JP2011027761A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image forming system that simplifies the operation of an image forming apparatus and an air cleaner but does not impair the functions of both.
When the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode or when a certain time has elapsed after the night mode is set, the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is stopped, and the image forming apparatus 100 is switched from the night mode. When returning, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is resumed. Thereby, the power consumption of the air cleaner 71 can be reduced, without operating the air cleaner 71 exceptionally and without impairing the effect of the air cleaner 71 at all. Further, since the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is controlled in conjunction with the existing operation of the image forming apparatus 100, no special burden is imposed on the image forming apparatus 100 side.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine, and an air cleaner.

  As this type of image forming apparatus, there is an electrophotographic type. In this type of apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum is developed with toner, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the toner image is exposed to light. The toner image is fixed on the recording sheet by transferring the recording sheet from the body drum to the recording sheet and heating and pressing the recording sheet.

  Such an image forming apparatus is an indispensable OA device and is installed in most offices, and is also becoming popular in homes and hospitals.

  On the other hand, in offices, homes, hospitals, etc., air cleaners that purify indoor air are often installed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ion generator that simultaneously generates positive ions and negative ions, and effectively removes airborne bacteria in the air by using positive ions and negative ions.

  However, if an air cleaner is installed in addition to the image forming apparatus, the user's trouble of operating these increases.

  Here, various proposals for simplifying the operation have been made only for the image forming apparatus.

  For example, in Patent Document 2, when an image forming apparatus of a master unit and an image forming apparatus of a slave unit are interconnected and a document is copied on the master unit side, the document is communicated to the slave unit side, and Assuming the linked copy function to execute the same copy on the machine, even if the slave unit is powered off by the weekly timer function, disable the weekly timer function of the slave unit when executing the linked copy function. The handset is turned on. For this reason, the linked copy function is executed at any time even if the operation for turning on the power of the slave unit is not performed.

  In Patent Document 3, a preheating mode for lowering the fixing temperature of the fixing device of the image forming apparatus and a night mode for turning off the heater power of the fixing device are switched and set, and the preheating mode is shifted to the night mode. Sometimes, the heater power of the fixing device is automatically turned off. For this reason, an operation of turning off the power of the fixing device is not required.

JP 2002-58731 A JP 2000-47536 A JP 2001-117415 A

  However, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, even though the operation of the image forming apparatus can be simplified, the operations of the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner cannot be simplified.

  Further, if the image forming apparatus and the air purifier are installed separately, their occupied space is expanded and the cost is also required separately.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image forming system capable of simplifying the operation of the air cleaner by combining the image forming apparatus and the air cleaner. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming system according to the present invention includes an air cleaner for cleaning air, an image forming apparatus set in a night mode for power saving by an input operation, and the input. And a control unit that stops the air purifying operation of the air purifier when the image forming apparatus is set to the night mode by operation.

  Alternatively, the image forming system of the present invention includes an air purifier for cleaning air, an image forming apparatus that is automatically set to a night mode for power saving by a preset control procedure, and the control procedure. When the image forming apparatus is automatically set to the night mode, control means for stopping the air purifying operation of the air purifier is provided.

  For example, the air cleaner includes an ion generating means.

  Further, the control means starts counting a certain time when the image forming apparatus is set to the night mode, and stops the air purifying operation of the air cleaner when the counting of the certain time is finished. .

  Furthermore, an adjusting means for adjusting the predetermined time is provided.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus shifts from the night mode to another mode, the control unit starts an air cleaning operation of the air cleaner.

  Further, the air cleaner is provided above the image forming apparatus.

  Alternatively, the air cleaner is built in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming system of the present invention, the control unit stops the air cleaning operation of the air purifier when the image forming apparatus is set to the night mode by the input operation.

  Alternatively, the control unit stops the air purifying operation of the air purifier when the image forming apparatus is automatically set to the night mode by a preset control procedure.

  Here, the input operation is an operation of a switch or the like by a user, and the control procedure is a control based on a time schedule. When the image forming apparatus is set to the night mode by such an input operation and control procedure, the air purifying operation of the air purifier is stopped.

  The night mode of the image forming apparatus is to operate only a secondary function such as a facsimile function of the image forming apparatus. For example, an image forming apparatus is provided with a main power source that supplies a large amount of power for operating a function necessary for printing processing and a sub power source that supplies a small amount of power for operating a facsimile function. Then, the main power supply is turned off, or the amount of power supplied from the main power supply is greatly reduced to save power consumption and the power supply from the sub power supply is continued. This is because there is usually no person in the room such as an office at night, so there is no need to perform print processing, and there is a possibility of receiving an incoming facsimile communication even if there is no need for print processing. .

  When such a night mode is set, since there is no person, there is no problem even if the air purifier is stopped. Therefore, the air purifying operation of the air purifier is stopped. The air cleaning operation includes a rotation operation of a fan motor, an operation of ion generation means, and the like. The air cleaner is also provided with a power source, and the amount of power supplied from the power source can be greatly reduced by stopping the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner. Thereby, the power consumption of an air cleaner can be reduced, without operating an air cleaner exceptionally.

For example, the air cleaner is provided with ion generating means. As this ion generating means, one that generates and releases positive ions and negative ions simultaneously is preferable. Such positive ions and negative ions are suitable for the present invention because they can effectively remove airborne bacteria and decompose and reduce the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus. For example, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, exhaust gas such as ozone may be generated. Usually, after being removed by a filter built in the image forming apparatus, it is discharged outside the apparatus. By using the generating means, exhaust gas such as ozone can be decomposed and reduced by positive ions and negative ions.

Further, the control means starts counting a certain time when the image forming apparatus is set to the night mode, and stops the air cleaning operation of the air purifier when the counting of the certain time is finished. In this case, after the night mode is set, that is, after there are no people in the room, the air in the room is purified by the air purifier for a certain time. Thereby, when a person returns on the next day, indoor air is already purified even if the air purifier is not operating.

  Moreover, since the adjustment means for a fixed time is provided, the fixed time can be set arbitrarily.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus shifts from the night mode to another mode, the control unit starts the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner. Other modes include a warm-up mode for setting a fixing temperature in the image forming apparatus, a print processing mode for performing print processing, a standby mode for reducing power consumption when the print processing is not performed, There are power saving modes that further reduce power consumption. Normally, since the mode is shifted from the night mode to the warm-up mode, the air purifying operation of the air purifier is started when the mode is shifted to the warm-up mode. Thereby, an air cleaner can be started, without operating an air cleaner exceptionally.

  For example, the air cleaner is provided above the image forming apparatus. In this case, the installation space of the air cleaner can be saved. Further, the air blown from the air cleaner can be convected over a wide range, and the air purification action can be enhanced.

  Alternatively, the air cleaner is built in the image forming apparatus. Also in this case, the installation space of the air cleaner can be saved.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an embodiment of an image forming system of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the air cleaner in the image forming system of FIG. It is a top view which illustrates the plasma cluster ion generating element in the ion generator of FIG. It is a side view which shows the state which set the ion discharge | release direction from the air cleaner in the image forming system of FIG. 1 diagonally downward. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus and air cleaner in the image forming system of FIG. (A) is a top view which shows the 1st input setting screen for setting the air purifying operation | movement of an air cleaner, (b) shows the operation name corresponding to each key in the 1st input setting screen, operation description, etc. It is a chart shown. (A) is a top view which shows the 2nd input setting screen for setting the air purifying operation | movement of an air cleaner, (b) is the operation name corresponding to each key in the 2nd input setting screen, operation | movement description, etc. It is a chart shown. (A) is a top view which shows an example of the input setting in a 2nd input setting screen, (b) is a top view which shows the other example of the input setting in a 2nd input setting screen. (A) is a top view which shows the 3rd input setting screen for setting the air purifying operation | movement of an air cleaner, (b) is the operation name and operation | movement corresponding to the check box and each key in a 3rd input setting screen. It is a chart which shows explanation etc. (A) is a top view which shows an example of the input setting in a 3rd input setting screen, (b) is a top view which shows the other example of the input setting in a 3rd input setting screen. (A) is a top view which shows the other input setting screen for setting the air purifying operation | movement of an air cleaner. (B), (c) is a table | surface which shows the operation name corresponding to each check box in each other input setting screen of FIG. 11A (a), each select box, and an input box, operation | movement description, etc. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the air cleaner by the control part of an image forming apparatus when night mode is set. 6 is a diagram illustrating an input setting screen for setting a time schedule for operations of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the air cleaner by the control part of the image forming apparatus at the time of following the time schedule of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other arrangement | positioning aspect of an air cleaner. It is a side view which shows another arrangement | positioning aspect of an air cleaner.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of an image forming system of the present invention. The image forming system of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100 and an air purifier 71 disposed above the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called multi-function machine having a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like, and transmits an image of a document read by the document reading device 101 to the outside (corresponding to a scanner function). The image of the read original or the image received from the outside is recorded and formed on a recording sheet in color or single color (corresponding to a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function).

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a document reading device 101 and a document transport unit 42 for reading a document image. The document reading device 101 reads the document image conveyed by the document conveying unit 42. In the document conveying section 42, when a document is set on the document set tray 41, the document pickup roller 44 is pressed against the document surface and rotated, the document is pulled out from the document set tray 41, and the document is pulled out from the suction roller 45 and the separation pad 46. After passing between the sheets, the sheets are separated one by one and then conveyed to the conveyance path 47.

  In this conveyance path 47, the leading edge of the document abuts on the document registration roller 49, the leading edge of the document is aligned in parallel with the document registration roller 49, and then the document is transported by the document registration roller 49 and read by the reading guide 51. Passes between the glasses 52. Further, the document is conveyed by the conveyance roller 57 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 59 via the paper discharge roller 58.

  In the document reading device 101, when the document passes between the reading guide 51 and the reading glass 52, the light from the light source of the first scanning unit 53 is irradiated on the surface of the document through the reading glass 52, and the reflected light thereof is read glass 52. The reflected light is reflected by the mirrors of the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 and guided to the imaging lens 55, and the image of the original is converted by the imaging lens 55. An image is formed on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 56. The CCD 56 reads a document image and outputs image data indicating the document image.

  In addition, it is possible to read a document placed on the platen glass 61. The document conveying section 42 is pivotally supported on the back side of the lower document reading apparatus 101 by a hinge (not shown) and opened and closed by moving the front portion up and down. When the document transport unit 42 is opened, the document table glass 61 is released, and a document can be placed on the document table glass 61. When the document is placed and the document transport unit 42 is closed, the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 are moved in the sub-scanning direction, and the first scanning unit 53 moves the document surface on the document table glass 61. After the exposure, the reflected light from the document surface is guided to the imaging lens 55 by the first and second scanning units 53 and 54, and the image of the document is formed on the CCD 56 by the imaging lens 55. At this time, the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 are moved while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, and reflection of the document surface → the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 → the imaging lens 55 → the CCD 56 is performed. The positional relationship between the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 is always maintained so that the length of the optical path of the light does not change, whereby the focus of the original image on the CCD 56 is always maintained accurately.

  The entire image of the original read in this way is sent and received as image data to the laser exposure apparatus 1 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the image is printed on recording paper in the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on a recording paper by using a laser exposure device 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a charger 5, a cleaner device 4, an intermediate transfer belt device 8, a fixing device 12, and a paper. A transport path S, a paper feed tray 10, a paper discharge tray 15, and the like are provided.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 uses data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or a single color (for example, black). This is in accordance with the monochrome image. For this reason, four each of the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, and the cleaner device 4 are provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, and black, cyan, magenta, and Four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured in association with yellow.

  The photoconductor drum 3 is disposed at substantially the center of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to a contact type roller type or brush type charger, a charger type charger is used. .

  The laser exposure apparatus 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser diode and a reflection mirror, and exposes the surface of a charged photosensitive drum 3 according to image data, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 corresponds to image data. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 with (K, C, M, Y) toner. The cleaner device 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 8 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 7, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, a driven roller 22, an intermediate transfer roller 6, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9. .

  The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, the intermediate transfer roller 6, the driven roller 22, etc. stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 7, and move the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the direction of arrow C.

  The intermediate transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 7, is pressed against the photosensitive drum 3 via the intermediate transfer belt 7, and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7. A transfer bias is applied.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 is provided so as to be in contact with each photoconductive drum 3, and a color toner image (each color is transferred by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner image on the surface of each photoconductive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 7. Toner image). The transfer belt 7 is formed in an endless belt shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is performed by the intermediate transfer roller 6 that is in pressure contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7. A high voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 6 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 6 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the recording paper.

  As described above, the toner images on the surfaces of the respective photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 7 and become a color toner image indicated by the image data. The toner images of the respective colors stacked in this way are transported together with the intermediate transfer belt 7 and transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 are pressed against each other to form a nip region. Further, the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 has a voltage for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto a recording sheet (high polarity (+) opposite to the toner charge polarity (-)). Voltage) is applied. Further, in order to constantly obtain the nip region, either the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21 is made of a hard material (metal or the like), and the other is a soft material such as an elastic roller. (Elastic rubber roller, foaming resin roller, etc.).

  In addition, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 may not be completely transferred onto the recording paper by the secondary transfer device 11, and the toner may remain on the intermediate transfer belt 7. Causes color mixing. Therefore, the residual toner is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9 is provided with, for example, a cleaning blade as a cleaning member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 to remove residual toner, and the intermediate transfer belt is driven by a driven roller 22 at a portion where the cleaning blade comes into contact. 7 The back side is supported.

  The paper feed tray 10 is a tray for storing recording paper, and is provided below the image forming apparatus 100 to supply the recording paper in the tray.

  The image forming apparatus 100 has an S-shaped sheet conveyance path S for sending the recording sheet supplied from the sheet feeding tray 10 to the sheet discharge tray 15 via the secondary transfer device 11 and the fixing device 12. Is provided. Along the paper conveyance path S, a paper pickup roller 16, a paper registration roller 14, a fixing device 12, and a conveyance roller for conveying the recording paper are arranged.

  The paper pick-up roller 16 is a calling roller that is provided at the end of the paper feed tray 10 and supplies recording paper from the paper feed tray 10 to the paper transport path S one by one. The conveyance rollers are small rollers for promoting and assisting conveyance of the recording paper, and a plurality of conveyance rollers are provided.

  The paper registration roller 14 temporarily stops the recording paper that has been conveyed, aligns the leading edge of the recording paper, and is on the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11 a of the secondary transfer device 11. The recording paper is conveyed in a timely manner in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 3 and the intermediate transfer belt 7 so that the color toner image is transferred onto the recording paper.

  For example, the paper registration roller 14 detects the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 based on the detection output of a pre-registration detection switch (not shown). The recording paper is transported so that the leading edge is aligned with the leading edge of the image forming area of the recording paper.

  The fixing device 12 includes a heating roller 31, a pressure roller 32, and the like. The heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 sandwich and convey the recording paper that has passed through the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11.

  The heating roller 31 is controlled so as to reach a predetermined fixing temperature based on the detection output of a temperature detector (not shown), and the toner transferred onto the recording paper by thermocompression bonding with the pressure roller 32. It has a function of fusing, mixing, and pressing an image to thermally fix the image on a recording sheet.

  The recording paper after the fixing of the toner images of the respective colors is discharged face down onto the paper discharge tray 15 by the transport roller.

  Next, the air cleaner 71 will be described. The air cleaner 71 is supported on the upper end of a column 72 protruding from a corner on one side of the back of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, generates positive ions and negative ions, and moves the positive ions and negative ions together with air. To release.

  In many cases, the image forming apparatus 100 is arranged with its back side close to the wall of the chamber, and therefore the air cleaner 71 is also arranged close to the wall of the chamber. In this case, most of the air released upward from the air purifier 71 rises along the wall, is blown to the ceiling, spreads along the ceiling, and spreads widely in the room. Therefore, positive ions and negative ions contained in the air discharged from the air purifier 71 are also widely distributed in the room, and airborne bacteria in the room air are effectively removed by the positive ions and negative ions.

  Further, a part of the air released upward from the air cleaner 71 is lowered as it is, drifts in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100, and covers the entire main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 is decomposed and reduced by the positive ions and the negative ions contained in the air.

  The electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 may generate ozone, and a filter for reducing this may be built in the image forming apparatus 100. However, ozone may be decomposed and reduced by positive ions and negative ions. Therefore, it is possible to omit a built-in filter or the like.

  Since the air cleaner 71 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 100, a special space for installing the air cleaner 71 is not required, and this space can be saved.

  Further, since the air cleaner 71 is supported on the upper end of the column 72 protruding from the image forming apparatus 100, the space between the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71 is opened, and the usability of the image forming apparatus 100 is impaired. It will never be.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner 71. The air cleaner 71 overlaps the main body casing 81, the fan unit 82 disposed at the lower portion of the main body casing 81, the plurality of suction holes 81a formed in the lower side wall of the main body casing 81, and the suction holes 81a. The filter 86 disposed in the filter 86, the suction duct 83 disposed between the filter 86 and the suction port 82a of the fan unit 82, the upper blowing port 81b formed in the upper part of the main body housing 81, the upper blowing port 81b and the fan unit. A blowout duct 84 disposed between the blowout ports 82 b of the 82 and a plurality of ion generating elements 85 disposed around the fan unit 82.

  As shown in FIG. 1, since the air cleaner 71 is long in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100, the main body casing 81, the fan unit 82, each suction hole 81a, the suction duct 83, the discharge port 82b, the discharge duct 84, and the like are also provided. The image forming apparatus 100 is long in the width direction, and a plurality of ion generating elements 85 are arranged in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The fan 82c of the fan unit 82 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) to generate an air flow as shown by an arrow G, and the air is passed through each suction hole 81a → filter 86 → suction duct 83 in the fan unit. The air is sucked into 82 and air is circulated in the vicinity of each ion generating element 85, and then the air is discharged from the upper outlet 81 b through the outlet duct 84. At this time, the filter 86 adsorbs and removes dust in the air.

  Each ion generating element 85 is a plasma cluster ion (registered trademark) generating element (PCI). Looking at each ion generating element 85 from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2, two ion generating elements 85 are arranged in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. A pair of positive ion generators 85a for generating negative ions and a pair of negative ion generators 85b for generating negative ions are arranged. Such an ion generating element 85 is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-58731 filed earlier by the applicant of the present invention.

  The positive ions and negative ions generated by the ion generating element 85 are discharged from the upper outlet 81b through the outlet duct 84 together with the air flow generated by the fan 82c of the fan unit 82.

  The amount of air released from the air cleaner 71 can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of the motor of the fan 82c. When the amount of released air is increased, air containing positive ions and negative ions spreads over a wider range, and a wider range of air is purified. Further, when the amount of released air is reduced, air containing positive ions and negative ions easily drifts in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100, and the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 is decomposed and reduced more effectively.

  Moreover, you may set the discharge | release direction of the air from the air cleaner 71 not diagonally upward but diagonally downward of the arrow D as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the shaft 71a on one end side of the air purifier 71 is rotatably supported at the upper end of the column 72, the shaft 71a is rotated by a motor drive, the air purifier 71 is rotated around the shaft 71a, and the air purifier is rotated. You may make it change the discharge | release direction of the air from the machine 71. FIG. Furthermore, the air cleaner 71 may be rotated back and forth within a certain angular range around the shaft 71a, that is, the air cleaner 71 may be swung to widen the release range of positive ions and negative ions.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the image forming apparatus 100 and the air cleaner 71. As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 111 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a document conveying unit 42, a document reading device 101, an image data storage unit 112, an image processing unit 113, and an image forming unit. 114, a facsimile communication unit 115, a display unit 116 for displaying various information, an input operation unit 117 operated by a user, a bus 118 for interconnecting the units, an input / output unit 119, a main power supply 121, a sub power supply 122, and A power key 123 and the like are provided.

  The control unit 111 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing various programs executed by the CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of the CPU, and the like. To execute the program, perform data processing, and control the entire image forming apparatus 100.

  The control unit 111 is connected to the air purifier 71 through the input / output unit 119 and controls the operation of the air purifier 71.

  The document conveying unit 42 and the document reading device 101 are also shown in FIG. 1, and convey a document or read an image of a document.

  The image data storage unit 112 is a hard disk device or the like, and stores image data indicating an image of a document read by the document reading device 101 or an image received from the outside. The image processing unit 113 performs various processes on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 112.

  The image forming unit 114 includes the laser exposure device 1, the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, the cleaner device 4, the intermediate transfer belt device 8, the fixing device 12, the paper transport path S, and the paper feed tray shown in FIG. 10 and a paper discharge tray 15 or the like, and prints an image of a document on a recording paper.

  The facsimile communication unit 115 is connected to the network N, and transmits and receives image data through the network N by executing a protocol of facsimile communication with the counterpart terminal.

  The display unit 116 is a liquid crystal display device, for example, and displays operation guidance and the like of the image forming apparatus 100. The input operation unit 117 includes various keys and buttons operated by the user, or a touch panel superimposed on the screen of the display unit 116, and detects the keys and buttons operated by the user, or is selected by the user. The key on the screen of the displayed display unit 116 is detected through a touch panel, and an input instruction by the user is output to the control unit 111.

  The main power supply 121 supplies power to other units except the facsimile communication unit 115, and includes a control unit 111, a document transport unit 42, a document reading device 101, an image data storage unit 112, an image processing unit 113, and image formation. Operating power is supplied to the unit 114, the display unit 116, the input operation unit 117, the input / output unit 119, and the like. The sub power source 122 is a power source dedicated to the facsimile communication unit 115 and supplies operating power only to the facsimile communication unit 115.

  The power key 123 is operated by the user, and is operated to set the image forming apparatus 100 to the night mode (described in detail later) or to return from the night mode.

  On the other hand, the air cleaner 71 includes a control unit 131 that controls the entire air cleaner 71, a motor 132 that rotates the fan 82c, a display unit 133, an input / output unit 134, an ion generating element 85, a power source 135, and a power switch. 136 and the like.

  The control unit 131 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs executed by the CPU, and a RAM that is used as a work area of the CPU. The CPU 131 executes the program and controls the entire air cleaner 71.

  The control unit 131 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 through the input / output unit 134 and controls the operation of the air cleaner 71 in response to an instruction from the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The motor 132 is for rotationally driving the fan 82c of the fan unit 82 shown in FIG. The ion generating element 85 is the PCI shown in FIGS.

  The display unit 133 is, for example, a plurality of LEDs. These LEDs are selectively lit or blinked, and various information is notified to the user by the selective lighting or blinking.

  The power supply 135 supplies operating power to the control unit 131, the motor 132, the display unit 133, the input / output unit 134, the ion generating element 85, and the like.

  The power switch 136 is a switch operated by the user, and is operated to turn on / off the power supply from the power source 135.

  By the way, in the image forming system having such a configuration, if the image forming apparatus 100 and the air purifier 71 are operated separately, a complicated operation is forced on the user. For example, in the office, since there are no people at night, the image forming apparatus 100 is not used, and the air cleaner 71 does not need to be operated. However, it is troublesome for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100 and the air purifier 71 separately.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode or when a certain time has elapsed from the setting of the night mode, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is stopped. The operation is simplified.

  Here, the night mode refers to, for example, the document transport unit 42, the document reading device 101, the image data storage unit 112, the image processing unit 113, the image forming unit 114, the display unit 116, and the input operation related to the printing process of the image generating apparatus 100. The unit 117 and the like (each unit related to the printing process) are stopped, and only a part of the functions of the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and the control unit 111 are operated. When there are no people in the office at night, the printing process of the image generation apparatus 100 is not performed. Therefore, each unit related to the printing process of the image generation apparatus 100 may be stopped. However, even if there are no people in the office at night and the printing process is not performed, there is a possibility of receiving an incoming facsimile communication. Therefore, the facsimile communication unit 115 needs to be operated. Even in the night mode, each unit related to the printing process of the image generating apparatus 100 is activated to record an image indicated by the image data received by the facsimile communication unit 115 on a recording sheet, or the control unit 111. Therefore, in order to control the air cleaner 71, it is necessary to continue some operations of the functions of the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111.

  In order to operate the facsimile communication unit 115, the sub power supply 122 is kept on and power supply from the sub power supply 122 to the facsimile communication unit 115 is continued. In order to activate only a part of the functions of the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111, the power supply from the main power supply 121 to each unit related to the printing process of the image generation apparatus 100 is stopped, and the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111 are controlled. The power supply from the main power supply 121 to the unit 111 is continued.

  Even when the role of power supply by the main power supply 121 and the sub power supply 122 is changed, only a part of the functions of the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and the control unit 111 can be operated. For example, when power is supplied from the sub power source 122 to the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and the control unit 111, the sub power source 122 may be turned on and the main power source 121 may be completely turned off.

  The air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is, for example, an operation performed by the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85. When nobody is present at night, the air purifying operation is not necessary. The generation element 85 may be stopped. In addition, at any time including nighttime, in order to operate in response to an instruction from the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100, the operation of some of the functions of the input / output unit 134 and the control unit 131 is continued and further displayed. The operation of the unit 133 is also continued.

  In order to operate only a part of the functions of the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131, the power supply from the power source 135 to the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85 is stopped, and the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133 and the power supply from the power source 135 to the control unit 131 are continued.

  In the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the night mode, the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is resumed. This also simplifies the operation of the air purifier 71.

  The return of the image forming apparatus 100 from the night mode means that the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the night mode to another mode when a person returns to the office or when a person returns. It is. Other modes include a warm-up mode for setting the heating roller 31 of the fixing device 12 in the image forming apparatus 100 to a fixing temperature, and a portion related to the printing process of the image generating apparatus 100 is operated to perform the printing process. There are a print processing mode, a standby mode for reducing power consumption when printing processing is not performed, a power saving mode for further reducing power consumption, and the like. Usually, it shifts from the night mode to the warm-up mode. Therefore, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is resumed when the warm-up mode is entered.

  In the warm-up mode, power is supplied from the main power supply 121 to each unit related to the printing process of the image generation apparatus 100. Further, the power supply to the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111 is continued.

  Further, in the air cleaning operation of the air purifier 71, power is supplied from the power source 135 to the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85. Further, the power supply to the input / output unit 134, the control unit 131, and the display unit 133 is continued.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode or when a certain time elapses after the night mode is set, the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is stopped, and the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the night mode. Then, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is resumed. Thereby, the power consumption of the air cleaner 71 can be reduced, without operating the air cleaner 71 exceptionally and without impairing the effect of the air cleaner 71 at all. In addition, since the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is controlled in conjunction with the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, no special burden is imposed on the image forming apparatus 100 side.

  Next, input settings required to control the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 in conjunction with the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  This input setting is performed by performing input to the input setting screen by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 while displaying the input setting screen on the display unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 111 displays various input setting screens on the display unit 116 according to a preset procedure, and when an input is performed on the input setting screen by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117, the input is performed. Based on this, the operation content of the air purifier 71 interlocked with the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is set and stored. When the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled, the control unit 111 reads out and executes the operation content of the air cleaner 71 that is linked to the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, and controls the driving of the air cleaner 71.

  6 to 10 show on / off of the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100. By turning on / off the power key 123, the main power supply 121 and the sub power supply 122 are completely turned on / off. It will never be done. When the power key 123 is turned on, a transition from the night mode to the warm-up mode is instructed, and when the power key 123 is turned off, the setting of the night mode is instructed. Accordingly, when the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off, the night mode is set, and the respective units related to the printing process of the image generating apparatus 100 are stopped, but the facsimile communication unit 115, the input / output unit 119, and Operation of a part of the function of the control unit 111 is continued.

  Similarly, on / off of the operation of the air purifier 71 is shown. This on / off of the operation indicates whether or not the air purifier 71 performs the air purifying operation. Therefore, when the operation of the air purifier 71 is turned off, the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85 are stopped, but some operations of the functions of the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131 are continued. Is done.

  The display unit 116 displays an initial setting screen (not shown) for selecting either the setting of the image forming apparatus 100 or the setting of the air cleaner 71. When the setting of the air purifier 71 is selected by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 on this initial setting screen, it is necessary to control the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 as shown in FIG. The first input setting screen 141 is displayed on the display unit 116. In the chart of FIG. 6B, operation names and operation descriptions corresponding to the keys 142, 143, and 144 on the first input setting screen 141 of FIG. 6A are shown.

  As is clear from FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first input setting screen 141 is used to set the operation of the air purifier 71 to ON in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned ON. A key 142, a key 143 for setting the operation of the air purifier 71 to be OFF in conjunction with the OFF of the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an “OK” key 144 are displayed.

  Here, when the key 142 is selected by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 on the first input setting screen 141 of FIG. 6A, the second input setting screen 151 as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display unit 116. In the chart of FIG. 7B, operation names and operation descriptions corresponding to the check boxes 152 and the keys 153, 154, and 155 on the second input setting screen 151 of FIG. 7A are shown.

  As is clear from FIGS. 7A and 7B, the second input setting screen 151 includes a check for turning on the operation of the air cleaner 71 in conjunction with the turning on of the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100. A box 152, a key 153 for setting the air volume of the air cleaner 71 to “strong”, a key 154 for setting the air volume of the air cleaner 71 to “weak”, and a key 155 of “OK” are displayed. Yes.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, in the second input setting screen 151, when the check box 152 is checked by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 and the key 153 is selected, the image forming apparatus 100 is selected. When the power key 123 is turned on, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is turned on, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is set to “strong”.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the check box 152 is checked and the key 154 is selected on the second input setting screen 151, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Thus, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is turned on, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is set to “weak”.

  When the “OK” key 144 is selected in FIGS. 7A, 8A and 8B, the screen returns to the screen of FIG. If the “OK” key 144 is selected without a check mark in the check box 152, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is not switched in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. Is set, and the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  Next, when the key 143 is selected on the first input setting screen 141 in FIG. 6A, a third input setting screen 161 as shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the display unit 116. In the chart of FIG. 9B, the check box 162 on the third input setting screen 161 of FIG. 9A, operation names corresponding to the keys 163 to 167, operation descriptions, and the like are shown.

  As is clear from FIGS. 9A and 9B, the third input setting screen 161 has a check for turning off the operation of the air cleaner 71 in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned off. Box 162, key 163 for immediately turning off the operation of the air purifier 71, key 164 for turning off the operation of the air purifier 71 with a timer, and arbitrarily adjusting and setting a certain time measured by the timer Keys 165 and 166 and an “OK” key 167 are displayed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when a check mark is entered in the check box 162 and the key 163 is selected on the third input setting screen 161, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off. Thus, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is set to be immediately turned off.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, on the third input setting screen 161, a check mark is put in the check box 162, the key 164 is selected, and each key 165, 166 is further operated, and time is measured by a timer. When the predetermined time is adjusted, the timer is started in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned off, and when the time measurement by the timer ends, that is, the power key of the image forming apparatus 100. It is set that the operation of the air purifier 71 is turned off when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of turning off 123.

  Instead of operating the keys 165 and 166 on the third input setting screen 161, the numeric keypad of the input operation unit 117 may be operated to adjust and set the fixed time measured by the timer. Absent.

  9A, 10A, and 10B, when the “OK” key 167 is selected, the screen of FIG. 6A is returned to. If the “OK” key 167 is selected without a check mark in the check box 162, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is not switched in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned off. Is set, and the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  Instead of the first to third input setting screens 141, 151, 161, the input setting may be performed using an input setting screen 171 as shown in FIG. 11A (a). 11B (b) and FIG. 11 (c) show operation names and operation descriptions corresponding to the check boxes 172 and 173, the select boxes 174 and 175, and the input box 176 on the input setting screen 171 of FIG. 11A (a). Etc. are shown.

  As is clear from FIGS. 11A (a), 11B (b), and (c), the input setting screen 171 turns on the operation of the air cleaner 71 in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. A check box 172 for performing the operation and a select box 174 for setting the air volume of the air purifier 71 to “strong” or “weak” are displayed. When a check mark is put in the check box 172 by the operation of the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 and the “strong” or “weak” air volume is selected in the select box 174, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on. Then, the operation of the air cleaner 71 is turned on, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is set to “strong” or “weak”.

  In addition, the input setting screen 171 includes a check box 173 for turning off the operation of the air purifier 71 in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned off, and air purifying in conjunction with the power key 123 being turned off. A selection box 175 for setting whether or not the operation of the machine 71 is immediately turned off, and an input box 176 for inputting an arbitrary fixed time measured from the time when the power key 123 is turned off to the time when the operation of the air purifier 71 is turned off. Is displayed. When a check mark is put in the check box 173 by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117 and the operation of the air cleaner 71 is selected to be immediately turned off in the select box 175, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off. In conjunction with this, it is set to immediately turn off the operation of the air purifier 71. In addition, a check mark is put in the check box 173, and it is selected not to turn off the operation of the air purifier 71 immediately in the select box 175, and an arbitrary fixed time is input to the input box 176 by operating the numeric keypad of the input operation unit 117 Then, a timer is started in conjunction with the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned off, and the operation of the air purifier 71 is set to be turned off after a predetermined time is counted by the timer.

  The operation of the air purifier 71 set in this way is summarized in Table 1 and shown. The control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 stores the item a or b and the item c or d in Table 1 as a data table, and uses the data table for controlling the air cleaner 71.

  Next, the control procedure of the air cleaner 71 by the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 when the night mode is set will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the daytime, the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, and the image forming apparatus 100 is set to any one of the print processing mode, the standby mode, and the power saving mode. At this time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c or d in Table 1, and sets either “linked with power key off” or “not linked with power key off”. It is confirmed whether it has been done (step S201).

  For example, if “Don't interlock with power key off” in the item d is set (“No” in step S201), the control unit 111 turns off the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 at night. When the power key 123 is turned off (“Yes” in step S202), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode (step S203), and the operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed. To continue. In the night mode of the image generating apparatus 100, the power supply from the main power supply 121 to each unit related to the printing process is stopped, the power supply from the main power supply 121 to the input / output unit 119 and the control unit 111 is continued, and the sub power supply 122 is used. And the power supply from the sub power supply 122 to the facsimile communication unit 115 is continued.

  Also, if “linked with power key off” in the item c is set (“Yes” in step S201), the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c and selects “timer It is checked whether "ON" or "TIMER OFF" is set (step S204).

  If “timer off” is set (“No” in step S204), the control unit 111 waits for the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 to be turned off at night (step S205). When the power key 123 is turned off (“Yes” in step S205), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode and the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is stopped (step S206). The stop of the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is to stop the motor 132 and the ion generating element 85 and to continue the operation of some of the functions of the input / output unit 134, the display unit 133, and the control unit 131. is there.

  If “timer on” is set (“Yes” in step S204), the control unit 111 waits for the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 to be turned off (step S207), and the power key 123 is turned off. If so ("Yes" in step S207), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode (step S208). At the same time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c, acquires a certain time measured by the timer, and starts measuring the certain time by the timer. When the timer finishes counting a certain time, that is, when a certain time elapses after the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off (“Yes” in step S209), the control unit 111 causes the air in the air cleaner 71 to air. The cleaning operation is stopped (step S210).

  When the power key 123 is turned off at night in this way, the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode, and the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is continued or stopped. Thereafter, when the power key 123 is turned on in the morning, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the night mode to the warm-up mode. At this time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item a or b in Table 1, and sets either “linked with power key on” or “not linked with power key on”. Check if it is. For example, if “Do not interlock with power key on” in item b is set, the control unit 111 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the warm-up mode in response to the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. However, the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is not resumed. However, if the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed in the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100, the air cleaning operation is continued.

  Also, if “linked with power key on” in the item a is set, the control unit 111 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the warm-up mode in response to the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. At the same time, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is resumed. Further, if the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed in the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100, the air cleaning operation is continued.

  Further, when restarting the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item a, confirms the setting of the air volume of the air cleaner 71, and the air volume is “strong”. If it is set to, the rotational speed of the motor 132 is increased, the fan 82c is driven to rotate at a high speed, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is increased. If the air volume is set to “weak”, the rotational speed of the motor 132 is decreased, the fan 82c is rotated at a low speed, and the air volume of the air cleaner 71 is decreased.

  As described above, the air purifier 71 is stopped or restarted according to the setting of the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100 or the transition from the night mode to the warm-up mode. The power consumption of the air purifier 71 can be reduced without compromising the effect of the air purifier 71 at all.

  By the way, in the above embodiment, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is turned off in response to turning off the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100, that is, in response to a key operation by the user. When the night mode or the warm-up mode is automatically set by the preset control procedure of the apparatus 100, the air purifier 71 stops the air purifying operation in response to the automatically set night mode, and the night mode is started. The air cleaning operation of the air purifier 71 may be resumed in response to the transition to the warm-up mode. For example, when the night mode and the warm-up mode are switched according to a preset time schedule of the image forming apparatus 100, the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is stopped or restarted according to these modes.

  In this case, for example, an input setting screen 181 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display unit 116, and a time schedule is set on the input setting screen 181. On the input setting screen 181, columns B 1 to B 7 for setting the power on / off switching time of the image forming apparatus 100 are displayed for each day of the week from Monday to Sunday. On this input setting screen 181, each of the columns B 1 to B 7 is sequentially selected by operating the touch panel of the input operation unit 117, and each time the columns B 1 to B 7 are selected, the numeric keypad 182 is selectively instructed by operating the touch panel. Then, the time for turning on and off the image forming apparatus 100 is input and set. For example, in the Monday column B1, “9:00” is set as the time to turn on the power, and “19:00” is set as the time to turn off the power. Similarly, in each of the fields B2 to B5 from Tuesday to Friday, “9:00” is set as the time to turn on the power, and “19:00” is set as the time to turn off the power.

  As described above, when the time for turning the power on or off is set in the day of week column, the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the warm-up mode at the power on time set for the day of the week, and at the power off time. The image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode.

  In addition, in the fields B1 and B7 on Saturday and Sunday, no time for turning the power on or off is set. In this case, the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is not switched on that day of the week, and the mode switching of the image forming apparatus 100 is carried forward until the day of the week when the time to turn on or off the power is set. When the day of the week is turned on or off, the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is switched.

  The control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 stores a time schedule for each day of the week and time as shown in FIG. 13, and switches the night mode, the warm-up mode, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this time schedule. The air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is switched according to the mode.

  Even when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is switched and set according to the day of the week and the time, and the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is controlled in response thereto, the data table corresponding to the contents of Table 1 is It is necessary to set using the input setting screens 141, 151, 161, or 171 described in the above.

  Next, a control procedure of the air cleaner 71 by the control unit 111 when the night mode is automatically set according to a preset time schedule of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Now, assuming that it is any daytime from Monday to Friday, the image forming apparatus 100 is set to one of a print processing mode, a standby mode, and a power saving mode. At this time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c or d in Table 1, and sets either “linked to the power key off” or “not linked to the power key off”. It is confirmed whether it has been performed (step S301).

  For example, if “not linked to power key off” in the item d is set (“No” in step S301), the control unit 111 monitors the day of the week and time measured by the built-in clock, and this timekeeping is performed. It waits for the day of the week and the time to reach the day of the week and the time of power off in FIG. 13 (step S302).

  When the day of the week and time counted by the built-in clock reaches one of the Monday to Friday in FIG. 13 and the power-off time (“Yes” in step S302), the control unit 111 turns the image forming apparatus 100 into the nighttime. The mode is set (step S303), and the operation of the air purifier 71 is continued.

  Also, if “linked with power key off” in the item c is set (“Yes” in step S301), the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c and selects “timer It is checked whether “ON” or “TIMER OFF” is set (step S304).

  If “timer off” is set (“No” in step S304), the control unit 111 determines that the day of the week and time counted by the built-in clock are any day of the week from Monday to Friday in FIG. The system waits for reaching the off time (step S305), and when any day of the week and the power off time are reached (“Yes” in step S305), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode and the air purifier. The air cleaning operation 71 is stopped (step S306).

  If “timer on” is set (“Yes” in step S304), the control unit 111 determines that the day of the week and time measured by the built-in clock are any day of the week from Monday to Friday in FIG. The system waits for reaching the off time (step S307), and when any day of the week and the power off time are reached (“Yes” in step S307), the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode (step S308). At the same time, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item c, acquires a certain time measured by the timer, and starts measuring the certain time by the timer. Then, when the counting of the fixed time is completed by the timer (“Yes” in step S309), the control unit 111 stops the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 (step S310).

  Thus, the image forming apparatus 100 is set to the night mode, and the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is continued or stopped. Thereafter, when the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the night mode to the warm-up mode, the control unit 111 refers to the contents of the data table corresponding to the item a or b in Table 1 and “interlocks with turning on the power key”. Check whether “Yes” or “Do not synchronize with power key on” is set. For example, if “Do not interlock with power key on” in item b is set, the control unit 111 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the warm-up mode in response to the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. However, the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is not resumed. However, if the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed in the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100, the air cleaning operation is continued.

  Also, if “linked with power key on” in the item a is set, the control unit 111 sets the image forming apparatus 100 to the warm-up mode in response to the power key 123 of the image forming apparatus 100 being turned on. At the same time, the air purifying operation of the air purifier 71 is resumed. Further, if the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71 is performed in the night mode of the image forming apparatus 100, the air cleaning operation is continued.

  Therefore, there is no need to operate the air cleaner 71 in order to stop or restart the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner 71, and the consumption of the air cleaner 71 without damaging the effect of the air cleaner 71 at all. Electric power can be reduced.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and even if a design change or the like in a category not departing from the gist of the present invention is performed, It is included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the air cleaner 71 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 100, but the air cleaner 71 may be built in the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of air holes 191 are formed on the upper side of the outer wall of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and an air purifier 71 is provided on the back side of the outer wall of the main body at these air holes 191. In addition, ions may be blown from the air purifier 71 to the operation panel 192 through the air holes 191 on the outer wall of the main body.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, an air cleaner 71 for blowing ions to the operation panel 192 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an air cleaner 71 for blowing ions to the vicinity where the exhaust gas of the image forming apparatus 100 is generated. May be provided individually.

  Furthermore, the air cleaner 71 is not integrated with the image forming apparatus 100 but is separated, and the control unit 131 of the air cleaner 71 and the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 are simply interconnected via the input / output unit. I do not care. In this case, the air purifier 71 can be installed on a high place such as a ceiling or on the floor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser exposure apparatus 2 Developing apparatus 3 Photosensitive drum 4 Cleaner apparatus 5 Charger 8 Intermediate transfer belt apparatus 10 Paper feed tray 11 Secondary transfer apparatus 12 Fixing apparatus 15 Paper discharge tray 42 Document conveyance part 71 Air cleaner 72 Strut 81 Main body Case 82 Fan unit 83 Suction duct 84 Blowout duct 85 Ion generating element 86 Filter 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Document reading apparatus 111, 131 Control unit 112 Image data storage unit 113 Image processing unit 114 Image forming unit 115 Facsimile communication unit 116, 133 Display unit 117 Input operation unit 118 Buses 119 and 134 Input / output unit 121 Main power source 122 Sub power source 132 Motor 135 Power source

Claims (8)

An air purifier for purifying the air;
An image forming apparatus set to a night mode for power saving by an input operation;
An image forming system comprising: control means for stopping an air cleaning operation of the air cleaner when the image forming apparatus is set to a night mode by the input operation. An air purifier for purifying the air;
An image forming apparatus that is automatically set to a night mode for power saving by a preset control procedure;
An image forming system comprising: control means for stopping an air cleaning operation of the air cleaner when the image forming apparatus is automatically set to a night mode by the control procedure. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The air cleaner includes an ion generating means. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
When the image forming apparatus is set to the night mode, the control unit starts counting a certain time, and stops the air cleaning operation of the air cleaner when the counting of the certain time is finished. Image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 4,
An image forming system comprising adjusting means for adjusting the predetermined time. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit starts an air cleaning operation of the air cleaner when the night mode of the image forming apparatus shifts to another mode. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the air cleaner is provided above the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming system, wherein the air cleaner is built in the image forming apparatus.

Images