Image formation apparatus, option device and heat source control method

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus, an option device, and a heat source control method which can suppress a malfunction caused by temperature rise by monitoring temperatures that mutually affect a main body and option devices.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus that includes a main body and one or more option devices comprises: multiple heat sources which are installed across the main body and the one or more option devices; multiple temperature sensors which are installed across the main body and the one or more option devices; an acquisition unit that acquires temperature data detected by the temperature sensors; a first determination unit that determines whether or not each temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit becomes or exceeds a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each temperature sensor; and a heat source control unit that, when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor becomes or exceeds the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor, reduces the heat generation of the heat source associated in advance with the temperature sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an optional device, and a heat source control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In image forming apparatuses, there is a technique for controlling the on / off of heat sources such as a fixing unit or a drying unit while monitoring the operation of optional devices in order to prevent the power consumption from exceeding a standard value.

[0003] As a technique for controlling such a heat source, an operation for controlling the duty of a heater in order to reduce power consumption has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology monitors power consumption, but does not monitor and manage the internal temperatures of the main body and optional devices. In addition, the conventional technology does not manage the mutual temperature between the main body and optional devices, and there is a problem that the internal temperature of the main body rises due to the influence of a heater installed in the optional device, and the internal temperature of the optional device rises due to the influence of a heater installed in the main body. For example, when a bank option as an optional device is connected to the lower part of the main body, if the bank option is equipped with a heater for drying paper, it may cause a temperature rise in the electrical components of the main body located at the upper part.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an image forming apparatus, an optional device, and a heat source control method that can monitor the temperatures that affect each other between the main body and each of the optional devices, and suppress the occurrence of malfunctions due to temperature increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a main body and one or more optional devices, comprising a plurality of heat sources provided as a whole in the main body and the one or more optional devices, a plurality of temperature sensors provided as a whole in the main body and the one or more optional devices, an acquisition unit that acquires temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors, a first judgment unit that judges whether each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit has become equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors, and a heat source control unit that reduces heat generation of the heat source that is pre-associated with the temperature sensor when the first judgment unit judges that the temperature data of the temperature sensor has become equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to monitor the temperatures that mutually affect the main body and the optional devices, thereby suppressing the occurrence of problems due to temperature rise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship between the main body and optional devices of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication path for temperature data in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a communication path for temperature data in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional block configuration of the controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship between the main body and optional devices of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional block configuration of a controller of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the transition of temperatures detected by each temperature sensor of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship between the main body and optional devices of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional block configuration of a controller of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of the transition of temperatures detected by each temperature sensor of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating duty control of the heat source of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus, an optional device, and a heat source control method according to the present invention will be described in detail. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and the components in the following embodiment include those that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalent. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiment.

[0010] [First embodiment] (External configuration of image forming device) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the external configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] 1 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having at least two of the following functions: a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a fax function. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming device 1 includes a main body 2, a bank option 3, and a paper output option 4.

[0012] The main body 2 is a device that forms an image on paper fed from the bank option 3. The main body 2 is equipped with, for example, a fixing unit that fixes color material to the paper on which an image has been formed, a drying device that dries the paper, or the like, as a heat source.

[0013] The bank option 3 is an optional device that is loaded with paper and feeds paper to the main body 2 in response to commands from the main body 2. The bank option 3 is equipped with, for example, a heater for drying paper as a heat source, a motor for feeding paper, and the like.

[0014] The paper discharge option 4 is an optional device that performs a paper discharge operation for paper on which an image has been formed by the main body 2 in response to a command from the main body 2. The paper discharge option 4 is equipped with, for example, a motor for discharging paper as a heat source.

[0015] As described above, the main body 2, the bank option 3, and the paper discharge option 4 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 are installed in contact with each other, and therefore affect each other's temperatures due to the operation of the heat sources mounted inside each.

[0016] 1, the bank option 3 and the paper discharge option 4 are illustrated as optional devices provided in the image forming apparatus 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and other optional devices such as an automatic reversing document feeder (ARDF) or a card reader may be provided. Furthermore, the heat sources provided in the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 and each optional device are not limited to those described above, and examples of the heat sources include a fixing unit, a drying device, a heater, and a motor, as well as a power source and a circuit board. Furthermore, the number of optional devices provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited thereto.

[0017] (Hardware configuration of image forming device) 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller 600, an operation display unit 610, an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 620, a plotter 631, and a scanner 632, all of which are connected via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus.

[0019] The controller 600 is a device that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation display unit 610 .

[0020] The operation display unit 610 is, for example, a touch panel or the like, and is a device that receives input to the controller 600 (input function) and displays (display function) the state of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation display unit 610 is directly connected to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 606, which will be described later.

[0021] The FCU 620 is a device that realizes a fax function, and is connected to the ASIC 606 via, for example, a PCI bus.

[0022] The plotter 631 is a device that realizes a printing function, and is connected to the ASIC 606 via, for example, a PCI bus.

[0023] The scanner 632 is a function that realizes a scanner function, and is connected to the ASIC 606 via, for example, a PCI bus.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 600 includes a CPU 601, a system memory (MEM-P) 602, a north bridge (NB) 603, a south bridge (SB) 604a, a network I / F 604b, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F 604c, a Centronics I / F 604d, a sensor I / F 604e, an ASIC 606, a local memory (MEM-C) 607, and an auxiliary storage device 608.

[0025] The CPU 601 is a computing device that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 601 is connected to a chip set that includes a system memory 602, a north bridge 603, and a south bridge 604a, and is connected to other devices via this chip set.

[0026] The system memory 602 is a memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for expanding programs and data, a memory for drawing on the printer, etc., and has a ROM and a RAM. Of these, the ROM is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM is a writable and readable memory used as a memory for expanding programs and data, and a memory for drawing on the printer, etc.

[0027] The north bridge 603 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 601 with the system memory 602, south bridge 604a, and AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 605, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the system memory 602, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

[0028] The south bridge 604a is a bridge for connecting the north bridge 603 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The south bridge 604a is connected to the north bridge 603 via a PCI bus, and a network I / F 604b, a USB I / F 604c, a Centronics I / F 604d, a sensor I / F 604e, etc. are connected to the PCI bus. A temperature sensor TA that detects the temperature of an electrical component of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the sensor I / F 604e.

[0029] The AGP bus 605 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to accelerate graphic processing. The AGP bus 605 is a bus that accelerates the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the system memory 602 at high throughput.

[0030] The ASIC 606 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing purposes having hardware elements for image processing, and plays the role of a bridge connecting the AGP bus 605, the PCI bus, the auxiliary storage device 608, and the local memory 607. The ASIC 606 is composed of a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 606, a memory controller that controls the local memory 607, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that rotate image data using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the plotter 631 and the scanner 632 via the PCI bus. For example, the FCU 620, the plotter 631, and the scanner 632 are connected to the ASIC 606 via the PCI bus.

[0031] The local memory 607 is a memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 608 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a secure digital (SD) card, or a flash memory, and is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

[0033] It should be noted that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and it is not necessary for all of the components to be included, and other components may also be included.

[0034] (Layout of the main body of the image forming apparatus and optional devices) Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship between the main body and optional devices of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication path for temperature data in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a communication path for temperature data in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The layout configuration between the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment and each optional device, and the communication path for temperature data will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

[0035] In the following description of the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described as including a main body 2, an optional device OPB, an optional device OPC, an optional device OPD, and an optional device OPE, as shown in FIG.

[0036] 3, the main body 2 has a heat source HA, an electrical component unit ELA, and a temperature sensor TA. The heat source HA corresponds to the fixing unit or drying device described above. The electrical component unit ELA corresponds to a controller 600 that controls the operation of the main body 2. The temperature sensor TA is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical component unit ELA.

[0037] 3, the optional device OPB is disposed directly under the main body 2 and includes a heat source HB that generates heat, an electrical part ELB that controls the operation of the optional device OPB, and a temperature sensor TB. The temperature sensor TB is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical part ELB.

[0038] 3, the optional device OPC is disposed directly below the optional device OPB and includes a heat source HC that generates heat, an electrical component unit ELC that controls the operation of the optional device OPC, and a temperature sensor TC. The temperature sensor TC is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical component unit ELC.

[0039] 3, the optional device OPD is arranged on the side of the main body 2, the optional device OPB, and the optional device OPC, and has a heat source HD that generates heat, an electrical part ELD that controls the operation of the optional device OPD, and a temperature sensor TD. The temperature sensor TD is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical part ELD.

[0040] 3, the optional device OPE is disposed on the side of the main body 2, the optional device OPB, and the optional device OPC, and includes a heat source HE that generates heat, an electrical equipment unit ELE that controls the operation of the optional device OPE, and a temperature sensor TE. The temperature sensor TE is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical equipment unit ELE.

[0041] The CPU 601 provided in the main body 2 receives, via the sensor I / F 604e, temperature data detected by, for example, a temperature sensor TB provided in the optional device OPB, a temperature sensor TC provided in the optional device OPC, a temperature sensor TD provided in the optional device OPD, and a temperature sensor TE provided in the optional device OPE, as shown in Fig. 4. The CPU 601 also receives, via the sensor I / F 604e, temperature data detected by a temperature sensor TA provided in the main body 2, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0042] The reception path of the temperature data by the CPU 601 may be as shown in Fig. 5. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, the optional device OPB includes a CPUB, the optional device OPC includes a CPUC, the optional device OPD includes a CPUD, and the optional device OPE includes a CPUE. As shown in Fig. 5, the CPU 601 may receive the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TB via the CPUB, the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TC via the CPUC, the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TD via the CPUD, and the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TE via the CPUE. In this case, the CPU 601 may receive each piece of temperature data from each CPU via the network I / F 604b or the USB I / F 604c, etc.

[0043] In FIG. 4, the CPU 601 receives temperature data directly from the temperature sensor, and in FIG. 5, the CPU 601 receives temperature data via a CPU of an optional device. However, a combination of these configurations may also be used.

[0044] In addition, while it is assumed that the main body 2 and each optional device are each equipped with one temperature sensor and one heat source, this is not limited to this and, for example, multiple may be installed, or the main body 2 and each optional device may be provided with multiple heat sources as a whole and multiple temperature sensors as a whole.

[0045] (Configuration and operation of functional blocks of a controller of an image forming apparatus) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of functional blocks of a controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6.

[0046] The controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes an acquisition unit 101, a temperature determination unit 102 (first determination unit), a heat source control unit 103, a setting unit 104, and a storage unit 105, as shown in FIG.

[0047] The acquiring unit 101 is a functional unit that acquires temperature data detected by the temperature sensors TA, TB, TC, TD, and TE. The acquiring unit 101 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG.

[0048] The temperature determination unit 102 is a functional unit that determines whether the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is equal to or greater than an upper limit value. Here, the upper limit values ​​of temperature corresponding to the temperature sensors TA, TB, TC, TD, and TE are upper limit values ​​LA, LB, LC, LD, and LE, respectively. That is, the temperature determination unit 102 determines whether the temperature data detected by the temperature sensors TA, TB, TC, TD, and TE is equal to or greater than the upper limit values ​​LA, LB, LC, LD, and LE, respectively. The temperature determination unit 102 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0049] In addition, when referring to any of the temperature sensors TA, TB, TC, TD, and TE, or when referring to any of the temperature sensors TA, TB, TC, TD, and TE collectively, they will be referred to simply as "temperature sensor T." In addition, when referring to any of the heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, and HE, or when referring to any of the heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, and HE collectively, they will be referred to simply as "heat source H."

[0050] The heat source control unit 103 is a functional unit that performs on / off control of the heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, and HE. In this case, the heat source control unit 103 may perform on / off control directly for the heat sources HB, HC, HD, and HE, or may perform on / off control via each CPU provided in the optional devices OPB, OPC, OPD, and OPE. The heat source control unit 103 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0051] The setting unit 104 is a functional unit that performs various settings of the image forming apparatus 1. The setting unit 104 sets the above-mentioned upper limit values ​​LA, LB, LC, LD, and LE, for example, in response to an operation by a developer (or a user). As for setting the upper limit value of the temperature sensor T, since the temperature inside the apparatus continues to rise as long as the heat source H is on, it is preferable to set the upper limit value with some margin rather than setting it close to the maximum design temperature permitted for the main body. In this case, the temperature rise can be suppressed before it reaches the maximum design temperature, thereby realizing more efficient heat source control.

[0052] Furthermore, the setting unit 104, in response to an operation by the developer (or user), registers and sets the heat sources H that contribute to a temperature rise of each temperature sensor T, and sets the magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of each registered heat source H. That is, each temperature sensor T is associated with a heat source H that contributes to a temperature rise, and is associated with a relationship of the contribution degrees of each associated heat source H. Here, the contribution degree indicates the degree of influence of the heat source H that acts on the rise of temperature data detected by a specific temperature sensor T. The registration and setting of the heat sources H that contribute to a temperature rise of each temperature sensor T, and the magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of each registered heat source H may be performed in advance by measuring the temperature by each temperature sensor T, or may be performed based on the mutual influence expected from the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 3.

[0053] 3, the heat source H may be placed in a position not anticipated in the design concept of the main body 2. However, as described above, the setting unit 104 registers and sets in advance the heat sources H that contribute to the temperature rise of each temperature sensor T and the magnitude relationship of the contribution of each registered heat source H, making it possible to control the heat source according to the contribution of each heat source H.

[0054] Here, for example, the heat sources H registered for each temperature sensor T and the magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of each registered heat source H are set as follows: For convenience, the contribution degrees corresponding to the heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, and HE are written as HA, HB, HC, HD, and HE, respectively.

[0055] (1) Temperature sensor TA Registered heat sources: Heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, HE Contribution ratio: HA>HC>HB>HE>HD (2) Temperature sensor TB Registered heat sources: Heat sources HA, HB, HC Contribution ratio: HB>HA>HC (3) Temperature sensor TC Registered heat sources: Heat sources HB, HC Contribution ratio: HC>HB (4) Temperature sensor TD Registered heat sources: Heat sources HA, HD Contribution ratio: HD>HA (5) Temperature sensor TE Registered heat sources: Heat sources HA, HE Contribution ratio: HE>HA

[0056] The setting unit 104 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0057] The storage unit 105 is a functional unit that stores the upper limit values ​​LA, LB, LC, LD, and LE set by the setting unit 104, the registered contents of the heat source H for each temperature sensor T, and the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree of each registered heat source H. The storage unit 105 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 608 shown in FIG.

[0058] Note that the acquisition unit 101, temperature determination unit 102, heat source control unit 103, and setting unit 104 of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 6 are not limited to being realized by the CPU 601 shown in Fig. 2 executing a program. For example, they may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0059] Moreover, each functional unit of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 6 is shown conceptually, and is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 6 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 6 may be divided into a plurality of functional units and configured as a plurality of functional units.

[0060] In addition, the acquisition unit 101, temperature determination unit 102 and heat source control unit 103 of the controller 600 shown in FIG. 6 are not limited to being realized by the execution of a program by the CPU 601 of the main body 2, but may be realized by the execution of a program by the CPU of any of the optional devices (optional devices OPB, OPC, OPD, OPE in the example of FIG. 3) provided in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0061] (Heat source control operation of image forming device) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the description will be focused on temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA provided in the main body 2. The acquisition unit 101 of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 is assumed to continuously acquire temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA during operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The temperature determination unit 102 of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 is assumed to read out the upper limit value LA of the temperature corresponding to the temperature sensor TA stored in the storage unit 105, the heat source H (heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, HE) registered for the temperature sensor TA, and the magnitude relationship (HA>HC>HB>HE>HD) of the contribution degree of each registered heat source H.

[0062] <Step S11> The temperature determination unit 102 determines whether the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value LA. If the temperature data is equal to or greater than the upper limit value LA (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12, and if the temperature data is less than the upper limit value LA (step S11: No), the temperature determination unit 102 continues the determination operation.

[0063] <Step S12> First, the heat source control unit 103 of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the heat source HA having the largest contribution is on or not. If the heat source HA is on (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13, and if the heat source HA is off (step S12: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0064] <Step S13> The heat source control unit 103 turns off the heat source HA. That is, the heat source control unit 103 reduces the heat generation of the heat source HA. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0065] <Step S14> The temperature determination unit 102 determines whether the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA has fallen below the upper limit value LA, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heat source HA was turned off by the heat source control unit 103. If the temperature data remains equal to or higher than the upper limit value LA (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S15, and if the temperature data has fallen below the upper limit value LA (step S14: Yes), the heat source control operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is terminated.

[0066] <Step S15> The heat source control unit 103 determines whether the heat source HC, which has the second largest contribution after the heat source HA, is in the ON state. If the heat source HC is in the ON state (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16, and if the heat source HC is in the OFF state (step S15: No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0067] <Step S16> The heat source control unit 103 turns off the heat source HC. That is, the heat source control unit 103 reduces the heat generation of the heat source HC. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0068] <Step S17> The temperature determination unit 102 determines whether or not the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA has become less than the upper limit value LA, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heat source HC was turned off by the heat source control unit 103. If the temperature data remains equal to or greater than the upper limit value LA (step S17: No), the process proceeds to step S18, and if the temperature data has become less than the upper limit value LA (step S17: Yes), the heat source control operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is terminated.

[0069] <Step S18> The heat source control unit 103 determines whether the heat source HB, which has the second largest contribution after the heat source HC, is in the ON state. If the heat source HB is in the ON state (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19, and if the heat source HB is in the OFF state (step S18: No), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0070] <Step S19> The heat source control unit 103 turns off the heat source HB. That is, the heat source control unit 103 reduces the heat generation of the heat source HB. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0071] <Step S20> The temperature determination unit 102 determines whether the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA has become less than the upper limit value LA, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heat source HB was turned off by the heat source control unit 103. If the temperature data remains equal to or greater than the upper limit value LA (step S20: No), the process proceeds to step S21, and if the temperature data has become less than the upper limit value LA (step S20: Yes), the heat source control operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is terminated.

[0072] <Step S21> The heat source control unit 103 determines whether the heat source HE, which has the second largest contribution after the heat source HB, is in the ON state. If the heat source HE is in the ON state (step S21: Yes), the process proceeds to step S22, and if the heat source HE is in the OFF state (step S21: No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0073] <Step S22> The heat source control unit 103 turns off the heat source HE. That is, the heat source control unit 103 reduces the heat generation of the heat source HE. Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0074] <Step S23> The temperature determination unit 102 determines whether or not the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA has become less than the upper limit value LA, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heat source HE was turned off by the heat source control unit 103. If the temperature data remains equal to or greater than the upper limit value LA (step S23: No), the process proceeds to step S24, and if the temperature data has become less than the upper limit value LA (step S23: Yes), the heat source control operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is terminated.

[0075] <Step S24> The heat source control unit 103 determines whether the heat source HD, which has the second largest contribution after the heat source HE, is in the ON state. If the heat source HD is in the ON state (step S24: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25, and if the heat source HD is in the OFF state (step S24: No), the process proceeds to step S27.

[0076] <Step S25> The heat source control unit 103 turns off the heat source HD. That is, the heat source control unit 103 reduces the heat generation of the heat source HD. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0077] <Step S26> The temperature determination unit 102 determines whether the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA has fallen below the upper limit value LA, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heat source HD was turned off by the heat source control unit 103. If the temperature data remains equal to or higher than the upper limit value LA (step S26: No), the process proceeds to step S27, and if the temperature data has fallen below the upper limit value LA (step S26: Yes), the heat source control operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is terminated.

[0078] <Step S27> The heat source control unit 103 determines that a heat source control error has occurred because the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA does not become less than the upper limit value LA even when all the heat sources H are turned off in order according to the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree as described above. In this case, the heat source control unit 103 may, for example, display on the operation display unit 610 that the control error has occurred. This ends the heat source control operation by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0079] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of heat sources H are provided in the main body 2 and one or more optional devices as a whole, a plurality of temperature sensors T are provided in the main body 2 and one or more optional devices as a whole, the acquisition unit 101 acquires temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors T, the temperature determination unit 102 determines whether each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors T, and the heat source control unit 103 turns off the heat source H previously associated with the temperature sensor T when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor T is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor T. This makes it possible to monitor the temperatures that mutually affect each device of the main body and the optional devices and suppress the occurrence of malfunctions due to temperature rise. In addition, the configuration that executes control taking into account the temperature influence between the devices does not impair functionality compared to the conventional configuration, and makes it possible to prevent failures due to unintended temperature rises in advance. In addition, compared to a control in which the entire heat source is turned off when the temperature in a specific device becomes equal to or greater than the upper limit value, it is possible to ensure usability by stopping the necessary heat source associated with the temperature sensor T.

[0080] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor T is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor T, the heat source control unit 103 sequentially turns off each of the heat sources H pre-associated with the temperature sensor T, based on the magnitude relationship of the contribution of each of the heat sources H pre-associated with the temperature sensor T. In this way, by turning off the heat sources in order from the one with the highest contribution, it becomes possible to switch on and off the appropriate heat sources without impairing the original functions of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0081] [Second embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the determination of the temperature data of each temperature sensor T, the operation of determining whether the rate of temperature rise indicated by the temperature data is appropriate will be described. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0082] (Layout of the main body of the image forming apparatus and optional devices) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship between the main body 2a of the image forming apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment and the optional devices. The layout configuration between the main body 2a of the image forming apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment and the optional devices will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0083] In the following, in this embodiment, an image forming apparatus 1a will be described as including a main body 2a and an option apparatus OPB, as shown in FIG.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 8, the main body 2a has a heat source HA, an electrical component unit ELA, and a temperature sensor TA. The heat source HA corresponds to the fixing unit or drying device described above. The electrical component unit ELA corresponds to a controller 600a (see Fig. 9 described later) that controls the operation of the main body 2a. The temperature sensor TA is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical component unit ELA.

[0085] 8, the optional device OPB is disposed directly under the main body 2a and includes a heat source HB that generates heat, an electrical part ELB that controls the operation of the optional device OPB, and a temperature sensor TB. The temperature sensor TB is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical part ELB.

[0086] (Configuration and operation of functional blocks of a controller of an image forming apparatus) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the functional blocks of the controller of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature detected by each temperature sensor of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0087] 9, the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a includes an acquisition unit 101, a temperature determination unit 102, a heat source control unit 103, a setting unit 104, a storage unit 105, an increase speed determination unit 106 (second determination unit), and a notification unit 107. The operations of the acquisition unit 101, the temperature determination unit 102, the heat source control unit 103, the setting unit 104, and the storage unit 105 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The heat sources H registered for each of the temperature sensors TA and TB and the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree of each registered heat source H are set by the setting unit 104 as follows:

[0088] (1) Temperature sensor TA Registered heat sources: Heat sources HA, HB Contribution ratio: HA>HB (2) Temperature sensor TB Registered heat sources: Heat sources HA, HB Contribution ratio: HB>HA

[0089] The rise rate determination unit 106 is a functional unit that determines whether the rise rate of each of the temperature data detected by the temperature sensors TA and TB acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is appropriate. For example, the rise rate determination unit 106 determines whether the slope (gradient) of the temperature data graph is less than a predetermined threshold. That is, if the slope (gradient) of the temperature data graph is less than a predetermined threshold, the rise rate determination unit 106 determines that the rise rate of the temperature data is appropriate, and if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the rise rate determination unit 106 determines that the rise rate of the temperature data is abnormal.

[0090] 10 shows a graph GA indicating a normal time transition of temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA when the heat source HA of the main body 2 and the heat source HB of the optional device OPB are in the ON state, and a graph GB indicating a normal time transition of temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TB when the heat source HA of the main body 2 and the heat source HB of the optional device OPB are in the ON state. Here, as shown in the graph GBErr, the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TB rises at a steeper gradient than the graphs GA and GB due to some abnormality. In this case, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the control of the heat source HB of the optional device OPB. In this way, a safe image forming apparatus 1a can be provided by detecting an abnormality in the temperature rise rate through the determination operation of the rise rate determination unit 106.

[0091] The rising speed determination unit 106 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0092] The notification unit 107 is a functional unit that notifies the user when the rise rate determination unit 106 determines that the rise rate of the temperature data detected by the temperature sensors TA and TB is abnormal. For example, the notification unit 107 may notify the user by displaying the abnormality determined by the rise rate determination unit 106 on the operation display unit 610 or by transmitting the abnormality to an external device via the network I / F 604b. Note that the notification operation by the notification unit 107 is not limited to the above, and the notification may be performed by other methods.

[0093] Note that the acquisition unit 101, temperature determination unit 102, heat source control unit 103, setting unit 104, increase speed determination unit 106, and notification unit 107 of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a shown in Fig. 9 are not limited to being realized by the CPU 601 shown in Fig. 2 executing a program. For example, they may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0094] Moreover, the functional units of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a shown in Fig. 9 are conceptually shown, and are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the multiple functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a shown in Fig. 9 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a shown in Fig. 9 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0095] (Heat source control operation of image forming device) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the description will be focused on the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TB provided in the option device OPB. The acquisition unit 101 of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a is assumed to continuously acquire the temperature data detected by the temperature sensors TA and TB during the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The temperature determination unit 102 of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a is assumed to read out the upper limit value LB of the temperature corresponding to the temperature sensor TB stored in the storage unit 105, the heat source H (heat sources HA, HB) registered for the temperature sensor TB, and the magnitude relationship (HB>HA) of the contribution degree of each registered heat source H. The increase speed determination unit 106 is assumed to read out the heat source H (heat sources HA, HB) registered for the temperature sensor TB stored in the storage unit 105.

[0096] <Step S31> The temperature determination unit 102 of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a determines whether the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor Tb and acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value LB. If the temperature data is equal to or greater than the upper limit value LB (step S31: Yes), the process proceeds to step S32, and if the temperature data is less than the upper limit value LB (step S31: No), the temperature determination unit 102 continues the determination operation.

[0097] <Step S32> Since heat sources HA and HB are registered for temperature sensor TB, rise rate determination unit 106 of controller 600a of image forming apparatus 1a determines whether the rise rate of the temperature data detected by temperature sensor TA acquired by acquisition unit 101 is appropriate or not. If the rise rate of the temperature data is appropriate (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S34, and if the rise rate of the temperature data is abnormal (step S32: No), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0098] <Step S33> The notification unit 107 of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a notifies the fact that the rise rate determination unit 106 has determined that the rise rate of the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA is abnormal, as an abnormality process in the main body 2a. Note that as an abnormality process in the main body 2a, the heat source control unit 103 may further turn off the heat source HA of the main body 2a, or turn off both the heat source HA of the main body 2a and the heat source HB of the optional device OPB. Then, the heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus 1a ends.

[0099] <Step S34> Since heat sources HA and HB are registered for temperature sensor TB, rise rate determination unit 106 of controller 600a of image forming apparatus 1a determines whether the rise rate of the temperature data detected by temperature sensor TB acquired by acquisition unit 101 is appropriate or not. If the rise rate of the temperature data is appropriate (step S34: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11 shown in Fig. 7, and if the rise rate of the temperature data is abnormal (step S34: No), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0100] <Step S35> The notification unit 107 of the controller 600a of the image forming apparatus 1a notifies the user that the rise rate determination unit 106 has determined that the rise rate of the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TB is abnormal, as an abnormality process for the optional device OPB. As an abnormality process for the optional device OPB, the heat source control unit 103 may further turn off the heat source HB of the optional device OPB, or may turn off both the heat source HA of the main body 2a and the heat source HB of the optional device OPB. Then, the heat source control operation of the image forming apparatus 1a ends.

[0101] 11, in step S31, when the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor Tb becomes equal to or greater than the upper limit LB, the process from step S32 onward is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the determination process of step S31 may be skipped and the process may start from the determination process of step S32. This makes it possible to quickly detect an abnormal rise in the temperature data even if the temperature data of the temperature sensor TB has not yet reached the upper limit LB.

[0102] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1a according to this embodiment, the rise rate determination unit 106 determines whether the rise rate of each piece of temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is appropriate, and the notification unit 107 notifies the user when the rise rate determination unit 106 determines that the rise rate of the temperature data is not appropriate. In this way, a safe image forming apparatus 1a can be provided by detecting an abnormality in the temperature rise rate through the determination operation of the rise rate determination unit 106.

[0103] [Third embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it has been described that the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree of each heat source H registered as contributing to the temperature rise of the temperature sensor T is set in advance by the setting unit 104. In this embodiment, an operation of automatically calculating the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree of each registered heat source H based on the result of the temperature rise based on the combination of the heat sources H registered for the temperature sensor T being turned on will be described. Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is similar to the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0104] (Layout of the main body of the image forming apparatus and optional devices) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship between the main body 2b of the image forming apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment and the optional devices. The layout configuration between the main body 2b of the image forming apparatus 1b according to the present embodiment and the optional devices will be described with reference to Fig. 12.

[0105] In the following, in this embodiment, an image forming apparatus 1b will be described as including a main body 2b, an option device OPB, and an option device OPC, as shown in FIG.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 12, the main body 2b has a heat source HA, an electrical component unit ELA, and a temperature sensor TA. The heat source HA corresponds to the fixing unit or drying device described above. The electrical component unit ELA corresponds to a controller 600b (see Fig. 13 described later) that controls the operation of the main body 2a. The temperature sensor TA is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical component unit ELA.

[0107] 12, the optional device OPB is disposed directly under the main body 2b and includes a heat source HB that generates heat, an electrical part ELB that controls the operation of the optional device OPB, and a temperature sensor TB. The temperature sensor TB is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical part ELB.

[0108] 12, the optional device OPC is disposed on the side of the main body 2b and the optional device OPB, and has a heat source HC that generates heat, an electrical component unit ELC that controls the operation of the optional device OPC, and a temperature sensor TC. The temperature sensor TC is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the electrical component unit ELC.

[0109] (Configuration and operation of functional blocks of a controller of an image forming apparatus) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the functional blocks of the controller of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Fig. 14 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature detected by each temperature sensor of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the controller 600b of the image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

[0110] 13, the controller 600b of the image forming apparatus 1b includes an acquisition unit 101, a temperature determination unit 102, a heat source control unit 103, a setting unit 104, a storage unit 105, and a calculation unit 108. The operations of the acquisition unit 101, the temperature determination unit 102, the heat source control unit 103, the setting unit 104, and the storage unit 105 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. It is also assumed that the heat source H registered for the temperature sensor TA is set as the heat sources HA, HB, and HC by the setting unit 104.

[0111] The calculation unit 108 is a functional unit that calculates the magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of each heat source H based on temperature data of the temperature sensor T corresponding to a combination of the heat sources H registered for a specific temperature sensor T in an on state (heat generating state). The calculation unit 108 stores the calculated magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of each heat source H in the storage unit 105. For example, the calculation unit 108 calculates the magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of the heat sources HA, HB, and HC based on the temperature data of the temperature sensor TA corresponding to a combination of the heat sources HA, HB, and HC registered for the temperature sensor TA in an on state.

[0112] Here, the graph shown in FIG. 14 shows a graph of temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TA in the main body 2b. In FIG. 14, the graph G1 is a graph when the heat source HA of the main body 2b is in the ON state, the graph G2 is a graph when the heat source HA of the main body 2b and the heat source HB of the optional device OPB are in the ON state, the graph G3 is a graph when the heat source HA of the main body 2b and the heat source HC of the optional device OPC are in the ON state, and the graph G4 is a graph when the heat source HA of the main body 2b, the heat source HB of the optional device OPB, and the heat source HC of the optional device OPC are in the ON state. In this case, for example, the calculation unit 108 first determines that the contribution of the heat source HA closest to the temperature sensor TA is the largest. Furthermore, the calculation unit 108 determines that the contribution of the heat source HC is greater than the contribution of the heat source HB by comparing the graphs G2 and G3. From the above, the calculation unit 108 calculates the magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of the heat sources H as HA>HC>HB.

[0113] The temperature data of the temperature sensor T used by the calculation unit 108 to calculate the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree may be a maximum value, a temperature increase range for each fixed time period, or a graph of the temperature data calculated as a function.

[0114] Note that the acquisition unit 101, temperature determination unit 102, heat source control unit 103, setting unit 104, and calculation unit 108 of the controller 600b of the image forming apparatus 1b shown in Fig. 13 are not limited to being realized by the CPU 601 shown in Fig. 2 executing a program. For example, they may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0115] Moreover, the functional units of the controller 600b of the image forming apparatus 1b shown in Fig. 13 are conceptually shown, and are not limited to such configurations. For example, the multiple functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the controller 600b of the image forming apparatus 1b shown in Fig. 13 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in the controller 600b of the image forming apparatus 1b shown in Fig. 13 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units.

[0116] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1b according to the present embodiment, the calculation unit 108 calculates the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree of each heat source H based on the temperature data of the temperature sensor T corresponding to the combination in which each heat source H previously associated with the temperature sensor T is in a heat generating state, and when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor T is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor T, the heat source control unit 103 turns off each of the heat sources H previously associated with the temperature sensor T in order based on the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree calculated by the calculation unit 108. By being able to automatically calculate the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree corresponding to each temperature sensor T, it becomes unnecessary to determine the contribution degree in advance, and it becomes possible to reduce the man-hours for development.

[0117] [Fourth embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, an operation for turning off (stopping) the heat source H based on the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree when the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor T reaches an upper limit value was described. In this embodiment, an operation for lowering the duty ratio of the heat source H will be described. Note that the hardware configuration and the functional block configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment are similar to the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0118] (Operation of the functional block of the controller of the image forming device) Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the duty control of the heat sources of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The operation of the functional blocks of the controller 600 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Note that the heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, and HE are heaters or the like that can control heat generation by controlling the duty ratio.

[0119] The heat source control unit 103 is a functional unit that controls the duty ratio of each of the heat sources HA, HB, HC, HD, and HE. In this case, the heat source control unit 103 may directly control the duty ratio of the heat sources HB, HC, HD, and HE, or may control the duty ratio via each CPU provided in the optional devices OPB, OPC, OPD, and OPE.

[0120] 7, the heat source control unit 103 reduces the duty ratio of each heat source H. This reduces the heat generation of each heat source H. In this manner, the temperature can be adjusted by reducing the duty ratio rather than turning off (stopping) the heat source H.

[0121] For example, the heat source H registered for the temperature sensor TC is set by the setting unit 104 as heat sources HA, HB, and HC, and the magnitude relationship of the contribution degree is set as HC>HB>HA. In this case, when the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TC is less than the upper limit value LC, the heat source control unit 103 controls the heat sources HA, HB, and HC to normal duty ratios, as shown in Fig. 15(a). Then, when the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor TC becomes equal to or greater than the upper limit value LC, the heat source control unit 103 first reduces the duty ratio of the heat source HC with the greatest contribution degree, as shown in Fig. 15(b).

[0122] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor T is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor T, the heat source control unit 103 reduces the duty ratio of the heat source H previously associated with the temperature sensor T. This also provides the same effect as the first embodiment described above.

[0123] In addition, in order to reduce heat generation from each of the above-mentioned heat sources H, it is not limited to reducing the duty ratio for all heat sources H, and it is also possible to mix heat sources H that have a reduced duty ratio with heat sources H that are turned off.

[0124] Moreover, the method for controlling the heat source H in this embodiment can also be applied to the second and third embodiments described above.

[0125] Each function of each embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices such as ASIC, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0126] The programs executed by the image forming apparatuses 1, 1a, and 1b of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. The programs executed by the image forming apparatuses 1, 1a, and 1b of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided as a computer program product by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The programs executed by the image forming apparatuses 1, 1a, and 1b of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The programs executed by the image forming apparatuses 1, 1a, and 1b of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0127] In addition, the programs executed by the image forming apparatuses 1, 1a, 1b in each of the above-mentioned embodiments have a modular structure including each of the functional units described above, and in terms of actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the programs from the ROM and executes them, thereby loading each of the functional units described above onto the main memory device, and each functional unit is generated on the main memory device.

[0128] The aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> An image forming apparatus having a main body and one or more optional devices, A plurality of heat sources provided on the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole; A plurality of temperature sensors provided on the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole; an acquisition unit that acquires temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; a first determination unit that determines whether or not each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors; a heat source control unit that reduces heat generation of the heat source that is pre-associated with the temperature sensor when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor; The image forming apparatus includes: <2> when it is determined by the first determination unit that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor, the heat source control unit sequentially reduces heat generation of each of the heat sources, which are pre-associated with the temperature sensor, based on a magnitude relationship of contribution degrees of each of the heat sources, which are pre-associated with the temperature sensor. <1> The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, <3> the heat source control unit turns off the heat source that is associated with the temperature sensor in advance when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor. <1> or <2> The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, <4> the heat source control unit, when it is determined by the first determination unit that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor, reduces a duty ratio of the heat source that is previously associated with the temperature sensor. <1> or <2> The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, <5> At least one of the plurality of heat sources is a heater. <1> ~ <4> 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, <6> a second determination unit that determines whether or not a rate of increase in each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit is appropriate; a notification unit that notifies the user when the second determination unit determines that the rate of increase in the temperature data is not appropriate; and The above further comprises <1> ~ <5> 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, <7> a calculation unit that calculates a magnitude relationship of the contribution degree of each of the heat sources based on the temperature data of the temperature sensors corresponding to a combination in which each of the heat sources is in a heat generating state, the calculation unit further comprising: when it is determined by the first determination unit that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor, the heat source control unit sequentially reduces heat generation of each of the heat sources based on a magnitude relationship of the contribution degrees of the heat sources pre-associated with the temperature sensor, the contribution degrees being calculated by the calculation unit. <1> The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, <8> An optional device of an image forming apparatus having a main body and one or more optional devices, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of heat sources provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, and a plurality of temperature sensors provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, an acquisition unit that acquires temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; a first determination unit that determines whether or not each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors; a heat source control unit that reduces heat generation of the heat source that is pre-associated with the temperature sensor when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor; This is an optional device equipped with <9> A heat source control method for an image forming apparatus having a main body and one or more optional devices, comprising: the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of heat sources provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, and a plurality of temperature sensors provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, acquiring temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; a determination step of determining whether or not each of the acquired temperature data is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors; a heat source control step of reducing heat generation of the heat source associated with the temperature sensor when it is determined that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor; The heat source control method includes the steps of: [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1, 1a, 1b Image forming device 2, 2a, 2b Main unit 3 Bank Options 4 Output options 101 Acquisition Department 102 Temperature judgment section 103 Heat source control unit 104 Setting section 105 Storage section 106 Ascent speed determination unit 107 Notification Department 108 Calculation section 600, 600a, 600b Controller 601 CPU 602 System Memory (MEM-P) 603 Northbridge (NB) 604a South Bridge (SB) 604b Network I / F 604c USB I / F 604d Centronics I / F 604e Sensor I / F 605 AGP 606 ASIC 607 Local Memory (MEM-C) 608 Auxiliary storage 610 Operation display section 620 FCU 631 Plotter 632 Scanner B~E CPU ELA~ELE Electrical Equipment Department G1~G4 graph GA, GB, GBERr graphs H, HA~HE heat source LA~LE Upper limit T, TA~TE Temperature sensor OPB~OPE Optional Equipment [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0130] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5000008

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including a main body and one or more optional devices, A plurality of heat sources provided on the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole; A plurality of temperature sensors provided on the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole; an acquisition unit that acquires temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; a first determination unit that determines whether each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors; a heat source control unit that reduces heat generation of the heat source that is associated with the temperature sensor when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the first judgment unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor has become equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor, the heat source control unit sequentially reduces the heat generation of each of the heat sources pre-associated with the temperature sensor based on the magnitude relationship of the contribution of each of the heat sources pre-associated with the temperature sensor.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source control unit turns off the heat source pre-associated with the temperature sensor when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor has become equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor.

4. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat source control unit reduces a duty ratio of the heat source pre-associated with the temperature sensor when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor.

5. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of heat sources is a heater.

6. a second determination unit that determines whether or not a rate of increase in each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit is appropriate; a notification unit that notifies the user when the second determination unit determines that the rate of increase in the temperature data is not appropriate; and The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

7. a calculation unit that calculates a magnitude relationship of the contribution degree of each of the heat sources based on the temperature data of the temperature sensors corresponding to a combination in which each of the heat sources is in a heat generating state, the calculation unit further comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the first judgment unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor, the heat source control unit sequentially reduces the heat generation of each of the heat sources pre-associated with the temperature sensor based on the magnitude relationship of the contribution calculated by the calculation unit for the heat sources.

8. An optional device of an image forming apparatus including a main body and one or more optional devices, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of heat sources provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, and a plurality of temperature sensors provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, an acquisition unit that acquires temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; a first determination unit that determines whether each of the temperature data acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors; a heat source control unit that reduces heat generation of the heat source that is associated with the temperature sensor when the first determination unit determines that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor; Optional equipment.

9. A heat source control method for an image forming apparatus having a main body and one or more optional devices, comprising: the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of heat sources provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, and a plurality of temperature sensors provided in the main body and the one or more optional devices as a whole, acquiring temperature data detected by the plurality of temperature sensors; a determination step of determining whether or not each of the acquired temperature data is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sensors; a heat source control step of reducing heat generation of the heat source associated with the temperature sensor when it is determined that the temperature data of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the temperature sensor; A heat source control method comprising the steps of:

Images