JP6780472B2 - Information processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device including a server device and an image forming device integrated with each other.

The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit for forming a toner image and an accommodating unit for accommodating a recording medium. The toner image formed by the image forming unit is transferred onto the recording medium, or if necessary, transferred onto the recording medium via an intermediate transfer belt or the like. The image transferred on the recording medium is fixed by the fixing device.

If the humidity of the space in which the accommodating portion is arranged is higher than necessary in the image forming apparatus, the recording medium may contain a large amount of humidity, and as a result, the recording medium may be warped or wrinkled. Warpage or the like generated in the recording medium may cause defects in the image forming process such as transport defects and printing defects.

In order to solve the problems caused by the moisture absorption of the recording medium, the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-184810) describes heat from an electronic circuit or a battery pack arranged inside an image forming apparatus. The present invention discloses that the recording medium is heated by using the above method to dehumidify the recording medium. The following Patent Documents 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-184697) and Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-262890) use heat from a fixing device arranged inside an image forming apparatus to provide a recording medium. The invention discloses that the recording medium is dehumidified by heating.

JP-A-2009-184810 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-184697 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 08-262890

The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 dehumidifies the recording medium by utilizing the heat generated inside the image forming apparatus. Since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated heater or the like for dehumidifying the recording medium inside the image forming apparatus, a certain effect can be obtained from the viewpoint of cost reduction and energy saving.

Here, the image forming apparatus is mainly used for printing data created by using a computer on a recording medium, or reading the contents of a document on which an image is formed in advance and copying it on the recording medium. It is a thing. On the other hand, in many cases, not only an image forming device but also a server device is installed in an office or the like.

The server device is usually connected to the client device via a network, and executes processing based on a predetermined computer program in response to a request from the client device. The server device functions as, for example, a mail server, a Web server, an application server, a file server, a print server, and the like.

While the server device can be used for various purposes such as data storage, organization, or processing, heat is likely to be generated inside the server device because it is mainly responsible for a specific role. In order to prevent a decrease in the arithmetic processing capacity of the server device and a decrease in the life of various devices in the server device, a fan or the like is generally installed in the server device to allow the heat generated in the server device to flow. It is also discharged to the outside.

Conventionally, the image forming apparatus and the server apparatus are installed at different locations, and the airflow containing heat generated inside the server apparatus is discharged as it is to the space outside the server apparatus, and the airflow is directly discharged. It was never used for image forming equipment. As a result of diligent studies, the present inventors have found that there is room for improvement in terms of cost reduction, energy saving, and space saving.

The present invention has been created in view of the above circumstances, and is an information processing device having a configuration in which an air flow containing heat generated inside a server device can be effectively used for dehumidifying the inside of an image forming device. The purpose is to provide.

The information processing apparatus based on the present invention includes a storage unit that accommodates a recording medium, an image forming unit that has an image carrier and forms a toner image that is transferred from the storage unit to the recording medium. A computer program having an image forming apparatus including a processing unit and a second processing unit, which is connected to the client device via a network, and the second processing unit is predetermined in response to a request from the client device. The server device integrated with the image forming apparatus, the space inside the image forming apparatus, the space in which the recording medium in the accommodating portion is arranged, and the space from the inside of the server device to the inside of the image forming apparatus. A blower device for generating an airflow flowing into at least one of the spaces in which the image carrier is arranged is provided, and the airflow including heat generated inside the server device is the at least one space. At least one of the above spaces is dehumidified by being supplied to the server.

In the information processing device, preferably, the blower has a flow rate adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the flow rate of the air flow flowing from the inside of the server device to at least one of the spaces.

In the information processing device, preferably, the first processing unit of the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism, and the blower is the flow rate controlled by the first processing unit. It has a holding means capable of holding the operating state of the adjusting mechanism even when the image forming apparatus is not operating.

In the information processing device, preferably, the second processing unit of the server device is configured to be able to control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism.

In the information processing device, preferably, the image forming apparatus has a detecting unit for detecting information regarding the state of the device arranged inside the image forming apparatus, and the second processing of the detecting unit and the server device. An interface unit is provided between the units, and the second processing unit of the server device is connected to the detection unit via the interface unit without going through the first processing unit of the image forming apparatus. The detection result of the detection unit can be acquired.

In the information processing apparatus, preferably, the image forming apparatus has a first detection unit that detects information regarding the state of the apparatus arranged inside the image forming apparatus, and the server apparatus is inside the server apparatus. It has a second detection unit that detects information about the state of the equipment arranged in the above, and the first processing unit can control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism based on the detection result of the second detection unit. The second processing unit can control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism based on the detection result of the first detection unit.

In the information processing apparatus, preferably, the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism includes the operating state of the image forming apparatus, the temperature information in the image forming apparatus, the humidity information in the image forming apparatus, and the accommodating portion. The amount of the recording medium, the transport history recording the number of transports of the recording medium, the number of image defects and / or the number of transport defects that occurred in the image forming apparatus, and the toner image before being transferred onto the recording medium. It is controlled according to at least one of the image density of the above, the density of the image formed on the recording medium, the temperature information in the server device, and the operating status of the second processing unit of the server device. ..

In the information processing device, preferably, the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism is controlled according to the time and at least one of the signals obtained by the server device from the outside via the network.

In the information processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus is preferably arranged above the server apparatus.

According to the above configuration, the image forming apparatus and the server apparatus are integrated, and the airflow including heat generated inside the server apparatus can be effectively used for dehumidifying the inside of the image forming apparatus by the blower.

It is a front view which shows the information processing apparatus 100 in embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the information processing apparatus 100 in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the information processing apparatus 100 in embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an air flow is flowing from the server device 20 toward the image forming device 10 (paper cassette 18) with respect to the information processing device 100 in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an air flow is flowing from the server device 20 toward the outside of the information processing device 100 with respect to the information processing device 100 in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the information processing apparatus in the 1st modification of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the information processing apparatus in the 2nd modification of embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the information processing apparatus in the 3rd modification of embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the information processing apparatus in the 4th modification of embodiment.

The embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same parts and equivalent parts may be given the same reference numbers and duplicate descriptions may not be repeated.

[Embodiment]
(Information processing device 100)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional block of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information processing device 100 includes an image forming device 10, a server device 20, and a blower device 30. The image forming apparatus 10 is integrated with the server apparatus 20 inside the information processing apparatus 100, and is arranged above the server apparatus 20. The blower device 30 of the present embodiment is provided between the image forming device 10 and the server device 20.

(Image forming apparatus 10)
With reference mainly to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K, an intermediate transfer belt 6, a secondary transfer roller 7, a fixing device 8, a paper ejection tray 9, and a paper feed cassette 18 ( A housing unit), a pickup roller R1, a timing roller R2, and a paper ejection roller R3 are provided. Each of the image forming portions 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K has a photoconductor 1 (image carrier), a charging device 2, an exposure device 3, a developing device 4, and a primary transfer roller 5.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a first processing unit 11, a power supply 12, a detection unit 13, and a network IF 14. Electric power from a commercial power source or the like is supplied to various devices constituting the image forming apparatus 10 through the power source 12. The first processing unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and includes a control unit 11A, a calculation unit 11B, a storage unit (ROM: Read Only Memory) (not shown), and the like as functional blocks thereof.

The first processing unit 11 is connected to the client devices 41, 42, 43 and the like via a network such as a network IF14 (IF: Interface) and a LAN (Local Area Network). The first processing unit 11 can also be connected to the second processing unit 22 via the network IF 14 and the network IF 24 provided in the server device 20. The image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has various functions such as a file management function, an image communication function, a copying function, and a printing function by itself, and the first processing unit 11 is a client device 41, 42. , 43, etc. can be used to execute various processes based on the execution instructions received. The image forming apparatus 10 is configured so that the values of the detection units 13 and 23 described later, an image file, data related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, and the like can be exchanged between the image forming apparatus 10 and the server apparatus 20. It doesn't matter.

For example, when the first processing unit 11 receives a print job from the client devices 41, 42, 43, etc., the control unit 11A transmits a print command to various devices constituting the image forming device 10. The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, which received the printing command from the control unit 11A, used the above-mentioned various devices to transfer a toner image having each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black to the intermediate transfer belt 6 (FIG. It is formed on the surface of 2) respectively.

The toner images of each color are superposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6. After that, the intermediate transfer belt 6 conveys the color toner image to the secondary transfer portion between the intermediate transfer belt 6 and the secondary transfer roller 7. The paper feed cassette 18 as an accommodating portion is located at the lowermost part in the image forming apparatus 10, and accommodates a plurality of recording media S (for example, printing paper).

The recording medium S is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit via the pickup roller R1 and the timing roller R2. The color toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is transferred onto the surface of the recording medium S in the secondary transfer unit. The color toner image is fixed on the surface of the recording medium S by the fixing device 8. The recording medium S is then ejected onto the output tray 9 by the output roller R3.

The information processing device 100 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which one image forming device 10 can be shared by a plurality of client devices 41, 42, 43, etc., but there may be one client device. Further, the device is not limited to the wired LAN, and can be configured so that an external client device can access the image forming device 10 through the wireless LAN.

(Server device 20)
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the server device 20 is arranged inside the information processing device 100. The server device 20 includes a main body case 21, a motherboard 22M, a second processing unit 22, a heat sink 22C, a recording device 25, and a fan 29. As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 20 further includes a detection unit 23, a network IF 24, and a power supply 28.

Electric power from a commercial power source or the like is supplied to various devices constituting the server device 20 through the power source 28. The main body case 21 has a hollow shape, and a motherboard 22M, a second processing unit 22, a heat sink 22C, a detection unit 23 (FIG. 3), a recording device 25, and a fan 29 are arranged inside the main body case 21. .. An exhaust port 21H is formed in the main body case 21, and a duct 31 of a blower device 30 described later is connected to the exhaust port 21H.

The second processing unit 22 is composed of a CPU, and includes a control unit 22A, a calculation unit 22B, a storage unit (ROM) (not shown), and the like as its functional blocks. The second processing unit 22 is mounted (mounted) on the surface of the motherboard 22M, and the heat sink 22C is arranged so as to be adjacent to the second processing unit 22. The recording device 25 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and can store a large amount of data.

The second processing unit 22 is connected to the client devices 41, 42, 43 and the like via a network such as a network IF24 and a LAN. The server device 20 of the present embodiment functions as a mail server, a Web server, an application server, a file server, a print server, etc. by itself, and is second in response to a request from the client devices 41, 42, 43, etc. The processing unit 22 can execute processing (for example, data storage, data organization, various dynamic processing, various response processing) based on a predetermined computer program.

The fan 29 fed through the power source 28 generates an air flow by being driven, and this air flow is generated in the server device 20 where cooling is required (typically, the second processing unit 22 and the recording device 25). , And the heat sink 22C). The heating element such as the second processing unit 22 is cooled by receiving the air flow from the fan 29. After that, the airflow is discharged to the outside of the main body case 21 (the space inside the duct 31) through the exhaust port 21H in a state where the temperature has risen.

(Blower 30)
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the air blower 30 includes a space in which the recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) is arranged from the inside of the server device 20 to the inside of the image forming device 10. Generates an air flow that flows into at least one of the spaces in which the photoconductor 1 (image carrier) is arranged.

Specifically, the blower 30 of the present embodiment includes a duct 31, a fan 32, and fins 33. The fan 32 and the fin 33 can function as a flow rate adjusting mechanism. The duct 31 is connected to the exhaust port 21H of the main body case 21, and the flow paths A and B are formed inside the duct 31. The fan 32 is arranged inside the duct 31 and is located between the exhaust port 21H and the flow paths A and B. The fin 33 is located downstream of the fan 32 and is located between the flow path A and the flow path B.

The exhaust port 21H of the main body case 21 communicates with the outside of the information processing device 100 through a portion where the fan 32 is arranged, a flow path A, and an exhaust port C provided in the information processing device 100. A plurality of through holes 18H are formed on the bottom surface of the paper cassette 18 (accommodation portion). In the exhaust port 21H of the main body case 21, the recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation portion) is arranged through the portion where the fan 32 is arranged, the flow path B, and the plurality of through holes 18H. It communicates with the space.

The fins 33 are pivotally supported so as to be swingable, and can function as a flow rate adjusting mechanism. The flow rate of the airflow flowing from the inside of the server device 20 to at least one of the above spaces (in the present embodiment, the space in which the recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) is arranged) is the fin 33. It can be adjusted according to the posture of.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the fins 33 are directed toward the exhaust port C, most of the airflow including heat generated inside the server device 20 passes through the flow path B and the through hole 18H. It will flow to the space where the recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) is arranged.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the fins 33 are directed toward the server device 20, most of the airflow including heat generated inside the server device 20 passes through the flow path A and the exhaust port C. It will flow to the outside of the information processing device 100. Although the details will be described later, the operating state of the fins 33 (here, the posture) according to the detection result of the detection unit 13 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 and the detection result of the detection unit 23 provided in the server device 20. ) May be controlled to adjust the flow rate of the airflow flowing through the flow paths A and B.

(Action and effect)
As described at the beginning, if the humidity of the space in which the paper cassette 18 (accommodation unit) is arranged is higher than necessary, the recording medium S loaded in the paper cassette 18 contains a large amount of humidity. As a result, the recording medium S may be warped or wrinkled. Warpage or the like generated in the recording medium S may cause defects in the image forming process such as transport defects and printing defects.

Conventionally, the image forming apparatus 10 and the server apparatus 20 are installed at different locations, and the airflow including heat generated inside the server apparatus 20 is discharged as it is to the space outside the server apparatus 20. The airflow containing heat generated inside the device 20 was not directly used for the image forming device 10.

On the other hand, the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the image forming device 10 and the server device 20 are integrated with each other, and is provided between the image forming device 10 and the server device 20. The airflow containing heat generated inside the server device 20 by the blower device 30 is arranged with the recording medium S in at least one of the above spaces (in the present embodiment, the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit)). It is supplied to the space). The space in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) in which the recording medium S is arranged is dehumidified by the supply of this air flow, and the recording medium S arranged in this space is also dehumidified in the same manner. be able to.

According to the information processing apparatus 100, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated heater or the like for dehumidifying the recording medium S inside the image forming apparatus 10, so that an advantageous effect can be obtained from the viewpoint of cost reduction and energy saving. .. Further, in the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment, the airflow containing heat discharged from the server device 20 is not discharged to the outside of the information processing device 100 as it is, and the inside of the image forming device 10 (here, supply). Since it can be effectively used for dehumidifying the space in which the recording medium S is arranged in the paper cassette 18 (accommodation unit), it is possible to obtain further advantageous effects from the viewpoint of cost reduction and energy saving. The configuration in which the image forming apparatus 10 and the server apparatus 20 are integrated makes it possible to save space.

Here, in the night time, the air conditioning system such as an office building is generally stopped or switched to a weak operation mode. At night, the temperature is often lower than during the day, and the humidity tends to be higher than during the day. As described at the beginning, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 dehumidifies the recording medium by utilizing the heat generated by the operation of the internal device of the image forming apparatus. Is. The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 cannot generate heat in a non-operating state (power off state).

Therefore, when these image forming devices are not operating at night, the recording medium or the like cannot be dehumidified. For example, immediately after the image forming apparatus is operated the next morning, it is necessary to operate the heat generating portion (heating means) in the image forming apparatus only for dehumidification to dehumidify the recording medium or the like.

On the other hand, in the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment, even if the image forming device 10 is in a non-operating state (power off state), the server device 20 is supplied with power through the power supply 28. The server device 20 can be operated (always operated as needed). Therefore, for example, even if the image forming apparatus 10 is in a non-operating state at night, the recording medium S or the like can be dehumidified as necessary by effectively utilizing the air flow containing heat discharged from the server apparatus 20. It is possible to do.

Here, the operating state of the fins 33 (flow rate adjusting mechanism) may be controlled by the first processing unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be controlled by the second processing unit 22 of the server device 20. May be done. Alternatively, the operating state of the fins 33 (for example, the posture of the fins 33) may be controllably configured by both the first processing unit 11 and the second processing unit 22.

When the operating state of the fins 33 (flow rate adjusting mechanism) is configured to be controllable only by the first processing unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10, the blower 30 is the fin 33 controlled by the first processing unit 11. It is preferable to have a holding means capable of holding the operating state (for example, the posture) even when the image forming apparatus 10 is not operating. Since the operating state (posture, etc.) of the fins 33 is maintained by the holding means, even when the image forming apparatus 10 is not operating, the airflow containing heat discharged from the server apparatus 20 is collected by the image forming apparatus 10. It can be used as needed for dehumidification inside.

The operating state of the fins 33 can be changed, for example, by a stepping motor or a servomotor, and when these motors are adopted, the holding torque of these motors can function as the holding means. Not limited to such a configuration, an elastic member is provided at the tip of the fin 33, and the frictional force generated by the contact between the elastic member provided at the tip of the fin 33 and the inner wall surface of the duct 31 is used as the holding means. It may be adopted.

Alternatively, the holding means may be configured by a method of electrically or mechanically engaging the fin 33 and a part of the duct 31 with each other, or a magnetic force due to a magnet or the like may be adopted as the holding means. You may. In these cases, the posture of the fins 33 may be changed by a brush motor, a solenoid, or another actuator. Further, the fin 33 is not limited to the swing type, and may be configured so that the flow rate of the airflow flowing through the flow paths A and B can be adjusted by the linear or curved reciprocating motion of the fin 33.

(Detectors 13, 23)
As described above, the detection unit 13 (first detection unit) detects information regarding the state of the device arranged inside the image forming apparatus 10. The detection unit 23 (second detection unit) detects information regarding the state of the device arranged inside the server device 20. The operating state (here, the posture) of the fins 33 is controlled according to the detection results of the detection unit 13 and the detection unit 23 provided in the image forming apparatus 10, and the flow rate of the airflow flowing through the flow paths A and B is adjusted. You may.

For example, assuming that the operating state of the fins 33 (flow rate adjusting mechanism) is controllably configured by the first processing unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 and / or the second processing unit 22 of the server device 20, as follows. Control operation can be adopted.

(1) Operation control based on the amount of recording media accommodated in the accommodating unit When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that there is no recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) , The operating state of the fin 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the recording medium S is in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit), the operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. ..

(2) Operation control based on humidity information in the image forming apparatus The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 determines the humidity in the image forming apparatus 10, typically the humidity in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit). When it is detected that the value is lower than the threshold value of, the operating state of the fin 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the humidity in the image forming apparatus 10 and typically the humidity in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodating unit) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, a flow is generated. The operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the path B.

(3) Operation control based on temperature information in the image forming apparatus The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 determines the temperature in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodating portion) (or the temperature at an arbitrary location in the image forming apparatus 10). When it is detected that the temperature is lower than the threshold value of, the operating state of the fin 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the temperature in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodating portion) (or the temperature at an arbitrary place in the image forming apparatus 10) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, a flow is generated. The operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the path B.

(4) Operation control based on the operating state of the image forming apparatus When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on, an air flow is caused to flow in the flow path A. Controls the operating state of the fins 33. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off, the operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. The power ON / OFF state of the image forming apparatus 10 may be detected by the detecting unit 23 in the server apparatus 20.

(5) Operation control based on the transport history of recording the number of transports of the recording medium The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 has detected that the transport history of recording the number of transports of the recording medium S is lower than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the transport history recording the number of transports of the recording medium S exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fins 33 so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. Control the operating state.

(6) Operation control based on the number of occurrences of image defects and / or transfer defects When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the number of occurrences of image defects and / or transfer defects is lower than a predetermined threshold value. The operating state of the fin 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the number of occurrences of image defects and / or transfer defects exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fins 33 operate so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. Control the state. If it is possible to grasp in advance information about a time zone in which the frequency of occurrence of image defects and / or transport defects tends to be high based on the occurrence history of image defects and / or transport defects, a few hours before that time zone, The operating state of the fins 33 may be controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B.

(7) Operation control based on the image density of the toner image before being transferred to the recording medium S The image density of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 1 (image carrier) by the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10. When it is detected that is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. That is, when the humidity is high, the toner is not easily transferred and the image becomes thin, so air is sent to the flow path B to dehumidify. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the image density of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 1 (image carrier) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, an air flow is generated in the flow path A. The operating state of the fin 33 is controlled so as to flow. Alternatively, when the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the image density of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the air flow is caused to flow in the flow path B. Controls the operating state of the fin 33. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the image density of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, the fins so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. Controls the operating state of 33.

(8) Operation control based on the density of the image formed on the recording medium S The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the density of the image formed on the recording medium S is lower than a predetermined threshold value. If so, the operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the density of the image formed on the recording medium S is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, the fins 33 operate so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. Control the state.

(9) Operation control based on temperature information in the server device 20 When the detection unit 23 in the server device 20 detects that the temperature of the second processing unit 22 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the flow path B is set. The operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows. When the detection unit 23 in the server device 20 detects that the temperature of the second processing unit 22 has become higher than a predetermined threshold value, the operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. To do. That is, when the CPU temperature or the operating rate (described below) becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value, air is sent to the flow path A in order to give priority to cooling in the server device 20. Compared to the flow path B in which heat tends to be trapped, the flow path A that directly exhausts air has an advantage in cooling the inside of the server device 20.

(10) Operation control based on the operating status of the second processing unit 22 in the server device 20 The detection unit 23 in the server device 20 has the operating status (for example, CPU operating rate) of the second processing unit 22 at a predetermined threshold value or less. When it is detected, the operating state of the fins 33 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. When the detection unit 23 in the server device 20 detects that the operating status (for example, CPU operating rate) of the second processing unit 22 is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the air flow is caused to flow in the flow path A. The operating state of the fin 33 is controlled.

For example, when a business form in which business is not performed at night is adopted, the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is set to OFF or the air conditioning in the office is stopped (or a weak operation mode) from the viewpoint of energy saving. Is set to). In such a case, the humidity in the space where the paper cassette 18 is arranged may rise at night. Therefore, in such a case, it is effective to supply the exhaust gas from the server device 20 to the space where the paper feed cassette 18 is arranged by the operation control based on the operation state of the image forming device in (4) above. Is. When the flow path B is used, the cooling performance for the server device 20 may be lower than when the flow path A is used, but after the end of work, the access to the server device 20 from the client device is small. Since the amount of heat generated by the server device 20 does not increase, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the heat generated by the server device 20 even when cooling with low cooling performance.

Not limited to the operation control as described above, the operating state of the fin 33 (flow rate adjusting mechanism) is controlled according to the time and at least one of the signals obtained by the server device 20 from the outside via the network. It doesn't matter. When such a configuration is adopted, the user can operate the flow paths A and B from a remote location via a network to switch the flow paths A and B.

[First modification]
With reference to FIG. 6, when the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is set to ON, the result detected by the detection unit 13 is input to the first processing unit 11 and blown by the first processing unit 11. It can be used for the control operation of the device 30. Alternatively, when the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is set to ON, the result detected by the detection unit 13 is input to the second processing unit 22 through the first processing unit 11 and the networks IF14 and IF24. It may be configured to be used for the control operation of the blower device 30 by the second processing unit 22.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 10 may be set to the energy saving mode, and the image forming unit and the network IF 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 may be stopped. Assuming such a case, the first processing unit 11 and the second processing unit 22 can transmit and receive signals directly (in other words, not via the networks IF14 and IF24) via the signal line. It is also effective that it is configured in. According to this configuration, the result detected by the detection unit 13 is directly input from the first processing unit 11 to the second processing unit 22, and is used for the control operation of the blower device 30 by the second processing unit 22. be able to.

[Second modification]
When the image forming apparatus 10 is set to the energy saving mode or the power supply of the image forming apparatus 10 is set to OFF, the network IF 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 may be stopped.

As in the information processing device 100A shown in FIG. 7, an IF board 24B (interface unit) is provided between the detection unit 13 of the image forming device 10 and the second processing unit 22 of the server device 20, and the server device 20 is the first. The 2 processing unit 22 may be configured so that the detection result of the detection unit 13 can be acquired from the detection unit 13 via the IF substrate 24B without going through the first processing unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10.

Even with this configuration, the result detected by the detection unit 13 can be directly input from the detection unit 13 to the second processing unit 22 and used for the control operation of the blower device 30 by the second processing unit 22. ..

[Third variant]
The blower 30 of the information processing device 100 in the above-described embodiment and each modification includes fins 33, but the fins 33 (flow rate adjusting mechanism) are not indispensable and are required in the blower 30. It can be provided according to the above.

When the fin 33 is not provided in the duct 31, for example, and only the fan 32 is arranged in the duct 31, as in the information processing device 100B shown in FIG. 8, the heat generated inside the server device 20 is generated. A part of the included airflow (airflow having a flow rate required for dehumidification) may be configured to always flow into the space in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) where the recording medium S is arranged.

The function as a flow rate adjusting mechanism can be performed by the fan 32 and / or the fan 29 in addition to or in place of the fin 33. The recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) is arranged from the inside of the server device 20 according to the rotation speed of the fan 32, the rotation speed of the fan 29, or the ON / OFF state of the fans 29 and 32. It is possible to adjust the flow rate of the airflow flowing into the space.

For example, when the fan 32 is not operating, the hot airflow tends to go upward from the exhaust port 21H of the server device 20, passes through the flow path B, and is a recording medium in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit). It will flow to the space where S is arranged. On the other hand, when the fan 32 is operating, the hot airflow flows to the outside of the information processing device 100 through the flow path A and the exhaust port C. When the fan 32 is operating, a lower dehumidifying effect on the recording medium S can be obtained as compared with when the fan 32 is not operating.

Instead of the fin 33, a means such as a valve that can easily switch the communication state / non-communication state of the flow path A or the flow path B may be used. By using a valve or the like as a flow rate adjusting mechanism, for example, all of the airflow including heat generated inside the server device 20 is transferred to the space in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) where the recording medium S is arranged. It is possible to easily switch between being configured to flow and being configured to flow to the outside of the information processing apparatus 100.

For example, assuming that the operating state of the fan 32 (flow rate adjusting mechanism) is controllably configured by the first processing unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 and / or the second processing unit 22 of the server device 20, as follows. Control operation can be adopted.

(1) Operation control based on the amount of recording media accommodated in the accommodating unit When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that there is no recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) , The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the recording medium S is in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit), the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. (For example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

(2) Operation control based on humidity information in the image forming apparatus The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 determines the humidity in the image forming apparatus 10, typically the humidity in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit). When it is detected that the value is lower than the threshold value of, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased. ). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the humidity in the image forming apparatus 10 and typically the humidity in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodating unit) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, a flow is generated. The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the path B (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

(3) Operation control based on temperature information in the image forming apparatus The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 determines the temperature in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodating portion) (or the temperature at an arbitrary location in the image forming apparatus 10). When it is detected that the temperature is lower than the threshold value of, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased. ). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the temperature in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodating portion) (or the temperature at an arbitrary place in the image forming apparatus 10) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, a flow is generated. The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the path B (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

(4) Operation control based on the operating state of the image forming apparatus When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on, the air flow is made to flow in the flow path A. The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B (for example, the fan 32). To stop or lower the rotation speed of the fan 32). The power ON / OFF state of the image forming apparatus 10 may be detected by the detecting unit 23 in the server apparatus 20.

(5) Operation control based on the transport history of recording the number of transports of the recording medium The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 has detected that the transport history of recording the number of transports of the recording medium S is lower than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the transport history recording the number of transports of the recording medium S exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fan 32 causes the air flow to flow in the flow path B. The operating state is controlled (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

(6) Operation control based on the number of occurrences of image defects and / or transfer defects When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the number of occurrences of image defects and / or transfer defects is lower than a predetermined threshold value. The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the number of occurrences of image defects and / or transfer defects exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fan 32 operates so that the air flow flows through the flow path B. The state is controlled (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered). If it is possible to grasp in advance information about a time zone in which the frequency of occurrence of image defects and / or transport defects tends to increase based on the occurrence history of image defects and / or transport defects, a few hours before that time zone, The operating state of the fan 32 may be controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B (for example, the fan 32 may be stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 may be lowered).

(7) Operation control based on the image density of the toner image before being transferred to the recording medium S The image density of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 1 (image carrier) by the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10. When it is detected that is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased. Or). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the image density of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 1 (image carrier) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, an air flow is generated in the flow path A. The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so as to flow (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered). Alternatively, when the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the image density of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the air flow is caused to flow in the flow path B. Controls the operating state of the fan 32 (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the image density of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, a fan is used so that an air flow flows through the flow path A. The operating state of the 32 is controlled (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

(8) Operation control based on the density of the image formed on the recording medium S The detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the density of the image formed on the recording medium S is lower than a predetermined threshold value. If this is the case, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 13 in the image forming apparatus 10 detects that the density of the image formed on the recording medium S is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, the fan 32 operates so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. The state is controlled (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

(9) Operation control based on temperature information in the server device 20 When the detection unit 23 in the server device 20 detects that the temperature of the second processing unit 22 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the flow path B is set. The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 23 in the server device 20 detects that the temperature of the second processing unit 22 has become higher than a predetermined threshold value, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path A. (For example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

(10) Operation control based on the operating status of the second processing unit 22 in the server device 20 The detection unit 23 in the server device 20 has the operating status (for example, CPU operating rate) of the second processing unit 22 below a predetermined threshold value. When it is detected, the operating state of the fan 32 is controlled so that the air flow flows through the flow path B (for example, the fan 32 is rotated or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is increased). When the detection unit 23 in the server device 20 detects that the operating status (for example, CPU operating rate) of the second processing unit 22 is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the airflow is caused to flow in the flow path A. The operating state of the fan 32 is controlled (for example, the fan 32 is stopped or the rotation speed of the fan 32 is lowered).

[Fourth variant]
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the fan 32 and the fins 33 of the blower device 30 may be fed through the power supply 12 of the image forming device 10 or may be fed through the power supply 28 of the server device 20. .. When the power supply of the image forming apparatus 10 is set to OFF and the power supply to the fans 32 and the fins 33 cannot be supplied through the power supply 12 at that time, the power supply 28 of the server device 20 may be used. Alternatively, the blower 30 may include another power supply means for driving the fan 32 and the fins 33.

[Fifth variant]
As described above, the airflow containing heat generated inside the server device 20 is arranged from the inside of the server device 20 to the recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) inside the image forming device 10. It flows to at least one of the space in which the photoconductor 1 is located and the space in which the photoconductor 1 (image carrier) is arranged. In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the recording medium S in the paper feed cassette 18 (accommodation unit) is arranged from the inside of the server device 20 for the air flow including heat generated inside the server device 20. It flows into the space where you are.

In the information processing device 100C shown in FIG. 9, the flow path D is formed by the duct 35, and a part of the air flow including heat generated inside the server device 20 is generated by the operation of the fins 36. It can be supplied to the space where the image carrier) is arranged. The photoconductor 1 may also be affected by the humidity, and if the humidity of the space in which the photoconductor 1 is arranged becomes higher than necessary, it may be difficult to form a high-quality image. Therefore, it is also effective to use a part of the air flow including heat generated inside the server device 20 for dehumidifying the space in which the photoconductor 1 (image carrier) is arranged.

The fins 36 are also pivotally supported so as to be swingable like the fins 33, and can function as a flow rate adjusting mechanism. Like the fins 33, the fins 36 can also be controlled in their operation based on the detection results of the detection unit 13 and the detection unit 23.

Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, the above disclosure contents are examples in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

The present invention can be used in an information processing device including a server device and an image forming device integrated with each other.

1 Photoreceptor (image carrier), 2 Charging device, 3 Exposure device, 4 Developing device, 5 Primary transfer roller, 6 Intermediate transfer belt, 7 Secondary transfer roller, 8 Fixing device, 9 Paper ejection tray, 10 Image formation Equipment, 10C, 10K, 10M, 10Y Image forming unit, 11 1st processing unit, 11A, 22A control unit, 11B, 22B arithmetic unit, 12,28 power supply, 13 detection unit (1st detection unit), 14,24 network IF, 18 Paper cassette (accommodation unit), 18H through hole, 20 server device, 21 main body case, 21H, C exhaust port, 22 second processing unit, 22C heat sink, 22M motherboard, 23 detector (second detector) , 24B board, 25 recording device, 29,32 fan, 30 blower, 31,35 duct, 33,36 fins, 100,100A, 100B, 100C information processing device, A, B, D flow path, R1 pickup roller, R2 timing roller, R3 paper ejection roller, S recording medium.

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus including an accommodating portion for accommodating a recording medium, an image forming portion having an image carrier and forming a toner image transferred to the recording medium conveyed from the accommodating portion, and a first processing unit. When,
It has a second processing unit, is connected to the client device via a network, and the second processing unit executes processing based on a predetermined computer program in response to a request from the client device to form the image. A server device integrated with the device and
An air flow that flows from the inside of the server device to at least one of the space inside the image forming device where the recording medium is arranged and the space where the image carrier is arranged in the accommodating portion. Equipped with a blower to generate
The airflow containing heat generated inside the server device is supplied to the at least one space to dehumidify the at least one space.
Information processing equipment. The blower has a flow rate adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the flow rate of the airflow flowing from the inside of the server device to the at least one space.
The information processing device according to claim 1. The first processing unit of the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism.
The blower device has a holding means capable of holding the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism controlled by the first processing unit even when the image forming device is not operating.
The information processing device according to claim 2. The second processing unit of the server device is configured to be able to control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism.
The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3. The image forming apparatus has a detection unit that detects information regarding the state of an apparatus arranged inside the image forming apparatus.
An interface unit is provided between the detection unit and the second processing unit of the server device.
The second processing unit of the server device can acquire the detection result of the detection unit from the detection unit via the interface unit without going through the first processing unit of the image forming device.
The information processing device according to claim 4. The image forming apparatus has a first detection unit that detects information regarding the state of an apparatus arranged inside the image forming apparatus.
The server device has a second detection unit that detects information about the state of the device arranged inside the server device.
The first processing unit can control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism based on the detection result of the second detecting unit.
The second processing unit can control the operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism based on the detection result of the first detection unit.
The information processing device according to claim 3 or 4. The operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism is
The operating state of the image forming apparatus,
Temperature information in the image forming apparatus,
Humidity information in the image forming apparatus,
The amount of the recording medium contained in the housing,
A transport history that records the number of transports of the recording medium,
The number of times of image defects and / or transport defects that occurred in the image forming apparatus,
Image density of the toner image before being transferred onto the recording medium,
The density of the image formed on the recording medium,
Temperature information in the server device and
It is controlled according to at least one of the operating status of the second processing unit of the server device.
The information processing device according to claim 6. The operating state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism is controlled according to the time and at least one of the signals obtained by the server device from the outside via the network.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 7. The image forming apparatus is arranged above the server apparatus.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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