Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To perform high-quality image formation on a continuous medium, and achieve noise reduction and energy saving.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a fixing unit that heats and fixes a toner image formed on a continuous medium; a collection unit that collects ultrafine particles generated from an elastic member of the fixing unit; an air blowing unit that generates an air current directed to the collection unit; and a control unit that makes an output mode of the air blowing unit variable according to at least one of an apparatus state of and a printing condition for the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a continuous medium. [Background technology]

[0002] When the media being transported in an image forming device is continuous media such as continuous paper (e.g., roll paper), there are no gaps between sheets, unlike when it is sheet-fed paper. Because the continuous media is always present in the fixing unit during image formation, heat from the fixing unit is easily absorbed by the continuous media. Therefore, when forming an image on continuous media, the temperature of the fixing unit is set higher than when forming an image on sheet-fed paper.

[0003] When the temperature of the fixing unit is set high, a large number of ultrafine particles are generated from the elastic member of the fixing unit. When the ultrafine particles adhere to the charging electrode of the charging unit, image streaks occur in the transport direction, and when the ultrafine particles adhere to the continuous media, the transferability of the image is affected, resulting in image unevenness. In other words, the generation of ultrafine particles from the elastic member leads to a deterioration in image quality.

[0004] For this reason, an image forming apparatus capable of removing such ultrafine particles has been developed (see Patent Document 1). The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a filter (referred to as an air blower filter in Patent Document 1) that captures ultrafine particles, and an air blower fan that generates an airflow toward the filter inside the image forming apparatus. The air blower fan draws air inside the image forming apparatus toward the filter. In other words, the air blower fan draws ultrafine particles contained in the air inside the image forming apparatus toward the filter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-71368 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Generally, when using continuous media, image formation (printing) cannot be interrupted midway through transport. This causes ultrafine particles to be continuously generated from the elastic member in the fixing unit. Furthermore, when using continuous media, the constant presence of the continuous media in the fixing unit during image formation reduces the ventilation of the fixing unit, which can lead to a continuous increase in the number of ultrafine particles floating around the fixing unit or inside the image forming device. Therefore, it is necessary to set the output (output mode) of the blower fan high to improve the filter's ability to capture ultrafine particles.

[0007] However, as the output of the blower fan increases, the fan noise increases, making it difficult to reduce the noise level of the image forming device. In addition, the power consumption of the blower fan increases, making it difficult to reduce the energy consumption of the image forming device.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can form high-quality images on continuous media while reducing noise and saving energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a continuous medium, a fixing unit that has an elastic member that directly or indirectly contacts the continuous medium and heats and fixes the toner image formed on the continuous medium; a collection unit that collects ultrafine particles generated from the elastic member; a blower that generates an airflow toward the collection unit; The image forming apparatus includes a control unit that changes an output mode of the air blowing unit in accordance with at least one of a device state and a printing condition of the image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to form high quality images on continuous media, while also achieving low noise and energy saving in the image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the output modes of the plurality of first blower fans and the plurality of second blower fans. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the specification and claims of this application, the upstream side refers to the upstream side in the transport direction of the continuous media, and the downstream side refers to the downstream side in the transport direction of the continuous media.

[0013] The configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 2.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, image forming apparatus 10 is what is called a tandem image forming apparatus, and forms (prints) an image by electrophotography on continuous media P. Examples of continuous media P that can be used include continuous paper, tack paper, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 10 comprises a printing press 12, which is its main component, and an unwinder 14 that unwinds the continuous medium P toward the printing press 12, and the unwinder 14 is disposed on the right side of the printing press 12. The image forming apparatus 10 also comprises a winder 16 that winds up the continuous medium P on which an image has been formed (printed) from the printing press 12 side, and the winder 16 is disposed on the left side of the printing press 12.

[0016] The unwinder 14 has a housing-shaped unwinder main body 18, within which is rotatably provided an unwinding shaft 20 that supports the continuous medium P in roll form. An unwinding motor (not shown) that rotates the unwinding shaft 20 is provided at an appropriate position in the unwinder main body 18. A plurality of feed-in roller pairs 22 for feeding the continuous medium P into the printing press 12 are rotatably provided within the unwinder main body 18. By rotating the unwinding shaft 20 by driving the unwinding motor, the continuous medium P can be unwound toward the printing press 12.

[0017] The winder 16 has a housing-shaped winder body 24, within which a winding shaft 26 is rotatably provided that supports the continuous medium P on which an image has been formed in roll form. A winding motor (not shown) that rotates the winding shaft 26 is provided at an appropriate position in the winder body 24. A plurality of pairs of discharge rollers 28 are rotatably provided within the winder body 24 for transporting the continuous medium P on which an image has been formed from the printing press 12 side. By rotating the winding shaft 26 by driving the winding motor, the continuous medium P on which an image has been formed can be wound up from the printing press 12 side.

[0018] 1 and 2, the printing press 12 includes a housing-shaped printing press main body 30, and an image forming section 32 that forms images based on image data included in a print job is provided in the upper portion of the printing press main body 30. The image forming section 32 includes five image forming units 34W, 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34K for forming images using the color toners W (white), Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The image forming units 34W, 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34K for the W component, Y component, M component, C component, and K component are arranged vertically.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image using five colors of toner: white toner, yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner. In other words, the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image using four standard color toners (yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner) and white toner, which is a special toner other than the four standard color toners. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 may form an image using other special toners, such as clear toner, instead of white toner. The image forming apparatus 10 may also form an image using the four standard color toners.

[0020] The image forming units 34W, 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34K for the W, Y, M, C, and K components have the same configuration. For ease of illustration and explanation, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and when distinguishing between them, the reference numerals are suffixed with W, Y, M, C, or K. In Figure 1, reference numerals are assigned only to the components of the image forming units 34W and 34Y for the W and Y components, and reference numerals are omitted for the components of the other image forming units 34M, 34C, and 34K.

[0021] The image forming unit 34 includes a photosensitive drum 36, a charging section 38 arranged around the drum 36, an exposure section (scanning optical device) 40, a developing section 42, and a drum cleaning section 44.

[0022] The photoconductor drum 36 is a negatively charged organic photoconductor (OPC) in which an undercoat layer (UCL), a charge generation layer (CGL), and a charge transport layer (CTL) are sequentially layered on the peripheral surface of a conductive cylinder made of, for example, aluminum. The photoconductor drum 36 is rotated at a constant peripheral speed by a rotary motor (not shown).

[0023] The charging unit 38 uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 36 to a negative polarity. The exposure unit 40 emits a laser beam as scanning light to expose and scan the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 36, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 36. The light amount of the laser beam emitted from the exposure unit 40 is modulated according to image data for each color of WYMCK.

[0024] The developing unit 42 is, for example, a two-component developing unit. The developing unit 42 visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 36 by attaching toner of each color component to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 36, thereby forming a toner image. The drum cleaning unit 44 also cleans the transfer residual toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 36 after the primary transfer. The drum cleaning unit 44 has a drum cleaning blade that comes into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 36, etc.

[0025] 1 and 2, an intermediate transfer unit 46 for transferring a toner image onto continuous media P is provided at the top of the printer body 30. The intermediate transfer unit 46 includes an endless intermediate transfer belt 48, a plurality of support rollers 50, a primary transfer roller 52, a secondary transfer roller 54, and a belt cleaning unit 56.

[0026] The intermediate transfer belt 48 extends in the vertical direction and is stretched over a plurality of support rollers 50. The intermediate transfer belt 48 circulates due to the rotation of the plurality of support rollers 50. At least one of the plurality of support rollers 50 is configured as a drive roller connected to a rotation motor (not shown), and the other support rollers 50 are configured as driven rollers (free rollers).

[0027] The primary transfer rollers 52 are disposed on the inner circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 48, facing the photosensitive drums 36 of each color component. The primary transfer rollers 52 cooperate with the photosensitive drums 36 to pinch the intermediate transfer belt 48. A primary transfer nip CN for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drum 36 to the intermediate transfer belt 48 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the primary transfer roller 52 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 36.

[0028] The secondary transfer roller 54 is disposed opposite a predetermined support roller 50 on the outer circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 48. The secondary transfer roller 54 cooperates with the predetermined support roller 50 to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 48. A secondary transfer nip TN for transferring a toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 48 to the continuous medium P is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the secondary transfer roller 54 and the outer circumferential surface of the predetermined support roller 50.

[0029] When the intermediate transfer belt 48 passes through the primary transfer nip CN, the toner images on the photosensitive drums 36 are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 48, one after the other, in a superimposed manner. Specifically, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 52, and a charge of the opposite polarity to the toner is applied to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 48 (the side that contacts the primary transfer roller 52), so that the toner images are electrostatically transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 48.

[0030] Thereafter, when the continuous medium P passes through the secondary transfer nip TN, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 48 is secondarily transferred onto the continuous medium P. Specifically, by applying a secondary transfer bias to the secondary transfer roller 54 and applying a charge of the opposite polarity to the toner to the back side of the continuous medium P (the side that contacts the secondary transfer roller 54), the toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the continuous medium P, and an image can be formed on the continuous medium P.

[0031] The belt cleaning unit 56 removes untransferred toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 48 after the secondary transfer. The belt cleaning unit 56 has a cleaning blade that comes into sliding contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 48.

[0032] 1 and 3, a fixing unit 58 that heats and fixes the toner image formed on the continuous medium P is provided on the outlet side of the secondary transfer nip TN within the printing machine main body 30. The fixing unit 58 has a heating roller 60, a fixing roller 62, an endless fixing belt 64, a pressure roller 66, and a temperature sensor 68.

[0033] The heating roller 60 is disposed on the left side of the intermediate transfer belt 48. The heating roller 60 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or SUS (stainless steel), and a heating device such as a halogen lamp provided inside the core.

[0034] The fixing roller 62 is disposed opposite the heating roller 60. The fixing roller 62 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or SUS, an elastic layer 62e made of, for example, silicone rubber and provided on the outer surface of the core, and a surface layer made of, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and laminated on the surface of the elastic layer 62e. The elastic layer 62e of the fixing roller 62 is an elastic member that indirectly contacts the continuous medium P via the surface layer of the fixing roller 62 and the fixing belt 64.

[0035] Fixing belt 64 is stretched over heating roller 60 and fixing roller 62. Fixing belt 64 has a base material made of, for example, polyimide resin, an elastic layer made of, for example, silicone rubber, laminated on the surface of the base material, and a surface layer made of, for example, PFA (polytetrafluoroethylene), laminated on the surface of the elastic layer.

[0036] The pressure roller 66 is disposed outside the fixing belt 64, facing the fixing roller 62. The pressure roller 66 presses against the fixing roller 62 via the fixing belt 64 with a predetermined fixing load. The pressure roller 66 is configured to be able to press against and separate from the fixing roller 62. The pressure roller 66 is rotated by a rotary motor (not shown). The pressure roller 66 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or SUS; an elastic layer 66e made of, for example, silicone rubber, disposed on the outer surface of the core; and a surface layer made of, for example, PFA tubing, disposed on the surface of the elastic layer 66e. The elastic layer 66e of the pressure roller 66 is an elastic member that indirectly contacts the continuous medium P via the surface layer of the pressure roller 66. The surface layer of the pressure roller 66 may be omitted so that the elastic layer 66e of the pressure roller 66 directly contacts the continuous medium P.

[0037] A fixing nip FN is formed between the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 to convey the continuous medium P while applying heat and pressure to it. A temperature sensor 68 is disposed opposite the heating roller 60. The temperature sensor 68 detects the temperature of the heating roller 60 (fixing belt 64).

[0038] The pressure roller 66 is rotated by the drive of a rotary motor, which causes the fixing belt 64 to rotate accordingly. As the fixing belt 64 rotates, the heating roller 60 and the fixing roller 62 also rotate accordingly. This allows the continuous medium P to be transported while being heated and pressurized in the fixing nip FN, and the toner image to be fixed to the continuous medium P.

[0039] Within the printing machine main body 30, a plurality of transport roller pairs 70 are rotatably provided for transporting the continuous medium P in the transport direction via the secondary transfer nip TN and the fixing nip FN.

[0040] The image forming apparatus 10 has the following configuration to remove ultrafine particles (UFP) generated from the elastic layer 62e of the fixing roller 62 and the elastic layer 66e of the pressure roller 66. The ultrafine particles are, for example, metal or ceramic particles with a diameter of 0.1 μm or less, and each particle is an aggregate of several hundred atoms or more.

[0041] 3 and 4, a rectangular first opening 72 is formed in the wall on the rear side of the printing press body 30. A first filter 74 is provided as a first collection unit that collects ultrafine particles on the side of the first opening 72 in the wall on the rear side of the printing press body 30. The first filter 74 covers the first opening 72 and is configured to be detachable and replaceable with respect to the wall on the rear side of the printing press body 30.

[0042] On the outlet side of the first filter 74 in the wall on the rear side of the printing press body 30, a plurality of first blower fans 76 are mounted via brackets or the like as a first blower unit that generates an air current toward the first filter 74 around the fixing unit 58. The multiple first blower fans 76 draw air around the fixing unit 58 toward the first filter 74. In other words, the multiple first blower fans 76 draw ultrafine particles contained in the air around the fixing unit 58 toward the first filter 74. The output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 as the first blower unit is configured to be switchable among a low-output mode, a first high-output mode, and a second high-output mode. The output mode of the first blower unit can be switched by changing the number of first blower fans 76 to be driven or the rotation speed of the first blower fans 76.

[0043] The low output mode of the first blower section (the multiple first blower fans 76) refers to an output mode of 40% or less (e.g., 30%) of the maximum output of the multiple first blower fans 76. The first high output mode of the first blower section is an output mode that is higher than the low output mode and is an output mode of 70% or more (e.g., 100%) of the maximum output of the multiple first blower fans 76. The second high output mode of the first blower section is an output mode that is lower than the first high output mode and is an output mode of 70% or more (e.g., 80%) of the maximum output of the multiple first blower fans 76.

[0044] 1, 2, and 5, rectangular second openings 78 are formed in the front wall of the printing press body 30 at positions corresponding to the image forming units 34W, 34Y, 34M, 34C, and 34K. Second filters 80 are provided on the front wall of the printing press body 30 on the side of each second opening 78 as second collection units that collect ultrafine particles. Each second filter 80 covers the corresponding second opening 78 and is configured to be detachable and replaceable with respect to the front wall of the printing press body 30.

[0045] On the outlet side of each second filter 80 on the front wall of the printing press body 30, a second blower fan 82 is mounted via a bracket or the like as a second blower unit that generates an air current around each image forming unit 34 toward each second filter 80. Each second blower fan 82 draws air around each image forming unit 34 toward the second filter 80. In other words, each second blower fan 82 draws ultrafine particles contained in the air around each image forming unit 34 toward the second filter 80. Each second blower fan 82 discharges air purified by each second filter 80 (cleaned air). The output mode of each second blower fan 82 as a second blower unit is switchable among a low-output mode, a first high-output mode, and a second high-output mode. The output mode of the second blower unit can be switched by changing the rotation speed of each second blower fan 82.

[0046] The low output mode of the second blower section (plurality of second blower fans 82) refers to an output mode of 40% or less (e.g., 30%) of the maximum output of the plurality of second blower fans 82. The first high output mode of the second blower section is an output mode that is higher than the low output mode and is an output mode of 70% or more (e.g., 100%) of the maximum output of the plurality of second blower fans 82. The second high output mode of the second blower section is an output mode that is lower than the first high output mode and is an output mode of 70% or more (e.g., 80%) of the maximum output of the plurality of second blower fans 82.

[0047] 2 and 5, a supply duct 84 is provided below each developing unit 42 to supply clean air discharged from each second blower fan 82 to the charging electrode of each charging unit 38, and each supply duct 84 extends in the front-to-rear direction along each charging unit 38. Each supply duct 84 is connected to the discharge side of each second blower fan 82 via a connecting pipe 86.

[0048] Either the first filter 74 as the first collecting section or the plurality of second filters 80 as the second collecting section may be omitted from the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. When the first filter 74 is omitted, the plurality of first blower fans 76 as the first blower section are omitted. When the plurality of second filters 80 are omitted, the plurality of second blower fans 82, the plurality of supply ducts 84, and the plurality of connecting pipes 86 as the second blower section are omitted.

[0049] The control configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0050] 6, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 88 that controls the image forming unit 32, the intermediate transfer unit 46, the fixing unit 58, the plurality of first ventilation fans 76, and the plurality of second ventilation fans 82. The control unit 88 is responsible for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 88 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 92, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 94. A storage unit 96 and a communication unit 98 are connected to the control unit 88.

[0051] The CPU 90 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 90 reads various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM 92, stores them in the RAM 94, and executes the programs to perform various arithmetic processing. The RAM 94 provides the CPU 90 with working memory space and stores temporary data. The CPU 90 also references various data stored in a storage unit 96 when performing various arithmetic processing. The storage unit 96 is configured, for example, from a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

[0052] The control unit 88 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (e.g., a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 98. The control unit 88 receives, for example, a print job transmitted from an external device, and forms a toner image on the continuous medium P based on the image data (input image data) included in the print job. The communication unit 98 is configured, for example, by a communication control card such as a LAN card.

[0053] The temperature sensor 68 is connected to the control unit 88. The control unit 88 monitors the temperature of the heating roller 60 in the fixing unit 58. The control unit 88 (CPU 90) executes various control programs and has the following configuration.

[0054] 6, the control unit 88 changes the output mode of the plurality of first blower fans 76 as the first blower unit and the plurality of second blower fans 82 as the second blower unit, depending on at least one of the device state and printing conditions (image forming conditions) of the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, the control unit 88 may change the output mode of only one of the plurality of first blower fans 76 and the plurality of second blower fans 82, depending on the device state of the image forming apparatus 10, etc.

[0055] The device status of the image forming apparatus 10 includes whether or not an image is being formed (printed). When the device status of the image forming apparatus 10 is during image formation, the control unit 88 sets the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 as the first blower unit and the second blower fan 82 as the second blower unit to high-output mode. The high-output mode includes the first high-output mode and the second high-output mode described above. When the device status of the image forming apparatus 10 is during image formation, the control unit 88 sets the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to either the first high-output mode or the second high-output mode. When the device status of the image forming apparatus 10 is not during image formation, the control unit 88 sets the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to low-output mode. When the device status of the image forming apparatus 10 is not during image formation, the image forming apparatus 10 is idling.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the device status of the image forming apparatus 10 includes the temperature of the heating roller 60 in the fixing unit 58. When the temperature of the heating roller 60 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to either a first high-output mode or a second high-output mode. When the temperature of the heating roller 60 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to a low-output mode. The predetermined temperature is a reference temperature for switching the output mode of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the high-output mode, and in this embodiment, it is, for example, 195° C. Whether the temperature of the heating roller 60 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature corresponds to whether the device status of the image forming apparatus 10 is forming an image.

[0057] The device state of the image forming apparatus 10 includes whether the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 in the fixing unit 58 are separated. When the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 are separated, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to low-output mode. When the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 are not separated, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to either first high-output mode or second high-output mode. Whether the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 are separated corresponds to whether the apparatus is idling.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 , the printing conditions include a printing distance (image formation distance) for forming an image along the longitudinal direction of the continuous medium P. The control unit 88 varies the output mode of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 according to the printing distance under predetermined conditions. If the printing distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance under the predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode. If the printing distance is less than a predetermined distance under the predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 temporarily sets the output mode of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the second high-output mode. The predetermined condition is that the image forming apparatus 10 is in an image forming state or in a state corresponding to that. The corresponding state is that the temperature of the heating roller 60 is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature, or that the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 are not separated from each other. The predetermined distance is a distance that serves as a reference for switching the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode, and in this embodiment is, for example, 300 m.

[0059] The printing conditions include whether or not five or more colors of toner are used in image formation (printing). The control unit 88 may change the output modes of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 depending on whether or not five or more colors of toner are used in image formation under predetermined conditions. The control unit 88 may set the output modes of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode when five or more colors of toner are used in image formation under predetermined conditions. The control unit 88 may set the output modes of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode when five or more colors of toner are not used in image formation under predetermined conditions.

[0060] The printing conditions include the amount of toner adhesion per unit area of ​​the continuous medium P. The control unit 88 changes the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 according to the amount of toner adhesion per unit area of ​​the continuous medium P under predetermined conditions. If the amount of toner adhesion per unit area of ​​the continuous medium P is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount under predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 sets the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode. If the amount of toner adhesion per unit area of ​​the continuous medium P is less than a predetermined amount under predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the second high-output mode. The predetermined amount of adhesion refers to an amount of adhesion that serves as a reference for switching the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode. In this embodiment, the predetermined amount of adhesion refers to, for example, an amount of adhesion that is equal to or greater than half of the maximum amount of adhesion per unit area of ​​the continuous medium P.

[0061] The printing conditions include whether or not special toner, such as white toner, is used in image formation. The control unit 88 changes the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 depending on whether or not special toner is used in image formation under predetermined conditions. When special toner is used in image formation under predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 sets the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to a first high-output mode. When special toner is not used in image formation under predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to a second high-output mode. When special toner is not used in image formation under predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode.

[0062] The printing conditions include whether the continuous media P is a special media such as tack paper or PET film. Under predetermined conditions, the control unit 88 changes the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 depending on whether the continuous media P is a special media. If, under predetermined conditions, the continuous media P is a special media, the control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode. If, under predetermined conditions, the continuous media P is not a special media, the control unit 88 provisionally sets the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the second high-output mode.

[0063] The printing conditions include the thickness of the continuous medium P. The control unit 88 may change the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 according to the thickness of the continuous medium P under predetermined conditions. The control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode when the thickness of the continuous medium P is equal to or greater than a predetermined thickness under predetermined conditions. The control unit 88 may set the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the second high-output mode when the thickness of the continuous medium P is less than a predetermined thickness under predetermined conditions. The predetermined thickness is a thickness that serves as a reference for switching the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode, and in this embodiment is, for example, 200 μm.

[0064] The process of setting the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the process of setting the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82.

[0065] The control unit 88 determines whether the image forming apparatus 10 is in an image forming state (step S101 in FIG. 7). If the image forming apparatus 10 is not in an image forming state (NO in step S101 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 sets the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to a low output mode (step S102 in FIG. 7).

[0066] If the image forming apparatus 10 is in the image forming state (YES in step S101 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 determines whether the printing distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (step S103 in FIG. 7). If the printing distance is less than the predetermined distance (NO in step S103 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 provisionally sets the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the second high-output mode (step S104 in FIG. 7).

[0067] If the printing distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (YES in step S103 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 determines whether the continuous medium P is a special medium (step S105 in FIG. 7). If the continuous medium P is not a special medium (NO in step S105 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 provisionally sets the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the second high-output mode (step S106 in FIG. 7).

[0068] If the continuous medium P is a special medium (YES in step S105 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 determines whether the amount of toner adhered per unit area of ​​the continuous medium P is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S107 in FIG. 7). If the amount of toner adhered is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (YES in step S107 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 sets the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode (step S108 in FIG. 7).

[0069] If the amount of toner adhesion is less than the predetermined amount (NO in step S107 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 determines whether or not to use special toner for image formation (step S109 in FIG. 7). If special toner is to be used (YES in step S109 in FIG. 7), the control unit 88 sets the output modes of the plurality of first blower fans 76 and the plurality of second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode (step S108 in FIG. 7).

[0070] If the special toner is not used (NO in step S109 of FIG. 7), the control unit 88 determines whether the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 have been provisionally set to the second high-output mode (step S110 of FIG. 7). If the output modes have been provisionally set to the second high-output mode (YES in step S110 of FIG. 7), the control unit 88 sets the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the second high-output mode (step S111 of FIG. 7). If the output modes have not been provisionally set to the second high-output mode (NO in step S110 of FIG. 7), the control unit 88 sets the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 to the first high-output mode (step S108 of FIG. 7).

[0071] The above-described process for setting the output modes of the first blower fans 76 and the second blower fans 82 is an example, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0072] According to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, by driving the multiple first blower fans 76 to generate an airflow around the fixing unit 58 toward the first filter 74, ultrafine particles contained in the air around the fixing unit 58 are collected by the first filter 74. Furthermore, by driving each second blower fan 82 to generate an airflow around each image forming unit 34 toward the second filter 80, ultrafine particles contained in the air around each image forming unit 34 are collected by each second filter 80. Therefore, according to this embodiment, ultrafine particles that cause image streaks and image unevenness can be removed, making it possible to form high-quality images on the continuous media P.

[0073] According to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 88 changes the output modes of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 in accordance with at least one of the apparatus state and printing conditions of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the outputs of the multiple first blower fans 76 and the multiple second blower fans 82 are set (adjusted) to outputs in accordance with at least one of the apparatus state and printing conditions of the image forming apparatus 10 without becoming excessively high. Therefore, according to this embodiment, fan noise of the multiple first blower fans 76 etc. is suppressed to reduce the noise level of the image forming apparatus 10, and power consumption of the multiple first blower fans 76 etc. is suppressed to save energy in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the configuration of image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, when the apparatus state of image forming apparatus 10 is not during image formation, control unit 88 sets the output mode of the plurality of first blower fans 76, etc. to a low output mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the apparatus state of image forming apparatus 10 is not during image formation, fan noise and power consumption of the plurality of first blower fans 76, etc. can be sufficiently suppressed, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation of image forming apparatus 10.

[0075] According to the configuration of image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, when the temperature of heating roller 60 is below a predetermined temperature, control unit 88 sets the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc. to a low output mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the temperature of heating roller 60 is below a predetermined temperature, fan noise and power consumption of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc. can be sufficiently reduced, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation of image forming apparatus 10.

[0076] According to the configuration of image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, when the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 are separated, the control unit 88 sets the output mode of the plurality of first blower fans 76 and the plurality of second blower fans 82 to a low output mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the fixing roller 62 and the pressure roller 66 are separated, fan noise and power consumption of the plurality of first blower fans 76 and the like can be sufficiently suppressed, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation of image forming apparatus 10.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 88 varies the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc., depending on the printing distance. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the printing distance is less than a predetermined distance, the fan noise and power consumption of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc. can be sufficiently reduced, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0078] According to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 88 changes the output mode of the plurality of first blower fans 76, etc., depending on whether or not five or more colors of toner are used for image formation under predetermined conditions. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when five or more colors of toner are not used for image formation, the fan noise and power consumption of the plurality of first blower fans 76, etc. can be sufficiently reduced, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0079] According to the configuration of image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, control unit 88 varies the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc., depending on the amount of toner adhesion per unit area of ​​continuous media P. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the amount of toner adhesion is less than a predetermined amount, fan noise and power consumption of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc. can be sufficiently reduced, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation of image forming apparatus 10.

[0080] According to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 88 changes the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc., depending on whether or not special toner is used for image formation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when special toner is not used, the fan noise and power consumption of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc. can be sufficiently reduced, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0081] According to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 88 changes the output mode of the first blower fans 76, etc., depending on whether the continuous media P is a special media. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the continuous media P is not a special media, the fan noise and power consumption of the first blower fans 76, etc., can be sufficiently reduced, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0082] According to the configuration of image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, control unit 88 varies the output mode of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc., depending on the thickness of continuous media P. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the thickness of continuous media P is less than a predetermined thickness, fan noise and power consumption of the multiple first blower fans 76, etc. can be sufficiently reduced, thereby promoting noise reduction and energy conservation in image forming apparatus 10.

[0083] Although the present embodiment has been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above. Various modifications and changes to the specific examples described in the above embodiment are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as defined in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention is useful as an image forming apparatus that can form high-quality images on continuous media while achieving low noise and energy savings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Image forming device 12 Printing machine 14 Unwinder 16 Winder 18 Unwinder body 20 Unwinding shaft 22 Loading roller pair 24 Winding machine body 26 Winding shaft 28 Discharge Roller Pair 30 Printing machine body 32 Image forming unit 34 Image forming unit 34W Image Formation Unit 34Y Image forming unit 34M Image Forming Unit 34C Image forming unit 34K Image Forming Unit 36 Photosensitive drum 38 Charging section 40 Exposure section 42 Development section 44 Cleaning Department 46 Intermediate transfer unit 48 Intermediate transfer belt 50 Support Roller 52 Primary transfer roller 54 Secondary transfer roller 56 Cleaning Department 58 Fixing section 60 heated roller 62 Fixing roller 62e Elastic layer (elastic member) 64 Fixing belt 66 Pressure Roller 66e 68 Temperature Sensor 70 Transport roller pair 72 First Opening 74 First filter (collection part) 76 First blower fan (blower section) 78 Second Opening 80 Second filter (collection part) 82 Second blower fan (blower section) 84 Supply Duct 86 Connecting Pipe 88 Control unit (determination unit, notification unit, display control unit, adjustment unit) 90 CPU 92 ROM 94 RAM 96 Memory section 98 Communications Department CN Primary Transfer Nip TN Secondary Transfer Nip FN Fixing Nip P Continuous Media

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a continuous medium, a fixing unit that has an elastic member that directly or indirectly contacts the continuous medium and heats and fixes the toner image formed on the continuous medium; a collection unit that collects ultrafine particles generated from the elastic member; a blower that generates an airflow toward the collection unit; a control unit that changes an output mode of the air blower unit in accordance with at least one of a device state and a printing condition of the image forming device, Image forming device.

2. The device status includes whether or not an image is being formed, the control unit sets the output mode of the air blower unit to a high output mode when the apparatus state is during image formation, and sets the output mode of the air blower unit to a low output mode when the apparatus state is not during image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the device state includes the temperature of the fixing unit; the control unit sets the output mode of the air blower to the high output mode when the temperature of the fixing unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature that is a reference for switching the output mode of the air blower to the high output mode, and sets the output mode of the air blower to the low output mode when the temperature of the fixing unit is lower than the predetermined temperature. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the printing conditions include a printing distance for forming an image along the longitudinal direction of the continuous medium; the control unit varies the output mode of the air blower unit depending on the printing distance. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The printing conditions include whether or not five or more colors of toner are used for image formation, the control unit varies the output mode of the blower unit depending on whether five or more colors of toner are used for image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

6. the printing conditions include a toner adhesion amount per unit area of ​​the continuous medium; the control unit varies an output mode of the blower unit depending on the amount of toner adhesion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. The printing conditions include whether or not a special toner is used for image formation, the control unit varies the output mode of the blower unit depending on whether the special toner is used for image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

8. The special toner is a white toner. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 .

9. the printing conditions include whether the continuous medium is a special medium; the control unit varies the output mode of the blower unit depending on whether the continuous media is the special media. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. The special media is tack paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 .

11. the printing conditions include a thickness of the continuous medium; The control unit varies the output mode of the air blower unit depending on the thickness of the continuous medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

12. the device state includes whether or not a fixing roller and a pressure roller in the fixing unit are separated from each other; the control unit sets the output mode of the air blower to a low output mode when the fixing roller and the pressure roller are separated, and sets the output mode of the air blower to a high output mode when the fixing roller and the pressure roller are not separated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

13. The high output mode is an output mode in which the output of the blower unit is 70% or more of the maximum output of the blower unit, and the low output mode is an output mode in which the output of the blower unit is 40% or less of the maximum output of the blower unit.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, 3, or 12.

Images