fixing temperature used for operation control of the fixing device 27 and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is determined. Except for the process of determining the charging time, this is the same as in the first embodiment described above. Below, the description which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  As the fixing target temperature, an optimum value is determined in advance according to image forming conditions such as a paper type used for image formation. The image forming conditions such as the paper type are set according to the operation of the operator who instructs the image forming operation. For this reason, when the operator instructs the image forming operation, the fixing target temperature corresponding to the image forming condition is uniquely determined.

  The fixing target temperature affects the time during which a temperature difference occurs between the high temperature side and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102, that is, the time during which the thermoelectric element 102 generates power. When the fixing target temperature is high, the time during which the thermoelectric element 102 is generating power is lengthened. When the fixing target temperature is low, the time during which the thermoelectric element 102 is generating power is shortened.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 100 determines the above-described charging time (before the fixing heater is turned on), not only the temperature of the heat generating component 120 detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 but also the image forming conditions are set. The fixing target temperature determined accordingly is also acquired. Then, the control unit 100 determines a charging time according to the fixing target temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120. Thereby, the optimal charging time according to image forming conditions can be set.

  As a method of determining the charging time, for example, a method of determining with reference to a correspondence table that defines the correspondence between the fixing target temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time can be used. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table used for determining the charging time. In the correspondence table shown in FIG. 9, the charging time is shorter as the fixing target temperature is lower and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is higher, and the charging time is longer as the fixing target temperature is higher and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 is lower. Thus, the correspondence relationship between the fixing target temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the charging time is determined. The correspondence table shown in FIG. 9 is created in advance by testing and evaluating the relationship between the target fixing temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimal charging time, and is provided in a nonvolatile manner provided inside or outside the control unit 100. Stored in a sex storage device.

  The charging time may be determined by using a relational expression for obtaining the charging time from the fixing target temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 instead of using the correspondence table illustrated in FIG. The relational expression in this case is created in advance by testing and evaluating the relation between the fixing target temperature and the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the optimum charging time, as in the correspondence table illustrated in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the charging time, which is the time for which the operation of the charger 103 is continued, is determined in consideration of not only the temperature of the heat generating component 120 but also the fixing target temperature. Compared to the embodiment, a more accurate charging time can be determined.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is different from the first to fourth embodiments described above in the method of operation control of the charger 103. Below, the description which overlaps with 1st-4th embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the charging time, which is the time for which the operation of the charger 103 is continued, is determined in advance, and the charging time determined in advance has elapsed since the operation of the charger 103 is started. At that time, the control of the charger 103 was ended. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is monitored, and when the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is equal to or greater than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103. Then, the operation of the charger 103 is started, and the operation of the charger 103 is stopped when the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 becomes less than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 starts monitoring the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 at the timing when the operation of the fixing device 27 is started and the fixing heater is turned on (T1 in FIG. 3). To do. Then, the operation of the charger 103 is started at the timing when the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 becomes equal to or greater than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103 (start timing of “charging period” shown in FIG. 3). . Thereby, the storage battery 104 is charged with the electrical energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 continues to monitor the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102, and the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is less than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103. The operation of the charger 103 is ended at the timing (end timing of the “charging period” shown in FIG. 3), and the monitoring of the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is also ended. Thereby, charge of the storage battery 104 is complete | finished. By controlling the operation of the charger 103 in this way, it is possible to efficiently charge the storage battery 104 while avoiding the disadvantage that more power is consumed than the amount of power stored in the storage battery 104 by charging.

  As a method for monitoring the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102, for example, the temperature on the high temperature side and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102 are individually detected and converted by the thermoelectric element 102 from the difference between them. A method for estimating the amount of electric energy generated can be used.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the power generation principle of the thermoelectric element 102. In the thermoelectric element 102 shown in FIG. 10, a P-type semiconductor 202P provided with an electrode 201P at the end and an N-type semiconductor 202N provided with an electrode 201N at the end are connected on the opposite side to the electrodes 201P and 201N. This is a configuration connected by the unit 203. By disposing the thermoelectric element 102 so that the connecting portion 203 is adjacent to the heat generating component 120, the connecting portion 203 becomes the high temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102, and the electrode 201P and the electrode 201N are located on the opposite side of the connecting portion 203. Is the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102. In the thermoelectric element 102, when a temperature difference is generated between the high temperature side and the low temperature side due to the heat generated by the heat generating component 120, the electric charge flows in the P-type semiconductor 202P and the N-type semiconductor 202N due to the Seebeck effect and current flows. Electric power is generated across the load resistor 204 connected between the positive and negative electrodes (201P, 201N).

  Here, for example, in the thermoelectric element 102 shown in FIG. 10, by providing temperature sensors in the vicinity of the connection portion 203 and in the vicinity of the electrodes 201P and 201N, the temperatures on the high temperature side and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102 are individually set. Can be detected. The amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 can be estimated from the difference in temperature detected by these temperature sensors.

  Instead of individually detecting the temperature on the high temperature side and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102, the temperature of the heat generating component 120 and the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 are detected, and the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 from the difference is detected. It is also possible to estimate the amount of power. The temperature of the heat generating component 120 can be detected by the fixing temperature sensor 130 described above. Further, the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102 can be detected by the element temperature sensor 140 described above.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment monitors the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102, and the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is consumed by the charger 103. The operation of the charger 103 is started when the amount of electric power to be exceeded is reached, and the operation of the charger 103 is performed when the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is less than the amount of power consumed by the charger 103. Control to stop. This makes it possible to more easily control the appropriate timing of the charging operation, avoiding the disadvantage that more power is consumed than the amount of power stored in the storage battery 104 by charging, and charging the storage battery 104 efficiently. can do.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 100 predicts in advance the amount of power obtained from the thermoelectric element 102 by the image forming operation accompanied by the heat generation of the heat generating component 120, and the predicted amount of power is the amount of power that can be charged to the storage battery 104. Is exceeded, the surplus power is discharged from the storage battery 104 during the image forming operation and supplied to the load 200, so that the storage battery 104 is fully charged at the end of the charging period.

  Here, the heat-generating component 120 that generates heat in accordance with the image forming operation is maintained in a high temperature state until the temperature is decreased by natural heat dissipation even after the image forming operation is completed. As described above, for example, in the case of a configuration in which the temperature rise on the low temperature side of the thermoelectric element 102 is suppressed using a cooling fan or the like, power generation by the thermoelectric element 102 is continued for a while after the image forming operation is stopped. Will continue.

  Therefore, the control unit 100 obtains the amount of power obtained from the thermoelectric element 102 by the image forming operation as a value obtained by adding the amount of power obtained during the image forming operation and the amount of power obtained after the image forming operation. That is, the control unit 100 continues the heat generation of the heat generating component 120 after the image forming operation is completed and the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 when the heat generating component 120 generates heat during the image forming operation. Thus, the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric element 102 is predicted. Then, a value obtained by adding these amounts of power is obtained as the amount of power obtained from the thermoelectric element 102 by the image forming operation.

  Further, the control unit 100 obtains an amount of power corresponding to the difference between the amount of power predicted as described above and the amount of power that can be charged in the storage battery 104 (free capacity of the storage battery 104), and the amount of power corresponding to this difference. And a discharge time for discharging the storage battery 104 during the image forming operation is determined based on the power amount per unit time required for the image forming operation. Then, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 during the image forming operation (for example, at the start of the image forming operation), and then performs the operation of the discharger 105 when a predetermined discharge time has elapsed. Terminate.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the discharger 105 as described above, so that the storage battery 104 can be fully charged when the charging period for charging the storage battery 104 is completed. 104 can be charged more efficiently. That is, in the present embodiment, since the storage battery 104 is in a fully charged state, the inconvenience that the electric energy obtained from the thermoelectric element 102 is discarded without being charged is further suppressed, and the use efficiency of the electric energy is further improved. Can be made.

  Hereinafter, an example of controlling the operation of the discharger 105 by the control unit 100 will be specifically described by taking as an example a case where the image forming apparatus 1 performs an image forming operation (printing operation) in the “copy” mode or the “print” mode. To do. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of parameters used by the control unit 100 to calculate the discharge time of the discharger 105. In the figure, “item” indicates an item of each parameter, “address” indicates an index of each parameter (a symbol used as a heading), and “type” indicates whether each parameter is a fixed value or a calculated value, The type of detection value is indicated.

  The temperature increase rate (A) is a parameter (unit: ° C./s) representing the rate of temperature increase per unit time of the heat generating component 120 at the start of the printing operation. This temperature increase rate (A) is a fixed value determined by the configuration of the fixing device 27 provided in the image forming apparatus 1.

  The start-up start temperature (B) is a parameter (unit: ° C.) representing the temperature of the heat generating component 120 at the start of the printing operation. This rise temperature (B) is a detection value detected by reading the output of the fixing temperature sensor 130 at the start of the printing operation.

  The reload temperature (C) is a parameter (unit: ° C.) indicating the lowest temperature at which fixing by the fixing device 27 is possible. The reload temperature (C) is a fixed value determined according to the operation mode (copy mode or print mode) of the image forming apparatus 1 and the type of paper used for printing.

  The start-up time (D) is a parameter (unit: s) representing the time required for the fixing device 27 to reach the reload temperature (C). This start-up time (D) is a calculated value obtained by (C−B) ÷ A.

  The pre-printing time (E) is a parameter (unit: s) that represents the time from when the fixing device 27 reaches the reload temperature (C) until printing is actually started. This pre-printing time (E) is a fixed value determined by the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  CPM (g) is a parameter (unit: cpm) representing a printing speed (how many sheets can be printed per minute). This CPM (g) is a fixed value determined by the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The printing time coefficient (F) is a coefficient for correcting a difference in printing time according to the paper type of the paper used for printing. This printing time coefficient (F) is a fixed value determined according to the paper type of the paper used for printing.

  The number of printed sheets (H) is a parameter (unit: c) indicating the number of sheets printed by the printing operation. The number of printed sheets (H) is a detection value detected from the content (print job) of the designated printing operation.

  The printing time (I) is a parameter (unit: s) that represents the actual printing time. This printing time (I) is a calculated value obtained by H × (60 ÷ g × F).

  The time (J) during operation is a parameter (unit: s) that represents the time of the entire printing operation from the start to the end of the printing operation. The time (J) during this operation is a calculated value obtained by D + E + I.

  The average generated power (K) during operation is a parameter (unit: W) representing the average value of the generated power of the thermoelectric element 102 during the printing operation. The average generated power (K) during this operation is a fixed value determined according to the operation mode (copy mode or print mode) of the image forming apparatus 1 and the type of paper used for printing.

  The amount of generated power (L) during operation is a parameter (unit: Wh) that represents the total amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 during the printing operation. The generated power amount (L) during this operation is a calculated value obtained by J × K ÷ 3600.

  The heat maintenance time (M) at the time of printing one sheet is a parameter (unit: s) that represents the time during which the heat generating component 120 heated by the printing operation maintains heat per printed sheet. The heat maintenance time (M) at the time of printing one sheet is a fixed value determined according to the paper type of the paper used for printing.

  The power generation time (N) after the operation is a parameter (unit: s) representing the time during which the thermoelectric element 102 continues to generate power after the printing operation is completed. The power generation time (N) after this operation is a calculated value obtained by M × H.

  The average generated power (O) after the operation is a parameter (unit: W) representing the average value of the generated power of the thermoelectric element 102 after the printing operation. The average generated power (O) after this operation is a fixed value determined by the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The power generation amount (P) after the operation is a parameter (unit: Wh) that represents the total amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 after the printing operation. The generated power amount (P) after this operation is a calculated value obtained by N × O ÷ 3600.

  The average power consumption (R) during operation is a parameter (unit: W) representing the average value of power consumption during the printing operation. The average power consumption (R) during this operation is a fixed value determined by the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The power consumption during operation (S) is a parameter (unit: Wh) representing the total amount of power consumed during the printing operation. The power consumption (S) during this operation is a calculated value obtained by J × R ÷ 3600.

  The power generation amount (Y) accompanying the operation is a parameter (unit: Wh) that represents the total amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 during and after the printing operation. The amount of generated power (Y) accompanying this operation is a calculated value obtained by L + P.

  The storage battery capacity (Z) is a parameter (unit: Wh) representing the capacity of the storage battery 104 (maximum amount of power that can be stored). This storage battery capacity (Z) is a fixed value determined by the configuration of the storage battery 104.

  SOC (a) is a parameter (unit:%) representing the state of charge of the storage battery 104 at the start of the printing operation. This SOC (a) is a detection value detected from the storage battery 104 at the start of the printing operation. For example, SOC (a) can be detected by providing the storage battery 104 with a function of monitoring and outputting its charge state and reading the output of the storage battery 104.

  The free capacity (b) is a parameter (unit: Wh) representing the free capacity (the amount of power that can be stored) of the storage battery 104 at the start of the printing operation. This free capacity (b) is a calculated value obtained by Z− (Z × a ÷ 100).

  The surplus power amount (d) is a parameter (unit: Wh) that represents the amount of power that cannot be charged in the storage battery 104 (exceeds the free capacity of the storage battery 104) among the generated power of the thermoelectric element 102 associated with the printing operation. This surplus electric energy (d) is a calculated value obtained by Y−b.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of discharge control by the control unit 100. The series of processes shown in FIG. 12 is a process that is executed before the start of the image forming operation. For example, the series of processes is started when a print job is input in accordance with a user operation or the like. Hereinafter, the details of the processing by the control unit 100 according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 will be described with specific examples.

  When a print job is input, the control unit 100 first detects the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 indicated by the designated print job and the paper type of the paper used for printing (steps S201 and S202). ). Here, it is assumed that the “copy” mode is detected as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 and “normal” is detected as the paper type of the paper used for printing.

Next, based on the operation mode detected in step S201 and the paper type detected in step S202, the control unit 100 acquires a fixed value among the parameters described above (step S203). The fixed values of the parameters are stored in, for example, a nonvolatile storage device provided inside or outside the control unit 100 as a fixed value table Tb shown in FIG. Here, in response to the detection of “copy” mode in step S201 and “normal” in step S202, the parameter information shown below is acquired from the fixed value table Tb shown in FIG.
Temperature increase rate (A): 20 ° C./s
Reload temperature (C): 130 ° C
Pre-printing time (E): 5s
CPM (g): 30 cpm
Printing time coefficient (F): 1
Average generated power during operation (K): 2W
Heat maintenance time when printing one sheet (M): 2s
Average generated power after operation (O): 1W
Average power consumption during operation (R): 10W
Storage battery capacity (Z): 5.0 Wh

  Next, the control unit 100 reads the output of the fixing temperature sensor 130 (see FIG. 2), and detects the start-up start temperature (B) (step S204). Here, it is assumed that the detected start-up start temperature (B) is 30 ° C.

  Next, the control unit 100 detects the number of printed sheets (H) indicated by the designated print job (step S205). Here, it is assumed that the detected number of printed sheets (H) is 100c (100 sheets).

Next, based on the reload temperature (C) acquired in step S203, the start-up start time (B) detected in step S204, and the temperature increase rate (A) acquired in step S203, the control unit 100 The raising time (D) is calculated as follows (step S206).
Start-up time (D) = (Reload temperature (C) −Start-up start temperature (B)) ÷ Temperature increase rate (A)
Here, since the reload temperature (C) is 130 ° C., the start-up temperature (B) is 30 ° C., and the rate of temperature rise (A) is 20 ° C./s, the start-up time (D) is (130 ° C. − 30 ° C.) ÷ 20 ° C./s=5 s.

Next, the control unit 100 sets the printing time (I) as follows based on the number of printed sheets (H) detected in step S205 and the CPM (g) and printing time coefficient (F) acquired in step S203. Calculate (step S207).
Printing time (I) = number of printed sheets (H) × (60 ÷ CMP (g) × printing time coefficient (F))
Here, since the number of printed sheets (H) is 100 c, CPM (g) is 30 cpm, and the printing time coefficient (F) is 1, the printing time (I) is 100 c × (60 ÷ 30 cpm × 1) = 200 s. .

Next, the control unit 100 is operating based on the start-up time (D) calculated in step S206, the pre-print time (E) acquired in step S203, and the print time (I) calculated in step S207. (J) is calculated as follows (step S208).
Time during operation (J) = Start-up time (D) + Pre-print time (E) + Print time (I)
Here, since the startup time (D) is 5 s, the pre-printing time (E) is 5 s, and the printing time (I) is 200 s, the operating time (J) is 5 s + 5 s + 200 s = 210 s.

Next, the control unit 100 calculates the amount of generated power (L) during operation based on the time (J) during operation calculated in step S208 and the average generated power (K) during operation acquired in step S203. Calculation is performed as follows (step S209).
Power generation amount during operation (L) = Time during operation (J) × Average power generation during operation (K) ÷ 3600
Here, since the operating time (J) is 210 s and the average generated power (K) during operation is 2 W, the generated power amount (L) during operation is 210 s × 2 W ÷ 3600 = 0.1167 Wh. .

Next, the control unit 100 calculates the power consumption amount (S) during operation based on the time (J) during operation calculated in step S208 and the average power consumption (R) during operation acquired in step S203. Calculation is performed as follows (step S210).
Power consumption during operation (S) = Time during operation (J) × Average power consumption during operation (R) ÷ 3600
Here, since the operating time (J) is 210 s and the average operating power consumption (R) is 10 W, the operating power consumption (S) is 210 s × 10 W ÷ 3600 = 0.5833 Wh. .

Next, the control unit 100 calculates the power generation time (N) after the operation based on the heat maintenance time (M) at the time of printing one sheet acquired in step S203 and the number of printed sheets (H) detected in step S205. (Step S211).
Power generation time after operation (N) = heat maintenance time after printing one sheet (M) x number of printed sheets (H)
Here, since the heat maintenance time (M) after printing one sheet is 2 s and the number of printed sheets (H) is 100 sheets, the power generation time (N) after the operation is 2 s × 100 = 200 s.

Next, based on the power generation time (N) after operation calculated in step S211 and the average power generation (O) after operation acquired in step S203, the control unit 100 generates power after operation (P). Is calculated as follows (step S212).
Power generation amount after operation (P) = Power generation time after operation (N) × Average power generation after operation (O) ÷ 3600
Here, since the power generation time (N) after the operation is 200 s and the average power generation (K) after the operation is 1 W, the power generation amount (P) after the operation is 200 s × 1 W ÷ 3600 = 0.0556 Wh. Become.

Next, the control unit 100 generates a generated power amount (Y) during operation based on the generated power amount during operation (L) calculated in step S209 and the generated power amount (P) after operation calculated in step S212. ) Is calculated as follows (step S213).
Amount of generated power accompanying operation (Y) = Amount of generated power during operation (L) + Amount of generated power after operation (P)
Here, since the generated power amount (L) during operation is 0.1167 Wh and the generated power amount (P) after operation is 0.0556 Wh, the generated power amount (Y) accompanying the operation is 0.1167 Wh + 0.0556 Wh. = 0.1723 Wh.

  Next, control unit 100 detects SOC (a) from storage battery 104 (step S214). Here, it is assumed that the detected SOC (a) is 98%.

Next, based on the storage battery capacity (Z) acquired at step S203 and the SOC (a) detected at step S214, the control unit 100 calculates the free capacity (b) as follows (step S215).
Free capacity (b) = Storage battery capacity (Z) − (Storage battery capacity (Z) × SOC (a) ÷ 100)
Here, since the storage battery capacity (Z) is 5.0 Wh and the SOC (a) is 98%, the free capacity (b) is 5.0 Wh− (5.0 Wh × 98% ÷ 100) = 0.1 Wh. Become.

  Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the generated power amount (Y) accompanying the operation calculated in step S213 exceeds the free capacity (b) calculated in step S215 (step S216). As a result of this determination, if the amount of generated power (Y) associated with the operation exceeds the free capacity (b) (step S216: Yes), the process proceeds to the next step. If not (step S216: No), the process is performed as it is. finish. Here, since the generated power accompanying the operation is 0.1723 Wh and the free capacity (b) is 0.1 Wh, it is determined that the generated power amount (Y) accompanying the operation exceeds the free capacity (b).

Next, the control unit 100 calculates the surplus power amount (d) as follows based on the generated power amount (Y) accompanying the operation calculated in step S213 and the free capacity (b) calculated in step S215. (Step S217).
Surplus electric energy (d) = Generated electric energy (Y) accompanying operation−Free capacity (b)
Here, since the generated power accompanying the operation is 0.1723 Wh and the free capacity (b) is 0.1 Wh, the surplus power amount (d) is 0.1723 Wh−0.1 Wh = 0.0723 Wh.

Then, the control unit 100 calculates the surplus power amount (d) calculated in step S217, the operating power consumption amount (S) calculated in step S210, and the operating time period (J) calculated in step S208. Based on this, the discharge time for discharging the storage battery 104 during the image forming operation is calculated as follows (step S218), and the series of processes shown in FIG.
Discharge time = surplus power (d) ÷ (power consumption during operation (S) ÷ time during operation (J))
Here, the surplus power (d) is 0.0723 Wh, the operating power consumption (S) is 0.5833 Wh, and the operating time (J) is 210 s, so the discharge time is 0.0723 Wh ÷ ( 0.5833Wh ÷ 210s) ≈26s.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 together with the start of an image forming operation (in the above-described example, “copy” mode operation), and discharges the storage battery 104 to store the power consumption of the image forming operation. It controls so that it may cover with the discharge electric power of 104. Then, the operation of the discharger 105 is terminated when the discharge time determined as described above (26 s in the above example) has elapsed since the start of the operation of the discharger 105.

  In the above description, in order to explain the features of the present embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner, the amount of generated power (Y) accompanying the operation (the amount of generated power during operation (L) + the amount of generated power after operation (P)) It has been described that the storage battery 104 is charged with everything. However, considering that the storage battery 104 is actually charged during the charging period, the amount of generated power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 during the charging period is obtained, and the amount of generated power during this charging period is the storage battery. The discharge time described above may be calculated assuming that 104 is charged. In this case, the amount of power generated during the charging period can be calculated by, for example, the amount of power generated during operation (Y) × charge time / (time during operation + time after operation).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a change in the state of charge of the storage battery 104 when the discharge control according to the present embodiment is performed. In the present embodiment, for example, since the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 at the start of the image forming operation, as shown in FIG. 14, the discharge time elapses from the start of the image forming operation (see FIG. During the “discharge period”), the state of charge gradually decreases due to the discharge of the storage battery 104. And when discharge time passes, since the control part 100 complete | finishes operation | movement of the discharger 105, the discharge of the storage battery 104 stops, and after that, the storage battery 104 of the storage battery 104 is charged by the generated electric power of the thermoelectric element 102. The state of charge gradually increases.

  Since the power generation of the thermoelectric element 102 continues even after the image forming operation ends as described above, the charging state of the storage battery 104 continues to increase during the charging period even after the image forming operation ends. Then, when the charging period ends, the charging of the storage battery 104 ends. In this embodiment, the charging state of the storage battery 104 at this time can be set to a fully charged state (the charging state is 100%).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the amount of power obtained from the thermoelectric element 102 by the image forming operation is predicted in advance, and when the predicted amount of power exceeds the amount of power that can be charged in the storage battery 104, the surplus amount The operation of the discharger 105 is controlled so that power is discharged from the storage battery 104 and supplied to the load 200 during the image forming operation. As a result, the storage battery 104 can be fully charged when the charging period for charging the storage battery 104 is completed, and the storage battery 104 can be charged more efficiently.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. In the seventh embodiment, the operation of the discharger 105 is started when the second predetermined time has elapsed since the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 was started. It is the same as that of the above-mentioned 6th Embodiment except the timing which starts the operation | movement of the discharger 105 differing. Below, the description which overlaps with 6th Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a change in the state of charge of the storage battery 104 when the discharge control of the present embodiment is performed. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 when the second predetermined time has elapsed after the image forming operation is started. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, the storage battery 104 is generated by the power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 until the second predetermined time elapses after the image forming operation is started (before the “discharge period” in the figure). Is charged, the charging state of the rechargeable battery 104 gradually increases. The second predetermined time is a predetermined arbitrary time. The second predetermined time is desirably set to a relatively long time within the range of the operation time (J) calculated in advance as described above.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 at the time when the second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the image forming operation, and from that time until the discharge period elapses (“ In the “discharge period”), the state of charge gradually decreases due to the discharge of the storage battery 104. And when discharge time passes, since the control part 100 complete | finishes operation | movement of the discharger 105, the discharge of the storage battery 104 stops, and after that, the storage battery 104 of the storage battery 104 is charged by the generated electric power of the thermoelectric element 102. The state of charge rises again. Then, when the charging period ends, the charging of the storage battery 104 ends, but the charging state of the storage battery 104 at this time can be set to a fully charged state.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of the discharger 105 is started when the second predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the image forming operation, and surplus power is discharged from the storage battery 104 to the load 200. Control to supply. As a result, even if some trouble occurs before the second predetermined time elapses and the image forming operation is stopped, the electric power stored in the storage battery 104 is wasted before the image forming operation is stopped. It can suppress effectively and can charge the storage battery 104 more efficiently.

(Eighth embodiment)
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. In the eighth embodiment, the operation of the discharger 105 is started at the timing when the storage battery 104 is fully charged by charging the storage battery 104 with the power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 associated with the image forming operation. It is the same as that of the above-mentioned 6th Embodiment except the timing which starts the operation | movement of the discharger 105 differing. Below, the description which overlaps with 6th Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a change in the state of charge of the storage battery 104 when the discharge control of the present embodiment is performed. In the present embodiment, after the image forming operation is started, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 at the timing when the storage battery 104 is fully charged. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 16, during the period from when the image forming operation is started until the storage battery 104 is fully charged (before the “discharge period” in the figure), Since the storage battery 104 is charged, the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 104 gradually increases.

  Thereafter, when the storage battery 104 is in a fully charged state, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 until the discharge period elapses from that point (the “discharge period” in the figure). The state of charge gradually decreases due to the discharge of 104. And when discharge time passes, since the control part 100 complete | finishes operation | movement of the discharger 105, the discharge of the storage battery 104 stops, and after that, the storage battery 104 of the storage battery 104 is charged by the generated electric power of the thermoelectric element 102. The state of charge rises again. Then, when the charging period ends, the charging of the storage battery 104 ends, but the charging state of the storage battery 104 at this time can be set to a fully charged state.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment charges the storage battery 104 with the power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 associated with the image forming operation, thereby discharging the discharger 105 at the timing when the storage battery 104 is fully charged. Is started, and the surplus power is controlled to be discharged from the storage battery 104 and supplied to the load 200. As a result, even if some trouble occurs between the start of the image forming operation and the time when the storage battery 104 is fully charged, the image storage operation is stopped before the image forming operation is stopped. The inconvenience of wasted power consumption can be effectively suppressed, and the storage battery 104 can be charged more efficiently.

(Ninth embodiment)
Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. In the ninth embodiment, when a print job is newly added and the image forming operation is added before the end of the image forming operation, the power corresponding to the power generation amount associated with the added image forming operation Is further controlled to be discharged from the storage battery 104. Except that the discharge of the storage battery 104 is added, it is the same as the sixth embodiment described above. Below, the description which overlaps with 6th Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a change in the state of charge of the storage battery 104 when the discharge control of the present embodiment is performed. In the present embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 when the image forming operation starts, and ends the operation of the discharger 105 when the discharge period ends. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 17, when a new print job is added before the end of the image forming operation, the control unit 100 accompanies the image forming operation added according to the new print job. The amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 102 is predicted. Then, until the image forming operation is completed, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the discharger 105 so that the electric power corresponding to the predicted power generation amount is further discharged from the discharger 105 (in the drawing). "Additional discharge period"). Thereby, even when a print job is added during the image forming operation, the state of charge of the storage battery 104 at the end of the charging period can be set to a fully charged state.

  As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, when a new print job is added and the image forming operation is added before the image forming operation is completed, the amount of generated power accompanying the added image forming operation is The electric power corresponding to is further controlled to be discharged from the storage battery 104. As a result, even when a print job is added during the image forming operation, the storage battery 104 can be fully charged at the end of the charging period for charging the storage battery 104, and the storage battery 104 can be charged. Furthermore, it can carry out efficiently.

(Tenth embodiment)
Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. In the tenth embodiment, when some trouble occurs during the discharge period and the image forming operation is stopped, the operation of the discharger 105 is terminated at that time, and the discharge of the storage battery 104 is stopped. Except that the discharge of the storage battery 104 is stopped during the discharge period, it is the same as the seventh embodiment described above. Below, the description which overlaps with 7th Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted suitably, and only the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a change in the state of charge of the storage battery 104 when the discharge control of the present embodiment is performed. In the present embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the control unit 100 starts the operation of the discharger 105 when the second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the image forming operation. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18, when some trouble occurs during the discharge time (during the “discharge period” in the figure) and the image forming operation is stopped, the control unit 100 releases the discharge at that time. The operation of the electric device 105 is terminated, and the discharge of the storage battery 104 is stopped. Thereby, even when the image forming operation is stopped during the discharging period, the inconvenience of wasting power consumed in the storage battery 104 is effectively suppressed, and the storage battery 104 at the end of the charging period is effectively suppressed. The state of charge can be a state close to full charge.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when some trouble occurs during the discharge period and the image forming operation is stopped, the operation of the discharger 105 is terminated at that time to stop the discharge of the storage battery 104. Control. As a result, even when the image forming operation is stopped during the discharge period, the storage battery 104 can be almost fully charged when the charging period for charging the storage battery 104 is completed. Furthermore, it can carry out efficiently.

  The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, each of the above-described embodiments is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Absent. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

  For example, the first to fourth embodiments described above can be combined to form another embodiment. In this case, the charging time corresponding to at least one of the temperature of the heat generating component 120, the temperature of the thermoelectric element 102, the environmental temperature, and the fixing target temperature is determined, and the charger is determined between the determined charging times. 103 is controlled to operate. Further, the sixth to tenth embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with the first to fifth embodiments to form another embodiment.

  Further, the control operation of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment described above can be executed using hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  In the case of executing processing using software, it is possible to install and execute a program in which a processing sequence is recorded in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Alternatively, it can be installed in a memory in a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes and executed.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) temporarily or permanently in a removable recording medium. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software. Examples of the removable recording medium include various recording media such as a magnetic disk and a semiconductor memory.

  The program is installed in the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. In addition, it is wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer. In addition, it is transferred to a computer via a network by wire.

  In addition, each apparatus constituting the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment is not limited to performing processing in time series according to the processing operation described in the above embodiment. For example, it is possible to construct the processing capability of a device that executes processing, or to execute processing in parallel or individually as necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 27 Fixing apparatus 100 Control part 102 Thermoelectric element 103 Charger 104 Storage battery 105 Discharger 120 Heating component 130 Fixing temperature sensor 140 Element temperature sensor

JP 2011-59273 A JP 2012-191700 A

Claims (11)

Thermoelectric conversion means for converting heat generated by the heating means into electrical energy;
Charging means for charging power storage means with the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means;
A control means for operating the charging means within a period in which the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means is equal to or greater than the amount of power consumed by the charging means ,
The control means is responsive to at least one of a temperature of the heat generating means, a temperature of the thermoelectric conversion means, an ambient temperature around which the thermoelectric conversion device is installed, and a target temperature of the heat generating means. A thermoelectric converter characterized by determining a charging time and operating the charging means during the determined charging time . The control means includes
When determining the charging time according to the temperature of the heat generating means, the charging time is determined to be shorter as the temperature of the heat generating means is higher, and the charging time is determined to be longer as the temperature of the heat generating means is lower,
When determining the charging time according to the temperature of the thermoelectric conversion means, determine the charging time shorter as the temperature of the thermoelectric conversion means is higher, determine the charging time longer as the temperature of the thermoelectric conversion means is lower,
When determining the charging time according to the environmental temperature, determine the charging time shorter as the environmental temperature is higher, determine the charging time longer as the environmental temperature is lower,
When determining the charging time according to the target temperature of the heat generating means, the charging time is determined to be longer as the target temperature of the heat generating means is higher, and the charging time is determined to be shorter as the target temperature of the heat generating means is lower. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1 . The control means includes
Determining the charging time before the heating means starts to generate heat;
Starting the operation of the charging means when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the heating means started to generate heat;
The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the operation of the charging unit is terminated when the charging time has elapsed since the operation of the charging unit was started. Further comprising discharging means for discharging the power storage means,
The control means includes
According to the operation content of the device accompanied by heat generation of the heat generating means, predicting the amount of electric energy of the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means in accordance with the operation of the device,
If the predicted amount of power exceeds the amount of power that can be charged in the power storage means, the amount of power corresponding to the difference between the predicted power amount and the amount of power that can be charged in the power storage means is stored in the power storage during the operation of the device. The thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the operation of the discharging means is controlled so as to be discharged from the means. The control means includes: the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means when the heat generating means generates heat during operation of the equipment; and the heat generation of the heat generating means continues after the operation of the equipment is completed. The electric energy of the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means is respectively predicted, and the electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means in accordance with the operation of the device by adding these electric power amounts. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 4 , wherein the amount of electric power is calculated. The control means includes
A discharge time for discharging the power storage unit is determined based on the power amount corresponding to the difference between the predicted power amount and the amount of power that can be charged to the power storage unit, and the power amount per unit time required for the operation of the device. And
The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the operation of the discharge means is terminated when the discharge time has elapsed since the start of the operation of the discharge means. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit starts the operation of the discharge unit when a second predetermined time elapses after the operation of the device is started. Wherein, when the accumulator unit is fully charged by the charging according converted the electric energy by the thermoelectric conversion device, according to claim 6, characterized in that to start the operation of said discharge means Thermoelectric converter. The control means includes
When the operation content is added during the operation of the device, further predicting the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means according to the added operation content,
The operation of the discharging means is performed such that electric power corresponding to the amount of electric energy converted by the thermoelectric conversion means according to the added operation content is further discharged from the power storage means during operation of the device. the thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that control. Wherein, when the operation of the device is stopped while the storage means it is discharging, according to any one of claims 4-9, characterized in that to terminate the operation of the discharge means Thermoelectric conversion device. An image forming apparatus comprising: a thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1-10.

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